We’re coming up on Fredericton. I don’t want us to enter the city because we have no idea what we’d find. People may want our SUV, but without it we’ll have no way to reach the States and I pray, safety. There were over 50,000 people who lived in the city and another 100,000 who lived in the area. We’ll have to go around the city and then get back on the highway. I don’t know if the surface streets are cleared. Even with our chains it could be rough going.
“Erin, honey, are you awake?”
“Yes, I’m just cold…”
“I know, I’m sorry, but I need the defrosters to keep the windshield clear. Is one of the 10/22s close to you?”
“Of course. It’s loaded. Do you see trouble?”
“I want us to be prepared just in case of trouble. We’re getting very close to Fredericton.”
“I remember when it used to take us only twenty minutes to make the trip. We’ve been on the road for over eight hours. How much longer until we reach the border?”
“Once we get around Fredericton, we should reach the States in another four to six hours. We’re limited to no more than 40Kph and sometimes less than 10. The roads are horrible and the weather even worse.”
“Do you think there’s still people in Fredericton?”
“I’m sure there are. I’ve seen dark smoke in the sky. Something is burning, and, in this weather, it had to be set by people trying to stay warm.”
“How are we doing on gas?”
“We’ll be okay after we put the city in our review mirror. I want us to be prepared for anything. Keep the rifle loaded and ready. I have dad’s old 1911 loaded and ready in case someone tries something.”
Trinity said, “Daddy, I’m awake. I have my rifle loaded and ready. I’ll do whatever I need to. What do you want me to do?”
“Honey, I really don’t want you to get involved in this. You’re too young to have the endless nightmares that will come from shooting someone.”
“Daddy, I know what I might have to do. I’ve thought about it and decided I will use my rifle to help protect us until we reach our new home…”
Erin twisted to face her oldest daughter, “Honey, dad and I don’t want you to have to face killing someone. He and I can take care of whatever happens. You need to take care of your sister. Okay?”
“Okay Mom. But I’m here if you need me. Remember, I am a better shot then either of you,” Trinity laughed.
Jon smiled to himself, “At the ranges something might happen, even I can hit what I aim at. Now, we all need to pay attention to everything that moves. People will want any moving vehicle.”
Before Jon could say more, three armed men rushed their SUV. Jon cracked his window five inches and prepared to fire his 1911. “Cover your ears and open your mouths, this is going to be VERY loud!”
Jon held his breath and aimed at the first moving person he saw; he said a silent prayer and pulled the trigger. The sound of the large .45 caliber bullet firing sounded like a cannon exploding inside the car. Erin and the girls screamed. The person who Jon aimed at screamed and fell into the snow. The others ran back the way they’d come. Jon considered firing at the retreating people when he felt Erin’s hand on his arm, “Don’t. We may need the bullets for later.”
“Thank you for reminding me. Let’s see how quickly we can get out of here.”
“The sound? The police?”
“I don’t think there are any police and the wind will make it impossible for anyone to determine where the gunshot came from. We’ll be fine as long as we keep going towards the States.”
Trinity asked, “Daddy, did you kill that man?”
“I don’t know. But he’s not going to hurt us. Keep looking for anyone walking towards us. They might not have been alone.”
“I will. My ears hurt. All I hear is a ringing.”
“It will go away soon. I’m sorry. I should have packed earplugs. I’m sorry.”
Erin whispered just loud enough for Jon to hear, “Drive, drive as best you can. Let’s put as much distance between us and the border as possible.”
Chapter 4
Weinstein signed into his office so he could check the data from the NSA. He pulled up the file and sat in shock staring at the orbital curves. Damn it! The old fool was right. That rock is going to hit us. I need to get my family out of town and find a way to protect them. Where’s it going to hit? Northern Hemisphere? I think it’s time we move to Australia or New Zealand. I don’t care about the house or cars. We’ll pack, empty our bank, and to hell with the college fund or paying back anything. We’ll be out of town within twelve hours. If I tell anyone what this file says there will be mass panic. No one can keep a secret in this cursed city.
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Dean Whitmore wondered why she hadn’t heard from her friend in a month, a month the Earth couldn’t afford to waste. She decided to call him at his office in Washington. She was shocked when his administrator answered, “Hello this is, or was Mr. Weinstein’s office, how may I be of assistance to you?”
“Hello this is Dean Whitmore from Caltech, is Richard in, we’re old friends. We met about a month ago.”
“Did you say around a month ago?”
“Yes, why?”
“Could you please hold a moment? I would like to connect someone who has some
