Through the Storm(26)

It would get cold up on the hill, but the breeze kept the air clearer. Conner had breathed enough smoke and seen enough flames for a lifetime. He pulled out two energy bars from his backpack and passed one to Madison. “That’s the last of the food.”

A woman cradling a baby climbed to the top of the hill.

Madison ate quickly and then stared at the wrapper. “Thanks.”

“For what?”

“Sharing your food with me.”

“You saved my life this morning. We help each other.” He passed the sleeping bag to her. “The best chance we have to get home is by working together.”

A lone man strode up the hill.

“Let’s move away from the others.” Conner picked up his gear. “I don’t want someone pulling a gun on me while I sleep.”

Walking with the bikes and gear on his back, they hiked to a more secluded spot a few hundred yards away.

“There are so many people in the area, someone should stay awake.” Conner set his bike against a tree. “I’ll take—.”

“No.” Madison tossed him the sleeping bag. “I’ll stay awake. You had a rougher day biking than I did. Get some sleep.”

Conner started to protest, but Madison pointed to the sleeping bag. “You first.”

“Okay. Wake me….” He pulled up his sleeve to check his watch and remembered he had traded it. “Wake me when you get tired.” He slid into the bag and closed his eyes. Despite hunger, worry, and rocky ground, sleep snared him in seconds.

He could taste smoke on his tongue. It tickled his nose as he woke. How long had he been asleep?

“Conner, wake up. The wind changed direction.”

*

Rural Lewis County, Washington, Tuesday, September 6th

Drake put Gruff on a leash, and with Ashley alongside, they headed out. The rifle seemed heavy on his shoulder and his stomach churned as they walked toward Ashley’s home. Out of habit, he walked along the road edge, but no cars passed and he hoped they wouldn’t encounter any looters.

Pastor Wayne waved from the porch as they neared his house. “Glad to see you’re okay, Drake. Did you hear the shooting this morning?”

“No, I slept through it.” As Drake walked over to the front porch, he noticed a shotgun beside the old man. Drake introduced Ashley. “We’re going to get stuff from her house.”

“Mind if I walk with you?” Before Drake could answer, Wayne stood and grabbed the shotgun. “It’ll do me good to stretch my legs and look around the neighborhood.” He hurried down from the porch and petted Gruff.

As they continued toward Ashley’s house, Drake glanced at the older man. “It seems strange to see a preacher walking around with a shotgun.”

“I did four years in the marines before I was a pastor and I’ve done a fair amount of hunting.” He looked Drake up and down. “It seems strange to see a teenager walking down the road with a rifle over his shoulder.” Wayne grinned.

When they arrived at Ashley’s home, she retrieved a key from a nearby flower pot, but before she unlocked the door, Wayne waved for her to stop. “I’ll check around back. You two stay here. Holler if anyone suspicious comes around.” Leading with the shotgun, he disappeared around the corner of the house.

Drake swept his gaze along the street. All the nearby homes seemed quiet or deserted, but farther down the road, Drake spotted a broken window and an open front door. Gruff idly sniffed the ground.

Pastor Wayne returned moments later. “Everything is secure in back. Unlock the door and I’ll do a quick check inside. Both of you keep watch out here.” He stepped inside and returned a few minutes later. “Okay, Ashley, get what you need and let’s leave before the sun sets.”

Drake nodded agreement.

Ashley dashed through the open door and up the stairs.

After a few moments, Pastor Wayne turned to Drake. “Yesterday you said that your father was home, but that’s not true, is it?”

Drake felt his face flush. “No. I’m not sure where he is, or my brother.”

“Hopefully they’ll show up soon, but until then the best thing would be for you two to come and stay at my place. We already have three families in our house, but we can manage.”

“No.” Ashley stepped onto the porch with a suitcase. “I don’t know you, but I know Drake. My parents said I could go to his house. I’ll stay with him till they come back.” She set the case down by Drake.

Wayne started to say something, but Ashley shook her head and disappeared into the house again.

“I’m staying on the farm,” Drake said with equal finality. “There are enough supplies to last us for a while and I need to take care of the animals.”

Pastor Wayne stared at Drake with a serious expression, and then his face softened. “Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything. I guess this is the time a boy becomes a man.”

Drake grinned at being called a man.

Wayne’s face returned to a more serious composure. “But you aren’t grown yet and I need to speak with you like a parent would.” He took a deep breath. “Clearly, Ashley trusts you. You need to honor that trust and be a gentleman. Your mother and father would expect that of you. You protect her and don’t use or hurt her. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”