SurviRal (7 page)

It never did. Part of the problem—as the new acting President angrily explained to the nation one evening—was food shipments had stopped coming from China and Thailand. He was a hard-right Republican and not known for using restraint in his role as Speaker of the House. Maybe that’s what this country needed right now, someone bold and not afraid of making enemies. “Cowards” and “criminal opportunists,” he called the Chinese and Thai companies, godless in their blatant manipulations. First they crash the western world currencies by dumping all their bonds, and then they sever trade relations because of the perceived low value in those currencies—a low value they themselves directly brought about. And where was their compassion? Any disaster anywhere in the world over the last century was instantly met by western countries rushing in with aid: food, clean water, medical supplies, skilled tradesmen, and whatever else was needed. Now the western countries are in dire need, and what do the easterners do? Pull out and watch them die, almost appearing to be chomping at the bit at the prospect of becoming the new rich kids on the block when it’s over.

What Clint found especially fascinating was how much food actually came from China and Thailand. Canned tuna, canned tomatoes, frozen fish, vitamin supplements, and bottled fruit juices were high on the list. Americans had come to depend on the east for satisfying their insatiable appetite for these items. The supply was now gone.

The new President ended his speech with a passionate pledge to increase food distribution throughout the country. All military reserves had been called up and were getting involved in the program. Large outdoor venues would be utilized as they began a campaign of continuous food and medical supply deliveries by aircraft. Clint envisioned the expansive lawns of City Park as being one of the possible locations. That would be a heck of a lot more pleasant than standing in line downtown. But could they really do it? Where were they going to get enough food for everyone?

Roy came by the house the first Saturday night in May with an interesting proposal.

“You said you wanted to make more room in your freezer, right? I’ll take some of that venison off your hands, buddy.”

He held a bulk-size container of mixed nuts and two bottles of wine. One of them had a label in a foreign language. Clint agreed to the trade, more from a compulsion to be neighborly than from liking the bargain. Jenny was happy with it, especially the wine. But Clint went to bed that night not liking his thoughts. He no longer felt compelled to be neighborly, and even found feelings of resentment creeping in. It wasn’t like him. For that reason he readily agreed with Jenny’s suggestion that they try to get to church twenty minutes early in the morning.

Good thing they did. With all the retail businesses closed, Clint half-expected their church to be closed as well. He certainly didn’t imagine it would be overcrowded like this. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. This was one of the last things left in Denver you could still go out and do.

“A packed house today,” the minister said at the beginning of the service. Uncomfortable chuckles responded here and there.

“It is an unfortunate human condition that we tend to seek God more during times of trouble. I wonder if that could that be part of the reason we have so much trouble? Because God desires to hear from us more? Something to think about.”

When it came time for the sermon, the minister actually read from the book of Revelation. The passage went on about a great whore named Babylon being judged. It seemed to be referring to a city. But Clint heard people mumbling around him. One of them whispered “America” while another said “China.” Jake would be happy if he were here.

Jake. Clint’s mind wandered off for the rest of the sermon and he thought about his brother. He hadn’t heard from him since Tuesday. It wasn’t like Jake to leave Clint alone this long right now. Part of Clint was glad, appreciating the break. But part of him was concerned. Clint decided to call him later.

Clint then did something that astonished himself. He uttered a prayer for his brother. Maybe the preacher was right about times of trouble.

That night, Jake didn’t answer either of his phones. The answering machine failed to pick up on his land line, which was strange. Clint kept trying to call him for the next several days with the same result. Now he was worried.

Chapter Five

“It’s time to bug out of the city,” Harold said.

Clint didn’t know how to respond. Part of him perceived the truth in his neighbor’s conclusion. Harold was, after all, a fairly level-headed guy, especially for a passionate gun enthusiast.

But part of Clint was still holding on to hope that everything would be okay, that a working vaccine would be announced and all the businesses would reopen, shortly returning society to a reasonable degree of normalness. Most of Clint’s other neighbors were still here, doubtlessly thinking the same way. Many of them were downtown with Jenny right now, fighting the hungry crowds and witnessing first hand how bad things had gotten.

“Bug out?” Clint said with a smirk on his face. “Isn’t that how this whole mess started? Some idiot scientists let a bug out.”

Harold didn’t laugh. Clint could tell he was in a serious mood, and it made Clint fidget uncomfortably.

A garage door opened three townhouses down. That was Tom and Louise’s home. Their big silver Jeep backed out the driveway. It was loaded, as if they were going on an extended camping trip. Clint could see two large gas cans strapped on in the rear.

“See?” Harold said. “There goes another. You don’t want to wait around and be the last one out, man. Tom must have arrived at the same conclusion. Although I’d hide that extra gas a little better if I were him. Makes a pretty inviting target the way he has it.”

Tom saw the two of them standing in Harold’s driveway and waved before driving off.

“He didn’t even come say goodbye,” Clint said. “That seems odd.”

Harold shook his head. “People change as circumstances dictate. It’s times like this when you find out who your friends really are. He was probably worried we’d ask if we could come along, or beg some of his food.”

“Maybe he just wants to get away clean with all the money he won in the last poker game.”

Still no laughter from Harold. But he did respond.

“That cash figures to be worthless pretty soon, if things keep going the way they are.”

“Harold, please don’t start sounding like my brother.”

 “Sorry, man.” Harold finally smiled. “Last thing I want to do is make that list. When’s the last time you talked to him?”

“More than a week ago now. Been trying to call him for the past few days. Can’t get through. Worries me. It’s not like Jake to stop pestering me when he thinks he has something to gloat about.”

“Hmm,” Harold said. “You know they said on the news that rural communities have been having their lines cut, possibly by vandals or even crazy local militia groups.”

“I know. I thought of that. But he’s only a few miles from La Junta, so you’d think he could get to a phone or a working cell tower.”

“Maybe small towns are having the same problem now. All the more reason to get out of here, before travelling becomes too difficult.”

“So that’s what you’re going to do?” Clint asked. “Hit the road, by yourself?”

“Well...” A sheepish look formed on Harold’s face. “I was kind of hoping I could hook up with you two. Not trying to be a leech, but there’s safety in numbers. I’m sure Jake will agree if you manage to get ahold of him. And it’s not like I don’t have anything to offer.” He looked back and forth and lowered his voice. “I’ve got about twelve pounds of jerky, too.”

Clint gazed at the gun cabinet in the back of Harold’s garage. Yes, Harold was something of an asset in a survival situation. If there was any civil unrest to contend with, he’d likely come in handy. But Clint knew he also came with potential unnecessary hazards. If problems with lawlessness did turn up on the road, Clint would prefer to not have a sizable cache of highly desirable weapons with him. He was an experienced hunter, but travelling with firearms always made him a little uneasy. Now even more so.

“What else would you plan on bringing?” Clint asked, motioning to the garage.

Harold laughed. He seemed to pick up on the concern in Clint’s voice.

“Don’t worry, man. The bulk of my collection stays here. Wouldn’t be optimal if we end up needing alternate transportation. Small arms only. Maybe one good rifle. Not too much ammo. You said Jake has plenty already, right?”

“Yeah. Possibly enough for a small country. You really think there might be problems on the road?”

“You watch any local news today?”

“No. Gave it a break this morning. Gives me indigestion.”

“There’s pile-ups and temporary blockades on I-25 now. Could get a lot worse. We should all get out of here ASAP. Today, if possible.”

“I don’t think so, Harold. I appreciate your offer, and especially your willingness to go light on the artillery. But Jenny and I haven’t decided what to do yet. We might end up staying and seeing what happens. I’ll keep an eye on your home for you if you want to take off.”

Harold stood there looking dejected for a minute. Clint felt sorry for him. Being alone at his age, at a time like this, must be depressing.

 “I’m embarrassed to admit I have no place to go,” Harold eventually responded.

Now Clint laughed. “Well, you can go to our cabin. Heck, I’ll feel better knowing you’re down there watching it. There’s a key in the fuse box. I can give you directions.”

Harold began nodding. “Thanks. Thanks a lot, man.”

“Just let me run it by Jenny first, okay? I know she’ll be fine with it, but she doesn’t like me making decisions without her. If you were married you’d understand.”

“When will she be back?”

“Soon, I hope.”

“To be honest, Clint, I don’t think it’s such a great idea you continue letting her go down there by herself. Especially with her being so pretty and all. The city isn’t as safe as it was a week ago.”

As soon as those words left Harold’s mouth, the sound of Jenny’s SUV taking a speed bump too fast drew their attention. Good, she was back. But she seemed to be driving erratically. The garage door to Clint’s house opened and Jenny pulled inside. Harold followed Clint home without asking to be invited.

“Well, the crap is hitting the fan now,” Jenny shouted as she came out of her car. “Hi, Harold.”

“Hi.”

“What do you mean, honey?” Clint rarely heard this tone from her and was a bit alarmed by it.

“Look,” she said, holding out half loaf of bread.

“That’s all they were giving today? Well, half a loaf is better than none. Good job, Jen.”

“No, they ran out completely. It was a madhouse, honey. You should have seen it. All of Denver must have been there. Everyone who’s left in town, anyway. Good thing I was there early. I got one of the last loaves.”

“I’m surprised they didn’t start rationing quarter-loaves.”

“Oh, I got a whole loaf. The guard boys didn’t care about rationing and just wanted to get done with it. But then a poor mother with three kids approached me. God they looked destitute. I gave them half. Couldn’t help it.”

“That’s okay.” Clint hugged his wife, careful not to smash the bread she labored so hard to procure. “I love you. There’s only two of us, anyway. Did you at least get the car gassed up?”

Jenny pulled back. “No! That’s the other thing. The gas stations are closed, Clint! I went to five of them. Huge lines of cars are parked for miles, waiting for them to reopen. No more gas! Then I saw Tom and Louise pulled over across the street from the last one, all loaded up and leaving. Tom was shaking his head while filling his tank from a gas can. A bunch of people were eyeballing him like vultures. I stopped and begged a small pour from him, being as I was on fumes. You know what? He wasn’t going to give me any! Until Louise made him. But we have no gas now! Oh honey, what are we going to do?”

“My car’s filled,” Harold said. “Plenty enough for us to make it, assuming the roads stay open. But I have 4-wheel drive, too, so we can go off-road in places if we need to.”

Jenny reacted with a confused look and glanced back and forth between them several times.

“What have you guys been talking about? Go where?”

Clint said “Jakes” at the same time Harold said, “Your cabin.” That made Clint chuckle. He hoped it would calm Jenny down some.

It didn’t. “You really think we should escape the city?” she said. “Has it come to that?”

“Maybe. What’s left here, honey? Closed businesses, no more gas, and now the government bread lines are even failing. You know we can survive at Jakes, or even at our cabin. Lots of good hunting in that area, plus the food Jake and I already have growing. We can wait this out down there and come back when things return to normal.”

Jenny didn’t take a whole lot more convincing. Three hours later they had Harold’s 1995 Subaru wagon fully loaded, including three mountain bikes latched onto the rear rack. Jenny went back to the house to lock up while Harold checked one of his guns.