She’d used the bed and breakfast bathrooms in other rooms. She’d save her bathroom for her final usage before they headed to R.B. Winter park. This morning, they’d empty out the hotel’s kitchen before leaving. They’d also take all the TP here as well. She snorted to herself, her thought process had changed in the last weeks. Small conveniences, such as a flushing toilet and toilet paper meant a lot.
She sat up and shoved the covers away from her. Looking around the room, she smiled sadly, it would be the last convenience she’d have. She was sure the cabins at the park weren’t this lavish. But they would be a shelter she didn’t have to build. She didn’t know if there were other people there. If there were, she hoped they’d be good people and not crazies or druggies like the man they ran into yesterday. At least she wasn’t alone, she had Paadi and that woman was good with a weapon. She also had Buddy, who, she was sure would protect them both. She looked around and found the dog on the other side of the bed. He was still asleep.
“Get up lazy bones, we got a long day ahead of us. We’re going to find us a new home.” She bent and scratched his belly. He grinned up at her, his tail thumping on the hardwood floors.
She got dressed and wandered into the kitchen. Paadi was there, grinning and lifted up a pot.
“Coffee, the old fashion way.”
“How did you manage that?” Emma grinned back taking a coffee cup from the counter.
“This is a gas stove, so just added water and coffee grounds. Boiled them and just carefully pour it into the cup. There’s powered creamer and sugar, don’t even bother with the Sub-Zero, I’m sure it’s been long dead.”
Emma carefully poured the coffee into the cup, careful of the coffee grounds. She added sugar, but left it black. Cautiously sipping, her eyes crinkled in appreciation. It had been a while since she’d had coffee. On the table were an assortment of prepackaged pastries. She picked up one and tore it open.
“It almost seems normal.” She breathed as she took a bite.
“Yeah, it does. Once we get to the park, I figure we find us a place, lay claim and then empty out the truck. We can head back to the nearest store and maybe pick up more items that we might need in the future. Before your gas is gone. Once that’s gone, we’ll be stranded at the park.” Paadi suggested.
“Good idea. It is a daunting and frightening thought, having whatever we have and never having more. We screw it up, and we’re dead. Let’s look for more gas cans. I want to try to syphon more gas, that should give us longer use of the truck.”
“No more dead talk. Sound’s great about gas cans. Maybe swing by a gas station and pick up a few. Let’s get this place cleaned out and go to this wonderful place you’ve told me of. Let’s go find our new home!” Paadi smile broadly.
Ӝ
Paadi loved her coffee more than anything, except perhaps Dunkin’ Donuts. God, she missed those and the thought was nearly crippling, that she’d never have them again. She was glad that Emma had chosen this place. It was nice to sleep in a clean bed and one she didn’t have to make. Lancaster was a pretty city, despite the bodies that littered the ground. Though there weren’t as many as there had been in Boston.
She’d had a fitful night, dreams of shooting that man had crept into her dreams. As had Shane. She missed her husband, her family and her friends. She looked over at Emma, who was giving Buddy breakfast. She liked the woman. They were about the same age. She could see that Emma had a kind and generous heart. She smiled at the dog. Police dogs were pretty loyal to their masters. It would seem that Emma had a way with Buddy.
She wondered what their life at this park would be like. She was sure she could shoot an animal, not so much on butchering it, but she did know how to fish. Hopefully, they could raise crops, but she knew they’d have to pick up a hell of a lot of food supplies to last them until they got the hang of growing things. She’d not been prepared for this kind of disaster, no one had. The Vermilion strain was so virulent, it took her breath away. Who’d ever set this monster loose had no idea how very relentless the contagion was. Would they have unleashed it on the world had they known? Probably so, only a madman would have done it in the first place.
Now, their lives were forever changed, so many losses, so much pain. She mentally shook the dark musings away. She couldn’t let herself get bogged down with negativity, that would kill her quick, make her careless. No, that wasn’t her. She needed to focus all her energies forward, into surviving. She had to help her new friend. If she didn’t, it would dishonor Shane and her family. She’d try for them, because she knew they’d want her to live, survive and thrive. Just as she’d want that very thing for them.
FIVE
Flynn felt the flutter in his chest. He was desperately trying to think of a way to escape. He didn’t want to meet this Casper character. He sounded like an overlord maniac. A smart maniac, but still, someone bad. The man had taken over Philadelphia with only a few people. How many people were left here? What gave him the right to take over? Where was the government? When were they coming? Wasn’t FEMA supposed to come in and help them? Where in the hell
