“Are we stopping?”

  “Looks that way,” Doyle answered.

  Jaxon at the nothing that surrounded them. He couldn’t figure a reason to stop in the middle of the road.

  “Do you think something’s wrong with their truck?”

  “I don’t know, Mr. Falcone. Could be."

  “The merge to Highway 75 is just ahead, but there are lights on top of the overpass. Over.” Barry’s voice broke over the CB radio. “Just sit tight. Cass says she can see movement up there. She thinks it might be some kind of barricade. Over.”

  Doyle looked over to Jaxon and asked if he thought they were survivors. Jaxon shrugged. Doyle was about to speak into the mic when the army truck lurched into motion. As quick as it could move, the massive truck turned a sharp left, bounced across the grass median, and headed back the way they came from.

  “Let’s go. Follow us. Change of plans. Over.”

  Doyle wasted no time. He squealed the tires as he spun a half doughnut. He didn’t bother crossing over to the opposite lane. There was no traffic and nobody to tell him he couldn’t. Jaxon snatched the mic and asked Barry what was going on.

  “Those lights were coming from a roadblock. Cass could see dozens of shapes moving about, but she couldn’t tell if they were friend or foe. Over.”

  “Where are we heading?” Jaxon asked. No answer came back. “Over,” he added.

  “Just follow us. We don’t know who is listening. Over.”

  “Roger,” Jaxon answered.

  —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  “What’s the plan?” Barry asked.

  “We are going to a ways away, then we are going to cut through the back roads to get to the factory,” Cass explained.

  “You can take Sand Stone. It will get you a good ways, but there isn’t a single road that’s gonna cut straight through.”

  “Sand Stone? Is that the one down here by the mobile home park? Cuts back due West?”

  “Yep. That’s the one.”

  “It runs into Bryan Drive. Then we hit Folsom and run back to that little town…on Church Road,” Cass explained.

  “Yeah, it’s called Silo. So you plan on going all the way around and back up Highway 70. Hit the glass factory from the other direction.”

  She nodded.

  “Do you think they have roadblocks on Highway 70, too?” Barry asked.

  “I don’t know. I doubt there is one between Silo Road and Cardinal Glass.”

  “Guys. We got headlights coming from the highway, back there. Over.”

  “How close? Over.” Barry and Cass shared a look of concern. “In seconds. Over,” Barry added.

  “Urrr...maybe twenty…thirty seconds behind us. Over.”

  Cass tapped the brakes a few times, flaring the red brake lights to get Doyle’s attention. The Bronco was still driving in the opposite lane. She rapidly slowed down, but instead of turning left on Sand Stone road, she veered to the right. The massive struck skittered on the loose gravel that covered the roadways through the mobile home park. She saw the Bronco’s headlights, as it followed her off the pavement. She had wired a kill switch into both vehicles. She flipped it and all illumination coming from the truck went dark. Doyle was unaware of the switch in the Bronco, but he had the awareness to kill his headlights. The Bronco’s brake lights continued to glow as Doyle rolled to a stop behind the other truck. Everything went black when he took his foot off the brake.

  Cass popped her door open and hopped to the ground. She pulled the rifle out and aimed toward the entrance to the mobile home park. Barry followed suit. A moment later, Doyle and Jaxon were outside the Bronco with guns drawn.

  It was eerily quiet. Barry could hear more than one vehicle speeding along the highway. They didn’t know if their pursuers saw them pull off the highway. Fortunately, it was overcast and visibility was almost zero. Joel let out a slight snort, and Barry looked up at the sleeping boy.

  Sweet dreams, little man. Hopefully, they aren’t interrupted.

  A large truck sped by without slowing. Two cars followed behind it. Barry didn’t realize how hard his heart was beating until after they passed. Nobody moved. Nobody spoke. They stood at the ready. The sounds of the vehicles faded as they drove away.

  “Cass, shouldn’t we get going before they double back?” Barry inquired.

  “Probably. Load up. It’s black-out from here.”

  “Black-out?”

  “Yes, Doyle, as in, no lights. There are two sets of night vision goggles in the Bronco. One under each seat.”

  “But I don’t know how to use them,” Doyle whined.

  “Come on, Mr. Falcone.” Jaxon playfully slapped Doyle on the back. “I’ll get you squared away.”

  “Load up,” Cass ordered. “Follow me.”

  —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The group continued through the darkness. The roads they drove on weren’t made for fast driving, and it was even slower due to the limitations of navigating with the goggles. Barry could see well with the night vision, but he hoped Joel stayed asleep. It would be difficult to explain the situation if he woke up to pitch black. They had no way of communicating without being able to see lips or writing.

  “There were three Hol’den that monitored this area, aside from Jamal. Jamal was our pinky. We didn’t have much communication, except through him. One of them was a hand of death, and an asshole. We have never got along great. One was a raven, like me. But he was very solitary and preferred to perform his duties from a distance. The third is a newbie. He just got his first augments a few years ago. Jamal gave him his first post, but he hasn’t had time to choose his role.”

  “His role?” Barry asked.

  “Yes. Like a raven or a panther. Bubba Ray hasn’t earned the right to progress as a Hol’Den,” Cass explained.

  “Hold up. Did you say his name is Bubba Ray?” Barry laughed.

  “Yes…and the name fits the man. From the redneck drawl down to the jeans tucked into his boots. He is very much a backwoods stereotype, but he is straight as an arrow and has a sharp mind.”

  “But, come on, Cass…Bubba Ray?”

  It was her turn to laugh. “It’s even worse than you think. He wears overalls.”

  “No the fuck he doesn’t!”

  “Serious as a heart attack. And you know those cowboy boots that only go as high as the lower calf…real loose and kinda floppy?”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  “No, Cass!”

  “Yep!” She giggled. “He tucks his overalls into them.”

  “Bull…shit. You’re not serious! What next? he doesn’t have a shirt on under the overalls?”

  “Well, no. He has a shirt underneath…well, one of those white cotton sleeveless shirts.”

  “A fucking wife-beater, Cass. This guy’s name is Bubba Ray, and he is walking around wearing a wife-beater…under a pair of overalls…that are tucked into his boots.”

  “Stop it, Barry.” Cass tried to restrain her laugh.

  “Don’t tell me he tawks like the-us and says worrrds like warsh in-stade of wash and showder in-stade of shoulder.”

  Cass didn’t say a word, but Barry could see her straining to keep a grin from stretching across her face.

  “Nooooo. I get that I was augmented because of the situation, but ya’ll chose ole Bubba Ray before this

  shit happened. When there were still eight billion candidates, how the hell did this guy stand out?”

  Cass took a deep draw of breath and composed herself. “You will see. The man can’t help how he was raised, but you’ll understand. I admit, he is quite a character, but he is a redneck MacGyver. He thinks of the fly. He sees all the angels, all the moving parts. The guy can’t be cornered.”

  “If you say so. I guess he has to be special if he was made a Hol’Den.” Barry had to accept the reasoning. “I don’t mean to be judgmental. It’s just...I spent my whole life trying to avoid those southern stereotypes. I don’t understand why people lean into them.”

  “That’s because you care what people see when they look at you. He doesn’t.”

  And that is something to be envied.

  “Not worrying is a foreign concept to me. I know he is happier for it.” Barry admitted.

  “It’s almost daylight. We will pull over behind those trailer houses.”

  “Cass, the factory is less than ten minutes away.”

  “I know. But, think about this, if we roll in there with our lights on, anybody could spot us. And, if there are other Hol’den waiting, or survivors, and we try to come around with our lights off…it would give the impression that we were trying to sneak up. I don’t want any unnecessary misunderstandings. We will pull over and wait for dawn.”

  “Understood. I can’t argue with your logic, Cass.”

  Cass pulled off the road and drove behind a couple of trailer houses that were tucked behind some scrub cedar trees. She killed the truck and told Barry to get the others up to speed on the plan. While he did that, she stepped away to inspect the nearby houses.

  She approached the nearest house first. The stench alluded to the death she would find inside. She was still wearing the night vision goggles when she peered through the sliding glass door at the rear of the house. She couldn’t see or hear signs of life and decided to move to the second house. Her approach lacked the putrid stench of decay, so she stepped up the cinder block steps and tried the doorknob. It was locked, so she stepped around to the back of the house. This trailer had a sliding glass door as well. She grabbed the handle and tugged it sideways. The door silently slid free of the frame. She started to step inside but pulled her leading foot back outside and waved to get the others’ attention. She motioned toward the house and gestured that she was going inside. Barry acknowledged her message, and she went back to the door.

  She pushed the door all the way open and stepped through the threshold. She had her rifle slung across her back, and the barrel clanked against the aluminum flashing that trimmed the door frame.

  Burf burf burf burf burf burf burf burf burf

  Cass jumped backward and slammed the door shut just as an enormous mastiff slammed against the plate glass.

  “HOLY SHIII…” Her heart was thrumming in her ears. “How did I not notice you?” she asked the dog.

  “Huush now, Bruiser. Heel dog!” came a soft voice from inside the house. The dog immediately stopped attacking the glass and disappeared into the house.

  Cass slid the door open, but only a few inches, and called into the home. “Hello?”

  “Is that you, Tanya?” called the frail voice.

  “My name is Cassandra. Are you okay?”

  “Heaven’s no. Far from it, dear. Thank Jesus. Please…please…come in.” the voice pleaded.

  Cass opened the door and started inside, but the dog came rushing down the hallway. She stepped back out and slid the door nearly shut. “Ma’am, I’m afraid your dog doesn’t want company.”

  “Bruiser. Heel. Come now. Lay down. It’s okay, boyt. Lay down. Good boy. Stay. Sorry, dear. He’s a good boy…just protective. Come on in. He won’t bother you, now.”

  Cass wasn’t sure about that. She inched the door open and stepped inside. There was no sign of the dog. She made her way down the hallway and noticed every room was empty. She approached the door at the end of the hallway and slowly poked her head inside. The dog was lying at the foot of a mechanical hospital bed. In the bed was an elderly woman. She was thin and frail. Through the greyscale filter of the goggles, Cass could see tears streaming down the woman’s face.

  “Are you with the army?” the woman asked as she struggled to lift her hand to point at the goggle on Cassandra’s head. “What on Earth is going on? I’ve been so scared. My daughter left for work and never came back. The nurse never showed up. I tried to call out, but the phone don’t work and the lights never came back on.”

  “Can I get you anything, ma’am? Water? Food? Are you able to get out of bed?”

  “Not for a few years,” the lady answered. “I’m mighty thirsty. I always keep a few bottles of water nearby, but I finished those off a while ago. Bruiser here is lucky. The bathroom toilet is broken and the water in the tank is always running. I never thought I’d be jealous of a dog. Llistening to him lap away at that toilet water was making me resentful.” The woman laughed. “Would you mind grabbing me some water from the kitchen? There are cases in the pantry.”

  “Of course I will. Be right back.”

  Cassandra came back with a few bottles of water and handed the old woman an open bottle. She only took a few sips, before handing it back. She asked Cass what was going on, again. Cass sat on the edge of the bed and told her about the bombs and the decimation. The woman didn’t say a word. She took it all in stride and was a perfect ambassador of the stoicism that her generation was known for.

  “Are you alone, sweetheart?” she asked Cass.

  “No, there are five of us. The others are outside. We pulled around here to rest and get away from the road.”

  “Heavens, dear. Go get your friends. I have three extra beds and s couch and a love seat. Ya’ll can rest here, tonight.”

  “I appreciate that. I’ll go get them. I’m sure they won’t miss sleeping in the vehicles.” She rose to leave, but turned back toward the woman. “Forgive me, but I never got your name.”

  “Gladys. Gladys Ford.”

  “Pleaseure to meet you, Gladys. I’ll be right back and you can meet the guys.” Cass turned and headed outside. A few minutes later the rest of the group was taking turns introducing themselves to Gladys. Bruiser was anxious being surrounded by the group of unknown humans and Gladys had to reassure him a few times. Jaxon and Doyle wandered off to claim beds. Joel was wide awake and volunteered to stay up and be on lookout. He turned the loveseat toward the front window of the livingroom and drew the blinds. Cass and Barry stayed with Gladys.

  “You can’t stay here, Gladys. You’re coming with us.” Barry insisted.

  “Son, this bed is to me what your shoes are to you. I don’t travel without it. I can’t walk and I require a colostomy bag at all times. There is no way I’m going to let ya’ll face that mess out there while hauling my useless bum around.”

  “But—”

  “Son, didn’t you mother teach you not to argue with stubborn old women?

  “Gladys, we have plenty of room in the cargo truck. Once we get to the glass factory, we’ll meet up with the others and get this all sorted. Just let us help, please.”

  “Cassandra…you heard what I said!”

  “What about Bruiser? Think about him.” Cass pleaded.

  “I already have. He stays here with me. He has a doggy door. When I pass, he’ll hang around for a bit, but eventually, he’ll wander off and go be a dog. I don’t even have to worry about him chasing cars and getting ran over.”

  “Gladys—” Barry started.

  “Do I need to get my fly swatter? You kids are about as stubborn as I am.”

  “My momma also taught me to know when I’m beat. I just wanted to say thank you for letting us rest here.” Barry told her.

  “Wel, I’m sorry. You are more than welcome. Take whatever you want when you go. I won’t be needing any of it. Now, I’m a tired old woman. Ya’ll need to get some rest. Hand me my pills there on the nightstand and stop worrying about me.”

  Cassandra handed her the medicine and gave her a hug. Barry squeezed her hand and thanked her again. They made their way out of the room and Barry asked if she wanted the door opened, or closed.

  “Leave it cracked, so Bruiser doesn’t mess in my floor.”

  —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Cassandra and Barry didn’t need to rest, so they hung around the vehicles and kept an eye out. Before long the horizon began to lighten and they went inside to wake the others. As they opened the back door they could hear Bruiser whining. Cass followed Barry to her room. When they walked in, Bruiser had his front paws on the bed and was licking Gladys’ arm. Barry walked over knew why the dog was upset. Her skin was pale and she wasn’t breathing. The empty pill bottle was sitting on her nightstand.

  “Rest in peace.” Barry squeezed her hand for a moment, before he pulled her quilt over her shoulders and tucked it tight around her. He pulled the extra pillows from under her head and let her head lay back. He turned and walked from the room.

  Cass came out a few minutes later and helped rouse the others. They went ahead and gathered all the food and the cases of water. After everybody finished loading the supplies, Barry made a final trip inside. He returned to Gladys’ room and found Bruiser curled up between her legs.

  On his way out, Barry opened the two bags of dog food and dumped them out on the floor. He exited through the sliding glass door and slid it shut behind him.