Granny B asked, “Any more questions? If not, Tom will lead us north.”
Jim said, “I know I can walk much faster than that. We could cut the time down by a third if we just made everyone pick up the pace.”
Tom fought down the urge to tell Jim to hike his happy ass on up the road. Instead, Tom clenched his fists. “Jim, as I said before, no one is forcing you to join us. I know what I’m doing, and I have to think about Lucy and Granny B. Not everyone can walk quickly all day long. We have to keep in mind we’ll be on the lookout for danger as well as food along the way.”
Jim growled under his breath as he moved away from Tom. Tom made sure he was out of range and tapped his grandmother on the shoulder. “Granny B, we need to ditch the asshole as soon as possible.”
“I think you’re right, but let’s give him a day or so before we kick his sorry ass to the curb. I’m hoping his wife and kids amount to something.”
They were an hour late leaving the plane. Several mentioned leaving in the morning, but Tom wanted to make good use of the six hours before dark to cover as much ground as possible and get away from the crash's vicinity.
*
Chapter 6
Highway 80 Southwest of Dixon, California.
Dixon, California, was only a mile and a half northeast of the wrecked plane. The roller luggage sounded like a herd of buffalo trying to roller skate across a concrete parking lot. Several of the wheels squeaked, but Tom ignored the noise for now. The squeak could be a problem if they traveled at night and wanted to remain hidden.
The weather couldn’t have been better for their trek north. It was early fall, and the days were cooler than usual for that time of the year. The nights were downright cold. The sky was clear with only a few wispy clouds, but the air was pungent with the smoke from the numerous plane crashes and looters setting businesses on fire.
Tom spotted several groups of people walking in both directions on Highway 80. A few groups gathered around their vehicles, still thinking someone was going to come to their rescue. Most of those walking had their heads hung low and just shuffled along like robots. He saw one large group on the east lane and led the group across the median to the other side to avoid any conflict. He thought. It was still early, but why take any chances?
One person from the large group broke away and headed toward them. He waved and walked up to Tom, who kept his hand on his weapon. The man asked, “Do you have any idea what happened?”
Tom played dumb. “No, but none of our phones can get a connection or connect to the internet. The screen lights up, and the phone will play music and take pictures but won’t communicate on the internet or phone connection. It looks like we were attacked by an EMP blast.”
“That’s weird; none of our phones will even turn on. We’re going to San Francisco. How does it look down that away?”
Tom replied, “We only started walking a few miles back when our vehicle died. What did you see up ahead?”
The man’s head shook side to side. “Looting and rioting have already started. Just stay away from the malls, and you should be okay. All the thugs are stealing TVs, guns, and jewelry. There are a lot of stores on fire, and the police station in Dixon has been destroyed.”
“Thanks, and good luck.” Tom extended his hand, and they shook. The man walked back to his group and soon disappeared in the distance.
Tom saw smoke rising from the city ahead. “We’re going to go around Dixon on the side roads and avoid any conflict. If I see anything that looks odd or dangerous, I want everyone to hide until the danger passes.”
Again, Jim opened his mouth to speak, but Tom pointed at him. “Do you have a question?”
“I thought we should ask for help in Dixon.”
Tom was amazed the man still thought someone was going to rescue him and his family. “You feel froggy, just you jump into that city and see how quickly you get your ass killed.”
Granny B’s head worried back and forth. “You just don’t get it, do you? Do whatever you want, but we’re going around Dixon. Good luck.”
Jim was enraged. “Why don’t you two listen to me? I’m a real leader of the community, and this boy has no clue what we need to do.”
Tom’s hand reached for his pistol and stood his ground as the man ranted at his grandmother and him. Tom watched the man’s gun sticking out of his waistband but didn’t think the idiot would try to draw on Granny B or him. He let Jim yell for a few more seconds. “Jim, you’ve said your piece. Now, go! Anyone who wants to follow Jim can leave now with him,” Tom said.
Jim’s wife spoke up. “Jim, Granny B is right. We need to stay away from the cities.”
“Brenda, shut up! You and the kids are coming with me!” Jim exclaimed.
“No! We aren’t! Go get yourself killed because your pride won’t let you take direction. Go ahead. The kids and I are staying with the group.”
“Brenda?”
“Go!” She said forcefully.
Jim fumed but turned and
