The box was gently lowered into the grave before Angela and I read our eulogies honoring James during his time with us. The memory of zombie victim number ten was laid to rest with the respect and love James deserved.
For two days, I spent much of my time with Janice juggling names on the schedule to accomplish the multitude of projects we had going while still manning security, food and ammo excursions, animal husbandry, cooking and domestic positions. The big garden being prepared for planting would consume many work hours during the remaining spring, summer and fall seasons. An even larger concern to me was next year’s planned huge harvest and canning of vegetables. None of us had any idea of how long we could continue to count on finding canned food that hadn't frozen and burst, deteriorated or spoiled inside the containers in stores and warehouses.
In addition to everything else, Nate Robard had to be dealt with on a daily or sometimes twice daily basis. So far I'd managed to remain calm while attempting to reason with the man, but Shane and the other workers hadn't reported an improvement in Nate's attitude or work output. He'd grown so obnoxious everyone on the crew refused to work near him.
At ten in the morning, everyone assembled for the weekly meeting. We started with a fun thing: the naming of the compound. The selected names were listed in alphabetical order on a flip chart on a stand in front of the seated crowd.
Marilyn spoke as she and Kira passed voting slips to each member to write the name they'd selected. The adopted name would adorn the wall at the end of the compound. "Remember, one vote per person, kids included. When you're finished, pass them back to me or Kira. The committee members who chose the final five will tally the votes."
There was good-natured banter as the votes were collected and then counted. Marilyn took the floor again. "Okay everyone, listen up. The fifth runner up name is Hope. Kira stood at the flipchart and crossed through the name with a black marker.
"The fourth runner up is, Resurrection." Kira scratched that name.
"The third runner up is... Libertyville. Marilyn moved her arms and made noise like a drum roll.
"The fourth runner up is...Salvation. Folks murmured to addition faux drum rolls.
"And the name selected, by a wide margin I might add, is Deliverance.
After mild applause died down, Marilyn spoke again. "According to my American Heritage Dictionary, the word ‘deliverance’ means rescue from bondage or danger. I think that's the perfect name for our group. Thanks to all of you for taking part in naming our compound. The name will be installed as soon as Sam can make the sign."
The committee members received a round of applause before Angela appeared with a cart full of trays of baked goods and iced tea for everyone.
After ten minutes, I stood to address the group. "Next week's schedule is posted outside the office. Let Janice know if you see a conflict with your assignment. The fence project is on schedule and materials will be transferred here next week.
"As discussed at the last meeting, the procurement of horse drawn equipment for the future will begin later this summer but work on a building to store the equipment until it is needed will begin after the fence installation."
Nate stood and said. "Who do I need to see to be assigned to a different job?"
I grimaced as I exhaled deeply. "What job do you feel you're better suited for?"
"My health isn't good. So something in a management position is what I need."
I decided to take off the kid gloves and have it out with Nate in front of the group. "There are no management positions here. We've tried you in the kitchen because of your past job experience, and that was a disaster. You haven't convinced me or Shane that you have any job skills that apply here, and you aren't willing to learn new skills. You aren't proficient with a rifle or pistol because you won't listen to the instructor. Without shooting proficiency, sending you on procurement runs isn't feasible. And you've been useless at guard tower duty because you won't stay awake for eight hours." I felt sorry for Mitch and Suzie as they sat beside Vera with their heads bowed.
Nate’s face bloomed red and he screamed. "Now you just hold on here! I have health issues you need to con—”
I moved to stand in front of people sitting in the front row. "You do not have health issues that prevent you from working. Ira examined you and there's nothing wrong except for your obesity. The reasons you don't work or attempt to exercise are because you are unmotivated, lazy and grossly overweight. Working in the garden is the only job we have for you."
Nate plowed ahead. "Ira isn't a doctor; he's a veterinarian, and a quack at that. And speaking of the garden, you can't force my kids to work all summer in the blazing sun. That's exploiting child labor and there's a law against that."
"Dad!" Mitch and Suzie jumped up and Mitch said, "Suzie and I volunteered to work in the garden because we owe these people our lives. All of the kids did, even the smallest ones. We want to help, and you should too. You're an embarrassment the way you carry on and avoid taking any responsibility and shirk the jobs you're given. Please try and work for all of us." Tears ran down both teens’ faces
Nate turned to his family. "So this is the gratitude and loyalty I get from you spoiled brats for raising you all these years. And you too, Vera. You haven't supported me either."
Nate turned back to me. "You said you won't send
