Braving The Storms (Strengthen What Remains Book 3) (4 page)

Chapter Six

Hansen, Tuesday, September 22
^nd

Zach strolled down the quiet streets of Hansen toward the address DeLynn had given him the evening before. She had been secretive about it, just saying that her father wanted to talk with him. Mr. Hollister’s attitude had changed since the shootout at the ranger cabin, but he wasn’t looking forward to “a talk” from the father of his girlfriend. And why did he want to meet in downtown Hansen?

All Zach could see were empty shelves when he looked in the windows of the hardware store. A line stood outside a grocery market several blocks ahead. Something special, like meat or fresh fruit, must have arrived.

When he turned the corner, Zach realized the meeting was at the Lewis Hotel. That just added to the mystery. The seven-story, brownstone building had once been the grandest hotel in the county. It was empty now, and had been for several years. Zach knew about a backdoor that looked locked, but wasn’t. Many times he had pulled on the broken latch to open that rear door. This was one of the places he got things that he needed for trade.

He pulled on the front door and, for the first time, it swung open. The inside was dark. He scanned the lobby wondering if DeLynn might be there, and noticed a well-dressed woman sitting on a crate in the shadows. As he approached, he recognized Mrs. Hollister. On numerous occasions DeLynn had spoken of her mother’s problems. As the world spiraled out of control, she had sunk in a whirlpool of despair. Like his own mother’s depression, Zach struggled to understand her despondency. She had a loving husband and daughter and enough to eat. Why was she so sad? Busy with the task of surviving, he had rarely seen or asked about her lately. “Hi, Mrs. Hollister. DeLynn asked me to meet your husband here.”

An expressionless face stared at him.

“Do you know where he is?”

She pointed. “Standing in the middle of the street.” Her head slumped.

Zach walked out a side door and found Kent Hollister staring at the building from the middle of the road. Since there was no traffic, Zach joined him.

“I bought it.” Kent said with a smile.

“You did?” The outside of the building was drab, but Zach knew the inside looked like a construction project, or perhaps a destruction one. “You think this place is a good investment?”

“Yes.” The older man nodded. “The building is sound and it is near the only place in town with a thriving economy—the library park market. I needed a location near it and this was the cheapest building for sale that met the criteria.”

Yeah and I know why it was so cheap. It’s a wreck.

“I can tell from your face that you think it’s a bad idea, but that shop there on the corner of the hotel was once a bakery. I’m going to fix it up. I know where I can buy flour. Bread and pastries will sell well.” He pointed to another corner. “Fifty years ago that was a general store. It can be again. We can make this block bustle.”

“Okay, sir, I’ll help you fix it up.”
It’s your money.

“I could use your help with the renovations, but what I would like is for you and Vicki to manage the general store. Our family will work the bakery.” He spread his arms and gestured toward the two sides of the building that faced major streets. “Eventually, I want stores in all those spaces on the first floor.”

“I’ve never run a store.”

“Actually you did.”

Zach cast him a confused glance. “No, I’m pretty sure I didn’t.”

“The fish stand at the park was a small store. You’re a very resourceful young man with an innate ability to find food and other things you need.”

“Vicki and I fished and I hunted, then we sold what we didn’t eat. That wasn’t really a store.”

“Basically it was. The general store will just have a bigger inventory and there will be a couple more zeros to carry when adding up the balance.”

Actually I didn’t carry a balance. I ate it.

“In college I worked in a warehouse and an accounting department.” Kent Hollister patted him on the back. “I’ll teach you what you need to know.”

“It would be nice to have an inside shop, but how much do you want for it?”

“Rent you mean?” He shook his head and silently stared at his feet for several moments and then looked Zach in the eye. “I’ve come to a better understanding of a few things this year. You saved my daughter’s life and in this new and crazy world, you are better equipped to provide for and protect DeLynn than either her mother or me. Given the same circumstances, I would have starved—and my family as well. We’ll be building a future together.”

Zach felt his face flush. “I won’t have a lot of time until I graduate.”

“I want you to graduate and go on to college. Any future son-in-law of mine should be well educated.”

“Ah…son-in-law?” Zach’s face burned hot.

Kent smiled broadly. “You two seem to love each other very much, but I do want you both to wait, mature, and get some education.”

Finally able to speak, Zach said, “I also want to keep working at the armory.”

“I would prefer that you not join the military. I don’t want my daughter to be a young widow.”

“Huh?” Zach was certain he would soon burst into embarrassed flame.

Kent grinned again and then the two talked of business for several more minutes before Zach jogged on to school. First period was government class and since it was required for graduation he tried to concentrate, but he spent more time smiling at DeLynn, on his left, than at the notes Mr. Hammond wrote on the board.

DeLynn cast him a disapproving glance and nodded toward the board.

He reluctantly turned his attention to the front of the class only to be surprised by big red letters, ‘Test on Friday.’

Zach sighed.

“Mr. Brennon,” the teacher asked, “am I boring you?”

Why did Mr. Hammond always address students so formally. “Ah…no…well, how useful is this class when the government is falling apart?”

“How can you understand what you’ve lost, if you never knew what you had?”

Another student asked, “Why do you always answer questions with questions?”

“I don’t.” Hammond smiled. “Do I?”

Laughter dotted the classroom.

“Will there be a war?” Delynn asked.

A boy near the front turned back around. “Your boyfriend fought in the first battle. It’s already started.”

The guy seated behind Zach patted him on the back. A few others chanted his name. Zach stared at the desk in humiliated silence wishing he could forget his cowardly performance as he hid behind a tree and cried that day.

After school he walked toward the armory with his head hung down, kicking stones as he went. He knew he wasn’t a coward. DeLynn thought he was the bravest man alive. He smiled and kicked another stone. She was brave too, and he liked that about her. Perhaps they had both been brave when they needed to be on that awful day at the cabin.

With one of his demons tucked away, at least for the moment, Zach smiled and jogged on toward his job at the armory.

* * *

Along the freeway south of Olympia, Tuesday, September 22
^nd

“So that’s my future,” Caden mumbled as he drove toward Hansen. He glanced at the blue folder on the passenger seat. “Die of the Kern flu or live and fight in another war.” Life in the army had taught him that death would come when it did. He would not live in fear of its arrival. Still, he had danced around death’s snare many times. How long could he do that before it caught him? Someday, the sun would rise and he would not feel its warmth. Life would go on, but without him.

He shook his head. Dwelling in despair and sadness was no way to live either. Life was a gift and, as long as he possessed it, he would enjoy it.

These drives up to Olympia and back always leave me too much time to think.
Caden took a deep breath and tried to refocus his thoughts on something less existential. For several minutes his vehicle rolled along the empty asphalt.

Heading south out of Olympia, he reached a section of freeway lined with forest. In this area, with only an occasional home visible, he could imagine the terror attacks never took place. However, when he reached the top of a hill the freeway swept out for nearly a mile before him. He looked at his watch. Five vehicles were on the road, a fuel truck, an eighteen-wheeler, two Humvees, and the SUV he was driving, and it was rush hour.

Caden sighed and tried not to think of the growing threats to the nation and around the world. Even the problems of Hansen appeared daunting. With the collapse of the dollar, the cost of food had risen beyond the means of many people. Farming was once again a dominate trade, but many still went hungry. Law enforcement and security had been his main focus. He knew how thin the veneer of civilization was and, with war and a pandemic looming, he worried that the last of it would soon be worn away.

Governor Monroe always seemed composed. How did he manage the many issues he faced without being overwhelmed? Managing a platoon in combat seemed easier. Caden knew he was going to need help.

Rummaging in his pocket, he retrieved his phone and speed dialed Lieutenant Brooks. When he answered, Caden said, “I want to call a meeting of the LEPC—.”

“The what?”

“Local Emergency Planning Committee, or something like that.”

“Oh. You haven’t been to one of their meetings for months.”

“True, but I’m going to need their help.”

“How bad is it?”

“Bad, but it isn’t here yet, so we still have time. I’ll brief you when I get back and you should probably come to the meeting.”

“Ah, before you hang up, First Sergeant Fletcher didn’t report in this morning.”

“When did he last check in and what did he say?”

“Deputy Morris radioed in yesterday. He reported the location of another murder and said the patrol would be checking out a hunting lodge that might be the gang hideout. Morris said he was picking up supplies and returning to the patrol. That’s the last we’ve heard.”

“Do we have anyone else in the area?”

“No, but I have a squad ready. They can refuel with the Morton police and be at the lodge by dawn.”

“Do it.” Tomorrow was shaping up to be a long day. He wondered whom to call next and decided on Dr. Scott. She knew everyone on the LEPC and this was a medical situation. Poking around on his phone he looked for her number.

The blare of a horn startled him.

Caden looked up. His SUV straddled two lanes.

A huge truck filled his rearview mirror.

He swerved to the fast lane.

The eighteen-wheeler rumbled past.

Caden’s heart pounded in his chest. One other vehicle traveled along the road and, because of him, they had almost collided. Right then he decided that for any future military travel, he would have a driver so he could work in transit.

Recalling the rest area a couple of miles ahead, he dropped the phone on the passenger seat and continued south. The sun was still above the trees when he pulled off the freeway into what had been a park-like rest area. However, now the grass was overgrown and about a dozen cars were stripped and pushed to the rear where shadows and trees obscured the view. Near the forest, in a makeshift camp, a few people lingered beside a fire.

Caden reached for his phone when a familiar sense kicked in. Perhaps it was paranoia, or some lingering post-traumatic stress, but he didn’t feel safe. He pulled out of the rest area and drove down the highway several hundred yards.

Normally pulling to the shoulder of a freeway would be stressful but, on this empty road, he felt safe. Retrieving his phone he called Dr. Scott. “We need to talk.”

“I just got out of surgery. Can it wait?”

“Not really. It’s about the pandemic.”

“Did you get the medicines?”

“No.”

“Oh.” A heavy sigh floated through the phone.

“But we still need a plan. I’m told the Kern flu could be here in days.”

“Yes, it could, but I don’t know what we can do other than quarantine the sick and treat symptoms.”

“And pray for a vaccine,” Caden added. “Let’s get everyone together tomorrow morning at an LEPC meeting and see if we can come up with some plans.”

Two small boys trotted out of the woods ahead of him and walked toward the car.

“Okay,” the doctor replied

One of the boys pressed his face against the driver-side window.

Caden smiled at him. Into the phone he said, “Would you call them? I’m still traveling back and don’t have all the numbers in my phone.”

“Why me?”

“Because you’re on the committee and they all know you.”

The doctor sighed again. “Sure, a plan would be good.”

“Great.” When he ended the call Caden dropped the phone on top of the blue folder next to him.

The boys lingered in the roadway. Caden rolled down his window. “Hello. Where are you from?”

The shorter boy pointed back toward the rest area.

“We’re hungry,” the other said. “Do you have food?”

“My mom is sick, can you help?”

“No,” Caden shook his head. “I don’t have any food.”

Disappointment spread across their faces.

He recalled Henry, the farmer stuck with his family in the parking lot by the freeway and wondered if he might be able to do some good, but he was concerned about the sick woman. “What’s wrong with your mother?”

The boys shrugged. Their eyes darted beyond Caden’s car and then, without saying a word, they backed away.

Caden stiffened. His senses went on high alert. He fingered his pistol.

The passenger door flew open.

A pistol pointed at his head. “Get out!”

Chapter Seven

Along the freeway south of Olympia, Tuesday, September 22
^nd

The two boys ran toward the trees.

Caught with a pistol in the face, his weapon holstered, and still seated, Caden opened the driver-side door, lifted his arms, and slid out of the car.

Another man jogged up clutching a baton-style flashlight. “Stupid kids! Why didn’t they say he was in uniform? Does he have a gun? We could have been killed.”

“Calm down, Jake,” the armed man replied. “They did what we asked them to do. I’ll keep an eye on him, get Carol into his car and let’s go.”

“He’s got a gun in that holster. Let’s get it before we go.”

Caden’s eyes shifted between the two. “You can have the car.” He turned slightly, moving the holster out of view and making himself a narrower target for the armed man. “But I’m keeping the gun.”

“Like hell you are,” Jake said and took a step closer.

The situation brought back memories of Fort Rucker and the two men who tried to rob him. Maria had been the unexpected savior there. He hoped to get home to her tonight, and he just might if Jake stepped closer. Caden visualized using the angry man as cover while he pulled out his pistol.

“Shut up Jake!” the man with the pistol barked. “Get your sister.”

With anger still in his eyes the man turned and jogged into the forest.

“I’m sorry about Jake. My wife, Carol, is really sick. I’ve got to get her to the hospital.”

“Did you run out of gas?”

Pistol Man nodded.

“Why didn’t you ask for help?”

“We’ve tried waving down cars.” He shook his head. “You’re the first to stop since we arrived. I couldn’t risk you saying no.”

A minute later Jake returned, struggling to carry a limp woman. As he neared, he stumbled and the woman slid toward the pavement.

Instinctively, Caden darted over, thrust his arms under her, and lifted. “I’ll help you get her in the car.” As they moved toward the SUV, Caden wondered if the woman had Kern flu. “How long has she been sick?”

“Two days,” Pistol Man said.

“Where were you driving from?”

“Why do you ask so many questions?” Jake asked as he opened the rear of the car.

Caden pushed the hatch up, and they laid her gently in the vehicle.

Another woman approached, followed by the two boys. They stared at Caden as he and the men walked to the car.

Turning his gaze back to the man with the gun, Caden said, “The keys are in the ignition.”

“Sorry,” Pistol Man said with a nod.

Caden and Pistol Man stood staring at each other as Jake sat in the driver’s seat and the others climbed in the back.

“Please just stand there while I get in the car.” Pistol Man said backing away. “I don’t want to hurt anyone. I just need to get help for my wife.”

“There’s a hospital in Hansen,” Caden said. “Two exits south. You’ll see the signs.”

Pistol Man nodded. “Thanks.” He jumped into the passenger seat and the car sped away.

Caden took in a deep draft of air and let it out slowly.
Well, if I had to be robbed, helping a woman get to the hospital is a good reason.
He fumbled in his pockets looking for his phone and then recalled dropping it on the passenger seat. He sighed, wished he was wearing more comfortable shoes, and then ambled south along an empty freeway.

* * *

Hansen Armory, Tuesday, September 22
^nd

Lieutenant Brooks hung up the phone with Maria and leaned back in his chair. Something weird was going on. First Fletcher didn’t report in and now Caden didn’t answer his phone. Deep in thought he stood and walked into the conference room. Staring at the map he located the position of each squad from memory. Second Squad was on the road to Morton, so he should know something about the two units with Fletcher by early tomorrow.

“Where is Caden,” he asked himself, “and why isn’t he answering his phone?”

“What’s that sir?” the sergeant in the next room asked.

“Nothing. Just thinking out loud.”

He shoved a finger against the map. Third Squad there, near Longview. Fourth Squad was northwest of town near Alder Lake. Only the new Sixth Squad remained. If he sent them out looking for Caden that would leave ten soldiers at the armory.
That’s barely enough to stop a band of renegade middle-schoolers, but not enough to handle an emergency.
“This is why I get paid the big, nearly worthless, bucks,” he muttered. “Sergeant!”

A chair scraped against the floor and a head appeared in the door. “Yes, sir?”

“I need Sixth Squad saddled up and ready for a search mission, ASAP.”

* * *

Along the freeway south of Olympia, Tuesday, September 22
^nd

As Caden walked south along the freeway shoulder he stared up at the starry sky. On his thirteenth Christmas he had received a telescope. For several years, on clear nights such as this he would walk into the meadow carrying the heavy scope and stare at planets, stars and moons. Tonight only a sliver of the moon shined. Orion, the Big Dipper, and the North Star were easy to spot. Venus was low in the sky, often hidden by trees.

Continuing toward Hansen, he sighed. The heavens would always have an allure for him, but for the foreseeable future more earthly matters demanded his attention. Moreover, he hadn’t seen the telescope in ages. It probably had fallen victim to a yard sale years ago.

Still he stared at the black vista above him as he plodded along. In the distance an engine rumbled. It was heading north so he paid it little attention.

A minute later, headlights appeared. They were coming toward him, heading north. Only a grassy median divided the north and south lanes. Caden considered jogging to the other side and flagging down the oncoming vehicle, but thought it unlikely anyone would stop for a pedestrian walking in the middle of a dark, and lonely highway. Besides, if he continued south at his current rapid pace he would be home in plenty of time for breakfast. He smiled at his own wry humor.

As the rumble neared he realized it was a Humvee. He thrust his arm out in a futile gesture to stop the vehicle, but it zoomed past.

Of course. I’m late and not answering my phone. They’re looking for me.

Listening for traffic, Caden doggedly trekked south.

Nearly an hour later he crested one of the last hills before the turn off to Hansen. As he continued down the south slope the rumble of an engine disturbed the quiet. He stopped and listened. The vehicle drove south.

Hoping it was the Humvee on the return loop of its search, he stood directly on the white line of the shoulder, stared into the darkness, and waited.

Two bright lights crested the hill.

He reached out his arm.

A semi-tractor-trailer rushed out of the darkness blaring its horn.

Caden lept backwards and, after it blew by, made sure all his fingers were still there. He decided not to wave at anymore headlights. He turned and continued his trek south.

As he climbed the next hill, the sound of a vehicle growled from the north. This time he stayed well onto the shoulder.

Standing near the crest of one hill, he had a good view as the vehicle topped the slope to the north. It wasn’t a truck, but in the darkness he couldn’t be certain, so he stood and stared at the headlights. As it neared he relaxed.

The Humvee slowed.

Zach jumped out as it rolled to a stop. He saluted and with a broad grin said, “We’ve been looking for you, sir. What happened?”

“I was carjacked. Take me to the hospital.”

Zach’s eyes widened.

“I’m fine,” Caden said. “I think that’s where we’ll find my car.” He took the passenger seat, Zach sat in back, as the driver, private Nelson, slipped the vehicle into gear.

Grasping the microphone, Caden used the Humvee radio to report in. “Thanks for sending out the cavalry,” he said to Brooks on the other end. “I’m going to stop by the hospital and see if my car is there. Have a deputy meet us.”

“Roger, and I’ll let Maria know you’re fine.”

Caden nodded at the mic. “Thanks. Tell her I’ll be home soon. Out.” He looked at the two with him in the Humvee. Both were young. Still only seventeen, Zach remained a civilian, but he had learned so much, and been so useful, his age was sometimes forgotten. Less than a year older, Nelson was one of the newest soldiers. “I’m glad you guys found me.”

They both smiled.

They pulled into the hospital parking lot minutes later and Caden spotted the SUV near the emergency entrance.

“I don’t expect trouble from them, but at least one is armed. Be alert. Block the car from leaving,” Caden ordered.

With the Humvee in position everyone jumped out with weapons ready, but the vehicle was empty. The car was unlocked. Caden’s phone was on the passenger side floor and turned off. The blue folder, with information about the Kern Flu, sat open on the back seat. Several pages had been removed and lay scattered. Nothing else appeared disturbed.

Caden dropped the phone into his pocket and shut the car door as the deputy pulled into the parking lot.

“Deputy Wallace, right?” Caden asked as the man stepped from his car.

“That’s right, sir.”

Caden briefed him and everyone hurried into the hospital.

Twenty patients crowded the small emergency room. Doctors and nurses moved through with gurneys and wheelchairs. It took several moments for Caden to spot the beleaguered admissions clerk. “About three hours ago two men brought in a very sick woman.”

“We don’t get many healthy ones in the emergency room.”

“One of the men was probably very agitated and—”

“Oh that guy.” She pointed. “Down that hall. Room 125.”

They strode away with Caden in the lead. It didn’t take long to find Pistol Man. He sat just outside the designated room with his head resting in his hands.

“I’ll need those keys back now, and your pistol.” Caden held out his hand. “How is your wife?”

With his gaze still to the floor, he held up the keys. “She’s dead.”