by Marla Monroe
“That explains the ‘ehs’ you keep adding to the end of your sentences. It never occurred to me that it was the Canadian way. I should have known.” Abby couldn’t believe she’d missed that. Had to be the stress they were all under.
Abby didn’t like storms any more than Harriet did. They unnerved her, planting all sorts of disastrous ideas in her head. She’d always had a vivid imagination, which had made the last few years terrifying at times. Living in the last settlement had been that way most of the time after the first month.
Thinking about the place brought up thoughts of the friend she’d left behind. Guilt lingered over abandoning her as she had. It didn’t matter that Tammie had encouraged Abby to go without her. Abby still worried that she’d made the wrong choice. There was no doubt in her mind that poor Tammie was gone now. It would have been a miracle if she’d lived more than a week after Abby had gone. She should have waited and at least made sure she had a proper burial.
“Hey, Abby. What’s wrong?” Harriet held a candle that one of the guys must have lit and handed to her. “You’re crying.”
“What? No. I guess I was just thinking about the past. I’m fine.”
“We’re going to go upstairs and look through the sewing room to see what we can dig up. Can’t sleep in all of this, anyway. Want to come?” Harriet stood up with the help of her brother.
“Sure. I’d love to have needles and thread. You never know when you’re going to need them.” Abby started to stand up but before she did, Thad’s hand reached down, hovering just in front of her shoulder.
She hesitated only a moment before reaching up and clasping his hand. She was prepared this time. When he clasped hers in his much larger one, the zap wasn’t there, but her hand, then her arm, began to thrill along nerve endings as he helped her up. Even when he released her hand, it didn’t stop there either. Soon the teasing tingles traveled elsewhere. A dull throb centered in her pussy so that when they walked over to the stairs, she found herself squeezing her thighs together with each step.
“Do you need a candle, Abby?” Harry picked up one they’d left on the first step that wasn’t lit yet. “You’re walking like you can’t see where to put your feet.”
“Um, yeah. That would help.” Abby cursed to herself.
I’ve got to control my body and reactions better than this. I can’t let the others realize how the guys’ touch affects me. That would be a real disaster. Especially if they aren’t serious about really being interested in me. I mean, I’m an available woman. I want more than that if I hook up with anyone.
Abby took the candle Harry had lit from his own. Somehow he’d managed not to touch her and that added to her doubts about what she’d thought she’d seen in his eyes when they’d touched before.
“Now, be careful going up the stairs.” Thad led the way. “The candles help, but the shadows they make can trick you.”
The sewing room was a seamstress’s dream come true. It was just too bad there wasn’t electricity for the sewing machine. Maybe they could find an old pedal one in a museum or something. She was sure she would be able to figure it out.
“I love to sew. This would be my dream sewing room, with the big picture windows and the machine set up right in front of them. It’s been a long time since I’ve done any sewing, though.” Abby picked up a bobbin, then a spool of navy blue thread.
“That’s a handy skill you have, Abby.” Harry held his candle up so that she and Harriet could see better. “I bet everyone at the new community will love having you to mend their clothes and maybe make some new ones.”
“I’d love to, but I need material and supplies to do that. Somehow I don’t think we can carry too much more with us.” Abby sighed. What a shame.
“Are you girls okay up here alone? I’m going to go back down and help Thad round up anything we might need and can manage to add to our packs.”
“We’re fine, Harry.” His sister wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. “Go be manly while we play up here. It’s almost like dress up!”
“Hell, I barely survived that stage of growing up. You always dressed me like a girl.” Harry rustled her hair before turning to leave the room.
Abby looked up just as his eyes dropped to where she was kneeling next to the sewing machine. She swore she saw longing in his eyes, but it had to be a trick of the candlelight. Flickering light always added emotions and feelings that weren’t always real.
Harry opened his mouth as if to say something but his sister interrupted when she called over to Abby to look at the amazing collection of buttons she’d found. When she turned back from answering Harriet, Harry had already disappeared. A brief moment had passed where she thought they might have something. Only a moment in time.
She and Harriet spent the next few hours going through the room and packing up everything they could find that would fit in the few empty spaces their packs still had. Abby was very happy she’d picked a backpack with all the bungee straps and loops when she’d scavenged the sporting goods store right after she’d left the settlement. The carabiners allowed her to add another bag to the pack. She picked out everything she could find that wouldn’t add too much weight. She had to be able to carry the thing on her back for several miles at a time.
The storm continued to rage just outside the window, giving both of them little shocks of fear when the thunder clapped extra loud. It seemed like it was even louder on the second floor. Abby snorted. Of course it would. There wasn’t the second floor insulating them like it had when they’d been downstairs.
“What is it?” Harriet walked over to where Abby had been going through a box.
“Oh, just laughing at myself. Sometimes I get some strange thoughts. How are you making out?”
“Like a bandit! There’s so much we could use here. I almost wish we could just move in and live here, but like Harry always tells me there’s safety in numbers, so the settlement is our best bet.”
Abby nodded with a smile. “He’s right. As long as it’s a good one. I was told by one of the guys at the compound where I lived that it is, but I want to be ready to run if it turns out to be just like the one I left. He wasn’t like the others, but he disappeared not too long after things started getting bad there. I plan to make sure I know where this place is if that happens. I can live here on my own if I have to. There seemed to be plenty of space out back to make a garden.”
“Lord, you’d have to clear it first and that will be a bugger.” Harriet shook her head. “I’m planning on the place being perfect for us. I refuse to let doubt get me down.”
“I pray you’re right. It’s just that sometimes I start to doubt myself. Maybe I made the wrong decision, you know?” Abby stood up from where she’d been looking through the box.
“I’m ready to go back downstairs. I’m tired. Think I’ll take a nap,” Harriet said. “You coming?”
“I’ll be down in a couple of minutes. I want to look in the closet to see what’s in there. Are you okay to walk down alone?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Don’t be long. I bet the guys will have something ready to eat before long.” Harriet carried her candle and walked out into the hall.
Abby watched the flickering light of her candle as it faded down the hall with her. She picked up her candle and carefully picked her way through the mess whatever animal had lived there had made and opened the closet door. She wasn’t afraid to do that with it closed. She didn’t think anything would be inside to jump out at her.
Inside she found shelves inside the small walk-in closet instead of hanging clothes. Abby nearly squealed in surprise but thought better of it. The guys would freak out and break their necks trying to get to her to see what was wrong. For a second, she could picture it in her head and had to muffle a laugh. No, that wouldn’t be a good idea at all.
Abby began sorting through the supplies and shelves of material. Oh, yes, she could live there and be happy. Maybe after they’d settled in at their destination she could convi
nce someone to make a trip back here to load up on some of this stuff. She could make everyone clothes with all of the material. None of it appeared to have rotted.
A deafening clap of thunder made her jump. Maybe she’d better head on back downstairs. Storms had never really bothered her until the chaos of the catastrophes. Then every storm had the potential to take someone or something from her. This was no different. They were out in the middle of nowhere should anything happen to them. There would be no one coming to help them if something did.
Another clap of thunder, slightly less bone jarring, gave her a shove in the direction of the closet door, but then the room in front of her lit up like a spotlight so bright it nailed Abby’s feet to the floor. There was only one reason for light that bright. Lightning had hit something close by.
In the next instant, she knew where and what it had hit. A huge tree limb crashed through the window and wall of the room in front of her. More crackling and creaking followed but the rush of wind and rain blew out her candle and cloaked the disaster in blinding darkness.
The next instant, something slammed into the closet and Abby fell, hitting her head on one of the shelves before collapsing into unconsciousness.
* * * *
“This is probably about all we can carry, Thad.” Harry wiped his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt.
Thad knew he was right, but really hated to leave anything they might need for the rest of their journey. Finding another secluded and untouched place like this one was going to be next to impossible. They’d really lucked out with this one.
“You’re right. Let’s test these packs and be sure we can carry them, eh?” Thad picked Harry’s up and helped him into it before letting the other man do the same with his pack.
“What do you think?” Harry asked.
“It’s a bit heavy, but I think I can handle it. Every time we stop to eat, the weight will lessen.”
“We may need to stop a little more to rest, but the ladies will like that. Shouldn’t add that much time to the trip.” Harry walked around the room for a few seconds, then started shrugging out of the shoulder straps. “Going to be sore the first few days.”
“I expect we both will.” Thad did the same, setting it back on the floor next to the bedding.
“The last time I looked at the map, we still had another three, maybe four days ahead of us. Even when we make it to the spot on the map, my friend told me that we’ll probably have to wander in a circle, moving out a hundred yards after completing a lap until we either run across it or someone finds us.” Harry leaned against the kitchen doorway.
“It’s a safety measure in case someone with less than honorable intentions manages to locate a map. They’ll find the area but not the settlement. I’m sure they have men standing guard for just that reason.”
“I’m counting on this being the safe haven Harriet needs. There’s been nothing but trouble since the disasters. I’ve been in more fights in the last few years than I ever had as a teenager, and I was a regular fighter back then.” Harry looked over toward the staircase. “She’s been attacked so many times now that she doesn’t trust many men anymore. She trusts you, Thad.”
Thad hesitated. What could he say? He wasn’t interested in her in that way, but if things didn’t work out with Abby when they finally made it to their hopefully new home, he’d watch out for her and if she couldn’t find anyone she trusted, he’d take care of her for Harry. She was a beautiful young woman who didn’t mind hard work. Still, it didn’t sit well with him. Abby’s sweet smile and cautious smile flashed in his head.
“I’m glad she trusts me, Harry. I would never hurt her or let anyone else hurt her if I’m around to stop it.”
“But you’re not interested in her as a mate. I figured that. She says she’s not attracted to you either. I couldn’t help but hope. I trust you and you’re a good, strong man who knows how to live out here. I don’t think I could ask for a better man to care for my sister.” Harry looked up at the ceiling and shoved his hands into his front pockets.
“You’ll find someone whom she trusts and is attracted to. Give her some time to settle in a new home. You’ve got time and so does she. The settlement is strong, according to the rumors I’ve heard. They don’t allow anyone in unless they can work and bring something to the community. Anyone who threatens the community or a woman is immediately banned.”
“Does it bother you that we hear all about this place but only a few people have actually been there, or so they say?” Harry stared hard at him.
“My friend who came to get his family told me that it was everything he’d ever want for his family. He wasn’t much with words, and he sure didn’t exaggerate. I believe it’s going to be a good home for all of us.”
Thad and Harry looked at each other for a second before Harry nodded and pushed off the doorway with one booted foot to stride across to the fireplace. They hadn’t lit a fire since they had no idea what shape the chimney and flue were in. More than likely there were all sorts of nests and trash in them.
This storm is about to send me over the edge. It’s too strong for this time of year. I can’t help but worry that it’s the beginning of another round of disasters. The mild shock wave I felt before I met Harry and the two women was the first one in more than five years.
“What are you thinking about over there? You’ve got a sick look on your face.”
Thad looked up to find Harry leaning on the banister of the staircase, looking up into the shadowy darkness. A clap of thunder had them both jerking before they each tried to cover for their jittery nerves.
“Maybe we need to go up and check on the girls,” Harry said.
“That’s probably a good idea.” Thad stood up and strode across the room to join Harry at the foot of the stairs, only to stop in his tracks when candlelight pierced the darkness of the stairwell, followed by Harriet’s startled face.
“Oh, hey. Were you coming up? This storm is freaking me out.” She handed her candle to her brother and struggled to shake the pack from her shoulders.
“Here, let me help with that.” Thad took the pack and walked over to where they’d left theirs. “Is Abby right behind you?”
“Not yet. She wanted to finish looking in the closet first. She’ll be done in a couple of minutes. She can’t have much room for anything else in her pack. We both made out like bandits.” Harriet’s cheerful voice turned to a squeak at another round of booming thunder.
“Easy, honey. Just thunder. The angels are having a bowling match again.” Harry tapped her nose with his finger.
“I haven’t heard that in ages. I was probably sixteen or so the last time. We’d been at a swim party and a summer thunderstorm swept through so that we all had to get out and go inside. It was gone just as fast as it had arrived, though.” Harriet smiled, but it seemed sad to Thad.
“Memories can be comforting, but they are more often than not our enemies right now.” Thad ran his fingers through his shaggy hair. He knew that Harry and his sister could see the anxiety in his actions, but he couldn’t help it. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Something was going to happen. He was sure of it.
“Thad, we’re going to find something to eat in the kitchen. Want us to open something for you and Abby while we’re at it?” Harry asked.
“Naw. We’ll find something once Abby comes down. I was surprised that she was so excited about pork and beans, so I wouldn’t want to assume she likes something just to find out she doesn’t.” Thad grinned when Harriet gave him a thumbs-up.
“That’s a point in your favor, mountain man. Never assume you know what a woman wants. Ask first or forever hear about it each time you have a disagreement.” Harriet laughed as she followed her brother and his glowing candle through the kitchen doorway.
Thad could hear them talking in the other room, along with the occasional sound of metal clinking against metal. He leaned over the banister and looked up, trying to hear any sound Abby made from the upstair
s sewing room. All he could make out was an occasional muffled footstep.
I should go up there to be sure she’s okay. It’s time for her to come down, anyway. We need to eat and decide what to do next. In all of this rain, more than likely it’s a no-brainer. We’ll have to stick around until the rain lets up some.
The laughter from the kitchen drowned out anything more he might have heard from upstairs. It was crazy to stand there waiting for her to come down. Thad walked back over to their sleeping area and held the candle high to look for something worthwhile to take his mind off of Abby.
Let her enjoy herself. She was tickled pink to find all of the sewing paraphernalia. She’ll come down when she’s finished or when she gets hungry. There isn’t anyone up there to pose a danger. What could happen? Other than pricking her finger or getting a papercut from one of the patterns she and Harriet had found, there isn’t anything up there to worry about.
Thad took another look around before setting down on the couch to wait. He refused to act like a lovesick teenager who followed his crush everywhere she went. She needed her space and he needed to back off and get some perspective on their situation before he scared her off.
Intense, blazing light lit up the entire room as if a small sun had settled on the ceiling. When it was gone, Thad felt as if his eyeballs had been on fire just before a heart-pounding, massive clap of thunder nearly knocked him off his feet. The earthshaking boom shook the house as if it were a bowl of jelly. The sound of glass breaking and a sickening crash stole his breath.
“Jesus Murphy!” Thad nearly dropped the lit candle.
“What the hell was that?” Harry’s startled voice called out from the kitchen when Thad’s voice nearly failed him. “Harry! Are you and Harriet okay?”
“I think I just pissed my pants, but we’re okay. What about you? What was that?”
Thad’s stuttering heart broke out into a stampede of wild horses. Abby. “Lightning struck something close by. I’m guessing a tree hit the house, Harry. I’m going upstairs to see about Abby.”
