I can tell you from my heart, that even through what we call the hell years, not once did I ever seriously think about being unfaithful to Kim.”
Kim spoke up, “That’s the same with me, and that trust kept growing between us. You know better than anyone else the situation with Carmen, and even though I knew how much she cared for Vince, I knew I could trust both of them.
Now, I’m not naïve. I know Vince had to have wondered what it would of been like to sleep with Carmen. My gosh, anyone would, especially due to the circumstances: that’s just human nature,… but I knew he’d never act on it or even dwell on it.”
“That is true Mia,….but do you know why we’re able to admit the thoughts that most people deny? It’s because we both know that we won’t lie to one another. When you know in your heart that someone won’t lie to you, all your fears and insecurities disappear.
Mia replied, “You know, that makes a lot of sense.”
“As far as you and Paul getting together, the only thing I regret is, I won’t be able to kid around with you like I always have.”
We all broke out laughing.
“Yeah, if Paul and I get serious that’d be a little weird……but I’ll miss your perverted sense of humor.”
“Oh, don’t worry, you know me. I’ll come up with something that’s more appropriate but still on the edge.”
Kim responded, “You know that’s true.”
After laughing a bit, I finally said, “Mia, just be yourself with Paul. If this turns serious, I’m all for it. If it doesn’t, then it wasn’t meant to be. But for the meantime, be yourself and be honest and open and tell Paul to do the same.
By the way, remember when you could tell that I wanted to talk to you? Well, I wanted to see where you stood with Paul. He approached me at the end of the party and told me how much he liked you, but he felt you wouldn’t be interested in him. I also think he didn’t think you could forgive him for his past and that he wasn’t good enough for you.”
Mia scoffed, “I don’t care about his past, all I care about is the person he is today and tomorrow. We all have skeletons in our closet.”
“I know that, and that’s what I told him. Just remember, he doesn’t have the experience you do with serious relationships so he may be a bit insecure at times and I’m sure he will lack some self-confidence. Just be patient with him.”
Mia asked with a little worry, “But what if things don’t work out? I don’t want you guys upset with me.”
“Mia, if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. That’s one of the reasons for dating, to find out if someone is right for you and you want to spend the rest of your life with them.
As we said, the three of us know each other a lot more than Paul will know you for a long time. You don’t have to worry about us.”
Kim grabbed Mia’s hand, “Listen, Mia, if the feelings don’t continue to grow and you know it’s not right, don’t hesitate to slow it down or stop it. You’ll know by that, that is wasn’t meant to be. Too many relationships keep going on out of obligation and not for love, and when people do that, sooner than later, it will end in total unhappiness. You do what your heart tells you to do.”
Mia smiled and gave Kim a hug and then reached over and gave me one.
I then warned, “Now, you know we’re in some very dangerous times, and sometimes all of us are going to be put in harm's way. That’s something we all need to think about. It’s going to be hard on you guys at times. Now, I don’t want to throw a wet blanket on this at all but just remember that. Sometimes jobs may have to be done, and Paul may be involved, and he’ll have to realize the same thing about you. In a way, it's like we’re all in relationships with soldiers and police officers if you know what I mean. Both of you, no, all of us have to come to terms with that.”
Mia thought for a moment, then responded, “Yes, you’re right. But as I’ve heard you say many times, we have to live for today.”
I smiled, “Well, I see you listen to me once in a while.”
“More than you know. We all do.”
Being a bit embarrassed, I said, “If that’s the case, just remember to do what I say, not what I do. I can be quite the idiot sometimes.”
Kim chuckled, “I won’t argue with you there.”
We all gave each other another hug and Mia went out to find Paul. Kim and I just started to talk when I heard, what sounded like Jake’s tractor pull up into the driveway.
We walked out to meet him, and Jake stated, “Hey, there’s a call on the Ham Radio. They’re identifying themselves as Predator, and they’re asking for Audacious actual.”
“That’s Jim Range. If he’s calling, it could be good or bad news. Let’s go.” Kim got on the fender and I rode on the back of the tractor and Jake took us to his place.
I picked up the Ham's microphone, “Predator, this is Audacious actual, do you copy?” After a few moments, the radio silence broke, “Audacious, Predator, stand by for Predator actual.” After another moment, Jim's voice came over the radio, “Audacious, this is Predator actual. Do you remember the invite you gave us? How about 1300 hours tomorrow? I have some cargo and Intel to give you, Over.”
I could tell he was calling from his radio in the bird, so I knew I needed to use army radio procedures.
“Acknowledged Predator, 1300 hours, sounds good. Can you give us count? Over.”
“Roger Audacious, we’ll have extra personnel. Extra ship is coming. Can you handle twelve? Over.”
“Twelve, not a problem Predator. Look forward to it. Anything else? Over.”
“Negative, except for medium rare. Over.”
While laughing, I responded, “Acknowledged Predator, twelve medium rare, 1300 tomorrow. Out”
“Thanks, Audacious, Predator Out.”
I couldn’t help but laugh as both Kim and Jake had a slightly puzzled look on their face.
Kim stated, “I need you to translate part of that.”
“They’re flying in tomorrow at 1:00 and it sounds like they’re bringing us something and have some information to give us. Also, there will be four choppers coming in instead of the three that flew in last time. Of course, they expect the steaks we promised and want them medium rare.”
They both laughed, and Kim asked, “I wonder what they’re bringing?
I chuckled, “I don’t know. I hope it’s at least the coffee….Jake, do you want to join us?”
I knew Jake wanted to say yes, but instead, he said, “He’s family. Why don’t you guys keep it a private party.”
“A private party? Jake, with everyone that’s up there, a few more mouths aren’t going to make any difference. Why don’t you and your family come up?”
“You know, that’s a lot of steaks to cook. Twelve of them, then all of you guys, plus us.”
I thought for a moment, “You’re right, that’s a lot of steaks. I didn’t do the math.”
“Can I make a suggestion?” Jake asked
“Sure.”
“Well, if you willing to butcher the other steer, instead of steaks, we could have a good old fashion cowboy barbecue. We’ll cut the steer into halves, and we can use one of your round bale rings like a fire pit, and I can supply the steel tubing to use and even weld a handle on it. We’ll just shove it through the half and barbecue over the fire pit just like they use to do on the old westerns.”
I started laughing, “That’s a great idea, I think they will settle for that. We’ll have to get to work today and start roasting it early tomorrow, but that would be fun. A challenge anyway.”
“The only thing is what about barbecue sauce?” Jake asked.
Kim spoke up, “Well, we have several quarts of tomato sauce that we haven’t used, plus we have that honey that you traded for at East Lynne. Let me get together with the girls and see what we can come up with. It may not be as good as store bought but I bet we can come up with something decent.”
I started laughing, “Sounds like a plan.”
“Well, le
t me give you a ride back up and I’ll pick up the bale ring and start welding on the guides for the spit.”
“Let’s do it.”
When we pulled back into our driveway, everyone was waiting to hear what the call was about. After filling everyone in, everyone got excited. Any way to forget about everything that was going on made life more tolerable. Every time we had a function like this, I know all of us felt a little guilty, knowing what was going on in the world but then again, all of us had learned to take advantage of any good time we could have as we never know what the next day was going to bring.
We made our plans, and everyone volunteered to do something to prepare for their arrival. Paul, Tag, Santiago, and I killed and butchered one of the smaller steers. Cutting it down the middle was not an easy task, but Brian told us that he knew how and he did.
With some reservations, we no longer kept Brian restrained as he was starting to convince us that he could be trusted. There was someone always keeping an eye on him, but we didn’t make it obvious. He still wasn’t able to walk too well, so we weren’t too concerned about him betraying us and running off but I insisted that we still needed to keep our guard up a bit.
Tag came up with the idea of testing him after the first day we took him off the restraints. Tag off and on reloaded a lot of ammo, so he decided to load a couple .45 rounds without any powder in them. He then loaded a magazine for the Sig Sauer P320 with the unpowdered rounds and when he and Santiago went to work on one of the sides of the converted car shed, he took off his holster and laid it down on the bench, acting as though it was bothering him while reaching around a beam. After working for a couple of hours, he asked Santiago to help him get some more wood, leaving Brian and the Sig in the converted room. After about five minutes he yelled for Brian asking him to bring the hand saw that happened to be laying next to the Sig.
Brandy, from the outside of the room, was watching through a small hole in the wall to see what Brian would do. When he walked up to grab the saw, he spotted the Sig and did pick it up to admire it but then laid it back down and took the saw out to Tag. As he was walking out, Tag told him never mind, that they had changed their mind as it was time to eat something anyway. They walked back into the room and cleaned up the tools, and Tag picked up the holstered Sig and put it back on to go inside the house.
This didn’t mean that Brian didn’t figure out that it was a test but it was one of many ways he was proving himself. My gut told me that Brian was ok, but I wasn’t going to open the door completely to him as he still had a lot to prove.
The only thing he seemed concerned with was getting Jana away from Pauley, and since we told him that we’d help him do that, he seemed to be very cooperative and eager to prove himself.
A few of us drove the field with the jeep and trailer, picking up downed limbs and bigger logs to use in the fire pit and before we got back, Jake had already welded up the bale ring to use as a fire pit. We placed it right past the gate on the south side of the house and filled it with the logs and used some kerosine I had for my drip torch to start the logs on fire because we wanted it to burn all night, so there’d be plenty of coals.
During dinner, we allowed Brian to join us for the first time. In the past, he hadn’t eaten with the group but taking another step; we decided to include him. He seemed to be amazed at how all us acted like a big family and even made a comment saying as much. I told him, as soon as we got Jana away from Pauley, that if everything worked out, they’d be welcome to join us. I told him that it’d take hard work on his part, and we also had to meet Jana and her mother, but if they had a good attitude and they were willing to work, maybe it would all work out and be beneficial to everyone.
After dinner, everyone prepared for the next day. Some had jobs, a couple kept the fire going in the fire pit, and those that didn’t have duty took showers.
I was sitting down listening to the shortwave when I could hear Mike telling Brandy just to ask me. She came walking in sheepishly and then sat down next to me on the couch.
“Vince, can I talk to you?”
“Well sure. What are you acting so sheepish about?”
She formed an embarrassed smile but then got a serious look on her face.
“Vince, I wanted to ask if you think the Colonel would let me use his satellite phone to let my parents know that I’m alright?”
I sat there for a moment and got a concerned look on my face, and I just started to speak when she added, “The problem is, if he does, I know I’ll have to tell them about Carmen, and I just don’t know how to do that.”
I nodded my head in agreement and then with sadness said, “Yeah, you would have to tell them…. Brandy, I don’t know for sure what to say.
First, unless there is some kind of restriction going on, I’m pretty sure Jim would let you use the phone under the circumstances. I know your parents would do anything to hear that you’re alright…. But at the same time, telling them about Carmen is going to crush them.”
“I know. Now, you understand why I’m so reluctant. If I can get the chance, I need to let them know I’m fine but what will the news about Carmen do to them.” She then started to cry slightly, “Please, Vince, tell me what to do.”
I sat there staring for a moment and more tears came rushing out of my eyes. I just didn’t have an answer. If I were her parents, how would I take it? I sat there for another moment, understanding the frustration that she must be feeling. She was begging me to give her the right answer, and I just didn’t have it.
“Brandy….., I really don’t know what to say. Have you talked with Kim or Mia about this?”
“Yes and Mike also. Kim was the one that suggested I talk to you and get your opinion. I thought about making up a story why Carmen wasn’t able to talk to them, that a situation just came up that I had the chance to call. Then I’d just lie to them and tell them that Carmen is fine but……. I don’t think I can do that Vince. Even if I wanted to, I don’t think I could get through it.”
I sighed loudly, “No, even though it may make it easier on them… and you, they need to know the truth. I convinced Mia to withhold the information from her parents, but that was just different.
What does your gut tell you to do? I know you had to have been kicking this around for a while.”
“I have, and if Jim will let me use the phone I planned it both ways in my head. Maybe I shouldn’t even ask him. If I don’t call, then there’s no decision to make.”
I briefly chuckled with sympathy, “Yeah, you could do that, but I think you’ll be kicking yourself after Jim leaves. You’re going to regret not calling them if you get the chance.
No, I think you should call, but I want you to think about one other thing. It would be hard enough telling them if you had plenty of time to talk but if Jim does what he did with Red, he’s going to restrict you to ten minutes. That’s not very much time.”
She laid her head back on the back of the sofa and started rubbing her eyes, “Oh, my God. I didn’t even think about that. How can I tell them in only ten minutes?”
I grabbed her hand and pulled her over and gave her a hug. She hugged me back and acted as though she didn’t want to let go but then with tears pleaded again, “Please Vince, tell me the right thing to do.”
I held her for a moment and then pushed her back slightly so that I could look in her eyes, “Brandy, I think you should call them and tell them. I’ll talk to Jim and see what we can do. Who knows, you may not get to call. I know that’s the cheap way out of this but…..
She made a slight grunting sound, “You know, I almost wish he would say no. I know that doesn’t make any sense, but it’s true.”
“No, I understand. Logic would say, just don’t call but you won’t be able to live with that. You need to let your folks know you're ok because right now they may have the fear that you’re both dead. Just hearing your voice is going to give them some relief. You just need to come up with a way of doing it and unfortunately, as quickly as yo
u can.
Brandy, I don’t have a sure answer for you, but if your gut tells you to call them and it can be arranged, you need to.”
“I know.”
“Sorry, I wasn’t more help.”
“No, you were, Vince. More than you know. I think I knew what I needed to do, I just needed to hear it from someone else. Thank you.” She reached up and gave me a hug and walked to her bedroom.
It made me feel good that she wanted my opinion on something like this but how much help was I? What is the right thing to do?
Chapter Twenty-Three
Charlie and Martha had been asleep for a couple of hours when Charlie heard what sounded like idling ATVs or motorcycles. He jumped up, grabbed his shotgun and peered through the window towards the direction of the sound.
He could see two headlights off in the woods across the road from the apple orchard right before the engines shut off and the lights went out.
“Charlie, what is it?”
“It looks like those young punks on the motorcycles.”
“Vince and them wanted to know anytime anyone saw or heard them. Do you think we ought to call them?”
“Yeah, it probably wouldn’t hurt. Go ahead.”
It felt like I had just fallen into a deep sleep when someone started banging on our door.
“Dad, Dad, wake up,” Paul said as he slowly opened the door.
Trying to wake myself up, I asked, “What is it?”
“Martha just called on the radio, and a couple of those slimeballs are sneaking around their place.”
That immediately woke me up, “Tell everyone available to arm up.”
“Will do.”
Kim still waking up asked, “Wha’s going on?”
“It sounds like those scumballs are messing around over at Charlie’s.” Kim hearing this immediately got up and dressed.
As soon as I walked out, Paul said, “Martha stated that Charlie only sees two of them. Apparently, they are there trying to steal apples.”
Into the Apocalypse Page 34
