by Newman, AJ
Jack forced a laugh and walked away, muttering under his breath. Jill said, “What just happened?”
“Jack was caught looking at your ass,” Barbara said.
Jill shook her head. “No, seriously. Men and women do that, and I don’t care. I mean, what was Jack doing? Jon, if he weren’t your dad, I’d be suspicious of his motives. I’m sorry, but the jury’s out on if he’s a fit for our group.”
Jon had the same suspicion, but said, “Let me have a chance to see what he’s thinking. I can’t believe Dad would do anything not in our best interests.”
Walking back to their room, Barbara said, “Was your dad a ladies man? Did he cheat on your mom?”
Jon’s face flushed. “I don’t think so. He knows Jill is with Gina. Dad's changed since the virus started. He seems more self-centered and bossy.”
“He’s not a bit like you. I love that you care so much about my needs and likes. You don’t try to boss me around or try to manipulate me.”
“Barb, I love you and want to do my best to please you. The fact that you’re a lot smarter than I am probably has a lot to do with me not trying to put anything over on you.”
“Jon, you know I hated you at first because you were so pushy and stubborn.”
Jon smiled and gave his answer some thought. “Barb, when we met on the plane, I had only one thought and one mission. I had to save my own life and as many of you as possible. I thought you were an educated idiot and wanted to spank your butt to drive some sense into you.”
Barbara waited until they were in their room, changing clothes. “Jon, I’m with Jill on this. Your dad’s behavior has been off since we arrived here. I heard him mention spending the night at the marina, which made no sense. It’s almost like he wants to delay us from getting to my parent’s home.”
“Babe, I don’t know what to think. My dad has always been the rock of the family. I don’t want to question his motives, but some of his actions have surprised me. Please give me a little time to figure out what’s going on.”
“Please do, because Jill and I are starting to worry.”
“I’ll get into his head and see what he’s thinking during our scouting trip,” Jon answered.
Jon and Barbara joined the others in the kitchen. Cindy and Gina had finished cooking, and Jack was busy setting the table. Barbara said, “Boy, that smells good enough to eat.”
“Cindy, I don’t remember you cooking much … err … in the past,” Jon said.
“Your mom taught me a lot before she passed. She was like a mother to me.”
Jack cleared his throat and said, “Barbara, can you show us the best route to go to your parents’ home?”
Barbara looked at the map and used her finger to trace the safest route for them to take to her home. “It’s only about ten miles as the crow flies, but that would take you through the heart of the town. This way is about twenty-five miles, but it’s mainly country roads. You can see you’ll have to zig-zag a bunch, but it’s the safest route.”
Jack reviewed the area around McComb and agreed with Barbara. “I would have chosen the same route. It’s shorter than going west and then around McComb. The area is less populated, too. Jon, load up your gear, and I’ll bring mine out in a minute.”
Jon was surprised when his dad asked him to drive the Expedition while he handled the navigation duties. He followed the road around the lake and took a route that crossed over Highway 55. There were large warehouses on either side of the road just before Highway 65. Jon wanted to take a look at them, but Jack said, “The airport is only a mile or so up ahead. We need to check it out in case our plane is gone or damaged when we get back.”
“Dad, that would mean something bad happened to Jill and Gina.”
“Son, I plan for all contingencies. I don’t wish for bad things; rather, I’m aware they happen, and we always need a plan to handle surprises.”
Jon made a right turn on John E Lewis Drive and saw what passed for the main terminal was only a short distance down the road. The building wasn’t much larger than the average home. There were several aircraft in open-ended hangers, and a few more were tethered to the ground at the south end of the taxiway.
They checked out the terminal and only found some sodas and snacks in the vending machines. Jon did find some excellent maps of the USA and the local area. He tucked these in his backpack and continued searching the terminal manager’s office when his dad called out, “There’s nothing here. Let’s check the planes. You never know when we could use a good airplane.”
“Dad, we have a great pontoon plane. Why would we need a second or even a replacement plane?
“Jon, what if the situation is untenable up at Barbara’s place? We might need an extra plane to transport her family to Texas or another safe location. Like I told you, I’m into contingency plans.”
This side of Jon’s father surprised him. His dad had always traveled a lot when he was growing up and never talked much about his job. Jack had retired in his mid-forties and then worked part-time for his old company. He’d never talked about his work, and Jon was too busy with his own life to care what his dad did with his time. Jon never asked what he did.
All of the planes tethered outside appeared to be in great shape. Two were only two-seaters, but three of the remaining five held six to eight passengers, in addition to the pilot. Two commercial charter planes could haul twelve adults and their luggage, but Jack ignored them since he only had to transport six people. He tried to start the one that held the most people, and it wouldn’t turn over. He motioned for Jon to move the big SUV closer to the twin-engine aircraft. Jack inspected the plane and asked Jon to help jump-start the right engine. It cranked and started, so his dad started the left engine and let both of them run long enough to charge the batteries.
“Son, I’m afraid we might not be welcome here, or Barbara’s family might all want to leave. I know you think I’m paranoid, but then that’s how I managed to have my new plane when we needed it.”
“Dad, exactly what did you do when I was growing up? I remember you disappearing for months and then popping up at home with all kinds of exotic gifts. When I asked Mom, she always changed the subject.”
Jack was quiet for a few seconds. “I was a troubleshooter for the government. I took care of problems in countries that weren’t always friendly to the USA. I guess that’s why I’m always a bit paranoid.”
“CIA or Special Forces?”
“Son, everything I did was classified. I guess it doesn’t matter now. I left the Special Forces to join the CIA. I was one of the best snipers in the military and performed what we called wet work. I made problems disappear.”
Jon said, “That’s a bit more than I imagined. I always thought you were a spy.”
“Sometimes I was a spy, and other times I made spies disappear. Now you know why I’m into planning, and a bit of planning won’t hurt us.”
Jon laughed and said, “I can’t argue with that. If you’re done, for now, let’s take a look at the route to Barb’s home.”
McComb, Mississippi - September 2038
Jon saw the dust cloud off on the right side of the road about a quarter-mile ahead before his dad. “Dad, I’m slowing down. Can you take the binoculars and see what is stirring up the dust over that way?”
“Yup, I just saw it.”
Jack scanned the area ahead and stopped sweeping left and right to fix on some movement to their right side. “Hey, that’s strange. There are a couple of tractors plowing a field up ahead. It’s a bit late in the season to be planting a crop. Let’s park in that stand of trees and walk on up to see what’s happening.”
Jon parked the Expedition in a copse of trees and then joined his dad, looking at the tractors. They walked in the brush and trees along the side of the road until they were close enough to see the field and the men plowing. Jon saw two men with rifles slung looking at a large piece of paper. “Dad, they’re not planting. One is plowing, and the other is harrowing behind h
im. The cultivated area is about fifty feet wide and goes on to the horizon. I think they’re making a buffer zone of plowed dirt, so they can see if anyone’s walked across the dirt.”
“Son of a gun! I think you’re right. Look over on the other side of the road. There’s the same plowed strip and a watchtower on the side away from us. Do you see it close to the big bald cypress?”
Jon replied, “Yes, these people are organized and don’t appear to be military or CDC types. “
Before Jack could answer, they were shocked when they heard a voice from behind them. “Freeze and lower your weapons to the ground, and maybe you’ll live to explain why you’re spying on us.”
They both placed their weapons on the ground and heard. “Reach for the sky and slowly turn around. Is either of you infected? You don’t look infected.”
Jack said, “Would you believe what we tell you?”
“Nope.”
Jon turned his head slowly while he thought about how to escape. He saw two men standing in front of him wearing masks and vinyl gloves. Both were short, redheaded, and muscular. The older of the two had a pump shotgun without a stock aimed at them. Jon took a wild guess, “Are either of you related to the Payne’s?
The older one asked, “Why are you asking?”
“Barbara Payne is a friend of mine, and she told me to look the Payne’s up when I passed through this area.”
“What’s your name?”
“I’m Jon Stone, and this man is my father, Jack.”
“And how do you know Barbara?”
“She’s my girlfriend, and I met her in Atlanta.”
“Barbara doesn’t have a boyfriend. How did you meet her?”
“I met her when she escaped from the CDC in Atlanta. You must be Charlie, and you’re Bob, her brother.”
Bob poked Jon in the stomach with his rifle barrel. “You could be from the CDC and have all that information on all the CDC people.”
Jon grinned, “She told me only you knew about her tattoo. Tweety Bird.”
Charlie, Barbara’s father, looked confused. Bob said, “Where’s the bird?”
“At the top of the shortest legs on a girl I’ve ever seen. Barbara isn’t too far away if you’re Charlie and Bob.”
Charlie spoke first, “I’m Charlie Payne, and my daughter doesn’t have a tattoo. You two are in a heap …”
“Dad, Barbara does have a tattoo, and it’s exactly where he says it is,” Bob said.
Jack stepped into the conversation. “We were heading to your compound tomorrow. Jon and I were scouting the area before we brought the ladies. There are six of us. Two will stay back and guard the plane.”
Jon said, “Why don’t you follow us back to our camp at the lake and see Barb today.”
Bob spoke up. “I want to see Barb, but I have to get back home. Dad, you go with them.”
“Okay, place their guns in the back of the SUV. I’ll sit in the back seat with my shottie aimed at their heads in case they aren't who they say they’re.”
Chapter 5
Lake Tangipahoa – September 2038
Charlie asked several more questions to check Jon’s knowledge of his daughter. “You never said how you two actually met.”
Jon chuckled, “The story wasn’t funny at the time, but Jill, a friend who saved my life from CDC bounty hunters and me accidentally …err.”
“Well, get on with it, boy.”
Jon thought quickly. “I landed a plane we stole from the CDC, and Barbara and her co-worker George hopped in. We tried to get them to get out, but they wouldn’t. I had more confidence in flying …”
Jon went on to tell the short version of events up to landing in Mississippi. He watched Charlie in the mirror and saw Charlie’s eyes grow in size. Charlie said, “So, you kidnapped my daughter, killed her friend George, and brought her home to me?”
“Yes, that’s the short story,” Jon said and waited to see Charlie’s reaction.
“I never did like that SOB George. Never met the man, but Barb said he was a creepy sumbitch. Barb is a strong-willed young woman, and if she says someone’s creepy, you’d better put it in the bank. So, how did you two get from kidnapper and kidnappee to boyfriend and girlfriend?”
“Well, actually, we hated each other for several weeks. She finally realized I meant her no harm after saving her stubborn butt several times. Your daughter is one of the strongest, bullheaded, stubborn, nicest, most beautiful woman I ever met.”
“Damn, I couldn’t have put it better. She takes after my mother.”
Jon turned into the driveway a few minutes later and didn’t see anyone at first. Barbara and the others came out from behind the house and garage, armed as usual. Barbara ran to Jon and jumped into his arms just as her father climbed out of the SUV. She kissed Jon and then turned to the stranger.
“Daddy! You’re alive! How are Mom, Bob, and Granny Jane?”
She left Jon and hugged her dad. “I guess you’ve met my friend Jon.”
“He must be more than a friend if he knows the location of a tattoo I didn’t know you had. He also knows what a difficult brat you can be. I think he might be worth keeping, but only time will tell.”
“Daddy, Jon and I are very close and love each other.”
Charlie said, “I can tell how much he cares for you. There’s time for explaining Jon to me later. Please introduce the others.”
Before they could move, Bo ran to Charlie, sniffed him, jumped up, and placed his paws on his chest.”
“Your dog smells my hound dogs on my clothes.”
Jon said, “Bo isn’t anyone’s dog. He adopted me out in Oregon.”
“Well, I guess if a dog can put up with you, I can too.”
Barbara introduced the others, and they sat out on the deck talking while sipping some whiskey. Barbara and Jon filled him in on the details of their exploits. Charlie listened carefully and was amazed at some of their adventures.
Charlie looked at Jon. “You’re shitting me about flying a plane for the first time that day and then landed and took off again successfully. That’s some real luck.”
Before Jon could speak, Jill said, “Don’t forget he crash-landed that evening. I still have aches and pains from that debacle.”
“In my defense, I’d spent several hundred hours behind the controls of several prop and jet-powered aircraft on my gaming console. It’s set up just like a real airplane. Seriously, it helped give me confidence and a basic knowledge, which helped me to keep from panicking.”
Charlie shook his head. “But don’t try to perform heart surgery on me because you read a book and played doctor as a child.”
Everyone tried not to laugh, but Barbara couldn’t hold back. “Dad, Jon has been trying to practice mouth to mouth resuscitation on me since we met.”
“TMI, daughter, and don’t talk that way around your mother.”
Barbara goaded Jon. “Granny Jane appreciates my humor, and she’ll love Jon. Jon, you need to have a thick skin around Granny Jane. She’s got a weird sense of humor and likes to pick on people she likes. She can be a bit like sandpaper at first and rub you raw.”
Charlie scoffed at Barbara. “Jon, my mom can be a sarcastic and abrasive person. Get on her good side, or you’ll be the butt of her jokes for years.”
Jon gulped. “Well, I’m kinda likable and can get along with anyone. Granny Jane will like me . . . I hope”
Barbara winked at her dad. “Jon, I hope she loves you because I couldn’t be with a man my Granny didn’t like.”
Jon said, “Then I’ll make darn sure she likes me. Barb, it’s time for you to take your dad off to the side and fill him in on the topic of immunity.”
Barbara took her father by the hand and led him out to the dock.
“Dad, you know I worked for the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta. We were working on a vaccine to prevent people from being infected. We hoped it would also cure the ones already sick. Early on, we found there was a small percentage of the po
pulation who were immune to the virus. We sent teams out to find them and bring them back to Atlanta, so we could take blood samples to use to develop a vaccine. Everything was proceeding at a good pace. Then we found that all of our blood donors were being drained of their blood. Needless to say …”
“Y’all were killing them?”
“My team wasn’t killing them. We just took small samples. Later, we found out our group in Atlanta had been compromised by some billionaire trying to save his family’s and business partners’ lives. They were using one person’s blood to transfuse into one of their friends to gain immunity.”
“That’s like a bunch of vampires. The bastards.”
Barbara said, “When I put the pieces together, that’s when I decided to run away. Creepy George was with me when we boarded Jon’s plane, and he almost got us all killed.”
Charlie thought for a minute and asked, “Now, what did Jon want you to tell me about immunity?”
“We found a way to spread the immunity without killing the donor. All of us here are immune. Three people can give blood over three weeks and transfer the immunity. We give a full pint during the first transfusion and then a half-pint two to three weeks later. That means we can make two more people immune in three weeks, and then they can help make others immune. The more we make immune, the faster the process gets,” Barbara said.
Charlie insisted, “Barb that must be kept secret while we spread the immunity, or every sumbitch from within a thousand miles will overrun us.”
“Bingo! Dad, that’s the problem we’ve been fighting for months. Obviously, we need to do our family first before spreading it to others. The monkey wrench in the cogs is we’ll have to fly over to Texas to bring the immunity to Jill’s folks. That means we can only stay here long enough to get four people immune before flying to Jill’s parents’ home in about five to six weeks.”
“Oh, crap. I don’t want you to leave.”
Barbara placed her hand on her dad’s back. “Yes, I need you to recommend who gets immunity first. They have to be adults with no ailments that would keep them from giving blood at an accelerated rate. They also have to be willing and able to be at about sixty percent strength for several months while they give blood.”
