“It’s a locater chip. This way, if you get hurt, we can find you. It is just a quick sting, not bad.” The man with the gun said. Tilly had nodded woodenly.
“You guys don’t need to be in here for this,” the man said, “I need her to expose her shoulder.”
The other two men left the cell and exited out to wait in the hall.
“Just open your jumpsuit enough, I just need to put this into the top back of your shoulder. Good, thanks.” He said, and she could feel the cold wet of the alcohol swab. Then she heard the pop and sting of the shot. And she squeaked in pain, but then it was gone. She shouldered her coveralls back over her shoulder and zipped the jumper closed.
“I’m sorry for your friends. I’m not sure they’ll be able to find them.” The man said apologetically and Tilly thought, perhaps a bit wistfully. She wiped at the tears now streaming down her face.
“I hope they do find them. They don’t need to be out there with all that danger and craziness.” She sniffed. The man smiled and nodded and left, closing the door behind him. Tilly’s legs nearly gave out and she went to the couch and sat down. She was jerked out of her thoughts about the night before, when a crow flew overhead, cawing. She hoped the bird wouldn’t dig up the corn she’d just planted. She looked around and saw that the others were watching as well.
That morning, when they’d stood in line to get on the bus, three men came and went down a list. Each of the people getting on the bus was given the chip. She’d already had hers, and they’d skipped her. Ian and Megan had made it out, just in time. They could never have gotten away, had they stayed. A little part of her was sad, but, she thought, a bigger part of her was glad.
Ӝ
Franktown, CO
Laura was snapping beans for dinner, Alexa and Allain were helping. Her mother was out digging new potatoes.
“Will we have to keep killing bad people mommy?” Alexa asked, in her straightforward manner. Laura was flabbergasted, and at first, didn’t know what to say. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish.
“We might, granddaughter. It’s just a sad fact of life now. If we don’t kill them, they might come back an hurt us.” Milly said, walking in with a basket of small potatoes, her hands stained with dirt.
“Good, cause I don’t like those bad people. They scare Allain.” Her lip pulled down with mulish intent.
“They scare you too.” Allain said defiantly and Alexa shrugged.
“They scare me too, but I’ll protect you girls. So will your mom, grampy and Quinn.”
“Will we be able to shoot a gun one of these days?” Alexa asked, her dark eyebrows raising nearly to her hairline.
“Only when you get old enough. It takes a lot of care and practice.” Laura said, giving her mother a look. Milly smiled at her and shrugged.
“Guns are dangerous tools. Just like your grampy’s plow. They are not to be played with, nor touched, ever, without permission.” Milly admonished sternly.
“Is Quinn our dad now?” Allain changing the subject completely.
“Um, what do you think?” Laura asked, holding her breath.
“Yeah, I think so. I think daddy would be glad. I miss daddy.” Alexa said, biting into a string bean.
“Me too, I miss daddy too. I’m glad Quinn’s our dad now. Can I go play?” Allain asked and Alexa seconded that request.
“Sure, stay on the porch or with grampy or dad.” Laura said the last faintly. The girls jumped up and yelled, “Okay.” Then disappeared out of the house. Milly snorted and shook her head.
“Christ. Leave it to kids to make things simple, in the simplest terms.” Milly sat down at the table. She picked up a cup of cold coffee and drank it.
“Jesus, I feel bad that they have to even ask those questions.” Laura said, sadness filling her.
“Don’t honey. They’re strong girls and they’ll need to be strong. I sure as hell don’t know what’s coming, but we’ll do the best we can. It’s all we can do honey. Worrying about it won’t help or make it any easier. We’ve got the holes dug with the sharp sticks. There are bodies up and down the road as warning. All we can do, is all we can do.” Milly smiled.
Ӝ
Kansas City, MO
Hogan lifted the chain and hooked it into place. They’d found an old porch swing in the barn, while they were looking for fishing poles. He’d cleaned it up and had taken some old sandpaper and had smoothed out some of the rough edges. It was solid enough. Trish held Caleb, who seemed very interested in his fist, which was wedged in his mouth. She was grinning down at him, rocking back and forth.
“That should do it. I’ll try it out, make sure it doesn’t fall.” Hogan grinned and sat on the swing. He rocked back and forth, testing it and bouncing on it.
“Seems pretty sturdy.” Trish grinned.
“I think it will hold us. Give me that boy.” Hogan said, reaching for the baby. He grinned and held the baby aloft.
“Who’s a big boy? Who is? You are, yes you are. Are you daddy’s big boy? Yes, you are.” He said in a goofy voice and brought the baby’s tummy to his mouth and blew on it, eliciting a delighted squeal. He laughed and cradled the small bundle.
“Looks like it’s gonna rain.” Trish sighed happily.
“Good, we need it. God’s rain is the best rain. Things seem to grow better.” Hogan agreed, Caleb’s fist now in Hogan’s mouth. Hogan grinned and nibbled on the baby’s hand.
“I think he’s gonna have brown eyes, like yours.” Hogan said absently.
“You think?” Trish
