by catt dahman
Ivory Joe, Velma, Ann, Bernie, and Ricky all came forward to be introduced.
“You’ll have to join the Old Timer’s Club, Ivory Joe, “Thurman said. “We sit around complaining about arthritis and aches and pains and talking about wasted youth and reminiscing about when music was good….”
“Cinder Montaine’s daughter, Jilly Montaine, is here, and boy, can she sing; we get the old, good music,” George said.
The new comers saw a little boy, with a strange power and a light seemingly shining from him, standing with a huge man. And to the side was a familiar face. Was it the US President’s brother? Things changed.
“Sitrep?” Len asked Mark.
“No infection, no direct contact with the infected. We had a quiet drive here; Zeds are collecting at the State Line, but we by-passed that area to come here, long way around,” Mark said. “We’re all clear.”
“Any contact with experimental treatment?” Len asked. People looked at him with curiosity, and he knew it soon would be time to share what he knew.
“None.”
“Wanna do the proper intake and isolate or by-pass?” Len asked Julia.
“By-pass, and we won’t speak of this again.” She laughed. “I’m so glad to see them.”
Juan watched Beth. She seemed curious but not overly upset that Kim didn’t appear. Was he still in the SUV, avoiding them? She stood close, holding his hand, and he felt relieved after a moment of panic that he could lose her.
“Mark and Andie, Earl made it. Beth ran across him and brought him back; Doc saved him; you’ll see him soon if he can make it this far,” Len said. “What about Kimball?”
“I can’t tell you how glad I am to hear Earl is okay; that’s some good news,” Mark said, with Andie echoing him. That was a surprise. “As for Kim, he was hurt, and that’s why we took this long to get back. Ann nursed him back to health. He’s fine now: needs exercise, food, and rest, Ann says.”
“Is he with you?” Len probed. He liked Kim, and he liked Juan. He didn’t know what Beth might do, but it would all be okay.
“Kim decided he needed some time alone; he went off to explore a while; he went through a really bad time at the hands of the RA, and then he almost died. It was touch and go for a long time…weeks; he’s not coming home, at least for a while.”
“I see,” Len said, looking at George and Pan. They looked as confused as he felt with that information.
Beth let Juan put his arms around her, protecting her as he promised. She remained at peace.
They had so much to tell Mark and Andie about the newcomers: what they accomplished at the compound, about the experimental treatment, about Zane and his incredible story, and so much more.
They wanted to know all about the RA and the crazies running it, about Kim, and about Ivory Joe’s family who were a pleasant addition to the community. They would be trading information long into the night and over the next few days.
As the rest made the new family welcome, Mark came over with Misty and took Beth’s other hand, slipping a ring into it. She glanced at Kim’s ring and slid it into her pocket. Alex, Johnny, Julia, George, and Len walked over, making a chain with Mark, Andie, and Misty as they walked together.
“I hope Kim does well with his travels,” Len said, still curious but not ready to push the questions.
Mark chuckled dryly. “Len, he went through hell; he let it get to his mind and heart; you know what I mean. He started carrying it in his soul, and when we escaped, he broke; he did some things; he said he was channeling you, Len.”
“That’s a dark, dangerous thing,” Len said.
“I agree,” Mark said.
“I am so excited to see everything…things look so…busy and wonderful….” Andie said, all smiles.
Earl waved and made his way with a cane down the slope to see his friends.
Andie knew this wasn’t a worst day, but a good day.
The spirit of celebration was in the air.
“Home,” Andie said with satisfaction.
Mark repeated it, “Home.”
“So much to catch up on; it’s good to see you both,” George said.
“I can’t wait to trade stories,” Julia said, “I wonder what all you saw and went through. I know you had some bad times, just like we did.”
“Yeh, but the devil is in the details,” Mark said.
Fort Worth
Copyright.
catt dahman
© 2013 catt dahman
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book, including the cover and photos, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher. All rights reserved.
The characters, places, and events depicted are fictional and do not represent anyone living or dead. This is a work of fiction.
