Arks of America

by D A Carey

  “We didn’t know ourselves that I was coming until late in your operation. By that time, there was only one more call that got through. Besides, we didn’t think there was any way the knowledge would have helped you in the field. We still aren’t sure who is monitoring those SAT phone signals. So we decided only to use them in a way that sounded like family members checking in on each other.”

  “I get it, and you’re probably right. I can tell you, I’ve never been more happy in my life than when I heard that big Barrett booming down from the ridge!”

  “That’s not true,” Levi said.

  “What do you mean?” Vince asked, confused.

  “You seemed pretty happy when I gave you a big hug!” Levi pinched Vince’s cheek, then pulled him into a bear hug and whispered in his ear, “Or perhaps the most happy moment has something do with why that movie star keeps watching you so intently.”

  ***

  Malcolm and Ellie were holding hands as they walked up the hill. This was all brand new, and he was out of his element. Ellie was familiar with the area and several of the people. Only the walled town at the top of the hill was new to her. What was important was that they had the whole family together and they were safe.

  Even Kate, who was bummed at the prospect of leaving Chicago and moving back to the “sticks,” was in a buoyant mood. A lot of her happiness was probably due to her escape from death or worse at the hands of the thugs who chased them down the river. Yet it was hard for her to hide a huge smile when she saw a tall, good-looking young man who helped her off the boat and onto the dock.

  “Matt? Oh my God, is that you? You’re so different!”

  Matt blushed and replied shyly, “I’ve been working out and lost some weight.”

  Liz noticed that both Vince and Ellie witnessed the exchange as well. Ellie’s smile indicated that she liked the tall, good-looking young man as well.

  Vince’s face displayed his confusion. Since a lot of dads lost track of their kids’ friends, that didn’t surprise Liz. It must have been harder for Vince, because Kate had been living in Chicago. After a moment, Vince’s face changed as he placed Matt. Judging by Kate’s response to Matt, he had changed more than “just working out some.”

  “You’re a lot taller too,” Kate said to Matt.

  Her voice sounded more reserved and shy to Liz than it had been the entire trip. Kate was beaming. She would have been embarrassed to know how obvious she was to the others around her.

  Good for her, Liz thought. She needed a friend like Matt. The interest of a tall, good-looking young man was the perfect medicine for Kate.

  The entire group began walking up the hill in a slow, joyous procession. The walled city on a hill held a commanding view of both rivers and the surrounding valley. Some of their gear was being taken off the boat and carted up the hill.

  For Liz and most of the crowd, it felt good to stretch their legs and let some of the stress drain away. It was only a few moments ago she thought for sure they would be killed or captured.

  Vince and Levi were walking beside Bert as they went up the hill.

  “I promise to get your boat fixed, Bert. You saved our lives. It may take a few days to find the parts the way things are now, though.”

  “Thanks, Vince. I do love that old boat. I trust you. I like what you folks are doing here too.”

  “We’d like to have you stay a few days if you want. I’d love to show you around to see what we’re doing here,” Vince said enthusiastically.

  “I appreciate that,” Bert said, “but I have family and friends in Hanover who are worried about me. We have a pretty secure spot back there too as long as we all work together. They need me, and I don’t want to worry them any more than I have.”

  “I totally get it. Levi and I can take you downriver by some back roads I know to a spot across the river from your home this evening. From there, we can get you across the river via an inflatable. We’ll leave as soon as it’s dark if that works for you.”

  “Works for me. Although I think we need to avoid Milton on the Kentucky side of Madison. I’m not sure how much of that chaos has spread to Milton and how much of it the Madison gang controls.”

  “You’re right, we’ll stay on the ridge and a few miles south of Milton. Is tonight soon enough for you? I’d leave sooner, but I don’t want the bad guys to see us leaving in case they’re watching. I also don’t want to draw attention to your group by crossing the river in daylight.”

  “Yep, that will work. Plus, it gives me a few hours to see what you all have built here.”

  ***

  As dusk was covering the ridge and river valley, Liz stood on the walls gazing down the river. Vince, Levi, and Bert had left a little while ago to get Bert back to his home and family. Even though it was nicer and safer here, Bert was drawn to his own home and people. He didn’t feel yet that things were so bad he needed to come here to keep his family safe. They assured him he was welcome if and when that time came.

  Liz knew the Colorado charter town was the home she had planned for. It was much larger and better appointed than this location. Colorado had everything anyone could want in terms of beauty, luxury, and supplies to keep them fed and safe not only for years, but decades if needed.

  This place and these people felt more like home. It was comforting to see faces she’d known before she was famous and who spoke like her. She was confident they had her best interests at heart. She needed the downtime and some family to hold close during the hard times.

  After all, weren’t home and hearth what it was all about?

  About the Author

  D.A. Carey lives in Kentucky near Louisville. He comes from a family of Army veterans on both sides of the family and was in the Army himself. His lineage includes distant relations to the American Indians and more recently soldiers in “The Big Red One,” one of Patton’s Tankers, and an Air Cav helicopter pilot, giving a unique view to this country’s history. Add to that growing up with a step-family of Kentucky do-it-yourself country people who made the discussion of history and “Foxfire” skills a regular part of dinner conversation and you have a perspective that not everyone does.

  D.A. has a day job in the white collar world of technology leadership and still somehow finds time to hunt, ride horses, hike, and camp. One of the highlights of his year is an annual trip into the more wild woods of Tennessee on horseback for several days with 10-15 men carrying only what they can fit in the saddle bags.

  Hello, Readers. I'd like to thank you for your interest in this story. I am really grateful! It is because of readers like yourself that Indie publishing is possible. If you have a moment, would you please post a review? I would be very grateful. Thank you very much!

  D.A. can be contacted through the website at DACarey.com or by email at DACarey@DACarey.com. He will be adding Facebook to his social media network soon.

  Your feedback is always appreciated.