EMP Antediluvian Courage : Book 3 Read online

  Milly placed the tray on Mary’s lap and grinned shyly, then left the room. Mary inhaled. The food smelled wonderful, and she was hungry.

  “Thank you so much for taking care of us both, Jutta. I really appreciate it,” Mary said, and took a bite of baked chicken, fried squash, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, and sliced tomatoes. Her eyes closed in heavenly delight. Jutta could cook.

  “Oh, honey, you are a treasure, and now we have a new jewel. He’s so beautiful, it just breaks my heart, I’ll swear,” Jutta said, her voice cracking with emotion.

  Mary smiled, and she felt her eyes sting with tears. In a time so hateful and dangerous, she’d found a new family who loved her, and she loved them back.

  “I almost hate to leave once this is over,” Mary said, taking a drink of milk.

  “But you don’t have to, you know, Mary. You are welcome to stay with us,” Jutta said earnestly as she gently patted the baby’s back in a rhythmic fashion.

  “I know, and I may well be here for a while, but I’m hoping that I can find a home near here, maybe. I know there are abandoned homes. I’d go back to my own if they’d not burned it down,” she said sadly.

  “Let me talk to Gerhard, I’ll have him look around. I think there is a small place right up the road. The family who lived there was away on vacation. They’d gone down to Disney World. I don’t think they’ll be back, God love ’em.”

  “Oh, that would be wonderful,” Mary said, thrilled. She’d be close enough to walk and see her friends here.

  Jutta got up and walked to the door. She called her husband, then came and sat back down beside Mary’s bed. “I don’t think I could let you or this little one get too far from me,” she grinned.

  Gerhard stuck his head into the room. He grinned at Mary and ducked his head shyly, then came in and looked down at Howard. His mouth made a soundless oh, and he looked at Mary with unconcealed delight. “Kin I holt him?” he asked, his voice awed, and at Mary’s nod, he took the baby with infinite care.

  “Oh, for the love of God, he’s beautiful, Mary. He’s so tiny, and such a miracle,” he said thickly.

  Mary smiled. She knew she couldn’t be far from this family. She’d fallen in love with them all.

  “Honey, can you go check out the Bilford’s house? And take the boys with you. Mary will need a home to live in with her new little family. I want her close to us.”

  “Oh Mary, you ain’t leavin’ us so soon, are ya?” Gerhard asked, clearly distressed. He almost clutched the baby to his chest.

  Jutta laughed softly and shook her head. “No, silly man, but she will need her own home one of these days. When she’s ready, I want it ready for her.”

  “Thank you, Gerhard,” Mary grinned.

  Gerhard grinned and nodded, kissing the baby’s head and handing the small bundle, carefully if reluctantly, back to his wife. He then kissed the top of her bright head and left the room.

  “I’ll swear, that man is a handful,” Jutta laughed.

  “Yes, but he’s your handful, and he clearly loves you very much,” Mary said. She was enjoying her dinner and the company. It was a busy house, and she would be glad when she could get up and around easier.

  “He is that. I think the men will be making their move day after tomorrow. Boney and Wilber have stopped by and had a talk with Gerhard. They are going to free everyone from the mines.”

  “I hope it won’t be too dangerous. I know the people in the mine are weakened from lack of food. Where will they all go?” Mary worried aloud.

  “From what I understand, they found a large cache of food and supplies. Boney and Wilber, and some other men, will go and collect it. They’ll parcel it out among the families, and we’re also going to send them food. There are their own extended families that will take them, and others have volunteered to take them until they can take care of themselves. More than likely until next summer, when they have their own gardens,” Jutta explained.

  “It will be hard, but I do think that, once they are free and can hunt and do for themselves, they’ll be okay,” Mary hoped.

  “I expect you’re right. There’ve been a lot of good folks killed, and a lot have died. Gerhard thinks that our population has gone down by better than half,” Jutta said sadly.

  “Good Lord, that’s terrible. What happened to the food you sent to the mayor?”

  “I don’t know. The bastard more than likely used it solely for himself and his horrible people. Boney said that some of the places around town stink. I don’t know if those places will ever be inhabitable.”

  “Oh, for the love of God. What a terrible time. I hope we can recover from this. I hope there are enough good people left,” Mary said, sorrow filling her heart.

  “As long as we have a few, we have enough. I know there are families in the hills, hunkered down. There’s us, David, the folks from the coal mine and others. We’ll make it, I’m sure. We just need to get rid of the bad’uns.”

  “I expect this will have taught the remaining townspeople to appreciate each other. Maybe work hard to keep things humane, and work together to help one another,” Mary said softly.

  “You don’t have to worry, Mary. We’ll take care of you and you’ll take care of us. You’re our family now. We’ve already adopted you and Howard.” Jutta grinned.

  ֍

  Harry stood on the porch, looking out over the valley. There was a thick fog below that covered the mountains around them. It was just getting light, and the air was hushed and cold. His breath fogged before him. In the distance, he heard a dog baying. Brian, Homer, and Charlie were in the yard, sniffing around. Surprisingly, they all got along. He watched as they disappeared into the tree line. The porch door opened, and he smiled at Clay, who also had a cup of coffee.

  “Mornin’. Sleep good?” Clay asked.

  “Like a baby,” Harry grinned.

  “I’m going to ask Katie to marry me today,” Clay said without preamble.

  “I was wondering when you’d get around to that,” Harry laughed.

  “I’d like to have some kind of ceremony later today. Maybe Willene can make a cake or something. There isn’t a preacher, but I figure if it is done with friends and family and God, then it is legal and official,” Clay said, though Harry heard the note of worry in his voice.

  “I’d say you’re right about that. I’ll talk to Willene and see if we can’t surprise Katie with something special.”

  “I just hope tomorrow goes without a hitch. I’d like to live in this world without the worry of assholes like that floating around our town,” Clay said.

  “I hope so too. We just need to keep frosty and make sure we get it done right the first time. Keep casualties to zero.”

  The porch door opened, and Wilber walked out smiling, a cup of coffee and a biscuit in hand.

  “Mornin’, boys,” he said, his voice like gravel, heavy with sleep.

  “Mornin’,” both men said simultaneously.

  “A little cool this morning, makes for fine sleepin’,” Wilber chuckled.

  “It sure does. Makes it hard to get out of bed,” Clay laughed ruefully.

  “I’m going to go talk to Willene, then I think I’ll head down to Joshua’s and talk to him,” Harry said, and left the two men to their coffee.

  He walked into the kitchen. Boggy and Earl were sitting at the table, both with a biscuit and fried egg. He grinned at them. Marilyn was sitting with Monroe, who was sleepily nibbling on his own biscuit. He reached over and grasped the child’s head, eliciting a giggle that threw crumbs across the table. Harry grinned and winked at Marilyn.

  Katie was on patrol and would be in shortly. He’d have to tell everyone and get down to Joshua’s.

  “Clay is going to ask Katie to marry him. He wants to do it today and he wants to know if you can make her a surprise wedding cake?”

  The kitchen erupted with laugher and surprised gasps. They all talked at once, the excitement shifting their sleepy faces to happy and alert. Angela was
still upstairs, asleep in her crib. They’d found the old crib out in the barn and he and Boggy had cleaned it up. It was good for keeping the child in bed while Willene cooked breakfast.

  “Oh, I think we can manage a cake. We’ll need some more milk and butter, though,” Willene said, her eyes distant in thought.

  “I figured you might. I’m heading down to Joshua’s, so I’ll pick some up. I’ll take him a bushel of walnuts for trade,” Harry said, grabbing an egg-filled biscuit. He bit in, and it was wonderful. Willene was now using the wood cook stove in the kitchen, and it heated the house up nicely. Especially the room over the kitchen.

  “I’ll see if I can find some pretty flowers later, as soon as this fog lifts,” Marilyn said.

  “Doesn’t Joshua play the fiddle?” Willene asked.

  “He sure do. He played at the fair last year. Was real good, too,” Earl put in.

  “See if he and Pauline will come for the wedding, say about four this afternoon, and maybe he can play some music and we’ll make a nice party of it,” Willene suggested, grinning.

  The back door opened, and Katie stepped in. She was bundled in a large jacket and cap. Everyone stopped talking all at once and looked pointedly at her. She stopped and looked at everyone.

  “What?” she asked.

  The room erupted in laughter and sniggers, and no one said a thing. Clay walked in and saw Katie, and grinned. Harry laughed at Katie’s confusion. Wilber came in and bumped into Clay, who stumbled forward. Then Clay walked over to Katie and got down on his knee. The room grew immediately quiet, everyone hushing the other. Katie looked at the people around her, and then down at Clay, who was looking up at her with earnest eyes. Harry’s chest clutched, his heart nearly breaking.

  Katie’s eyes filled with tears, a huge smile on her face.

  “Katie, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Katie lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Clay’s neck, and Harry heard her muffled, “Yes”.

  The room erupted in shouts of congratulations and back patting and hugs and laughter. Katie was crying, as were Willene and Marilyn. He too felt choked up, and grinned. Clay was grinning like a loon, and tears streaked down his face. Harry shook his head. It was amazing the joy in this house, even under these difficult times. He felt blessed and thankful that he’d been here when all things went to hell. He could not imagine if he’d not been.

  Willene left the kitchen; they could hear Angela calling for her momma. Monroe crawled across and sat with Earl, who tickled the little boy’s neck with his finger. Marilyn laughed and put her hand around Earl’s neck and drew him to her and kissed him on the cheek. Earl blushed and shrugged his shoulders up to his ears. Harry laughed. The room was loud and filled with laughter and cross-talk. It was truly a wonderful moment.

  ֍

  Harry and Boggy drove the short distance to the dairy and took the driveway that wound five hundred feet back from the road. The sun was trying to burn through the heavy fog. Though they could not see them, they heard the cows, their low calls rolling over the wet grass.

  Boggy held a large basked filled with the black walnuts Monroe had collected. When they got near the barricade, one of Joshua’s people halted the truck, then, recognizing Harry, waved him through.

  Pauline Kinkade came out of the large two-story farmhouse. She had a red gingham towel over her shoulder and wore a yellow gingham apron. She lifted her hand in greeting and smiled as Harry pulled the truck near her.

  “Good morning, Pauline. How are you doing?” Harry asked.

  “I’m good, busy as ever. You lookin’ fir Joshua?”

  “Sure am. Got a wedding today. Dr. Katie and Clay are getting married up at the house. You and Joshua are invited, along with his fiddle, of course.” He grinned.

  Pauline threw her head back and laughed. Then she shook her head, a wide smile on her face.

  “I’ll let him know. I wondered when those two would make it serious. They been dating off and on fir years. What time should we be there?” she asked.

  “About four. I need to do some trading, got a bushel of black walnuts for some milk and butter, if you have some to spare.”

  “I think we can accommodate. Who’s your young friend?” she asked.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Pauline, this is Boggy Hines, Boggy, this is Pauline Kinkade,” Harry said.

  Boggy smiled shyly and waved. She smiled back and winked at him.

  “I knew your granny, Boggy. A wonderful woman. Come on in, I’ll get you some coffee ta warm ya up. It’s a bit chilly. Then I’ll go fetch the butter and milk for you.” She turned back into the house.

  Harry and Boggy got out of the truck. They kicked the dirt off their shoes before they went into the house. The smell of baking bread filled the house and wrapped its enticing tendrils around the two men.

  “That sure does smell good,” Boggy said softly, looking around the living room. The men walked into the kitchen and sat at a round, wooden table with a yellow tablecloth. Boggy set the basket of nuts onto the table and Pauline thanked him, and handed him a cup of coffee. She turned and gave another to Harry, then cut two large slices of apple pie and handed them to the men. Boggy’s eyes widened in pleasure.

  “You boys sit down and enjoy it. I’ll go fetch Josh.”

  Harry and Boggy sat at the table and began to eat.

  “I’m so glad I came with you. This here is some good pie.” Boggy groaned in pleasure, his eyes closed and body rocking from side to side.

  “Yeah. This is some fine pie at that. It goes well with this coffee,” Harry agreed. The kitchen door opened, and Joshua and Pauline came in. Pauline carried a small crock of butter and Joshua two gallons of milk.

  “How you men doin’?” Joshua asked.

  “Good. Pauline, this is the best apple pie I’ve had. Don’t tell Willene; she’ll skin me alive,” Harry laughed.

  Pauline smacked his shoulder lightly, in a good-natured gesture.

  “Pauline said Clay finally popped the question to Katie. About time. We’ll be there about four, and I’ll rosin up my bow,” Joshua grinned.

  “Thanks, Josh. I also wanted to let you know, tomorrow, me and some men will be trying to free up the prisoners in the coal mine.”

  “Be careful. Yates and his men are no one to fool around with. What will become of all those people?” Joshua asked.

  “We know they’re a bad bunch. Friends of ours have been picking them off. Softening them up. Heard that Yates killed Audrey, so at least we don’t need to worry about him,” Harry said.

  Joshua laughed and shook his head. “Yeah, that worthless fool needed killin’. Once you get them out and settled, I’ll get milk, cheese, and butter ready for them. It won’t be much, but it’ll help.”.

  “Thanks, Josh. We’ll get out of your hair, as Willy wants to make a surprise wedding cake. See you at four.”

  Harry and Boggy left, carrying their prizes. It only took a few short minutes to get back to the house.

  Willene met them on the porch with a big smile. “You can put the butter and one of those gallon jugs in the basement. I have a pan of well water down there that will keep it chilled,” Willene instructed Boggy.

  She took the other jug and went into the kitchen. Marilyn was there. Harry looked around; there was food everywhere, and when he reached for an apple, he got his hand smacked.

  “Out,” Willene ordered, causing Marilyn to laugh.

  Harry looked at her, wounded, then turned and left the kitchen, their laughter following him. He stopped in the living room. Alan was sitting up and eating oatmeal. He grinned up at Harry.

  “How ya feeling, Alan?”

  “Fair ta middlin’. I ’spect I’ll survive.” He grinned.

  “You want to go out to the porch to sit? It’s cool, but it’s nice out there.”

  “Heck yeah, Harry, I’m tired of being cooped up,” Alan said, throwing the blanket off. Harry walked over, just as Boggy was coming up from the basement. Boggy got on o
ne side, Harry on the other, and they helped the teenager out to the porch. They set him in a rocking chair and Boggy went in to retrieve the quilt. He came out and tucked it around Alan.

  Clay and Katie were in the glider, Wilber in another rocking chair. Earl was coming out from the tree line and lifted a hand. Harry and Boggy sat in the swing.

  “Got kicked out too?” Clay grinned.

  “Yeah. No respect in this house.” Harry laughed.

  “Don’t feel bad. We’ve all been banished to the porch.” Monroe and Angela were sitting on the porch, playing with blocks. Both were bundled up in coats and sweaters. The sun was burning through the haze and warming up the porch.

  “Josh says he’ll donate butter, milk, and cheese to the folks coming out of the coal mine, once they get settled,” Harry announced.

  “Oh, how wonderful. That is so kind of them,” Katie said.

  “Once everything is settled, I’ll see what we can contribute. Hopefully they’ll have enough to get them through the winter and into the spring and summer. It will be a lean winter,” Harry said.

  “I juss hope them folks out thar are huntin’ an’ foragin’. There are a lot of nut trees an’ apple trees out there. I hope they ain’t waitin’ fir others ta do it fir them,” Wilber said. He was now trying to light his pipe, as the humidity was low enough to allow it.

  “I have a feeling that those people have already died out. If they weren’t willing to take care of themselves after all this time, I think they would have already starved to death,” Harry said.

  “That’s true enough,” Earl agreed. He stood at the edge of the porch, looking out and around. Harry noticed that he took out his pipe and lit it. He grinned.

  “Hopefully it will go smooth tomorrow. By tomorrow night, we’ll have hunted the last of them down,” Harry said.

  “It seems like a lifetime has passed,” Katie said, and Clay put his arm around her and hugged her to him.

  “Well, one life time, I ’spect, now a different life time. Now we’s in the new,” Boggy said quietly.