Pulling the truck to a stop, Flynn got out.
“I’m Sarah, Cliff said you two were to stay here and work the farm with us. This will be you’re place. It has electricity, but not too much. Enough to flush the toilet and run the lights. Cliff and I always have everyone in for all the meals. We make sure everyone is well fed for a long day of work.” The woman beamed and seemed genuinely happy to have them.
“Thank you, Sarah, we really appreciate your kindness and Cliff’s as well. For letting us come work for you.” Xandra said earnestly.
“Yes, mam, we really do appreciate it.” Flynn put in. Both stepped into the little cottage. It had a small kitchen area, but only a sink and counter. There was no stove, nor refrigerator. There was a coffee pot on the counter. There were a couple of jars with what looked like sugar and powdered creamer. It was simple but clean decor. There was a small kitchen table, with two chairs. A red gingham tablecloth was spread across the small table. The living room bled into the kitchen. There was a small sofa and coffee table. There was also a book shelf, with an assortment of paperbacks.
The wood floors were clean but unfinished pine. There was a braided rug on the floor, faded but in good repair. One room was a bedroom with an old fashion brass bed. There was a soft yellow handmade quilt on the bed, with large crisp white pillows atop. A small chest of drawers and a small closet. The other room was a bathroom, that had a small window with white curtains, with strawberries embroidered on the bottom edge. A toilet and simple sink. There was a shower stall. On the floor was a bathmat and trash can under the sink. It was small, but neat. To Flynn, it looked wonderful.
He turned and smiled at Xandra, who smiled back.
“It’s just perfect Sarah, thank you.”
“I’m glad you like it. The water comes from the house, so you’ll have hot water. We only ask that you don’t take long hot showers. We’re conservative here.” She added, almost embarrassed.
“Mam, a cold shower would be just fine for us. The ability to get clean and stay clean is something Xandra and I have come to cherish. In the truck, we’ve got a lot of supplies we brought with us. Quite a bit of that is soap and shampoo.” Flynn’s face flamed a bit. He and Xandra had gone weeks without bathing. He’d never been a neat freak, but he’d always been a clean man. When he’d lost power, he’d lost his ability to bathe. When he’d found Xandra, she’d stunk so badly, he could only surmise that he’d been the same.
“Alright then, you two get settled, we’ll be eating in an hour. If you miss a meal, you don’t get to eat later, so be on time. After lunch, Cliff will give you a tour of the farm and assign you both chores.” Sarah smiled at them both.
“Yes, mam.” They both said at once. She turned and left them alone. Flynn turned to Xandra and hugged her tightly to him.
“I can’t believe we found a place to live. We have a bed, food and water. And it’s so nice here.” Xandra said in amazement.
“I know. Let’s get our stuff out of the truck and you can unpack. I’ll take the truck over to the red barn and then come back and help you.”
It didn’t take long to unload their possessions; they didn’t have much. He pulled several bottles of shampoo, a few bars of soap and two cans off coffee out of the supplies. The rest he drove over to the barn. He also left the weapons inside the truck. He figured if Cliff wanted to arm him, he would. But he hoped Cliff would also teach him how to use the weapons. He walked back to the cottage, now his home. For the first time in months, and he shook his head at the thought, months, he felt safe, he felt at peace. Whatever Cliff asked of him, he’d bust his ass like nobody’s business.
Ӝ
Casper’s gut cramped hard. He leaned over and vomited, his body pulling and jerking hard. He must have eaten something, that didn’t agree with him. His hand shook as he took a drink of water. He’d have to send someone out to get more bottled water. His community had grown to nearly one hundred and twenty people. Many were here in the center of the city with him. Javier and Ramon kept most of the citizens in line. There were only a few trusted souls with weapons, he’d confiscated them early on.
“Casper, you okay?” Javier asked, though he looked pale as death warmed over, himself.
“I think it was something I ate. You need to make sure those women are cooking the food right. Especially the fresh meat.” He said and bent over with a fresh bout of vomiting.
“I think you’re right. There are quite a few people sick. Maybe a stomach virus. I’ll talk to them.” Javier agreed.
“See about getting more bottled water. If we can’t, make sure they boil the water from the fountains.” Casper said, wiping the foulness from his chin. He felt weak and a fever was brewing in his head. Could it be the virus? Coming to finish off its work?
“I’ll get on it.” Javier said and left Casper.
Casper wondered if it was the food that was being prepared? The women they’d found had taken over cooking for the group. Except those
