Odd Billy Todd (76 page)

It was well after dark before they were done, working in the glow of several floodlights.

“She’ll cure in a couple days, I’d guess,” Ben informed them. “Then we’ll see about sketchin’ out somethin’ to start on.”

“Sounds good to me,” Terry nodded. “You need any help with that truck?”

“You can help me get’er filled with water, to wash out what’s left,” Ben nodded. “Make’s clean-up a lot easier. Might want to use it again.” The two left to go do just that. The rest headed home.

“Thank you, Billy. For remembering,” Rhonda smiled, as the two walked home.

“Sure,” Billy smiled back. “Course, we ain’t got nothin’ but a floor, yet. Still, it’ll happen.” Billy stopped suddenly, and drew Rhonda off the road slightly.

“What is it?” she whispered.

“Truck comin’,” he told her. “I think it’s George,” he added a minute later. “Don’t sound like they’re runnin’.”

Two minutes later, the Hummer pulled into view. Billy stepped out as the vehicle stopped.

“Anything wrong?” Billy asked.

“Well, not right at the moment,” George sighed. “But we did find another trouble spot. Place called Centerville.”

“I know it,” Billy nodded, and Rhonda did too.

“Well, they are hostile,” George sighed. “We decided to check on some of the larger places, just on the periphery, you know? Skirt the edges and see what was there. Before we made it into town, we all got the feeling that someone was watching us, so we pulled off the road and hid.” He went on to describe the scene that had played out in front of them.

“Well, that sucks,” Rhonda sighed. “Just when we were hoping things might calm down.”

“Well, they don’t know we’re here,” George pointed out. “And, they thought we were Army, because of the Hummer. I think so long as we don’t have contact with them, we’ll be fine. I hate to say it, but I think our wandering and exploring is about over.”

“I suggest we gather what stuff we’ve already located, and call it a day. There’s just too much risk involved.”

“Need to know how many of’em there are,” Billy said thoughtfully. “Be great if we could get them interested in that Franklin bunch, wouldn’t it.”

“That would require more luck than I think we have to spare,” George sighed. “But we should make the first priority gathering what we’ve found. It’s mostly fuel, but there are some other odds and ends.”

“When you want to try?” Billy asked.

“I’d say tomorrow, to be honest. It may take us two days, or even three.”

“I guess we better get it put together, then. Once we’re finished, we can settle in I guess, and just take care of what’s here.”

*****

A small but well armed convoy started out the next morning, led by the Hummer. Once again, Pete and Billy stayed behind, along with Toby and Ralph, and Jerry. All the other men made the trip, along with several of the women, including Rhonda and Shelly.

Pete and Billy decided to take their horses and do a ride across of the valley, something they had taken to doing on a frequent but irregular basis. Danny begged and pleaded to come along, and Billy finally relented. Mary was at the Clifton House, along with Amanda, helping replace Ruth Townsend and Megan Johnson, the teen they had rescued in Columbia. She had recovered nicely with good food and safety, and was ready and willing to work, so both had gone along with the convoy.

The three of them rode a wide circuit, checking on any and everything they could think of. They encountered Jerry Silvers along the way, out checking the crops.

“Near to harvest time,” he told them, as the four relaxed in the shade of a tree. “I’d say another six weeks, and we’ll be full in the field, if the weather cooperates.”

“Which it won’t,” Pete snorted, and Jerry chuckled.

“No, probably not,” he admitted. “Still, I like what I see. Wish we could get one more good rain, ‘tween now and then, though. Might up the yields some. But we’ll have a good crop, Lord willin’, rain or no.”

“Reckon we’ll be some busy gettin’ it all put by,” Billy noted.

“Not as bad as you might think,” Jerry shook his head. “Remember, the corn is mostly for the stock, and the rapeseed is for the bio fuel. All we’ll have to do is store that. The wheat we’ll need to harvest, and let dry for everyone to be able to grind it for flour, and we set by that one corn field for corn meal. Sure wish we had a little mill,” he added wistfully.

“Can’t we build one?” Billy asked. Jerry looked at him.

“Well, yeah, comes to that I reckon we can. Hadn’t thought about it.”

“Talk to Howie,” Billy suggested. “Man’s a pure redneck genius.”

“Ain’t he gone with the convoy?”

“No, he ain’t,” Billy shook his head. “I wouldn’t let him. We can’t spare him, ever. He gets hurt, or worse, and we’re in a world o’ trouble. I don’t want him away from where we can protect him anytime we can prevent it. And we can prevent it, this time.”

“Well, reckon I’ll just mosey on over there, then,” Jerry nodded. “Be seein’ you fellas. You comin’ to dinner, Peter?”

“Yes, sir,” Pete nodded. “I’ll see you this evening.”

“Good enough,” the older man nodded, and rode off toward Howie’s.

“Peter, you comin’ to dinner?” Billy asked, teasing his friend.

“Shut up,” Pete growled, grinning. “Man’s gonna be my father-in-law. Reckon he want’s to call me Peter, he can.”

“Be callin’ you son, next,” Billy grinned.

“Can’t see that’s a bad thing,” Pete said thoughtfully. “That’s a right fine man, right there.”

“He is that,” Billy nodded in agreement. “One o’ the best. He’s another we don’t want to let get too far away, comes to that. Him and Miss Em are a gold mine of information. We need them much as we do ole Howie.”

“Yeah,” Pete nodded. “Jerry ain’t no young man, neither.”

“Reckon he ain’t,” Billy agreed. “But he’s tougher’n shoe leather, Jerry is. C’mon, let’s get finished.” He looked at Danny. “Figure you need to head home. Imagine you got work waitin’.”

“Okay,” Danny nodded. “See ya Pete!” he called before putting his heels to Thor and starting home.

“Take care, kid!” Pete called after him. He looked at Billy.

“What’s on your mind?” he asked.

“Obvious, huh?” Billy grunted. Pete just shrugged.

“You notice that our two new friends were ‘reluctant’ to help with the convoy today?” he asked, speaking of Williams and March.

“Yeah,” Pete sighed. “They’re always reluctant, seems like.”

“They are,” Billy nodded. “Don't think our relations with them ain’t gonna end too well.”

“I figure the same,” Pete admitted. “Thing is, what do we do? We can’t just throw’em out. They been doing pretty good on those places they took, and it’s comin’ on to winter anyway.”

“Well, the way I see it is this,” Billy started his horse moving. “They can either get with the program, or they can go it alone. I don’t mind’em stayin’ on here, but they can forget gettin’ any help from us. They ain’t gonna help, and do it cheerfully, then we don’t need’em, and we ain’t gonna baby’em. That sit all right with you?”

“I guess,” Pete shrugged. “I don’t know of anything else that will do. And they have worked,” he reminded Billy.

“They have, and as long as they keep at it, I’m pretty okay with their attitude, long as it don’t get no worse. But I figure it’s gonna get worse. I know that March was mumblin’ ‘bout how me and you wasn’t goin’.”

“Someone’s got to watch this place,” Pete shrugged, riding alongside Billy. “This time it was us. Them two ain’t gonna be much use protecting the valley.”

“I think it had more to do with the fact that we wasn’t workin’ on the convoy, than that,” Billy shook his head. “Way I took it, he figured we should be goin’, stead o’ him and Williams. See what I mean?”

“We done our part, and a few others as well, Billy,” Pete protested. “You got shot, too.”

“I know that, and so do you. So does everyone, ‘cept them two. Their women ain’t much better, and they don’t allow their young’uns to ‘associate’ with the rest, neither. Times I wish they’d just missed our road altogether. Wasn’t for them kids they brought with’em, anyway.”

“Yeah,” Pete agreed. “That was a good stroke of luck for the kids. Things might not be ideal at the Clifton House, but it’s got to be better’n what they had.”

“And they’re safer, too,” Billy nodded. “Well, anyway. Just be thinkin’ on it. I don’t know what to do with’em either. And it ain’t gonna be up to just us, noway. Ever body’ll have a say in it.”

“So they will.”

CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN

Days turned to weeks. Work was done. Preparations for winter were under way, despite the fact that winter was still some months away. August gave way to September, and some of the leaves began to change. The weather cooled. Jerry got his rain. The armory was finished, and all the weapons and ammunition not issued or stored at the houses was placed there, and the building disguised.

The blockhouse had walls, and a roof, along with openings cut for windows. The roof was constructed to allow for a loft, and plans were already being drawn to add another wing, this one with a basement for long term storage. Water lines were placed, septic tanks buried. Rough but serviceable bathrooms, along with showers, were added. If worse came to worse, then the blockhouse would make a good last stand position.

Everyone hoped that wouldn’t happen.

A week of hard work saw to it that everyone had firewood for the winter. A brief discussion with March and Williams saw the two of them and their families being more friendly, and more open to group efforts, since they, too, profited from those efforts.

Jerry announced that harvest would start in the next two weeks, give or take, depending on the weather. That sent a flurry of work at storage, preparations for the wheat to be ground, the corn to be ground, and the rapeseed to be pressed into oil. Ralph and Howie had taken over the bio fuel project now, with help from Jon Kelvey, and they had found an old roller machine that had once been used to bend and roll sheet metal they had ‘pressed’ into service to press the seed, and collect the oil.

Danny’s friend Trey had been helping with preparations, and one night had returned to the house with Danny and Billy, intending to spend the night, as he did every so often. Danny had invited him to play X-Box, but the boy had declined, sadly.

“Miss Regina says I can’t play when I’m here. It’s not fair to the others, cause I get more time than they do.”

“What’s that?” Billy sat up a bit straighter.

“It’s the rules,” Trey shrugged. “I got to follow the rules when I’m here, just like if I was there.”

“Reckon I make the rules ‘round here,” he said flatly. “You want to play, play. Just don’t tell’er. You was on your best behavior and did as what you were told. Keep your own business private from now on.” Trey considered that for less than a minute before he was down, controller in hand, and ready to help Danny trounce Toby.

Billy lay aside the book he’d been trying to read, thinking on this. Seems like they might need to pay a little more attention to what them kids at the home was being taught.

Facts was, maybe they all needed to take a hand in teaching the kids the lay of things, nowadays. Most of them were of age to start learning at least some things, already. They needed to get an early start. Trey and one other, a girl of fourteen, were already big enough they should be helping with chores away from the Clifton House. They weren’t simply because the others thought having the two working at the House would take some of the pressure off the women who were responsible for so many children.

He decided he needed to talk to Rhonda about this. She’s know what to do, and just how to handle it.

*****

Rhonda listened to Billy relay his conversation with Trey, growing angrier by the second. She did, however, remain silent until Billy finished.

“Well,” Billy said, finally. “What do you think?”

“I think I’m going up there and tear that bitch’s hair out, that’s what!” Rhonda’s voice was a growl. “Of all the stupid things I’ve heard, this just about tops them all. The whole idea of having that stuff was to give the children a little bit of normalcy. What the hell is she doing up there?”

“I think this ain’t no place for me to be involved,” Billy said quietly. “Reckon you need to gather up the other women, and discuss this amongst yerselves. And I don’t want you trottin’ off up there alone, hear? Best this not be done in front o’ the young’uns. They got enough on their plate as it is. Ya’ll get’er down to the common house, and lay into her there. Together,” he stressed. Rhonda considered that for a moment, then nodded.

“Fair enough. I’m goin’ to see Emma. And Trey stays here from now on.”

“What?” Billy looked startled. “Now wait a min. . . .”

“No,” Rhonda shook her head. “He and Danny are friends, only a year or so apart in age, and they get along well. Danny needs friends his age that can do the things he does. They can bunk together in his room. Trey. Stays. Here.”

“What about the girl?” Billy challenged. “Don’t Mary need friends her own age, too?”

“She and Amanda get along famously,” Rhonda informed him. “Their age difference is less than three years, and Mary is very mature for her age. In fact, the two of them are together right now at Amy’s. Baking cookies.”

Okay,” Billy sighed. He hadn’t intended to wind up with yet another child, but Rhonda had that look. The one she got when she meant to have her way, if it meant hell just had to freeze over so she could skate on by. He didn’t like that look. He especially didn’t like it aimed at him. He decided he’d leave it aimed at Regina Townsend.

“I’m going to see Emma,” Rhonda announced, getting to her feet. “I’ll be back when I get back. I’m taking Trey with me. Emma will want to talk to him.” With that she gathered her things, gathered Trey, and went.

“Oh, boy,” Billy murmured. “This might be bad.”

*****

“What does Regina have to say about all this?” Emma asked, after Trey had told Emma his story. The two women, especially Emma, had questioned the boy rather thoroughly, and once he realized he wasn’t going back to Clifton House to stay, he started talking more.

Essentially, the older children took a backseat to the younger. While the older children were allowed access to some of the toys, any punishments included the loss of those privileges. Neither woman objected to that, since both had done so themselves.

But as the tale went on, Emma began to see a disturbing pattern. It sounded to her as if Regina had adopted a two tier system with the children in her care. The younger children, below school age, were her ‘favorites’. The older children, especially those into their teen years, were. . .not. She wasn’t cruel to them, and Trey was honest about it. She simply wasn’t fair with them, in almost any way.

With Trey gone, Emma sat thoughtfully for a few minutes, clearly playing things over in her mind. Rhonda sat silently, waiting.

“Do you know how many children are up there, at the house?” Emma asked suddenly.

“Uh, not exactly,” Rhonda admitted.

“Neither do I,” Emma agreed. “And that’s our first mistake. How big of a burden have we placed on her?”

“She’s got five other. . . .” Rhonda started, but Emma held up a hand.

“Hold on, girl,” Emma ordered. “She’s got two grown women, and that’s all. The others are teens. How much work is it for you to keep reign on Danny and Mary?”

“Well, it’s not too bad,” Rhonda admitted. “They’re both very responsible, and do a great deal of work. They don’t argue about their chores, or their school work, either.”

“But they are exceptions to the rule,” Emma nodded. “My point exactly. I think it’s time we had a ladies meeting, Rhonda. We’ve neglected things like this in all the hubbub of getting other things done. It’s time we took a hand it what’s happening right here at home.”

*****

“There are fourteen children living there,” Debby informed the others as they gathered around the table in the common building. Rhonda had taken the Ford and brought Amy, Debby and Maria to meet with her Shelly, and Emma. They hadn’t bothered with the two newcomers, as no one knew them very well, yet. They had, however, included Elizabeth Rickman.

“That’s too many,” Amy shook her head. “You know, we talked about this when we were in Columbia,” she reminded Rhonda.

“Yeah,” Rhonda looked slightly red faced. She wasn’t angry anymore, now that she could see that maybe Regina and the others were over worked. “We did. And we haven’t done a thing about it.”

“There’s always more than one side to any problem,” Emma nodded, grateful for the attitude. “Now, we need a workable solution. Who’d like to go first?”

“Well, I’ve already decided we’ll adopt Trey,” Rhonda announced. The others looked at her in surprise. “He and Danny are good friends, and Trey likes to help him and Billy with working on the vehicles. Danny’s been teaching him about his chores, too, which includes taking care of our little herd of cows. It just. . .it seemed like the thing to so,” she shrugged. “And he’s a great kid.”

“He is,” Debby nodded. “Always respectful in class, and gets very good grades. George and I have been talking about this as well, but didn’t know what to do. There’s a four year old little girl named Bethany we’d like to adopt. Do. . .do you think we could?” she asked hesitantly. Several months back she and Rhonda had butted heads over Mary. Everyone knew, now, that her problem had been caused by withdrawal from a powerful anti-depressant. Debby was fully recovered now, and doing well.

“I don’t see why not,” Emma nodded. “You’ve done a wonderful job with Georgie. He’s about the sweetest little boy I’ve ever met!” Debby blushed at this praise, and nodded her thanks to Emma for the compliment.

“My ninios are friends with the one called Sam,” Maria said next in her heavily accented English. “He is between them in age, and they get along very well. I must discuss this with Terrance, but I think we can take him into our home.”

“I’ve decided I can take at least one child as well,” Emma surprised them. “I don’t know, just yet, who it will be, but I was thinking about the teenager, Sally. She came here with Regina. She should be fourteen now, if I recall correctly. She’s working there, helping with the smaller children. But with the Beal sisters there now, I’d say she could use a break. And someone has to teach these children how to cope.”

Shelly smiled at that, her face lighting up. Rhonda noticed, and gave her a questioning look.

“Pete asked me to marry him,” she announced softly, and startled gasps erupted around the room. Emma didn’t look surprised at all, an hugged her daughter lovingly.

“You knew, didn’t you?” Shelly accused.

“Pete did come speak to your father a week or so ago,” Emma admitted.

“Oh, that’s so sweet!” Amy sighed. “When’s the big day?”

“What day?” Shelly shrugged. “There’s no preacher here. We’ve decided that we’re simply going to state that we’re married, and that’s it. Billy. . .believe it or not, Billy had already decided that would happen, and has been working on the George House for us. Pete’s already staying there.” She looked at her mother.

“I’m going to move in with him at the end of next week. I. . .I was hoping that Daddy would say some words over us, Momma. It won’t be like a preacher did it, but it’s the best we’re going to get, looks like.”

“I’m sure he’ll be thrilled,” Emma smiled. “And this means we’ll need to plan a party of some kind, ladies,” she added. Elizabeth had a funny look on her face, and Emma noticed.

“Something wrong, dear?” she asked. Elizabeth didn’t reply directly, but looked at Shelly.

“Would it. . .would it be stealing any thunder from you if Howie and I. . .if we asked your father to do the same for us?” she asked shyly. “I mean, I don’t want to intrude. . . .”

“Don’t be silly!” Shelly exclaimed. “Of course! A double wedding!” More squeals of excitement erupted, and the others gathered around the two blushing brides. Finally, after several moments, Emma called their attention back.

“Ladies, as much fun as this is, we need to get back to the matter at hand. We’ve found homes for four of these children, three of them teens. Anyone else?” Eyes darted around the table at that. Amy held up her hands, palms up.

“I’d love to, but. . .with helping Doc get the clinic ready, and the lack of room we have, I don’t see how it’s possible.”

“We need to be working on getting your two families into separate housing,” Rhonda mused. “I mean, unless you want to stay that way.”

“We get along fine,” Amy looked at Debby, who nodded, “but I have to admit, it would be great to have a home of our own again.”

“I agree,” Debby nodded again. “We have no difficulties, but it’s sometimes a bit. . .cramped. Especially this last winter.” Everyone could agree with that.

“Well, what do we have available?”

“Again, not the discussion for today,” Emma reminded them. “Let’s talk about that soon, though. I take it we’ve gotten about as far as we can for the moment?” Heads nodded in agreement.

“Very well, then. Let’s see to getting that done today,” Emma ordered. “And I’d like to suggest we meet like this at least once a week, weather permitting, from now on. We simply cannot leave these kinds of decisions to the men. They haven’t the smarts for them.”

Billy swore later that he could hear the laughing from the front porch.

*****

“I don’t understand,” Regina looked at the delegation. “What do you mean?”

“Just what we said, dear,” Emma told her. “We’re taking some of these children into our homes. There’s simply too many here, and it’s not right. Not fair for them, nor fair to you. You’re practically a slave to this house. We intend to help correct that.”