After twenty minutes of going nearly eighty, he saw a billboard ahead. T.H. Smithwell’s Gun Shop and Gun Club. Slowing, Flynn took the exit. That was his first priority, getting weapons and killing anyone who got in his way. For too long, he’d been a coward and too passive. He’d hidden in his apartment in terror, while the world around him burned. Xandra had paid for his cowardice and nearly with her life. He was better than that, he knew, or hoped.
It took a bit of going up and down streets, but he finally found the gun shop. He looked around cautiously, not seeing anyone. There were no vehicles parked at the shop. Nor along the small shops that lined the street. There were a few stores, it was kind of like a strip mall. There was a Payless Shoes, Hobby Lobby, CVS, QuickClips, Clothes for Less and a small food court. He’d hit up the shoes, clothes and CVS. He was sure he would find what he needed in those stores.
He got out and looked in the backseat. Xandra was sound asleep, soft snores emitting from her slackened mouth. He looked around once more and then ran up to the gun shop. The door was locked. Looking around, he went back to the car. In the trunk, he found the jack and tire iron. He went back and broke the glass door of the gun shop. Going in, he grinned. Guns and weapons of all kinds. Running up to the case, he found an AR15. He and Roger had watched videos on how to operate the gun. Roger had threatened to get one but he’d never done it. He picked up the weapon and then ejected the magazine. He found shells and began to quickly load the mag. He found more mags and ran back out to the car.
Xandra was still asleep and he reached in and got his backpack. Running back in, he filled it with mags and boxes of ammo. He then chose a Ruger LC9S and several boxes of shells for it as well. He found a shoulder holster for the small gun. He loaded it and then secured it away. Last, he chose a Ruger mini-14 Ranch. He picked up a couple of gun cleaning kits and several knives. His heart was racing. He didn’t want anyone to stop him. He knew he needed to be armed but he didn’t want to kill anyone. Not if he didn’t have to.
Leaving the store, he put the weapons, except for the hand gun, into the trunk. He walked over to Payless. That door was unlocked and he opened it. He immediately smelled decay. He’d not be detoured. He got a bag and kept his eyes solely on the shoes. He picked out heavy wool socks and white athletic socks. He then went to his size section and grabbed a pair of boots, running shoes and leather sandals. For now, those would have to suffice. He didn’t want to stay long and ran out of the store.
He checked once more on Xandra. Getting into the car, he drove it down to the next store. At the entrance, he grabbed several bags. He was sure they didn’t have winter gear out, but he’d settle for a few pairs of jeans and some shirts. Making his way through the store, he found the men’s department. He quickly grabbed five pairs of denim jeans, a few packs of underwear, more socks, T-shirts and six button-down shirts. The clothing wasn’t high quality, but right now, he couldn’t be choosy. His clothing was back in the heart of Philadelphia, with Casper.
When he got back to the car, Xandra was sitting up, looking confused.
“Hey, how do you feel?” He asked her, looking in.
“Hungry and thirsty.” She croaked, rubbing her eyes with grimy hands.
“Let’s go to CVS and I’m sure we can find plenty of water and some food there. Also, we can pick up soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo. Maybe some TP as well. Are you up to it?” He asked and at her nod, he got back into the car and drove over to the CVS. He helped her out of the car and they walked to the store. It was locked.
“Hold on, let me get my tire iron.” He said and went back to the car.
“We won’t get in trouble? I don’t want to go to jail.” She said, her brow knotted in worry.
“There’s no one around. No more police. No more anyone. We’ll be okay and we can load up on supplies. I want to find us a place to lay low for a day or two, so you can get your strength up. If I can find a place with a pool, maybe you and me can get cleaned up. I’ve not taken a bath in weeks.”
Flynn tapped the glass and it shattered. He carefully guided Xandra into the store. It was dark inside and he took his flashlight from his back pocket. Waving it around, he saw some small LED flashlights at the register. He picked one up and clicked it on. It was bright. He grabbed a bag and threw a handful of flashlights into the bag. They’d be useful. He figured he’d also pick up batteries. He found bottled water and took his knife out and cut the plastic. He handed her a bottle and
