Escaping Home

by Jeffrey Miller

  “Dad, the turn is coming up; after that it’s just up on the right. No one else is around them,” Nate radioed.

  Nate turned off the road, drove up to the bottom of the driveway, and stopped. There was one car in the driveway further up. Nate turned off his truck and radioed his father to hang back until he saw that it was safe. Nate was assuming a lot; maybe things had gotten worse around here. He didn’t remember this car being here last time.

  Nate told Ben and Nicole to hunker down until he gave them the ok to get out. Nate stepped out of the truck and walked up the driveway. The front door opened up slowly and John Thomas walked out holding a rifle aimed at Nate.

  “John, it’s Nate Michaels!” Nate yelled, still about fifty yards away. Nate removed his ball cap and held up his arms. John slowly studied Nate and lowered his rifle.

  “Nate? How the hell? What are you doing back here?” John said, coming down the porch now, rifle held down, walking closer, and still stunned to see Nate. John walked quickly to Nate, extending his hand.

  “Wow Nate, we are glad to see you. Hang on one second, Nate,” John said, removing a small walkie-talkie from his back belt area.

  “It’s all clear. I repeat, it’s all clear. It’s Nate,” John said into the radio. A few seconds later, Chris come barreling out the door running, followed by John’s wife and their daughter Kim.

  Chapter 17

  Reunions

  Nate was never one for going to high school reunions. He didn’t even like family ones. He did like the reunions he had with his war buddies every year in Montana. Today was a reunion he liked. Chris was like a younger brother in some ways, and in others, like another son. Nate sat with Chris under their large covered patio, explaining to him the things that happened after he left them last. From meeting Ben, to other shootouts, and finally making it home only to soon discover the nuclear plants had exploded in numerous places in Texas. Chris was amazed. Nate explained how they meet Nicole, and Nate noticed he was checking her out a lot.

  “So, how old is she, Nate?” Chris jokingly asked.

  “Older than you, and not now,” Nate said, jabbing him in the ribs. Chris tucked his arms in as he was trying to deflect the punch, laughing at the same time. Ben was surprisingly talking to Kim over by the small wood fire pit that was acting as a stove, boiling up corn on the cob from the Thomas’s garden. Henry and John were busy talking about the semi Henry drove, and the current events back in Texas. Rachael and Betty were busy cooking up some of the nearly defrosted hamburger meat they acquired from Martha’s cabin office freezer. Nicole was standing close to Kim and Ben, but seemed out of place. Ben looked over at Nate. Nate motioned to Ben to come over. Ben walked over to where Nate and Chris sat.

  “Ben, you haven’t gotten to talk much to Chris. This is my friend Chris that I told you about. The motocross guy,” Nate said.

  Since they arrived Ben had been a little standoffish from Chris. Nate suspected maybe Ben was feeling a little jealous. He wasn’t sure, but he wanted Ben to get to know Chris the same way he did.

  “Ben, want see my motor bikes?” he asked.

  Ben’s eyes opened wide.

  “Sure!” Ben said, finally smiling. Chris stood and escorted Ben down to the garage where he was soon followed by a more relaxed looking Nicole, and Kim.

  Nate was left sitting alone. Soon Henry and John walked over and sat down.

  “Nate, you didn’t have to return the Ranger, it was a gift for what you did for Chris and us all,” John said.

  Henry was proud of his son for trying to thank those who he helped.

  “I appreciate that John, I really do. Honestly, we will not make it with the added weight, and I knew we would be close by. Besides that, I had to stop to see how you all are doing,” Nate replied.

  “Well, we are doing ok. We have to be vigilant with people as they show up. Around here, I have basically deputized Chris to help. He is a good shot, and I think you have shown him some tactics that has helped us here. Otherwise, I don’t go into the department much, if ever, anymore. I have to be here,” John said.

  “Have you heard any news John, about anything?” Henry asked.

  John thought about the question.

  “The last time I was at the department was three weeks ago. We had communications sporadically with Denver, the only news was rumors of some Mexican Military trying to come across the border into California. Apparently, they tried in Texas, but were meet by more militia than they had ever counted on. Then the Texas National Guard soon showed up what remains of them to support the militias,” John replied.

  “Hopefully, this will all end soon,” Nate replied.

  “Nate, where are you guys headed?” John asked.

  “Northern Wyoming. We have friends up there who have property and a home we can use,” Nate replied.

  “That’s good country and not many people per square mile. I am not sure about the travels between here and there. I know, as you do, just to stay away from highly populated areas,” John said.

  Nate sighed out loud.

  “Seems like we will never get up there, John. Having to avoid the major highways adds time and fuel. I have plenty of regular, but it’s the semi. I know we will not make it all the way with that,” Nate said.

  Henry nodded in agreement. Suddenly John stood and laughed.

  “You two come with me. I have something to show you,” John said, still laughing some as he led the way.

  Nate and Henry looked at each other and just shrugged their shoulders.

  John was walking down a dirt path away from the property. He could still see the house, but as they walked deeper into the woods, it suddenly opened to a clearing. In the clearing sat a partially finished cabin. Some additional logs and other variety of tools laid about. In the middle of it all was a large bulldozer.

  “There you go. The owners have been gone since before the crash. That dozer doesn’t run, someone took some major parts from it. But guess what…it has a full tank of diesel fuel,” John said.

  “Are you serious?” Henry asked, walking closer to the enormous yellow behemoth.

  “Unbelievable,” Nate said.

  “I had planned to get a diesel truck from the impound center for us here, but they are all gone and it’s not like we are doing that now. You take the fuel. You need it, and we can just say it’s an even trade for the Ranger,” John was trying hard to make the deal right.

  “John, that sounds like a great trade,” Nate replied.

  After a few hours of siphoning and carrying the fuel up the trail with the Ranger…Henry, Nate, and John, managed to remove over half of the fuel. Henry topped off the semi and had several extra fuel cans filled. The D11 dozer had an enormous fuel tank. They wished they had the ability to carry more, but had no other means to transport.

  “John, thanks you so much for the fuel,” Nate said, shaking his hand as Henry did also.

  “It’s what friends do for each other. Now let’s go eat,” John replied.

  Chapter 18

  Ride like the Wind

  It was mid-afternoon. Nate really didn’t wish to leave not knowing how long it would be before he would be able to see their new friends. However, he was on a schedule in his mind. The schedule wasn’t set in stone, but one he felt obligated to keep for many reasons. Nate’s sense of responsibility for his parents, especially in securing them a new home safe from harm, was a great concern. He knew so far that luck had been on their side in the form of not many people had been encountered. Whether that fact was due to death, sickness, or people moving out of the areas, didn’t matter. No matter the reason, they were fortunate to have made it this far. In Nate’s mind, luck was like an hourglass. The sand was always slipping through the very tiny hole. Luck always seemed to be this way; it had a way of always being a moment away from running out. Nate was now sitting inside the hourglass, on top of the sand…just waiting.

  Henry, Betty, John, Rachael, and Nate, all sat around the fire pit in the backyard t
hat over looked the one time race/practice course for Chris. The site was where Nate eliminated the bikers who were going to kill Chris and his family eventually. Now all of that area had been plowed over and converted into a very large and fruitful garden. Rachael already had several things growing in another area, and had transferred many of those things to the new area. They cultivated much from seeds, and were fortunate enough to have two small streams running through the land. John was already a successful hunter before the economic collapse, but now he had to truly put his skills to the test.

  “John, it seems you guys are well prepared here,” Henry said, looking out on the nearly two acre back area. It wasn’t a ranch, but it was still enough, if done properly, to sustain their family.

  “We are trying. When I do venture to the station, I always take items with me to trade with other officers. We have all benefitted from this. Some will bring in various meats, and other eatables. I will take in veggies and seeds. There are some that even barter whisky or cigarettes. It’s always interesting what some will bring in. Radios with batteries are always on high demand; except that picking up any operable stations is nearly impossible,” John said.

  “I’m glad to hear at least there is some sort of system in place; I just hope the average person is doing the same,” Nate said. All of the younger adults were sitting under the awning of the house playing some card game that Nicole was teaching them. John looked up at them and noticed the smiles.

  “It’s nice to see them all smiling. Nate, how are you handling being a father? I must say we were surprised,” John said with a smile.

  Nate grinned.

  “It’s not been bad at all; it was a little hard at first trying to get home and having to consider his safety first. I was not accustomed to that, but he really did well, and truthfully, he didn’t slow us down at all,” Nate replied.

  “Now he just needs a mother, Nate,” Rachael said, jabbing him in the ribs. Everyone started laughing while Nate just eyed everyone around the fire.

  “In time, I want to explore my possibilities,” Nate said, adding to the laughter.

  “On a serious note, Nate…which way do you plan to take to North Wyoming?” John asked.

  Nate had already looked over the map and figured a straight northerly course; one that would avoid the main highways to the east and would get him their faster, but likely would have more people around.

  “I think we will head back on Highway 14, getting on 287 north, trying to maintain that course as far as possible, then take a path between Laramie and Cheyenne up to I-25 the rest of the way, taking the chance on the short distance there,” Nate replied.

  John was silent thinking about what Nate said. Then he spoke.

  “Taking 14 to 287 should be fine and fast. Heading north like you said will work. We haven’t heard of anything up that way. Just stay away from Cheyenne. I have heard very bad rumors out of there,” John said.

  “Nate, Cheyenne has basically three corrections centers. When the power went out and their backups went down, prisoners escaped and released all the inmates. Well, as you could imagine, the inmates run everything in Cheyenne now. Granted, many died from illness and starvation. What remains of law enforcement couldn’t handle it, and without the National Guard, things went south fast. That’s why I am asking about your route, because of the danger. If this country pulls itself together, then we will clean this up; but for now, they are free and doing what they want. The reason I know this is that we had many officers flee to Colorado. They were being hunted down in the area like dogs. The escapees had gained access to armories and basically forced out all law. One county judge known for his record on heavy sentences, was strung up outside the courthouse and slowly hung for hours,” John said.

  Betty was nearly in tears. Rachael was calm, having heard the news a while back.

  “Dam, Henry said.

  “I guess things are rapidly becoming Mad Max out there,” Nate said.

  John nodded.

  “The good thing is, where this is occurring, it becomes isolated because no one has access to fuel to expand. Granted, that may change as the criminal mind becomes resourceful and finds a way. For now it seems they are not that smart. We only can hope that the average person will, with the guidance of former military and current law enforcement, seek to take control of these areas,” John stated.

  “There is only one cure for this John: massive resistance, and the deaths of many, starting with the leaders,” Nate replied.

  Now more than ever, Nate wanted to get on the road and get to Gene’s place. The longer they waited, the more the bad guys might venture slowly into areas that are presently safe.

  “John, thank you for that information, it helped me decide when we need to move on, and that time is now!” Nate said with a serious tone.

  Henry could see a new look of determination in his son’s face; one he had not seen since he said he had to leave for the Army. When Henry had seen that face before, Nate had indicated, at the time, that it was his duty to serve. Henry could only imagine what his son thought his duty was now.

  Everything was loaded differently now since the Ranger was being left back with John. It was hard to see it go, but Nate had no choice. The fuel it would save would guarantee the Tundra would make the rest of the distance. It opened up so much more room for the truck, and they were even able to move the small chicken coop into the back of the Tundra. The meat that Henry had found at Martha’s cabin was going to be left with Chris’s family since they had no means to keep in cold enough for the duration of the trip. The Thomas’s would cook it all and preserve some for a short period in their root cellar. In return for the meat, Rachael gave Betty a few paper sacks full of tomatoes and some cucumbers. She also gave her labeled Ziploc bags half-full of seeds.

  Chris and Kim said goodbye to Ben and Nicole as they got to the truck doors. In a short time, they all had become very much like cousins. Chris told them that his dad was trying to secure a Ham radio, and then they would be able to communicate with them. Ben liked the idea and it made saying goodbye a little easier. Chris, trying to be a smooth operator, took hold of Nicole’s hand and raised it slowly.

  “Parting is such sweet sorrow. I hope to see you again,” he said, trying not to laugh himself.

  Nicole, eyes wide open, watched with amazement as Chris raised her hand. She busted out a laugh, but allowed him to complete his gesture.

  “Something tells me I will see you again,” she said before hugging him.

  Chris didn’t expect this, and stepped back afterwards seeing her now in a new light.

  Ben was giggling as he climbed up on to the seat.

  “Come on, boy!” Ben said to Samson. The dog jumped up inside.

  With the kids in the truck, Nate and his parents walked over to the Thomas family.

  “Thank you for allowing us to spend time with you all,” Betty said, hugging each of them.

  “I am sure, in time, we will all see one another again,” Nate said, shaking John and Rachael’s hands. Henry did the same.

  “I wish you all a safe trip. When I get a Ham radio—if I do, I will look you all up at the call signs you gave me,” John said.

  “That would be great, John,” Henry replied. Finding a Ham radio during times like this may not be easy, but John seemed to be a very resourceful.

  Nate walked over to Chris.

  “Well Chris, looks like we say bye again. We will see each other again, I’m sure,” Nate said, shaking his hand, then excepting the hug from Chris.

  Chris knew in many ways he was saved by Nate. Chris would never learn how close he came to being shot just like the biker he was with when they first met. Nate knew he would never know.

  Nate and his family all loaded up and slowly back down the driveway to the round area at the bottom to make their turns. Nate, once again, lead them out and back on the small county highway; this time headed north on Highway 74 toward Livermore. Just before leaving, John told them of the quicker route,
instead of taking Highway 14 that Nate originally wanted to go. This route was about forty-five minutes faster. The road was paved with sporadic homes along the way.

  “I really like them all, dad,” Ben said about the Thomas’s.

  Nicole nodded in agreement.

  “Ben, they are good people. I’m sure, in time, we will see them all again. I think you guys will like the Hartfords. They are like the Thomas’s a lot,” Nate replied, looking back in the rearview mirror at Ben.

  Ben, once again, gave the front seat to Nicole. With the extra room inside of the truck due to things being relocated to the bed of the truck, Ben could stretch out his legs more with Samson.

  “How far are we?” Nicole asked. She was looking at the map.

  “I think we have about 350, maybe more, miles to go. Hopefully, they will go faster with us getting into more open areas.”

  “If we can go about seventy miles per hour, we would be there in about six hours?” Nicole asked.

  Nate forgot she could drive, thinking of her at times as a kid younger than even Ben, when in fact, she had already been driving for a few years.

  “I wish that were possible, and if it can be done, we will. If we were on the interstate, we would likely be dogging abandoned cars like we have seen along the way, but in far larger numbers. Mostly, we have to go slow to conserve fuel,” Nate replied.

  “That’s true, I would hate for us to have to walk at all,” Nicole replied.

  Nate didn’t remember when, but at some point, he had decided to tune the radio to the search mode anytime they were driving. He could hear some garble words coming across some station, and he turned up the volume.

  “This is a previously recorded message and will continue to be rebroadcast as long as this uplink has power. The U.S. is limited at this point to help all of the people in need. FEMA and the National Guard are doing their best to provide in the larger cities not affected by the EMPs that were detonated; one over the east coast, and one over the Ohio River Valley. At this time, U.S. forces are engaged in stopping any further attacks on the U.S. If you have the ability to take shelter, please do so and remain there until further notice.”