“Next time you pick up a gun don't just pull the damn trigger without checking it.” Roosevelt scolded. After they finally recovered from the blast they finished going through the safe. They found a ton of gold and silver along with the pistols and a single double barrel shotgun in the back corner. They spread their meager stores of ammo out on the bench and stepped back to take it all in.
“Could just take some of this money and run down to the gun shop and load up on guns and ammo.” Johnny teased. Roosevelt simply backhanded him in the bicep for suggesting something stupid.
“Alright so we have eleven shots left for the revolvers and one box of shells for the double barrel. Fantastic.” Roosevelt stated sarcastically.
“I guess it beats no bullets at all.” Johnny replied as he scratched the side of his head.
“We should probably take as many of the coins as we can manage. Might come in handy down the road if we find someone to trade with.” Roosevelt said, picking up one of the tubes and feeling its heft. He set the tube back on the bench and started pulling out more of the tubs, leaving the silver bars behind.
“Go find a couple of backpacks or duffels.” Roosevelt said as he continued to pull out the tubes of gold coins. Johnny ran up the stairs and returned several minutes later holding a child size cartoon bookbag and a large duffle bag. He held them both up for Roosevelt to see.
“Which one do you want?” Johnny asked.
“I guess give me the small one for these coins. We’ll use the big one for food.” Roosevelt said, reaching for the small pack. He shoved tubes of coins into the small pack until it was getting uncomfortable to hold. When they finished taking what they wanted from the safe they closed the door and spun the dial, locking it as it was when they found it.
“Alright let’s go check the garage for some wheels and then load up on food. It’s already getting dark out so we might as well stay here for the night. The made it up to the main floor and set their bags down in the living room before heading for the garage door. Johnny flipped the light switch and pulled the door open allowing Roosevelt to move in, pistol pressed out and sweeping left to right.
“All clear.” He said as he stuffed his pistol back into the pocket of his baggy overalls. Inside sat an older 2020’s model Ford Fusion and an ancient Polaris side by side. The Polaris had a scratched and scuffed up bed in the back along with a set of almost bald tires.
“This thing isn’t going to get us far but it sure as hell beats walking to Denver.” Johnny said. Roosevelt walked over to the old workhorse and popped the gas tank lid off. He peered down inside with his flashlight and saw that the tank was full. He twisted the cap back on and then walked around kicking each tire.
“Full of gas and the tires all have air. Guess this will be our trusty steed until she eats shit in a few days from running too hard.”
“Hopefully, we find another Can-Am dealer along the way.” Johnny replied.
“Wishful thinking there. We’ll be lucky to find a working ride at all when this thing wears out.” Roosevelt said.
“Let’s go get this food packed up. I’m exhausted.” Johnny said, moving back toward the home's entrance. The pair moved inside and started packing up every piece of non-perishables they could find. Once they were finished, they carried their stuff over by the door and sat it down.
“I’m sleeping in the basement away from all of this death.” Johnny stated. Roosevelt moved to a hallway closet and opened it to find stacks of blankets and pillows. He tossed one of each to Johnny and then grabbed his own before following Johnny to the basement door. Roosevelt stopped at the door and then turned and went back through the house shutting off all the lights before he headed down into the basement with his friend. They were tired. The frozen dip in the pond had zapped the energy out of them both. They both made a pallet on the floor and laid down under their own blankets falling asleep almost immediately.
Chapter Ten
4:18 a.m. January 3, 2049
Inside the farmhouse
Tennessee
Johnny’s eyes shot open to the sounds of shuffling feet above them. He rolled to his side and started to shake Roosevelt awake.
“Rosie, man, wake up. Something is upstairs moving around.” Johnny said in a slow even tone. He eased to his feet and found one of the revolvers before moving back over by Roosevelt. The big man was up on his feet listening closely to the sounds coming from above.
“What is that?” Roosevelt quietly asked.
“I don’t know but it can’t be good.” Johnny said. About that time the basement door sounded as it was being bumped into followed by scratching fingernails on the wood. The sound made a shiver run up the two men’s spines as they eased over to the bottom of the stairs. It was still dark out so they couldn’t see the silhouette of whatever was causing the noise under the door. BAM! The door was slammed into once, twice, three times before the two backed away from the steps.
“Alright I have seven shots left in my Smith & Wesson plus the two revolvers and the shottys. If they get through that door just stand back behind me until I move out of the way. We have to make every single shot count.” Roosevelt said as he reached down and grabbed the double barrel.
“I’ll fire my two shells and step out of the way so you can unload the last seven rounds of the nines while I’m reloading shells.” Roosevelt added, checking the chambers of the shotgun.
