“Let’s go to bed dear.” She grinned big and he laughed and got up. He picked her up in his arms and carried her into their bedroom.
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Casper lay in the park, leaning against the large fountain. He was dying and he knew it. He didn’t want to die in a structure, he wanted the sun on his face. Javier and Ramon had died. There were many around him dead as well. It hadn’t been food poisoning. He didn’t know what it had been, but nearly all of the people who’d been saved were dead. His body was beyond the cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. There was nothing left and his body a husk.
He thought about his long-lost friend, Flynn. He remembered that Flynn had wanted to leave and eventually had. He wondered where Flynn was and what would have happened if he’d gone with him? He’d never know now. He was alone, all the others having taken what they could and left. He’d not been able to stop them, nor did he care anymore.
He heard the grunting of a lion. It was near. He wasn’t worried about the lion killing him, though he wished it would. The lion would end his suffering quickly. No, his body was too corrupt, too diseased to be edible, he was sure. He moaned softly and looked around. Thought it was mid-day, he could not feel the warmth of the sun. He thought of Racheal, and a soft smile creased his face.
Around him, it seemed the sun was disappearing and it was growing darker around him. He could no longer see the buildings around him. Only the lion heard his last breath.
Ӝ
BJ rolled down the window and the two people on horses ahead of him slowed down, looking over their shoulders. He smiled and lifted a hand in greeting. He wanted to be as nonthreatening as he could. Paadi had her Sig Sauer in her lap, hidden under a bag. He had his Glock in his lap. He wasn’t sure he could drive and shoot, but he didn’t want to face these people without the gun within hand’s reach. He hoped he wouldn’t shoot himself in the crotch.
“Howdi, how are you two doing? It’s been a while since we’ve seen anyone.” BJ said, his tone light and friendly.
There was a man, about BJ’s age on a light brown horse. He looked at BJ and nodded, his features guarded, but not hostile.
“Howdi yourself. Mam.” The man said, nodding to Paadi.
“How do you do? Good to see another person. We thought maybe we were the last on earth.” Paadi grinned. The man looked at Paadi, with a peculiar look on his face, then his lips twitched and he grinned. BJ grinned and tried not to laugh. Paadi’s Boston accent was so strong, it was sometimes startling. It was a great ice breaker.
“It sure is. I’m Jeff Simmons, this is my brother, Bradley.” Jeff said and leaned over and shook BJ’s hand.
“Good to know you, I’m BJ Hamm and this is Paadi Sullivan, by way of Boston.” He grinned.
“You folks living around here?” Bradley asked, he rode a light gray, his body relaxed and easy in the saddle. These men knew horses.
“Yep, we’re living over at Halfway Lake, in Winter state park. There are a couple others there as well. We’ve settled there, made it our home.” Paadi announced, a wide smile on her face. Bradley grinned back at her.
“We’re about a mile and a half up the road. We’ve a large spread there with our families.” Jeff said.
“It’s good to know we have neighbors. Hey, just be aware, there’s a small group of three men. Me and another of our group found them about five miles north west of our camp. They’ve got ATVs and from what we could see, there was a lot of drinking and drugs going on.” BJ said, he’d want to warn these folks, there was no telling how many people were in the area, but they should know of the threat.
“Good to know. Thanks for the info. You mind if we stop over for a visit in a few days? Bring the wives?” Bradley asked.
“That would be nice. It would be nice to know that there is someone else here. Are there any other folks around?” BJ asked.
“Yep, one other group that we know of. We just came from visiting them. They are east of here, about six miles back. They’re a mix of folks, kids and animals. Seem to be good people too. They are building around a large six-acre pond. There are seven adults. Four men and three women.” Jeff said.
“That’s wonderful. Just knowing we have neighbors, it’s a good feeling.” Paadi smiled.
“It is. Most of our other neighbors didn’t make it. Very sad. We’ll let you two get on your way. Please stop on by when you can.” BJ said and reached a hand out to shake Jeff’s hand. Jeff took it and nodded. Bradley moved his horse and leaned over and shook BJ’s hand as well. The horses moved to the far side of the road and BJ pulled slowly around them.
“Awesome, so good to know there are others out, near enough, that should something happen, we’re not completely alone!” Paadi smiled, her teeth bright against her dark skin. Her eyes were sparkling with delight.
“Yeah, I think Emma and Brian will be happy to know that there are others. Also, that there is another group. They’re a distance from us, but at least we know. That would be nice, perhaps later,
