Gathering Home

by JEFF MOTES

  “Jimmy, we will be there in the morning,” Deputy Smith says harshly. “If those kids aren’t there when we arrive, I’m going to arrest you and anyone else there and charge you with aiding suspected felons. I promise it won’t go well for you.”

  His words give me pause. I probably shouldn’t have agreed to it to start with. Now that I did, if I don’t follow through, I’m going to be arrested. “Your delay means I have to feed them for two extra days. I don’t have much food to start with!”

  “All right, Jimmy. I know our delay is costing you valuable food supplies. I’ll bring an extra case of MREs to cover the extra food you are using to board them. That’s all I can do. You make sure they are there when we arrive or there’ll be hell to pay!”

  I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into, and it doesn’t sound good.

  Lynn steps out of the house. She doesn’t see me near the tree line by Will’s truck. She starts walking briskly down the driveway.

  “Where are you going?”

  Startled, she lets out a high-pitched shriek. “Lynn, where are you going?”

  She looks unnerved. “Jimmy, you scared me. I’m only going for a walk. I’m tired of being cooped up all the time.”

  “Sure you were. Go back inside.”

  She stands there glaring at me. I move toward her, and she shrinks away.

  “Listen, Lynn, I know you don’t understand what I’m doing. You have to trust me. You’ll be glad I’ve done it soon. I can’t have you muffing everything up. Go back to your hobby room.”

  I follow her into the house and into her hobby room.

  She steps in and faces me. “I can’t believe you’re doing this to me, Jimmy. I can’t believe you’re doing this to us. Where is the caring and kind husband I’ve known all my life?”

  “That Jimmy died shortly after the EMP. The sheriff will have Will and Lizzy picked up tomorrow morning. After they’re gone, I’ll let you out. After you see the reward they’ll be leaving, you’ll understand why I’m doing this.”

  I close the door and lock the padlock. I’m locking my wife in a room. She’ll appreciate it later.

  Chapter 51

  Will

  I’m Going to Help You

  Day 12

  Mrs. Lynn and Mr. Wright are arguing loudly. What is it that would drive a man to strike his wife and hold her against her will? Can’t he understand a man’s purpose is to protect his wife, not abuse her? That’s what my father and grandfather always taught me.

  Not long ago, Grandpa shared his thoughts about marriage with me:

  “Marriage is the bonding of two souls before God, Will. Don’t bond yourself to anyone not pleasing to God. Look for a good woman, for she will be worth more than all the wealth in the world. A man is so much stronger with a good woman by his side and so much weaker with a bad woman. Choose wisely.”

  Is Lizzy the type of woman Grandpa was talking about? I feel stronger when she is around me, and she makes me want to be a better man. Her words play through my mind.

  “I love you, Will Carter!”

  Yes, she is a good woman. We’ve found ourselves in a bad situation. I should have been more wary of Mr. Wright; I just didn’t think of something like this.

  “I’m doing this for you and Amy!” Mr. Wright yells at his wife. “Why can’t you understand and trust me!”

  His footsteps are heavy as he walks to the pantry door. Instinctively, I stand and brace myself. He pounds on the door. “Will! You should have never come here. You’ve caused nothing but dissension and trouble in my family!”

  My heart is racing, and my knife is open in my hand, the sharp edge of the blade facing forward and the point pointing downward out of the bottom of my hand. Coldness enters inside me, and I prepare to attack as soon as he opens the door. I’ll grab the barrel of the gun with my left hand, step in and rake the blade of the knife deeply across his forearm, then a fast stab into his shoulder joint. It’ll all be over in seconds. I’ve never done this in real life before, only in training. All the moves of past training flash through my mind. I don’t want to kill Mr. Wright, but it’s going to be fast, violent, and bloody. The key is I must control the barrel of the gun and move in quickly. My chained hands will not allow me to do anything else, and there is no time to unlock them.

  He pounds on the door a couple of more times, then stomps away. I remain there for a few moments holding the knife, remaining ready to make my attack. The intensity of the mental encounter gradually diminishes, and I feel weak. I pocket my knife and find one of the cans of diced peaches. The pain from the cut on my forehead throbs with each heartbeat as the adrenaline drains from my system.

  A little later, Amy whispers, “Will, I’m so sorry. I’m going to help you, but I don’t know how.”

  “Where is your dad?”

  “He’s out on the front porch. We have to whisper.”

  “Where is Lizzy?”

  “She’s in my bathroom chained to the toilet. I’m so sorry, Will. I don’t understand what my dad is doing.”

  I think back on the defensive training I’ve had. To defend against an armed assailant, I must get him within arm’s reach or outside the distance he can accurately shoot. The front porch is neither of those. If he comes in while Amy is opening the door or while I’m freeing Lizzy, it won’t be good. I’m going to have to wait.

  “Amy, are you really going to help us?”

  “Yes, I promise.”

  “This is what I want you to do. When you see your dad walk out toward the road or the backyard, come to me quickly. We’ll make our escape then.”

  “All right, I will. I’ve got to go. He’s coming back in.”

  Heavy footsteps again approach the door. I ready myself as before. However, this time he doesn’t bang on the door.

  “Will, I’m sorry everything has worked out like it has,” Mr. Wright says in a low voice. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us and for what you did for Amy. But I have to hold you for the sheriff’s office. When they get here in the morning, I’m sure they’ll get everything straightened out.”

  I don’t say a word, hoping he’ll open the door so I can spring, but he walks away.

  Amy comes back a few times during the day, once rolling some ibuprophen under the door. The day drags on until the light fades from the crack under the door. I continue my walking in place each hour. The guys from Repose haven’t come. Something bad has happened there or they’re waiting for night to make their move. Regardless of whether they come or not, I’ve got to get home.

  Oh, Grandpa, I should have never agreed to stay!

  The little bit of food and water are now gone. Mr. Wright wouldn’t open the door for Amy to give me more. The smell of urine from the bucket is strong. A slow, brooding anger festers inside me, and the coldness is still there. Mr. Wright is going to pay dearly for this.

  Chapter 52

  Jimmy

  James Harris

  Day 13

  I can’t believe things are happening like they are. I’m losing my cool. I’m becoming mean. Yet that’s what it’s going to take to survive in this new world. It’s after midnight, and I’m exhausted. The fight I had with Amy when I locked her in for the night didn’t help things any. She just doesn’t understand. I’ll let her out in the morning. Once the deputies come and take Will and Lizzy away, it won’t be necessary to lock either her or Lynn in anymore. When they see the supplies, they’ll forget about the little inconveniences of the past few days.

  In the kitchen, I set the chair against the door and arrange the pillows on the floor. Only one more night then I’ll be back in my bedroom.

  “Will,” I call out quietly. “I’m sorry. It’ll all be over soon.”

  He doesn’t reply. Besides, I’m not actually sorry at all. This is going to get my family the food we need. It’s simply a matter of necessity.

  I lie on the pillows with my feet touching the chair that’s against the door. Any movement of the door will wake me. Feeling
secure, I close my eyes, and exhaustion overtakes me.

  ****

  I awake with a start. Something just touched my face. I open my eyes, slapping at it, scurrying away from the door and pillows. Then I see it. A damn roach!

  I jump up in disgust and go over to the sink for a glass of water. We’re going to need more water today. After Will and Lizzy are gone, Amy, Lynn, and I can head down to the little creek for more water. For now, I get another pack of the jerky and walk up the stairs. At Amy’s room, I remove the padlock and open the door. Amy is asleep on the bare bed. I wonder what happened to her sheets and covers, then I see Lizzy lying awkwardly on a thick pile of sheets, covers, and pillows. Amy shouldn’t have given her everything.

  Lizzy stirs and looks up at me. There is a red mark around her ankle where the chain is locked.

  “I’m sorry, Lizzy. It’ll all be over soon.”

  Like Will, she doesn’t say a word. The ungrateful little brat. I should have kept her in the closet.

  I return downstairs and head for the front door. The sawed-off shotgun is leaning against the wall. I’m about to step outside but glance over at the shotgun. I cut the barrel off, and I’m pretty sure that’s illegal. I pick it up and put it in the hall closet. No need for the deputies to see it when they get here.

  Outside, I stretch and yawn deeply. The air is refreshing and much better than the stuffiness from inside the house. Deputy Clyde didn’t tell me what time they were coming. I want to be wide awake when they do get here, whatever time that will be. I should have taken Will’s watch. Before he leaves, I’ll get it from him. He won’t be needing it where he’s going anyway.

  I stop my stretches and listen carefully. The sound of an engine. It could be a motorcycle. It’s coming from the south and growing louder. I thought they would have been coming from Allen Walker Road, not from the south. Either way, I’m glad they’re here to take Will and Lizzy off my hands.

  A 4-wheeler is coming down our drive pulling a tarp-covered trailer. My heart leaps. Maybe it’s the promised reward. Then my hope fades. The driver isn’t a deputy. It’s James Harris. I wish I had brought the shotgun!

  He stops the 4-wheeler and gets off. “Why is Will’s truck still here?” he snaps.

  I come up with a good lie, hoping I hid the 4-wheeler well. “We couldn’t get his tires to hold air, so he and Lizzy took the 4-wheeler. He said he would come in a day or two to get the truck.”

  He snorts contemptuously, and it pisses me off. “Where is he, Jimmy? You’re walking on dangerous ground.”

  “I told you he went home. I haven’t heard from him since.”

  “That’s a lie! If he had gone home, he would have driven through our checkpoints to get there. If anything has happened to him or Lizzy, you’re going to regret it.”

  He storms past me, his shoulder shoving me to the side. “I’m going to look around. Don’t get in my way, Jimmy.”

  I’ve had about all I’m going to take from this bastard! He thinks I’m unarmed. His last mistake. I lift the tail of my shirt and pull Will’s Glock. I haven’t fired it, but it can’t be difficult. There is no safety on the side like the Hi-Point. I’ve only got to squeeze the trigger. I point it at James’ back and pull the trigger. The report is loud, and the gun bucks in my hand. James staggers and goes down to a knee, reaching for his pistol. I squeeze the trigger again and again until the trigger won’t squeeze anymore. The slide is locked to the rear, and the magazine is empty. How many times did I shoot? I don’t know. It happened so fast.

  My hand is shaking, and I’m surprised I don’t throw up when I look down at James’ bullet-riddled body. He had this coming. He’s been pushing and prodding me all week. I check his hands; they’re empty. He never had a chance to pull his gun.

  I run over to his trailer and look under the tarp. I let out a low whistle, and my anxiety lessens when I see all the supplies. There must be several months’ worth. I grin and glance over at James’s contorted body.

  “James, you fool, you may have saved my family’s life.”

  Then I cringe in fear. The deputies are coming! They’re coming to arrest Will for murder, and there’s a dead man in my yard. They’re going to arrest me too and probably confiscate all the supplies. Maybe I can convince them Will did it. After all, this is his gun, though my fingerprints are all over it. No, I can’t chance it. I’ve got to hide the body, the food, and the 4-wheeler from the deputies and from Pastor Ezell.

  I jump on the 4-wheeler and drive the trailer deep into the brush behind the house. Un-hooking the trailer, I drive back, stopping at the garage for some rope. Before I go to drag James’ body off, I run up the porch steps. “Amy!”

  She runs down the stairs, fear in her eyes. “What happened, Dad?”

  “Some bad people showed up, and I had to kill one of them. I’m going to drag his body away. Stay in the house. There may be more hiding in the woods.”

  I drive the 4-wheeler over to James and try to get his body across the seat, but he’s too heavy. I tie his feet together, then using the lead end of the rope I tie it to the hitch on the 4-wheeler. Now where do I take him? While I don’t want to take him too far and not be here when the deputies arrive, I’ve got to take him far enough they don’t see him. After the deputies are gone, I’ve got to hide his body well enough that Pastor Ezell can’t find him. I drive down the lane to Richard’s house. I’ll hide him in the woods behind his house, then move him later.

  After driving a ways into the woods, I kill the engine, get off, and look at James’ body. Patches of skin are torn from being dragged on the ground and through the woods. So this is what it’s going to take to survive these times. I have no regrets.

  Chapter 53

  Will

  Don’t Leave Me

  Day 13

  The sound of gunfire makes my heart race. Are the guys making an assault? It sounds like pistol fire only, no rifles. I get the key from my pocket and remove the chains, rubbing my sore wrists.

  The gunfire has ceased. Using my knife, I start cutting through the sheetrock inside the pantry. I pause. Someone is coming. I brace myself as I did last night, placing my knife in my right hand. If Mr. Wright opens the door, I’m going to attack.

  Amy’s voice is soft and low. “Will, Dad has left on a 4-wheeler.”

  “What happened, Amy?”

  “Dad said some guys came, and he had to shoot one. He said others might be in the woods. He’s dragging the one he shot off somewhere.”

  “Look under the door. There’s a key. Use it to remove the padlock.”

  I switch my flashlight on, illuminating the small room, hoping it will help my eyes adjust quickly to the brighter light when she opens the door.

  Amy is fumbling with the key. What is taking her so long?

  “I’m sorry, Will. I’m so nervous.”

  Finally, I hear the click, and the door is opened. Amy immediately embraces me. “Oh, Will, take us away from here. Don’t leave me.”

  “I won’t, Amy. Let’s go get Lizzy.”

  I take the key from her trembling hand and race up the stairs. Lizzy is standing, still chained to the toilet. I remove the lock holding the chain to her ankle. She hugs me, her tears flowing, mixing with mine when our lips touch.

  “Oh, Will!” Her voice is filled with relief.

  “We have to move fast,” I urge. “Let’s go!”

  The three of us run down the stairs.

  “Lizzy, you and Amy wait at the front door. I’m going to let Mrs. Wright out and get my carbine, if it’s still in there.”

  They head for the front door. I remove the padlock keeping Mrs. Wright locked in. She’s standing with obvious fear in her eyes.

  “What’s happening, Will?”

  I run over to the corner next to the head of the bed and get my carbine. I check it. The magazine is still inserted and a round chambered.

  “We’re leaving,” I respond. “You can come too if you want. But we have to move fast.”

  I
sling one strap of my pack over my left shoulder and head down the hall while Mrs. Wright peppers me with questions. I turn the corner, and Amy screams.

  Chapter 54

  Lizzy

  Tom Hickman

  Day 13

  Amy unlocks and opens the front door while Will and Mrs. Lynn are coming down the hall. When I look in their direction, a hand covers my mouth from behind, and a gun is put to my temple. Amy screams. Will instantly drops his pack and raises his carbine. I’ve never seen such a look in his eyes.

  “Don’t do anything stupid, Will.”

  It’s Mr. Wright. I struggle, trying to free myself. “Be still, girl!”

  “Mr. Wright, I’m going to kill you,” Will states assuredly.

  Mr. Wright laughs nervously. “Put your gun down, Will, or I’m going to shoot her in the head.”

  Mr. Wright has worked himself completely behind me, forcing us away from the door. He holds on tightly, using me as a shield.

  Will tracks Mr. Wright’s movement with the barrel of the carbine.

  “I trust you, Will,” I say softly.

  “Shut up!” Mr. Wright roars.

  “Mr. Wright,” Will says, “the only way you live is if Lizzy and I walk out the door unharmed.”

  The silence is deafening. Mrs. Lynn and Amy have backed away to the far wall, clutching each other in fear. Will’s going to have to shoot. Adrenaline is coursing through my body, and I’m beginning to shake.

  Dear God, give Will courage and strength! Help me to stay strong.

  The silence is broken by a familiar voice.

  “Hello in the house. Jimmy, are you home?”

  Tom Hickman steps through the door and freezes in shock. “What’s going on here?” he demands.

  “These two are wanted for murder,” Mr. Wright says. “Sheriff’s deputies are on their way to pick them up.”