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  They were all around the table by 6:00 pm and Bob said grace as usual. He gave special thanks for everyone getting back home safely and asked God to give their leaders the wisdom to see them through the days ahead. He introduced Helen and Gabby to everyone and then announced that one of the deacons from the church was an ordained preacher and that he would be conducting Bob and Jane’s wedding next Saturday.

  Jo added, “I think we should have a double wedding that day. Will has proposed to Maddie, and she wants to officially join our family.”

  Bill raised his glass and said, “Here’s a toast to our happy couples and may they live happily ever after.”

  Bob reminded everyone it was time to go to Greg’s for the meeting. The evening was cool and the drive short; they arrived a few minutes early, and the place was packed. Everyone but the guards pulling their shifts was present.

  Greg started to call the group to attention when Bob waved him off, banged the butt of his pistol on the table, and said, “It’s time for the meeting to start. Pipe down and listen. As most of you know, I just returned from being captured by some FEMA goons but was released by Major Payne and his team.”

  Bob had introduced the Major, his daughter and his team before proceeding.

  “Now to the issue, I’ve begun an investigation into the alleged misconduct of some of our team at the gate over the past few days.

  Mr. Grinnell interrupted and said, “Those are facts, not allegations. The massacre did happen. I saw it with my own eyes.”

  “Sit down and shut up. The misdeeds are the dereliction of duty by Grinnell, Nelson and three of the guards on duty. All five of you were cowards and shirked your responsibility to guard the Horseshoe against invaders. The second issue is the six men and women who did not come to help fight off the invading force this afternoon. Had we not arrived all of you would be dead or slaves.

  Grinnell, Nelson and the three guards are now under arrest and will leave the Horseshoe by noon tomorrow. I should have you lined up and shot for cowardice and treason. Idiots there are no innocent people out there. Your cowardice resulted in seven wounded and one dead from our community.

  Nelson charged Bob and Bob sidestepped, knocked him down, and stuck the barrel of his .45 to Nelson’s head.

  “Anyone else tries that shit, and I’ll shoot instead of knocking your ass to the ground.”

  “Most of the group applauded, but a small handful were outraged.”

  Debbie Green stood up and said, “This is a democracy, and you can’t do that to people.”

  “No, you elected me dictator for 30 days to do exactly what I’m doing to save your asses from idiots like Nelson who will get you all killed. The people who are trying to get us killed are the outsiders from Dixon Springs. That excludes Jack and his family. If you outsiders don’t want to be here or give your food away, we will evict you from the Horseshoe with a week’s supply of food, and you can do what you want with it.

  The six who didn’t come to help fight will receive the punishment to be decided by six of the original residents of the Horseshoe. Anyone who doesn’t fight in the future will be evicted if I don’t shoot them first. Not fighting to protect your friends and family deserves the death penalty.”

  “Mrs. Green asked, “What if you don’t believe in killing?”

  “That’s your choice, but if you don't fight, get the fuck out of here before I shoot your sorry ass. Look, I don’t want to be a hard ass but the world you know has ended. Those typically great people want to kill you for your food.”

  The Major spoke up, “Bob can I address the community?”

  “Yes.”

  “Bob is right about the need to stand and fight for your community and its possessions. There are about 200 million starving people out walking from town to town scavenging for food. It’s going to get worse. Disease, gangs, and medicine running out will contribute to the death toll and violence. My team is starting a community like yours a few miles north of here, and Jim Dickerson is starting a third community on the west side of the river. We plan to band together to help each other survive and perhaps help keep civilization alive.”

  Mrs. Green stated, “But the government will come and help us.”

  The Major responded, “No they won’t. They shut down all operations from the east coast to the west coast. Only California and the North East are receiving help from the government. It’s horrible, but it’s the truth. I was ordered to disband the FEMA camp I was in charge of along with the others in the middle of the USA. We are on our own and need to be strong, or we’ll get run over.”

  Greg spoke up, “I failed you this morning by interfering with Jack’s orders to shoot the attackers. I apologize for my mistake and won’t blame you if I am also punished.”

  Bob looked Greg in the eye and said, “Yes you will be punished with a double workload for the next thirty days. I think you learned from your mistake.”

  The meeting went on for another half hour, and Bob told the council to meet at his house in the morning at 8:00 am sharp.

  “Ben, please join us at this meeting. We’ll also feed your team.

  ***

  Jo, Bill, Bob, and Jane sat on the back deck winding down from the hectic day's events with a bottle of Bulleit and conversation.

  “Jo, do you think Maddie would be okay with a double wedding?”

  “I think she would be all right with that. I don’t know who she’ll want to give her away.”

  “Damn, I don’t have anyone to give me away to Bob. I think I’ll ask Will to do the honor,” said Jane.

  “Dad, I’ll be your best man, and you can be Will’s.”

  “Bill, you should be your son’s best man, and he can be mine or hell you can be best man for both of us.”

  Jo changed the subject and said, “Jane, what do you think of Maddie?”

  “I like her and have claimed her as a second daughter.”

  “Well, that’s icky. Will’s marrying his aunt.”

  “That’s an honorary daughter. We’re from Kentucky, not West Virginia,” Jane laughed as she replied.

  “Now what do you really think about her. Is she a good fit for Will and the family?”

  Bob answered before anyone could open their mouths, “They fit pretty good together on that bunk all spooned up together every night.”

  “Pop, you have a dirty mind and besides mom told me that you two were doing more than holding hands.”

  “No, I have a clean mind and know all about the birds and bees. What I do know is that they have only known each other for ten days and have been together every minute of every day and been through more together than most people in a year. I also know that if they don’t get married, soon she might end up knocked up.”

  Bill laughed and said, “Dad, you never candy coat anything do you?”

  “Bill I told your mom the same thing about you and Jo…”

  “Pop, shut up while you are still on my good side. You do know that she is Senator O’Berg’s daughter,” Jo said.

  “Jane and I have known for a couple of days. Does that change your opinion of her,” replied Bob.

  “Do what,” replied Bill, and then he added, “How can such a sweet young girl be related to that scumbag?”

  “Hold on. Jo, go get Maddie and Will and let’s see what she has to say about her dad.”

  Jo went to the camper and invited the two lovebirds out to the deck for drinks and warned Maddie that the topic of her father had come up.

  “My mom was a young dumb country girl when he took advantage of her. We both hate the bastard, and I haven’t seen him in years. Please don’t judge me on his actions,” replied Maddie as she walked up to Jane, stole her whiskey, and downed it in one swallow.

  “Slow down girl, good whiskey is meant to be enjoyed not slammed,” Bob said.

  “Papaw Bob, I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be judged by that asshole.”

  “Calm down Maddie,” said Jane as she pulled Maddie onto her lap and said, “We lo
ve you, and you are part of our family. I knew when I first saw you laying there with Will’s hand on your boob that you and Will would get married. I want you to always think of me as a second mother.”

  “So Will was feeling me up as I lay there unconscious?”

  Will stammered and said, “I was asleep.”

  “Don’t worry Jo. Will is a perfect gentleman, well most of the time,” Maddie replied.

  Will asked, “What are we going to do about sleeping arrangements when we all get married. The kids have to go.”

  Jo said, “We’ll figure that out tomorrow. You two need to sleep in your own beds until then.”

  Bob laughed and replied, “Good luck on that.”

  Will laughed and said, “Dad, Mom, what is the new drinking age? I’ve been drinking your beer for several years, and that whiskey looks pretty good. I can serve in our army and get shot. I should be able to get a shot.”

  Bob poured a little whiskey in two glasses, passed them to Will and Maddie, and said, “Welcome to the Apocalypse. May you live long enough to enjoy each other forever after.”

  Jo bumped her glass against Will and Maddie’s glasses and said, “I’m not losing a son, I’m gaining a warrior daughter.”

  They stayed up until midnight recounting their adventures and Bob told the story about the guard grabbing Maddie’s ass and Will stomping the guard several times.

  ✼

  Chapter 7

  Day 10 – Neighbors Attacking.

  Jane woke up before the others as usual and put a pot of coffee on while she put her makeup on for the day. She looked in the mirror, saw a beautiful dark haired woman who looked much young than her actual age, and said, “Damn, you’re too good for the likes of Bob Karr.”

  “I can hear you.”

  “Bob, I’m only going to wear makeup for special occasions from this day on to stretch my supply out as long as possible.”

  “Have I ever seen you without makeup? Will I run screaming?”

  “Smart ass.”

  “I don’t see your ass doing any tricks,” Bob replied.

  “That’s not what you said last night.”

  “Mom, what kind of tricks were you doing last night?” Maddie said as she poured her and Will a cup of coffee.”

  “Grandma you can pass on answering that,” Will said as he sat down at the kitchen table.”

  “Maddie replied, “How am I going to learn to please my man if I don’t learn from a more experienced woman.”

  Bob was tongue tied but finally said, “Got to change the damn locks to keep the undesirable’s out of the house. How did you two do sleeping in your own beds last night?”

  “We went to bed in our own beds as requested. I got cold a few minutes later and had to rub my cold butt…err…feet on Will to get warm.”

  “Ah the good intentions of men pave the road to hell,’ said Bob.

  Will countered with, “Or heaven as the case may be.”

  “Let’s change the subject. Maddie, who do you want to walk you down the aisle at the wedding?”

  “Mom, I know this may be weird, but I want you to give me away to Will.”

  “Jane grinned from ear to ear and replied, “I would be deeply honored young lady. We will start a new post-apocalyptic tradition.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Papaw, I’m going to ask Dad to be my best man. I want you, but it would be best if dad did the honor.”

  “I agree son.”

  “Maddie, we have to get together and discuss wedding gowns and such. I’m not sure we’ll have much choice, but we need to do the best we can,” said Jane.

  “Will, I have several suits that we can wear. Yours will be a bit large but not too big for you.”

  Jo and Bill came to the kitchen next followed by Missy. They poured a cup of sunshine to get their eyes functioning and joined in the lively conversation about the wedding, where Maddie slept last night, and what the drinking age should be. Jo’s vote was one year older than Missy was every year.

  “Mom, Will, and I have been drinking your beer and wine for years. I’ve never been drunk and can’t stand being out of control. You can trust me.”

  Will added, “Missy when are you going to introduce Izzy’s son, Matt, to Mom and Dad?”

  “Matt’s kinda shy,’ but he is a real nice guy. We’ve been in Grandma’s classes together, and I think he is my boyfriend.”

  “What is Izzy’s last name?”

  Everyone looked around the table, and only Missy knew the answer.

  “Dad, it’s Izzy.”

  “I know his name is Izzy, but what is his last name?”

  His last name is Izzy. His first name actually is Marion.”

  “What kind of last name is Izzy?”

  “His great grandfather couldn’t read or write when he landed at Ellis Island back in the 1890’s and couldn’t spell the family name, which was Iskandrian, so the clerk wrote Izzy, and it stuck.”

  Bob replied, “Thank God their name wasn’t ….”

  “Shut up Bob,” replied Jo, “we have young ears at the table.

  “Mom, I’ll be 16 in two months. I’m almost an old maid.”

  “Missy, does Izzy have a wife?” Jo asked.

  “No. She died in a car wreck a few years back.

  “Then we need to introduce Helen to him,” Joe replied.

  Bob said, “Women can’t stand a single woman mingling among their men. And that young lady is a good looking filly.”

  Maddie reached over, gave Jo a high five, and said, “Mamma Jo, I have so much to learn about life from you and Mamma Jane.”

  Jane slapped Bob on the head and said, “I’m the only filly that you should be looking at.”

  The others started filtering in, so Bob took the council members outside to the picnic table to allow Jane, Jo, and Maddie to prepare breakfast.

  Ben started by asking, “Could we set up a meeting with Jim Dickerson ASAP?

  Bob replied, “Yes, I’ll send someone over with a message after breakfast.”

  “No need. We have these,” Ben said as he showed them a fancy walkie-talkie. These reach 25 miles and on a good day 30 miles. This one is for you Bob. Jim has one also.”

  “Well, that makes things easier. Now let’s get a couple of things out of the way.

  Greg, choose six people to decide on the punishment for the six who balked at fighting. If they don't agree to defend our community, they must be banished.”

  Everyone agreed, so they moved on to a few other quick topics before the food arrived.

  “We need to establish more rules for Betty Lou to add to our charter. They are:

  1. The law on the age to drink.

  2. The age of consent.

  3. The legal age to marry without parental permission?

  4. What age does consensual sex become child rape?

  5. Is there a retirement age?

  That’s all I can remember from lying awake last night.”

  Will said, “I know where several of those came from and I have some input.”

  Greg replied, “We need to hear all sides of the argument.”

  “In my opinion, the drinking age and age to get married without parental consent should be the same. I would suggest 16. I know we will ask 12-year-olds to fight and die for the community, but that’s only in extreme situations. Alcohol and drugs will always be a problem and any laws should have harsh punishment for breaking laws while under the influence.”

  Betty Lou said, “That’s very thoughtful Will. If every young adult were as mature as you, we wouldn’t need these laws, but unfortunately, we will run into these problems. The one that bothers me is the age of consent. We all know when we started having sex behind the barn or in the car at the drive inn. I just don’t want a sixteen year old going to jail for consensual sex with a 14 or 15-year-old.”

  Bob said, “If the age of consent is 15, then a 40-year-old can have sex with a 15-year old or marry them for that matter.”

  Betty
Lou replied, “Yep, we’d better think this through or all of these old men will be marrying 13-year-olds like Jerry Lee Lewis did back in the 1950's.”

  “That was his cousin to boot.”

  Will asked, “Who the heck is Mr. Lewis?

  The food came, and the council ate while debating these thought provoking issues. Joe, Maddie, and Jane joined the conversation, and it became much livelier. Maddie and Jo were two very opinionated women and brought some differing views to the conversation that ended with all of the new rules being tabled for the entire communities input.

  Maddie brought up a new one, “Bob, will abortions be allowed in our community. I for one think they should be illegal.”

  “I’ll kick that one down the road to the long-term leader of the community. I personally think that assuming the USA loses only 70% of its population we will need every baby born just for mankind to survive. I’ll let the community figure that one out.

  Now moving along, Ben when and where will we meet with Dickerson and his group?”

  “They should be on this side of the river now. Could you send someone to pick them up by the cabins?”

  “Jack, could you take my truck and pick up our guests?”

  “I’ll be glad to.”

  Jim, Hoss and Steve Alford were brought back to Bob’s house, and after introductions, the talks began by placing a map in front of the team.

  Ben pointed to the three communities and said, “Jim’s group covers over two hundred square miles from the Horseshoe to this side of Lebanon and has about 200 people. You all know the Horseshoe. My community includes the land east of Lafayette and North of Lebanon. We have over 100 families that want to join us.”

  Bob asked, “What are the known threats to Jim and your communities?”

  “Senator O’Berg has started a dictatorship in Lebanon and is trying to expand his empire. He has put Jim on notice that his people have to pay taxes to live in his little country. My area only has O’Berg to the south and a few drug gangs in Lafayette to contend with right now. The immediate threats to us all are the people flooding into the area from Nashville and the large northern cities. I arrived yesterday in the middle of a situation that could have gone either way.”