“That is a damned fine idea, son. If you’d like to come with us, I’ll take Beth and Jake.”
“You might want to leave Beth here. It is going to be gruesome at the hospitals I think, and probably at the vet. Also, I think we should wear protective gear. In fact, if you just take me and give me a list, I’ll go in and get what you need. Especially in the hospitals. I’m not sure if I’m immune, but since you all were sequestered on the farm, you might be susceptible. Please, let me do this for you.”
“My god, you might be right. I would almost have to say no to the idea. Let me think about it and let me talk to Beth.” Cliff said, the color leached from his face. Flynn understood; it was a frightening thought. He didn’t like the idea of being around all that gore again, but he liked it even less if this family somehow got sick, because he sent them to a virus infested area.
Both men began to walk back toward the house, both deep in thought. Flynn began to worry that he’d perhaps opened up a box that shouldn’t have been opened.
“You know, there’s a veteran’s clinic a few miles from here. I would almost say that perhaps it would be safe to go looking there. That was open only a few days a week I believe. Perhaps we can go to these offices, and see if there are in fact, any dead there. If not, get supplies from there.” Cliff said as they walked up onto the large porch. He opened the door to the house and ushered Flynn in. Flynn could smell something very delicious cooking. Dinner would be in about twenty minutes.
He smiled when he saw Xandra in the kitchen with the other women. Beth saw him and her father-in-law and walked into the living room.
“Did you talk to him dad?” She asked, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.
“I did Beth, and he’s happy to learn. We were talking about getting more supplies, from the veterinary clinic and also, from the hospitals. He’s worried about if there are any remains, you know, of the dead, that there might be a possibility of the virus and perhaps bringing it here.”
Beth’s eyes widened and she nibbled her lip.
“That’s a real concern. There are a couple veterinary clinics on main street. We can go to those. I would also suggest that we can use my disposable coveralls. Also, double up on gloves, masks. Then, strip down and wash down in a betadine solution, then alcohol.”
“You won’t be going daughter. Flynn has volunteered. I agree, one person, and you can give a list of what you think you might need.”
“Don’t forget the tractor supply store, they have a lot of over the counter meds for the livestock there as well.” Jake said, coming up behind his wife.
“Okay. So, we’ll get a list, and I’ll take Flynn out. We can do this tomorrow. You get me the disposable coveralls, gloves, mask and betadine solution, and Flynn can strip down, wear the suite and go in. If no one is there or rather no bodies, then we get everything and go to the next place. We can bag everything up and put in the back of the truck.” Cliff said.
Beth looked at Flynn, worry in her hazel eyes. He smiled at her, and tried to keep his mouth from trembling. It was a scary thought, but he was sure that it was important they have these medical supplies.
“Hey, if we can also hit ambulances, I’m sure there aren’t any dead people in those. Maybe get a lot of supplies from those.” Flynn suggested, brightening at the thought.
“That’s a really good idea. But, if you open the ambulance doors, and you see anything but a pristine ambulance, close the doors.” Beth said.
“Count on it.” Flynn laughed.
Ӝ
Brian was getting ready to head out to hunt his boar. BJ looked like he was about to jump out of his skin. He’d never hunted pig before and all were looking forward to bacon. Both freezers were in the ground now. Both were locked up tight with a heavy fourteen mil plastic over the tops of each chest. Brian had placed several cinderblocks over the plastic, so it wouldn’t blow away in high winds. It was also a deterrent for the smaller children.
The children were still in bed, because they were leaving early, Dillan had been allowed to sleep over with Cooper. The boys played half the night and Brian was feeling the effects. Emma and Paadi were also up and making pancakes and eggs for breakfast. Each had a cup of coffee and sat in their camp chairs staring bleary-eyed into the fire. It was a humid morning, though relatively cool.
“Who in the hell suggested we get up this early?” Paadi groused.
“I thought you cops were up and at’em like daisies.” BJ grinned over at Paadi, who narrowed her eyes threateningly.
“You really want to start in on that, this early?” She growled. BJ laughed and put his hands up in surrender, and a smile slid across Paadi’s lips and was gone.
All four looked toward the parking lot. They heard the distant clopping of horses, several, they were walking in it would seem.
“Looks like Jeff and Bradley are here. Guess we won’t be going on a hunt this morning.” Brian said and looked at the group.
“Christ, they’re up even earlier than we are. Glad I’m not a farmer.” Paadi said, looking over her shoulder. It was a few minutes before the horses came into view, there were four riders. Two men and two women. Brian stood and the rest followed. They walked toward the coming horses and smiled. Buddy came running around the house with Daisy in pursuit.
