“I think if we get some rigid insulation to place over the pipe, it should keep the pipe from freezing.” Brian speculated. The trench was a little over three feet deep and would be below the frost line. The rigid insulation would also aid in keeping the sewage pipe from freezing. Brian turned, when he heard a truck coming. He figured Emma and Paadi were coming back with a load, since the truck was traveling slow. He got up and walked toward the truck coming toward him and he quickened his pace when he saw Emma’s face and then Paadi’s face. Both women were pale, and their faces grim.
“BJ, get over here. Something’s happened.” Brian called over his shoulder.
Walking over to the truck, Emma and Paadi jumped out and went to the back-passenger doors and opened them. Paadi reached in and brought a little girl out, the child clinging to Paadi like a small monkey. Emma held the hand of an older child, who looked thin and frightened. He smiled kindly at the children.
“I see our family has increased. Where did you find these girls?” Brian said mildly, keeping his tone even.
“Over at the Walmart. I’ll tell you about it later. We want to get these girls cleaned up and I want to check them out, medically.” Emma said, her eyes, going over to the little girl Paadi was holding. A chill ran through Brian and his heart shattered for the little girl. Christ, what had this horrible world come to? Evil men abound.
“Okay, I have some noodle soup, would you like to have them eat, after you clean them up? There are plenty of new clothing of different sizes, Cooper’s clothes, but I think that you can find something for the girls.” Brian offered.
“Thanks Brian. This is Amanda, and that is Hailey. Girls, this is Brian, and that is BJ. Cooper, he’s asleep, I’m guessing? Nap time.” Emma smiled softly.
“Hi girls, welcome to our home. You’ll be safe here. Coop is asleep, but I’m sure he’ll be excited to meet our two new friends.” Brian said kindly. Amanda lifted her hand and waved a little, shy and a little frightened. Brian knew it would take time for them to get used to all the new people.
“While you two do that, we’ll unload the trailer and truck. Then BJ and I are going to head out and pick up more things at Lowes. How is the gas?” Brian asked.
“We used one of the cans, and the tank is three quarters full. You should be good to go.” Paadi said, she was swaying with the child still in her arms. The little girl was watching Brian and BJ. Brian smiled at the child then turned to BJ.
“Let’s get the stuff unload the trailer and head out.” Brian said.
“Sounds good to me. I’m glad you found those girls and I’m glad they’re here. Two more babies safe. It never occurred to me about children left behind. I know I said it before. It boggles my mind.” BJ said sorrowfully. He turned and went to the trailer and opened it.
“We’ll take these beds inside and set up for the girls. That way, if they need to take a nap, they can.” BJ called from around the trailer.
“Should I swing by, while we’re out and pick up some clothing for the girls? Also, some girly sheets?” Brian smiled. Emma reached out and squeezed his arm.
“Yes, thank you so much Brian. These girls have been through hell. I’d like to go slow and make their life a little easier.”
“No worries Emma, I think these girls need a little TLC. BJ and I will take care of this.” Brian smiled.
Brian went to the trailer and helped BJ with the load in the back of the trailer. It didn’t take long and he and BJ filled the house with the goods. They set up the beds, he’d have to pick up more lumber and build the girls a room. The house was beginning to become smaller. He laughed to himself. Three children and four adults. He didn’t mind, to help these children was a privilege. To keep them safe, he couldn’t think of anything better to do with his life and he knew Christa would be proud of him.
Twenty minutes later, BJ and Brian left the park and drove to Lowes. When they arrived, and Brian grabbed a large cart.
“Let’s get the tub and more lumber along with the insulation. I’ve got to build those girls a room.” Brian announced.
“Let’s also get some happy paint. They have samples we can use; they’re already mixed up. Also, I’m sure Coop would like it as well.” BJ said.
“That’s a really good idea. Thank god we don’t have to pay for all of this. Then let’s head to the insulation. I want to also pick up LED lighting, so once we get the solar panels set up, we’ll have light. Also, let’s look for a small fridge. Might as well get everything we can.”
“Cool beans. Things are coming together.” BJ said, rubbing his hands together. Both men went about gathering supplies. Brian’s mind kept going over and over all the lists. It was endless, and perhaps he and BJ should begin to tap abandoned car’s gas tanks. He only had a few full five-gallon cans left. With the garden doing well, the fruit trees thriving, things were looking good. The plastic containers would help secure their supplies, buried and safe, should bad guys come by. Bad guys were out there, and he felt
