Through the Storm(44)

“A local rancher, Jason, somehow got his truck running and is headed to the west side of the mountains to bring his daughter and son-in-law home. He says you can ride in the back of the truck if you like.”

Conner looked at Madison as she nodded and grinned. “Yes,” he said to Father Dan. “That would be a great help.”

“Good. Wait in the parking lot. I’ll go make the final arrangements.” He hurried away.

Conner and Madison walked to the empty gravel parking lot. Standing near the middle, Conner pulled off the backpack and set it on the ground. “Well, I’m glad I won’t be carrying that on my back all day.”

Madison nodded and kicked at a stone. With her head still down, she spoke. “When you find your family, maybe you could come back to Olympia sometime. I’d like to know you arrived home and that your family was okay.”

Her words made Conner happy. “Sure, that would be great.” He grinned, but more than anything he needed to get home. With each passing day, he felt growing guilt over leaving Drake. Pulled between feelings for Madison and duty to Drake, Conner’s gut twisted in a knot.

Father Dan returned with a green backpack and a sleeping bag tied on top. He handed both to Madison. “There’s a coat, blanket, and socks in the pack. I thought you’d need it. Jason will be here in a moment.”

“Thank you.” Madison hugged Father Dan. “It’ll be a big help.”

Conner heard the sound of an auto engine in the distance.

Father Dan clutched each of their hands and said a prayer. Then he embraced Madison and shook Conner’s hand.

An older red pickup stopped beside the three of them. A man with several days of black and gray stubble stepped out from the driver’s side. A teen with only the barest hint of a beard exited from the passenger seat holding a shotgun.

Conner grinned inwardly. The boy really was riding shotgun.

“Hi. I’m Jason.” The older man thrust out his hand and shook Conner’s. “This is my son, Tim. Father Dan says you need a ride over the mountains. Seems most people are trying to get out of the Seattle area.” He shrugged. “But I can give you a ride if you want.”

“We do.” Conner picked up his backpack. “We both have family over there.”

“Family … times like this there’s nothing more important.” Jason slapped the side of his pickup. “That’s why I worked so hard to get the truck running again. I’ve got family over there too. Well, jump in the back.”

Conner and Madison thanked Jason and Madison hopped in the back. Conner grabbed both backpacks and handed them to Madison and then he climbed aboard. With their backs against the cab, they faced the way they had come. Madison rested her head on Conner’s shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her as the pickup thumped across potholes and over bumps through town. Within minutes, they sped up an onramp, onto the deserted freeway and higher into the Cascade Mountains.

With the wind blowing around him, Conner whispered. God, is Dad home? If he isn’t, please get him safely there real soon and please keep Drake safe. I’m coming home.

*

Rural Lewis County, Washington, Friday, September 9th

Drake woke up to a tongue rolling across his face, followed by a snort of dog breath.

“Gruff, come,” Ashley commanded from some distant room.

He heard the dog trot from the bedroom as he opened his eyes and wiped his wet face. I’ve got to make sure to shut my bedroom door at night.

The house had been dark and quiet when he returned home. Thankful that he had remembered the keys, he had opened the door to Gruff wagging his tail. Ashley lay asleep on the couch. Her shotgun leaned against the nearby wall.

He draped a blanket over her and climbed into his bed.

Hours later, Gruff awoke him with a lick across the face. He felt tired as he rolled out of bed, dressed, and went to find Ashley.

He found her mixing flour and baking powder at the kitchen counter. Gruff curled up on the wood floor beside her, his tail thumping.

She looked up and smiled. “I didn’t hear you come in last night and checked your room. Did you finally remember to bring your keys?”

“Yeah, we need a knock or signal.” He sat on a stool beside her. “I don’t want you to shoot me some night when I come home.”

Ashley mixed eggs and goat’s milk into the bowl. “Tell me what happened at the meeting.”

Drake did but tried to put a less depressing spin on the news.

She shook her head. “Food is running out. Gangs are trying to control Riverbank. The police and sheriff are struggling to keep control. Is that what you’re saying?”

“Well, yeah, but—”

“Just give it to me straight. I need to know.”

Her words were strong, but her face looked grim.

“Okay.” Still, Drake tried to think of some good news. “We formed a neighborhood watch. Four people are going to always be on patrol until things get better. I volunteered to be one of them.”

“That’s good.” Ashley’s grin faded quickly. “But how long do we have to do things like that? When will things get better?”

“Ah, the deputy said it might be months … or longer.”

Her face lost color as she nodded and then stared out the kitchen window in silence.

“It may take months, but things will get better.” Drake’s attempt at comfort hung in the air as mere words.