by JEFF MOTES
“I’ve got a couple of ideas that might help things. If you want, I’ll meet with you and the mayor and talk about them. It might make a big difference. But first I’ve got to go home and check on Will and my dad. I haven’t spoken to either of them since The Day.”
“Sure, if you have any ideas. The mayor is pretty pissed at you right now, so it may be a day or so before he would meet with you.”
“I’m pretty sure I can help you get the water back on, but it will take a team to do it. Ben, you need to broaden your horizon. Jackson, Grove Hill, and Thomasville are only going to survive if this county survives. Leaving the outlying rural areas at the mercy of roving gangs is only going to make things worse here.”
“You think you have some magic answer? We’ve been busting our asses trying to figure out what to do.”
“No magic, Ben. I have some ideas I’ve been thinking of for years. It’s up to you though. I’m not going to the mayor directly, or to any of these other folks. If any of this works, it’ll be because of you. If you don’t want my help, that’s okay too. I have a place I can go and hunker down until the dust settles around here.”
“I’m sorry, John. I know you’re trying to help. If you think you can get the water back on, I’ll get the meeting set up. It’ll probably take me a day or two. I’ll let you know.”
“Make sure the mayor knows I’m not going to allow myself to be disarmed. If disarming is a condition to anything, count me out.”
“That’s not going to be a problem. Here’s a pass. This will get you through any of our checkpoints unhindered. I’ve got to go check on Eric. At least we won’t have to listen to him running his mouth for a few weeks.”
“Wait, Ben, tell me more about this biker gang.”
“All we know is what we’ve heard from the few folks coming into town. So everything is second, maybe third hand. We hear a few days ago a large group of bikers came in through Coffeeville on US84. Depending on who you talk to, there are as few as twenty or as many as seventy-five. They’ve been harassing the rural areas and haven’t tried anything in the cities or on US43. Today’s attack is the first on US43, or against any law enforcement officers, at least as far as I know. By the way, thanks for patching up my nephew, Jerry. I think Deputy Miller is also going to pull through. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Ben walks to the ER.
I had hoped getting closer to home would offer more safety, but with this biker gang, it may be just as dangerous as the rest of our travels. If the guys back in Repose have worked the plan, things should be okay there, but we have to get there. We have to consider carefully how we’re going to make this last leg of our journey. Getting complacent because we’re so close to home and letting our guard down could get us killed.
Jill is approaching, tears in her eyes. She says, “I wish there was some way to get Rachael out of here, but she won’t leave. She’s living in the hospital.”
“I know we both want to get home as soon as we can, but considering the biker gang we encountered this morning, I think we need to be cautious. If that gang had swarmed us like they did the deputies, we would be dead. I want to stay here in town until dark, then travel to Repose during the night.”
“I am anxious to get home and see my mom and Lizzy, but you’re right, we’re still in a dangerous situation. I trust your judgment. You haven’t led us astray. Like I said, where you go, I will go.”
“All right then, this is what we’re going to do. We know the gang was operating close to the Toddtown Road, maybe even on the road itself. I want to take AL69, then the cutoff road back toward Repose. We’ll hit the paved road into Repose. It’ll add about ten miles to our trip, but I think the likelihood of the gang on the dirt road is pretty slim. If we leave around 9:00 tonight, we should get there around midnight.”
“Okay. You want to try to stay at one of my friends’ homes until dark—or one of yours?”
“If you have a friend close to Stave Creek, let’s see if they will let us stay.”
“Yes, I have a friend, Melissa Chance, who lives on Club Riley Road.”
“Is that Jack Chance’s wife?”
“Yes she is. They’re super nice people.”
“Okay, we’ll go check, but first I want to go to the checkpoint at AL69 and let the guards know to expect us during the night. I don’t want to surprise them and get shot.”
Chapter 68
Jill
Jack’s Wife
Day 12
It’s good to see my friend Melissa and I’m thankful to have a place to stay for a few hours. Melissa is waiting for her husband to return from Atlanta. Seeing John and me has given her hope that Jack might make it home soon too. Jack is a loan officer at the bank. He really is a good guy. He worked with me each step of the way when I bought my home on Parker Street a few years back. He even gave me a complimentary membership in AAA. Too bad it didn’t work during the apocalypse. Looking back, though, I’m not so sure how prepared he was for unusual events.
Jack and I once had a conversation about emergency supplies, though I can't remember exactly how it started. It was during a cookout at their house. It was after the ice-over in Birmingham. He was kind of miffed when I commented about the general unpreparedness of many folks facing that mini-disaster. I remember him saying, “You don't need a lot of supplies in your vehicle. All you need is a few snack items, a good coat and shoes and, of course, a cell phone and a membership in AAA. With the cell phone a person can summon all the help that might be needed. Besides, people should to be able to find help by walking to the nearest business or house, then call 911.” Not wanting to argue, I dropped the conversation. I feel bad now, though. If Jack was no more prepared than that, he’ll never see Jackson and his family again.
Melissa presses for details of our trip. I don’t want to scare or depress my friend, so I say vaguely, “The trip has been incredibly difficult. I’m glad John and I were able to travel together. Actually, we’re getting married as soon as we find a preacher.”
“Married? How long have you known this guy? Is he forcing himself on you?”
“Of course not! I’ve known John forever. There’s no doubt in my mind we love each other. John is a perfect gentleman. The bonds that bind us together are greater than anything I have ever known.”
“I just wanted to make sure,” Melissa says. “A lot of men are going to be taking advantage of vulnerable women. I’ve already had a few offers to take care of us, for a ‘fee’ of course. By the way, why is John staying in the garage?”
“He’s allowing us to visit together. Someone has to watch our equipment and supplies at all times. If we had lost our supplies along the way, I’m not sure if we could have made it.”
Melissa stares far into the distance, right through the living room wall. “I wonder if Jack had any supplies.”
I don’t know how to answer, so I don’t. “Melissa, do you have a gun?”
“Yes, it’s in a lock box on the top shelf in our closet, though I think Jack has the key.”
“Would you mind if John tries to open the box for you and shows you how to use it?”
“Yes, I would mind! Those things are dangerous. I don’t want to touch it. The neighbor’s watchdogs keep people away. Besides, we don’t have to leave home. Jack bought a few cases of MREs from a guy in the National Guard after the last hurricane. We should be okay until he gets here. We can use our swimming pool water if we need to. I know we have to boil it, but there’s plenty of gas for the grill.”
“Are you sure? I know John wouldn’t mind helping you. You know, just in case.”
I’m starting to think like John: ‘just in case.’
Melissa says in an agitated tone, “What do you mean, ‘just in case’?”
I pick my words carefully, as I don’t want to frighten or anger my friend. “You know, just in case the dogs are asleep or gone for a walk. Just in case it takes Jack longer to get here than you expect.”
“Jack is going to be back real
soon,” Melissa says flatly. “Y’all are here, so that tells me he should be here soon. Jill, I don’t want to be rude, but I’m very tired. If you will excuse me, I’m going to take a nap. If you need to leave before I get up, please lock the door on the way out.”
I can’t believe what is happening, but before I can respond, Melissa is in her room and the door is closed.
I step outside to where John is.
He smiles at me. “Have a nice visit?”
“It was good to visit my old friend, but no it really wasn’t nice, since my friend refuses to comprehend the new reality. I’m afraid for her. I wish there was something we could do for her.”
“Maybe she’ll adjust. Jill, you can only advise people; you can’t make them do what they need to do, even if the doing is in their best interest. Come sit in the lawn recliner. I’ll sit against the wall.”
“No. I’ll sit against the wall. You need to get some rest.”
John gets up from the lawn recliner and sits with his back to the wall. I look at the lawn recliner, then at John. I crawl up to him and sit with my back to his chest. He kisses me softly and says, “Get some sleep. I’ll wake you shortly when it’s time for us to leave. I want you to be sharp for our trip home.”
“I’m tired, but you are too. You try to sleep. I promise I won’t fall asleep this time.”
“It’s not that, Jill. Too many people saw us come in here. I felt safer camping in the woods. I won’t sleep until we get home. Please, lie back and rest. It’ll help me later.”
I close my eyes and fall asleep, safe in John’s strong arms.
Chapter 69
John
On the Reservation
Day 12
Jill is asleep, leaning against my chest. I hold her close, wanting to keep her safe. We’re almost home. Almost. But almost isn't the same as being there. We’ve got to be careful and stay vigilant. There are still potential threats along the remaining few miles. When we are within three miles of Repose, we should be within range to contact the base radio at the command post in Repose. Until then, I’m still on my own. Well, that’s not true. Jill and I are on our own, not just me. I reflect on the events of the past two weeks. My plans for being home within five days only lasted for two days. Practically every plan I have made since has changed the very next day. The constant conflict has changed me and I’m not sure it’s for the better. I’m tired, physically and mentally. The struggle has been intense; far beyond anything I anticipated. I shudder to think of what I might have become had Jill not been able to rescue me from my dark thoughts. I have worked hard to be a good man, and I know I am, but there were moments when I felt myself slipping into something else. Only Jill’s calming touch and soft words were able to save me.
Thank You, God, for putting her back into my life.
The warmth and softness of her body feels good. The glow stick emanates a soft green light. I marvel at her beauty. Then I see deeper. I see her strength, her ability to adjust and think fast. This woman who refused to leave me, fought for me, and stayed waiting for me even when uncertain of my return. She has shown me a love that is impossible to describe.
It’s time to go. I give her a gentle squeeze, then squeeze a little tighter until she starts to squirm.
“Time to go, Jill.”
She opens her eyes, sits up, and stretches. Watching her is, well … I have definitely got to get her home. No more time for those thoughts. Getting her home is my primary focus. Everything else must be set aside for the moment. She gives me a soft kiss and says, “I’m ready. Before we go I need to go in for a few moments. It’ll be all right if I use my flashlight, won’t it?”
“Sure. I’ll be out here.”
In a few minutes, Jill returns and says with a grin, “Melissa was up. She said to tell you congratulations for being the luckiest guy in Clarke County!”
“I am a fortunate man indeed. We’ll see how lucky I am when we get home.”
“Yes, you will. I promise. Now, let’s go home.”
Wanting to be as invisible as possible during the night, I put on my NVD and give Jill hers. “Go ahead and put this on for now. When we get out past the checkpoint you can take it off.”
I open the garage and Jill drives the ATV out. After closing the door I climb on the ATV. We pull out of the subdivision onto AL69 and stop about a quarter mile back from the checkpoint. Using my LED flashlight, I flash the code I prearranged with the guards earlier. After receiving the proper response, we drive to the checkpoint. Ronnie Wilson is one of the guys; I don’t recognize the others.
“You sure you want to be riding out of here during the night?” he asks.
“If you’ve seen what I have seen, you’d want to be as invisible and silent as possible while traveling. Ronnie, I’ll see you later sometime, if I can. Take care.”
“Take care, John, and you too, Jill.”
It takes about thirty minutes at our creeping pace to make it to the cutoff road. The cutoff is a narrow dirt road, not heavily traveled. There are several lesser known ways to travel close to Repose and inside the community. I considered going over the “mountain road” in Salitpa, but opted not to because of the extra time required. Besides there’s likely another roadblock there, as there are some likeminded individuals living in that community as well. The cutoff road is called Bethlehem Road and sometimes has a sign, when the kids don’t steal it. The condition of the unpaved cutoff road requires us to drive even slower. Nearly an hour later, we hit the paved section of the cutoff.
I stop the ATV, dismount, and help Jill off. The dirt road was tough on my back. I stretch and walk around. Jill hands me a bottle of water.
She asks, “What time is it?”
I check my watch. “10:35. We might still make it by midnight.”
Our speed on the paved road increases. Up ahead are a few houses on either side of the road. There are some lights, most likely from candles. Then there’s a glow in an odd place. I slow down. It’s a man, standing in the road smoking a cigarette.
“Jill, I see someone standing up ahead. Put your NVD on.”
As I drift the ATV to a stop, I can’t tell if he is aware of our presence. If he has an NVD, he will likely see us. If not, it’s possible we could get within twenty-five yards before he knows we’re there.
“I’m set,” Jill says. “I see his cigarette for sure and the glow of it on his face.”
Picking up my carbine, I turn the IR laser on and sweep in front of the man several times. He makes no response. “All right, be ready. I’m going to ease forward.” When we’re about fifty yards from the man, I stop. “Would a panther scare you?” I ask.
“What?”
I start making a noise, doing my best imitation of a panther. The reaction of the guy is immediate. He stiffens, pulls a gun, and looks around. He obviously sees nothing. I continue making the sound grow louder. The guy is scanning around, then takes off running for a house about fifty yards off the road. That’s when I decide to make our run. I give the ATV more fuel and scoot by before he can reach the house. Jill is giggling so hard she almost chokes.
“I’ve never heard a panther, but I think that would scare me too!”
I can’t help but chuckle along with her.
Continuing on the cutoff road, I think about what just happened and realize the needless risk I took. I scold myself for being so stupid. If the guy had been carrying a shotgun, he could have pelted us with pellets easily. No farther away than we were, he could have spotted us with a flashlight and maybe hit us with his pistol. I’m just so tired. I’ve got to watch these careless mistakes. They could get us killed.
“I made a big mistake back there, Jill. I shouldn’t have done what I did. It exposed us to needless risk. I’m sorry.”
“What are you talking about?”
“We can talk about it later. I want to refocus my attention to what we’re doing now. Just believe me when I say I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
The area doesn’t l
ook exactly the same seeing it through the NVD, but I can still tell exactly where we are. The road into Repose is just ahead.
After a couple more miles I stop and Jill asks, “What’s up?”
“Let’s see if anybody is home. We’re less than three miles from Repose.” I tune the radio to the prearranged frequency and call, “Tin Man calling Texas. Tin Man calling Texas.”
A voice comes over the radio, “Tin Man, this is Texas. Authenticate Blue Delta.”
“Texas, this is Tin Man. Authenticate Red Charlie. We are outside Nevada about three clicks.”
“Tin Man, it is damn good to hear your voice. Damn good! Hold your position. We have Tangos one half click from Nevada and Utah. Stand by.”
Jill says, “What’s going on John? Don’t keep me in the dark.”
“I don’t mean to. Texas is our command post. Actually, it’s Charlie Dixon’s garage. Nevada and Utah are our main checkpoints on the county road. They’re set up at bridges. There are people with possible hostile intent camped near each entrance. The one we are approaching is Nevada. Let’s wait to hear back.”
“We are three miles from home, and we still have trouble?”
“Maybe, maybe not. Let’s wait and hear back from the watch commander. There are other ways into Repose, and I know how to find them. They should be watched too. Since Texas didn’t mention anything about them, there probably aren’t any problems at the other entries.”
The radio crackles. “Tin Man, this Ice Man, WC for the night. We have four tangos near Nevada and four more near Utah.”
I reply, “Do you know their intentions?”
Ice Man replies, “Definitely hostile. They are behind cover. Two on either side of the road. Appears they have AK47s.”
