Through the Storm(33)
“On a farm just outside of Riverbank in Lewis County.”
“A farm. That might be a great thing to have in the future.” Dan walked in silence for several moments. “So, you’ll both be heading through the Puget Sound region?”
Conner shrugged. “I guess so.” He crept around a large woman sleeping on the floor.
“We’re starting to see refugees from that area.”
Conner shook his head. “Seattle? Tacoma? Why would they be coming this way?”
“From what I’m hearing, conditions in the metro area are bad. Most of what we’ve heard is from Seattle refugees, but all the news from the area is disturbing. Food is running low or already gone. Looting is rampant. Gangs control some areas. Parts of Seattle and Tacoma are burning.”
Father Dan stopped and turned to them. “Are you sure you want to walk into that?”
*
Rural Lewis County, Washington, Thursday, September 8th
Drake awoke with a start, grabbed his AR-15 rifle from the floor in front of the couch, and looked about.
Ashley giggled as she walked across the living room toward him. “You snore.”
Drake wiped his eyes. “No, I don’t.” Sunlight poured through the window. “What time is it?”
“Nine, I think. Do you want breakfast?”
“How long was I asleep?”
She shrugged. “You were snoring when I woke up.”
“I need to feed the animals and check things before eating.” Clutching the AR, Drake hurried out the backdoor. As he jogged across the yard, he yawned and rubbed heavy eyes. I can’t keep watch at night and stay awake during the day. His foggy brain provided no solution.
As he scooped up chicken feed from the bin, Drake heard the creaking of wood. Startled, he spilled some of the food. He glanced behind him but then felt foolish. Just the old barn creaking. Why hadn’t he brought Gruff with him?
Drake took care of the chickens and rabbits and then fed and milked the goats. As he did, an idea formed. Homes in the area had been looted. Others must have encountered such criminals. The good people of the area should cooperate. He could talk to Pastor Wayne about the idea.
He returned to the house and set the eggs and milk pail on the counter.
“Come.”
Drake couldn’t see Ashley, but her firm command sounded from the living room. Worried, he stepped toward her voice.
“Good boy.”
Thoroughly confused, Drake peeked around the corner.
“Stay.”
Ashley had Gruff on a leash.
“Come,” she repeated.
“What are you doing?” Drake entered the room.
“You said Gruff needed training, and I agree. I’ve trained a dog before.”
“You have a dog?”
She shook her head. “Not now, but I did for most of my life. I trained Lulu as part of a 4-H project.” Her face lit up. “We got first place at the county fair.”
“Okay.” Drake didn’t have the time or any idea how to train Gruff. “I hope you can do it.”
She put her hands on her hips. “I can. I will.”
“After breakfast, I’m going to see Pastor Wayne about Skinny and Fatty.”
“Who?”
Drake explained how he had named the two thugs. “I want you to stay inside while I’m gone.”
“You always want me to stay inside.”
“It’s safer.”
“That may be true for a very long time. Do you want me to stay inside forever?”
Frustrated, Drake considered telling Ashley she could leave, but he didn’t want her to go so he held back the words. “You saw those guys yesterday. It’s not safe, and you won’t use a gun.” Drake threw up his hands. “What do you want me to say?”
She stared at him and then nodded. “I’ll stay inside.”
Even though Drake left Gruff with Ashley, he didn’t want to be gone for long, so he hurried down the road. He expected to see Pastor Wayne on the porch, maybe even sitting with a shotgun across his lap. He seemed like that sort of a guy. But when the porch came into view it stood empty.
Drake heard movement in the house as he walked up the steps. He knocked on the door.
All sound from within the house stopped.
*
Lane County, Oregon, Thursday, September 8th
Neal could skirt the dangers of Portland, but it would take much longer. Also, he had letters to deliver for Major Franklin. Still standing on the crest of the knoll, Neal pulled out a paper map of the Portland metro area and plotted his course into the city.
“Come on, Ginger.” He stood and trod forward. “I’ve got a feeling today is going to be another long one.”
For the next hour, Neal walked along largely empty residential streets. In the distance, an unseen child giggled. Later, a couple hurried down the opposite side of the street carrying backpacks and keeping a wary eye on him.
Ginger watched them as they passed.
Some of the homes had broken windows and doors while others seemed untouched. He tried to imagine that the parents were at work and the kids were in school. It didn’t work. The hair on his neck prickled, and he could almost feel the piercing stares from dark windows.
Glass crunched under Neal’s feet. He stopped. The windows of a nearby car were shattered, and the hood stood open. He shook his head, stepped back, and led Ginger around the shards. Why break into a car that doesn’t work? As he passed, he glanced at the engine. The battery had been taken.