《Milestones and Crossroads》


 June Year 0 - A New Chapter

    It was unclear who initiated the attack. Lack of trust in governments, news, social media, all pointing fingers in different directions and issuing blame as escalating hostility ensued. A small island in the West Indies; erased from existence.


    Society seemed to collapse on itself as people helped themselves to whatever they wanted from stores, hospitals and banks across the globe. Police, military and governments unable to contain the chaos as humanity demanded an answer for who was responsible and receiving conflicting information from the global news outlets.


    Watching in dismay the information from the television and radio, it all just seemed to be unplugged and went silent one afternoon. The airplanes that crisscrossed the sky were ignored, everyone attributed them to the military patrolling the skies.


    We had enough food for 3 months, water for about 2 weeks, so we hunkered down in our home. We live at the end of a cul-d-sac with only three other families, discussing the current state of emergency with the neighbors, one family decided to pack up and head south. The other two families decided to remain. Emergency sirens gave way to random gunfire in all directions. As the utilities ceased; gas, water, power, we sat in darkness.


    My family all died on the same day, within six minutes of each other very early on a cool Sunday morning. Numb from the shock and the horror I just witnessed, I watched my neighbor trying to dig a grave for his wife using his backhoe then he fell, lifeless to the ground. I completed his task, then did the same in my yard.


    I waited, first for a few minutes, then a few hours for my inevitable fate that did not arrive. Trying to go to sleep each night with the hopes of waking from this nightmare did not arrive either. The most frightening was the quiet; absolute total silence. Except for the random winds that gently rustled the leaves on the trees. No birds, no insects, no animals. For some reason, I resisted the temptation to take my own life. Compelled instead, to move on. Maybe someday, finding the answer to the question I seek.


    It was late August and winter in northeast Ohio can be brutal. Without sufficient power or firewood for heat, I decided to go south before it gets cold. Blue Ridge Mountains perhaps.


    I loaded my gun and ventured out for the first time because I was running low on water and some essentials for short and long-term needs. I drove down my street cautiously, listening and anticipating an ambush. If I survived, others must have as well I thought to myself.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Death permeated the air as I drove about 3 miles to a local R/V dealership. The main streets were mostly void of cars and corpses and my caution was easing, a little. I found an R/V that seemed to fit my needs. It took me an hour to locate the keys and it only had a quarter tank of fuel. I collected fuel from the other units in the lot by cutting the fuel line and filling a gas can many times.


    Once I emptied my SUV, I made sure to take all my personal effects, most of which were my wife¡¯s; and locked it up and took the key. I really don¡¯t know why I decided to do that, habit I suppose.


    As I approached our local grocery store, I noticed the cars that littered the parking lot, no longer uniform and symmetrical but random and abstract. People, lying dead, most with visible bullet holes and signs of lost confrontation.


    I circled the parking lot a few times, acutely aware of my surroundings and listening intently for anything unusual. I pulled up to the front of the store and sat for unknown reasons, numb and petrified.


    I eventually exited the R/V, armed and nervous, stepping over dead bodies. The smell was horrific. I grabbed a cart and went to the pharmacy first. I loaded up with penicillin, vitamins and supplements. Fruits, vegetables and dairy well past expiration dates. I took as much water as I could manage.


    I cried for two days. I packed the R/V with what I considered vital, knowing I probably would never return to our home we loved so much. The R/V filled up rather quickly, I removed at least half of what I put in it because most of it was sentimental. I made sure I knew everything about the operation of the R/V. The owner¡¯s manual was quite large. I made sure to take a couple of photo albums, personal items from my children and my wife¡¯s perfume and our favorite recipe books. I left a note on the refrigerator.


    Using old road maps, I plotted my course south. The next chapter of my life starts tomorrow, I thought to myself. I double checked everything trying to give myself a reason not to leave. It was another emotional and dramatic moment I was getting tired of experiencing. Again, I cried for two hours driving down the highway, the scanner; looking for a signal that does not exist.


    I pulled off the highway and noticed a fuel truck parked at a gas station. After about 2 hours and a trip to a hardware store, I figured out a way to get fuel from the storage tanks, this got easier as time went on. I never went over seventy miles per hour if the road was clear of obstructions. Also, because I was not in a hurry, and any type of malfunction would sure to be catastrophic. I eventually pulled into North Carolina. We had relatives there and I decided not to go to the house. I selected this destination for its climate and fresh water.

 September Year 0 - Welcome Gifts

    After about two months I got bored.  I performed all necessary maintenance and multiple upgrades to the R/V. I decided to drive down the east coast and through Florida for the winter months. Along the way I saw an adult video store and laughed out loud. This was the 1<sup>st</sup> time I had laughed in months, so I decided to stop for unknown reasons.


    The store was vacant of corpses, and it was not even looted. The sign said ¡®Closed¡¯ on the door. It was as though no one even bothered with it, which is understandable. I shot out the front door and walked in. It was nice to walk into a store without the smell of rotting death. Looking at all the novelties and the range of erotic fetishes, I became aware I have not even thought about sex. Which was odd for me; maybe for most men.


    I selected a few DVD¡¯s that were particularly appealing to my liking and exited the store. I got in the R/V and out of the corner of my eye, next to a dumpster I saw movement. I turned to watch, thinking it was a mouse and then looking in my side view mirrors, nothing. Then I saw it again, I grabbed my shotgun and approached.


    I heard a tiny bark, thinking I was hearing things and I heard it again, I moved in. I rounded the dumpster and saw a female dog lying on her side and two small puppies trying to nurse. I placed my hand near the female¡¯s mouth and her eye opened slowly and she licked my hand with a dry tongue, then she expired. The two puppies were jumping around me playing and fighting for my attention, which I gave them through tearful eyes.


    I dug a sufficient grave and wrapped mom in a blanket and placed her in it. I made a crude headstone. ¡®Mom, I¡¯ll do my best¡¯. I received a gift I never knew I needed. Based on mom¡¯s markings; clearly a Chocolate Lab, Dad must have been a Rottweiler judging by the markings on the pups. I picked them up and they could have not been more than a couple of months old as I was showered by kissing and playful nipping. I poured some fresh water in a bowl and they drank it all. I also gave them some small bits of beef jerky. I knew this was not an appropriate diet for puppies, so after some much needed attention and crying I put them in the R/V and set off to find a veterinary clinic.


    I drove through the small town and located one quicker than I expected. I breached the door with my AA-12 (which is always satisfying) and I was immediately consumed by the overwhelming stench of rotting death. After vomiting my lunch, I put on my respirator, and entered the building. The puppies continued to bark inside the air-conditioned R/V as I collected puppy food, snacks and a couple of chew toys. This was a small clinic and I found the computer server, complete with usernames and passwords on the back of the keyboard and placed it along with the other items in the R/V.


    Both puppies ate and barfed everywhere. I needed to find a campground to purge my tank and give the puppies some room to play and relieve themselves somewhere besides inside the R/V. Both puppies insisted on sitting in my lap as we drove down the highway, navigating through the random vehicles that littered the road.


    I selected a camping spot that had a fire pit, picnic table, some shade and a nice view of a lake, and built a fire. Full bellies, plenty of fresh water, a clear silent night sky, camping with dogs and a fire crackling made me feel for the first time, in a long while, relaxed enough to have a drink and smoke a cigar.


    Watching the puppies wrestle and play with their chew toys by the delicate light of the fire, it was time to give them names. The female was curious, but hesitant and cautious. The male was 90% Chocolate Lab and his head was huge, it was a though he was wearing an oversized Rottweiler helmet. Everything needed to be smelled and urinated on.


    ¡°What shall I call you?¡± I said to the pair. ¡°I found you near a dumpster by an adult video store, hmmm¡±. I picked up the female and looked into her eyes. ¡°Ginger, is your name.¡± I picked up the male and looked into his eyes. ¡°Peter, no Pete, Pete will be your name.¡±


    I tossed a ball for them just outside the light of the fire and tried to guess who will bring it back to me. After about thirty minutes it was all tied up and I tossed the ball farther than before and Ginger stopped short, Pete continued the search. Ginger barked two times. I got up and switched on my head light, Ginger right beside me as we heard Pete rustling in the bushes. All three of us searched for the ball and gave up after about ten minutes. ¡°We¡¯ll find it in the morning, come.¡± I said out loud and they followed me back to the R/V.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Ginger and Pete took up their favorite sleeping spots, never more than a couple of inches from each other as I locked the door and fell asleep with a nice cool breeze coming in through the open window.


    I woke up the next day to whimpering puppies. As I let them out, I stepped in warm pee near the door. ¡°Almost made it.¡± I said to myself. Even though I got mad every time I had to clean up pee and poop in the R/V it still felt good to take care of them.


    I watched them from inside the R/V as they ran around, sniffing everything, peeing, pooping and some more playing. I glanced over at the picnic table and saw the ball we lost last night, on ¡®top¡¯ of the picnic table.


    ¡°Ginger! Pete! Come!¡± I said loudly going into instant defense mode. I grabbed my gun by the door and said it loudly again. So loud it echoed across the valley. ¡°GINGER! PETE! COME!¡± Both of them were busy playing and having fun ignoring me. I scanned the area and carefully went out and picked both of them up and brought them into the R/V. We all had breakfast as I watched the edge of the woods for any movement.


    ¡°Thermal Scanner.¡± I thought out loud. I went outside to inspect the ball on the picnic table. I held it with only two fingers as to not contaminate it with my scent and held it out for Ginger and Pete. They both smelled it and waited for me to throw it. For some reason I smelled it, I don¡¯t know why and looked around.


    With my paranoia subsiding, it was time for some swimming lessons. I packed up some snacks, fresh water and the AA-12. I locked the R/V and left one dog treat, a jar of my wife¡¯s grape jelly and the ball on top of an open half bottle of water on the picnic table.


    We walked down to the lake and I started to smell rotting fish, it was bad. Ginger and Pete noticed it way before me but it did not seem to bother them. They looked at the water and got really excited and curious. There was a small area that was void of any fish carcass¡¯s and they approached the water with noses against the ground. They backed away as they approached the water and looked toward me for information. With my shirt covering my nose and mouth we left the silent lake of death.


    Maybe a tributary that feeds the lake would be a better option. I opened the park map and located one about a quarter mile away. Ginger and Pete could not navigate through the tall brush so we took a foot path with crushed lime stone. Only my foot steps and the puppies panting could be heard in the ever-present silence.


    We located the small stream and it was about fifteen feet across and maybe a foot deep and it did not smell at all. Ginger and Pete slowly approached the water and sniffed it and began drinking from it, tails wagging in perfect synchronization. I cupped my hands and smelled the water, again I don¡¯t know why, but it smelled like any other stream. Both of them entered the water together and in true Lab fashion, started swimming like they had been doing it all their lives. I rewarded them with some puppy treats and checked the map.


    We walked up-stream to another path that intersects with the road to our campsite and it was time for dinner. ¡°What surprise awaits us at the picnic table.¡± I said to Ginger and Pete as soon as the R/V was in sight. Ginger and Pete smelled something as we approached the R/V. Noses sweeping the air and tails motionless. I snapped off the safety on the AA-12 as the puppies followed closely behind me. I rounded the back of the R/V and the picnic table was in sight. Water bottle, jelly jar still there. Ball on the ground and the dog treat gone.


    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡± I said out loud. Ginger and Pete sniffed the ground around the picnic table, tails wagging and eventually playing with the ball. The sky was clouding up and it looked like a storm might be brewing. I felt the pressure change as the wind picked up a little. Ginger and Pete wanted to go in the R/V as I secured it for foul weather, it started to rain a little as I closed the door.


    I cooked up some food and the puppies woke from a short nap long enough to eat and went back to sleep. I shut down all the power except for a battery powered reading lamp. Off in the distance I heard thunder and Pete woke up, ears twitching and alert. A small flash of lightening and ten seconds later, a low rumble that could be felt. This woke Ginger, ears twitching and eyes darting. I watched them as they looked to me for information.


    Another flash of lightening and six seconds later, thunder thumped the R/V. The rain increased along with the wind and hail pelted the roof. Now I was getting concerned as the R/V rocked a little and looking out the window as the tree tops swayed against the gray sky and my anxiety mounting. Both puppies sensed my concern. Ginger squatted and peed on the floor and Pete went over, smelled it and sat like a statue in front of the door. A loud explosive lightning bolt momentarily illuminated everything very close outside and both Ginger and Pete jumped in my lap. I held on to them and tried to remain calm as the storm passed through.


    ¡°Everything is okay, I think I peed a little too.¡± I said to them.


    Both puppies slept with me through the night and in the morning, we saw the tree the lightening split into two. The air smelled beautifully fragrant and the puppies did their business outside and they were ready to eat and play some more.

 October Year 0 Seven Seconds

    Driving down the east coast was just awful and the stench overwhelming. I plotted a new course further inland. As I was turning around, I saw a burnt Lamborghini riddled with bullet holes and the dealership looked like a war zone. Same scenario at all the exotic car dealerships.


    ¡°This was a bad idea, Florida sucks.¡± I said to Ginger and Pete who were my official co-pilots sitting on a soft carpeted platform I made for them so they can look outside from the passenger seat. It was secure and safe in case of emergency.


    The highway was boring so we took the scenic routes, stopping for supplies along the way and making upgrades to the R/V and staying at nice areas a few days and sometimes weeks at a time.


    We entered Texas in December. Ginger and Pete were getting bigger each day. I trained them to get used to gun fire. If I ever needed to use my guns in self-defense the last thing, I would need is to have them be afraid of gun fire. I started with them in the R/V with the window down a quarter way. Before I would shoot a round, I would say: ¡°Freeze motherfucker¡± because this statement would be immediately followed by a gun shot and they could prepare for it. ¡°Freeze motherfucker¡±! BOOM.


    All the gun stores in Texas were void of merchandise, but had plenty of pick-up trucks and bodies lying around. I would gear up in my hazmat suit and step over all the dumb asses lying on the ground. I was very careful going into these establishments for fear they were booby trapped by a wire or a dead body. I typically went through the back door since I only needed the names and addresses found in a file cabinet or on a hard drive. Ninety percent of computer user names and passwords were located on the back of keyboards and the other 10% were within arm¡¯s reach of the workstation. The good stuff was in private homes and businesses. I would just take the computer to the R/V and do research.


    I stopped at a shopping mall on the outskirts of town for some clothes and a visit to the sporting goods store for ammo, backpacking meals and possibly a better thermal scanner. Ginger and Pete stayed close to me in a more disciplined manner every day when it was time to explore and work. This was the behavior I needed from them.


    I found some good functional clothing and cold weather gear. I also found some canine backpacks. Good design, good quality, I grabbed three sets of every size. I put the small ones on Ginger and Pete and filled them with small items. They each sniffed each other¡¯s gear for a minute or two and went on as if nothing was different. I also found some sporting cameras; I took five and a drone. It was cheap but looked like fun. I also found a thermal scanner, a little better than the one I had.


    As we exited the mall, I was halfway outside and noticed a car that was not there when we first pulled into the parking lot. I told Ginger and Pete ¡°Stay.¡± Using my thumb pointing down. They both sat next to the dolly full of gear as I walked back slowly into the mall with my AA-12 as if I forgot something.  I watched the car from behind a pillar. Ginger kept turning around to look at me and wag her tail. Pete sat and looked straight ahead motionless. I ran back to the sporting goods store and grabbed some binoculars and returned to just behind the pillar.


    ¡°Holy Shit¡±! I whispered as I saw small movements from the driver side of the vehicle. I ran to the opposite side of the mall and exited. I moved slowly through the parking lot and saw Ginger and Pete. Pete was still sitting and Ginger was lying on the ground sniffing her backpack. I could not see the mystery car as I approached its location from behind. Ginger spotted me and got up and wagged her tail. Pete noticed me as well. I made my way to the mystery car.


    Ginger and Pete, now acting anxious and the occupant in the car noticed as well. Female, dark hair, using binoculars scanning the area across the passenger seat. I hid so Ginger and Pete could not see me.  I walked up to the driver side door as she looked through her binoculars. She was young; 19 maybe 20, thin and in need of a bath.


    ¡°Where did you go?¡± I heard her whisper. Ginger and Pete gave away my position as they both stood looking in my direction.


    ¡°Fuck Me!¡± she said lowering her binoculars.


    ¡°Going shopping?¡± I asked quietly outside the driver side door with my gun pointed to the ground. She turned her head slowly in my direction. I smiled at her.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°You¡¯re not very good at this.¡± I said as she looked into my eyes, then the AA-12. Her hands were shaking and face scared.


    ¡°Hungry?¡± I asked. ¡°I have plenty in the R/V.¡± I said as I shouldered the AA-12 and walked past the front of her car. I whistled and Ginger and Pete tore off towards me. I was a couple of yards from her car and turned to see her crying with her hands on her face. Ginger and Pete were looking for their rewards for being disciplined and patient and I told them how good they were and passed out two cookies. Ginger stopped and her nose caught the girl in the car. She started to growl followed by Pete. I knelt down and held on to both of them.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, she is just a little scared, I think.¡± I said to them. Ginger looked at me and I patted her head. The girl got out of the car as I stood up.


    ¡°They are so cute! Do they bite?¡± she asked.


    ¡°For sure! All dogs bite. You''re the first person, besides me, they have ever seen. What''s your name?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Jill, Jillian¡± she said. Her voice was like music to my ears.


    ¡°This is Ginger and this is Pete. My name is Greg.¡± I said to Jillian.


    ¡°Hello Ginger, hello Pete.¡± She said looking at them smiling. Hearing their names, they started to wag their tails a little and noses on full alert. They both turned towards me getting excited to investigate this curiosity.


    ¡°No sudden movements, let them smell you, do NOT pet them. Understand?¡± I said with a warning.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She said with a short smile.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I said to them as they both approached Jillian. Inside of seven seconds it was clear, Jillian was part of the pack. I laughed and started walking back to the R/V.  I whistled and Ginger and Pete ran toward me as I pushed the dolly toward the R/V. Jillian helped by handing me the items as I put them inside. Ginger and Pete sniffing her the entire time.


    ¡°Wow, this is nice.¡± Jillian said looking inside the R/V.


    ¡°Come on in.¡± I said as Jillian looked around the inside as Ginger and Pete each brought her toys to play with. She picked up a photo album and started leafing through the pages. ¡°She looks about my age.¡± Jillian said as two tears ran down her face.


    ¡°Help yourself.¡± I said as I put things away pointing towards the refrigerator. Jillian opened the refrigerator and took two bottles of water as I started to make lunch.


    ¡°I was visiting my grandparents in New Orleans when it started. We hid in the house until the gun shots stopped. Only one-person broke in. I was hiding in the closet, they took all the water and some food and left.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I found these two just as their mother died. You are the first person I have come across.¡± I said to Jillian.


    ¡°I only saw a man, about two weeks ago.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Really?¡± I said surprised.


    ¡°He was old, about your age.¡± Jillian said. I just looked at her.


    ¡°That sounds like my daughter!¡± I said smiling.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it, like that, I mean¡­¡± Jillian continued her apology.


    ¡°I know what you mean, go on.¡± I said smiling.


    ¡°I was sleeping in my car. He knocked hard on my window. I got scared. He was acting really crazy; I mean fucking nuts! I started my car and he shot out the back window yelling and screaming. That smells so good! It¡¯s been a while since I had a hot meal and a cold drink. What month is it?¡± Jillian asked. Her dialog was animated and entertaining to my ears, I just enjoyed listening to her.


    ¡°December, I think.¡± I said.


    ¡°Really?¡± Jillian said surprised. ¡°I was thinking about going to Minneapolis, I figured I would wait till Spring.¡± She said.


    ¡°Why do you want to go to Minneapolis?¡± I asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s where I¡¯m from, I guess I was hoping¡­ you know.¡± Jillian said. I looked at her for a moment.


    ¡°When you¡¯re done eating, please take a shower.¡± I said.


    ¡°How do I know I can trust you?¡± Jillian asked reluctantly hoping I would not take offense. I pulled the keys from the ignition. ¡°We¡¯ll get you some clothes. There is enough water for two showers, feel free to use it up.¡± I said.


    ¡°That bad huh?¡± Jillian said smiling politely.


    I pushed the dolly back into the mall and found some appropriate women¡¯s clothing, female toiletries and a couple of laptops and a box full of CD¡¯s and DVDs that looked useful, two-way radios and some electronic upgrades for the R/V. I also found a skid of bottled water. I used a hand truck to move the water then returned to the R/V with the dolly.


    I unlocked the R/V and Jillian was lying on her back sleeping on the couch wearing just a towel and her legs spread wide open. The only thought that came to my mind was: I¡¯m glad I got her some razors. I covered her up with a blanket. I refilled the water tank and needed to purge the black water.


    Jillian woke up as I started the R/V. I asked about her plans. She said she did not have any, other than getting back to Minneapolis. I asked if she would like to travel with us. She would need to contribute as a resource to benefit everyone and she agreed to medical and navigation. I drove the R/V next to her car and she collected some personal items and she said ¡°Let¡¯s roll!¡±


    Ginger and Pete were upset because Jillian now occupied their positions for travel. I made some modifications that allowed them seating between us as we drove. This was acceptable for them.

 February Year 0- Adjustments

    Ginger and Pete were growing fast and needed more exercise than what they were getting from our periodic stops.  ¡°So, what¡¯s in Marin County?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Marin County is where it all started here in the states.¡± I said.


    ¡°What started?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Mountain Biking.¡± I said as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and I explained what I understood as American mountain biking history. A bird flew by; ¡°Holy Shit! Did you see that?¡± I said excited. Jillian was looking down at a road map and the dogs did not know how to react.


    ¡°It was a bird! A fucking bird!¡± I said looking at her.


    ¡°Okay, okay, I believe you!¡± Jillian said laughing at my excitement.


    ¡°There it is again!¡± I said pointing. Sure enough, a bird swooped down near the R/V and Ginger and Pete started barking. We stopped the R/V and got out. We looked in the sky for about fifteen minutes and the bird did not return. ¡°Damn!¡± I said with my camera ready.


    We stopped and picked up brochures, trail maps and selected two bikes and safety gear. Ginger and Pete had no idea what was going on. Only, I was excited and the prospect of adventure. Jillian was passive, she understood the importance of exercise and the dogs were driving her crazy. I packed the dog¡¯s backpacks with bike tools, small tire pump, tubes, food and water. We got to the trail head and Jillian said ¡°That way.¡± Pointing as she folded the map.


    I took off on my bike and Ginger and Pete looked at me as I turned back to see their reaction. I whistled and yelled ¡°Come!¡± The dogs tore off leaving Jillian in a cloud of dust as she clicked through the gears. They gained on me quickly as I slowed down for Jillian to catch up. Ginger and Pete barked at me as I waited at a bridge.


    ¡°Just go, I¡¯ll catch up!¡± yelled Jillian as she approached.


    ¡°We do this together.¡± I said. Ginger and Pete stayed right behind me as we went through the trails at a pace more suited for quadrupeds. Jillian was no slouch; she was young and in good physical shape. We stopped after a very long and hard climb and rested with water and snacks. I took a few pictures. Ginger and Pete were in doggy heaven.


    ¡°Do you smell smoke?¡± Jillian asked. I turned facing the wind. Ginger and Pete watched me smell the air and they joined in.


    ¡°Maybe a little.¡± I said looking around the valley below. ¡°Well, if something is burning, we might not want to know what it is.¡± I said. We took pictures, and looked around at the desolate scenic beauty.


    ¡°We have about two miles, all downhill that way, or seven miles that way.¡± Jillian said pointing looking at the map.


    ¡°Ginger, Pete, Downhill?¡± I asked them. They looked at me like two happy dogs.


    ¡°We really should be heading back.¡± Jillian said looking at her wristwatch.


    ¡°You go first.¡± I said to Jillian. Ginger and Pete stayed behind us, sometimes having a hard time keeping up as we descended.


    We got back to the R/V showered and found a nice ocean view location for the night. We had dinner and watched the sunset with a bottle of very expensive California wine. Jillian interrupted the eerie silence.Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Today is the first day I have ever seen you smile so much. Most of the time you¡¯re real serious and focused on fixing things or reading.¡±


    ¡°I did have fun today. I actually felt like I have a family.¡± I said without thinking.


    ¡°You DO have a family; our children just happen to have four legs each.¡± Jillian said as a matter of fact. I laughed. ¡°Our children! You know there is about twenty years between us. A lot of people would consider that¡­ an issue.¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s just numbers and math, besides, there is no longer a lot of people, and as far as numbers and mathematics; forty-one CAN go into twenty-two.¡± Jillian said staring directly into my eyes. I did not reply.


    We drove north on the P.S.H. We were well supplied and the drone was proving useful in finding solar panels that usually yielded some good results if they were operational. Small amounts of frozen bacon, beef, pork, chicken in chest freezers. These were typically in middle to upper class developments. The urban areas were just war zones and void of any possible resources and difficult to navigate through the streets.


    Jillian¡¯s orienteering and navigating skills were as impressive as her medicinal skills. She had a calendar for all of us. Checkups, vaccinations for the dogs, she even had a separate mini fridge for blood in case of emergency. Bordering on O.C.D.  Her skills as a marksman were improving; she liked small sidearms but the AA-12 was just too much firepower. She liked archery the best and had deadly precision with a crossbow.


    It has been almost one year as we drove through Canada. It was really beautiful; insect populations seem to be increasing as well as birds.


    One day biking around a lake, Ginger and Pete caught a scent. They barked once and took off across a field. We stopped and followed them on foot. It was difficult to see them in the tall grass and scrub. When we caught up with them, they caught a young squirrel and killed it. Ginger and Pete were so proud of what they had done, tails wagging and happy.


    ¡°Ginger, Pete! NO! Bad dogs!¡± I said really pissed off. They cowered and dropped their heads confused.


    ¡°Oh no.¡± Jillian said quietly. They both sensed Jillian¡¯s emotion as well. Lifeless with a broken neck, the tiny squirrel image burned into my brain. We exited the field, got on our bikes and returned to the R/V in silence. Ginger and Pete jogging behind us with tails between their legs and heads hung low. Ginger and Pete were almost full grown. The tiny squirrel probably died from a heart attack seeing them in pursuit, I told myself. I sat on the ground near the R/V and held Ginger and Pete. They were reluctant at first but soon could not resist the temptation to return affection.


    ¡°It¡¯s in their DNA.¡± Jillian said, sitting next to me on the ground with the dogs. ¡°Squirrels: The mortal enemy of all dogs. Why, I do not know.¡± Jillian said quietly as Ginger licked her face.


    ¡°I know I probably over reacted.¡± I said. In typical canine fashion all was back to normal in five seconds. After dinner we plotted our course, Jillian really wanted to see her parents¡¯ house one last time.


    ¡°You might not like what you find.¡± I said. Jillian closed her eyes and sighed.


    ¡°I know, but I still want to go.¡± She said.


    ¡°What about your house?¡± Jillian asked me.


    ¡°It is an empty shell. There is nothing there for me.¡± I said.


    We sat outside for about a half hour. Jillian stood up. ¡°I have to study canine dentistry; I see some plaque buildup and from what I have read it could lead to something serious.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in, in a minute.¡± I said looking at nothing. I sat in the chair for two hours thinking, reflecting, assessing and asking myself why does everything need an explanation. That was then, this is now. There is no going back, only forward and doing what is right. Making the best decisions I can, for everyone, not just me.


    I went into the R/V and Jillian was sleeping on the couch, dogs sleeping in their beds. As I went to close her laptop it switched to a picture slideshow in screensaver mode. I watched, laughed and cried. I had no idea Jillian took so many pictures. After the sixth or seventh rotation I closed the lid. After drying my tears, I was startled to see Jillian watching me.


    ¡°You try to hide it, but YOU are a softy.¡± Jillian said drying her tears. I picked her up from the couch and carried her to the bedroom. The only thing she said was, ¡°It¡¯s about time.¡±

 June Year 1- Oh, Canada

    We were leaving Ontario, Canada, it was dusk, very warm outside; Seventy-five degrees, low humidity, looking for a place to park for the night.


    ¡°What do you suppose that is?¡± Jillian asked pointing to a dim light high on the top of a mountain ridge. It blinked out just as I observed it.


    ¡°Faulty wiring from solar?¡± Winds are probably strong up there.¡± I said. Jillian got out of her chair and the dogs immediately took her place to stick their noses out the open window. She opened her maps and started leafing through them.


    ¡°Pull over! What time is it?¡± She asked.


    ¡°8:40¡± I responded. ¡°We really¡­¡± I started to say as she interrupted me with a ¡°Shhh!¡± Holding up her index finger. Ginger and Pete looked at me as if to say ¡°You better be quiet.¡± I pulled over and went outside and lit a cigar. Ginger and Pete nosed around and relieved themselves. It was getting darker by the minute.


    ¡°I think I got it! Here, take a look.¡± Jillian yelled from inside the R/V. Jillian showed me the location, then showed me a topographic map of the mountain ridge.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that location does not exist on these maps. Let¡¯s see how close we can get!¡± She said. Her excitement and energy were irresistible. ¡°Ok¡± I said. I called off the mile markers as she plotted the course on the maps on the table. She told me the exit, when to turn and the percentage of grade on the road. At 9:32 she moved the dogs off the chair.


    ¡°This road should take us there. It¡¯s not on any map!¡± Jillian said looking out the window intently. It was dark as we ascended a very steep overgrown road with a lot of debris. We reached the top and it was a dead end. A single car was parked. It has been here a while, leaves, branches and dirt covered it. Jillian looked at me and said ¡°Come on, you know you want to investigate!¡±


    I parked the R/V on a level area of the road and secured it. We geared up; headlamps, 45, AA-12 and Jillian with her favorite purple crossbow. She looked very sexy with her crossbow by the way.


    ¡°Safety¡¯s on.¡± I said. We double checked. Ginger and Pete were excited but holding steady and waiting for my commands. As we got to the front of the parked car, we noticed it was used to breach a gate. I looked inside the car. It was a late model sedan, driver side window down, passenger side up. Pack of Newport¡¯s on the seat. Nothing in the back seat, keys in the ignition.


    ¡°Hostile intent? He didn¡¯t make it back.¡± I said.


    ¡°Maybe it was a ¡®she.¡± Jillian added. The driveway seemed long and the house was not visible.


    ¡°High risk.¡± I said.


    ¡°Shit! You¡¯re right, first thing in the morning?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Before breakfast.¡± I said.


    We sat outside and enjoyed the warm breeze drinking some Canadian wine. We were discussing the possible fate of the occupants in the house and the parked car in a macabre game. I outlined my explanation, Jillian outlined hers.


    ¡°The winner gets a car. If I win; a Jaguar.¡± I said.


    ¡°If I win, I want a Ferrari.¡± Jillian said rather quickly.


    ¡°Do you know how to drive a stick?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a few years, it¡¯s what I learned on to get my driver¡¯s license.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°You took your driver¡¯s test in a Ferrari?¡± I asked, a little taken aback. Jillian said nothing and just smiled.


    I woke up to the smell of coffee, Jillian was packing the dog¡¯s packs with tools; wire cutters, pliers, screwdrivers, extra batteries, headlamps and snacks.


    ¡°Sunrise in thirty minutes!¡± Jillian said as she was all packed up ready to go.


    ¡°Give me a minute, damn woman!¡± I said as she handed me a cup of coffee laughing a little and in good spirits. A heavy fog was present and a little cool. Ginger and Pete were geared up and ready to go. Disposition set on ¡®exploration¡¯ mode.


    ¡°Radios on and open. Locked and loaded. Safety¡¯s on, Jaguar coming my way.¡± I said softly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Jillian said shaking her head.


    ¡°British Racing green.¡± I said.


    ¡°No, no, no! I get to pick the color.¡± Jillian said. I shrugged my shoulders.


    The air was heavy, quiet and still. Only our footsteps could be heard. Ginger and Pete sniffing, from the ground to the air and back again walking right beside us as we passed the car with the broken gate that penetrated the radiator.


    ¡°Fixed surveillance cameras, there and there.¡± I said quietly and pointing up.


    ¡°Something does not feel right.¡± I said as a breath without thinking. I stopped for a moment.


    ¡°Stay back. Twenty yards with the dogs.¡± I said as I walked slowly and did a quick radio check and adjusted the volume.


    ¡°Look for small reflectors, on a post or a tree, ten to twenty feet on either side of the driveway.¡± I whispered.


    ¡°How are the dog¡¯s doing?¡± I asked quietly.


    ¡°Poised and focused, ears trying to pick up sounds, noses mostly facing north.¡± Jillian said quietly.


    ¡°How are you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Honestly, a little damp.¡± Jillian said in a serious tone.


    ¡°Stay focused please.¡± I said.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Jillian replied.


    I rounded two sweeping corners and the house was in sight. It was like something out of a black and white 1950¡¯s movie set. ¡°Holy Shit.¡± I whispered.


    ¡°What?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°I think you found our summer home.¡± I said as Jillian quickly said ¡°Reflector, left side, fifteen feet in.¡±


    ¡°My safety is now off.¡± I said. I proceeded slowly toward a small building near the house.  I assumed was the light source we saw yesterday.


    ¡°Summer home? Looks more like a hotel.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°This is no hotel.¡± I whispered quietly. I looked in a window on the building.


    ¡°Drop your weapon!¡± I heard a man say from behind me.


    ¡°Drop your weapon, now!¡± The muffled voice repeated. I placed the AA-12 against the building and raised my hands.


    ¡°Turn around.¡± The voice commanded. I turned to face a man in a level 1,000 hazmat suit with a military style weapon I did not recognize.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I said cheerfully with a slight smile.


    ¡°Tell the girl to come out or I will kill you right where you stand.¡± The man said in a dull tone.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to shoot me.¡± I said in a similar dull tone.


    ¡°What makes you so sure?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°Well, I am unarmed and I pose no threat.¡± I said. He did not respond.


    ¡°What are you protecting?¡± I asked.


    ¡°None of your fucking business!¡± The man said in a hostile manner.


    ¡°So, there is another here. Hmmm, tell whoever else is here to come out so we all can talk.¡± I asked politely.


    ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡± said another man appearing from the corner of the building wearing a similar hazmat suit with no weapon.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± I said again with a slight smile.


    ¡°I would feel more comfortable if he stopped pointing that weapon at me.¡± I said to the man.


    ¡°You are in no position to give orders.¡± The man responded.


    ¡°Oh, make no mistake, I¡¯m not giving orders, I¡¯m asking politely. Please, stop pointing that weapon at me, you are making us nervous. Nice place you have here.¡± I said stepping back a little looking at the extensive power supply and cabling.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking move.¡± The man with the weapon said. I looked at him, smiled and kept walking slowly, strategically positioning myself so the cavalry would not be noticed.


    ¡°See, here is how this is going to play out; you are going to lower your weapon, and you are going to tell me why you killed the owner and took up residence here.¡± I said quietly with authority.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Said the man coldly without a weapon.


    ¡°Sweetheart?¡± I said in the radio.


    ¡°Yes?¡± said Jillian musically.


    ¡°You know you only have to put a hole in their suit, right?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m having a hard time choosing who is going to be first, sweetie.¡± Jillian said sarcastically.


    ¡°I think we know who is going to be first.¡± I whispered to the both of them, giving a wink and a smile to the man with the weapon. The man lowered his weapon. Just then Ginger appeared, teeth barred, low thunderous growling and fur standing on end. Then I noticed Pete sitting behind Mr. no weapon. No teeth, no growling, ice cold blank eyes, like a statue. For some reason Pete was way more intimidating than Ginger.


    ¡°Are the dogs in position?¡± Jillian asked quietly over the radio.


    ¡°Yes. Yes, they are. Sweetheart? Did you forget to feed them this morning?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I thought you fed them. They must be very hungry.¡± Jillian said sarcastically again. I gestured to the man with the weapon to hand it over.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Mr. no weapon exclaimed in an increasing tone as I received the weapon and inspected it for a moment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± I said calmly. ¡°Don¡¯t fucking move a muscle.¡± I said slowly as Pete stood up and his lip starting to curl revealing just a glimpse of his pearly white teeth, thanks to Jillian.


    ¡°Do you know who I am!¡± The man yelled.


    ¡°No, I do not, and please lower your voice.¡± I said. ¡°What <u>is</u> your name?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Brigadier¡­¡± I held up my hand and pointed the weapon at him. ¡°First name, only.¡± I said lowering the weapon.


    ¡°Christopher¡±. The man said emasculated.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°¡­and you?¡± I asked looking at the man I disarmed and not pointing the weapon at him.


    ¡°Thomas, Tom.¡± He responded.


    ¡°See, now we are getting friendly. Do either of you know what¡¯s out there?¡± I asked pointing the weapon out over the valley. They looked at each other.


    ¡°You don¡¯t, do you?¡± I asked but received no response.


    ¡°Tom, please tell me what Chris told you, or promised you.¡± I asked as Chris gave Tom a piercing look and shook his head with an almost imperceptible; ¡®no¡¯ as I gestured with the weapon, they stood with their backs against the building, I said into the radio: ¡°Sweetheart?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sugar buns?¡± Jillian responded.


    ¡°Could you¡­¡¯Sugar buns¡¯¡­ really? Now? Could you please get Tom to talk to us?¡± I asked. Immediately a bolt appeared right between the men¡¯s heads in a loud thud as it buried into the cement wall. Jillian stood up loading another bolt not more than twenty feet from us.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Jillian said musically, smiling and aiming her crossbow at their heads.


    ¡°No substitute for titanium.¡± Jillian said to no one in particular. Jillian stood next to me and the dogs on either side of us. Ginger growling low and Pete looking straight at them; chest heaving, breathing heavy through his flaring nostrils.


    ¡°Tom?¡± I asked with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°The virus was supposed to last only two weeks. Infrastructure fell like dominoes, we lost contact after three weeks. We have been here ever since.¡± Tom said reluctantly.


    ¡°Why do you still wear Hazmat suits?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Virus levels are not dropping as fast as anticipated.¡± Tom said, his tone increasing. ¡°Based on my, our calculations, the virus will be active for another six maybe seven years.¡± Tom said.


    ¡°That¡¯s pure speculation! We have scientists working on the vaccine as we speak.¡± Chris said with confidence. I looked at Jillian and she looked at me and chortled.


    ¡°You survived! I bet a lot of people survived!¡± Chris said, trying to be convincing.


    ¡°It has been over a year and I have traveled most of the states and Canada and I have only seen one person, and here she is.¡± I said not buying any of Chris¡¯ dialog.


    ¡°How much food and fresh water do you have here?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Plenty!¡± said Chris arrogantly.


    ¡°Tom?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°About six months.¡± Tom responded truthfully as Chris¡¯ temper flared up in a series of loud curses, alerting the dogs.


    ¡°You better settle down right now.¡± I said calmly to Chris.


    ¡°YOU DON¡¯T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!¡± Chris yelled and poked my chest with his finger. Pete launched first at his outstretched arm. All of us heard the crunch. Ginger grabbed his leg. Only about ten seconds expired when I stepped back and told Tom not to move or make eye contact with the dogs.


    ¡°GINGER! PETE! COME!¡± I said loudly. Chris lay on the ground, hazmat suit compromised in many places.


    ¡°My arm is broke! My¡­My SUIT!¡± He said panicking, cradling his arm. I held on to the dogs as they tried to settle down.


    ¡°I have to get inside! I have to get inside!¡± Chris cried as he got to his feet.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Tom said pointing a pistol he obviously was concealing to Chris¡¯s head.


    ¡°What are you doing! Shoot them! Shoot them!¡± Chris pleaded. Tom looked at Jillian then he looked at me, then at the dogs, then back at Chris. Chris¡¯ face obscured by a light haze that formed on the inside of his face mask holding his arm.


    ¡°Hold this, please.¡± Tom said, handing the pistol to Jillian. Tom closed his eyes and took a final breath. He took off his hood, and then took another breath of fresh cool morning Canadian air.


    ¡°WHAT ARE YOU DOING!¡± Chris said almost crying.


    ¡°I would rather take a chance and spend my last days with these people than spend another minute with you.¡± Tom said confidently with his choice. Tom took another deep breath.


    ¡°God, does that smell good!¡± Tom said closing his eyes and breathing in and out.


    ¡°YOU¡¯RE DEAD! YOU¡¯RE DEAD! Chris said highly agitated in a piercing voice. Tom asked for his pistol back. Jillian looked at me and handed it over to Tom. Tom pointed the pistol at Chris and told him to take off his suit and smell the air. Chris yelled ¡°NO! NO WAY! ¡°


    ¡°You, are already dead.¡± I said to Chris as I motioned to Jillian to leave this matter to the two of them.


    Jillian, the dogs and I, strolled the perimeter of the complex. Architecture very opulent and sophisticated. After about ten minutes, Tom appeared around the corner on the opposite side of the complex, standing naked as the day he was born. Arms out stretched, feeling the morning sun on his skin and a big beaming smile. Ginger and Pete started wagging their tails looking like they were ready to play. Tom clapped his hands and started running and they took off after him barking and playing tag and having fun.


    They knocked him to the ground and sniffed and kissed him. Ginger or Pete must have stepped on his nuts as he yelled out and doubled over laughing out loud. Jillian and I walked over to him lying in the morning dew covered grass making a snow angel.


    ¡°This feels so good!¡± Tom said.


    ¡°I could watch this all day.¡± Jillian said with her crossbow on her shoulder.


    ¡°What fate became of Chris?¡± I asked Tom.


    ¡°I put him in the bunker with a gun and tossed him one bullet as I locked the door behind me.¡± Tom said out of breath. ¡°Let¡¯s get some breakfast.¡± I said as I helped Tom to his feet.


    Tom was a strapping young man. Twenty-four, maybe twenty-five years old. Powerfully built, six-foot-tall, high cheekbones, military haircut. Jillian walked behind us as we walked back to the R/V along the winding driveway as Tom pointed out all the security features.


    ¡°You triggered two alarms as you drove up the hill; pressure pads. We watched you while you were drinking wine and talking last night.¡± Tom said.


    ¡°You could hear us talking?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No, not really, mostly just mumbling.¡± Tom said.


    ¡°That AA-12 is bad-ass, can I shoot it?¡± Tom asked with a smile.


    ¡°Not naked! That¡¯s just plain wrong!¡± I said. Tom laughed and said ¡°Affirmative.¡±


    As we approached the R/V the dogs welcomed our new friend. Tom asked if he could take a quick shower. ¡°Sure, I guess.¡± I said confused.


    ¡°Between the bolt seven inches from my head and the dogs taking offensive positions, I pissed in my shoes. Especially the one with the big friggin head.¡± Tom said with a crooked smile.


    ¡°Oh! Pete?¡± I said as Pete heard his name and looked toward me panting and wagging his tail happy there is someone else to pet him.


    ¡°How did you get him to sit and stare! That is really spooky!¡± Tom said petting and inspecting Pete¡¯s huge head.


    ¡°That¡¯s just his thing to do, I guess.¡± I said as I pointed toward the shower. I started breakfast and Jillian pulled out maps of the area for Tom to review. Tom was a wealth of information.


    ¡°I can show you the control room later. The entire time we have spent here the only things we saw by the motion sensors was a small mouse or mole, just one. It records everything and sends it to a satellite. But that link was broken three weeks in.¡± Tom said.


    ¡°Who¡¯s on the other end of the link?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Unknown, I was told to ¡®follow orders and ask no questions.¡¯ Your family will be safe.¡± Tom said in a military tone.


    After breakfast, Tom showed us how everything worked. Industrial and military generators, solar power, water filtration, reclaim, the list goes on and on. I took as many notes and pictures as possible.


    ¡°I have never turned on all the power for the risk of being seen; by the way how did you find this place?¡± Tom asked.


    ¡°We saw a light from the highway, about 8:45 last night.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°That was me. I turned on the light for about five minutes to change out a filter.¡± Tom said. After we toured the control room and I verified all the power requirements, preventive maintenance and the library of procedures, we walked to the main compound.


    ¡°If you plan on staying here, you should be good for about three years. Then you will need fresh diesel, unless you go all green, then it¡¯s just maintenance. These systems were engineered to utilize common household¡­¡± Tom was interrupted by Jillian.


    ¡°Who used to live here?¡± Jillian asked looking at the overgrown landscaping and the Gothic architectural design.


    ¡°A man that was originally involved, then, dispatched prior to our arrival.¡± Tom said reluctantly.


    ¡°And his family and staff?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Unknown.¡± Tom said. ¡°The compound was empty when we arrived. I only went through it initially to perform a sweep of the area. This is the first time I¡¯ve been back. Everything we needed was in the bunker. ¡°I unlocked the doors from the control room.¡± Tom said opening the huge front door.


    It was like walking into a private museum, each room had its own distinct character of furniture, woodwork and lighting. We took the elevator to the top floor and worked our way down. Each room and floor were absolutely breathtaking, we did not want to touch anything for fear of breaking it.


    Jillian wanted to see the kitchen. It was like a small restaurant. Three or four massive stoves and ovens and two refrigerators. Both were on, we could hear them gently humming. Jillian grabbed the handle and looked at Tom. He shrugged his shoulders. Jillian opened the door and we were consumed by the overwhelming stench of milk, vegetables and fruit gone bad long ago. She quickly closed the door. She walked over to a walk-in freezer and grabbed the large chrome handle and looked at Tom and I.


    ¡°It should be functional.¡± Tom said smiling.


    As Jillian opened the door, she was consumed by a frozen vapor cloud. We all looked in at the same time. ¡°Holy Shit!¡± we all said at the same time. Steaks, pork, chicken, hamburger is what was visible from the door. We all celebrated by hugging each other and I immediately walked over to the grill portion of the stove, turned the valve and fired it up.


    ¡°We have Bacon! Prime rib! Pork chops! Salmon! Veggies!¡± Jillian yelled out excited. Tom came out with three of the biggest steaks he could find. ¡°We will need two more!¡± I said to Tom. Tom apologized.


    ¡°Won¡¯t they be surprised!¡± I said looking around for Ginger and Pete. Jillian went to the sink and turned the handle. The faucet sputtered a little and red then brown water flowed eventually giving way to clear. Jillian and Tom started washing dishes and flat wear as I located the wine cellar and a mini fridge with some tonic water, soft drinks and bottles of beer.


    ¡°Beer or Wine?¡± I yelled out loud enough for both of them to hear. A chorus of two sang ¡°BEER¡±! As I already selected an assortment of bottles. Ginger appeared at the kitchen entrance with her nose at full alert, as the steaks hit the grill and Jillian started cooking up some hash browns and peas and carrots.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Pete?¡± Asked Tom.


    ¡°PETE!¡± I yelled as I heard him tearing across the stone foyer from the front door. Ginger and Pete sat at the kitchen¡¯s entrance salivating to the point they made small puddles on the floor.


    ¡°No sampling Greg!¡± Jillian said as she watched me cut into a portion of steak.


    ¡°I was checking¡­¡± I started to say as Jillian said ¡°right!¡± laughing a little.


    The table was set and it was time to eat. This was the first real meal we all have had in a very long time. Everything was neatly arranged on the small table as the steam wafted from the serving dishes. Jillian held up her bottle of beer. Tom and I waited for her to make a toast.


    ¡°¡­I have no words.¡± Jillian said looking at the feast then to Tom and I then the dogs.


    The flavors exploded on our pallets. Jillian and I cut up small pieces for Ginger and Pete. Only a few at a time and of course they did not bother to chew. They knew this was something special and could barely contain themselves. After a year of basically eating backpacking meals, the exquisite taste overrode our stomach volume and we could not eat anymore. This did not stop Ginger and Pete. They recycled their meals twice and I had to put them outside because the sound of them regurgitating their meals was making us ill.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t plan that very well.¡± Jillian said looking at all the food still on the table.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take my leftovers to the R/V, grab a cigar and plant my ass in a hammock.¡± I said.


    ¡°After we clean up.¡± Jillian added. We did a half ass job cleaning up as I collected the dogs who were lying outside the front door in the sunshine. Ginger, Pete and I waddled to the R/V now parked outside the complex and unfolded a portable hammock.


    After a three-hour nap I woke to a car engine and transmission painfully trying to cooperate. Jillian sitting in the driver¡¯s seat of a red Ferrari with Tom. Jillian¡¯s face was all smiles as she waved to me and eventually made it around the large circular driveway and red lining the engine near the hammock.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Jillian asked me.


    ¡°Beautiful!¡± I said. ¡°Aww! Thank you! And what about the car?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to need plastic surgery to remove that smile from your face.¡± I said getting up and stretching with the dogs.


    ¡°Follow us.¡± Jillian said as she put it in first gear and drove around to the other side of the complex with a large building attached. One of the four garage doors was opened. Inside; a black Suburban, a gray Aston Martin Vanquish, and a Jaguar F-Type R; British racing green.


    ¡°That one is yours!¡± Jillian said running up and giving me a hug.


    ¡°Steak, potatoes, Jaguar. This day keeps getting better.¡± I said as she opened the door for me. It started right up. The soft purr of the engine felt and sounded wonderful. As I put the window down and adjusted the mirrors I said: ¡°I think I need a new toothbrush.¡±


    ¡°TOOTHBRUSH SHOPPING! Jillian yelled as she ran to the Ferrari. Tom pulled out the Aston Martin with a head nod as he red-lined the engine. I opened the passenger door for Ginger and Pete as they struggled for the small amount of real estate the passenger seat provided.


    ¡°We have about two and a half hours of sunlight.¡± Jillian said as she stopped at the R/V to get a map and handing me a radio. Tom and I followed Jillian to the freeway entrance and all lined up. Jillian held up her finger for us to wait.


    ¡°This branches off in about forty miles, stay west, return east to this exit.¡± Jillian said folding up the map. Tom was off like a shot, the engine of the Aston Martin roared to life in a cloud of smoke from the tires as he blasted through the gears.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna go slow till I feel comfortable.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Me too.¡± I said as I took it to one hundred twenty miles per hour. The dogs started to get nervous. I had to dodge a couple of obstacles, but the Jag handled it beautifully. I eventually saw a cloud of smoke and the Aston Martin doing doughnuts in the middle of the highway. I pulled up slowly next to Tom who was parked sideways coughing from the smoke yelling ¡°Fuck Yea! Fuck Yea! WHOOO! You got to drive this!¡± We both turned our heads as we heard the distinct sound of the Ferrari. Jillian was all smiles.


    ¡°The faster you go the better it drives!¡± She exclaimed as she pulled alongside of us.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting dark. We better head back.¡± Jillian said. We all took off in a blaze of European engineering. The dogs were not impressed.  As soon as the R/V was in sight I let them out and they were happy trotting along the side of the Jag as I parked it in the garage. I walked over to Tom standing in the garage.


    ¡°What¡¯s that one?¡± I said as I pointed to a car covered by a gray cloth in the corner.


    ¡°No Idea.¡± Tom said. We walked over and both of us spotted the stitched logo. ¡°Bentley.¡± We both said at the same time with grins on our faces. We pulled off the gray cloth and uncovered a ¡®Continental GT.¡¯


    ¡°Locked.¡± I said as I tried the door handle. ¡°We¡¯ll get back to you tomorrow.¡± I said to the car as Jillian parked the Ferrari.


    ¡°Either of you want to watch a movie?¡± I asked. During our tour we found a home theater, an actual theater that seated about twenty people, massive screen and sound system. Jillian looked at Tom, then at me. I smiled and said: ¡°I understand.¡± As I walked out of the garage Tom stopped me.


    ¡°Sir¡­ Greg¡­ Jillian and I wanted to¡­¡± Tom started to say as I stopped him from his obvious carefully prepared speech.


    ¡°Tom. I understand. I get it, I really do. The world is very different now. I appreciate and respect your concern. All we can really do is make the most of what time we have.¡± I said.


    ¡°Greg?¡± Jillian caught up with me as I walked to the R/V. She looked at me and did not speak. The look of confusion on her face. I spoke to break the awkward silence.


    ¡°Two things, one; next week is probably going to be very emotionally difficult, two; when we meet up with Taylor Swift, you will extend me the same courtesy.¡± Jillian smiled and gave me a hug.


    ¡°Taylor Swift. Hmm. I just might join in.¡± She said winking and walking away.


    ¡°Ahhh! to be twenty again.¡± I said to Ginger and Pete who looked at me like I said ¡®steak¡¯.

 June Year 1 - Confrontation

    I spent the next few days learning from Tom how everything worked and recording video for future reference. We all ate meals together and cleaned up. Jillian and Tom made the most of what time they had together, which is exactly what I would have done in their position. After dinner one night, Tom asked me to go for a walk with him. Jillian looked at me and returned to wiping the counter.


    ¡°What are you planning on doing with Brigadier¡­ I mean Chris?¡± Tom asked me.


    ¡°Oh yea, I forgot about him. Hmm. Fuck him, let him rot like the countless others.¡± I said thinking of my family buried in my backyard.


    ¡°I would like to die as a soldier.¡± Tom said pulling out his side arm and handing it to me.


    ¡°You want to be buried with your gun?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No, I want you to do the honor of¡­¡± I interrupted Tom immediately.


    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± I said looking him straight in the eyes. ¡°There is nothing honorable about that! I absolutely refuse this request. Your battle, as a warrior, is with death itself. Not a person, not a virus, not even a bullet. A true warrior looks death in the eyes and faces it head on. Death will eventually win, but as a warrior, death needs to know who their dealing with.¡± I said.


    ¡°You sound exactly like my dad.¡± Tom said blinking with his head tilted. Tom¡¯s eyes welled up and he hugged me.


    ¡°Death seems to be pretty simple, easy and straight forward; it¡¯s living that is the ultimate battle.¡± I said.


    ¡°I took this assignment under completely different project objectives; I was manipulated from the start. By the time everything became clear, it was too late.¡± Tom said looking down to the ground.


    ¡°You and countless others I suspect.¡± I said. Nothing was said for about a full minute. Tom handed me a piece of paper.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to read this until you tell me what it is.¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s a location of where I want to be buried, alongside my fallen Brothers and Sisters.¡± Tom said standing to attention.


    ¡°Arlington?¡± I questioned. ¡°You want to be buried along with all the others that died protecting America from a government that probably killed them?¡± I asked. ¡°I will honor this request, however misplaced.¡± I said in a disapproving tone.


    ¡°War and casualties are a direct result of failed politics. Tribal conflict and war, does and probably always will exist, everywhere, at every timeline. Do you have any siblings?¡± I asked Tom.


    ¡°Three sisters and one brother, why?¡± Tom asked.


    ¡°If you had a choice of protecting your mom, dad and four siblings from an immediate threat or protecting a man or woman you hardly know; who would live and who would die? As a man, it is your responsibility to protect YOUR family.¡± I said.  Tom started to cry, but held it back. Jillian came running to his side. I heard Tom whisper to Jillian: ¡°That¡¯s my dad. I can see his face.¡± As he exploded in emotion and crying uncontrollably; he dropped to his knees.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°63215 Palm Brook Court Thousand Oaks, California! Write it down! Write it down!¡± Tom said regaining his composure. ¡°That¡¯s where my family¡­!¡± Tom said holding his hands over his face. I recorded Tom¡¯s information.  Tom pulled his hands from his face showing me the blood in his hands as his nose dripped red. Tom looked at it, then at me. ¡°Oh Shit!¡± Tom said. Jillian covered her mouth and started to sob.


    ¡°This is how it starts.¡± Tom said with a shaking voice as he looked at me then at Jillian.


    ¡°Hold steady soldier.¡± I said as I looked into his eyes. His gaze shifted quickly to just over my left shoulder and his eyes opened wide. ¡°Oh my.¡± He said quietly as he closed his eyes.


    ¡°Open your eyes, Tom. Face your enemy!¡± I said as I slowly glanced to my left and saw nothing, but could detect the smell of death I have been so accustomed to, only now I could actually taste it, metallic and sour. Tom struggled to open his eyes, chin quivering uncontrollably as pink tears poured from his eyes and blood ran from his nose and ears.


    ¡°FACE YOUR ENEMY!¡± I said loudly as Jillian burst into a crying fit, covering her eyes. Tom¡¯s breathing slowed and he opened his eyes and his mouth clinched so tight I think I heard a tooth crack. His eyes still looking just off my left shoulder, only now turning into a piercing evil stare. Tom¡¯s breathing increased slightly, then relaxed, as his eyes met mine for the final time.


    ¡°I have a body bag stored in the R/V, I¡¯ll get Tom¡¯s uniform and drag Brigadier dumb ass out.¡± I said to Jillian who was a mess of emotion.


    I turned on the monitor for the bunker to verify Chris¡¯ fate. He sat slumped in a chair, a dropped gun at his side and his brains decorated the wall behind him. Not taking any chances he rigged up a trap or something I rewound the recording.  Apparently, he did not want to face the horror he was part and parcel too and shot himself right after he wrote on a piece of paper. I unlocked the door and entered. I looked at the piece of paper, it was two paragraphs. Just text no numbers. It started with and apology and I stopped reading it. I dragged him outside and put him and his note in the body bag Jillian placed outside the door. I found Tom¡¯s uniform and gave it to Jillian.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t do that. I just can¡¯t.¡± Jillian said exhausted.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure he would not want to be buried in my Metallica t-shirt.¡± I said. Together we dressed Tom and put him in the body bag.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go find him a military coffin.¡± I said to Jillian who shook her head in agreement not able to speak. I found the keys to the Suburban and put Chris¡¯ body in the back. Jillian and the dogs got in. The dogs comforted Jillian, as she asked me; ¡°Where are you taking him?¡±


    ¡°The first dumpster I find.¡± I said as I put it in gear and drove away.


    We returned with a top-of-the-line military coffin. We could barely lift it to put it in the Suburban empty. We managed to put Tom in it and removed the body bag because it just did not look right. As I was ready to close the lid, Jillian asked for a few minutes. The dogs and I walked out of the garage and I could hear her talking quietly between crying. I heard the lid close, and I re-entered the garage.


    ¡°My turn.¡± I said opening the lid. ¡°Tom, I don¡¯t know whether to apologize or thank you, we will put you where you belong with the hopes it will bring you peace.¡± I closed the lid and latched it for the final time.


    Jillian said it might be an eight to nine-day round trip to California and back, mid- August if we don¡¯t run into any big delays, if we leave in the next day or two.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to spend Winter here? Jillian asked.


    ¡°Not really, but it¡¯s difficult walking away from all that food.¡± I said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s pack up as much as we can, and come back in the Spring.¡± Jillian proposed.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was thinking, we need to button up this place and hope something does not compromise the freezers. There is the main power source which is solar and two backup generators, we can top those off and double check everything before we leave. We can add a bigger freezer and a small trailer to the R/V and fill it up.¡± I said. Jillian did not respond.

 July Year 1- California

    It took two days before we were ready to leave for California. I set up a few rudimentary silent alarms in strategic areas so when we return, we can be sure no one else has visited.


    ¡°Do you want to stop in Minneapolis on our way?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°No. Maybe next time.¡± She said depressed.


    ¡°One tragedy at a time is all I can take.¡± I said.


    The drive was uneventful except for high engine temperature on some of the bigger hills and the transmission was acting up.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time we go shopping for another R/V.¡± I said.


    ¡°First, we have to figure out how we are going to¡­¡± Jillian said not finishing the sentence.


    ¡°Should we bury him in the front yard, backyard, in the house?¡± I proposed. Jillian shrugged her shoulders and looked out the window.


    We arrived at Tom¡¯s house around 1:00 pm on a Tuesday or Wednesday I think, and inspected the area. Very beautiful houses, at one time. The front door was unlocked. No sign of forced entry. The spacious front room had six coffins all lined up; two were Military, covered with American flags.


    ¡°So much for your family will be safe.¡± Jillian said looking around. I went into the garage and turned on my light. I found a furniture dolly that would work. We struggled but eventually placed Tom next to his family as Jillian placed an envelope and a couple of pictures on top of his flag.


    Jillian was sitting on a stone bench at the front of the house petting the dogs. I sat next to her and placed my arm around her and she put her head on my shoulder with a sigh.


    ¡°Got to love this weather.¡± I said looking up at the silent blue sky.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired of driving around like gypsies, can we find a place to live? A big place, overlooking the ocean?¡± Jillian said softly.


    ¡°Only if it has a swimming pool. I like to go skinny dipping.¡± I said. ¡°Let¡¯s go house shopping.¡± Jillian said standing up.


    After a couple of weeks, we found the perfect house in Malibu. The residents were not present and it looks like it was vacant before the virus hit. After about a month, we installed enough solar panels to power a couple of lights and the hot water tank. We used large generators for the refrigerator, and the pool filter. I was able to find a water truck to fill the swimming pool.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to go shopping.¡± Jillian said as she finished her tea one morning.


    ¡°Give me about two hours.¡± I said.


    ¡°No, I think I¡¯ll go all by myself.¡± She said with a suspicious grin.


    ¡°Take a gun and both dogs.¡± I said not comfortable with her decision. We have been in the house over a month. Non-stop activity of making it a self-contained, efficient and safe dwelling consumed most of our time.


    Building gardens and water collection required a lot of construction and re-construction. We modified the neighbor¡¯s houses in the area to channel moisture off the roofs and into collection tanks as well as other methods. Water was a constant necessity that always seemed to be in short supply.


    Jillian and the dogs returned in about three and a half hours. She made three trips upstairs with boxes and bags that she insisted she did not need assistance with. She was all smiles as she went back and forth.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°You¡¯re up to something!¡± I said to her through squinted eyes.


    ¡°I have all kinds of surprises!¡± Jillian said in a mysterious tone. Her final box was placed on the kitchen counter.


    ¡°Open it up!¡± She said barely able to contain herself, the dogs sitting with noses sweeping the air.


    ¡°Lobster tails!¡± Wow. These are huge. Where did you find these?¡± I asked as I gave her a hug and a kiss.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you tomorrow.¡± Jillian said as she pulled out a dusty bottle of red wine and handed it to me.


    ¡°1958? Is that good?¡± I asked. I was not a wine snob. I did not know good wine from bad wine. We always selected the most expensive and figured that it was better than the cheaper brands.


    ¡°I got you some new clothes. I put them in the ¡®Guest¡¯ bedroom.¡± Jillian said with a secret intention. Again, I looked at her through squinted eyes.


    ¡°I hope you know how to cook those.¡± Jillian said pointing to the box.


    ¡°I just hope they are still good; we¡¯ll know as soon as we open the packages.¡± I said holding the frozen rock-hard package. Each of the lobster tails were vacuum sealed in thick plastic.


    ¡°They will need to be thawed out first.¡± I said thinking out loud.


    ¡°How long will that take?¡± Jillian asked as she walked out of the kitchen. ¡°Dinner reservations will be at 7:30. I will need time to prepare.¡± I said. ¡°That makes two of us.¡± Jillian said in a devious tone.


    I had no fucking idea how to cook lobster tails. I looked through the kitchen for cook books and eventually found one in the library. I selected a recipe that included what we had available or as close as possible without the possibility of compromising the entire meal. I set the table using the best dishes and found real silverware. I had twenty minutes to take a quick shower and to check out the clothes Jillian picked out for me.


    ¡°I need to take a shower.¡± I yelled standing in the hallway by the door.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I heard Jillian say quietly.


    ¡°Just¡­ close your eyes.¡± She said.


    ¡°You have them closed?¡± She asked from behind the locked door.


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± I said. I heard the door open.


    ¡°No peeking!¡± Jillian said in a serious tone and meant it.


    ¡°Nail polish, coco butter¡­¡± I said as I walked through the room with my eyes closed taking in all the scents.


    ¡°Just be quiet.¡± Jillian said playfully. When I was done with my shower, I notified her.


    ¡°Keep your eyes shut.¡± She said as she led me out of the room.


    ¡°Ten minutes?¡± I said to her as the door slammed shut, and I walked down the hall to one of the guest rooms. A dark blue suit and black shoes, Italian made, a name I could not even pronounce, all neatly staged in the large armoire. Four bottles of cologne, large gold and sapphire cuff-links and a black silk tie.


    ¡°Hmm, no underwear. Commando tonight.¡± I said as I started to get dressed and selected a cologne. Everything fit rather nicely as I made my way downstairs to check on dinner. I lit the candles and put on some music.


    ¡°How¡¯s dinner coming along?¡± I heard Jillian say from the top of the sweeping stairs.


    ¡°Couple more minutes.¡± I replied. Jillian walked down the stairs in a very short black cocktail dress, her hair was pulled over to one side and this was the first time I have ever seen her with make-up. As she took a step on the stairs, I could just make out the clasps holding on to her black hose. She walked elegantly in her high heels across the floor, the sound was even sexy, as I stood up from the table to receive her. She placed her hands on her hips and turned around slowly allowing me a complete picture.


    ¡°You are absolutely stunning.¡± I said as I pulled out the chair for her.


    ¡°Blue is definitely your color!¡± Jillian said checking me out. I clasped her face with both hands and gently kissed her.


    As I opened the bottle of 1958 wine ¨C the antique patina on the bottle looked really classy in this setting, the mechanical timer in the kitchen went off. As I placed dinner on the table, Jillian poured the wine.


    The lobster tails were delightful and the potatoes, very salty. Watching Jillian eat was like looking at another person. We both were consumed by survival and being resourceful. We, mostly me, neglected the most basic of human need, of being wanted. Even her voice sounded different as we talked about the dinner. The candle light flickered on her face as her hazel eyes looked into mine.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go outside, it¡¯s such a beautiful night.¡± Jillian said standing up and walking outside with her wine glass. I followed with my glass and the bottle.


    We toasted. The chime of our glasses seemed to resonate longer than necessary. A tone I do not believe I have ever heard before.  I grabbed her glass and set it on the table and I approached her. We danced slowly to the music we could barely hear as I kissed her neck and pressed myself against her. She was only twenty-two years old but every bit a woman any man could ever hope for.

 November Year 1- Exclusivity

    I woke the next morning to the dogs barking. I ran naked to the open French doors overlooking the backyard and the ocean and saw Ginger and Pete at the edge of the property. I whistled and they turned to look at me, their tails wagging and playfully running along the edge. A seagull flew by and they started barking again.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Jillian asked just waking up.


    ¡°A seagull. The dogs spotted a seagull.¡± I said as I walked back to the bed and lifted the sheet off of Jillian. Her hair was a mess, her makeup; a mess, and she was only wearing her garter belt. For some reason she looked even more beautiful this morning. I approached her.  She looked up at me. ¡°I need to brush my teeth.¡± She said. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your teeth.¡± I said looking down at her. She smiled and presented herself to me. During breakfast I told Jillian I was thinking about planting an herb garden and tomatoes.


    ¡°Not sure how things are going to grow this close to the ocean.¡± Jillian responded.


    ¡°Tell me about your Lobster source.¡± I asked.


    ¡°Well, while I was shopping, I spotted a solar panel on the roof of this, I guess building. Eventually I found a door in an alley. I opened the door and turned on my light and heard it click on¡­ it was a freezer!¡± Jillian said. Her dialog was amusing because she was very animated this morning and in good spirits.


    ¡°What else did you see?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Not much, it was very fancy, and it was getting late and I didn¡¯t want you to worry.¡± She concluded.


    ¡°Feel like investigating some more?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Well, yea.¡± Jillian said like it was what we were going to do today.


    ¡°We will need better lights and probably all the tools for proper B&E.¡± Jillian said.


    I got out the dog¡¯s backpacks. Ginger and Pete always get excited when they see us packing them up because we will be going somewhere fun and dogs naturally like to be useful. We packed up Jillian¡¯s favorite vehicle this week, a red Ford Expedition. After a forty-five-minute drive, we arrived at what would have been an exclusive neighborhood, at one time.


    ¡°The solar panel is hard to see but it caught my attention because the sun reflected off it on the roof.¡± Jillian said. Most of the stores were boutiques and specialty shops for men and women. Clothes, jewelry, salons; places I would have never shopped.


    ¡°This is where I got your suit.¡± Jillian said parking in front of the store. The store front was looted, but much of the merchandise remained. We got out and geared up for investigation. Ginger and Pete sniffing around and alert.


    ¡°Someone gave up on the safe.¡± I said walking to the back room, turning on my head light.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the door I found; the key was behind this picture.¡± Jillian said pointing to a fancy picture of a Rolex watch.


    ¡°What are you smiling about?¡± Jillian asked me accusatorily.  We opened the door and entered an open sitting room. Very fancy, large leather chairs, dark wood paneling, sofa and the smell of tobacco and leather filled our noses.


    ¡°Over here.¡± Jillian said leading us to a narrow hallway of about eight doors. A gold number 1 was on the breached door. The room contained a small freezer, wine cabinet, humidor and wood cases of Scotch against the back wall, a small safe, desk and chair. The light switch actually worked, lighting the small desk lamp. I opened the humidor ¨C the cigars did not have any bands on them and were not completely dried out. I collected all of them. Jillian loaded up the contents of the freezer. Three lobster tails, four steaks, a large salmon flank and what looked like a large trout.


    ¡°What do you think is in the safe?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Nothing of value to us, probably pictures of his mistress.¡± I said.


    ¡°No, those are here in the desk.¡± Jillian said. The desk also included about $1,000 cash, three lighters and two condoms.


    ¡°Door number two? I hope we need to go cooler shopping.¡± Jillian said.


    I pried the door open and hit the light switch on the wall. Artwork, vases and other ceramics, a safe identical to the previous room, wine cabinet and a small empty humidor. No freezer or desk.


    ¡°Do you like any of this art?¡± I asked Jillian. She looked at me and rolled her eyes. ¡°Next!¡± Jillian said.


    As I closed the door behind us both dogs heard something and started sniffing the air. Jillian and I stopped and remained quiet. I knelt down next to the dogs, their senses alert. Ginger started walking slowly out of the hallway and into the sitting room.


    ¡°She¡¯s got something. Lights off.¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°Shhh.¡± I said to the dogs with my index finger in front of my mouth. I took the lead with my AA-12.


    I peeked out from the back room and into the main store area. All was quiet. The dogs started to growl silently just so only we could hear them. Noses sweeping the air and I felt Ginger start to tense up.


    As her growling continued, I turned and looked both dogs in the eyes and said ¡°Stay.¡± Ginger sat down reluctantly and Pete was already sitting and protesting my command. I stood up and advanced cautiously through the store making sure I did not step on any broken glass.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    I watched as a man was sitting in Jillian¡¯s red Expedition, going through the contents of the truck and eating one of Jillian¡¯s homemade granola bars and drinking from my water bottle. I slowly returned to Jillian and the dogs.


    ¡°Some guy is sitting in your truck, where are the keys? I asked.


    ¡°Here in my pocket.¡± She said.


    ¡°Weapons?¡± I asked. Jillian showed me her purple anodized .38 on her hip.


    ¡°My crossbow is in the back of the truck.¡± Jillian said. I pulled out the 2-way radios from Pete¡¯s backpack and handed one to Jillian.


    ¡°Is there another exit?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, it leads to the next street over.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Take the dogs and let me know when you are in position.¡± I said. After about a minute I gave a radio check.


    ¡°Ginger keeps looking back in your direction.¡± Jillian whispered as I adjusted the volume.


    ¡°Have her come back then.¡± I said re-thinking strategy. From the back of the store, I heard a click and Jillian say ¡°done¡±. Ginger appeared silently at my side and licked my hand and refocused her attention. After about seven minutes, Jillian¡¯s voice over the radio.


    ¡°We are three stores in front of the truck, I can see him now.¡± Jillian whispered.


    ¡°How is Pete?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Focused, random growling.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Safety¡¯s on.¡± I said.


    Ginger and I walked through the store and stood in the doorway. The occupant still did not see us as he was busy eating, drinking and looking through the vehicle. I held the AA-12 toward the ground and said to Ginger: ¡°Speak!¡±  Ginger issued a powerful booming bark that echoed along the street. The man quickly turned to face me with wide open eyes, then he looked at the AA-12, then at Ginger. Her hair standing on end and snarling.  He tried the window switch panicking.


    ¡°Hello.¡± I said softly with a smile. He continued to panic inside the vehicle.


    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± I asked him as he shrieked in fear.


    ¡°You are making her nervous and me very concerned.¡± I said in a flat tone. He jumped in the back-passenger seats scared, eyes darting looking for a way out.


    ¡°You know what is going to happen if you run; don¡¯t you?¡± I asked. He shook his head ¡®no¡¯, frantically.


    ¡°Animals automatically switch into hunting mode and give chase. You have only two legs, she has four.¡± I said as I poked my head inside the driver side window. He said nothing. I walked around to the back of the truck, opened the back door and pulled out the crossbow, not taking any chances.


    ¡°You better not be pissing on the leather.¡± I said as I pulled out a cigar and lit it standing on the sidewalk.  I turned my head away and whispered to Jillian into the two-way radio. ¡°He¡¯s just scared.¡±


    ¡°I tell you what Sparky, the one thing we have plenty of, is time.¡± I said in a matter-of-fact tone.


    ¡°Are you armed? Do you have a weapon?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No!¡± came a quick response from the man.


    ¡°Now if you are lying to me, things are going to go in a very different direction.¡± I said holding the AA-12 against the window and switching off the safety in clear view of him.


    ¡°Does that dog bite?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Fuck Yes!¡± All dogs bite.¡± I said. A gun appeared from the driver side window; I took it.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No!¡± came another quick response.


    ¡°You sure? Trust is in short supply right now between us.¡± I said.


    ¡°No.¡± came a reply.


    ¡°Ok, come out very slowly and do not look at the dog.¡± I said. The door opened and he got out.


    ¡°Please, lift your shirt and turn around.¡± I said.


    ¡°Why?¡± he protested.


    ¡°Because you are a thief, a liar and cannot be trusted.¡± I said. The man reluctantly complied.


    ¡°For someone dressed in such nice clothes you sure smell awful.¡± I said. Jillian appeared from behind the truck with Pete. The man did not notice.


    ¡°You are the first person I¡¯ve seen in three years.¡± The man said.


    ¡°It¡¯s only been two years; then why do you carry a gun?¡± I asked. He did not respond.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look very healthy, where have you been living?¡± I asked politely.


    ¡°I have a house a couple of blocks away.¡± He said unconvincing.


    ¡°What do you do for food, besides stealing ours?¡± Jillian asked from behind him. He jumped when he heard her voice and got even more scared looking at Pete, just sitting and chest heaving.


    ¡°Shit, you scared me!¡± He said holding his hand over his heart.


    ¡°Food, what do you do for food and water?¡± Jillian asked again in a flat tone.


    ¡°I eat and drink what I can find.¡± He said.


    ¡°My name is Greg and this is Jillian.¡± I said. He held out his hand and approached me, making Ginger and Pete stand and start growling loud as a warning as I did not extend my hand.


    ¡°That is not advisable right now.¡± I said. He stopped short.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you married to that woman on T.V.?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± I interrupted. ¡°I know who you are. Your skill set does not seem to be paying off.¡± I said. He stood with his typical blank expression of cluelessness.


    ¡°How do you get around?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I walk, or ride a bike.¡± He said.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just get a vehicle?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I hot wire them until they run out of gas, if they start at all.¡± He said.


    ¡°There is the most beautiful gas station I have ever seen a couple of blocks away.¡± I said pointing. He just looked down at the ground.


    ¡°Resources must be getting pretty scarce around here.¡± I said. He said nothing.


    ¡°What kind of skills DO you have?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m a musician, I¡­¡± he started to say as I interrupted him.


    ¡°How many notes in one octave?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Seven!¡± He responded confident in his response.


    ¡°Could you help me convert a twelve-volt system to a nine-volt system?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Hell yea!¡± He said.


    ¡°How many solar panels have you set up for energy?¡± I asked.


    ¡°None, but I can learn. You can do that?¡± He asked.


    ¡°You have absolutely zero skills. You are a liar and have nothing to contribute.¡± I said.


    ¡°I have money!¡± He eventually responded.


    ¡°How much?¡± Jillian asked as I held back my smile.


    ¡°A shit-load!¡± He said proudly.


    ¡°How much would you pay for; say, a large salmon?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°One thousand cash money.¡± He said trying to be impressive.


    ¡°Tell you what.¡± Jillian said walking up to him.


    ¡°The price is ten-thousand dollars; ¡®cash money¡¯.¡± Jillian whispered to him.


    ¡°Ten ¡®g¡¯s for a salmon!¡± He protested.


    Jillian went to the cooler and pulled out the frozen salmon and handed it to him. His eyes opened wide and his mouth dropped as he looked at it. Jillian continued her proposal; ¡°We will give you this today, meet back here in two weeks, because we live about 3 hours west. You will bring the ¡®cash money¡¯ and TWO of your most prized possessions, and we will give you this.¡± Jillian pulled out the large trout.


    ¡°Where did you get that!¡± He asked completely amazed.


    ¡°You just need to know where to look.¡± I said to him with a wink, because it was only fifty yards away.


    ¡°Also, if you bring a vehicle, I will show you how to get gas.¡± I said as I handed him back his gun, empty. We loaded up the dogs, and Jillian started the engine.


    ¡°Two weeks from today, noon, at the gas station two blocks over, okay?¡± I confirmed with him holding his frozen fish and empty gun.


    ¡°Hey, Yo! How do you cook this?¡± He asked.


    ¡°WE would bake that in our oven at about 350o for twenty minutes.¡± Jillian responded, as we drove off.


    ¡°That was fun!¡± Jillian said smiling.


    ¡°Well, he is an entertainer; he is definitely not a musician; seven notes!¡± I said shaking my head.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always hated that guy, of all the people we had to run into¡­ and what¡¯s that smell!?¡± Jillian said very agitated.


    ¡°We may need to find another vehicle.¡± I said looking at the dogs sitting in the back seat close to each other on one side.

 November Year 1- Jess

    On our way home we located several additional areas that could yield some good resources. We marked them on a map for future investigation. We stopped at a beautiful park and let the dogs out to run around. They immediately picked up a scent and followed it to the edge of a field and they disappeared into the tall brown grass. Just as I was ready to call them, out from the tall brown grass a rabbit shot out and zigzagged across the field, the dogs barking playfully.


    They had multiple opportunities to make the kill but just nudged and provoked the rabbit for play. After a solid five minutes of exhaustive exercise, the rabbit gave up and just sat in the middle of the field.


    The dogs plopped down next to it and they just sat there panting. Jillian snapped a few pictures as I approached slowly with some water. I filled the doggy travel bowl and they both drank a little. The rabbit approached the bowl and started drinking. After a five-minute rest period the rabbit jumped on Pete¡¯s head and launched off it as Ginger gave chase. Jillian and I laughed so hard at the expression on Pete¡¯s face as he joined in for another round of tag.


    I cannot remember the last time I laughed that hard. Jillian and I were in tears and my face actually hurt. It was getting late and we were hungry for some lobster and steak. I whistled for the dogs and they came running to the truck followed by the rabbit. I opened the door and all three jumped in. Ginger and Pete looked so happy sitting in the back seat with their new friend I just closed the door and laughed.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the rabbit, I don¡¯t want to run her over.¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Ask them.¡± I said as I stuck out my thumb over my left shoulder. Jillian turned around, put it in park and took a picture of all three of them sitting in the back seat.  ¡°God is definitely playing with us today.¡± Jillian said as we exited the empty parking lot.


    We stopped in a pet store to pick up information on rabbits and get some food and a bed; I guess. Jillian nor I had ever cared for rabbits and needed to educate ourselves. When I said stopped in, I meant literally, Jillian drove through the front doors of the large pet store. I just looked at her. ¡°I don¡¯t want them cutting their feet on the broken glass.¡± Jillian said.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    We all got out of the truck and the dogs¡¯ senses were on full alert. The rabbit trailing right behind them as they sniffed the ground. Jillian grabbed a cart and we loaded it up with dog food and rabbit food.


    Ginger gave a quick bark a couple of aisles over and sat in front of a display of toys. As I touched each item her tail would wag on the one that was of interest to her. I opened the package and gave her the toy. Not satisfied with one, she barked again and we repeated the process. She selected three items and I put them in her backpack. She was happy.


    Pete just nosed around and urinated at every corner and the rabbit had to go over and smell it and followed Pete everywhere.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I said to Jillian as I grabbed the AA-12.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± asked Jillian.


    ¡°Just never you mind, I¡¯m going shopping.¡± I said with a serious face. Jillian just smiled.


    Right across the street was a Ford dealership and a red Expedition was on display in the front. I was getting good at locating the keys from and entire inventory of vehicles in a lot. Just like all the others, less than a quarter tank of gas. It started rough and the battery was weak, but it started. I pulled in front of the Pet store and hit the horn. Jillian pulled out of the store with the animals and parked alongside in order to transfer the fuel and the contents to her new vehicle.


    ¡°We need a name for the rabbit.¡± I said after finally finding the highway.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about that too.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°What do YOU two think?¡± I said to the dogs turning around like I was going to get a response. All three of them were sleeping and the rabbit was securely between both of them. I took a picture and showed it to Jillian. She teared up and said: ¡°Our family is growing.¡±


    We got home and I started dinner. Ginger chewed on and presented her new toys to Pete who was not interested. The rabbit followed Pete around the house and eventually outside.  The house was very open and the animals could come and go as they pleased. The rabbit found something to eat in the back yard as I watched Ginger and Pete swim in the pool.


    ¡°We need to find out if it¡¯s male or female.¡± Jillian said bringing in the last of our shopping items. I handed her a glass of wine.


    ¡°I bet it¡¯s a girl.¡± Said Jillian. I showed her a picture in one of the books we collected at the pet store.


    ¡°We will have to wait until she comes to us and is comfortable with us handling her.¡± Jillian said.

 November Year 1- Delusional Acquaintance

    For next two weeks I applied my gardening skills and planted tomatoes, onions, peppers and garlic. I used the neighbor¡¯s front yard for a corn patch. I also planted a bunch of citrus trees and an herb garden.


    We utilized rain barrels and modified roof downspouts from all the houses in the area to fill collection tanks to irrigate the gardens. Annual rainfall numbers seem to have increased, perhaps due to the lack of air pollution.


    We decided on Jessica or Jess and choose Jess for the rabbit; we were unsure whether it was male or female because she would only let us pet her. When Jillian tried to pick her up, she panicked and disappeared under the pool deck for two days leaving Pete heartbroken.


    One of my bigger ongoing projects was making a French drain and water storage unit so we could have indoor plumbing. After multiple designs and many modifications, it actually worked. The only issue was it took an hour to refill the toilet tank due to the lack of pressure, but it was nice having the convenience.


    The next day we woke up and had a lovely breakfast. Jillian made some extra flatbread for our rendezvous at noon with our delusional acquaintance.


    At 12:05 pm I started the process because we needed fuel. At 12:32 pm he showed up in a yellow Lotus. As I was placing the fuel cans in the back of our truck he sat in his car with the stereo blasting, waiting for a reaction from me. I started placing the lid on the ground storage unit, he turned off the car and came running over.


    ¡°What cha do ¡¯in? I thought you were gonna give me some gas?¡± He said like I owed him something. I looked at his car then at him.


    ¡°That is not a wise choice.¡± I said.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± He protested.


    ¡°First of all, it requires constant maintenance and it''s going to run like shit on this gas that is already two years old.¡± I said flatly as he looked at me with his familiar blank expression.


    ¡°Gas goes bad!¡± I said.


    ¡°Here is a list of the tools you will need. Keep them in your vehicle at all times. I can almost guarantee they will not fit in that!¡± I said pointing to the Lotus. I handed him the list. He looked at the list, then at me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what half this shit is!¡± He said disappointed.


    ¡°First thing you do is¡­¡± I started to say as he interrupted me.


    ¡°Wait, you want ME to do this?¡± He asked very surprised. I stood up.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime. I think that¡¯s how it goes. Is that right?¡± I asked looking toward Jillian.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the money and the two items?¡± Jillian asked coldly.


    ¡°Passenger seat.¡± He said, just as cold pointing with his chin.


    ¡°The proverb is symbolic and yet not too far removed from a metaphor¡­¡± I started to say before  being interrupted, again.


    ¡°You keep using words I don¡¯t understand, and I take that as disrespect!¡± He said in an arrogant tone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with, do you have a video camera or recording device, it may help.¡± I asked in a frustrated manner.


    ¡°Look, I can remember!¡± He said defiantly. I walked him through the process, constantly reminding him of the danger a spark will cause, even static electricity. I had him perform all the procedures and he said nothing. The tank in the Lotus filled in about ten seconds. We secured the cover and I looked in the empty passenger seat.


    ¡°What items did you bring?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Motherfuck, NO!¡± He said with his hands-on top of his head. Jillian placed a gold statue on top of an athletic shoe box about ten yards away ¨C standing with the AA-12 looking like a sexy badass.


    ¡°You mentioned disrespect earlier, remember when you stole OUR food and water? I do. Food and water are OUR prized possessions.¡± Jillian said lowering the gun. With his hand on his head, I noticed a gun tucked in the back of his pants and I quickly grabbed it.


    ¡°This is what you bring?¡± I said pissed off.


    Jillian unloaded 4 rapid bursts from the AA-12. Only one was needed to obliterate the statue and create a paper cloud. She walked towards us; his mouth opened wide in disbelief.


    ¡°A deal is a deal.¡± Jillian said reluctantly, handing him the frozen trout in the small blue cooler.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know it, but YOU are charity.¡± She said with disdain as she tossed him the flatbread wrapped in a cloth.


    ¡°The bread is still warm, if you eat this, you are accepting the fact that you are charity. I bet it¡¯s better than what you had for breakfast.¡± Jillian said as she turned her back on him and walked toward the yellow Lotus.


    ¡°He had grape drink and cheese doodles.¡± I said. He turned and looked at me, the same dumb look on his face.


    ¡°Your teeth and tongue are stained purple and your fingers are orange.¡± I responded to his amazement.


    ¡°Make no mistake.¡± Jillian said as she used the butt of the AA-12 to remove the side view mirrors on the Lotus with a swift blow.


    ¡°We never had, or ever will, have respect for you.¡± She said as she pulled off the rear-view mirror.


    ¡°No one will ever appear in these mirrors.¡± Jillian said as I handed him his empty gun, again.


    ¡°How was the salmon?¡± I asked as I started packing my tools. The dogs just sitting, softly growling waiting for any command from me from the back seat.


    ¡°I bet it¡¯s in his oven, still wrapped in plastic.¡± Jillian said as she got in the passenger seat.


    ¡°Were heading out to Napa today for a picnic.¡± I said as I leaned out the window and whispered to him.


    ¡°With any luck I might get a blow job!¡± I said with a wink.


    ¡°I plan on giving you one on the way.¡± Jillian said in a sing-song way.


    ¡°Goodbye Mr. Charity, chances are really good we will not hear the explosion when you forget about the static¡­well, never mind. By the way; if we EVER catch you stealing from us again, things will not go well for you.¡± I said driving off. He yelled something as we turned the corner.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna miss him.¡± Jillian said sarcastically.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think our paths will ever cross again?¡± I asked.


    ¡°NO! He will die in a fiery explosion trying to light gasoline in his oven, trying to bake his frozen plastic covered fish.¡± Jillian said shaking her head confidently. I laughed and agreed.

 January Year 1- Tequila Time

    We did not really celebrate any holidays, Thanksgiving we thanked each other and the dogs. Christmas, we decorated an indoor plant. I got Jillian dentist tools that she really wanted, a pressure cooker and some lingerie. Jillian got me an egg-shaped grill that was really heavy and a couple of new Hawaiian shirts. We got the dogs some toys and Jess a huge rabbit enclosure she rarely uses.


    New Year¡¯s Eve we rode our bikes around the neighborhood and talked about making a list of what we wanted for the new year. Jess liked to sit in the tow behind trailer so she could see Pete (sometimes she would sleep in it at night.) We parked the bikes and jumped into the pool for a quick swim. The dogs joined in as Jess scampered around the perimeter.


    ¡°Jillian?¡± I asked, drying off and looking towards the ocean, observing a small light blinking softly. Jillian stood in front of me as I dried off her back with a towel.


    ¡°Catalina or San Clemente? Maybe?¡± She said.


    ¡°Atmospheric Phenomenon?¡± I questioned.


    ¡°Do you think any of our lights are visible?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°I doubt it.¡± I responded wrapping the blanket around her and holding her tight smelling her wet hair.


    The only lights we had on were a few solar powered walkway and patio lights and the light over the stove inside the house. None of these could be seen from that distance.


    We watched the light for about fifteen minutes; speculating about its origin from a boat to aliens. We were getting tired and decided to go to bed. Just then, the mystery light ascended slowly and blinked out.


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely not a boat.¡± Said Jillian, yawning and stretching.


    ¡°Are you coming to bed?¡± Jillian asked standing in the doorway.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be up soon.¡± I said. Ginger went upstairs with Jillian, Pete stayed with me. I grabbed the AA-12 and a cigar and sat in one of the large deck chairs watching the beautiful night sky and the black ocean.


    I woke up the next morning with a blanket covering me, Pete at my side, and Jess poking around the shrubs along the side of the house. Jillian was showered, dressed and bringing me a cup of coffee.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± She said as she kissed my cheek followed by ¡°Happy New Year!¡±


    ¡°Good morning and Happy New Year to you. Thank you!¡± I said as I relieved her of the coffee cup.


    ¡°We need to go shopping.¡± Jillian said as she pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket.


    ¡°Do YOU have a list?¡± she said waving the paper at me.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t, I¡¯m not as organized as you this morning. Let me think¡­ Night vision goggles, monster sized telescope, crab legs, maybe. What¡¯s on yours?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Canning supplies, food dehydrator, vacuum sealer, CPR dummy; for practice, just in case¡­ it¡¯s just good for you to know, and¡­ crab legs.¡± Jillian said adding crab legs to her list. We packed up everything as usual for a shopping trip. The dogs were excited and we had a few new areas to explore on the map. Pete would not jump in the truck; he was looking around and sniffing for Jess. ¡°I saw her this morning, near the shrubs. ¡°I said to Jillian. Pete barked twice.


    ¡°Come on Pete, she¡¯ll be okay.¡± I said with a reassuring pat on the head. Pete reluctantly jumped in the truck and looked out the window at the house as we drove away.


    We picked up all Jillian¡¯s items, including the creepy looking CPR dummy with instructional DVD. I found the telescope I wanted but the boxes would not fit in the truck. I managed to get a cargo van started and fueled up while Jillian and Pete investigated buildings near the camera store. We loaded the large boxes and Jillian started to laugh.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Men just love toys; you¡¯re grinning the whole time! You can¡¯t wait to get home and put it together!¡± Jillian said sarcastically.


    ¡°You think you know me, huh?!¡± I said slamming the doors shut hard. ¡°YOU THINK YOU HAVE ME ALL FIGURED OUT!! I yelled. Jillian stood her ground not the least bit intimidated by me advancing toward her. The dogs were very confused.  ¡°What am I thinking about RIGHT NOW! TELL ME!¡± I said very loudly standing in front of her.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Jillian turned away from me and walked to the middle of the 6-lane intersection, stripping off all her clothes and then lying on her back with her hands on her knees, opening and closing her legs in the middle of a once very busy intersection. I joined her.


    I followed Jillian in the cargo van to the men¡¯s clothing / club where we found the lobster tails, steaks and met Mr. Charity.


    ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t bring the coolers with ice for nothing.¡± Jillian¡¯s voice over the two-way radio.


    ¡°I have a good feeling about this one!¡± I said in good spirits.


    ¡°Better than ten minutes ago?¡± Jillian asked. I laughed, ¡°Not even close.¡±


    We pulled up slowly and exited our vehicles. I grabbed the necessary gear from the dog¡¯s backpacks and told them to stay just inside the clothing store¡¯s entrance. Pete sat down and was on full alert, Ginger sat and watched us disappear in the back rooms.


    Door¡¯s number three and four were empty. Door number five had bundles of money in a duffel bag with a handgun, 2 cases of a variety of liquor and a freezer ¨C not functioning, plugged into the wall.


    ¡°Do NOT open this one.¡± I said as I unplugged it from the wall. The desk had a couple of thousand dollars, four keys, address book and some weed with rolling papers. I grabbed the address book and the keys. Jillian opened the bag of weed and smelled it.


    Door number six had additional dead bolts. It was filled with pornography from Europe, very strange and weird stuff, the DVDs still sealed, some with only blank covers and a series of numbers and letters. I moved the stacks to make sure nothing was hiding behind it: nothing of value to us.


    Door number seven had two freezers running and three wine coolers filled.


    ¡°You do the honors.¡± I said to Jillian as she just smiled. She lifted the lid with her favorite blue crow bar standing off to the side. The light came on showing us a full freezer of food, dated 3 weeks prior to the virus. ¡°YES!¡± we both said at the same time. We closed it and opened the next one; it was also filled. We rejoiced by hugging each other.


    ¡°Someone was stocking up!¡± Jillian said. I suddenly realized she was right. Looking in a small box near the freezer I found prescription bottles, about a years¡¯ worth of something I could barely pronounce.


    ¡°This address looks familiar¡­ I think it is only a couple of streets from our house.¡± Jillian said picking up one of the bottles and reading the label.


    ¡°It will be best if we just take both freezers.¡± I said measuring the freezer and the door with a tape measure.


    ¡°We will need a truck with a ramp.¡± Jillian said trying to lift the freezer. ¡°I¡¯m not going to lift these and neither are YOU!¡± Jillian said with every intention of compliance.


    Door number eight was unlocked and empty. We walked outside and discussed how we were going to get both freezers home as quickly as possible.


    ¡°Furniture truck, with the platform¡­ thing on the back.¡± Jillian said thinking out loud.


    ¡°We will not be able to lift these into the cargo van.¡± Jillian repeated.


    ¡°See if you can find some large adjustable straps, 6 of them, about three inches wide.¡± I said to Jillian as I found the solution just across the street. A landscaping trailer; dual axle with a hinged ramp. I thought to myself; why would this be here, in this neighborhood?


    The hitch mated up with Jillian¡¯s truck as I unloaded the gardening equipment from the trailer and backed it up to the men¡¯s clothing shop.


    A furniture dolly has become part of our shopping gear and moving the freezers to the trailer did not require Jillian¡¯s assistance.


    ¡°I was only gone for twenty minutes!¡± Jillian said holding the red straps exactly as I had pictured in my head as she looked at the one freezer loaded and me rolling the next one into position. ¡°We need to move fast.¡± I said as Jillian started securing them to the trailer.


    ¡°Watch out for train tracks or uneven road surfaces.¡± I said to Jillian closing the door to her truck. ¡°This is not your Ferrari. I¡¯ll stay back fifty yards, open radios.¡± I said.  We drove home without incident.


    As soon as we arrived home, Jess popped out of the bushes and Pete spotted her immediately. They chased each other around the front yard with Ginger the entire time it took us to unload the freezers and plug them into the generators in the garage.


    ¡°These things draw some serious juice. We will need to compensate.¡± I said to Jillian.


    ¡°So, I can¡¯t use my vibrators?¡± Jillian said with a sad and serious expression. I placed my hand on her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m willing to step up to the plate, if that¡¯s ok?¡± I said with the same sad serious expression. ¡°Okay.¡± Jillian said, reluctantly with a smile.


    I pulled out a package of ground beef. ¡°Burgers on the grill or spaghetti with meat balls?¡± I said smiling broadly.


    ¡°We need to use the oldest date first; I have lobster tails in the fridge and steaks in the freezer ¨C I have all the dates memorized.¡± Jillian said putting the ground beef back into the freezer and closing the lid.


    ¡°Fire up the grill! Let¡¯s have a pool party!¡± Jillian said to Ginger and Pete. After we cleaned everything up, I fired up the grill and heard the blender from the kitchen. Jillian approached me with a half-bottle of tequila and a Margarita with salt. She opened the tequila and drank from the bottle.


    ¡°Whoa!¡± She said handing me the bottle. ¡°Smooth!¡± she said gasping a little.


    ¡°Well, it is a Monday, at 2:30 in the afternoon ¨C Tequila time!¡± I said as I took two gulps.


    ¡°Today is Thursday.¡± Jillian said. I shrugged my shoulders.


    We ate our grilled lobster tails sauteed in tequila with rice and beans. Jillian turned on some music and we started dancing. The animals were lying in the grass enjoying the sunshine and satisfied with full bellies and Jillian and I in good spirits.  Jillian pushed me into one of the deck chairs and started giving me a lap dance, slowly taking off her clothes.


    By the time the CD was over, so were we, we lay naked in the soft deck chair and all was quiet and we both fell asleep. About two hours into our siesta, we woke to a rain shower that gently swept through. The rain was cold against our skin. We went into the house and watched the rain as we drank coffee and ate chocolate under a blanket on the couch.

 August Year 1 -Scared Straight

    We noticed an increase in rainfall and this really helped with our yield from the gardens. We canned seven cases of tomatoes, onions, peppers and beans. The corn was a total disaster and a waste of time and resources. During my spare time we selected a smaller R/V and upgraded it for our trip north and into Canada that included a trailer for our bicycles, assorted gear and a freezer. Everything was secure and we double checked everything for a two or three-month vacancy. Jillian plotted our course northeast up to Minneapolis. I wanted to stop in Las Vegas, just because.


    ¡°What about area 51?¡± Jillian joked.


    ¡°We have nothing to gain by visiting a government installation. I said.


    ¡°So, what do you call our summer home?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Interesting point. Give me a couple of days on that one.¡± I said.


    We packed enough food for a complete round trip, just in case the compound was compromised. The dogs sensed our excitement and knew we were going on a trip. Pete was only half interested in Jess¡¯ whereabouts and both agreed that it would not be a good idea to take her along. I set up solar powered video cameras around the house so we could retrieve any activity during our absence.  We went through the three-page checklist twice and Jillian said ¡°First stop¡­ Vegas baby!¡±


    Las Vegas was a nightmare, bullet riddled, sun-bleached corpses littered the streets. Cars, trucks, buses pointing in every direction made driving difficult.


    ¡°Not one of my better ideas.¡± I said as Jillian directed me out of the city and into a very nice gated residential area, again, at one time.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stretch and deploy a drone.¡± Jillian said.


    The once beautifully landscaped yards, now an adobe sepia tone of misery, gave me an uneasy feeling. The dogs picked up on it and were not in the mood for playing or exploring, senses on high alert as they swept the area for anything while relieving themselves. Jillian sat in a chair on the roof of the R/V taking notes while I walked around with the dogs listening to the silence. Even the wind was silent.


    ¡°Not much around here, I got two houses that way and one this way.¡± Jillian said pointing east and south. Jillian handed me the controller and the chair from the roof and said ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Looking at me, then the dogs.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it here.¡± I said in a long slow sentence. Looking around sensing something odd.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get the fuck out then!¡± Jillian said jumping off the ladder. We packed up quickly and exited the area as Jillian barked out directions and some items inside the R/V hitting the floor from my aggressive driving. We finally found a long stretch of highway and Jillian sat in the passenger seat.


    ¡°You Okay?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, just a bad feeling that escalated.¡± I said as Ginger put her head in my lap and licked my hand as I petted her. Pete remained under the table.


    The one thing that we were acutely aware of is how each of us are feeling. We trusted and respected each other¡¯s feelings, whether it was my high state of alert or Jillian¡¯s sex drive. Ginger and Pete loved being moral support and security detail. They knew when it was time for work and when it was time for play.


    We drove through the mountains and camped at a nice National Park with a beautiful view. We actually saw a few birds gliding high in the sky as we built a campfire and watched the sunset. I got up and poured myself a glass of Scotch and asked Jillian if she wanted anything.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have a Scotch with you!¡± Jillian said to my surprise. I poured two glasses and handed her one of them as I sat down and pulled out a cigar.


    ¡°You want one of these as well?¡± I asked as I snipped off the end.


    ¡°No, I got my own.¡± Jillian said as she got up and went into the R/V. She sat down next to me, opened a bag and pulled out a ¡®joint¡¯.


    ¡°You have to be shitting me!¡± I said laughing. ¡°You nicked that from door number¡­ 5, I think.¡±


    Jillian put the poor excuse of a ¡®joint¡¯ in her mouth and gestured for a light. She worked hard on trying to get it lit as the contents just poured out of the end and on the ground. We both laughed hard and she seemed to be a little embarrassed.


    ¡°Okay Mr. Natural, let¡¯s see you do better!¡± Jillian said handing me the bag and the rolling papers. I grew up in the early eighties, finding and smoking weed was a constant pursuit and recreation, plus I was a musician and it¡¯s all part of the culture.


    ¡°Wow! This smells really good!¡± I said as I broke up the large buds into a granular texture. I filled the rolling paper and with ¡®tie dye¡¯ precision, I produced an adequate joint.


    ¡°Son of a bitch.¡± Jillian said totally impressed. Jillian lit it up as I outlined my teenage years of garage bands and musical influences.  After a few hits, I was pretty buzzed and so was Jillian.


    ¡°This stuff is so good; you forget to smoke it.¡± Jillian said.


    We discussed philosophical topics and assessments as well as other sensitive topics that did not need to be re-lived. We eventually sat in silence. ¡°I think this was more enjoyable when life was simpler.¡± Jillian said standing up and staring at the night sky and flicked the remainder of the joint into the fire.  Jillian came over to me and sat in my lap and snuggled in close. I stroked and smelled her hair and was aware that she was feeling frisky.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little cold.¡± Jillian said in a soft voice.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s go in the R/V and get something hot inside you.¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Jillian said looking up at me.


    ¡°¡­your hips are twitching.¡± I said.

 August Year 2 -Duct Tape and Gasoline

    We woke up the next morning to a beautiful sunrise, made breakfast and took the dogs for a little exercise as we cycled around the park taking pictures.


    We packed up the R/V and headed north. We just crossed into Wyoming and noticed something wrong with the R/V. We stopped and found one of the four trailer tires was flat. Since we never changed a trailer tire before, it took about an hour. We stopped at a gas station for fuel and Jillian got some necessities, local maps and an old phone book.


    ¡°There is a farm implement supply store about seven miles that way or a tire store, right down the street that way.¡±  Jillian said pointing in two different directions.


    We stopped at the tire store and did not find a match, so we headed toward the farm implement store for a replacement. The store was huge and looked promising as we pulled up and parked the R/V. I was ready to breech the door when a wind gust made it move. Upon closer inspection I noticed footprints in the dirt, that extended into the dust in the store.


    ¡°Someone has been here recently.¡± I said inspecting the footprints as the dogs sniffed them.


    ¡°Worn work boots, about size eleven.¡± I said looking at the crisp edges.


    ¡°Only one set of prints, the same boots anyway. These are only a couple of days old.¡± I added pointing. The fresh foot prints split at plumbing and electrical.


    ¡°Take Pete and follow that path, radio¡¯s open, safety¡¯s on, okay.¡± I said to Jillian as she inspected her purple .38.


    We were pretty deep in the store, moving slow when we heard the rattle of the front door in the complete silence followed by a ¡°Hello!¡± Male voice; older. Ginger started growling as her nose and ears twitched trying to pick up more information. I could hear Pete growling through the radio.


    ¡°I¡¯ll approach from behind, you monitor, okay?¡± I asked quietly in the radio, followed by Jillian¡¯s confirmation.


    ¡°Easy Ginger.¡± I said as I knelt down and made eye contact with her; ¡°Easy.¡± I repeated to her.


    ¡°I know you have two big dogs. I mean you no harm.¡± Came the voice, sounding as if he remained in the same location near the front of the store.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to talk! It¡¯s been a while since I talked to anyone, ¡®sides myself.¡± The man said. I approached silently from behind him.


    ¡°Howdy.¡± I said as he slowly turned around and looked at my AA-12 pointing at the ground and then looked at Ginger.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she a beauty!¡± He said with conviction.


    ¡°She¡¯s only about three years old!¡± He said with a big toothy smile. The man looked at me with a very friendly smile that was confirmed in his eyes. Ginger¡¯s tail started to wag a little.


    ¡°My name is Greg; and this is Jillian.¡± I said gesturing just behind him and to the left. He turned to see Jillian smiling and holstering her .38. He immediately looked at Pete sitting like a statue.


    ¡°Goodness gracious!!¡± His face contorted in joy.


    ¡°A brother and a sister!! And look at the head on him!!¡± The man laughed out loud and tears came to his eyes as he sat on the floor, overcome with emotion. Pete¡¯s tail began to wag leaving half circles on the dusty floor.


    ¡°Dogs feel more comfortable when you¡¯re at eye level with them.¡± The man said holding his hands out in front of him. Ginger and Pete were eager to greet the friendly man and their eyes darted between the two of us, waiting for my command.


    ¡°Good discipline, but the female is going to pee in a minute.¡± The man said smiling.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I said and they both quickly approached the man and sniffed and licked him, knocking him backwards. Jillian and I shared in his joy as he laughed out loud and cried tears of happiness as Ginger tinkled on him a little.


    ¡°GINGER!¡± Jillian said out loud laughing.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I haven¡¯t been to church in a while, it¡¯s a second baptism!¡± The man said as his glasses skidded across the floor.


    ¡°Ginger! Pete! Come!¡± I said. They both reluctantly withdrew their greetings as I put down the AA-12 and held out my hand to help the man to his feet. Jillian handed him his filthy glasses as he wiped his tears from his face with his sleeve and put his glasses on.


    ¡°Thank you! Names¡¯ Roy, you can call me Scotty.¡± He said shaking and squeezing my hand with his rough and calloused hand.


    ¡°Pleasure meeting you.¡± Jillian said as Scotty shook her petite hand.


    ¡°Ginger and Pete huh?¡± Scotty said. ¡°Rottie and a chocolate; great combination! Just great!¡± He added.


    ¡°I was eating lunch and you drove right by my house!¡± Scotty said looking at and inspecting Jillian and I.


    ¡°I could not believe my eyes, so I ran to my truck and followed the dust cloud and tire tracks. Where you from?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m from Ohio.¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m from Minnesota.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°How did you two¡­, I¡¯m talking too much, I apologize. I¡¯m just tickled our paths crossed.¡± Scotty said admiring all four of us.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for a spare tire for my trailer.¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay. Follow me. You know, when we''re done here, I¡¯d like to have you come to my house. I¡¯ve got something I¡¯d like to share with you that I¡¯m sure you have not had in a while.¡± Scotty proposed with a smile.


    ¡°And I have something special for Ginger and Pete as well!¡± He added. The dogs ran to his side hearing their names as he patted their heads. Scotty stopped.


    ¡°Just look at that muscle tone!¡± Scotty said momentarily inspecting Pete¡¯s head.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to be on the business end of that when he¡¯s mad!¡± Scotty said looking at me over the top of his glasses.


    ¡°He broke a Brigadier Generals arm.¡± I said flatly.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s a story I need to hear at least twice!¡± Scotty said congratulating Pete, who returned the affection.


    ¡°Here ya go.¡± Scotty said, handing me two wheels.


    ¡°How do you know these will fit?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Son, I¡¯m a farmer, I could tell the weight limit of your trailer, how much weight you had on it, and the tire pressure in each; as you drove by my window.¡± Scotty said proudly.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± I said as we all walked to the front of the store. Jillian placed some items in the dog¡¯s backpacks and Scotty commented on what a great idea it was. He grabbed a couple of small items and put a few in each of the dog¡¯s packs, and thanked them with a pat on the rump. ¡°Dogs live to give.¡± He said.


    ¡°We would love to have dinner with you, and we have something I¡¯m pretty sure you have not had in a while.¡± Jillian said with a wink to me.  I knew she was referring to the steaks. We had plenty and sharing with Scotty was just the right thing to do.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t in a hurry, are you?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°These days, being in a hurry doesn¡¯t really make sense.¡± I said.


    ¡°Unless you eat an entire jar of bad olives!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°They tasted fine!¡± I protested.


    ¡°I told him they were bad, but he kept on eating them.¡± Jillian said just shaking her head.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t make it to the john, I take it?¡± Scotty asked with a smirk.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t make it past the zipper.¡± I said hanging my head in shame.


    ¡°Did the dogs eat ¡®em? Scotty asked.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t think they like olives.¡± I said.


    Scotty laughed, ¡°Always trust a woman¡¯s nose, and if a hungry dog won¡¯t eat them; well... follow me.¡± Scotty said as he started his truck and we followed him back down the road.


    We arrived at Scotty¡¯s house and the dogs ran around and sniffed the ground and relieved themselves everywhere.


    ¡°They probably smell my dogs, I had three. They are buried over there, next to my wife.¡± Scotty pointed to a large tree with four crosses.


    ¡°She loved them dogs as much as I did.¡± Scotty said with a heavy heart.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Jillian said touching his back, as he held back his tears.


    ¡°We all lost everyone we loved.¡± I said. ¡°Any children?¡± I asked Scotty.


    ¡°No, ''fraid not; we tried like hell though!¡± Scotty said half laughing.


    ¡°Doctors said¡­ well¡­ doctors. We had an endless string of dogs, few cats, some livestock. What about you?¡± Scotty asked with sincerity.


    ¡°Mother, father, brother, nephew wife, two children, and a dog.¡± I said with a sigh.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Scotty said shaking his head and giving me a hug. He turned toward Jillian.


    ¡°Mom, dad, four grandparents.¡± Jillian said quietly. Scotty gave her a hug and I joined in; the dogs were confused at our emotional state.


    ¡°I could use a drink.¡± I said wiping my tears.


    ¡°Make mine a double.¡± Jillian added.


    ¡°I knew I liked the two of you the moment we met!¡± Scotty said rubbing his hands together as we walked past an outdoor grill on our way to Scotty¡¯s backyard patio with one chair and a table.


    ¡°Does that work?¡± I asked Scotty, pointing toward the grill.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t used that in a long while! Probably, why?¡± Scotty asked and gave me a suspicious look.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m a¡­grill inspector, I need to verify that all outdoor grills in this state are operational.¡± I said in an official tone. Jillian held back her smile and pretended to be official as well, as Scotty looked to her for information. Scotty squinted his eyes as he looked at me and walked over to the grill, turned on the gas and hit the igniter. The grill snapped to life.


    ¡°Could I trouble you for three plates, three forks, three knives and something to drink.¡± Jillian asked with a serious tone. Scotty looked to me. I said nothing. Scotty got down on one knee and Ginger and Pete approached him.


    ¡°They¡¯re up to something, aren¡¯t they?¡± Scotty whispered to the dogs.


    ¡°Tell me what it is?¡± Scotty asked the dogs. He put his head down as if to hear a response from the dogs. They just licked his face as he stood up smiling.


    ¡°They told me a couple of secrets!¡± Scotty said with a big smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Jillian said as she went to the R/V and Scotty went into the house. I, in fact inspected the well-seasoned grill and cleaned off the iron grate with a rusty wire brush hanging from the side.


    ¡°I don¡¯t entertain much these days, these are a little dusty.¡± Scotty said bringing out two chairs from the garage and placing them around the patio table.


    ¡°Be right back.¡± Scotty said.


    Scotty returned with a round tray that contained three complete table settings, three glasses, one unmarked bottle of brown liquid and a jar of pickles. He was all smiles. Jillian returned with a small cooler and two dog bowls and the dogs excited at her heels. She placed the cooler on the table.


    ¡°Go ahead!¡± Jillian said to Scotty as he anxiously awaited to know the contents of the cooler. He opened it slowly, looked in, and closed it quickly, and sat down. Tears rolled down his cheeks and into his scruffy beard.


    ¡°Where did you find¡­ how did you¡­¡± Scotty was overcome by emotion as the dogs went over and licked his hands as he pulled out a faded red handkerchief from his pants pocket. Jillian started to cry as she went over to comfort him.


    ¡°Why do I deserve this? Why would you share, such a treasure like this with me?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Because we are neighbors!¡± I said cleaning the grill.


    ¡°Neighbors?¡± He questioned.


    ¡°Since you are only the second, well fourth, person we have encountered in two years, anyone within a six-state radius, is a neighbor.¡±


    ¡°My gifts don¡¯t hold a candle to yours. But here is my best Bourbon.¡± Scotty said opening the bottle and pouring a small amount in each glass. ¡°I¡¯ve been making Bourbon since I was a young man, I¡¯m damn proud of it. Cheers!¡± Scotty said holding up his glass after handing Jillian and I each a glass.


    We drank down the homemade spirits as the grill began to smoke. Jillian poured her homemade salsa into a bowl and opened a relatively fresh bag of corn chips.


    ¡°This is all from our garden.¡± Jillian said as Scotty sampled the salsa, enjoying the fresh flavors. Jillian and I hardly ever argue, except when it comes to spicy food. I like it hot; not so hot it melts your face off, but hot enough to actually enjoy all the flavors. Jillian likes it mild, so she brought me a separate bottle of Tabasco.


    Scotty opened the jar of pickles. ¡°Folks say these are the best and I agree. I make eight different types. I hope you like garlic!¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°We consider garlic a food group.¡± Jillian said as Scotty laughed. The pickles were just fabulous. ¡°Now that¡¯s a pickle!¡± I said. I finished off my Bourbon and poured some of the pickle brine into my glass and drank it down. Jillian looked at me very surprised with her mouth half open and Scotty was just as surprised, except for different reasons.


    ¡°I thought I was the only one that did that.¡± Scotty said astonished. He finished off his Bourbon and poured some pickle brine into his glass and was going to drink; but stopped short and looked towards Jillian. Jillian rolled her eyes and drank down her Bourbon as he poured pickle brine into her glass.


    It¡¯ll cure what ails ya!¡± Scotty said pouring more into my glass. We all toasted with Pickle brine. Scotty and I watched the reaction on Jillian¡¯s face.


    ¡°That tastes better than I thought it would.¡± Jillian said unconvincingly.


    We sat around the table while the steaks defrosted. I asked Scotty why my corn failed and almost every answer to his question resulted in a ¡®no¡¯. Jillian brought out two photo albums that chronicled significant events of our time together. I knew she took a lot of pictures but, again I had no idea to the extent, detail and time she spent on this project.


    ¡°¡­and this is where we are headed.¡± Jillian said to Scotty opening the ¡°Summer Home¡± album.


    ¡°Maybe I should upgrade.¡± Scotty said, looking through the pictures and then looking around.


    ¡°Naw, I¡¯ll just visit, it looks like you got some extra space.¡± He said with a wink.


    The steaks were sufficiently defrosted as I removed them from the cooler filled with water and removed the plastic wrap. I handed the plate to Scotty.


    ¡°Damn! That looks good!¡± he said inspecting the stack of meat as the dogs drooled sitting in between us.


    ¡°How do you like em?¡± Scotty asked smiling.


    ¡°Medium rare, please.¡± Jillian said as she and I started cleaning off the table. As the steaks sizzled on the grill the aroma was beautifully barbaric.


    ¡°If anything can smell within ten miles, we can expect visitors.¡± I said.


    ¡°The only critters I¡¯ve seen was a falcon; two days ago, a mouse near the barn, something that looked like a ¡®possum about a month ago, along that fence line.¡± Scotty said pointing with his barbecue tongs. ¡°And I swore I heard a wolf howling last week.¡± he added.


    Scotty placed the plate of steaks on the table and held out his hands for prayer. Jillian nor I were very religious, but we accepted his hand and held each other¡¯s. Scotty looked at Jillian, then to me, then to the dogs and said; ¡°Thank You.¡± As a small tear appeared on his cheek. We savored each bite as no words were spoken, just grunts and groans of culinary ecstasy. Jillian and I cut up tiny pieces for the dogs that we mixed in with their dog food and only let them eat when we were finished.


    ¡°If I eat one more bite I just might explode.¡± Scotty said loosening his belt and filling his tobacco pipe.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, do you mind?¡± he politely asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s your house, hell, you¡¯re the mayor and state representative!¡± Jillian said as she got up and started collecting the dishes and silverware. I pulled a small cigar from my gold case and asked Scotty for a light.


    ¡°Tell me the steak story.¡± Scotty asked issuing a puff of smoke and leaning back in his chair. Jillian and I detailed our method of using drones to locate solar panels and how Jillian just happened to see a solar panel on top of the Men¡¯s store/club and the rooms inside.


    ¡°Want to see the pictures?¡± Jillian asked with the hopes he would.


    ¡°Hell yes!¡± Scotty replied with enthusiasm. Jillian smiled and walked to the R/V, typically the dogs would follow but they just watched lying on the deck.


    ¡°She has a lot of energy. You able to keep up?¡± Scotty asked with a short smile.


    ¡°For the most part, yes.¡± I said with confidence.


    ¡°She trusts you.¡± Scotty said looking directly at me.


    ¡°And I trust her. But trust isn¡¯t enough for survival. Intuition, resourcefulness, and knowing the expectations all play important roles these days.¡± I said. I held out my arm showing Scotty the three-inch white line.


    ¡°See this; she stitched this up. First one ever, while reading from a first-aid book. She didn¡¯t flinch, get grossed out or nervous. It was like she was reading from a cookbook.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s some fine work.¡± Scotty said examining my arm as Jillian returned with four albums.


    ¡°You boys sharing scar stories?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°No, just showing off your sewing skills.¡± I said to her. Jillian smiled and moved her chair in between Scotty and I and opened the album of the men¡¯s store.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that guy?¡± Scotty asked, looking at the picture of ¡®mister charity¡¯ with his hands up in the air.


    ¡°He was stealing from us.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Why would he steal from you?¡± Scotty questioned.


    ¡°He was going through our truck eating Jillian¡¯s granola and drinking our water.¡± I said. Scotty just shook his head.


    ¡°This looks like a private club.¡± Scotty said looking at the pictures of the sitting room.


    ¡°So, you use drones to look for solar panels with the hopes it is supplying power to a freezer.¡± Scotty said with admiration.


    ¡°We have two of them, we can show you how to use it. It¡¯s actually really fun.¡± Jillian said. I looked at Scotty with the hopes he was interested.


    ¡°Boys and their toys!¡± Scotty said smiling as I got up to get the drones from the trailer. He picked up the controls rather quickly and was amazed how everything looked.


    ¡°If you have a computer, we can upload the video.¡± Jillian said to Scotty.


    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna have to get me one of these.¡± Scotty said, zooming in and out and surveying his property.


    ¡°Typically, gated communities will have the best results, but you can try commercial areas. Usually we don¡¯t drive at night, but a lot of times we would see a light in a residential area that is just solar landscape lighting. I can¡¯t tell you how many of those we investigated only to be disappointed.¡± I said. It was getting dark as I packed up the drones and Jillian and Scotty finished cleaning up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get some lights on.¡± Scotty said going to the side of the house. We heard a generator fire up and one by one, he turned on some lights inside his house. The dogs sniffed everything in the house and they each picked out a spot for relaxing.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this young man in his birthday suit?¡± Scotty asked in reference to Tom running around naked across the front lawn and playing tag with the dogs.


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of pictures of his posterior.¡± Scotty said, not looking at anyone. ¡°He¡¯s Military.¡± he added.


    ¡°Like we said before; we usually don¡¯t drive at night, but one night, Jillian spotted a light and just as I looked at it, it went off. We investigated the next day and there were two men in a bunker next to this¡­ house. This man, Tom, and another. They were wearing hazmat suits and secure for the most part. The virus was only supposed to last two weeks, but, according to his information, it will be another six to seven years before it is safe. Tom decided that he did not want to live in a bunker anymore and took off his hazmat suit.¡± I said.


    ¡°He probably made that decision long before you arrived, he just needed a good reason.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°That¡¯s when the other man; Brigadier General ¡°ass-cake¡± got angry and agitated, and when I told him to settle down, he poked me in the chest with his finger. Pete responded.¡± I said.


    ¡°Good boy Pete!¡± Scotty said as Pete heard his name, got up, and came over to him. ¡°You too Ginger¡±, he added. Both dogs adored Scotty, or maybe they were just happy the pack had an additional member, either way, everyone was in good spirits.


    ¡°So, this house is also a Military bunker?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°We have a ton of pictures showing every detail of the house; the bunker, how it works and how to maintain it.¡± I said.


    ¡°You might want to be careful, if they were dug in, others might be as well. As soon as their provisions run out, they will probably get careless; if they haven¡¯t gone crazy living in solitary. I¡¯ve often thought about that. How many people knew this was going to happen, where would they all go? The top officials, I mean. What do you suppose their plan was?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Why were WE not affected?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Are we lucky, or just cursed? I asked.


    ¡°Lucky¡­ I think.¡± Scotty said not really sure of his response. ¡°I think, it has been a long time since there is actual ¡®peace on earth.¡¯ He said in deep thought.


    ¡°Not as long as there are people in Military uniforms.¡± I added.


    ¡°You two, sorry; you four, are welcome to stay here as long as you want. The spare rooms need to be cleaned ¨C I bet your R/V is cleaner ¨C Like I said before, I don¡¯t entertain much these days.¡± Scotty said.


    Just then, a loud crash came from outside; backyard, patio. Both dogs woke up and started barking. We all got up as Scotty turned on the outside lights. A large black and brown wolf looked into the light near the overturned grill and started trotting off, not fast, but not slow either.Stolen story; please report.


    Ginger and Pete were going absolutely nuts. They knocked over a table and lamp that broke into pieces. They were barking so loud I could not compete yelling at the top of my voice. Ginger showed more restraint than Pete. His eyes did not reflect his normally balanced disposition and behavior. Scotty started laughing as Pete settled down enough for us to communicate. Scotty started singing; ¡°I¡¯m in the mood for LOVE!¡± Followed by a howl.


    ¡°That was a one-hundred forty-pound female! Did you notice the tail flick, and the way she was not that concerned with¡­¡± Scotty was interrupted by a long howl outside that sounded not too far off in the distance.


    Both dogs stopped barking and stood still and listened, with ears twitching. They both responded with howls that were not only very loud, but the tone and offset semi-tones rippled over our ear drums to the point we had to cover our ears.


    The sound of their ancient DNA being triggered was chilling. We heard a loud crash and looked down at Ginger, and Pete was gone; he blasted through the front door screen and Ginger looked like she wanted to follow through the large tear in the screen, but didn¡¯t. I frantically yelled and whistled for Pete.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± Jillian asked Scotty, confused and holding onto Ginger. We both looked toward Scotty, who did not seem as concerned as Jillian and I.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry too much, Pete¡¯s a big dog and there¡¯s only two things that will make him come back:


    One¡­well, when he¡¯s finished, and two, when he¡¯s hungry. I used to come home after both boxes were checked off.¡± Scotty said giggling. ¡°Oh, not to worry!¡± he said with a slap on my back. ¡°I¡¯m guessing she¡¯s alone, if there were others; ALL of them would be investigating the grill.¡± Scotty said confidently.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to wait outside tonight.¡± I said.


    ¡°Me too.¡± Jillian said comforting Ginger who was excited but content.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make some coffee.¡± Scotty said walking into the kitchen, giggling and singing; ¡°I¡¯m in the mood for LOVE!¡±


    Jillian was taking pictures of the front door screen, overturned table and what was left of the lamp that Pete left in his wake of destruction.


    ¡°We need to fix this tomorrow and replace the table and lamp.¡± Jillian said looking toward me. Scotty returned to the living room with a broom and a small garbage can, smiling. ¡°This is the most fun I have had in a very long time; I¡¯ve always hated that lamp.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about this, we will go shopping tomorrow and get a new door.¡± I said to Scotty.


    ¡°Nooo! The screen just needs to be replaced. I have some in the basement. Now that you mention it, a new door would be nice. This one is a little drafty in the winter and hanging a door is easier with two people.¡±


    We heard the coffee maker sputter in the kitchen as we cleaned up and Scotty repaired the screen with duct tape.  ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡± Jillian said walking toward the kitchen.


    ¡°Duct tape and gasoline! The only two things you need to fix any problem!¡± Scotty said.


    We all sat outside on the patio drinking coffee. Ginger sat next to Scotty as he patted her head and her nose sweeping the air for any hint of Pete. Ginger was nervous and concerned being apart from her brother. She kept looking toward me for information, ready in a moment¡¯s notice to lead the search party.


    Jillian made a list of things we needed for shopping tomorrow. Scotty got up, and stood the grill upright and turned off the patio lights. The night air was cool and still.


    ¡°You two worry too much.¡± Scotty said responding to our obvious uneasiness. ¡°Mother Nature has her way of dealing with things. I¡¯m guessing she could not be happier knowing the ¡®herd¡¯ has been thinned of this parasite called humanity.¡± he said. We talked and laughed for what I guessed was an hour or two and Scotty got up.


    ¡°See you in the morning, when Pete shows up, don¡¯t wake me. I need my beauty sleep.¡± Scotty said. We said good night and Jillian came over to me and sat in my lap. Ginger laid on my foot to make sure if I got up, she would know. Jillian was in deep thought, she said nothing for a long time and her constant sighs kept me from dozing off.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Jillian said as she got up and started walking toward the R/V. ¡°Ginger, come.¡± Jillian said as Ginger got up, stretched and glanced toward me.


    I lit a cigar and acting on Ginger¡¯s display, stood up and stretched as well. Everything seemed extra quiet. I was amazed how loud the coal on the end of the cigar was as I drew, and my hair scraping the collar of my shirt as I turned my head looking toward the R/V.


    Jillian came out of the R/V with three bowls of dog food and placed them next to each other on the grass just off the patio. Ginger sniffed each bowl making sure each one did not have something different and sampled the one on the end. Jillian then brought out a large bowl, filled it with water and placed it near the three bowls of dog food.


    ¡°You already have a name for her, don¡¯t you?!¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°Stop reading my mind and yes, it¡¯s Rosie!¡± Jillian said slightly embarrassed and agitated that I knew her thoughts.


    ¡°Rosie. I like it. You know, we may never see her again.¡± I said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that! Scotty said that Mother Nature has her way; MOTHER Nature¡­ a female, not like¡­ FATHER time, a male.¡± Jillian said in a slightly frantic tone. I did not really see the connection, but Jillian was focused and determined with hope, I did not push the issue.


    ¡°We need to do some research, just in case.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I said smiling at her.  ¡°Human interaction with wolves, domestic canine encounters, the Internet would be handy, maybe a trip to the library tomorrow.¡± I said as I felt Ginger¡¯s cold nose on my hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay Ginger, Pete will come back soon.¡± We all fell asleep outside waiting for Pete.


    Ginger woke us up before taking off across the backyard. We could barely see in the pale morning light, but a silhouette of two dogs was evident as Ginger approached Pete and smelled him up and down as he walked towards us. His head was hung low as he came up to me. I inspected him for injuries and only seen a small area of fur that was stressed. His apprehension was giving way to his normal disposition as I finished the inspection and gave him a pat on the head. He licked my hand as Jillian got up and perform her inspection. Pete loved all the attention as Jillian looked in his ears and Ginger continued to sniff his backside.


    Jillian told Pete to lay down, and he did. Jillian rolled him over and she checked his chest, stomach and each paw.  Pete laid with his big head upside down on the patio deck, looking at me, panting with his tongue hanging out as Jillian continued the inspection. He was living a dog¡¯s dream.


    Ginger caught a scent and turned around and started to growl quietly. Pete got up and sniffed the morning air with her and was not concerned. We could just barely make out the profile of Rosie at the edge of the tall grass as Ginger trotted slowly toward her, fur raised.


    ¡°Fuck Me!¡± Jillian said as the two females sized each other up. Pete slowly looked in their direction and resumed his previous position on the deck with a sigh.


    Ginger approached Rosie, who did not move, and allowed Ginger to smell her. Rosie was significantly larger than Ginger but this encounter appeared to be more of an intelligence gathering mission. After a few tense moments, Rosie laid down and submitted to Ginger. After a thorough examination, Ginger turned toward us on the Patio and started panting and tail wagging. Rosie stood up and her tail was wagging as well.


    ¡°Looks like we''re all friends now.¡± Scotty said quietly, placing a tray on the patio table with yesterday¡¯s leftovers. Upon seeing Scotty, Ginger ran to greet him. Rosie followed slowly behind sniffing the air and taking in all kinds of new and different aromas. Rosie stopped about half way.


    ¡°Come on Rosie. It¡¯s okay.¡± Jillian said softly to Rosie as she was very apprehensive and curious.


    Ginger and Pete greeted Scotty as if it has been a month since they have seen him. He returned the affection. Jillian continued to call to Rosie, who was reluctant. Jillian grabbed one of the bowls of dog food and slowly approached Rosie.


    ¡°You know, that¡¯s a wild animal and she probably weighs more than you.¡± I said sitting down at the table. That thought made Jillian stop short and set the dog food bowl down and walk backwards toward the patio, making sure not to turn her back to Rosie.


    We all ate breakfast watching Rosie in the tall grass; her tail wagging making the grass move. She paced, sat, paced again then sat and slowly inching her way toward the dog food bowl Jillian left. Rosie sniffed it, looked at us and ate it all up quickly. She looked at the other two bowls and inched toward them. Rosie was about fifteen yards from us and Scotty showed us a very large hand gun in a holster.


    ¡°I hope to hell I don¡¯t have to use it.¡± Scotty said quietly with eyes closed.


    ¡°Everyone, relax, no sudden movements or sounds¡­and no smiling, Jillian.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it; she is just beautiful!¡± Jillian said. The dogs were more interested in food than Rosie. All three were calm and they just exchanged glances.


    ¡°Ginger. Sit.¡± Jillian said pointing her thumb towards the ground. Ginger approached Jillian and sat down in front of her and took the food in her open hand.


    ¡°Pete. Sit.¡± Jillian said to Pete, again, pointing her thumb towards the ground and Pete approached, sat and received food from her open hand.


    ¡°Rosie. Sit.¡± Jillian said looking towards Rosie. Rosie did not move. Jillian tossed a piece of meat toward Rosie. Head down, eyes fixed on all of us, Rosie inched up to the piece of meat. She really was a beautiful animal and her size was intimidating and was making me a little nervous. Rosie ate the piece of meat and looked towards us for more.


    ¡°Rosie. Sit.¡± Jillian said pointing her thumb down. Ginger and Pete both sat, hearing and seeing the command, knowing it resulted in receiving food. Jillian gently tossed the meat toward Rosie, making it land only about fifteen feet from all of us as she continued to give Ginger and Pete small pieces.  Watching Rosie only a couple of yards away, she looked very thin, even for her size.


    Ginger and Pete were sitting patiently waiting with tails wagging as Jillian said: ¡°Paw.¡± With her hand held out, palm up. Ginger presented her left paw to Jillian. Jillian softly squeezed her paw and released it and gave Ginger some food. Jillian turned to Pete and said: ¡°Paw.¡± He presented his paw and received some food.


    ¡°Look at that!¡± Scotty whispered as Rosie lifted her paw watching Ginger and Pete.


    ¡°Good girl Rosie.¡± Jillian said softly, and tossed her a piece of meat as she gulped it down.


    ¡°The transition appears complete. The wild beast sacrifices its dignity to live alongside man.¡± Scotty said.


    Jillian turned toward Ginger. ¡°Ginger. Speak.¡± Jillian said as Ginger expelled a playful bark. Then Jillian held her index finger to her lips and said: ¡°Shhh.¡± Ginger issued a small woof and received her reward.


    Pete could not contain himself and barked playfully toward Jillian wagging his tail, proud that he anticipated the command that was not issued. Jillian said: ¡°Pete. Sit.¡± Using her thumb. Pete immediately sat down. ¡°Pete. Speak.¡± Pete¡¯s bark echoed and he received his reward.


    Pete did not yet fully understand the ¡°Shhh.¡± Command and hand gesture, and Jillian did not include it in this round of training and observation by Rosie, who was paying very close attention knowing that it was her turn and standing with both front paws on the patio edge. Rosie was excited, happy and nervous absorbing all this interaction and food. Rosie towered over Ginger and Pete who could not have been happier sharing food with Rosie and exchanging glances.


    Rosie had a black and dark brown coat with a little white on her paws. Jillian told Scotty and I to break up some of the meat with our hands. ¡°Don¡¯t use silverware.¡± She added.


    I repeated the commands and hand gestures and Rosie followed along and smelled the food I tossed for her and she gulped it down as she slowly took her place next to Pete. I could feel and smell her breath as she sat next to Pete panting and waiting her turn.


    ¡°Ginger. Pete. Rosie.¡± Scotty said with authority. Ginger and Pete adjusted their position in front of Scotty. Rosie looked confused and uncertain and sat down next to me, as Scotty repeated the commands and gestures laughing slightly at my position as Rosie turned her head in my direction panting and wagging her tail.


    Sitting in the chair her head was in exact alignment with mine. I briefly and unconsciously sniffed the air; she did the same to my hand on the arm rest and looked at me for a split second before focusing on food and Scotty, looking happy and content. Jillian was taking pictures the entire time with tears in her eyes on this beautiful, sunny summer morning in Wyoming.


    Rosie kept her distance when it was not time to eat. Jillian filled a large bucket Scotty gave her with dog food next to a similar bucket filled with water. It was amusing seeing the large bucket for Rosie and the two smaller bowls of food for Ginger and Pete. We were getting ready to leave to go shopping and Rosie was very interested in smelling the dog backpacks Jillian put on Ginger and Pete. They always get excited wearing the backpacks knowing that we are going exploring. Scotty started up his truck and it spooked Rosie and she ran into the woods.


    Scotty let us drive his other truck; ¡®The fancy one¡¯ he called it. We stopped at a home improvement store and picked out a nice oak front door, screen door and a couple of solar panels. Jillian picked out a table and lamp per Scotty¡¯s request of: ¡°Give it a Woman¡¯s touch, that matches everything else.¡±


    We stopped at a library and picked up a couple of books, but Jillian insisted we stop at a vet¡¯s office.


    ¡°You might want to stay out here with the dogs.¡± I said to Scotty as Jillian and I suited up, using the last 2 hazmat suits near the entrance in the parking lot.


    ¡°Are these really necessary?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Go on in¡­ you first, and tell us how it smells.¡± I said putting on my respirator.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just wait out here with the dogs.¡± Scotty said reconsidering. Jillian handed Scotty the box with the drone and controller she brought along.


    ¡°Find us some¡­Pork chops or a couple of chickens for a barbecue tonight!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡± Scotty said grinning and giving Jillian a military salute. The dogs avoided us whenever we put on the hazmat suits. It confuses them; I guess.


    This vet was similar to all the other one¡¯s we have visited; maybe even smaller. The single server computer had the login and passwords for all 5 employees taped to the top. I just unplugged it and took the whole thing. Jillian grabbed all the dog treats, assembled a small box with medications and pointed to a stack of fifty-pound dog food bags. We loaded up the truck and Scotty was having a blast with the drone.


    ¡°Watch this!¡± Scotty said as he pulled off some impressive moves.


    ¡°I got one house; three streets over.¡± Scotty said landing the drone flawlessly, and the dogs sniffing the stack of dog food bags and treats.  We followed Scotty to the house three streets over. The dog¡¯s got out and sniffed the area and we waited for them to return.


    ¡°Is it me, or is this really creepy?¡± Scotty whispered in the silence looking around.


    ¡°It¡¯s really creepy.¡± Jillian and I said in unison as I prepared the AA-12.


    ¡°Stand back.¡± I said.


    ¡°Freeze Motherfucker!¡± I said as I blasted the front door completely off its frame. The shots echoed through the neighborhood as Ginger and Pete approached the breached opening sniffing the air. I heard Jillian explaining to Scotty the reasoning behind my warning to an inanimate object. Scotty shook his head, understanding as I entered the house with the dogs.


    ¡°Smells, clean, no one was home.¡± I said looking around the kitchen.


    ¡°Lookie here!¡± Scotty said excited as he found a chest freezer and a side-by side humming with the power lights on in the otherwise empty garage. Scotty lifted the lid, standing off to one side using a crowbar.


    ¡°If I was a teenager I¡¯d be in heaven. Frozen pizza, all different kinds, tater tots, fish sticks, garlic bread, chicken wings¡­tons of those!¡± Scotty said sifting through the contents and closing the lid.


    Scotty opened the side by side: ¡°Ice cream, popsicles, cool-whip¡­ this family prob¡¯y weighed three hundred pounds each, wait¡­ what¡¯s this¡­butter!¡± Scotty said looking toward us.


    ¡°Nice!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Looks like; 6 pounds!¡± Scotty said smiling.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get the coolers!¡± Jillian said as I unlatched the emergency handle on the garage door and opened it.


    ¡°That¡¯s a whole different level of commitment!¡± Scotty said astonished.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked looking around the garage.


    ¡°To go through all the trouble and expense for ¡®processed food¡¯ in case the power goes out.¡± Scotty said.


    We packed up all the butter and selected one gallon of ice cream each. Scotty took three large bags of chicken wings, a couple of the pizzas and the garlic bread and we drove back to Scotty¡¯s house.


    The dogs were excited as we pulled in the driveway and saw Rosie way in the backyard sit up.


    ¡°Awww, she was waiting for us!¡± Jillian said warmly. The dogs jumped from the bed of the pick up as I lowered the tail gate and ran across the backyard. Rosie''s tail was wagging, smelled both of them and Ginger took off as Rosie and Pete chased her through the tall grass.  We unloaded the trucks and upon my return from Scotty¡¯s kitchen, across the patio, Jillian stood in front of a man, holding a knife to her throat.


    ¡°Hand¡¯s up! Tell the old man to come out so¡¯s I can see him!¡± The man said.


    The man was about thirty years old, long greasy hair, pale, very thin. A muscle in his cheek twitched as his bloodshot eyes darted as if he was looking for something.


    ¡°PETE!¡± I yelled loudly as I glanced toward the backyard and not seeing any sign of Ginger, Pete or Rosie.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡± Scotty said hearing me call for Pete in an unfamiliar tone. Scotty emerged from the garage.


    ¡°Who the hell are you!¡± Scotty said with disgust.


    ¡°Freeze old man! Hands up! Don¡¯t even think about going for your gun!¡± The man said looking at Scotty¡¯s 357 in his holster.


    ¡°Where¡¯s them dogs?¡± The man said looking around.


    ¡°I just put them back in their cages.¡± Scotty said hanging his head in failure.


    ¡°Good!¡± I¡¯ll be taking that gun, some water, all your food, this here truck, and this pretty lady!¡± He said smiling as he squeezed her breast showing us his teeth that have not seen a toothbrush in years.


    Jillian was crying and very emotional, even for her, as the man yelled ¡°SHUT THE FUCK UP!¡±


    ¡°You may want to reconsider your position.¡± I said calmly with my hands still raised, using only my eyes to point just to the left of where he was standing. Pete, sitting like a statue, issuing a low sock dropping growl that could be felt. The man gasped and quickly turned toward me. I used my eyes again to point to his right; Ginger. Fur standing on end and showing her teeth, snarling as a drop of saliva dripped to the ground and her right front leg quivering. The man gasped again and slowly moved backward and to the left a little, just enough for me to see Rosie; head down and eyes piercing. Her fur was also standing on end and it made her look gargantuan in size as she closed in slowly and silently.


    ¡°You sir, are in a world of shit.¡± I said calmly. Even though I was more scared by the sheer size of Rosie and not really knowing what she is capable of.


    ¡°Release her slowly and drop the knife.¡± I said to the man as I tried to maintain my composure and keep from pissing myself. The man was shaking in fear as his eyes did not know who to look at, as he pushed Jillian hard to the ground and started running. Rosie was on him in an instant as she took him down by his throat. Ginger advanced, but she somehow knew not to intervene. Pete just watched motionless as the man struggled.


    ¡°What do we do?¡± Jillian said sitting on the ground as we watched Rosie snap his arm like a twig as he tried to protect his face and she continued with a brutal display of aggression.


    The man¡¯s struggle was over in under a minute as blood jetted, then poured from his gaping neck wound. Rosie was still in ¡®kill mode¡¯ as we tried not to make eye contact with her. Ginger comforted and inspected Jillian sitting on the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, thank you.¡± Jillian said to Ginger as she petted her head. I knelt down next to Pete who was sniffing the air as I held on to him. Rosie was settling down and looked toward us for information. I was not sure how to react, and Jillian felt the same way.


    ¡°That¡¯s justice in my book!¡± Scotty said walking slowly toward the lifeless man. Rosie backed away a few feet as Scotty got down on one knee and inspected the body, looking in his pockets ¨C he found nothing.


    Rosie slowly stepped up, right next to Scotty and started sniffing him. He turned to look at Rosie. ¡°I hope I smell better than him.¡± Scotty said to Rosie just inches from his face. Rosie¡¯s dilated eyes, fur and breathing returning to normal.


    ¡°Good girl Rosie!¡± Scotty said as she sat next to him wagging her tail and panting. Her blood-stained teeth and proud disposition were very unsettling. Jillian stood up and thanked the dogs (and Rosie) for being brave. ¡°I have some special treats for all of you!¡± Jillian said walking toward the house.  Scotty and I put the man in the trunk of the car he drove in, parked near the road, we looked through it and found nothing.


    ¡°Maybe we can follow the tire tracks to see where he came from.¡± Scotty proposed. Jillian came down the driveway and handed me a shovel. ¡°No more dumpsters, okay?¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°What¡¯s that all about?¡± Scotty asked quietly.


    ¡°When we found Brigadier General shit head in the bunker, I put him in a body bag, then tossed him in a dumpster.¡± I said coldly.


    ¡°I suppose we should investigate how our paths crossed. I¡¯ll follow you.¡± I said to Scotty as I started the man¡¯s car and Rosie took off running. Jillian, Ginger and Pete got in Scotty¡¯s truck as we followed the tracks.


    We located a house a few streets over from where we investigated the processed food bonanza. It appears that this was not his house, and that he moved in recently. The pictures of the people on the wall were Asian, he was not.


    ¡°He must have just gone nuts.¡± Jillian said looking at the multiple games of unfinished solitaire on most of the flat surfaces.


    ¡°He must have heard the shot gun blasts when you breached the door.¡± Scotty said looking at all the empty liquor bottles that littered the floor.


    ¡°Shallow grave; near the woods.¡± I said to Jillian and Scotty. They both turned to look at me.


    ¡°Worms, insects and buzzards got to eat.¡± I said as a matter of fact.


    ¡°What¡¯s a buzzard? I¡¯ve heard that before.¡± Inquired Scotty.


    ¡°A carrion bird, scavenger.¡± I said. Scotty walked up to Jillian and put his arm around her.


    ¡°Did we ever mention how much we like you?¡± Scotty said with a fake smile as Jillian just rolled her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing personal; it¡¯s recycling.¡± I said. Scotty hesitated, then nodded his head slightly in agreement.


    We returned to Scotty¡¯s house after the shallow grave task and washed up for dinner. Over the next two days we installed the front doors and hooked up some solar panels to provide power to his septic tank and water pumps. The information from the computer server from the vet and the library books yielded quite a bit of information.


    ¡°Based on what I found, Rosie is the exception to most of the rules.¡± Jillian said as we sat down after dinner with some ice cream that tasted stale and crystalline.


    ¡°Mother nature has specific rules and guidelines, she decides when and which ones can be bent, or broken.¡± Scotty said philosophically using his spoon for emphasis. Jillian placed some ice cream in three bowls for the dogs, about a tablespoon each. Rosie approached the bowl slowly as Ginger reluctantly licked her bowl. Pete absolutely loved it and was looking for more, eyeing Ginger¡¯s unfinished bowl. Rosie slowly licked her bowl clean and approached the table and sat between Jillian and Scotty.


    ¡°Well! Hello Rosie!¡± Jillian said, as this was the closest Rosie had ever come to her. Pete was sitting next to me and waiting for more, or to lick my bowl clean. I adjusted my position and said to Pete; ¡°Paw¡±, and held out my open hand. He immediately placed his paw in my hand and pulled it away as I placed my unfinished bowl on the ground for him.


    Rosie keenly observed this transaction and looked at Jillian¡¯s bowl then Scotty¡¯s. She lifted her paw in the air for Scotty because his bowl had more ice cream in it. Rosie¡¯s happy panting and swinging tail was just beautiful to watch. Scotty slowly adjusted his chair and addressed Rosie.


    ¡°Rosie. Paw.¡± Scotty said, and slowly held out his hand. Rosie placed her massive paw in his hand and Jillian gasped slightly as she was recording on her camera.


    ¡°Good girl Rosie!¡± Scotty said as he placed his bowl on the ground and looked to us with a tear in his eye.


    ¡°Superman has kryptonite, Rosie has ice cream. We all have weaknesses¡± he said gently stroking Rosie¡¯s back and her tail wagging.


    Jillian and I discussed our short-term plans one night lying in bed, listening to a gentle summer shower and thought it would be best if we stayed here in Wyoming, and spend only a few months in our Canadian home. Maybe inviting Scotty to assist in mechanical issues and other unforeseen problems that would suit his particular skill set.


    ¡°Rosie is terrified of engines; you see how she reacts when a vehicle starts.¡± Jillian said. I did not respond.


    ¡°Rosie is young, pregnant and relies on us for food¡­¡± Jillian said as I interrupted her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know she is pregnant.¡± I said.


    ¡°Every time I turnaround Pete is mounting her!¡± Jillian said laughing a little. Lightening blinked and the crack of thunder woke up Ginger and Pete, who jumped in bed with us.


    ¡°So much for getting lucky tonight.¡± Jillian said under her breath as she pushed Ginger off her leg.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think the dogs would mind.¡± I said kissing her neck. After a particularly close lightning strike; a long howl was heard from outside; Rosie.


    Ginger and Pete jumped from the bed and ran to the door. Ginger barked once to go outside. I got up and let the dogs out and they ran to the backyard. I stood naked in the doorway looking toward the backyard hoping for a lightening flash to illuminate the area and only a small flicker was offered, I did not see anything. Jillian approached me from behind, rubbed my rain-soaked chest and worked her way down.


    We woke the next morning and did not see the dogs in the R/V. (we installed a secondary doggy door that allowed the dogs to come and go). Scotty was already sitting on the patio with his morning coffee and tinkering with a condenser and copper coil. I walked over to him with my towel and shaving kit.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± I said cheerfully.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Scotty said looking up from his project.


    ¡°Can I help?¡± I asked.


    ¡°What do you know about makin Moonshine?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Nothing, other than it tastes like shit.¡± I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s true. But gasoline will be going bad in about 9 or 10 months. I have some older gas cans that already turned to jelly and we will need a substitute. I¡¯m building a small still to try to make such a substitute. If I can get 160 or 190 proof, it just might run an engine, don¡¯t know the long-term effects, but, gotta start somewhere.


    ¡°I have a small plot of corn this season using part of the neighbors land, once I get it just right, I¡¯ll scale up the still.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°Just let us know how we can help.¡± I said with a smile.


    ¡°Plenty of hot water, help yourself.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, have you seen the dogs?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Not yet, but they will be around for breakfast I¡¯m sure, Scotty said.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Jillian said carrying a box of food out of the R/V.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have breakfast ready in twenty minutes.¡± Jillian said in good spirits. Scotty stood up.


    ¡°I got this, just keep doing whatever it is your doing.¡± Jillian said inspecting the contraption on the table. Scotty just smiled and resumed his tinkering. After my shower I walked downstairs to the lovely smell of cornbread.


    ¡°Can you please set the table?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°No problem.¡± I said looking over her shoulder observing a beautiful stew simmering on the stove.


    ¡°That looks good enough to eat!¡± I said kissing her neck and peaking down the front of her shirt. Jillian smiled then blushed and said. ¡°Just set the table.¡± Scotty walked into the kitchen drying off his hands.


    ¡°Them dogs will be here anytime now. Mmmm that smells gooood.¡± Scotty exclaimed looking at the stove.


    ¡°Tell me about the gas thing, exactly how long does gas last? And what happens when it goes bad?¡± Jillian asked sampling the stew.


    ¡°Yep! Turns to jelly, diesel lasts a little bit longer, but not much. If you plan on going to Minneapolis and Canada you will probably be okay, but you may have a problem getting back to California in October. I wouldn¡¯t wait any longer than that, or you might get snowbound. Then you are talking April or May, that¡¯s almost three years. You¡¯ll be taking a big risk of being stranded. Your R/V is diesel, that will buy you a couple of months¡­ maybe. Transportation is not going to be easy like it has been, roads already have plants and trees growing in the cracks and after every winter it will get worse. Mother Nature WILL reclaim her property. Bridges will become compromised, flooding, landslides, erosion, it¡¯s just a matter of time.¡± Scotty concluded his speech of misery.


    ¡°You¡¯re not painting a pretty picture for us on this beautiful morning.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about that, and now that you said it, our summer home in Canada is not the most practical.¡± I said.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go there, take what we need and drive back to Malibu.¡± Jillian said. ¡°Scotty, you are welcome to go with us and take whatever you want.¡± Jillian proposed.


    ¡°One of those military generators might be nice, but moving it and transporting it here will be¡­ difficult. I also had my eye on that Bentley!¡± Scotty said with a smile and a wink. ¡°I think I¡¯ll pass on this road trip. I have everything I need here, besides Rosie depends on us¡­ I mean, me, and she might need help once her pups are born.¡± Scotty said with conviction.


    ¡°Here they come now!¡± Jillian said looking out the kitchen window. Jillian started laughing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let them in the house.¡± Jillian said as Scotty and I got up to see why. They all were covered in mud and briers and could not have been happier running through the yard chasing each other. Ginger and Pete barked standing at the sliding glass door and Rosie sat on the patio trying to pull off a brier on her back leg.


    We finished breakfast and fed the dogs the leftovers mixed with dog food. Scotty appeared with a garden hose, a wire wrasp, comb and scissors.


    ¡°This is gonna be fun. My dogs hated being hosed down and I have never met a dog that liked scissors. We had to do this at least twice a year. Who¡¯s first?¡± Scotty asked. Jillian grabbed Ginger and told her to sit and asked me to get a box of dog treats. ¡°Bribery.¡± Hope it works.¡± Scotty said.


    Ginger struggled at first, but I held on to her as Jillian worked the cold water through her coat. She used the comb to isolate the briers and cut them off. Pete and Rosie eventually walked away uninterested and nosed around the yard. When Ginger was done, she looked like she was fighting with a fan and lost. The dog treats seemed to help.


    Ginger was clean and brier free. Pete and Rosie inspected her thoroughly as I called for Pete. Pete came over and laid down and did not protest in the least, he actually enjoyed it. Ginger and Rosie inspected Pete upon completion and he too looked like he lost the battle with the fan. Ginger''s score was seven treats, Pete¡¯s score was three, just because he did not protest.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll ask Rosie, what do you two think?¡± Scotty proposed. Rosie had a large tangle on her neck and chest.


    ¡°Rosie. Come.¡± Scotty said, shaking the box of treats as Rosie looked up from inspecting Pete. Scotty sat down on the ground and held out his hands and the comb for Rosie to inspect. She sniffed the air and slowly walked up to him.


    Rosie sniffed the comb and drank from the hose a little then looked at Ginger and Pete who were receiving treats and praise from Jillian. She then looked at me as I sat next to Scotty and patted the ground in front of us and said; ¡°It¡¯s okay Rosie. Come.¡± Rosie approached me and sniffed the air. Her size was still intimidating to me, towering above us as we sat on the ground. She dropped her head and stuck her nose in my front shirt pocket that had 3 treats.


    ¡°Oh! I see! Rosie. Sit.¡± I said using the thumb gesture. As she sat, I pulled the treats out as Scotty gently combed her back letting her get used to the process.


    ¡°What a good girl.¡± Jillian said as Rosie looked toward her panting and tail wagging.


    ¡°I hope we don¡¯t run out of treats.¡± Scotty said quietly as he gently cut off the briers.


    ¡°We still have ice cream.¡± Jillian said as Rosie¡¯s ears twitched.


    Rosie submitted to us, but was reluctant and keenly observed the process. We moved slow and cautious. Ginger and Pete were being brushed by Jillian and they were relaxed and calm laying in the sun. Once Scotty removed the thick tangle on her neck and chest, she started to get restless and she walked away.


    ¡°I guess were done.¡± Scotty said as Jillian brought out a small portion of ice cream for the dogs and Rosie. Rosie still had some briers on her but we were not going to push our luck.


    ¡°When are you planning to leave?¡± Scotty asked in a solemn tone.


    ¡°Tomorrow. We are going to stop in Minneapolis and then Canada. We should arrive on Friday. We will pack up what we can, and stop here to drop off whatever you need and half of the frozen food.¡± Jillian said looking through her note pad.


    ¡°Did you look through all the photos and videos? Anything you need?¡± I asked Scotty.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take another look later.¡± Scotty said a little sad.


    ¡°You know; you are welcome to come to Malibu with us. There are plenty of beautiful homes to choose from and the weather is just perfect.¡± Jillian said. I nodded my head in agreement.


    ¡°My place is here, everything I need or want, is here. Thanks just the same.¡± Scotty said sincerely.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to double check your R/V and trailer, make sure everything is working and safe¡­ okay?¡± Scotty said walking toward the R/V.


    The next morning, we all had breakfast on the patio as Scotty pulled pictures of what interested him from the ¡®Summer Home 2¡¯ album as Jillian reviewed the stack of road maps with different color highlighted routes.


    ¡°I have one request.¡± Scotty said as he looked through the album titled; ¡°Scotty and Rosie¡±. ¡°I¡¯ll hold on to this one till you return.¡± He said with a tear in his eye.


    ¡°No problem.¡± Jillian said. Scotty handed me a legal pad of checklist items of trouble-shooting and warning signs.


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t have to use it ¨C but just in case.¡± Scotty said giving me a hug then turning to Jillian and hugging her. He bent down to say goodbye to Ginger and Pete who were confused and just licked his face as Rosie stood on the Patio deck. We approached Rosie and she appeared to sense our sadness and laid down as we said goodbye.

 September Year 2- Last Visits

    We arrived in Minneapolis. Rough roads, obstacles, and a few detours made for some slow travel. Jillian sat quietly as she watched her once familiar surroundings falling into decay; A once quaint neighborhood.


    ¡°Sixth house on the left.¡± Jillian said. I parked the R/V in the street in front of her family¡¯s home and turned it off.


    ¡°Do you want me to go in?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No¡­ well okay, yea, sure.¡± Jillian said staring straight ahead at nothing in particular. She closed her eyes as she took a deep breath and exhaled. The dogs sensed her sadness as I put on their packs.


    I exited the R/V with Ginger and Pete and walked up to the front door. Jillian was sitting in the R/V still looking straight ahead. The front door was locked. It did not seem right to breech the door with the AA-12, so I pulled the small blue crowbar from Pete¡¯s pack and opened the front door.


    ¡°Ginger. Pete. Stay.¡± I said as both dogs sat down and obeyed the command. No signs of struggle, actually the house was very neat and organized. Pictures of Jillian and her family on the wall; Jillian at various ages. I picked out the grade school picture of her with freckles and missing front teeth, and smiled.


    Jillian appeared at the front door and startled me a little. She was emotionless except for streaks of tears on her cheeks. She walked to what appeared to be the basement door. It was locked.


    ¡°Do you want me to go down first?¡± I asked quietly. She shook her head ¡®yes¡¯, not being able to speak words. I pried the door open and the smell was pretty bad. I put on my respirator and turned on my light. ¡°Look for an envelope or something on a piece of paper.¡± Jillian said, just barely.


    Her dad was lying on a couch and her mom collapsed across him sitting on the floor in an embrace. No sign of communication, letter or anything. Again, very neat and organized I thought. I performed a detailed search, even looking in her mom and dad¡¯s hands, just in case they were clutching something; nothing.


    ¡°They died together.¡± I said to Jillian as I pulled the respirator from my face and hugged Jillian. She backed up from me and grabbed the light from my hand as I handed the respirator to her. I could hear her stifled flat toned crying through the respirator as she descended down the stairs. Jillian returned in about three minutes on shaking legs. She pulled off the respirator and she cried out; ¡°She was wearing the bracelet I got her last Christmas!¡± Jillian said going into a fit of uncontrolled emotion.


    ¡°My dad still had his glasses on...WHY did he have his glasses on!¡± Jillian said as she slowly collapsed on the floor to her knees.  Watching Jillian in so much pain, I could not help crying myself. The dogs came over and sat next to us as I pushed the basement door shut. It snapped closed with finality that seemed to echo like a tomb. Jillian started to get up and I assisted her.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. It¡¯s nothing more than an empty shell.¡± Jillian said wiping the tears from her face. Jillian grabbed a few pictures from the wall, a few pieces of jewelry from her mom¡¯s jewelry box and a very ¡®colorful¡¯ purple neck tie from the bedroom.


    ¡°I got this for my dad¡¯s birthday when I was eleven years old; my favorite color. It matched none of his suits but he wore it anyway.¡± Jillian said slightly smiling with puffy red eyes. Jillian looked around the house for a final time.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m done here.¡± Jillian said as she swiftly walked out and into the R/V. As I put the R/V in gear I glanced toward Jillian sitting in the passenger seat and slammed on the brakes.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jillian asked me with a very concerned look on her face. I pointed to the mail box just barely visible outside her door.


    ¡°Outgoing mail?¡± The red flag was in the ¡®up¡¯ position. I backed up enough for her to get out and investigate. She opened the mail box and pulled out an envelope. Jillian covered her mouth with her hand, as a wave of emotion engulfed her body. She opened the envelope and started reading a folded piece of paper. She smiled and looked toward me and returned to the letter. More tears appeared on her face as she smiled and put the envelope back in the mail box. Jillian entered the R/V and came over and gave me a wet salty kiss.


    ¡°Now, we can go.¡± Jillian said, looking very content and showing signs of closure that satisfied any doubt.


    We drove for about one hour without saying anything, and I wondered what information was contained in the letter. I finally had to ask.


    ¡°Well? What did it say?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you¡­ maybe, one day.¡± Jillian said with a small nod of her head and giving me a loving smile.


    ¡°I know that look! We are already way behind schedule!¡± I said.


    ¡°Just take the next right and go north.¡± Jillian said, smiling.


    The roads in Canada were in better condition than the states. We made good time and took turns sleeping and eating. The dogs were getting restless and we only had about two more hours of driving. We stopped the R/V in the middle of the highway and let the dogs out for some exercise and we needed to stretch.


    ¡°Listen!¡± Jillian said.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Damn! Crickets.¡± I said as a bug buzzed by my head. Jillian said; ¡°Shhhh!¡± with her index finger to her mouth. (Ginger woofed quietly) A song bird could barely be heard. A beautiful sound of nature on a cloudy calm Canadian morning.


    We reached the road that intersects the hill to the compound and parked the R/V under some trees so it could not be seen from above.


    ¡°Deploy the drone and take a look around?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°Sure, will it make it to the top?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll find out.¡± I said. The road up the hill was covered with debris and overgrown.


    ¡°No one has come up this way, that¡¯s for sure.¡± I said catching momentary clear views of the road through the trees. As it reached the top, the signal was weakening.


    ¡°It will take a while to climb by foot. You game?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°Hell yes! Let¡¯s pack up and go!¡± Jillian said enthusiastically. The dogs were ready for adventure as well; excited and anxious.


    As we walked up the hill, we cleared the larger branches away and I located the marker where the pressure pads were, in order to avoid stepping on them. I was not sure if our weight would trigger the alarm; but I was not taking any chances.  We identified a couple of sets of tracks; small deer, raccoon and canine.


    ¡°Dog? wolf, coyote? I don¡¯t remember the patterns.¡± Jillian said.


    The dogs sniffed the tracks and did not go too far into the woods on either side of the road during our ascent. We reached the car that we moved from in front of the gate and rested for a few minutes and launched the drone to observe the compound.


    Everything was overgrown, as to be expected. A large tree was resting against the bunker. Solar panels were in need of cleaning from dirt, leaves and tree branches. Everything was desolate and undisturbed. I lowered the drone in front of the garages as we advanced down the winding driveway.


    Two of the three fishing lines I strung across the driveway were compromised due to fallen branches. We slowly advanced toward the garage and being as quiet as possible. The dogs walked slowly next to us with senses on high alert, noses going from the ground to the air and ears twitching. I used a small bead of caulk on any and all entry and access points. We walked the perimeter of the complex and verified that all were intact.


    While rounding the northwest corner, a crow squawked and launched from a tree branch that scared us. The dogs just looked at Jillian and I as if to say; ¡°it¡¯s just a crow.¡±


    We entered through the front door and everything was exactly as we left it, except for a little more dust. Jillian checked the freezers and just smiled as she pulled out two large frozen packages. We took off our backpacks and placed our water bottles in the refrigerator that Jillian just plugged in.


    ¡°We will need to make a couple of trips in the Gator to get the rest of our stuff.¡± Jillian said as she started to prepare lunch.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go and verify the power and turn on the gas and check the generators. Keep your radio on, okay? Pete. Come.¡± I said as I exited the kitchen.  I pulled out my note pad from Pete¡¯s pack and followed the instructions.


    ¡°Looks like we have about two hours of video recorded.¡± I said into the radio.


    ¡°There we are, leaving in the R/V¡­ three days later a small raccoon walked along the driveway¡­ eight days later a serious storm rolled through¡­ now a lot of static on a clear day. That¡¯s weird¡­ more static, clear then static¡­ three months later clear view, no activity from what I can see on this small screen.¡±


    ¡°We can look at it later.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fast forward to just before we arrived.¡± I said.


    ¡°There we are. Backing up¡­ seven days, a small deer walking through the front yard. You might want to let the water run for a while to clean out the system.¡± I said as I heard the kitchen faucet turn on and I stopped the video. ¡°Just defrosting a whole chicken for dinner, the water looks kind of clean, smells okay.¡± Jillian said.


    I grabbed the ladder and a broom and started cleaning off the solar panels and doing some minor maintenance. I found a snow plow attachment for the Gator and replaced the battery and filled the tires with air using a bicycle tire pump. The Gator started rough, but started. ¡°Pete. Come.¡± I said as Pete jumped on the passenger seat of the Gator. I just finished plowing the debris from the hill and the driveway when Jillian called us for lunch.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to sleep in the big comfy bed tonight! I brought new sheets and pillows and we can use the comforter from the R/V.¡± Jillian said in good spirits.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have the R/V parked outside by about four o¡¯clock.¡± I said.


    We kept busy for about three days, maybe longer. One night we decided to watch a movie in the huge Home Theater. The main custom remote was huge with a full keyboard and touch pad. A smaller hand held remote adjusted volume, EQ and other simple commands. The movie catalog was massive. I stumbled on to the bunker video source and we were able to play the two-hour recording of the time we were away in high definition. I started it from the beginning.


    ¡°That static is weird, how it, comes and goes.¡± Jillian commented. The static started up again and then dissolved the screen into just pixels, then six minutes later, a clear picture. The rest of the recording were weather related; lightening and storms that rolled through and then snowfall started on November first. Sporadic recordings of a couple of birds, deer and other wildlife. I hit the ¡®fast forward button and accidentally hit another key causing a menu pop-up asking for a password. A single white text box with the word ¡®password¡¯ above and ¡®enter¡¯ button below. The background color was blue; the ¡®Blue screen of death¡¯ color everyone is familiar with.


    ¡°What¡¯s your password?¡± Jillian asked looking at me as we snuggled on the couch.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch anything.¡± I said putting down the controller.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably a library of weird porn or something.¡± Jillian said casually.


    ¡°A system this sophisticated will probably go into lock down if the incorrect password is entered.¡± I said, looking around the room for some reason.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if the bunker is¡­ different.¡± I said.


    ¡°I think you are just paranoid.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Come with me, do not stay in here, in case¡­¡± I stopped my sentence.


    ¡°In case what? Your serious.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Ginger. Pete. Come.¡± Jillian said, waking up the dogs as they snoozed together on the other couch. A light rain was falling as we went outside and entered the bunker.


    ¡°Damn it¡¯s cold out tonight.¡± Jillian said rubbing her shoulders. Looking at the control center of the bunker the same image was on the small screen¡­ Password with a blinking cursor in the white text box.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± I said. I thought about it for a while.


    ¡°When we plan on leaving, we¡¯ll try a password, until then we need to find or figure out what it might be.¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired and ready for bed¡­ come tuck me in.¡± Jillian said yawning. I turned to Jillian and said: ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°Tuck me in¡­ the letter ¡®T¡¯. Jillian said.


    ¡°My male selective hearing clearly heard the letter ¡®F¡±. I said.


    ¡°Pete? Did you hear the letter ¡®F¡¯?¡± Jillian asked Pete. Pete sat with his tongue hanging out panting, just happy someone said his name and I did my best to mimic him.


    The freezing rain continued into the next two days, then it started to snow. ¡°This is not good.¡± Jillian said looking out the kitchen window as the snow coated the thick layer of ice on everything. The solar panels were struggling to supply enough power.

 November Year 2- Foul Weather

    After about three and a half weeks, a break in the weather melted most of the snow and ice. The hill was going to be tricky but we had to try. It was the first week of November. We were all packed up and the transfer of the frozen food was complete in about an hour. We had plenty of time to organize the transition and be ready at a moment¡¯s notice. The R/V idling in the driveway.


    ¡°What about the password?¡± Jillian asked as we stood in the control room.


    ¡°I looked everywhere, spent a lot of time thinking about it, and to tell you the truth, I just don¡¯t give a shit anymore.¡± I said. Jillian walked up to the keyboard and typed: ¡°Fuck me¡±, but did not hit the enter key. ¡°Just a little message. Let¡¯s roll.¡± Jillian said.


    We headed south and encountered many obstacles and detours. If the road was clear we drove at night, slow, but making progress. Driving through even two inches of snow was risky. We had to stop for fuel every six or seven hours.


    We arrived at Scotty¡¯s house in four days, light dusting of snow covered the ground and the roads were clear. I honked the horn as we drove up to his house and were met with a horrific sight. Scotty¡¯s house was destroyed. It looked like a tornado came through. His barn was leveled and most of the trees were broken; except for the one near his wife and dogs.


    We jumped out of the R/V and the dogs ran barking to the backyard as loud as possible. Jillian and I entered what was left of his home. A note on the fridge (that was still standing) ¡°See you in California!!!¡± Love, Scotty and Rosie.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know our address; or street!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know our address! What is it 734? 743? 437? I asked Jillian. Jillian just shrugged her shoulders, disappointed that she could not remember our address.


    ¡°He knows it¡¯s in Malibu and it¡¯s coastal property; and he knows what the house looks like from the pictures and videos we showed him.¡± I said walking from the wreckage.


    ¡°How did he get Rosie in his truck?¡± Jillian asked. We both looked at each other and said: ¡°Ice cream.¡±


    ¡°Ginger! Pete! Come!¡± I yelled as they both came running from the woods and jumped into the R/V.


    ¡°Next stop¡­ California!¡± I said.


    ¡°Home.¡± Jillian said as she grasped my arm with a firm smile.


    It took almost two weeks to get to California; washed out roads, landslides and other obstacles hindered our progress. The R/V was running rough and we only used the air conditioning when absolutely necessary. We stripped out anything of no use in order to reduce weight and maximize efficiency. We did not shower the last two or three days, just a quick sponge bath.


    I honked the horn twice at our street entrance around 10:00 am on a Sunday, I think. The dogs were very excited as we approached our home.


    ¡°Why is everything the same¡­ but different.¡± I said as I put the R/V in park and turned it off in our driveway. The dogs exploded out of the R/V, happy and excited. Jillian and I hugged each other and kissed standing in the driveway.


    ¡°We made it!¡± Jillian said smiling broadly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get everything working, and move the freezers.¡±  I said as I opened the garage door to find a six-person green metal flake golf cart with huge wheels and what appeared to be a lift kit installed.


    ¡°I was start¡¯n to get worried.¡± Scotty¡¯s voice; from the side of the garage.  We turned to see him smiling, holding two small puppies. Rosie, Ginger and Pete whimpering and crying as they greeted each other in a beautiful display of affection. Scotty knelt down and placed the two puppies gently in the grass.


    ¡°Sister and a brother!¡± Scotty said proudly.


    The female had wolf features and the male had a big head just like Pete, all black. Jillian started to cry. I walked up to Scotty with my hand held out. Scotty grabbed my hand and used it to pull me in for a bone crushing embrace. Rosie was so proud and happy as Ginger and Pete sniffed and licked the two puppies. Jillian gave Scotty a big hug.


    ¡°We are so happy you all are safe!¡± Jillian said with tears of joy as Rosie nudged her leg as she hugged Scotty to get her attention.


    ¡°They are just beautiful!¡± Jillian said to Rosie as she sat next to the puppies and gently stroked their heads.


    ¡°Rosie seems more¡­ comfortable.¡± I said as Rosie heard her name and she approached me and licked my hand with her huge tongue. Jillian laid down next to the puppies as they licked the tears from her face and playfully climbed on top of her. It was just a beautiful moment as Rosie laid down next to Jillian who positioned the puppies so they could nurse.


    Ginger and Pete turned their attention and affection to Scotty. Jillian slowly got up to get her camera and started taking pictures.


    ¡°She had four pups; two didn¡¯t make it.¡± Scotty said with a heavy heart.


    ¡°Fifty percent is still pretty good.¡± I said as Ginger and Pete sat with Scotty on the grass. Rosie appeared to be very happy and content that the pack was together again.


    The rest of the day was spent transferring the frozen food and the freezers, unpacking the R/V and picking out what we were going to have for dinner.


    ¡°So, what did you name the puppies?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°I thought that all of us should be involved in that decision.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°Tell us about the storm that hit your house.¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see Rosie for about two days. Usually, she stops by in the morning, afternoon and just before sunset. I give her some fresh water and food. It was in the middle of the night¡­ two, maybe three o¡¯clock. I woke up to Rosie howling on the patio, I stuck my head out the window and sensed something was not quite right. She looked up at me and ran to the back yard and brought me one of her newborn pups. It was not more than a few hours old and scratched at the door.


    I opened the door and she dropped the pup on the carpet and ran off. One by one she brought me the other pups and looked at me, concerned as the wind picked up outside. She knew what was coming, I figured it was just another storm.


    I opened the door to the basement and she ran down immediately and started, kind of barking and growling. I put the pups in a box with a seat cushion and closed the basement door behind me. It got really quiet, my ears popped and Rosie started shaking. I held on to her and her pups as the¡­ folks say it sounds like a freight train, and sure enough, it does. It only took about two minutes to destroy a lifetime of work.


    I opened the basement door and, for the first time¡­ ever, it opened easily. That door never shut quite right; it was like a brand-new door.¡± Scotty said thinking about it. ¡°Anyway, standing in the kitchen, I looked up into the night sky and watched the clouds give way to the stars as the storm moved east.


    I salvaged what food and water I could find and put perishables in a cooler and sat on what was left of the patio with Rosie and the pups. I looked for the grill for some reason. It was probably in the next county, I thought.¡± Scotty said, again, thinking deeply. ¡°We sat on the patio till morning. I was trying to decide what I should do as pieces of my house dropped to the ground.¡± Scotty said shaking his head.


    ¡°So, what did you do?¡± I asked Scotty.


    ¡°I went out and got me a R/V, packed it up with whatever I could find, that was not broken and headed south.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°How did you get Rosie in the R/V?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°I opened the door, put the pups in, and Rosie followed.¡± Scotty said. Jillian and I looked at each other.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°I made sure not to turn it off.¡± Scotty said in a whisper and a wink.


    ¡°Plus, I picked up more ice cream and whatever I could pack from the house we found, and I collected the hair you cut from Ginger and Pete and stuffed it into a pillow case. That¡¯s what Rosie sleeps with.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°Awww! How sweet!¡± Jillian said emotionally.


    ¡°Rosie barfed a few times until I put her in the passenger seat; then she was fine. I put the window down only a quarter way, because she would catch a scent and go nuts for a minute or two then go back to sniffing. Could you imagine pulling up to a stop light, and see a 140-pound wolf sitting in an R/V!¡± Scotty said laughing a little, then his tone changed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had a lot of time to think¡­ about how less than average my life has been until the virus hit.¡± Scotty said quietly.


    ¡°How can you even think that!¡± Jillian said, going over to comfort him as he spoke the words he has only thought about in his head.


    ¡°You have done some wonderful things, you are a good man, and from what we have seen, a great provider to your family.¡± I said.


    ¡°Yea, yea, yea.¡± Scotty said waving his hand and pulling his faded red handkerchief from his pocket.


    ¡°Somehow, I feel like; God is watching, and is actually paying attention... to us, and the dogs; and it all started with¡­ you.¡± Scotty said looking directly at me.


    ¡°Not true! Jillian was spying on me first!¡± I said as I turned toward Jillian.


    ¡°When did you first see me?¡± I asked Jillian, surprised that this topic has never come up in conversation before.


    ¡°I followed you for almost two days. I ran out of gas in the mall parking lot and I knew I needed to do something, I was working up the courage, because¡­ I was scared.¡± Jillian said reluctantly.


    ¡°You!? Scared!? You wanted to hand feed a Wolf!¡± Scotty said chuckling. We all laughed as we finished putting things away and eating lunch.


    ¡°I adjusted your upstairs toilet; it fills in about ten minutes. Nice work on the rain barrels, holding tanks and filtration systems!¡± Scotty said with admiration as he and I walked in the backyard.


    ¡°Why is the pool covered?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Because the pups are very interested in the water and¡­ well, for heat and safety reasons.¡± Scotty said.


    I pulled up a corner of the cover and the pool was filled. The water was clear and a perfect temperature. I cranked the winch that Scotty installed to roll up the massive cover revealing the sparkling water as he stood and smiled.


    ¡°What¡¯s all that loud clicking!¡± Jillian asked walking out of the house with the dogs.


    ¡°Fuck Me!¡± Jillian said as she immediately stripped down to her panties and bra and jumped in.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t done this one in thirty years!¡± Scotty said as he stripped down to his tighty-whities and executed a perfect cannonball. Ginger and Pete immediately got in with us as Rosie watched and approached slowly taking great interest in all the activity.


    Ginger and Pete exited the pool up the ramp and ran to Rosie, barked a few times then jumped in as if to show Rosie and the pups how it¡¯s done. Rosie blocked her pups from the water as she inspected for potential danger.


    ¡°Rosie''s not a fan of the pool.¡± Scotty said. Jillian slowly went to the pool edge and let Rosie smell the water she cupped in her hands.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Rosie.¡± Jillian said in a soft reassuring tone as Rosie sniffed the water and slowly went down the ramp. Scotty sat on the ramp and gently stroked her back trying to make her comfortable, her tail started to wag a little as he went over and sat at the pool edge and held on to the pups. Rosie entered the water and started swimming with Ginger and Pete. Keeping a watchful eye on Scotty and the pups. The female was more adventurous than the male and Jillian and Scotty watched them very carefully. Rosie trusted us with her pups as she swam with Ginger and Pete slowly becoming a fan of the pool.


    ¡°Will you be staying with us?¡± Jillian asked Scotty hospitably.


    ¡°I was just using this as a base of operations, I found a nice house with a large plot of some good land and an orchard about six miles east. I could really use some help with¡­ well, everything!¡± Scotty said with the hopes we would assist.


    ¡°You got it! Whatever you need!¡± Jillian said as she disappeared under the water and emerged between the dogs who licked her face.


    ¡°I have some bad news; I¡¯ve been struggling with to tell you.¡± Scotty said as he exited the pool and drying off his face. Jillian and I looked at each other with just our heads visible above the water as Scotty just sighed.


    ¡°As soon as we found your house, Jess, I suspect, came out from under the deck, and, well¡­¡± Scotty said in a sad tone.


    ¡°Rosie did what Wolves do.¡± I said.


    ¡°Yep, I cleaned up the best I could knowing Pete¡¯s fondness and, well, he doesn¡¯t seem to upset. Besides, the pups just love that huge enclosure! They sleep in it at night!¡± Scotty exclaimed.


    ¡°It smells like food.¡± Jillian said as a matter of fact.


    ¡°There were two other run-ins with rabbits, apparently Jess did what rabbits do and Rosie tracked them to the house next door.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get changed and get my stuff from the guest room.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°You can have the guest room for as long as you like.¡± Jillian said as I agreed.


    We all changed into dry clothes and met up in the garage where I was inspecting the customized green metal flake golf cart. ¡°This is not what I would expect you to be driving.¡± I said to Scotty.


    ¡°I had a Schwinn with almost the exact paint job as a kid!¡± Scotty said with a smile.


    ¡°Even with all the hills ¡®round here I can get about 5 hours on a full charge with Rosie the pups and some gear. It takes about thirty minutes to get to my house. Scotty said as Jillian sat in the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°Maybe we should get one or two of these!¡± Jillian said cranking up the stereo.


    Scotty handed me a map showing me the location of his house and property and all the best possible routes as Jillian sang along to ¡®Jail House Rock¡¯ and the dogs running and playing through my failed corn crop. Jillian turned down the stereo; ¡°Let¡¯s all take a drive around!¡± Jillian proposed.


    We collected the dogs and a bottle of wine and drove around the neighborhood. Rosie sat in the front passenger seat. Ginger and Pete sat in between Jillian and I as we passed the bottle of wine around. The pups sat in our laps sniffing the air and being kissed by Ginger and Pete. Rosie was happy.


    We were heading toward the beach and Rosie snapped to high alert and wanted to get off. Scotty slowed down the golf cart.


    ¡°Here we go again.¡± Scotty said as Rosie, who did not wait for a complete and final stop, launched out of the golf cart. Ginger or Pete must have stepped on Jillian¡¯s foot as they followed Rosie.


    ¡°Ouch! Damn that hurt.¡± Jillian said taking off her shoe.


    ¡°Look! Their she is!¡± Scotty said as he pointed to Rosie, Ginger and Pete who were in pursuit of something off in the distance. It was fast, but not fast enough. Ginger and Pete sniffed it hanging lifeless from Rosie¡¯s mouth as she brought it back to the golf cart.  Scotty said ¡°Come on, follow me.¡± We placed the pups on the ground as soon as we saw Rosie approaching and they were very excited.


    ¡°Just walk away.¡± Scotty said. ¡°Unless you like the sound of crunching bones and tearing flesh.¡± He added. Rosie issued a low growl as a warning to Ginger and Pete who were only interested in smelling it, whatever it was.


    ¡°Ginger. Pete. Come.¡± Jillian said from the golf cart as she gave them some water and snacks.


    When Rosie and the pups were done, she approached the water bowl with blood-stained mouth and teeth and drank. Rosie looked toward Scotty to pack up the pups and sat in the passenger seat.


    ¡°All we have to do is teach Rosie how to drive and she will take hunting to a whole new level.¡± Scotty said.


    We made it to the beach and it was actually very beautiful. We have never been to this beach before and the sun, sand, wind and surf processed the sea life carcasses to the point of almost nonexistence. The dogs played in the breaking surf as we walked along enjoying the sea breeze for about one hour.


    ¡°My foot is killing me and it¡¯s time for dinner. You guys hungry?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Sounds good to me.¡± Scotty said. I agreed. About half way back to the golf cart we heard what sounded like a two by four being dropped. The dogs heard it too, Scotty picked up the pups and Jillian pulled her .38. We stopped and listened, the dog¡¯s ears and noses alert.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡± Scotty said as we briskly walked back to the golf cart.


    ¡°It was probably nothing, just a board falling from the wind.¡± Scotty said, not very convincing. The golf cart had a respectable high-end as we sped through the small communities and the short highway drive to our exit and up to our house.


    During dinner we settled on names for Rosie¡¯s pups. We all agreed that cute names like; fluffy and patches was just embarrassing and we decided on; ¡®Becky ¡®and ¡®Jeff¡¯. We spent the next month working with Scotty and creating a habitable and sustainable environment that yielded some favorable results.


    Scotty enlightened us on the methods to best utilize irrigation and making use of the limited amount of rainfall during the upcoming summer months. His knowledge and guidance caused me to completely re-configure our gardens and soil and to plant specific fruits, vegetables and nuts that are native to this area.


    Becky and Jeff were growing up fast and both with very different personalities. Rosie hunted often and would be gone for hours at a time to bring back a live rodent to let Becky and Jeff chase and eventually kill and eat. Ginger and Pete would join in on the chase. This activity was closely monitored and managed by Rosie and any disruption by Ginger or Pete would be quickly stifled by Rosie. Rosie considered Ginger to be Alpha and respected her until it came to her pups. Pete was not interested in being Alpha and was happy with his position in the pack as ¡®corporal punishment¡¯.


    It only took one time for Rosie to display her disapproval to Ginger for something we did not witness. Ginger now understood where the ¡®line¡¯ was. Canines settle differences immediately and the hierarchy is understood and respected; and harmony restored. If only humans could adapt a small percentage of this behavior and discipline, we, maybe, one day could be as balanced as canines.


    Whenever we needed to go shopping, we would always schedule it with Scotty to maximize efficiency and to ensure all of our safety. Rosie wanted no part of wearing a pack like Ginger and Pete, but Becky and Jeff were always interested and sniffed and nipped at them when Ginger and Pete were wearing them, bringing on a different dynamic as Ginger and Pete knew when it was time for work¡­ not for play. Rosie would intervene and provide perimeter surveillance with her pups, always being within eye contact with us as we shopped. It was creepy as she would appear, disappear and appear moments later; like a phantom, making absolutely no noise.


    One day while shopping, Becky brought Pete a tiny dead mouse and dropped it in front of him. He smelled it as Becky ran around him, proud, and waiting for him to acknowledge her kill. He just sniffed it and walked away leaving Becky confused, and looking to Rosie for guidance and information. All of us quickly congratulated Becky and inspected the kill; like we were going to eat it, this seemed to satisfy Becky, Rosie and Jeff as Rosie walked up and dispatched the tiny mouse.

 June Year 3- Pacific

    Spring moved into summer as the frozen foods were nearly extinguished. We stretched it out as far as we could, turning to other sources of protein and fat. We seem to be doing very well. Birds, insects, small animals and fish were becoming more abundant and we were very selective in harvesting these.


    The one project Jillian and I found fascinating was making fuel. Scotty was able to ¡®tweak¡¯ his recipes and make a substantial fuel for gasoline engines. Long term effects were not good, but we had an endless supply of vehicles and combustion engines.


    One of my new responsibilities was fishing and watercraft. I was able to use old charts from local fishing charters to plot my courses. Scotty and I decided on one particular boat that was mechanically sound, reliable and sleeps six. Rosie was reluctant at first and was frightened. Ginger, Pete, Becky and Jeff just absolutely loved it. When Rosie saw the first fish that Scotty pulled in; she was a fan of fishing.


    Rosie, Becky and Jeff tore into it as it flopped on the deck, making a bloody mess everywhere. Even Ginger and Pete joined in, but they were not keen on tearing it apart. They preferred it when Jillian cut it into small cubes.  After we packed up our coolers and had a quick lunch, we headed east back to the marina.


    About forty minutes into our two-hour voyage, something stopped working. Scotty shut everything down sending everyone forward and displacing a few items that were not properly stowed. Scotty ran through his mental checklist, Jillian and I responded to each of his questions; yes or no. Everything checked out. Scotty stood at the back of the boat; his silhouette crisp against the golden setting sun.


    ¡°Oh shit.¡± Scotty said with his cap in his hand. Jillian and I approached and saw the problem; a huge fishing net was trailing our boat and more than likely, twisted around the propellers.


    The Pacific was calm and quiet as we sat, drifting along. Scotty started taking off his clothes and requested a sharp knife and a snorkel.


    I was the only one with a full two hours of scuba experience from a Hawaiian vacation twenty years ago. I made sure to pack two complete sets of scuba gear. I was excited and concerned at the same time as I suited up and testing the equipment a couple of times. Jillian took pictures constantly laughing and calling me a ¡®dork¡¯.


    I tested and verified everything as I slipped off the swim deck and into the ocean, being careful not to get tangled in the netting.


    I emerged on the swim deck; ¡°This is going to take a while.¡± I said as Jillian handed me a nine-inch hunting knife. ¡°See if you can find me something, else.¡± I asked.  The dogs were curious and excited watching me swim, but did not appear anxious to join me.


    The water was clear and my task monumental. I started to cut away at the netting only to reveal a thicker line. I could barely hear Jillian and Scotty talking; muffled and periodic. I frantically cut away at the lines and the knife slipped out of my hand and disappeared. I propped myself up on the swim deck.


    ¡°That was quick!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I dropped the knife.¡± I said.


    ¡°Oh shit.¡± Jillian exclaimed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find you another one.¡± Scotty said as Jillian stepped back and said; ¡°You¡¯re bleeding.¡±


    ¡°I knew I nicked my hand, but it isn¡¯t that bad.¡± I said looking at the slice at the base of my thumb.


    ¡°Here ya go.¡± Scotty said handing me a large fillet knife.


    I was making good progress on the lines as I heard Pete¡¯s booming bark and Jillian¡¯s shrill screaming at a panic level. I surfaced as Scotty was on the swim platform yelling; ¡°GET OUT OF THE WATER!¡± His face had an expression I have never seen before. I handed him the knife as I tried to pull myself up, but the scuba gear made it difficult. Scotty grabbed my air tank and hoisted me up with one muscle tearing effort as I climbed the short ladder right behind him. The dogs were going nuts as I turned around to see a massive ¡®V¡¯ shape on the water¡¯s surface about twenty yards out; closing in fast. The sun¡¯s reflection on the water made it impossible to see exactly what it was, as it disappeared under the boat causing the large boat to roll a little.


    ¡°What the hell is it?¡± I asked out of breath.


    ¡°I have no idea, but it¡¯s B-I-G.¡± Scotty said breathing heavy as well from his exertion. The dogs settled down and crowded around me as Rosie found the cut on my thumb and started to lick it, repeatedly.


    ¡°Thank you, Rosie.¡± I said as I let her mend my wound as I took turns petting all the dogs and let them smell me as they verified that I was okay.


    ¡°I heard Pete¡¯s bark first and looked around and didn¡¯t see anything, then I heard Jillian¡¯s voice cut through.¡± I said sitting at the table as Scotty handed me a Bourbon.


    ¡°We will try it again, tomorrow.¡± Scotty said sitting down in a chair as Jillian looked through the pictures she took and could not see anything with the limited resolution on the small LCD screen that would identify what it was.


    ¡°Shark? Whale?... we should have seen a fin?... Right?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I don¡¯t have much experience fishing the ocean. I just figured it was like an inland lake, only bigger.¡± I said animated.


    ¡°I just grabbed the tackle and gear that was in the store; I thought the same thing, just bigger.¡± Scotty added.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope the weather doesn¡¯t get bad tonight. We are drifting more north than east. Let¡¯s drop anchor.¡± Jillian said looking at the charts and making a notation with a pencil.


    ¡°She really comes in handy, doesn¡¯t she!¡± Scotty said with a gracious smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I would do without her.¡± I said in an immediate response in an undertone. Jillian showed no response to my comment and started to roll up the charts as the anchor grabbed hold.


    None of us had ever spent a night on a boat in the ocean before. It was very serene and brighter than I expected. The waves kissed the side of the boat in an almost predictable manner, then; suddenly, it stopped.


    ¡°How can an ocean be as still as a pond?¡± Scotty said in a whisper looking out at the black enamel surface.


    ¡°Can someone put this as far below as possible? Jillian said holding a large garbage bag.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked as I stood up reaching for the bag.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    ¡°Dog poop and our garbage! Want to see?¡± Jillian asked. Handing me the bag.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll take your word for it.¡± I said. The dogs were all laying together in the cabin as we sat and sipped Bourbon and talked in hushed tones knowing that we are not the top predators here.


    ¡°We might want to try reversing the propeller¡¯s a little to relieve the strain.¡± Scotty said thinking about our current predicament.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to be careful not to cut into something important like a hydraulic line or something.¡± Scotty added.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see if I can adjust the sonar to get a wider picture, in case of visitors.¡± Jillian said.


    As we were discussing and analyzing our situation; the boat rocked. All of us looked at one another hoping someone had an explanation.


    ¡°Rogue wave?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Hell if I know.¡± Scotty said looking in different directions from his chair.  Jillian quickly got up and turned on the sonar.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see anything, but I¡¯m not really sure what I¡¯m looking at.¡± Jillian said hitting buttons causing it to beep loud in the total silence. I got up and looked for the manual. The light from the sonar was bright and I sensed that we were giving away our position for anything that might be patrolling these waters.


    ¡°We¡¯ll look in the morning.¡± I said as I turned off all the lights and Jillian turned off the sonar. Jillian and I returned to the table and noticed by what light was available from the moon; Scotty was smiling.


    ¡°How much Bourbon have you had?¡± Jillian asked him jokingly.


    ¡°I have a confession to make. Last year, ¡®bout this time, I was thinking about cashing in my chips. I had some pretty dark thoughts and just frightening nightmares.¡± Scotty said looking down and shaking his head.


    ¡°I could never work up the courage to¡­you know. Coward; I thought. Then you rolled by my house. I was actually looking at the road a few minutes before you drove by; just sitting staring at nothing. I usually don¡¯t watch the road, no reason to. I blinked my eyes thinking I just imagined it and the dust did not go away. I know we are in a tight spot right now and things might not go as planned, but¡­ I¡¯m actually having fun!¡± Scotty said with a guilty smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re not scheduled for being ¡®bait¡¯ tomorrow either.¡± I said.


    ¡°Not true! From what you said it sounds like a two-person job, and I¡¯m ready!¡± Scotty said with finality.


    ¡°Fair enough, you¡¯re probably right, some assistance pulling the cut lines might speed things along.¡± I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s just great! What if something happens to the BOTH of you!¡± Interjected Jillian very concerned. I looked at Scotty, then to Jillian, hesitated and said; ¡°You will eat lunch, feed the dogs, fashion a large sail using our carcasses, pull up the anchor and sail along the breeze and gently dock at the marina we left from yesterday.¡± We all burst into laughter as it woke up the dogs. Becky stretched and came over for some attention.


    I laid awake with my anxiety higher than normal as Jillian dozed off. I gave up trying to sleep and made some coffee and sat at the table with Pete and Jeff as we ate some leftovers and watched the sun rise.


    ¡°You been up all night too?¡± Whispered Scotty breaking the silence as he appeared with a cup of coffee and Rosie who yawned, stretched and came over to greet us. Rosie came over to me and put her head under my hand and I scratched her head and said ¡°Good morning to you Rosie.¡± Rosie lifted her head and smelled my mouth and face.


    ¡°When¡¯s the last time you brushed your teeth?¡± Scotty asked commenting on Rosie¡¯s behavior. I forced a smile.


    ¡°What about a drone? Do you think it has a better chance of detecting¡­ visitors, than the sonar?¡± I asked Scotty in a low voice.


    ¡°Both would be ideal.¡¯ Scotty said.


    ¡°What time do you think?¡± I asked. Scotty did not respond, thinking, as Jillian joined us at the table with the sonar user manual. Not knowing when the best time would be, we all agreed on noon. The strong winds ruled out using the drone and Jillian was monitoring the sonar and only had a few small hits.


    Scotty and I suited up and I explained, the best I could the scuba gear. He picked it up pretty quick and we climbed down the ladder to the swim deck.


    ¡°Pete! Settle down!¡± Jillian said as Pete was frantic watching Scotty and I. Pete cried and wined running back and forth causing all the dogs to gather at the back of the boat. Jillian handed me the large filet knife as Pete was foaming at the mouth and out of control. Jillian held on to him as he protested.


    The water was clear and visibility was good, I guess. As I cut through the lines, Scotty pulled them away. By reversing the propellers, it seemed to help as the tangle of line and netting was pretty loose.


    I was more than half way complete when I heard Jillian¡¯s screams cut through the water followed by a splash. Pete jumped into the ocean and was swimming away from the boat. Scotty grabbed the knife from me as I worked my way to the surface.


    Jillian¡¯s screams went from muffled to crystal clear; ¡°SHARKS!¡± as she pointed west and Pete swimming on an intercept course. I submerged to find that Scotty was almost done. A portion of the netting caught my mask and ripped it off my face as I surfaced and immediately started swimming in Pete¡¯s direction.


    As I was catching up to Pete, I realized it was a pod of Dolphins. I could hear their whistles and clicks. I caught up to Pete and tried to calm him down as the dolphins playfully darted around us.  Pete was exhausted and I could feel him breathing hard on my shoulders as I held him above the water. I could not support his weight and the weight of the air tank, so I dropped the scuba tank and was able to tread the water with Pete on my shoulders. I heard the boat start up and the engines roar to life as it was heading right towards us. My muscles ceased up and I used absolutely every ounce of energy I had. My legs just stopped working as my friends¡¯ weight on my shoulders caused us to plummet.


    I woke up in a bed with Pete next to me, golden setting sun and a warm ocean breeze flowing across my face.


    ¡°Heaven.¡± I said, waking Pete who snuggled in close to lick my hand.


    ¡°We made it to Heaven Pete.¡± I said to him as his back leg kicked a little as I scratched his side looking around at the peaceful surroundings and breathing in the fresh air.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry Pete. You hungry?¡± I asked Pete who just laid with his big head upside down and tongue hanging out. I got up very slow, weak, sore and a slight headache. Reality coming into focus as I sat on the edge of the bed and Pete climbed off slowly.


    ¡°What happened Pete? How did we get here?¡± I said. I put on my favorite Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts and slowly made it down the stairs.


    ¡°HOLY SHIT!¡± I heard Jillian say as she launched out of her chair at the kitchen table and across the room toward me at the bottom of the stairs. She kissed me and hugged me tight as she cried out a sentence that I could not understand. Scotty came into view as I looked over Jillian¡¯s shoulder with a big smile and arms outstretched. My legs gave way as Jillian and Scotty assisted me to the big comfy couch. All the dogs immediately came over to me, each one wanting to smell or lick my hands. Pete sat next to me on the couch and Jillian on the other side wiping tears from her face.


    ¡°Coffee?¡± Scotty asked as he was heading toward the kitchen knowing my answer.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked Jillian who hugged me tight.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been out for almost seven hours. Jillian said as she used her fingers to comb my matted hair.


    ¡°I was using the binoculars and spotted movement and saw the fins cutting through the water and thought it was sharks and screamed, then Pete jumped off the back of the boat.¡± Jillian said as Scotty handed me a cup of hot coffee.


    ¡°He was going to sacrifice himself to protect you! He is one brave dog!¡± Scotty said admirably patting his big head.


    ¡°I jammed the knife into the nest and started cutting and the lines and netting, then¡­ it all just fell off! I yelled to Jillian as I surfaced and sat on the swim deck as she took off.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°I pulled up the anchor when I saw you go after Pete. The Dolphins actually kept you afloat until we got there, you never let go of Pete.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I pulled Pete off you and put him on the swim deck, then pulled you up. Jillian worked on you and you spit about a half a gallon of water and your eyes opened and you took a deep breath. Then she worked on Pete and made him spit up a bunch of water and he took a couple of breaths.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°How did you know what to do?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°I¡¯m from Minnesota, land of a thousand lakes, you and Pete make a total of six lives I have saved!¡± Jillian said proudly.


    ¡°The Dolphins followed us all the way to the shore!¡± Scotty added.


    All the dogs admired Pete for his display of bravery and now he was Alpha. Ginger had to reclaim this responsibility because Pete was just not interested and somehow, they shared this responsibility. The pack was well balanced and strong, even Rosie showed an interest in wearing a backpack.


    The next few days I mostly slept; three or four hours for every five I was awake. Jillian, Scotty and the dogs went out of their way and went above and beyond to make sure I was okay. I was feeling guilty about not being able to contribute and it took about a month until I felt better. My left arm never felt the same again, but I never told Jillian or Scotty. Pete¡¯s energy level was noticeably reduced; he would keep up with us on bike rides; but not like before.

 September Year 2- Earthship

    We had an abundant supply of fruits and vegetables and Scotty focused his attention on grains and nuts. The increased rainfall in the upcoming winter months will provide all of us a sustainable source of fresh water.


    Scotty¡¯s distillery was producing some potent fuel and tasty Bourbon. Every week or so we would take the boat out and go fishing. We would encounter a small pod of Dolphins, not really knowing if it was the same from our ¡®maiden voyage¡¯ but they seem to like our company, except for Rosie, she did not like them at all.


    Returning from a fishing trip one late afternoon, we were loading up the truck, the dogs picked up on a scent at the exact time I felt a strange sensation. We all turned in unison as we watched a woman, who stood in a long flowing sundress and quickly re-entered her vehicle parked at the opposite end of the parking lot. All the dogs scattered except for Ginger.


    The woman looked petrified sitting in her car with the window open just a few inches. She was in her mid-fifties; bushy long red hair and she looked very healthy. Jillian, Scotty, Ginger and I approached her.


    ¡°Hello! We mean you no harm. My name is Greg, this is Jillian and this is Scotty.¡± I said politely smiling with my hand on my pistol, looking around for anything suspicious and catching just glimpses of foliage moving from the posse as they moved into position. Scotty was all smiles as he subconsciously tucked in his shirt and re-seated his baseball cap.


    ¡°I saw your boat leave this morning. I¡¯ve seen it come and go and finally located it to this marina. What are you using those guns for?¡± The woman asked, nervous and a little intimidated.


    ¡°Any fish that is thinking about eating one of us.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Jillian asked politely snapping the cover on her purple .38 on her hip.


    ¡°Helen; Helen Sanders.¡± She replied.


    ¡°You sit in that car any longer and you¡¯re gonna be poached!¡± Scotty said with a friendly smile.


    ¡°Please, get out of your car slowly and let her smell you; do NOT pet her or smile.¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Where are the other dogs? That makes me, a little nervous.¡± Helen said looking around from inside her vehicle.


    ¡°No reason to be nervous; if your intentions are pure.¡± Scotty said, with a hint of a warning that any deception would not end well for her.


    ¡°Her name is ¡®Ginger.¡± I said with a smile as Ginger heard her name and wagged her tail a couple of times as Helen looked around again.


    ¡°Exit slowly, let her smell you, and¡­¡± I said as Helen interrupted: ¡°¡­and don¡¯t smile.  Why?¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°Because showing teeth is considered a warning.¡± I said.  Helen¡¯s expression showed that she understood and cautiously exited the vehicle.


    ¡°Hello Ginger.¡± Helen said softly as Ginger approached very slowly, nose sweeping the air.


    ¡°Next time we meet, I¡¯ll be sure to bring some cookies.¡± Helen said quietly as Ginger heard the word ¡®cookies¡¯ and smelled her pockets. Ginger¡¯s tail began to wag a little as Helen was startled a little to see Pete sitting like a statue at the front of her vehicle, sniffing the air and looking directly at her.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t make any sudden movements; and everything will be, fine.¡± I said. Helen was startled again to see Jeff, sitting just like Pete at the back of her vehicle, his eyes shifting from Pete to Helen. Jillian, Scotty and I suppressed our laughter as Jeff tried to look intimidating like Pete; but he was just too damn cute. Becky walked up slowly next to Ginger and started smelling Helen.


    ¡°You are just adorable!¡± Helen said looking at Becky as she smelled Helen¡¯s hands and her tail started to wag. Jeff saw this and broke formation resulting in a disapproving grunt from Pete, causing Jeff to fall back into position and remain poised. Helen kept touching the top of her head, as Rosie was on top of her vehicle smelling her hair.


    Rosie¡¯s stealth went unnoticed by Helen and it appears that she is friendly and poses no immediate threat. I stepped forward and held out my hand as Helen seemed relieved as she greeted Jillian and Scotty with a friendly smile and firm 2-handed greeting.


    ¡°You might want to sit on the ground for your official inspection.¡± Scotty said. The dog¡¯s excitement mounting, as they watched for my command. Jillian started taking pictures, that brought a curious look from Helen as she sat on the ground smiling.


    ¡°¡­ Okay.¡± I said and all the dogs converged on Helen, except for Rosie who stood on top of the vehicle closely monitoring the activity. Helen laughed out loud as the dog¡¯s noses inspected every inch of her and expected to be petted.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± I said after about a minute, breaking up the posse as I helped Helen to her feet.


    ¡°Do they do that to everyone they meet?¡± Helen asked smiling and fixing her bushy red hair.


    ¡°No.¡± I said with an unfortunate look.


    ¡°Pete; here, broke a man¡¯s arm who poked me in the chest; and Rosie¡­¡± I gestured above and behind Helen. ¡°¡­ killed a man that held a knife to Jillian¡¯s neck.¡± I said in a matter-of-fact tone. Helen¡¯s face immediately changed from happy to grave as her eyes opened up a little. Reluctantly and slowly, Helen turned around to see Rosie¡¯s massive size towering above her as she stood on the roof of Helen¡¯s vehicle with a piercing stare with her amber eyes.


    Helen gasped and turned back around slowly to face me, as Rosie silently jumped off the roof and sniffing Helens shoes. Helen was petrified. She looked at me with the expression of ¡®help¡¯. Helen did not move as her eyes welled up in tears as Rosie slowly walked past her not taking her eyes off her.


    ¡°That is NOT a dog.¡± Helen whispered to me. Scotty leaned in; ¡°Don¡¯t be in a hurry to make friends with her.¡± Scotty said with a hand on her shoulder, smelling the air and looking down.


    ¡°Why does everyone pee when they meet us?¡± I said looking down to Pete and Jeff as they sniffed her shoes. Helen turned as red as her hair in embarrassment as Jillian stepped in to assist.


    Scotty and I finished packing up the truck and we were inspecting Helen¡¯s vehicle. ¡°All electric!¡± Scotty said after looking under it and inside at the blank dashboard. A small caliber hand gun on the passenger seat, a shoulder bag and a case of wine in the back seat.


    Jillian, Helen and most of the dogs were returning from the boat, Helen dressed in a pair of Jillian¡¯s sweat pants and flip flops and one of my Hawaiian shirts.


    ¡°Tell us about this car!¡± I asked Helen.


    ¡°It¡¯s all electric! I can get about seventy¨Cfive miles on a full charge!¡± Helen said excitedly.


    ¡°This is a prototype; I think there are a couple others.¡± Helen said as she turned it on.


    ¡°You live 13.2 miles from here?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ why?¡± Helen said in a flirtatious tone. Scotty turned red and Jillian interrupted the awkwardness.


    ¡°Would you like to join us for dinner?¡± Jillian proposed. Scotty and I exchanged glances. Helen responded; ¡°That would be lovely! I don¡¯t run into many people¡­well, actually, any people! Good conversation, food and wine is just what I need! I¡¯ll bring the wine. Okay?¡± Helen said with enthusiasm.


    ¡°Yes, that would be nice; however, until we get to know you a little better, I would like the location of our home to remain a secret. Is this acceptable?¡± I asked Helen in a flat sincere manner that was not misleading.


    ¡°That sounds, fair¡­ but how do I know I can trust you?¡± Helen said using the same flat sincere tone.


    ¡°You don¡¯t. You can choose who will drive you and your car.¡± I said as I closed the gate on the truck.


    ¡°Judging by your tone and your friend¡¯s reaction, the only one YOU will be comfortable with¡­ is you.¡± Helen said smartly. Jillian walked up to Helen and put her arm around her. ¡°I like her more and more every minute!¡± Jillian said with a firm hug.


    Ginger insisted on riding with Helen and I as we were not two miles from the marina and the Suburban stopped and Ginger bolted out and barked the whole way to the small vehicle.  Jillian¡¯s voice over the two -way radio in my hand; ¡°She was driving us crazy!¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± I said to Jillian as I got out and tilted the seat for her to get into the tiny back seat area, next to the case of wine. Helen did not say anything, staring at the floor, so I broke the silence; ¡°How many people have you run into since¡­¡± I said as Helen interrupted my sentence and turned to look at me with what seemed like a nervous response, talking very quickly.


    ¡°Well, about a year after, I ran into this woman, she looked like a hippie and smelled just awful. She was talking crazy about a camp in Oklahoma that survivors were welcome. She never said a city or town; just Oklahoma. Anyway, she wanted me to drive her there and I said no, I¡¯m not interested, and she pulled a gun out, we struggled and I got it away from her and she ran away screaming.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°Where did you say this happened?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. It was just outside San Francisco.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°Anyone else?¡± I asked. Helen hesitated and her dialog and cadence was reduced by half as I turned to look at her.


    ¡°A man, dressed in a military uniform, that didn¡¯t even come close to fitting him, oversized, he was standing on the side of the road facing straight ahead, arms at his sides. I slowed down, and he did not move. I could not see his face because his hat was too big. He creeped me out, so I took off. I kept looking in my rear-view mirror and he did not move.¡± Helen said.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°Maybe someone dressed up a mannequin as a goof?¡± Jillian¡¯s voice over the two-way radio. Helen grabbed the radio from my hand.


    ¡°No sweetie, the wind was really strong across the road and it was an open field on either side; like in ¡®North by Northwest¡¯!¡± Helen said.


    ¡°I¡¯m creeped out just hearing about it.¡± Scotty said in the background.


    ¡°Anyone else?¡± I asked.


    ¡°About nine months ago I was picking fruit in an orchard and I could have sworn I seen a young boy run between the tree lines. I yelled out for about a half hour in the direction he went but never received a response.¡± Helen said, not totally convinced she seen him.


    ¡°What about animals?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Rabbits, I¡¯ve got about seven that keep eating up my garden. I¡¯m not a very good shot and only killed one. I was never good at preparing fresh¡­ meat, and I felt guilty for just killing it and not eating it.¡± Helen said remorsefully.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure something made use of it.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°You¡¯re right! It was gone the next day! Helen said as her dialog increased.


    ¡°Oh! And I saw a horse way off in the distance one day and I see more birds, squirrels and small rodents all the time.¡± Helen said as I put the small vehicle in park in our driveway, completely forgetting about the ¡®secret location¡¯ clause.


    Jillian was just laughing shaking her head as she opened the doors and the dog¡¯s poured out, barking and chasing each other and making their way towards Helen, welcoming her to our home. Rosie patrolled the perimeter with Jeff and Becky who protested, but followed her with noses against the ground.


    ¡°WOW!¡± This is beautiful!¡± Helen said immediately walking towards the garden areas. Jillian showed Helen our agricultural layout and I heard her going through the list of crops we have planted. Scotty and I unloaded the truck and exchanged our assessment of Helen.


    ¡°She seems harmless.¡± I said.


    ¡°She sure talks a lot.¡± Scotty commented.


    ¡°So did you when we first met.¡± I reminded him; he shook his head in agreement.


    ¡°Isolation effects people in different ways I suppose.¡± Scotty added.


    Scotty and I prepared today¡¯s catch of three pretty big Yellow-tail which drew the attention of all the dogs. Scotty and I agreed that larger fish were easier to fillet than a bunch of little fish. Nothing went to waste. If anything was left over it was mixed in with Jillian¡¯s compost boxes. Ginger was the only one that did not seem to like raw fish.  She would eat a couple of pieces and walk away. Jillian would take and marinade the fish in a bath of olive oil, garlic, green onion and whatever she decided on during her walk through the garden. Whatever marinade was left over, Jillian would serve as a seasoned flatbread appetizer.


    Scotty asked if he could take a shower because he smelled like a fish and asked if he could borrow a razor. ¡°What! And take off that manly scruff! Sure, no problem.¡± I said as he just grinned.


    I decided that a quick swim would remove any fish smell and I did not want to waste water. I did not own a ¡®bathing suit¡¯ and Jillian and Helen were still in the gardens on the other side of the street, so I stripped off my clothes and jumped in the pool. The sound of the pool splash drew the immediate attention of all the dogs, who came running from different directions. Pete showed up first, followed by Ginger who came running full speed and launched in to join me, she loved the water and swimming. Pete, not so much since our ocean encounter, he would stay close to me and lick my arm. Rosie, Becky and Jeff showed up from across the yard near the property drop off and used the ramp. Rosie would swim around a little and stand on the ramp and play lifeguard. Becky and Jeff were getting big and swimming helped with their fitness program.


    ¡°Even though the sun is setting, I can see a full moon!¡± Helen said standing with Jillian on the deck with two baskets full of produce.


    ¡°GREG! We have guests!¡± Jillian said in a disapproving tone walking toward the kitchen.


    ¡°Scotty¡¯s taking a shower and I didn¡¯t want to smell like fish guts.¡± I said with just my head above the water at the pool edge. Helen leaned over a little near the pool edge and gave me a wink.


    After about five minutes I called out to Jillian; ¡°Sweetheart? Can you get me a towel¡­ please?¡± Jillian eventually showed up on the pool deck with a small hand towel from the kitchen. Helen, standing next to her holding back her laughter. Jillian dangled it above my head and dropped it just out of arms reach from the pool¡¯s edge. I signed heavily, stood up and walked up the ramp. I bent over to pick up the towel and held it over my chest and said to Jillian and Helen: ¡°Don¡¯t look. I¡¯m shy.¡± As I walked past the both of them. Scotty appeared just as I was exiting the pool area, he was clean shaven and hair combed.


    ¡°Who the hell is this guy?¡± I said with a gesture of my thumb as Ginger gave a small bark, not recognizing him right away.


    ¡°That¡¯s more of you I ever wanted to see.¡± Scotty said looking straight ahead.


    I returned to the patio and fired up the grill, the familiar sound of a cork being pulled reached my ears. As well as gentle conversation and laughter from the kitchen was comforting and welcome as I looked into the yellow California sun stretching out to me across the Pacific. Rosie came over and placed her head under my hand and looked up to me with a contented look.  I knelt down and placed my head next to hers as she rubbed against me. I held her happy face between my hands and spoke to her: ¡®Our pack is strong.¡¯ Rosie rarely interacted with me and I considered this one of my most memorable as we watched Becky and Jeff wrestling in the grass.


    Everyone came out to the patio carrying something as they set the table. Jillian approached handing me a glass of wine and giving me a kiss with a big smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re in a good mood!¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to have girl talk.¡± Jillian said smacking my ass and giving me the ¡®look¡¯. Helen pretended not to notice as she helped Scotty set the table with a smirk.


    We all had plenty to eat, the fresh salad, veggie kabobs and Yellow-tail were delightful. The dog bowls still had some food remaining as they lounged in their favorite spots. We played Gin rummy, drank wine and listened to Dick Dale cd¡¯s well into the night. Helen was married and going through a divorce when the virus hit. Her ex-husband worked for a company near the Ventura Naval base and was in China.


    ¡°Our house was ninety percent green before all this happened. It was not much of a change for me. We tested prototype green gizmos all the time. I have two buildings full of stuff; just like the car!¡± Helen said very animated.


    Jillian, Scotty and I all looked at each other. Helen saw this exchange and said to Scotty: ¡°Maybe you can find a use for it, it¡¯s just collecting dust.¡±


    ¡°I would very much like to look at your buildings.¡± Scotty said as I let out a small burst of laughter. Scotty¡¯s face turned red knowing what he said sounded inappropriate and could easily have been mistaken for a subliminal goal he was considering. Helen placed her elbows on the table and leaned in facing Scotty with a blank expression that was difficult to read. Scotty was on the spot and nervous. Jillian and I placed our elbows on the table just like Helen and all stared at him. Scotty stood up and addressed Helen: ¡°I meant no disrespect; I apologize for my remark and hope you can forgive me.¡±


    Helen stood up, walked over to Scotty and whispered in his ear. Judging by his bulging eyes, his comment was received loud and clear to Helen. Jillian got up and asked if anyone want¡¯s some coffee. I quickly responded and joined Jillian in the kitchen.


    ¡°She could be a valuable asset.¡± I said to Jillian as I filled the teapot with water.


    ¡°Scotty seems to be interested in her assets as well.¡± Jillian said with a smile.


    ¡°Scotty isn¡¯t too old for¡­ you know?¡± Jillian reluctantly asked.


    ¡°Are you kidding me!¡± I said astonished.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Jillian responded.


    ¡°All I know is, if I was in his position, I would be able to cut diamonds.¡± I said looking into her eyes. Jillian looked down and grabbed me. We silently turned off the lights and went upstairs.


    The next morning, Helen invited us to her house as we re-heated leftovers and drank coffee and tea as a light fog was present outside.


    Scotty and I followed Helen and Jillian as we snaked our way along a number of roads. Scotty highlighted a map of every turn and obstacle we encountered.


    The ¡®house¡¯ I guess it could be called was built into the side of a mountain, a huge array of solar panels strategically placed to utilize the maximum amount of sun. A huge green house and gardening shed and the two large buildings on either side of the driveway.


    ¡°Cookies for whoever catches a rabbit!¡± Helen said as we all exited the vehicles.


    The dogs went in all different directions, Rosie, Becky and Jeff trotted towards the garden¡¯s, noses on the ground. Four rabbits took off as Rosie jumped into the middle of one of the gardens. One ran right toward Jeff who killed it instantly and Becky chased down one that was exceptionally fast.


    Rosie caught one pretty far out in a field and decided it was lunch time. Ginger and Pete stayed with us as Helen welcomed us to her home.


    ¡°Everything is nine volts.¡± Helen said showing us the professionally installed and modular design of her highly sophisticated and efficient ¡®earth ship¡¯.


    I felt embarrassed on my crude interpretation of what I thought was efficient and sustainable compared to what Helen showed us. Since the house was built in the side of a mountain it felt as though the air conditioning was on, but Helen said that it wasn''t necessary because the temperature only varies a couple of degrees and is controlled by the relative humidity.


    ¡°This is pure genius.¡± Scotty said with inspired awe looking around with his baseball cap in his hand.


    ¡°As smart as he was, he was a total asshole to everyone.¡± Helen said with absolutely no feeling in reference to her ex.


    ¡°Helen said that he had a vasectomy because he didn¡¯t want to be bothered with children.   He lied about his vasectomy and blamed Helen when they were first married.¡± Jillian said to me.


    ¡°We had¡­ I had, chickens, goats, cows, horses, cats. It was a small working farm until, everything died. I sold eggs, milk, cheese and produce to local markets.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us this yesterday?¡± Jillian asked surprised.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want you¡­¡± Helen said turning toward Scotty. ¡°To think I was a half-wit hillbilly. When you told me how many acres you had, I felt, I don¡¯t know¡­ kind of substandard and second rate.¡± Helen said embarrassed with her head hung low. Scotty walked up to Helen and gave her a loving embrace. We all approached Helen and gave her a group hug.


    ¡°Were your friends now, and we are very proud of everything you have done!¡± Jillian said to Helen as Scotty and I agreed.


    ¡°Really? no one has ever said that to me before.¡± Helen said amazed.


    Ginger and Pete wedged themselves between our leg¡¯s sensitive to Helen¡¯s emotional state, and because she had dog cookies in her shoulder bag. Jillian and Scotty walked with arms around Helen as we made our way across the driveway. Becky came up to Scotty and dropped a dead rabbit on his shoe.


    ¡°What a good girl!¡± Scotty said as he congratulated Becky as her tail whipped back and forth. Scotty picked up the rabbit and examined it and then gave it back to her as she tore through it near the garage. Jeff noticed this exchange and brought us a bloody rabbit head.


    ¡°Good boy Jeff!¡± Scotty said using the exact same amount of praise as Becky, but did not bother to pick it up. This confused Jeff. Scotty looked at all of us and rolled his eyes. He picked it up by what looked like was an ear.


    ¡°Good boy Jeff!¡± Scotty said as he examined it and placed it on the ground immediately followed by Jeff crunching away at it. ¡°Who¡¯s ready for lunch?¡± Helen asked cheerfully.


    Rosie walked up and laid down a rabbit in pristine condition. Her happy disposition, again off set by her blood-stained mouth and teeth.  Scotty picked it up and examined it as its neck was clearly broken.


    ¡°Thank you, Rosie!¡± Scotty said as Rosie trotted away with Becky and Jeff in hunting mode. Scotty and I prepared the rabbit for lunch as Helen and Jillian talked and the dogs smelled everything. After lunch we explored the contents of the buildings. Nondescript enclosures with a badge and a serial number. Some had interfaces we recognized, some that we did not.


    ¡®Phantom Electronics¡¯ was one of the companies and a couple of others, but Helen said that P.E was his main responsibility. Scotty and I focused on one particular unit, it was the size of a mini fridge and a common outlet hose connector out the back.


    ¡°That pulls humidity and moisture, like a de-humidifier out of the air but very differently.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°I have a smaller one that is used just for the toilets, it runs at night and through the morning. It¡¯s real quiet and it fills up a holding tank. All four of those units do kind of the same thing.¡± Helen said pointing. I have to clean the filter every other day or so, you guys can take the two big ones, but I don¡¯t have any spare parts for them. I¡¯d like to keep the two smaller ones as a backup, Okay?¡± Helen said. Scotty and I looked at each other. ¡°What do you want to trade for these?¡± I asked knowing that we do not possess anything of comparable value.


    ¡°Trade? Please! I¡¯m just happy to help out!¡± Helen said with sincerity.


    ¡°Wow! Thank you!¡± We all said in amazement.


    ¡°Now that I think about it, it¡¯s going to cost you some of your sprouts¡­¡± Helen said to Jillian and I. ¡°¡­and it¡¯s going to cost you¡­¡± Helen said walking up to Scotty and whispering in his ear.


    ¡°That¡¯s a win¨Cwin in my book!¡± Scotty said louder than he should have.


    Jillian, Scotty and I were able to help Helen with some minor and major repairs that were things Helen called just in inconvenience that produced significant results in electrical efficiency and plumbing issues. Jillian and Helen put together a calendar of the days we would all get together and go shopping, fishing or just go out for fun. Helen and Scotty, apparently had their own calendar and seemed to be getting along just fine.

 November Year 3- Obscurity

    Becky and Jeff just turned one year old and they were almost fully grown. The dogs were happiest when we all got together at Helen¡¯s house. They would greet each other for about five minutes and Ginger would take off and they all would give chase, sometimes they would be gone for about an hour and Rosie or Jeff would bring back a dead something or other, then they would all lay in the shade.


    Helen proposed that we have a big Thanksgiving party: ¡°I for one, am very thankful for being part of your lives. Never in my life have I had so much support, both physical and emotional. Your trust and friendship mean more than any of you can imagine. I have read about friendships in books, TV and on-line, but I guess I never really had a best friend, now I have three, plus the five dogs.¡± Helen concluded her carefully prepared speech that brought tears to Jillian¡¯s eyes as she stood up and hugged Helen.


    ¡°Well, if we''re going to celebrate, Helen and I need to go shopping!¡± Jillian said with enthusiasm. Scotty and I planned on moving a huge power converter from one of the buildings. Scotty figured out why the other three caught fire but his workshop had all the necessary tools.


    ¡°Tomorrow then, we will meet¡­¡± I started to say as Jillian interrupted. ¡°Helen and I need to go shopping today! You two finish moving that¡­ whatever it is to Scotty¡¯s and we will all meet at our house at six o¡¯clock!¡± Jillian said excited at the opportunity to go shopping alone with Helen for a party, pulling her in close.


    ¡°Thanksgiving isn¡¯t till next week¡­ right?¡± Scotty asked as I shook my head in agreement.


    ¡°Honestly, between the two of you, what day do you think today is?¡± Jillian asked as Scotty said Monday and I said Saturday at the exact same time, looking at each other hoping at least one of us was correct. Jillian just rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Okay, okay! Take the dogs and the AA-12.¡± I said.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take Rosie, Becky, Ginger and Jeff, you take Pete.¡± Jillian said and we all agreed. The dogs were excited as we packed them up knowing they were going to work.


    ¡°Six o¡¯clock, our house. At 6:01 Scotty and I start drinking.¡± I said kissing Jillian goodbye inside the Suburban. Pete was a little confused as they drove away but helping us secure the power converter to the small trailer kept him focused, as we pulled ratchet straps from his pack.


    We were doing about thirty miles per hour down a long stretch of road when something ran out in front of Scotty¡¯s truck. The impact was severe enough for him to lose control and the trailer jumped off the hitch, spinning us around one hundred eighty degrees.


    ¡°Everybody okay?¡± Scotty asked. My head hit the edge of the half open window causing a pretty good gash, Pete was fine.


    ¡°Just sit right there.¡± Scotty said as he got out of the truck and opened Pete¡¯s pack looking for the first aid kit. My hands were full of blood as well as my favorite Hawaiian shirt.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that bad, four maybe five stitches.¡± Scotty said as he inspected the wound and Pete sniffing the blood and concerned. It hurt like hell, but I could not believe my eyes.


    ¡°Scotty?¡± I said. ¡°What the hell is that?¡± Pointing to the middle of the road with a bloody index finger. Scotty did a double take. ¡°What the¡­?¡± Scotty said as he finished wrapping a gauze bandage around my head as I stared at what was lying in the road, blinking my eyes trying to focus.


    ¡°You, okay?¡± Scotty asked me.


    ¡°Dizzy, and a little out of it.¡± I said.


    ¡°Good. You stay here.¡± Scotty said getting a pistol from the glove box.


    ¡°Pete. Come.¡± Scotty said as Pete jumped out of the backseat and they cautiously walked on the opposite sides of the road approaching it. Pete¡¯s fur was standing on end as Scotty nudged it with his foot and gun drawn. Scotty turned his head in my direction with a big toothy smile. Pete approached it, sniffing. Scotty ran back to the truck giggling.


    ¡°Thanksgiving dinner son! It¡¯s a pig! Well, it WAS a pig, now it¡¯s dinner!¡± Scotty said excitedly.


    ¡°Holy Shit! You kidding me! Ouch.¡± I said holding my head.


    ¡°The trailer and converter are toast.¡± Scotty said looking at the underside of the trailer in a ditch. ¡°But we got ourselves a prize hog!¡± I have never seen Scotty this excited before and it was painful to laugh, but it was difficult not to. Scotty backed the truck up and struggled to get it in the bed of the pickup.


    ¡°Damn! He¡¯s about a hundred pounder!¡± Scotty said rather loudly and out of breath as he entered the truck with Pete, who sat next to me and licked my bloody hands. He drove as quickly as possible to his house. He cleaned out the cut and wrapped my head with a fresh bandage.


    ¡°It¡¯s been about ten years since I dressed a pig, some things you just don¡¯t forget. Ham, pork chops, tenderloin, bacon. I¡¯ll just need you to package, okay?¡± Scotty said with great enthusiasm.


    I could not believe the mess and the smell was just awful. I was slowly getting used to smaller animals and fish but this was definitely next level. Scotty breathed in deep through his nose and exhaled.


    ¡°You never quite get used to it, do ya!¡± He said as he made his initial cuts causing the guts to spill out on the ground with surgical precision.  Scotty butchered and handed me beautiful sections to package and place on ice. He divided everything in half and saved tonight¡¯s dinner in a separate cooler. Scotty was covered in blood and smiling with a cleaver in hand. I just had to take a picture or two. Scotty gave me some pain killers that worked just fine.


    ¡°Four fifteen, I need to wash up and we need to go! You, okay?¡± Scotty asked me.


    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡± I said as I drank some sort of citrus drink with coarse pulp.


    ¡°Keep drinking that, I¡¯ll be back in ten minutes, don¡¯t fall asleep, okay?¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°No problem, I¡¯m getting hungry now.¡± I said.


    ¡°Meeeee too!¡± Scotty replied.


    As we drove into Malibu the skies were cloudy with a promise of some rain. Scotty assisted me to the big comfy couch in the living room as Pete jumped up and sat next to me. He poured me another glass of the citrus drink from a container he brought along.


    ¡°What is this I¡¯m drinking?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Helen gave it to me and said that I should drink it. I think it tastes like shit, but I did not want to waste it.¡± he said.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°It¡¯s not my favorite, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s nutritious.¡± I said as Scotty filled our freezer with the contents from a green cooler.


    ¡°Okay if I use the freezer in the garage?¡± he asked. ¡°Help yourself.¡± I said as I watched the darkening clouds roll in while sitting on the couch looking outside. I closed my eyes for a split second and opened them to see Jillian¡¯s face right in front of mine, as she looked into my eyes and started removing the bandage.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Headache, vision is a little fuzzy, kind of, horny.¡± I said. I could feel her fingers pressing near the wound.


    ¡°You need a couple of stitches, help me get him in the spare bedroom.¡± Jillian said as Scotty hoisted me up and walked me to the bedroom.


    ¡°The pain killer Scotty gave me is wearing off, did he show you the surprise?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No, this is going to pinch a little.¡± Jillian said as she administered a local and in full doctor mode. Everyone knows when a doctor says ¡®it is going to pinch a little¡¯ is a lie. Helen, Scotty and all the dogs were present as Jillian stitched me up.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t I the popular one.¡± I said looking around as Helen and Scotty assisted Jillian and the dogs sat quietly.


    ¡°Stop moving!¡± Jillian said through gritted teeth as I heard her snip the stitch.


    ¡°Looks like Greg is enjoying this!¡± Helen said as she drew attention to my obvious erection in my pants. I quickly placed my hands over it.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it. Jillian is so sexy when she is concentrating.¡± I said.


    ¡°Stop talking and stop moving!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°All done.¡± Jillian said as she secured a fresh bandage around my head.


    ¡°Did you tell them?¡± I asked Scotty.


    ¡°Tell us what?¡± Helen and Jillian asked.


    ¡°No. Not yet.¡± he said trying to conceal his smile as he helped me up and stood with his arm around me.


    ¡°We are going to prepare the main course for this evening! Greg, I¡¯m going to step away from you now because, frankly¡­ I¡¯m not very comfortable.¡± Scotty said looking straight ahead. Helen and Jillian looked at my pants and burst into laughter as I was pointing directly at Scotty.


    ¡°Fair enough, you two prepare the main course, and we will prepare,¡± Jillian gave Helen a devious look. ¡°Everything else.¡±


    ¡°You have to promise not to peak into the grill.¡± Scotty warned.


    ¡°We promise.¡± Helen and Jillian agreed. He made sure Helen and Jillian were upstairs after multiple trips from the garage.


    ¡°Smoked tenderloin! Can you get the grill ready?¡± he whispered with concern.


    ¡°Yes, that sounds perfect. Low and Slow.¡± I said with a smile. ¡°Low and slow!¡± Scotty confirmed. Jillian and Helen came from the upstairs bedroom holding two black garment bags.


    ¡°Here is your, ¡®attire¡¯ for this evening.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°We went to three different stores and spent thousands of dollars!¡± Jillian added.


    ¡°We can¡¯t afford that!¡± I said with my hands on my hips.


    ¡°We think you are worth it.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°And how much did you spend?¡± Scotty asked Helen in a harsh tone. Helen walked up to Scotty and handed him his garment bag.


    ¡°My earrings alone were six figures.¡± Helen said confronting his question.


    ¡°So¡­ all you''re gonna wear is earrings? Might be a bit drafty.¡± Scotty said shrugging his shoulders and looking toward me. Helen looked surprised for a moment then winked at Scotty.


    ¡°Is this, yours?¡± Helen asked Scotty pointing to the half full glass of citrus juice on the end table next to the couch.


    ¡°No, I mean yes, yes, it¡¯s mine, but I gave some to Greg after he hit his head.¡± Scotty said, eventually creating a sentence that worked, trying to hide the fact that he thought it tasted like shit.  Helen chuckled.


    ¡°How much did you have to drink?¡± Helen asked me politely.


    ¡°About a glass and a half.¡± I said with growing concern.


    ¡°How does it taste?¡± Helen asked in the same polite tone.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± I said.


    ¡°You''re a liar. It tastes awful.¡± Helen said walking up to Jillian and placing her hand on Jillian¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Sweetie, drink plenty of fluids.¡± Helen said to Jillian as she just looked confused as Helen grabbed her hand and both went upstairs.


    ¡°What¡¯s that all about?¡± I questioned Scotty.


    ¡°Ohhh!¡± Scotty said in a sudden vision of clarity. ¡°Helen gave me that one evening, she made me drink about a half a glass.¡± Scotty said in a humorous tone.


    ¡°AND¡­.!¡± I said slightly agitated.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s just say I set a personal record, and she lit up like a Christmas tree.¡± Scotty said proudly.


    ¡°So, exactly how long am I going to be bumping into everything?¡± I asked, laughing a little as Scotty walked away giggling.


    I sat on the deck and tended the grill carefully monitoring the temperature. The dogs playing in the backyard and going in and out of the pool as I sat smoking a cigar with my pup tent, acutely aware of its current state and specific design intention. Jillian and Helen came down to prepare appetizers and ¡®something that goes with something smoked¡¯ as Scotty said to answer their question as to what to include.


    ¡°Something must have spilled on the floor that the dogs like because they can¡¯t seem to leave the kitchen.¡± Helen said working around the dogs.


    ¡°How long Greg?¡± Jillian yelled from the kitchen.


    ¡°Me or the grill?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Both!¡± Jillian responded laughing.


    ¡°I guess that depends on how hungry you are.¡± I said.


    ¡°Very!¡± Jillian said still laughing.


    ¡°Were all getting hungry, we need to kick it up a notch.¡± Scotty said walking out to the deck with a glass of wine.


    ¡°How about thirty minutes?¡± I said checking the temperature and adjusting the air vent.


    ¡°Scotty? Please help me set the table.¡± Helen said to Scotty as Jillian came out on the deck and I quickly closed the lid on the grill.


    ¡°Thirty minutes, okay. That smells so good! And don¡¯t drink too much of that, okay?¡± Jillian said pointing to the glass of wine.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t taste very good, maybe it¡¯s just me.¡± I said as Jillian picked it up, smelled it and drank it all down in one gulp.


    ¡°Tastes fine to me! How about some coffee? I got you a new French press today.¡± Jillian said as she unwrapped the bandage on my head and inspected my wound.


    ¡°That would be great, thank you.¡± I said.


    ¡°Coffee is the better choice; besides, I have all kinds of plans for that!¡± Jillian said looking at my ¡®condition¡¯ and walking away. The pork was done just right, I wrapped it in foil and placed it in a tray. Scotty stood on the patio deck adjusting his neck tie looking like a bank executive.


    ¡°That looks like a tailor-made suit, how can women properly size clothing for someone else?¡± I said to Scotty standing up.


    ¡°It¡¯s missing something¡­¡± I said. ¡°A pocket watch, it needs a fancy pocket watch.¡± I said.


    ¡°You better get ready; I¡¯ll finish up here.¡± Scotty said as I exited the patio and changed in one of the downstairs bedrooms. The suit Jillian picked out for me was very dark brown, fit perfectly, shoes were snug, but comfortable.


    I put the camera on a tripod in the corner of the room and started to record when Jillian and Helen made their entrance. Jillian and Helen appeared arm in arm with just the biggest of smiles. The sun was setting and the golden glow refracted prisms off their tastefully adorned jewelry.


    Jillian was wearing a very short white cocktail dress that was very sheer, the details of her garter belt clearly visible as well as her breasts. Her hair was all bunched up on top and her make-up was slutty, but subtle, if that¡¯s possible. Helen¡¯s vibrant red hair was styled similar to Jillian¡¯s, but different. Her short green cocktail dress had a plunging neck line that tastefully displayed her ample breasts that were free from any restraint.


    ¡°Wow.¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°My word!¡± Scotty said just as quiet.


    ¡°I think Greg¡¯s pants speak for the both of us.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°You two look just so handsome!¡± Helen said as we greeted our significant other with gracious admiration. The dogs, who have been circling us like buzzards for hours between the refrigerator and the grill inspected Jillian and Helen due to the fact of their expensive perfume that filled the room.


    ¡°I have a confession to make.¡± Scotty said as he uncorked a bottle of Champagne, and pouring it into four glasses.


    ¡°I lied about the accident; it was not a tire that caused my failure to control my vehicle; this was¡­¡± Scotty said as he took the lid off the sterling silver tray of beautifully arranged smoked pork.


    ¡°FUCK ME!¡± Jillian said louder than necessary as the contrasting smell of smoked pork filled the room.


    ¡°Is that a, tenderloin? Helen asked staring in dis-belief. Scotty held up his glass of champagne and we all stood to toast.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all give thanks. The unfortunate events that lead us here to be together and the lives that we now live is both a blessing wrapped in a curse. Maybe one day we will all be able to understand or make sense of all this, but for now, let¡¯s celebrate.¡±


    We all toasted and proceeded to dine on roadkill, in a mansion, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in Malibu California, watching the sunset dressed in clothes and jewelry, that at one time, only the most fortunate were able to afford. The level of obscurity that allowed us to acquire any material possession was slowly receding into what is most economical and functional. Only a few years ago, having every possible luxury item would seem as though it was a measure of one¡¯s success. Now we measure success by maximizing yield from crops, how many miles we can travel on Scotty¡¯s fuel and how effectively we utilize green energy, water volume and purity.

 January Year 2-Milestones and Crossroads

    We spent New Year¡¯s Eve at Scotty¡¯s house. All of us eventually confessed that celebrating New Year¡¯s Eve seemed to be just plain depressing. Each of us sharing more sad New Year¡¯s Eve parties than happy. Scotty stood up and made an announcement:


    ¡°I have decided, sorry, WE have decided that I¡¯m going to be moving in with Helen.¡±


    ¡°You knocked her up, didn¡¯t you?¡± I asked. Jillian turned to me and said in a loud whisper: ¡°They will be living in sin!¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, the both of you very funny. Besides, you two have been living in sin longer than us!¡± Helen said. Jillian held up her hand and I high-fived her without looking.


    ¡°We figured as much, it was inevitable, and it just makes sense.¡± Jillian said standing up and hugging Helen as I stood and shook Scotty¡¯s hand and asked about his moving plans. Jillian and I were ready to assist.


    ¡°Moving the stills might be more trouble than it¡¯s worth. We¡¯ll need to ration fuel for a couple of months and just use electric transportation.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°No problem.¡± Jillian and I said. We usually stayed at Helen¡¯s house overnight anyway. She has more than enough room. Traveling at night is dangerous and very spooky.


    ¡°One, maybe two trips using the big cargo van should do it.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°Next week Wednesday, we¡¯ll be here at 8:00am.¡± Jillian said marking her pocket calendar.  Scotty helped me top off our pickup truck and load a couple of five-gallon gas cans of fuel.


    ¡°Do you ever feel¡­ guilty?¡± Scotty asked me in a hush tone after a long moment of silence, leaning on the side of the truck.


    ¡°I know what you mean, and yes, from time to time.¡± I said sincerely. After another long pause Scotty responded. ¡°Me too.¡±


    A conversation of that magnitude and importance would have lasted months between women, for men it¡¯s over in about ten seconds. Just knowing that another man struggles with similar emotions, justifies our feelings and validate one¡¯s moral compass is not compromised.


    I awoke one night from a nightmare, I get these occasionally, but this one was very different. Jillian said that she has them as well, but attributed them to the horrific trauma she experienced the weeks following the initial outbreak.


    My heart was pounding, and I was drenched in cold sweat. Jillian calmed me down the best she could, however, I felt compelled to explain in detail the experience while it was still fresh in my mind.


    ¡°We were driving down a road, daytime. I was driving. You were navigating. A man stood in the middle of the road. Thirty, maybe thirty-two years old. Dark blond hair, medium build, trimmed facial hair. He wore a gray smock or tunic, no shoes. Bare feet. His expression and stance reminded me of Anthony Hopkins in the ¡®Silence of the lambs¡¯, when he met Clarice in his jail cell. Anyway, I looked toward you and your hair was slowly blowing in the wind. Real slow motion, even your eyes blinked slow. I called your name and you did not respond. I looked back, and the man was just a couple of feet away, moving in real-time. He adjusted his stance and gave me a slight smile.


    Greetings. He said as his blinking was unnatural and appeared to be forced. I opened the door and got out of the¡­ whatever we were driving, I don¡¯t recall. Anyway, I looked around and everything was in super slow motion, almost undetectable and quiet¡­ like a recording studio. Greetings. I responded.


    No need to be concerned. Just want to talk. The man said in a calming and truthful tone.


    Who are you? Are you responsible for this? I asked looking around.


    It is truly a pleasure meeting you. Finally. Greg. He said.


    You know my name? I asked.


    Yes. And Jillian, Helen, Roy, Ginger, Pete, Rosie, Becky, Jeff and the late Jess. He responded in an almost proud fashion. He has me at a disadvantage I thought.


    A disadvantage? No. He said with a smile.


    You can read my mind? I thought, without saying anything.


    Yes. He said. I was not able to read his mind, although a strange sensation occurred, like a head-rush when you get up too fast.


    You have too many thoughts and questions, let¡¯s just simply talk. He said closing his eyes and taking in a breath. Why? I asked.


    It is a rare opportunity for us to, interact. He said in an honorable tone.


    I¡¯m just a nobody. I thought. The man laughed.


    A nobody! Not true. He said. I had a sudden rush of thoughts and questions again. Only this time I was on the verge of a mental cyclical overload.


    Until next time then. He said. Then I woke up.¡±


    ¡°You need to relax and take a couple of deep breaths. In through the nose out through the mouth.¡± Jillian said as she performed the breathing exercise three or four times with me.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± I asked.


    Jillian looked at her watch on the night stand. ¡°3:04 am¡± she said.


    I got up and walked over to the open French doors overlooking the backyard and the black Pacific Ocean. Looking to my left I noticed the light, just about where Catalina Island is.


    ¡°The light is back.¡± I said quietly as Jillian got up and noticed it as well.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think there is a connection. Do you?¡± Jillian asked rubbing my back.


    ¡°If he can reach me in my dreams, there is not much I can do about it.¡± I said.


    ¡°What do you suppose he wants to talk about?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°Hmm. either, he has information, or he needs information. He doesn¡¯t appear hostile? Does he?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°No, it was more like¡­ I hate to say it but, more like admiration.¡± I said a little embarrassed.


    ¡°Well, the next time we meet, I¡¯ll be sure to ask for a little more rain.¡± I said hugging Jillian. I waited for Jillian to fall asleep, and I went downstairs. Ginger followed me to the kitchen. I made some coffee and gave her some fresh water and we shared some leftovers from the fridge.


    The next couple of weeks went by without incident. Jillian and I seem to be looking for connections to common issues that we encountered on a day-by-day basis, and we both eventually agreed that this was a waste of time and energy.


    Over the past month I have been doing research on sailing. Since our power boat was not the most efficient as far as fuel consumption, a sail boat is the best and only choice moving forward.


    I started with a small boat just to get used to the mechanics and physics of sailing. Books and DVDs were helpful and I had to be rescued by Scotty in a smaller power boat as I hit something that caused the boat to sink near the shore. We all watched the video and shared some laughs at my expense. After the sixth or seventh time watching it, I found out what I did wrong and it was kind of funny.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Scotty also showed interest in sailing. He and I would sail up and down the coast and eventually race each other and work our way to larger and more complex crafts. Smashing into each other was just part of the multi-million-dollar fun.


    We both had our favorite sail boats that could be easily managed by two people. Jillian and Helen both loved sailing as well as the dogs. Helen and Scotty named theirs ¡°Pack O¡¯ Wolves¡± and Jillian and I named ours ¡°Fuck Me¡±, [which was Jillian¡¯s frustrated response when she could not get Port and Starboard correct}.


    Helen was the most artistic and insisted on doing the artwork for the boats. ¡®Pack O¡¯ Wolves¡¯ was done in small paw prints from a close view and a large paw print from a distant view. ¡®Fuck Me¡¯ was done in elegant sweeping letters that took a second or two to actually read. It was quite beautiful.  We held the traditional ceremonials and headed south fishing one morning. Eventually and coincidentally putting us near Catalina Island.


    ¡°Wanna have a look-see?¡± Scotty said in the radio. Jillian and I just looked at each other.


    ¡°Hello?!¡± Scotty¡¯s voice crackled loud over the radio.


    ¡°We have seen lights once in a while near this island, and, well¡­¡± I said as Scotty interrupted.


    ¡°Say no more. If you two are not comfortable we can head back. Rosie ate about three fish and made a huge mess. How did you do?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°We are all packed up and ready to head home. Oh. And by the way, the losers; which will be you two, will have to clean ALL the fish!¡± Jillian said loudly into the radio.


    ¡°Them¡¯s fightin¡¯ words!¡± Helen yelled back through the radio getting into the spirit of racing back to the marina.


    Jillian and I were slowly gaining on ¡®Pack O¡¯ Wolves¡¯. Ginger and Pete barked playfully at Rosie, Becky and Jeff. All were just enjoying the ride. Helen stood up and pulled her bikini bottoms down and mooned us as we overtook them, as she turned around and pulled her bikini bottoms up, Scotty pulled off her bikini top and threw it in the air. At first, she was embarrassed but feeling the sun and wind must have felt good as she held her arms out wide, bare chested and feeling free, standing at the front of the boat.


    In order to avoid a serious collision ¡®Pack O¡¯ Wolves¡¯ won. We packed up the golf carts and headed to Malibu. Ginger and Pete ran alongside for most of the way, Rosie must have eaten too much fish because she did not participate in the exercise at all and Becky and Jeff ran the whole way relieving themselves at strategic locations along the way.


    Scotty and I cleaned the fish and Jillian and Helen prepared appetizers, salad and a lovely dessert. Helen was very sunburned, her fair skin now very red. She and Jillian went upstairs to apply first-aid.


    ¡°I hope you weren¡¯t offended by Helen¡­¡± Scotty started to say.


    ¡°I have never met a set of boobs that were not worth looking at.¡± I said holding up my glass of wine. Jillian and Helen returned just as we were finished grilling today¡¯s catch.


    ¡°You got some sun today too!¡± I said to Jillian looking at her face. Jillian and Helen exchanged smiling glances throughout dinner as Helen broke the silence.


    ¡°Have you noticed anything different about Rosie?¡± Helen asked us. Jillian knew immediately what Helen was referring to and Scotty and I were oblivious. Jillian just looked at me and smiled.


    ¡°PETE!¡± I said as Pete lifted his head up and came over to me hearing his name.


    ¡°Rosie let me near her and I felt her stomach!¡± Helen said excited and happy that Rosie finally accepts her. We all went over to Rosie who was napping in the corner on the pillow cases Scotty had made for her. (They were really gross and disgusting and had a real funky smell.)


    Jillian approached her and Rosie let her feel her stomach. Of course, all the dogs had got up and shared in our excitement and happiness as we all had to pet and show our affection to all the dogs, especially Rosie who could not be any happier. A well balanced and strong pack is most important especially since small game numbers were increasing.


    ¡°Were going to turn in.¡± Scotty said getting up and stretching.


    ¡°See you in the morning.¡± Helen said as they both disappeared inside the house.


    I drank a little more wine than usual and stripped down and jumped into the pool. The dogs joined in and Jillian jumped in and held on to me. It was late and only a few lights were on. Jillian and I spent the next eight and a half minutes in the pool, then we were ready for bed. I held on to Jillian in bed basking in the afterglow.


    As soon as my eye lids touched, they opened. I looked down at Ginger and Pete as puppies. I turned and looked at my old R/V parked and a small campfire smoldering. I blinked my eyes a couple of times and the image did not disappear.


    Greetings. Said a voice behind me as I turned to see Ginger and Pete being petted by the same man in my previous dream.


    Love and affection. The two most important things to a dog. Besides a good meal. The man said as he tossed a ball and Ginger and Pete scampered after it.


    What is your name? I asked the man.


    You can call me¡­ William. I have always admired that name. He said with a pleasant smile. After a long pause, I asked: You are not reading my thoughts, why?


    Those skills will be best utilized once properly developed. William said.


    I remember this place. I said looking around and feeling less overwhelmed and petting puppy Ginger and Pete.


    They are, were, so damn cute as puppies. I said sitting on the ground as they jumped on me and kissed my face.


    It¡¯s to relieve the pain one endures from the death of a lifelong companion. I said looking at William who sat on the ground and shook his head in agreement.


    I¡¯ve had¡­ eight dogs¡­ I started to say as William interrupted: I know, but ¡®Panda¡¯ was your favorite. William said.


    How do you know that? I asked sincerely.


    I helped you, a little, when she ran away on the afternoon of September third, 1982. William said.


    I remember. I was sitting at the kitchen table, not knowing what to do, or where to start looking. Then I got up for no reason, grabbed my keys and drove about a mile away, right to the busy street and found her. That was you? I asked William who stood up and broke a dog cookie in half and gave each to Ginger and Pete.


    What else do you know about me? I asked.


    Everything. William said immediately. I know more about you, than you do. William said with a short smile. I said nothing.


    Everyone has milestones and crossroads, some paths taken, some not. Each point causing multiple actions and reactions. Would you like to see the one of you being a famous musician? William asked with a hint of warning.


    Probably not. I said a little confused.


    How many of these¡­ what did you call them? Milestones and crossroads, have I had? I asked trying to comprehend the scope of this information.


    Twenty-two thousand four hundred thirty-six. William said without hesitation.


    And you keep track of this information? I asked.


    Yes. He said. My mind was a flurry of questions that needed explanation and the sudden realization and embarrassment at knowing that my most intimate thoughts and actions were known by someone else was confusing. I started to slowly do the breathing exercises Jillian showed me, as I tried to clear my mind. William joined in on the exercise with his eyes closed.


    What about my family. I asked.


    You have several. William said.


    The one that was taken from me and making me live¡­ this life. I asked looking at William with suspicious intent.


    Make no mistake Greg, this is not the result of anything I have done. Quite the contrary. It is the result of¡­ others, their actions and paths taken. His response was sincere, convincing and he actually seemed upset.


    Believe it or not, everyone, is connected. William said without blinking. I thought about it for a while, William was waiting for questions and not offering any additional information.


    If I have had over twenty-two thousand different paths, I guess they could be called. Why are you interested in this one? I asked. William smiled and stood up.


    Imagine a single point, he said as he gestured with his hand and a small sky-blue sphere appeared.


    This is your birth. Now imagine twenty-two thousand four hundred thirty-six points¡± he said and made a gesture with his other hand and twenty-two thousand four hundred thirty-six points appeared in a circle around the sky-blue sphere.


    Now imagine, what it would take to connect each point to your birth. Consider every milestone and path decision you have ever made. He said, knowing full well that I was not capable of providing the answer.


    William waved his hand and a nest of lines of varying colors emerged from the central point eventually reaching each of the twenty-two thousand four hundred thirty-six points. He waved his hand again and the object rotated showing as a three-dimensional time-line, some lines short.


    Which one are we currently¡­at? I asked not knowing the proper terminology to use. The nest disappeared and a single green line remained. Only a few small sections were a different color and it looked like the lines in cracked glass.


    Why is this line significant? I asked.


    It is not it''s significance; it is that it is unique. William said.


    I shook my head pretending to understand. I pointed to an early break point in the line.


    What¡¯s this mean? I asked.


    You were eleven years old, you wanted to go ¡®hunting¡¯ with your BB gun. You slid down the ravine behind your parents¡¯ house and started pumping the BB gun as you reached the floor of the forest. You saw a chipmunk sitting on a log eating something. You aimed at the chipmunk and she did not move. You thought as you looked at the chipmunk down the gun sights that killing an innocent, beautiful, non-threatening animal for no apparent reason just did not make sense. William concluded.


    I shook my head and smiled. I remembered that day. I also felt like a sissy for not killing the animal, because ¡®that is what real men do.¡¯ I said in a macho tone.


    I really don¡¯t want to know all of these; I think I¡¯m done. I said getting mentally exhausted. I looked at William and spoke in a direct manner.


    ¡°What DO you want?¡± I asked a little agitated.


    ¡°You are not interested in where I come from or how I know all this information?¡±  William asked calmly.


    ¡°No, not really. If you can read minds and only visit me here in my dreams, you have some cool skills but also limitations. If any of this is true, what¡¯s in it for me?¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°What¡¯s the worst thing you can do? Kill me? I died the day my family was taken from me. You have nothing to offer me that I want or need by re-living my past. If you are here to help us, we could really do with some more rain.¡± I said in a frustrated and upset manner. Everything around me dissolved from yellow to black and I woke up.


    ¡°Another visit.¡± Jillian asked quietly.


    ¡°Yes, and I was kind of a dick to him.¡± I said feeling guilty. ¡°What time is it?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°Three-fifteen. At least he¡¯s consistent.¡± Jillian said.

 Stinky Nerd Nest

    Scotty and I were discussing some sort of communication method between our two locations. We thought about using existing lines but these were very complicated and we needed something simple and convenient.


    ¡°What about Ham radio, short wave or old school CB?¡± Scotty proposed as we ate lunch one day.


    ¡°You can¡¯t find anything in the buildings?¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°Naw! We checked everything twice.¡± Scotty said frustrated.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just go and see what¡¯s at P.E.?¡± Helen suggested. Scotty and I just looked at each other. ¡°We thought about that too and decided it would probably be difficult to gain access.¡± I said.


    ¡°We would need to pack a pretty good punch.¡± Scotty added.


    ¡°Sweetheart?¡± I said to Jillian after a long pause. ¡°Do you still have any of that C-4 I gave you for your birthday last year?¡±


    ¡°Wait. Nope, sorry fresh out.¡± Jillian said checking her pockets and looking down her shirt.


    ¡°Wow! She gets military grade explosives for her birthday.¡± Scotty said folding his arms and pouting.


    ¡°You guys are thinking too hard.¡± Helen said as she got up and went into the house. Helen returned with a shoe box full of keys, key cards and thumb drives with the name ¡°Ventura¡±.


    ¡°Ventura Air force base is only about 20 miles.¡± Jillian said looking at a map.


    ¡°You and I can take the clown car and do some recon.¡±  Scotty said looking at the map, then at me.


    ¡°No. We all go together, in case of problems or danger, it is near a Government Installation.¡± Jillian said and we all agreed.


    ¡°We can all squeeze into the Suburban as long as we have fuel for a round trip.¡± I said.


    ¡°No problem, I think I can fill it up.¡± Scotty said.


    Jillian and Helen packed enough food and water for two days, Scotty collected enough fuel to fill the Suburban and I packed up the dogs, they were all excited as we loaded up and headed to just outside Ventura.


    The buildings were very generic, no windows. Only a couple of weathered cars in the parking lot. The dogs scattered sniffing the area as we deployed a drone to get a look at the roof. A large array of solar panels and industrial sized units occupied the roof and a single access point. The front of the building had a white door and a key card swipe with a very small red light.


    ¡°Still operational?¡± I said as I pulled the five or six key cards from gingers pack. I selected the one that looked most used. ¡®Beep¡¯ and the red light switched to green.


    ¡°See! That was easy!¡± Helen said smiling.


    ¡°Stand Clear.¡± I said as I was about to open the door, everyone backed away as I attached a tie down strap to the handle and Scotty used a board from a broken pallet to open the door. It was difficult to open because of the pressure inside the building.


    ¡°Jillian. You, Helen and the posse stay here. Keep the door open and the radio on. We will be back in ten minutes.¡± I said.


    It was as if nothing changed. Standard soul sucking office lighting, unplugged vending machines and a nice cool seventy-five degrees. No odors, a little dusty, no footprints or signs of activity. I picked up the phone directory at what looked like a reception desk and Scotty showed me the fire evacuation plan he pulled from the wall.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see a ¡®Sanders¡¯ on the phone directory list.¡± I said going over the list a second time. Helen responded: ¡°He used ¡®Turner¡¯ as his last name for work.¡± ¡°Here it is, R&D, lower level two, we might lose communication. Ten minutes, okay?¡± I said.


    ¡°Greg, you don¡¯t wear a watch, Scotty? You have a watch? Helen is already shaking her head no. Here, take mine.¡± Jillian said as I walked back to the open door.


    ¡°Ten minutes, if you don¡¯t hear from us, bring corporal punishment. Make no noise. Helen, stay out here. You have your gun?¡± I asked. Helen¡¯s disposition went from adventurous to concerned, as she watched Jillian verify her clip in her purple .38, me with the AA-12 and Scotty with his .44 magnum and the dogs not in their usual playful disposition. Helen pulled her 9mm from her shoulder bag knowing it was not time for target practice. She did not appear threatening at all.


    ¡°Just keep this door open, okay. Everything will be fine.¡± I said. Scotty hit the elevator button for ¡®down¡¯. The mechanical sounds were rough, scratchy and slightly stressed as the door opened with slight squeaks. Scotty looked inside at the panel.


    ¡°Each floor has a key input. Risky. Let¡¯s take the stairs.¡± Scotty said as I agreed. We wedged the stair door open and the lights were on a motion sensor, weak and slightly pulsating as we descended turning on our head lamps.


    ¡°Jillian copy?¡± I said into the radio.


    ¡°Weak, but okay.¡± She responded.


    ¡°Couple of cubicles and some sort of laboratory equipment, it¡¯s like a clean room. Everything looks like it was removed. Large open areas.¡± I said into the radio, no response. ¡°Jillian? Do you copy?¡± No response. Scotty opened a small filing cabinet. Empty, just like the desks, and all the computers were missing; monitors still in place.


    ¡°Someone took a lot of stuff.¡± Scotty said walking to a tall garage door.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see a keypad or card swipe, thing.¡± Scotty said inspecting the edges.


    ¡°We have six minutes.¡± I said to Scotty as he walked over to a workstation and looked under the desk.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Scotty said as the garage door engaged and opened slowly. A couple of lights blinked to life as the door opened, a vast underground parking lot. About eight or ten vehicles ranging from nondescript box trucks, military vehicles to a couple of ¡®clown cars¡¯ as Scotty called them.


    ¡°We have four minutes.¡± I said to Scotty. We left to go report our findings to Helen and Jillian who were standing near the open door.


    ¡°Well?¡± Jillian and Helen said together. ¡°It looks like they left in a hurry and took all the computer workstations and files. We opened a garage door and found a parking garage with a couple of vehicles. How many do you think were down there?¡± I said looking for Scotty, who was across the street with Rosie, Becky and Jeff. We walked across the street and watched Scotty as he looked like he was on to something, still holding the fire evacuation plan.


    ¡°This is a scaled drawing, see these marks here, here and here.¡± Scotty said pointing to the framed document.


    ¡°Based on this drawing, the parking garage is under these office buildings.¡± Scotty said removing the document from the frame.


    ¡®Electronic Restoration¡¯, whatever that is, ¡®Sofa-King¡¯ and ¡®Discount Textiles Warehouse¡¯.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get some new pillows.¡± Jillian said pulling her purple .38.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what¡¯s on the roof.¡± I said as I walked over to the truck and deployed the drone as Jillian handed out some snacks and water.


    ¡°Same gear, and look, that¡¯s one of those power converters!¡± Scotty said looking over my shoulder as we heard a ¡®beep¡¯ and looked as Helen used a key card on the front door of ¡®Sofa-King¡¯.


    ¡°The key card had a faded SK written on it!¡± Helen said.


    ¡°Same as the other door.¡± I said to Scotty as he positioned himself with a section of broken galvanized fence post.


    ¡°I¡¯d feel better if you used something, less conductive.¡± I said as he dropped the metal post and found a wooden substitute.


    ¡°Same amount of pressure, maybe a little more.¡± Scotty said as the sound of the door opening released pressure. All the dog¡¯s noses focused on the air escaping from the Sofa-King. Ginger and Pete issued a low growl and Rosie, Becky and Jeff slowly went off in different directions with noses on the ground.


    ¡°Same drill, keep the door open, ten minutes, okay?¡± I said to everyone. Scotty and I entered the building, no lights, we found a light switch and it lit a single fluorescent ceiling fixture that blinked. The room was like a ¡®waiting room¡¯, no chairs, a floor mat that had a cheesy Sofa-King logo on it and a door with a card swipe that showed a red light. I swiped the SK key card and it refused with two tones.


    ¡°I bet this door needs to be closed for this one to open.¡± Scotty said confidently.


    ¡°If we take the hinge pins out, we can easily open it, if we run into problems.¡± Scotty said inspecting the door hinges.


    ¡°Pete¡¯s pack, left side pocket.¡± I said.


    ¡°Ten minutes, you will not be able to enter.¡± I said to Jillian and Helen through the open door.  Scotty knocked out the hinge pins and collected them and carefully closed the door, I swiped the key card and got a green light and opened the door.


    ¡°Were getting good at this.¡± I said to Scotty.


    ¡°This is risky for something that¡¯s just a convenience that we might not find a solution to.¡± Scotty said looking over the top of his glasses at me.


    ¡°Tell me you¡¯re not having fun.¡± I said to Scotty. He just looked at me and smiled as we walked through the door. A light turned on illuminating a small hallway that ended at an elevator. No stairs. A dull quiet tone issued and the elevator door opened.


    ¡°Must be automated.¡± I said as Ginger and Pete continued to sniff the air.


    ¡°Jillian? I said into the radio.


    ¡°Barely hear you.¡± Jillian responded static and broken.


    ¡°Ten minutes, maybe fifteen. I¡¯ll leave the radio open. Okay?¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Jillian confirmed. We entered the elevator. No buttons, just stainless-steel walls as we descended. The elevator stopped for what seemed to be two or three floors and the doors opened. Another small waiting room type area like the one upstairs, only this one had a visible camera and a big monitor on the wall. I swiped the card and was denied entry. I tried again, the same result. I tried all the cards and none of them worked. Ginger and Pete sniffed the single door frame.


    ¡°Looks like a dead end. Door hinges are on the other side of the door.¡± I said.


    ¡°Dead end is right asshole!¡± Came a voice from the monitor speakers. Scotty and I looked at each other.


    ¡°What is your name?¡± I asked looking into the camera.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask the questions, Fred!¡± Came a stern response.


    ¡°My name is not Fred.¡± I said calmly.


    ¡°YES, it is.¡± Fred, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and a bunch of Scooby¡¯s. It¡¯s like an episode of Scooby doo on fucking steroids!¡± The voice said. I let out a little chuckle.


    ¡°I¡¯VE BEEN WATCHING YOU ASSHOLES FOR THE PAST THIRTY MINUTES!¡¯ And I¡¯m particularly fond of the red-head, Daphne.¡± The voice went from hostile to relaxed when he referred to Helen. Male, approximately twenty-five years old, unstable. Ginger and Pete started getting nervous and looking toward the elevator.


    ¡°How long have you been down here?¡± I asked politely.


    ¡°Six years, eight months, thirteen days, and now because of you meddling kids I¡¯m going to FUCKING DIE! It¡¯s just as well.¡±  The man¡¯s roller coaster of emotions was unsettling and I was not too certain how to react and proceed.


    ¡°How did you end up here?¡± Scotty asked softly with sincere concern. No immediate response.


    ¡°Why did you¡­ how did you find this place?¡± The voice asked a little less agitated.


    ¡°We¡¯re friends of Mr. Turner¡­¡± Scotty started to say.


    ¡°MR. TURNER!¡± The voice exclaimed and the monitor lit up the small area. The man wore a black retro Pink Floyd Animals concert t-shirt, black wavy hair, scruffy beard and glasses. One of the lens¡¯ had a crack.


    ¡°Is the virus still active?¡± The man said looking for an answer he hoped to hear.


    ¡°Did you bring the treatments? Besides the guns.¡± He asked.


    ¡°My name is Roy. We mean you no harm, we have been using Mr. Turners prototypes for power, water, transportation, and we were hoping to find a long-range communication device. Something that is good for fifty or sixty miles.¡± Scotty said looking into the monitor. I placed my gun against the wall. The monitor went black and a long silence.


    ¡°Did he ever mention his name?¡± Scotty asked me.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t believe he did.¡± I responded.


    ¡°How long will it take me to get to Oklahoma?¡± The man asked excitedly.


    ¡°Where about? It¡¯s a big state. Depends on road conditions¡­¡± Scotty said as he was cut short.


    ¡°THE BORDER! THE FUCKING BORDER!¡± The man¡¯s voice sounded as if he was far from the microphone.


    ¡°Car? Walking? What¡¯s your mode of transportation?¡± I asked.


    ¡°BIG TRUCK! Like the one in the garage!¡± The man said as it sounded like he was shuffling papers.


    ¡°Two, maybe three days. But you will run out of gas way before that, unless it¡¯s electric, then probably a week or more with a portable solar charger.¡± Scotty said. The door clicked and a green light appeared.


    ¡°Come on in. BUT KEEP THOSE FUCKING DOGS AWAY FROM ME! I hate dogs.¡± The man said through the monitor speakers. We walked through the door and a pungent smell of urine, feces, body odor and mold attacked our noses. Ginger and Pete silently growling.


    ¡°Time is of the essence. Since I only have four or five days to live, I need to get to Oklahoma.¡± The man said collecting boxes and putting them on a cart.


    ¡°Stay.¡± I said to Ginger and Pete who were not visibly comfortable, as Scotty and I helped the man who pointed at what was to be placed on the cart. His demeanor was frantic. Eyes darting around, and he had a visible facial tic that was as humorous as it was frightening. Scotty and I said nothing, but exchanged glances and went along with the program.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°What have you been living on¡­ food wise, I mean?¡± Scotty asked politely and inquisitorially.


    ¡°A combination of organic and synthesized proteins and other shit, it tastes like gruel and the supply will be exhausted in eight months, water will be unusable in four months. You assholes fucked up my plans and now I have to¡­ oh, and thanks by the way!¡± The man said sarcastically.


    We loaded up two carts of boxes and computer workstations. The man carried a laptop covered in stickers and a military issue backpack as we headed deeper into the building.  The man constantly mumbled, cursed and argued with himself as we briskly walked to a small freight elevator.


    ¡°Do you assholes have any food or water?¡± The man asked as he looked directly at me for the first time. His eyes were steel blue and one kept drifting as he constantly chewed the inside of his mouth.


    ¡°Yes. We will give you whatever you need.¡± I said not knowing which eye to look at. Ginger and Pete stayed behind me and I could hear Pete¡¯s low rumble of disapproval. Scotty stood behind the man in the tight space of the elevator, trying to breathe out the side of his mouth and his hand on his gun.


    The door opened and a rush of fresh air hit us like a wave. ¡°WOW!¡± Does that smell good!¡± The man said as he pulled one of the carts from the elevator. We were in the underground parking garage as some of the lights blinked on, some did not. He stopped at the large military vehicle. Desert tan with big wheels. I have never seen anything like it before. He opened the back door and jumped in as we started handing him the contents of the carts.


    ¡°What kind of gas mileage do you get with this beauty!¡± Scotty said admiring the vehicle.


    ¡°About three-hundred twenty miles per gallon. It holds ten gallons. It runs on a synthetic formula. All these vehicles have been converted. Most government vehicles use it, it¡¯s been around since the nineteen seventies.¡± The man said plainly.


    ¡°You can get over three thousand miles on a tankful?!¡± Scotty asked with eyes open wide.


    ¡°Nothing wrong with your mathematics; actually, it¡¯s three thousand two hundred. So, your math is incorrect.¡± The man said arguing with himself.


    The man handed Scotty a large aluminum case. ¡°There should be one in each vehicle. It includes a manual, so read up on it.¡± The man said politely to Scotty.


    ¡°Great. Thank you!¡± Said Scotty.


    ¡°Can you unplug that?¡± The man asked Scotty pointing to a cable to the wall. The man started the vehicle and it barely made any noise. He hit a button on the ceiling of the cab and light poured in from an exit about three hundred feet away.


    ¡°I AINT GOT ALL FUCKING DAY!¡± The man yelled as he quickly headed toward the exit. As we walked outside into the brilliant sunlight and our eyes adjusted, Scotty and I looked for Jillian, Helen and the dogs. Nothing.


    ¡°Pull up alongside¡­¡± I started to say as the man was opening his laptop, ignoring me.


    ¡°I¡¯M NOT GETTING OUT! LOAD ME UP!¡± The man said in a commanding tone as he typed on his keyboard.


    ¡°See those light blue storage tanks?¡± The man said to Scotty as he pointed down the block.


    ¡°That¡¯s where you fill these up at. They are scattered all over the place.¡± The man said to Scotty.


    ¡°Thank you, again.¡± Scotty said smiling as I loaded the food and water into his vehicle.


    ¡°Make sure you close the door when you¡¯re done. FRED!¡± The man said to me referring to the garage door.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I said and gave him a thumbs up. He returned the thumbs up gesture in a childish mocking way and tore out of the parking lot.


    Jillian¡¯s voice crackled, ¡°What an asshole!¡± over the radio as she, Helen and the wolf pack emerged from across the street. The dogs all sniffing each other in order to see where they have been as Scotty and I returned to the parking garage and assessed our vehicle choices.


    ¡°Three hundred twenty miles per gallon?! Think that¡¯s true?¡± Jillian said walking over to a dusty white BMW.


    ¡°My asshole ex mentioned this project and I overheard conversations he had.¡± Helen said as she and Scotty inspected a smaller version of the military truck.  Jillian opened the trunk of the BMW. ¡°Empty, nothing in here.¡± Jillian said. Scotty opened the back of the military truck. ¡°I got one here!¡± He exclaimed.


    All the vehicles were plugged into a wall receptacle. I walked toward the elevator remembering a particular vehicle that caught my eye earlier.


    ¡°Tell me you¡¯re not considering THAT one!¡± Jillian said as I approached a very dirty, dark brown 1990¡¯s station wagon. I stopped short, ¡°What? This one? This is a ¡®chick magnet¡¯!¡± I said admiring the simulated wood panels.


    ¡°Pussy magnet!¡± Scotty yelled.


    ¡°More like ¡®pussy repellent!¡± Jillian said looking at Helen who held back her laughter.


    I walked past the station wagon and approached a dull black Escalade, dark green windows and solid tires. This looks like an official government vehicle, I thought to myself. I looked under the vehicle and it was a solid ¡®v¡¯ shape. I opened the door and it had multiple recessed storage areas for small to medium firearms and a dashboard that was just a blank screen and a button labeled ¡®Start/Stop¡¯. I looked around and found 2 binders that appeared to be the operation manuals. I collected them both and exited the vehicle as Scotty, Jillian and Helen started their choices and exited the garage. The dogs stayed outside the garage and waited for us as we emerged.


    Jillian looked sexy in her white BMW; Helen drove out a black clown car. ¡°These seats are nicer than mine!¡± She said smiling. Scotty drove out the military vehicle engaging his clip-on sunglasses looking and acting cool.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t like the Escalade?¡± Scotty asked me.


    ¡°I need to read about it first.¡± I said holding up the two binders.


    ¡°I see two light blue storage tanks about three blocks away.¡± I said to everyone.


    ¡°I¡¯m full.¡± Scotty said looking at the dashboard. ¡°Me too.¡± Jillian said. ¡°One hundred percent.¡± Helen added. The garage door activated and slowly started to close.


    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± Scotty said as he stopped the door and it started to go back up.


    ¡°At least we have access, for now.¡± Scotty said, hitting the button again closing the garage door.


    ¡°I need to go back and get my AA12.¡± I said as I summoned Ginger and Pete to assist.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I said as I ran with the dogs back to the entrance of the Sofa-King. I stepped in to find my AA12 against the wall and I barely heard ¡®mister crazy eyed nut job¡¯s¡¯ voice coming through the monitor speakers.


    ¡°G.G.I.N. trying to code in, copy?¡± I pulled my old iPhone and recorded the audio and took a couple of pictures from just inside the stinky nerd nest. I closed both doors and exited the Sofa-King. Who the hell does he think is listening? I thought to myself as I jogged back to the convoy.


    ¡°Turn on the radio and scan for a signal.¡± I said as Scotty was looking under the hood at the engine compartment of the BMW.


    Scotty opened the case and scrambled to find the power button. ¡°No charge on the battery.¡± Scotty said as he ran with the open case to his vehicle and inserted the power connector to the unit, turned it on and hit the scan button. Almost immediately came the same transmission; ¡°G.G.I.N. trying to code in, copy?¡±


    Scotty¡¯s eyes opened a little upon hearing this. He picked up the hand-held transmitter. He covered the hand-held unit with his other hand and said; ¡°The¡­fox¡­jump¡­lazy¡­dog.¡± Scotty expertly simulated a weak broken transmission as he just shrugged his shoulders as he heard ¡®Mister crazy eyed nut job¡¯ repeat his transmission. His voice and manner were joyous and frantic.


    ¡°Say: ¡®Code in.¡± Scotty said to Helen as he held the transmitter in front of her. Helen said: ¡°Code in.¡± As Scotty engaged the transmit button. Then he made a gesture for someone to write on something. I just hit record on my iPhone.


    ¡°6639241 zed, over.¡± Came the response.


    ¡°Roads totally suck ass, eta unknown, turning back to find another route. Call back in twelve. Out.¡± The man said as we all listened and looked at each other.


    ¡°He¡¯s coming back?¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wrap this up and get out of here.¡± Scotty said as we all agreed and powered up the four newly acquired communication units.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready for some dinner. Where to?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to your house, it¡¯s closer and the condition of these vehicles is unknown, in case of total failure.¡± I said to Helen and Scotty. Rosie, Becky and Jeff did not like Scotty¡¯s new vehicle and were too big for Helen¡¯s new clown car. I rallied all the dogs in the Suburban and followed.


    ¡°Chances are really good that these vehicles have GPS or some sort of location tracking device.¡± Scotty¡¯s voice over the speaker in the brief case sized unit.


    ¡°Only the black Escalade, Shaggy!¡± Came the familiar voice.


    ¡°What are the chances someone would need to be tracking it?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Ah¡­ pretty fucking slim, since everyone is dead! I would have expected a question like that from Fred!¡± The man said as I just rolled my eyes.


    ¡°I personally want to thank you for helping us out, son, it really¡­¡± Scotty¡¯s soft-spoken speech was cut short.


    ¡°¡­And I want to thank you! I¡¯ve been thinking about blowing my brains out for about a year now and I really should have just done this instead. Smelling the fresh air, feeling the sun and wind is invigorating, and knowing that I¡¯m going to die a horrible painful death is just what I need.¡± The man said in an increasing violent manner.


    ¡°Well son, just watch out for the bridges and try not to drive at night.¡± Scotty said in a parental tone.


    ¡°Okay Daddy Shaggy!¡± Said the man sarcastically.


    ¡°Good luck son.¡± Said Scotty in a transmission that resonated finality.


    Scotty stopped at an intersection and got out of his vehicle. ¡°Just monitor the channel, do not talk.¡± He said as the man¡¯s voice barked; ¡°Does anyone know where I can score some WEED!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t break radio silence.¡± Scotty said to all of us as the man turned on some music and placed the transmitter right over a speaker. Very loud and ultra-distorted sound came from the small speaker as I recognized it as ¡®Folsom Prison Blues¡¯.


    ¡°Johnny Cash bitches! Liquor store! Gotta stop for some road refreshments!¡± Said the man as he turned down the music and we heard his vehicle stop and a single ¡®pop¡¯ sound from a small caliber weapon as Johnny Cash sang in the background.


    The signal was fading fast as we drove east, after about eighteen miles, it was gone. We arrived at Helen and Scotty¡¯s, unpacked and inspected the four briefcase sized radios as we all went through the instruction manual. ¡°Seems pretty straightforward, why does it need eighty-eight pages? Typical Government overkill, I guess.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Where are all the dogs?¡± I asked looking around.


    ¡°Rosie took up residence in a den about two hundred yards that way.¡± Scotty said pointing. ¡°They are becoming more and more independent. But they all visit us two or three times a day and never leave for too long when you visit.¡± Helen said just as they all emerged chasing Becky who had something in her mouth. Rosie was about three or four months pregnant and not quite as fast. We all had dinner in a beautiful Gazebo Scotty built, it even had a cushioned area for all the dogs that Rosie usually occupied and a large screen TV.


    ¡°We might want to go back and collect all the vehicles. I¡¯d like to take one apart to see how it ¡¯ticks¡¯. Maybe see if we can find some drawings or schematics. Everything breaks down, eventually.¡± Scotty proposed with the hopes we would agree.


    ¡°We need to figure out how to get the fuel.¡± I said as I leafed through one of the binders for the Escalade. All the dogs lifted their heads at the same time. Each one looking at each other, then they all got up.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with them?¡± I asked to no one in particular. Pete, slowly walked over to Rosie and sat in front of her and Jeff did the same.


    ¡°Uh oh!¡± Helen said quietly.


    ¡°What!¡± Scotty asked concerned as all the wine glasses and the bottles danced slightly on the table and the flatware vibrated as a low rumble could be felt. Ginger and Rosie looked to us for information as Helen said, ¡°Earthquake¡±, in a musical way and picked up her glass of wine and the bottle from the table. We all did the same standing up and looking at each other with growing concern. As quick as it started, it stopped.


    ¡°Just a little one.¡± Helen said sitting back down and sipping her wine.


    ¡°That was, an, earthquake?¡± Scotty asked with curious excitement. The dogs came over to us looking for reassurance and comfort.


    ¡°So¡­ is that how it is for you when we have sex?¡± Jillian asked me.


    ¡°The duration is about right.¡± I said trying to use humor as a mask for my silent amazement. Jillian licked her finger and touched it to her hip and made a hissing sound. ¡°That was scary and¡­¡± Jillian said as she was looking for the right word, and I said, ¡°Beautifully powerful.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it! Just like me.¡± Jillian said smiling and sticking out her chest.


    ¡°Did you see Pete.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°He was protecting Rosie!¡± Scotty said with a little emotion.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Pete, good boy, good boy!¡± I said to Pete as he tilted his head looking toward me and his tongue hanging out panting, happy everything was back to normal and sitting next to Rosie.


    ¡°You know, that¡¯s the second time someone mentioned Oklahoma, first it was that crazy woman, now this guy. What do you suppose is there?¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°Survivors are welcome¡­¡± Helen said, thinking.


    ¡°I remember when you said that when we first met.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I, for one, like my freedom!¡± Scotty said holding up his glass.


    ¡°FREEDOM.¡± We all said and toasted.


    ¡°We have nothing to gain by visiting Oklahoma. We have everything we need right here.¡± I said looking off into the distance and lighting up a cigar.


    ¡°I do kind of miss the seasons though; autumn, the first snow, spring thaw.¡± I said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t miss the snow at all. Driving in traffic with heavy snow did suck, but it¡¯s, I don¡¯t know, kind of¡­cozy.¡± I said.  An immediate flashback memory hit me hard of Christmas morning with my wife and our children; about four years old, with a fire crackling and the soundtrack of ¡®Charlie Brown Christmas¡¯ playing in the background. The snow falling slowly straight down outside. My wife in her pajamas wearing the earrings she just opened as a gift from me sipping her tea. The tears just poured from my eyes as I stood up.


    ¡°Greg, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Jillian asked very concerned. I walked away from the table and Ginger and Pete followed me. ¡°I¡¯ll be alright.¡± I said in a wavering tone barely able to speak. I heard Jillian tell Helen and Scotty about the nightmares I¡¯ve been having. I just needed to go for a walk. All the dogs accompanied me licking my hands and aware of my emotional state.


    My knees grew weak and I fell to the ground. I burst into an uncontrolled crying fit in the middle of Helen and Scotty¡¯s back yard with the evening sun piercing my flooded eyes. All the dogs laid down next to me. Pete¡¯s big head on my chest, Ginger nudged my hand with her head, Becky and Jeff laid down next to me and did not move, Rosie paced slowly around all of us.


    Everyone cares for you a great deal. Came the familiar voice of William in a soft tone. I kept my eyes shut.


    Well, except for Todd. William added.


    Who the hell is Todd? I thought.


    Todd is the name of the man in the ¡®Stinky nerd nest¡¯. William said laughing. That cracked me up. William said still laughing a little.


    Am I awake? Or am I dreaming? I said out loud.


    Kind of¡­both. said William.


    I could feel the sun on my face and a gentle breeze mixed with the smell of Pete¡¯s foul breath and I could feel Ginger breathing as I stroked her side.


    Emotional energy is a very powerful resource. William said.


    I¡¯m not feeling very powerful right now. I thought.


    Ahh, that¡¯s where you are mistaken. William said.


    Why do you think the dogs are here with you? Why is it that Jillian, Helen, Roy, sorry, Scotty, are so concerned? The energy is like a beacon, or like a pulsating wave emanating from you. Animals are particularly sensitive to it because they do not possess spoken language and the verbal filter that often conceals a lie or misdirection. Jillian, Helen and Scotty feel remorse and sadness, why? Because they care. This in of itself is a powerful resource and helps with the cleansing process.


    Why are you able to hear my voice? William said sounding like a college professor.


    Cause I¡¯m going crazy. I thought.


    Hardly. William said chuckling a little.


    You are thinking about opening your eyes. Try to refrain. Concentrate and focus on what you hear and what you feel. William said as he sat down next to me as I performed the breathing exercise.


    Friendship? Love? Food? Water? Relaxing, smelling the air¡­ it¡¯s like a list of¡­ ¡®fragrances¡¯, associated to locations. I thought.


    Are these your thoughts? William asked.


    No. It¡¯s like¡­ weird clicking and, wait, snapping sounds. I thought quietly.


    You no longer feel pain in your head? William asked.


    No. Why? I asked William.


    Because your skills are, increasing. William said.


    I opened my eyes and saw William petting Ginger. You have not spoken a word. Have you? I thought.


    No, I have not. William responded with a smile and touched my left shoulder and dissolved.


    Jillian came over and knelt down next to me and ran her fingers through my hair.


    ¡°How you doing?¡± She asked as a tear dripped from her face. Helen and Scotty came over an sat down. They did not speak. I could also hear muffled sounds, I guess they could be called, in disorganized sentences.


    ¡°Better.¡± I said sitting up and the dogs looking for attention.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you. Therapy session over.¡± I said petting each one as they started chasing each other. Scotty helped me up and Helen hugged me.


    ¡°Were all in this together.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°I feel, cleansed. Like a vision of clarity.¡± I said to everyone.


    ¡°Oh, by the way. Rosie is going to have four pups; two female and two males.¡± I said for no apparent reason.


    ¡°How do you know that?¡± Helen asked me.


    ¡°I just know.¡± I said.


    We all walked over to Helen¡¯s huge clothes line and started taking off the bed sheets, towels and assorted linens as well as personal items. Helen¡¯s washer was almost industrial sized, no manufacturer name. I typically wore underwear and socks a day or two and just opened a bag of fresh ones. Jillian made use of our used clothing somewhere, I¡¯m sure. I have a set of about five Hawaiian shirts and cargo shorts, seven or eight novelty t-shirts. I still have my old Metallica t-shirt that Tom wore. We all sat outside and folded clothes and watched a picture and video slide show Jillian put together as the sunset.


    ¡°My debut will be next week! I¡¯m just putting the finishing touches on it and want everyone¡¯s comments.¡± Helen said referring to her latest hobby of photography. Jillian showed her how to edit and put together the pictures. Helen and her artistic capabilities are sure to be a pleasant surprise.


    ¡°I have three maybe four stops tomorrow.¡± Jillian said closing her laptop and putting it in her bag. ¡°I need to pick up dental supplies. Everyone is due for a cleaning and a checkup.¡± Jillian added. All three of us moaned and complained like adolescents.


    ¡°Do you want me to make your curfew nine o¡¯clock instead of ten o¡¯ clock MISTER!?¡± Jillian said to me with her hands on her hips looking down as I sat in the chair. I stood up and approached her slowly.


    ¡°According to my ¡®clock¡¯ it¡¯s exactly twelve right now!¡± I said looking down.


    ¡°Gotta catch me first!¡± Jillian said as she grabbed her bag and took off running into the darkness. The dogs got up and started barking and running playfully as well. Except Rosie who just lifted her head to see what was going on and resumed her nap.


    ¡°See you in the morning!¡± I said as I took off in pursuit of Jillian.


    The next morning, we all woke up to a beautiful and rare rain shower that lasted about three hours. The dogs splashed in the puddles and chased each other.


    ¡°We will all be able to take a long hot shower!¡± Helen said as she tied back her rain-soaked hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m game if you are?¡± Jillian said smiling at Helen.


    ¡°Looks like our dental appointments are canceled for today.¡± Scotty said not entirely comfortable with Jillian¡¯s comment. Just then, the rain stopped. The dogs were a wet muddy mess and were enjoying every minute of it.


    ¡°I bet the pond is full!¡± Helen said.


    ¡°Pond? You have a pond?¡± I asked. We all walked to a small area just off the backyard and sure enough, about a half-acre pond was created. The dogs went nuts, even Rosie got in.


    ¡°I walked past this a hundred times and didn¡¯t give it a second thought. This is my kinda swim¡¯n hole!¡± Scotty said as he joined in with the dogs. Jillian immediately entered the pond with Scotty and the dogs. Helen and I looked at each other and ran into the cold water. We splashed and played like kids.


    Jillian and I were eager to see how our house fared; we have never experienced this much rain before.


    ¡°Roads are going to be tricky.¡± Scotty said drying off his face.


    ¡°We¡¯ll correct the maps as we go.¡± Jillian said as she did a radio check with Scotty.


    ¡°Do you two need anything?¡± Jillian asked Helen and Scotty.


    ¡°Were good sweetie, thank you.¡± Helen said hugging Jillian and I.

 Mom and Sam

    As we made our way back to Malibu, we encountered a lot of washed-out roads, Jillian made the corrections on the map. We stopped at two dentist offices and Jillian collected the items on her list.


    We made it to our street and it was covered in fresh mud. The Suburban got stuck and we had to walk the quarter mile up the hill. Everything should be dry by tomorrow or the next day and we can retrieve the Suburban then.


    Our gardens were flooded, we built them to retain moisture, and that they did. The over flow damaged some crops, others were fine. Our holding tanks were full as well as our four hot water tanks. Some of the upstairs carpets were damp because we have been accustomed to leave everything open. Jillian grabbed a bottle of wine and a small box of candles.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to find a book and take a long hot bath!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to walk around to make sure everything is okay and working properly, then I¡¯m going to take a hot shower.¡± I said to Jillian as she went upstairs.


    Ginger, Pete and I walked around and I made a list of things to repair. Two broken gutters on the house across the street, and most all of the drains needed to be cleaned. Song birds singing in the trees, and bushes seem to have grown a little. Bugs and insects also seem to have increased.


    We wandered about half way to the stuck Suburban and all three of us heard a rustling sound from behind one of the houses. Ginger and Pete both on immediate high alert, noses in the air and ears twitching. I was not carrying a firearm, just my old iPhone I use for pictures, audio recording and notes. (And the constant reminder of ¡®no signal¡¯) and a Leatherman.


    We heard it again, louder, and accompanied by what sounded like a whimper. The wind shifted for a split second and the dogs both caught something that made them transform. Low growling, hair standing on end and moving slowly. I could faintly perceive, panic. But not mine. A weird and curious sensation. We approached a small clump of twitching bushes. I pushed back the bushes and two brown eyes stared back at me. It was a small bear cub stuck in a drain pipe. He was not only scared of us but scared that he was stuck and could not escape.


    ¡°Ginger. Pete. Easy.¡± I said in a calm tone. The small bear cub frantically struggled as his eyes did not know who to look at.


    ¡°Ginger. Pete. Sit.¡± I said as the dogs reluctantly sat down. I let the small bear cub smell my hand as I placed it near him. Not close enough for him to bite, but just enough to let him smell.


    ¡°I can get you out, but you have to trust me.¡± I said looking directly at him. He sniffed the air and slowly relaxed, a little. I edged my hand near enough for him to actually make contact. I felt his cold little nose probe the back of my hand as I laid on my stomach, trying not to be intimidating by towering over him. I spoke softly and I reduced my breathing causing him to do the same. He eventually gave my hand a little lick and I produced my left hand. He smelled both and gave me a whimper.


    For some reason his eyes told me he trusted me. I started petting his head and it was as though he forgot he was stuck or afraid.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to help you now. Do not be afraid.¡± I said as I slowly positioned myself to get a better view of exactly how he was stuck, because I did not want to hurt him any further.


    I felt down his side and was able to feel his back leg, paw and sharp claws. It seemed to be free because he could move it a little. I felt down his other back leg and it was wedged in a rupture in the pipe. I could feel the warm sticky blood on his pad as he struggled a little against the sharp edges of the pipe. I felt all around trying to see with my hand the best way possible to release him. I was not really paying much attention, but my face was just two inches from his and I looked directly into his eyeball.


    ¡°You will be okay.¡± I thought and he licked my face with his little tongue.


    I grabbed his paw in my fist and started to pull, I felt the jagged edges of the steel tear in my wrist, hand and arm as I twisted and manipulated his protected paw. He did not struggle or panic as I freed and released him. It appeared from my initial assessment he sustained minimal injury, but surely would have died had I not found him.


    Me, I required immediate medical aid. I could not see the extent of the wounds because of the amount of blood flowing as I stood up. Ginger and Pete were sitting still, like statues looking to my left. As I turned, I saw the biggest fucking bear I have ever seen outside of a zoo. I immediately gasped, as she was well within striking distance as the small cub nestled in close to her. Her expression was blank. I backed up slowly making sure not to turn my back on her, cradling my shredded arm.


    ¡°Ginger, Pete, come.¡± I said as we briskly walked back to the house.


    ¡°JILLIAN, I NEED HELP!¡± I yelled as I entered the house, trying not to drip blood on the floor or carpet. The dogs barked and ran upstairs. I could hear splashing between the dog barks as Jillian stood at the top of the stairs.


    ¡°WHAT¡¯S WRONG?¡± She asked concerned.


    ¡°I¡¯m losing a lot of blood.¡± I said as I wrapped a kitchen towel around my arm and hand over the sink.


    ¡°Fuck me.¡± I heard Jillian say as I sat in the kitchen chair and felt dizzy. I felt the needle go into my arm and in my hand.


    ¡°Can you tell me how this happened?¡± Jillian asked as she appeared and disappeared from my sight as I lay on my back. ¡°Bear cub. Stuck in a drain pipe. I got him out! I saved him!¡± I said proudly.


    ¡°So far seventeen stitches, ten on the biggest one, nothing too deep, missed critical areas. Now you know why I keep blood.¡± Jillian said in a quiet neutral tone, concentrating. Jillian bent over to get something out of a large First-Aid kit on the floor and I noticed all she was wearing was an over-sized white t-shirt with my blood stains.


    ¡°How is it that whatever you do, you make it sexy¡­¡± I said quietly. Jillian stood up holding a roll of gauze and scissors with her blue gloves.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± She said looking at me through her thick magnifying eye glasses. ¡°¡­and you smell like flowers.¡± I added, smiling. Jillian helped me outside to one of the large deck chairs in the shade. The dogs circled me happy that I was ok and licking my fingers and sniffing my bandaged arm.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you some juice.¡± Jillian said walking into the kitchen and stretching her back.


    I could hear Jillian trying to call Helen and Scotty using the radio. Jillian returned with a pitcher of juice and two glasses.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why they don¡¯t answer?¡± Jillian said referring to the radio.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s muted, Scotty did not want to break radio silence with Todd.¡± I said laying back and closing my eyes.


    ¡°Who the hell is Todd? Mute, mute, mute, mute. Here it is.¡± Jillian said sitting down, and hit the mute button.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°Pack o¡¯ Wolves come in. Pack o¡¯ Wolves.¡± Jillian said into the transmitter.


    ¡°HI SWEETIE!¡± Wow! This thing works great!¡± Helen said cheerfully.


    ¡°You forgot to hit the mute button, didn¡¯t you?¡± Scotty¡¯s voice rang through.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, we''re morons, anyway we had an accident¡­¡± Jillian said as Scotty interrupted.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Scotty demanded as Jillian handed me the transmitter.


    ¡°I was walking the neighborhood assessing damage¡­¡± I started to say as Scotty interrupted again,


    ¡°WHAT HAPPENED!¡± Scotty said sounding mad.


    ¡°I found a small bear cub stuck in a drain pipe, culvert, thing¡­¡± I started to say.


    ¡°OH SHIT! You wrestling with a Momma Bear!?!¡± Scotty asked, I heard Helen gasp and say, ¡°We¡¯ll be right over!¡±


    ¡°No! I didn¡¯t even know she was there until I pulled the cub out. I just sliced and diced my arm and hand.¡± I said.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t do¡­ anything?!¡± Scotty asked surprised.


    ¡°No. She just sat there, and the dogs just sat quietly and were probably dying to smell the cub, but didn¡¯t! What was my final score?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°Seventeen stitches.¡± Jillian said not amused at all. The dogs started barking playfully with tails wagging.


    ¡°HOLY SHIT! FUCK ME!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Ah, we have to go. We have visitors.¡± I said.


    ¡°Who?!¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°A Momma bear and a baby bear just walked into our backyard.¡± I said. Ginger and Pete welcomed our guests and Momma bear appeared to be enjoying their barking and playful disposition, but she was still protective of her cub who was limping at her side. Jillian was petrified.


    ¡°Just relax and breathe. Walk slowly into the kitchen and get a box of dog cookies, a bucket of water and your camera.¡± I said to Jillian.


    Momma bear continually sniffed the air as she made her way to the pool. Ginger and Pete went in the pool and swam around as the cub looked very interested, but Mom just walked by the pool and headed in my direction.


    ¡°Well, hello.¡± I said to Momma bear as she approached me smelling me and my bandaged arm. She was absolutely huge. For some reason, I was not afraid at all, more curious and concerned for her cub than anything.


    ¡°How is your baby? Is it okay if we take a look at his paw?¡± I did not speak these words, I just thought them, as Momma bear turned toward her cub and grunted. Momma bear and cub turned as Jillian was standing with a box of dog cookies. This brought the immediate attention of Ginger and Pete who came up running and sat in front of Jillian, waiting for commands.


    ¡°Jillian. Just talk softly. If she was hungry or pissed off, I¡¯m sure I would have been dead by now.¡± I said as Momma bear headed towards Jillian and the dogs. Jillian swiftly handed me the box and started taking pictures. I gave Ginger and Pete one treat each and one in my bandaged hand for Momma bear who accepted it gently. I broke one in quarters and held the pieces out for Sam, that¡¯s what I decided to call him, just then. Mom sniffed the pieces and Sam crunched away.


    We did about four rounds and I really wanted to get a look at Sam¡¯s paw. I held the box for Jillian to take and adjusted my position in the chair.  Sam wanted more treats and I scratched his head and tried to look at his paw. Mom casually turned around and entered the pool.


    ¡°We have a Bear in our pool.¡± I said. I heard Scotty say ¡°I¡¯ll be damned.¡± As well as a gasp from Helen.


    Sam tried to jump up on the cushion and was having a hard time. Mom was swimming with Ginger and Pete not really too concerned, but kept a watchful eye on us. I helped Sam up on the cushion as he laid down for me to examine him as I scratched his head and he was looking for more dog cookies. Jillian came over and sat on the ground to assist. She let him smell her hands as he nudged her for more petting.


    Sam seemed to like all the attention and cookies as he watched the dogs and Mom swim from the cushion. Sam had a small slice on his pad and a pretty good gash on his leg. Sam allowed Jillian to inspect the wound.


    ¡°I see some dirt and would like to run my magnet along the¡­¡± Jillian said as she looked at me.


    ¡°¡­Oh shit. She is right behind me. Isn¡¯t she?¡± I looked at Mom then at Jillian then back at Mom and thought: It will be okay. We only want to help your baby. Mom gave Jillian a total body sweep with her nose. This gave Ginger and Pete a chance to smell Sam as they both focused on his wounded leg.  Ginger and Pete sniffed Sam up and down and licked his face, Sam took a playful swipe at them as he wanted to play.


    Ginger and Pete jumped in and out of the pool as I tossed two tennis balls for them. Jillian brought out a large bucket of fresh water and placed it in the grass. When Sam was done, Mom went over and smelled the water and started to drink. Ginger and Pete came over to share the water and Mom let out a roar and laid on her back.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Helen said quietly through the radio.


    ¡°Oh, that was Ginger and Pete playing with a big¡¯ol bear.¡± Jillian said. The dogs were careful and avoided Sam who wanted to play but was limping. The look on their faces when they heard Mom roar was just hysterical.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking it would not be a good idea to bring the wolf pack.¡± Scotty said quietly.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say what the reaction Mom will have.¡± I said.


    ¡°Besides, she¡¯s probably just passing through. Right? I have no idea about bear behavior.¡± I added.


    ¡°First wolves, now bears. What¡¯s next? A friggin Bobcat?¡± Jillian said chuckling.


    ¡°We¡¯ll just need to grow more food I suppose.¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go see what I can find in the gardens.¡± Jillian said, heading inside the house and closing the doors behind her to get changed.


    It was amazing to watch the interaction between the dogs and the bears. Perhaps Mom and Sam were just lonely, and happy to have fresh water and companionship. I got up and took off my clothes and entered the pool and sat in the shallow end near the ramp with my bandaged arm outside the water.  Sam slowly approached the ramp and limped down and into the water. Sam tried to swim out to Mom and the dogs but his back leg prevented him from swimming properly. Sam whimpered pathetically as he wanted to join in. Mom just grunted as she swam around.  I grabbed Sam with my good arm and held onto him as we carefully joined the swim party. Sam naturally started kicking and Mom let out a roar and went under the water.


    ¡°You gotta be shitting me!¡± Jillian said through gritted teeth standing with two baskets of produce. Mom surfaced and turned towards Jillian sniffing the air and swiftly approached her, Jillian shrieked a little and set the two baskets down and stepped away. I brought Sam over to Mom who was sifting through the baskets.


    ¡°You need your head examined!¡± Jillian said to me in a quiet harsh tone.


    ¡°The bandage is still dry! See!¡± I said showing her the condition of the bandage.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what that bear is capable of, it¡¯s a wild animal and you treat it as if it was a stray cat!¡± Jillian said, being careful not to yell.


    ¡°You wanted to hand feed Rosie the first day we met her! Remember?¡± I said. Jillian said nothing. ¡°I know for a fact that Mom had multiple opportunities to attack me, and didn¡¯t. She has never seen a human or a dog, just small¡­ creatures¡­ I guess.¡± I said trailing off.


    ¡°How do you know that sweetie?¡± Helen¡¯s voice softly over the radio.


    ¡°I just, know.¡± I said confidently.


    ¡°Just like you know how many pups Rosie is going to have?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Yes, something like that.¡± I responded having a sudden realization of what everyone was eluding to.


    ¡°Just like when we are exploring, the dogs do a perimeter sweep, dogs just don¡¯t know how to do that.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°And the way Pete just sits like a statue?¡± Jillian added.


    ¡°Pete¡¯s been doing that since he was a pup, it¡¯s just his thing to do, I suppose.¡± I said trying to think back to when he first did it.


    ¡°What am I thinking about right now?¡± Helen asked quietly.


    ¡°That I¡¯m some kind of freak?¡± I said sarcastically.


    ¡°What am I thinking?¡± Jillian asked me quietly as I watched Mom and Sam snack on the produce and Ginger and Pete smelling the both of them.


    ¡°You want to take a drive in your BMW?¡± I said, lying because she was really thinking about fresh pineapple. At that exact moment I felt a surge in my head, colors appeared different; but the same. I could ¡®hear¡¯ the emotional state of concern Jillian had for my well-being. I could sense each of the animal¡¯s disposition more clearly. The bears were distant, probably because I was not tuned in for a lack of exposure to their particular personality.


    ¡°So what! I have female intuition; the male version, where everything is based on comparisons to my penis. Maybe I¡¯m just a lucky guesser.¡± I said trying not to be alarmed.


    ¡°You¡¯re an animal whisperer!¡± Scotty said with a hint of humor.


    ¡°You know it¡¯s funny you say that because lately I have had the urge to quietly poop in the neighbor¡¯s yard the last couple of days!¡± I said.


    ¡°No! An animal whisperer is someone that can communicate with animals.¡± Scotty said laughing.


    ¡°He really seems to like the sprouts.¡± Jillian said quietly. I dried myself off and got dressed as Mom and Sam nosed around the yard.


    ¡°Maybe we should give Sam some antibiotics, a real small amount, just in case of infection.¡± Jillian said watching Sam and thinking.


    ¡°Do we have any honey? Bears like honey, right?¡± I said not really knowing the answer. Jillian and I prepared two small bowls of honey with a dash of antibiotic and walked to the backyard. Ginger and Pete were relaxing in the sun and Mom and Sam were nowhere to be found.


    ¡°If everything is okay over there, we are going to start some dinner, okay?¡± Scotty¡¯s voice said as Jillian walked over to the radio on the patio table.


    ¡°Were good, thanks. Everything is back to normal now.¡± She responded.


    ¡°NORMAL? You two are anything but normal!¡± Helen said laughing.


    ¡°Love you. Bye!¡± Jillian said.

 Amber Eyes of Doubt

    Our fishing skills have developed to the point that we can select what kind of fish and where to catch them. Jillian¡¯s charts were a mess of different colored post-it notes and scribbling of dates and times that only she could decipher. We approached Santa Catalina Island, typically we would turn around, but the winds were tempting us for a trip around the island.


    As we approached the southern tip, a voice came over our marine radio: ¡°Please dock at Avalon Bay, and remain onboard.¡± The voice was not threatening or hostile. We all just looked at each other and I responded; ¡°to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?¡± I asked. ¡°Please dock at Avalon Bay, and remain onboard. Over and out.¡± The voice said.  Male. Mid-thirties perhaps.  It was difficult to assess with such limited information.


    We docked at Avalon Bay and all remained on board. The dogs were eager to investigate. Jillian and I used our binoculars and surveyed the area for our mystery Santa Catalina Island harbor master.


    ¡°You know. He is watching us.¡± Scotty whispered as we secured the boat; not too secure in case we needed to leave in a hurry. We sat for about forty-five minutes, no sign of anything or anyone. Jillian and Helen put together a make-shift gift basket with a couple of bottles of wine, some of Scotty¡¯s bourbon, couple of cigars and assorted items in a bucket as a goodwill gesture. We stopped using our binoculars and sat at our table and opened a bottle of wine.


    ¡°Game-on!¡± Scotty said as we watched four people; two women, two men, approach with guns pointed to the ground. We all stood up and the dogs were nervous and stood like gargoyles on the edge of the boat. Sniffing the air. Rosie was no-where to be found.


    ¡°She was here a second ago.¡± Scotty whispered.


    ¡°Shit.¡± I said under my breath with a smile as they approached.


    ¡°We finally meet, neighbor!¡± I said out loud.


    ¡°Mister Malibu?¡± One of the men responded.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I said with a smile.


    ¡°We counted five dogs, now there is only four.¡± The other man said. This drew a sideways glance from the other man which appeared to be an unwarranted question.


    ¡°We mean you no harm. We were just out fishing and the winds favored a trip around your beautiful island.¡± Scotty said smiling in a diplomatic respectful tone.


    ¡°Anything good?¡± One of the women asked in a friendly manner.


    ¡°YES! We would be willing to share if it would be, appropriate.¡± I said politely. The four converged and talked quietly.


    ¡°Permission to board your vessel.¡± The one man asked using an official tone.


    ¡°No need to bring your guns, and the dogs will need to¡­ approve.¡± I said.


    ¡°WHY?¡± asked the other man. Almost defiantly.


    ¡°Because canines can detect deception better than humans, especially her.¡± I said stroking Gingers head as she remained still and focused on the four people.


    ¡°Are you afraid of¡­¡± I started to say as the man standing on the dock interrupted. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of nuttin!¡± The man said as the other man approached our boat and turned and gave the man a subtle but intense look.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see soon enough.¡± I said.


    ¡°I had a Rottie when I was a kid, her name was Mable.¡± The man said stepping onto our boat, his arms raised and turning in a circle looking at Pete.


    ¡°Hold your hands out in front, palms up, do not try to pet her and do not smile or show teeth.¡± I said to the man. He was in his mid-thirty¡¯s, healthy, average weight and height, no visible tattoo¡¯s, married, brown hair, very clean sneakers and jeans, light facial stubble, two- or three-days growth.


    Ginger stepped up slowly and approached the man, he gave her a sincere closed mouth smile as Pete stood up and approached him.


    ¡°That dog is scary.¡± The man said with quiet sincerity looking at me, referring to Pete, as Ginger smelled his shoes.


    ¡°Those two¡­¡± the man said looking at Becky and Jeff. ¡°Have not blinked once, and I cannot place the breed.¡± He said quietly as Ginger backed away slowly and I presented my hand.


    ¡°Greg. Pleased to meet you.¡± I said.


    ¡°Paul.¡± He said with a big smile.


    ¡°May I introduce my better half. Jillian.¡± I said as Jillian stepped forward and accidentally knocked over her two crossbows leaning against the inside of the boat. Paul chuckled and greeted Jillian.


    ¡°And our even better half; Helen and Scotty.'' Jillian said. Paul greeted Helen and Scotty with the same enthusiasm.


    ¡°You guys are loaded for bear! Three-fifty-seven, AA-12, 9mm, crossbows, intimidating dog pack. Something we need to be concerned with on the mainland?¡± Paul asked taking inventory and being observant. I laughed as Helen presented Paul with the make-shift ¡®goodwill¡¯ bucket.


    ¡°We would like to offer you this, as a gesture of faith and trust.¡± Helen¡¯s presentation was sincere as Paul graciously accepted.


    ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Paul said looking at each of us, then going through the basket. He stopped short with a slight gasp and pulled out the unmarked bottle of Scotty¡¯s bourbon.


    ¡°The brownest of brown!?¡± Paul said setting down the bucket and holding the bottle up and peering through it. Scotty just smiled. Paul uncorked the bottle and passed it under his nose with his eyes closed.


    ¡°To faith and trust!¡± Paul said loudly enough for everyone to hear as he sampled Scotty¡¯s finest with two gulps and handed me the bottle.


    ¡°Nothing like homemade! Permission for my friends to board¡­what is the name of this vessel?¡± Paul asked me.


    ¡°Fuck Me.¡± I said. Paul looked sideways at me as one of the women went to the end of the dock to read the name.


    ¡°Fuck Me. Malibu, California, North America, Earth, Milky Way.¡± The woman said laughing.


    ¡°Permission for my friends to board, Fuck Me!¡± Paul said loudly.


    ¡°Conditional permission, no guns, one at a time, must pass our security detail.¡± I said as the two women put down their weapons and one removed a side-arm and placed them on the dock. The remaining man stood his ground.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait here.¡± He said in a gruff tone.


    ¡°Reese. I must insist you greet our visitors.¡± Paul said with every intention of his request being acknowledged. Reese just turned his head away.


    ¡°May I introduce MY better half, Susan.¡± Paul said as we greeted Susan. Susan was in her late twenties or early thirty¡¯s, blonde hair, athletic build and slightly dirty or muddy shoes, clean hands, fresh nail polish and a huge diamond ring.


    ¡°May I introduce, Rebecca.¡± Paul said. Not performing the connectivity or association of each other¡¯s exclusive mate.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, he¡¯s just being an asshole.¡± Rebecca said with a jerk of her thumb in reference to Reese as Rebecca greeted everyone. The dogs gave everyone a passing grade but in true ¡®pack form¡¯, Rosie needed to vote. The dogs looked and tried to smell the air trying to locate her, which was observed by Susan.


    ¡°Where is number five?¡± Susan asked as everyone greeted each other.


    ¡°It would be in Reese¡¯s¡¯ best interest to put down his weapon and be, social.¡± I said quietly to Paul.


    ¡°Reese. Put down your penis and greet our visitors.¡± Rebecca said loudly. Reese turned and faced Paul and reluctantly put down his rifle, and stood with arms folded in silent protest. Reese was professional football sized, linebacker perhaps. Shaved head and a scraggly beard. Sleeve tattoos on his arms. He was about twenty-five years old.


    ¡°Reese. Rosie, is going to perform an inspection.¡± I said in a loud voice with emphasis on ¡®Rosie¡¯. Jillian got out her camera and started recording.


    ¡°Something real interesting is going to happen.¡± Rebecca said as she sampled Scotty¡¯s bourbon. Our new friends all gasped at the same time.


    ¡°Fuck Me!¡± Paul said under his breath. ¡°That¡¯s, that¡¯s the name of this boat! Now I get it!¡± He said laughing a little. Rosie appeared behind Reese as he eventually assembled the looks on his friends faces.


    ¡°Reese? Listen very carefully to me.¡± I said. His eyes met mine with full compliance. ¡°Do NOT move a muscle. If you run. You are dead. If you go for your gun. You are dead. If you do ANYTHING other than what I tell you. You are dead.  Rosie is going to try to figure out what side of the ¡®River Styx¡¯ you reside. Are you familiar with the ¡®River Styx¡¯, Reese?¡± Reese shook his head very slowly, no.


    ¡°The ¡®River Styx, separates Heaven, hell, good, evil. Whatever you want to call it. Rosie is determining what side you have chosen. Because, you see, Rosie ¡®swims¡¯ the ¡®River Styx¡¯.¡± I said flatly and matter of fact.


    Susan stood with her hand covering her mouth, Rebecca said ¡°He¡¯s fucked¡± as she took another drink of bourbon and Paul was very concerned.


    ¡°Oh, my, God.¡± Susan said loud enough for Reese to hear as Rosie smelled his shoes, legs and back. He looked down not moving his head as Rosie walked by, bumping into his thigh and sitting down preventing passage to the sail boat. Reese just stood with his arms folded not moving a muscle and not looking into Rosie¡¯s amber eyes of doubt.


    ¡°Is Rosie, a wolf?¡± Paul asked already knowing the answer, just looking for confirmation.


    ¡°Yes. See Pete here and Rosie are currently, well, dating and here is the result.¡± I said kneeling down and hugging Becky and Jeff who were waiting for any command.


    I stood up and all the dogs were looking at me. ¡°Okay.¡± I said quietly as the dogs went to our guests with wagging tails and expecting to be petted. After a full 5 minutes of chaotic crotch sniffing, hand licking and an overall individual scent sampler or marker applied to each of the three guests, the dogs scrambled and struggled in what was now getting a little crowded on the boat.


    ¡°So, what made you decide to break radio silence?¡± Scotty asked as we all took seats and observed each other.


    ¡°We have seen you out fishing a couple of times and usually you turn back and go north. We pick up radio chatter once in a while. One time, you Scotty, asked ¡°if you want to have a look-see?¡± and Greg, said ¡°No, we see lights.¡± or something to that effect and you turned around. Which is odd because, our lights, what little we have I¡¯m sure cannot be seen.¡± Paul said with a little concern in his voice.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°Also, because we did not want you to surprise us one day if you wanted to explore the island.¡± Paul said, which still seemed to conceal a hidden truth.


    ¡°What made you decide to live here?¡± I asked as Jillian placed a large bowl of fruit and cold drinks on the small table.


    ¡°I went on a vacation here once in nineteen-ninety-eight and just fell in love with everything about it.¡± Paul said with conviction.


    ¡±It is beautiful from what we have seen so far.¡± Jillian said pouring water for the dogs.


    ¡°Rosie? Water?¡± Scotty said loud enough for her to hear. I stood up to get a better view of Rosie and her silent nemesis. Rosie stood up, stretched, looked at me then looked back to Reese who was in the same position and she jumped effortlessly into the boat. I tossed a bottle of water to Reese and he quietly asked if he could sit down.


    ¡°Since you are ¡°not afraid of nuttin,¡± do whatever you think is best.¡± I said. Rosie walked by our guests like they were not even there and started drinking.


    ¡°She is just beautiful!¡± Rebecca said looking at Rosie. Susan asked if she could pet her. ¡°That would be, unadvisable.¡± Scotty warned. ¡°It is best to let her do her own thing.¡± he added. As soon as Rosie was finished drinking, she immediately went over to Susan and started smelling her shoes. Rosie interweaved her way under the table smelling shoes and pants and popped up next to Scotty. Rebecca was sitting next to Scotty and Rosie¡¯s head was almost in line with hers as Rosie was panting and wagging her tail a little.


    ¡°If Rosie is happy. We are happy!¡± Scotty said holding up the half empty Bourbon bottle and taking a swallow and passing it to Rebecca.


    We talked about the recent rain, weather conditions, wind, fishing and Jillian¡¯s wrist watch sounded an alarm.


    ¡°We need to pack up, if we want to get back before sundown.¡± Jillian said standing up and looking a little nervous.


    ¡°Quite right. Winds are still holding.¡± I said standing up causing everyone to stand.


    ¡°We will notify you if we plan on visiting, since you know where we dock, please extend the same courtesy and leave a note here on our boat. But be warned, we recently made friends with a Momma bear and her cub. They may be in the neighborhood and, well, I¡¯m not sure how you will be received.¡± I said.


    ¡°How does one make friends with a bear?¡± Paul asked, half joking.


    ¡°I saved her cub from certain death; he was stuck in a drain pipe.¡± I said.


    ¡°It might be in all our best interest to have communications, emergency communications, we have a radio that is capable of thirty plus miles if you are interested. You don¡¯t have to give us an answer now. It¡¯s just an option.¡± I said diplomatically to everyone.


    ¡°What do you want in trade?¡± Paul asked flatly.


    ¡°Hmmm, whatever you think is a fair trade for whatever walks around in your ¡®pen¡¯.¡± I said with a smile.


    ¡°What makes you think we have¡­¡± Susan started to say as Paul interrupted her.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Paul asked, as everyone¡¯s attention turned towards me.


    ¡°Susan¡¯s shoes. At first, I thought it was just dirt or mud, but when Rosie took interest, it made me think of your clean, new shoes and pants. Is that why we waited for forty-five minutes? For you to change shoes and pants because you knew the dogs would be all over you.¡± I said as the Catalina group exchanged glances.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing, chickens!¡± I said.


    ¡°Well done, Holmes!¡± Scotty said with admiration. ¡°John or Sherlock?¡± I asked as Paul started to laugh out loud. ¡°Tell you what Mister Holmes. We will talk about it and leave you a message, here on your boat.¡± Paul said standing up. We all exchanged handshakes and pleasantries as we made ready to depart from the dock.


    ¡°Reese?¡± I said out loud as we taxied out of the marina. ¡°Nothing good ever comes out of an asshole.¡±


    We made good time getting back to the marina, just under four hours. We secured the boat and Jillian invited Helen and Scotty for dinner.


    ¡°I would like all of us to talk about our new neighbors, without distractions.¡± I said packing up the golf cart.


    ¡°What about your bear friends and the wolf pack?¡± Helen asked as Scotty was about to ask the same question.


    ¡°Mom knows about Rosie, Becky and Jeff. I¡¯m sure they will pick up the bears scent as well and investigate soon enough. We cannot change our lifestyles and avoid the inevitable forever.¡± I said.


    ¡°Mother Nature has her way. You told us that Scotty.¡± Jillian added.


    ¡°I know, I just don¡¯t want to see a, confrontation.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°Besides, Ginger and Pete are good friends with the bears. We have plenty of fish to eat and to share. No reason to engage or be confrontational, I hope.¡± I said reluctantly, hoping my statement was convincing.


    Helen and Scotty learned that it is best to keep the fish alive until we reach the marina and toss the fish to the wolf pack so we didn¡¯t have to clean and sometimes repair the boat for two hours. Sometimes the fish put up a pretty good fight on the land, making it difficult for them to make a quick kill and allowing them to exercise their DNA with something bigger than a rabbit. Ginger and Pete would show interest but keep their distance.


    As we drove up our street, the sun was setting and Becky and Jeff wanted to jump out of Scotty¡¯s golf cart. Rosie swept the area with her nose and remained in the cart. We pulled in our driveway and unloaded our gear and the coolers as we watched the dogs sniff the ground in different directions.


    Scotty and I prepared the fish and Helen and Jillian headed towards the gardens. I did not see any sign of Mom and Sam, as the dogs all ended up in our backyard.


    Ginger continually barked until I stopped what I was doing and uncovered the pool. We all had dinner and talked about the Catalina residents. We all had similar assessments of each individual; Paul, confident, diplomatic and a good sense of humor. Susan, friendly and adventurous. Rebecca, strong willed and a little overdressed. Helen and Jillian were still convinced she was interested in me.


    ¡°She was creaming her jeans!¡± Jillian said laughing.


    ¡°She was fixing her hair every five seconds and making sure ¡®the girls¡¯ were noticeable.¡± Helen said. I looked at Scotty and he looked at me with the same; ¡®I didn¡¯t notice anything¡¯ look.


    ¡°She just wanted to make a good impression I suppose.¡± I said to Jillian and Helen as they just rolled their eyes. ¡°I was more focused on diplomacy, NOT getting laid!¡± I said.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have one without the other!¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°Reese is an asshole.¡± Jillian said and Helen agreed.


    ¡°He was the easiest to read.¡± I said.


    ¡°How so? What do you mean? He only said three or four words.¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°And he was the easiest to read?¡± Asked Helen, trying to draw out an explanation.


    ¡°An asshole; maybe, but our presence threatens his position. He is used to being the biggest and baddest. When he said: ¡°I ain¡¯t afraid of nuttin¡±. That was a clear indication of a warning and not to test him. His obstinance was a result of a pre-existing conflict, probably with Rebecca, or Paul.¡± I said.


    ¡°Regardless of our psychiatric evaluation of each individual, what about them as a ¡®whole¡¯ is what matters.¡± Scotty said. We all agreed.


    ¡°I could sure go for some fresh barbeque chicken!¡± Jillian said and we all agreed to that as well.


    ¡°What¡¯s our next move?¡± I asked everyone. I had at least four different scenarios, but wanted to hear everyone¡¯s input. ¡°Helen?¡± I asked because she looked most apprehensive.


    ¡°What if they are desperate? Running out of water or some other problem we don¡¯t know about and they want to take over¡­ your home, or ours?¡± Helen said.


    ¡°I suppose they might have limited water.¡± I said. Everyone looked at me for an explanation.


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s hair was very short. Longer hair takes additional resources. Short hair is lower maintenance.¡± I said.


    ¡°What about if they are not desperate and are just reaching out?¡± I asked Helen.


    ¡°Hmm. Let¡¯s just see if they are open for more interaction, even if they accept the radio and do not use it.¡± Helen concluded.


    ¡°Scotty?¡± I asked. ¡°Check your boat every day for the note. If it¡¯s tomorrow or the next day, they are in fact desperate and we might have an issue. Maybe because they live so isolated, they just like the interaction. If they DO agree to the radio, our communications will not be¡­ private. They will know everything that is said between us.¡± Scotty said as I turned to Jillian.


    ¡°I agree with Scotty, check the boat every day and let¡¯s see what happens. Maybe they are lonely, just feeding the chickens all day.¡± Jillian said assembling her favorite chicken recipes in her head.


    Jillian and I drove down to the marina every day. On the fifth day, two envelopes were found near the wheel, one large, one small. Jillian called Helen and Scotty and received no answer. We decided to open it and read the handwritten contents.


    ¡°Dear; Jillian, Greg, Helen, Scotty and canine friends. We believe it would be in all our best interest to keep an open line of communication. We accept your offer of the radio. We would like to extend an invitation for all of you to our island. The only request is that Rosie and the other two, I apologize I forgot their names, not be included. We will explain our reasons in greater detail during a tour of the island. We plan on having a welcoming party for lack of an official term and we would be very interested in having you bring your favorite culinary choices to share. Firearms are optional. Please arrive around noon next week Thursday. Please dock at Avalon Bay. We will receive you there. Kind regards, Paul.


    ¡°Look, all of them signed a huge greeting card.¡± Jillian said reading the signed names.


    Paul: ¡°I hope Scotty brings some more home brew!¡± Susan: ¡°Can¡¯t wait to hear some new stories!¡± Rebecca: ¡°Looking forward to getting to know you all better.¡± Reese: ¡°I apologize for being an asshole. Look, he wrote something else, then erased it. It seems sincere enough, yes?¡± Jillian asked me as I looked around the boat. Everything seemed to be correct, but I had a weird feeling.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°Nothing, I just thought I heard something.¡± I said as the dogs sniffed around the boat and were just concentrated in the small area near the wheel. Jillian tried Helen and Scotty again on the radio and finally received a response.


    ¡°Holmes was wrong! Five pups! Three girls and two boys!¡± Scotty said very excited.


    ¡°OH! Take some pictures for me!¡± Jillian said as her eyes welled up with tears.


    ¡°Congratulations! How¡¯s Mom doing!¡± I asked.


    ¡°A tired and proud Momma!¡± Helen said crying with joy.


    ¡°Becky and Jeff?¡± I asked.


    ¡°They could not be any happier!¡± Helen said still crying as we heard heavy panting in the background.


    ¡°We found a note from our new friends. We¡¯ll be there in thirty minutes.¡± I said as I was carrying the radio to Jillian¡¯s white BMW.


    As we drove to Helen and Scotty¡¯s house, I noticed a couple of quick flashes. Like a mirror reflection far off in the distance toward the north.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°No. What?¡± She said looking at the road.


    ¡°That hillside, there.¡± I said pointing. ¡°Let¡¯s take another route to Helen and Scotty¡¯s, you navigate.¡± I said as Jillian parked the car behind a building and we switched places.


    ¡°Okay. I got it. We have never used these roads before and it will take us probably one and a half hours.¡± Jillian said concentrating.


    ¡°It could have been anything.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Or it could be binoculars or a rifle scope.¡± I said not happy with my assessment.


    ¡°California is sure getting crowded.¡± I said disappointed. During our detour, we marked two locations that had the light blue storage tanks and one was horizontal, behind a National Guard depot and marked a couple of other places to investigate. Helen called us on the radio.


    ¡°We are a little behind schedule, be there soon.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Helen responded with a little chuckle.¡±


    We arrived at Helen and Scotty¡¯s and were greeted by Becky and Jeff who were so excited. We made our way to Rosie¡¯s Den and were overcome with joy as the tiny pups were snuggled in close to Rosie laying just near the opening of her Den with Helen gently stroking Rosie¡¯s head. Ginger and Pete carefully sniffed and kissed the pups and greeted Rosie in a beautiful display of canine affection. Becky and Jeff had a lot of nervous energy and took off running as Ginger and Pete chased after them in a cloud of dust.


    Jillian has a large first-aid kit in everyone¡¯s¡¯ vehicle and administered some checks on Rosie as she continually kissed her hands as she carefully checked her heart, ears, eyes and stomach. Rosie just loved Jillian and all the attention and concern. Jillian did not check the pups because Rosie got a little nervous if she got too close to them.  Scotty walked up with some fresh water.


    ¡°Were going to need names, so start thinking!¡± He said with a big smile.


    We all sat in the ever-expanding Gazebo Scotty has been working on and Jillian handed the letter and greeting card to Helen. She read the letter first, then handed it to Scotty.


    ¡°Looking forward to getting to know you all better!¡± Helen said in a sexy voice and winking at me. In reference to Rebecca¡¯s comment.


    ¡°I know! It¡¯s a code. I bet if you rearrange the letters it says: ¡®Greg, I can¡¯t wait to fuck your brains out!¡¯ No secrets here Scotty, NONE!¡± I said facing Scotty.


    ¡°I know.¡± He said nodding his head in agreement.


    ¡°Not sorry for being the asshole that I am. Is more like it.¡± Helen commented on Reese¡¯s entry. Scotty read the letter twice to himself. ¡°What about security?¡± He asked not looking up and putting his glasses back on. ¡°If we show up with weapons, it might be considered a ¡®trust¡¯ issue or hostile. If we don¡¯t, we will be vulnerable.¡± Scotty said thinking out loud.


    ¡°What about small caliber sidearms, in plain view?¡± Jillian proposed.


    ¡°It shows that trust has to be earned, especially since Reese is in charge of security.¡± I said as Scotty shook his head.  Helen and Jillian discussed what culinary specialties we should bring as Scotty and I discussed tactics and specific items we wished to remain secret.


    ¡°You know, they are doing the exact same thing. They are only going to show us what they want us to see.¡± Jillian said from across the table.


    ¡°Maybe we are overthinking this.¡± I said out loud to no one in particular.


    ¡°We should prepare for all possible contingencies.¡± Scotty said as we all turned when we heard the sound of breaking twigs and rustling bushes as Becky had lunch for Rosie followed by Jeff, Ginger and eventually Pete who was limping. I got up immediately followed by Jillian, Helen and Scotty.


    ¡°Pete. Paw.¡± I said as he sat panting and held up his injured paw.


    ¡°Looks like a stick or nail pierced his paw.¡± I said as Ginger came over and sniffed his paw and started to lick it. A little blood was present, nothing serious.


    ¡°Clean through the webbing.¡± Jillian said taking a closer look and bending his paw and ankle. Pete did not protest. The look on his face with his tongue hanging out at everyone paying attention to him was a clear indication he was okay, and that he should consider an injury a couple of times a week.

 Alliance

    The night before our Catalina visit, I could not sleep. My mind trying to organize information that will ensure everyone¡¯s safety and not result in someone dying. I made a small fire in the fireplace and sat with Pete who was making a mess chewing on a piece of firewood. I closed my eyes for one second and opened them. William was on one knee adjusting the wood in the fireplace.


    Keeping score of death is not healthy. William said without speaking.


    It is not you. It is fate. Fate Greg, not you. He said. I just grunted reluctantly.


    What intel do you have on them? I asked William after a long pause.


    Not much more than you have. William said sitting next to Pete inspecting his paw.


    I¡¯ll take the ¡®not much more information¡¯. I said.


    I do not think they have hostile intent, as you put it. An alliance with your group¡­ Wait. I said as I interrupted William. My group? I questioned the title.


    You are the representative, whether you like it or not, Jillian, Helen, Scotty, all the dogs¡­ you are Alpha. William said.


    What about Mom and Sam? I asked sarcastically. William laughed.


    As much as I would like to have taken the credit for that one¡­ well, let¡¯s just say you are¡­ acquaintances. William said smiling.


    Go on, the alliance. I asked.


    Just like you, I would wager they are soft on some resources, they are probably interested in whether you can assist or have access to these resources. Since you know about their ¡®livestock¡¯, this immediately put you to an advantage. What would you have thought if the response was negative? That they were not interested in the radio or your friendship? William said standing up.


    That they do not want to share, or that they have limited resources and did not want us to know that they are vulnerable. We could take over their island, especially with the wolf pack. We left them no option other than to accept our ¡®offer¡¯. I said realizing the situation from their perspective.


    ¡°That was NOT my intent!¡± I said out loud.


    ¡°What exactly IS your intent?¡± William said out loud and vanished.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Jillian said cheerfully as she handed me a cup of coffee and sitting next to me on the couch.


    ¡°Thank you. Don¡¯t you look nice!¡± I said to Jillian in reference to her clothing choices, hair style and just a little makeup.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± She said kissing my cheek. I looked down and noticed her top buttons on her shirt were undone, showing more cleavage than usual. I just chuckled. ¡°Sending a message to Rebecca, are we?¡± I said as I sipped my coffee.


    ¡°No.¡± Came an immediate response. ¡°I just want to make a good impression.¡± Jillian said looking away. I gently touched her face and made her look at me. ¡°You are always impressive.¡± I said and kissed her.


    The next twelve minutes was an exhaustive performance by Jillian that was to make sure I do not forget, mixed with nervous energy and her strong sex drive. Her insecurity is rare, charming and totally unnecessary. Our bond is more important to me than she can ever imagine.


    Jillian was putting together the final ingredients for her legendary salsa as I entered the kitchen after a shower and shave.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to wear that outfit, again?¡± Jillian said rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Men do not wear outfits; they wear clothes. These are new shorts and this is my favorite Hawaiian shirt. You gave this one to me.¡± I said approaching her from behind and squeezing her breasts and kissing her neck as her hands held a large onion and knife.


    The dogs started barking and ran toward the backyard. Mom and Sam appeared snooping around. Sam was getting big and was eager to play with Ginger and Pete. I went outside with some scraps from Jillian¡¯s salsa as she closed the door behind me. Mom and Sam came over to see me and what was in my hands. I placed the scraps on the ground and Mom and Sam nibbled on a few items. I inspected Sam¡¯s paw as he held it out for me as he munched away.


    ¡°That healed nicely!¡± I said checking the flexibility of his leg. ¡°What a good boy!¡± I said as Jillian came out with a large bucket of water. Mom got up and hurried over to Jillian who placed the bucket on the ground and stepped back. Mom sniffed the water bucket and started sniffing Jillian who was not very comfortable.


    I sat with Sam who parked himself in front of the water bucket and drank as I gently stroked his back and removed some burrs from his side. Ginger and Pete sniffed Mom and Sam as they took turns drinking. ¡°I¡¯ll get some more water.¡± Jillian said as she entered the house.


    I spoke to Mom and Sam. I know you can smell Helen, Scotty and the wolf pack. I just hope that the day you meet up with them, you know we are all friends and rely on one another for survival. They are very important to us. However, there are also dangerous people and animals. Please be careful. We want to see you and Sam grow up. Ginger and Pete gave a couple of barks and Sam gave chase across the backyard. Jillian was recording with her camera after she had placed a bucket of fresh water on the ground.


    ¡°You were talking to them, weren¡¯t you?¡± Jillian asked quietly.


    ¡°I always talk to Ginger and Pete.¡± I said.


    ¡°No, Mom and Sam. They both turned and looked at you at the same time, that was really weird.¡± Jillian said as she watched the playback on her camera.


    ¡°Wow. Watch this and tell me you were not communicating with them.¡± Jillian said bringing me the camera and Mom taking interest in the fresh bucket of water.


    ¡°Coincidental.¡± I said watching the short video in a loop. Judging by the timeline, it was when I mentioned ¡®danger¡¯ that caused the reaction. Since I did not say anything, Jillian was not aware of the dialog.


    ¡°Can you read my mind?¡± Jillian asked quietly looking directly at me.


    ¡°Sometimes.¡± I said putting down the camera and walking up to her. I held both of her hands and returned the gaze.


    ¡°You forgot about this morning already?¡± I said as Jillian smiled, blushed then kissed me.


    Mom was laying on her back while Ginger and Pete were playfully barking and wrestling as Sam was sitting upright, just staring at Jillian and I with a blank expression. Jillian and I exchanged sideways glances as Sam blinked and ran over to join in the playtime with Mom and the dogs.


    ¡°Is it me, or was that¡­¡± Jillian started to say as I finished her thought. ¡°Really weird. Yes!¡± We both started laughing.


    ¡°Hello? Come in K-9s.¡± Helen¡¯s voice over the radio.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± I said into the radio.


    ¡°Hi Sweetie!¡± Helen said cheerfully.


    ¡°Is Dr. J there? We need to talk.¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s right here, but she is, a little busy, right now.¡± I said in a sexy sly tone.


    ¡°OH! I see¡­ Ahh..¡± Helen stammered.


    ¡°Oh stop! He¡¯s just kidding, that was an hour and a half ago!¡± Jillian said grabbing the transmitter.


    ¡°An hour and a half. Damn. I bet he does some special exercises or something.¡± Scotty said in the background as Jillian and Helen finalized the plans for our Catalina visit and Scotty gave us an update on Rosie and the pups.


    ¡°Everyone is doing fine and we¡¯ll see you in about an hour.¡± Helen said as Jillian and I secured the house to prevent Mom and Sam from helping themselves. Jillian and I packed enough gear, food and water for three days. We left two buckets of water, dog food and cookies for Mom and Sam as we headed off to the marina.


    Helen and Scotty waved to us as we parked and unloaded gear. Ginger and Pete cried, sniffed and kissed them like it has been months. Scotty and I wore the same clothes we always wear but Helen and Jillian seem to ¡®take it up a notch¡¯ as Scotty put it. We all double checked the lists and headed toward Catalina Island. Judging by the weather we may be a little early.


    We arrived very early at Avalon Bay. The welcoming committee all assembled with three golf carts and friendly smiles. Helen and Scotty tossed the lines to Paul and Reese who expertly secured them.


    ¡°We knew you would be early. Made some good time with these winds.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°Permission to disembark. Is that the correct terminology?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know! Permission granted!¡± Paul said with authority stretching out his hand to assist Jillian as Scotty repeated: ¡®Permission to disembark¡±.


    ¡°Permission granted!¡± Reese said loudly with a smile and saluting as he assisted Helen.


    ¡°Welcome to Santa Catalina Island!¡± Paul said as he shook my hand. Reese appeared, momentarily blocking the sun and holding out his huge hand.


    ¡°I want to apologize for being rude, but as you can see security is very important to me, sorry, us. Security is important to all of us.¡± Reese said with genuine concern. I shook his catcher¡¯s mitt sized hand and accepted his apology as he performed the same speech for all of us.


    ¡°I would like to take this opportunity to introduce some additional residents of Catalina; Elaine and Sammy.¡± Paul said as we stood to officially meet the two additional residents. Sammy was about five or six years old, male, dark complexion. Elaine was being held by Susan, newborn, female, light complexion. Both appeared healthy. Jillian and Helen naturally gravitated toward Susan and Elaine as Scotty and I greeted Sammy.


    ¡°I have a friend named Sam as well, I¡¯ll show you some pictures later, okay?¡± I said. Jillian and Helen broke away from Susan and Elaine to meet Sammy.


    ¡°Do you like baseball?¡± Sammy immediately asked Jillian.


    ¡°Why yes, I do. I used to play softball!¡± Jillian said all smiles.


    ¡°Do you like baseball?¡± Sammy asked Helen.


    ¡°I have never played baseball. Would you be able to teach me?¡± Helen asked. Sammy smiled and turned to Paul. ¡°Dad, we have enough to play a real game!¡± Sammy whispered loudly.


    ¡°What position do you play?¡± Scotty asked Sammy.


    ¡°First base. That¡¯s where the action is.¡± Sammy said with serious conviction.


    Ginger and Pete seemed to be avoiding Sammy but were very interested. They have never seen a young boy before and were confused and excited with all the interaction. I got down on one knee in front of Sammy.


    ¡°Ginger. Pete. Come.¡± I said out loud. They both assembled behind me darting back and forth with noses and tails fully active. Sammy was eager to pet them.


    ¡°Ginger. Sit.¡± I said and she sat facing me with one eye on Sammy and tail whipping.


    ¡°Sammy. Hold out your hand, like this.¡± I said to Sammy as I slowly held out my hand, palm side down. Sammy quickly stuck out his hand making Ginger jump a little.


    ¡°Do you have any dogs here on the island?¡± I asked looking toward Paul.


    ¡°No dogs.¡± Paul responded.


    ¡°Sammy. Listen carefully. Mister Greg is going to teach you, okay?¡± Paul said in a paternal tone.


    ¡°Sammy. There are two types of dogs; friendly and unfriendly. Can you tell me which type these two are?¡± I asked Sammy.


    ¡°Friendly!¡± He said with a smile.


    ¡°How do you know that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Cuz they are smiling and their tail is going whish whish whish!¡± Sammy said using his arm as a tail.¡±


    ¡°Would you be able to tell an unfriendly dog?¡± I asked. Sammy thought about it for a moment.


    ¡°He would be mean.¡± Sammy said looking toward Paul for confirmation. Paul did not say anything.


    ¡°Dogs do not like sudden movements, it scares them. What do you think a dog would do if it is scared?¡± I asked. Sammy furrowed his brow as he thought about it.


    ¡°Runaway?¡± Sammy asked.


    ¡°Maybe, but if a dog is afraid and does NOT run away, what then do you think they will do?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Bite.¡± Sammy said quietly looking at me as Jillian recorded with her camera.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. ALL dogs bite, remember that.¡± I said looking directly back at him.


    ¡°Now. Slowly, hold out your hand. No sudden movements. Dogs don¡¯t like that.¡± I repeated as Sammy slowly held out his hand.


    ¡°Sammy. This is Ginger. Say hello to Ginger.¡± I instructed.


    ¡°Hello Ginger.¡± Sammy said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I said to Ginger as she was anxious to investigate as she approached his hand and started to sniff.


    ¡°His nose is cold and wet!¡± Sammy said with a big smile as Ginger smelled his hand, arm, pants, shoes and started licking his face. Sammy giggled with joy but did not move with his hand still out in front of him.


    ¡°Okay Ginger. Stop. Come.¡± Ginger stopped and sat next to me excited and ready for play.


    ¡°Ginger is a girl, and this is Pete.¡± I said to Sammy. ¡°With a big funny head!¡± Sammy said as everyone laughed.


    ¡°Pete is a boy. He is Ginger¡¯s brother. Do you want to meet Pete?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Meet Pete! Yes please.¡± Sammy said excited.


    ¡°Okay, remember how you met Ginger? Do the same for Pete.¡± I said.


    ¡°Slowly.¡± Paul added, knowing full well of Pete¡¯s potential. Sammy shook his head and slowly held out his hand.


    ¡°Hello Pete.¡± Sammy said quietly.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I said to Pete as he sniffed Sammy all over and licked his face with tail wagging. Sammy giggled out loud as Pete and Ginger smothered him with kisses to the point he lost his balance and fell to the ground in total child jubilation and laughter that brings tears of joy to every parent.


    ¡°Ginger. Pete. Come.¡± I said as they refrained from their affection toward Sammy as he got up and wiped the dog slobber off his face with the sleeve of his baseball shirt.


    ¡°Were going to need a hand unloading, we have all sorts of goodies!¡± Helen said as we headed back on board.


    ¡°I¡¯m smelling all kinds of good stuff!¡± Paul said looking in the boxes as he placed them in the golf cart.


    ¡°This is my favorite!¡± Rebecca commented carrying a box full of wine bottles.


    ¡°Reese wants to know why Jillian is taking so many pictures.¡± Paul said to me.


    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t he just ask her?¡± I said as Jillian turned toward Reese and started taking pictures of him.


    ¡°Why are you taking so many pictures?¡± Reese asked Jillian calmly.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡¯ trying to get a good one of YOU!¡± Jillian said to Reese as Susan and Rebecca laughed and he eventually and reluctantly smiled. Jillian paused and put down her camera.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your teeth?¡± Jillian asked approaching Reese who stepped away.


    ¡°He¡¯s been having, dental issues.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°My teeth are fine.¡± Reese said, protesting. Jillian backed away from Reese.


    ¡°Dentistry is one of my specialties.¡± Jillian said walking away from Reese.


    ¡°Dad? Why is Ginger and Pete wearing jackets?¡± Sammy asked Paul as we got in the golf carts.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯re jackets. They look like backpacks for dogs.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. They have all kinds of tools, a radio, first aid kit. All kinds of useful stuff.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°I wanna sit with Ginger and Pete!¡± Sammy said out loud to Paul running up to a blue golf cart.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take Sammy, Jillian, Greg and the dogs. Rebecca, please take Susan, Elaine, Helen and Scotty. Reese will drive with all your stuff. Is that okay?¡± Paul asked me.


    ¡°It¡¯s all our stuff.¡± I said. Paul smiled and nodded his head as we left the marina.


    Jillian wanted to sit in the back of the golf cart so she could record specific landmarks, road signs and plot them on a map of Catalina Island she has been studying for the last four days. As we turned corners Sammy would hold on to Ginger and Pete who sat on either side of him enjoying being constantly petted as he said: ¡°Hang on Ginger! Hang on Pete!¡±


    ¡°Your roads are in great condition.¡± I commented.


    ¡°I know you have a lot of questions, but I think it would be best if all of us are present in order to not make anyone feel left out.¡± Paul said and I agreed.  We drove north for about ten or fifteen minutes to Hamilton Cove. A beautiful villa with a great view. Everything was decorated very festive and a large grill was gently smoking on the patio. All of us smelled it immediately.


    ¡°Mesquite.¡± Scotty said smiling as Jillian closed her eyes in inhaled through her nose. Helen¡¯s eyes were wide open as she took in the beautiful aroma.


    ¡°We would like to officially welcome you to Santa Catalina Island, with the hopes of a lasting and prosperous relationship. In accordance with thousands of years of tradition, we look forward to sharing with you a feast. We would like to present to you the best we have to offer.¡±  Paul said as he placed the paper he was reading in his pocket and approached the grill and lifted the lid. As the smoke dissipated, we looked in awe as we watched the biggest chicken, I have ever seen slowly rotating. Scotty approached it first followed by Helen, Jillian then me.


    ¡°That¡¯s no chicken! That¡¯s a turkey!¡± Scotty said amazed. Helen, Jillian and Scotty rejoiced as I stood in silence. They all came over to me to share in the celebration. All I could say was ¡°Fuck me. Just¡­ Fuck me.¡±


    ¡°Greg, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Jillian asked. I looked up and saw Rebecca¡¯s hand raise up with a sexy smile.


    ¡°Nothing. Nothing. That looks just fabulous, I can¡¯t believe it, thank you.¡± I said as I held out my hand and shook Paul¡¯s as we all thanked our hosts individually. As I hugged Rebecca she whispered in my ear ¡°Anytime.¡±


    ¡°We have about 30 minutes.¡± Reese said as he was the official grill master quickly closing the lid, checking the temperature and adding 2 pieces of wood to the fire box.


    ¡°We cannot wait to see what you brought!¡± Susan said to Jillian and Helen as they retreated to the kitchen and we unloaded the golf carts. ¡°Salsa! Sprouts, garlic, asparagus, onions, flatbread, peaches, pears, and what¡¯s this? Oh! Pickles. Four jars. Is this all for us?¡± Susan asked as Scotty grabbed a jar of pickles and a bottle of Bourbon.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°If you all would accompany me to the patio and please bring nine glasses.¡± Scotty said out loud for everyone to hear.


    ¡°I would like you all to share in a tradition, started the day I met Jillian, Greg, Ginger and Pete. I know I have mentioned this before.¡± Scotty said looking at Jillian, Helen and I, then turning his attention to the others. ¡°Where¡¯s Sammy?¡± Scotty asked looking around.


    ¡°Sammy? Come here please.¡± Paul said to Sammy as he was tossing tennis balls for Ginger and Pete.


    ¡°DAD!¡± Sammy protested.


    ¡°It was about a year and a half, after. Dark days, very dark days. I was sitting in my kitchen looking out the window at the, nothing. My three-fifty-seven lying next to a cup of coffee on the kitchen table. I was deciding which one I should pick up. I made my decision. It was at that exact moment in time an R/V drove by my house. These four. Right here. I caught up with them at ¡®Carltons¡¯, a local farm store. I invited them over and Greg did something that even he doesn¡¯t know how important it was. I know it probably doesn¡¯t mean the same to all of you, but for some reason it just struck a chord with me. Anyway, I brought out a jar of pickles and a bottle of Bourbon, just like we have here.¡± Scotty opened the bottle of Bourbon and poured out a little in each of the nine glasses.


    ¡°We toasted and drank.¡± Scotty said holding up his glass as everyone reached for a glass and Paul transferred a little from Sammy¡¯s glass, but not all.


    ¡°Cheers!¡± Scotty said and we all drank.


    ¡°YUK! It burns!¡± Sammy said.


    ¡°Sammy! Shh.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°Then we shared some pickles. Greg finished off his Bourbon then poured some pickle juice in his glass and drank it down.¡± ¡°Eww!¡± Someone said as Scotty continued. ¡°Up until then I was the only one, I knew of, that voluntarily drinks pickle brine. Just think of the odds.¡± Scotty said as he poured pickle brine in each of the nine glasses as Paul started to crack a smile. Susan and Rebecca where very apprehensive, looking in the glass of cloudy pickle brine with small chunks of garlic and a hint of bourbon.


    ¡°Cheers!¡± Scotty said and we all drank.


    Paul said ¡°Ahhh!¡± Reese was next with ¡°That¡¯s damn good!¡± Susan said ¡°Yummy ¡°in polite sarcasm. ¡°Oh my GOD!¡± Rebecca said covering her mouth with her hand. Sammy asked Paul if he could have more.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s unanimous! Men are officially morons!¡± Rebecca said. Scotty poured another round for the men.


    ¡°Moron¡¯s we may be, but for some reason you still want to sleep with us! CHEERS to being morons!¡± Paul said out loud.


    ¡°Dad? What¡¯s a moron?¡± Inquired Sammy.


    The women congregated in the kitchen preparing the appetizers and talking in a fast pace while sampling everything. Paul, Scotty and I sat at the huge patio table as Reese walked back and forth from the table to the grill.


    ¡°Turkeys huh. I am thinking they are not native to this island.¡± Scotty said asking the question on my mind as well.


    ¡°Reese, please tell your Turkey story.¡± Paul asked pouring more Bourbon and the ladies all bringing the assortment of appetizers to the table.  Reese was obviously not used to addressing a large crowd, and was visibly uncomfortable.


    ¡°It was near Palmdale; I was driving along and a couple of turkeys crossed the road in front of me. I followed them and found their nest; it had some eggs. I showed them to Paul and we brought them here. Only one hatched, so we went back and collected all the turkeys and brought them here.¡± Reese concluded.


    ¡°That was the most boring story I have ever heard.¡± Rebecca said pouring wine for all the ladies. Reese gave Rebecca a disapproving look, grunted, and walked back to the grill.


    ¡°So, Greg. What did you do in your previous life?¡± Paul asked me.


    ¡°Which one?¡± I said quietly, not really thinking. At that moment I heard a laugh; Williams laugh. I stood up and looked around.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Paul asked.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the dogs?¡± I asked, knowing full well where they were.


    ¡°Where do you think? Under the table, probably near Scotty!¡± Helen said as I sat back down.


    ¡°I am really not comfortable talking about my life prior to the horror we all had to endure. MY life; all of our lives were given a chance, just then Scotty asked; ¡®What exactly are the odds?¡¯ My life before, and now my life after, are two completely different people. I look at Sammy and see joy, wonder and curiosity, I look at Elaine and I see the innocence, and how precious she is; then the image is replaced, and all I can see is the day my children were born and the next image is me putting them in the ground next to my wife. Manufacturing, upper management.¡± I said not sure how detailed of a response Paul was expecting.


    ¡°Have any of those skills been beneficial?¡± Paul asked.


    ¡°Hmmm. Planning; short term and long term, organization, assessing risk and opportunities, I guess. I kind of wish I had done more electrical and mechanical. You?¡± I asked Paul.


    ¡°Accountant.¡± Paul said, almost disappointed.


    ¡°We want to hear how all of you met and ended up here.¡± Helen said as Rebecca poured more wine in her glass.


    ¡°I was on vacation in Cabo with friends.¡± Paul started. ¡°After about two days I went to collect some food and water and I heard a baby crying. Really creepy, sorry Sammy but it was. The quiet wind and a baby crying. Sammy was in this medical facility, not looking too good. I had no idea what to do. I got some of the powdered baby formula and a small pack of diapers and got a R/V, a real nice one. Once he was healthy, after about a week, we made our way north. I knew I had to get out of Mexico. Limited resources and water. I made it to San Diego and ran into Susan on the Five. We agreed to all travel in the R/V. We found a nice place in Anaheim. We stayed there for about a year.¡± Paul said as Susan added: ¡°All he talked about was Catalina!¡± Paul continued.


    ¡°We went up to San Francisco and that¡¯s where I picked out a boat. I¡¯m originally from Boston and was familiar with sailing smaller crafts on inland lakes but this was very different. That¡¯s where Rebecca found us, at the marina.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°I lived in San Fran all my life and watched this boat bash into everything on its way out and bash into everything else on its way in.¡± Rebecca said very animated.


    ¡°I sank three boats! Two with one hit!¡± Paul said proudly. I raised my hand and said ¡°Three, one took two days to sink. That counts. Right?¡± Scotty just held up two fingers.


    ¡°I finally could not take it anymore and drove down to the marina and introduced myself.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°We met Reese about what¡­ two and a half years ago? We were in Los Angeles, shopping for solar panels, inverters, wiring and heard a loud explosion, we followed the smoke to somewhere near Beverly Hills and found a¡­¡± Paul said as I interrupted. ¡°Yellow Lotus?¡±


    ¡°How did you know!?¡± Paul asked astonished. ¡°What was left of it anyway.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°Jillian and I ran into that guy stealing from our truck.¡± I said.


    ¡°You told him how many times about the static. We got pictures and a whole story about that guy!¡± Jillian said rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s where we ran into Reese.¡± Paul concluded.


    ¡°I heard the explosion and investigated.¡± Reese said not adding anything more and walked over to the grill. I sensed he was withholding some key information he did not want to share.


    ¡°What are the odds!¡± Scotty said quietly.


    ¡°Who¡¯s hungry?¡± Reese said pulling the skewer from the turkey and placing it on a cutting board. Reese knew his way around a turkey, he expertly cut and filled a tray with every ounce the turkey had to offer.


    ¡°Today, Thanksgiving has officially been moved, from November to¡­ what month is it anyway?¡± Paul asked. Scotty and I shrugged our shoulders and turned to Jillian and Helen for the answer. Susan said September.


    I selected a few small pieces of dark meat that drew a curious look from Paul. Jillian was holding back her laughter. Everyone complimented Reese on his culinary expertise. I had not eaten turkey in about nine years. I must admit, it was very different from what I can remember.


    ¡°I take it you are not a turkey fan?¡± Paul asked me.


    ¡°Growing up I dreaded Thanksgiving, the smell that permeated the house was just torture to me. I was forced to eat some of it and it was just awful. I put it in the same category as Liver. I thought that once I have my own house, I will never have to eat turkey again.¡± I said as I took a few more bites.


    ¡°How long did that last?¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°About seven years, till I got married, then I was responsible for cutting up two of them every Thanksgiving. I must say, this is very very tasty! Thank you.¡± I said as I really enjoyed eating the turkey.


    Ginger and Pete had a new best friend as Sammy was feeding them under the table as Paul and Susan just watched and smiled.


    Everyone was in good spirits as we cleared the table and the ladies separated the leftovers in individual containers with names for us to take home. Sammy continued to whisper to Paul and drew a response of ¡°we¡¯ll see¡±. Sammy¡¯s growing frustration and not getting the answer he wanted, he moved to Susan. Scotty and I outlined the operational details of the radio with Paul, Reese, Rebecca and Susan.


    ¡°Where did you find these?¡± Paul finally asked. Scotty and I exchanged looks that made Paul uncomfortable.


    ¡°We found them in an underground military bunker.¡± I said convincing Paul that I reluctantly disclosed some secret information that until now, could be shared.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all go for a ride.¡± Paul said that brought curious looks from Rebecca and Reese as Susan was changing Elaine inside the house.


    We all walked through the house and into the garage. I noticed shelves and racks full of baseball hats, mitts, baseballs and a collection of bats, all expertly labeled and organized. Sammy watched me as I selected a mitt and a bat and thought he was going to explode. Jillian jumped right in and selected a mitt and a bright red aluminum bat.


    ¡°It matches your fingers!¡± Sammy said excitedly. Helen and Scotty watched Sammy as he described each mitt and bat and Helen asked him to pick out something for her.


    ¡°Since you are our guests, we can take a tour of the island or play baseball, your choice.¡± Paul said with a smile.  Scotty bent down on one knee and whispered to Sammy.


    ¡°PLAYBALL!¡± Sammy yelled at the top of his voice.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to need team names. Sammy, come up with some team names.¡± Paul said as he collected the necessary items for a game.


    ¡°The baseball diamond is near the golf course.¡± Paul said. After a quick stop at the Pro shop for hats, we arrived at the Baseball field.


    ¡°Elaine and I will keep score.¡± Susan said as Paul and Reese erected a portable canopy and chairs for some shade. Sammy came up with a bunch of names for our team and we selected ¡®Malibu K-9s¡¯, they were the ¡®Catalina Lightening¡¯.


    A softball was too big for Sammy¡¯s hand so we used a little league hard ball. It is regulation sized but soft. The game proceeded in usual fashion with the exception of Reese who insisted on crushing the ball that resulted in Ginger or Pete chasing after it and returning it to Sammy every time. Whenever Sammy hit the ball, we made sure he got on base by ¡®accidentally¡¯ causing an error.


    It was the bottom of the ninth inning and we were running low on water and Sammy was getting a little tired. It was our last chance, the score was Catalina Lightening 10, Malibu K-9s 7. Bases loaded, two outs and I was up. The pitch was perfect, for some reason I swung big and connected with the ball. It launched off my bat and directly at Sammy¡¯s head. He put his head down and his glove up as it snapped into the center of his mitt. The catch astounded even him as he had to look into his mitt. His face was nothing but a smile as he ran to Paul to show him that he caught it. ¡°GAME OVER! GAME OVER! WE WIN! WE WIN!¡± Sammy yelled jumping up and down as Susan recorded the event. I apologized to Susan and Paul for endangering Sammy and I felt just awful.


    ¡°I knew I gave you too good of a pitch when I let it go! Don¡¯t give it a second thought, it¡¯s all part of the game.¡± Paul said as we packed up and headed back to the villa. I apologized to Sammy and complimented him on his outstanding catch.


    ¡°You know, we are going to need proper uniforms for our next game.¡± I said loudly to Jillian so Sammy could hear us. ¡°I was thinking pink, with some pretty flowers.¡± Jillian said to me as I agreed and turned to Sammy to see his reaction.


    ¡°Ours are gonna be white, with blue stripes and lightning bolts all over, and the caps are gonna have a lightning bolt¡­¡± Sammy continued, describing every detail of his team¡¯s appearance not even acknowledging that we were joking about the pink with flowers.


    We did a couple of radio checks and Jillian showed Sammy our other friend ¡®Sam¡¯ and his mom. ¡°When were these taken?¡± Rebecca asked. ¡°You guys have a pool!?¡± Sammy asked with his mouth hanging open.


    ¡°These were taken yesterday and yes; we have a pool. We would like to invite everyone over in two or three weeks for a Hawaiian pool party!¡± Jillian said as everyone smiled and accepted our offer.


    We packed up and headed toward the marina for departure. ¡°At the risk of sounding paranoid, we may want to keep communication vague and neutral, these are military issue and you never know who might be listening.¡± Scotty said as Paul agreed.  We all said our final goodbyes as Rebecca whispered to me; ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see you in a bathing suit.¡± I responded ¡°I don¡¯t own a bathing suit.¡± With a wink.


    We noticed at least three seaworthy boats in the marina. One about the size of Scotty¡¯s and mine and one a little smaller named ¡®Becca¡¯ San Francisco, California.¡± Jillian made sure to get a couple of pictures of each one.


    ¡°I had a fun day!¡± Jillian said securing her camera.


    ¡°The dogs are going to sleep well tonight!¡± I said as they stood with noses in the air. ¡°You looked very natural holding Elaine.¡± I said to Jillian.


    ¡°She is just so beautiful and she smells so good!¡± Jillian said smiling.


    ¡°Ahh! That new baby smell!¡± I said immediately remembering how each of my children smelled and of course it brings tears to my eyes. I just smiled at Jillian as tears rolled out of my eyes. Jillian came over and just held on to me as we all sailed north with the hopes of docking before sunset.


    Scotty and I secured the boat and Jillian and I invited them over for discussions and conversation. We were all exhausted, a huge meal, sun, exercise and being on constant alert for an unknown problem was tiresome. Ginger and Pete walked to the golf cart and laid down on the seats.


    ¡°Lightening come in. Lightening.¡± Scotty said over the radio.


    ¡°Lightening here. Safe travels?¡± Came Paul¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Yes. Thank you and a couple of Yellow tail!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Please extend our thanks to the troops, and we all look forward to seeing you at the Luau!¡± I said.


    ¡°Mahalo!¡± Said Paul. ¡°Mahalo?¡± Jillian questioned. ¡°Hawaiian for thank you, gratitude.¡± I whispered in her ear.


    ¡°I just hope my grass skirt and coconut bra still fits.¡± I said.


    ¡°I was not aware of the dress code. We will need to go shopping.¡± Paul said in a similar comical tone.


    ¡°The image of ¡®Man Mountain¡¯ in a grass skirt and coconut bra will be hard to forget!¡± Rebecca said in reference to Reese.


    ¡°Not gonna happen.¡± Reese said in the background. Paul was laughing as he said ¡°Lightening out.¡±


    ¡°Why is Reese so serious and abrasive?¡± Helen asked on our way back to the house.


    ¡°He wants to be in charge, more so, he wants respect, unfortunately he lacks the skill set needed for both. He just wants people to respect him because of his size, like I¡¯m sure it used to be.¡± I said.


    ¡°If they''ve only known him for two and a half years, I wonder how many people he has encountered that did not consider him a threat?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing three; Paul, Susan and Rebecca. Jillian said.


    ¡°I bet ¡®shit for brains¡¯ was putting gas in the Lotus, Reese shows up and he gets scared, pulls his gun and fires at Reese and KABOOM.¡± Jillian said as we pulled into the driveway. We unpacked and all sat reviewing the pictures and video Jillian took at the Villa.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡± Helen said.


    ¡°What?¡± we all asked. ¡°Play it back.¡± Helen requested of a video clip of just before the turkey was served.


    ¡°That overgrown shrub.¡± Helen said getting up and pointing to the area on the flat screen T.V.


    ¡°Right¡­ there! Did you see it!¡± Helen said as we watched a branch from the shrub move unnaturally, like someone was holding it back and it snapped back into position.


    ¡°That is weird.¡± Scotty said. ¡°Maybe one of the dogs¡­¡± I started to say as both of them appeared on the opposite side of the screen, nowhere near the bush as everyone was taking their seats at the table.


    ¡°Winds are not that strong.¡± Scotty said watching the video in a loop. We continued watching the pictures and video and Helen said: ¡°Okay, Okay! Just stop it. Tell me Rebecca was not checking you out!¡± Helen said to me. Jillian turned to me with one eyebrow raised, waiting for an answer. I got up and said ¡°I¡¯m going to make some coffee.¡±


    ¡°Are you admitting or denying the fact she has the hots for you!¡± Helen said demanding an answer through a chuckle.


    ¡°Yes, I know. She is also aware that you and Jillian are aware. For some reason, whatever it is, she may be looking to drive a wedge between us or her companions. Sex is a female tool. The go-to tool that yields results. For men, it is recreation, stress relief, ego-boosting, lust. But on rare occasions; it is for love. The one thing that I have learned is never, never betray the love of a good woman.¡± I said looking directly at Jillian and went into the kitchen to make coffee.


    Jillian ran up to me and wrapped her arms around me and burst into an uncontrollable crying fit. She used every bit of her strength to hug me and her legs eventually gave way and I had to hold her up.  I was amazed at her strength; I actually heard my back crack in a couple of places. Helen and Scotty joined us in the kitchen.


    ¡°That was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.¡± Helen said gently sobbing.


    ¡°I can honestly say, I have never been able to describe that feeling, but somehow you did.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°I knew Tom was a mistake! And I have felt so guilty ever since!¡± Jillian said in an emotional release.


    ¡°Who the hell is Tom?¡± Scotty whispered to Helen.


    ¡°The Army guy, in Canada! Don¡¯t you pay attention?¡± Helen said in a hush tone to Scotty. He just shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°There is no need to feel guilty, I was twenty years old once, I told you that.¡± I said. After a long pause I added, ¡°don¡¯t forget about the ¡®Taylor Swift clause.¡± Jillian started laughing.


    ¡°Taylor Swift? Really? Too skinny.¡± Helen said shaking her head in disapproval. Scotty seemed to agree with my choice though.


    ¡°Skinny, fat, short, tall, big boobs, small boobs, black, white, purple, green, orange. A hard dick does not discriminate. Add a little alcohol and the threshold increases.¡± I said pouring coffee.


    Scotty and I discussed showing Paul the vehicles in the underground bunker and the fuel they use.  ¡°We really should go back and salvage what we can.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need a reason to go shopping!¡± Helen said looking at Jillian who agreed.


    ¡°Tomorrow then, we can go to your house and check on Rosie¡¯s family.¡± Jillian said as the dogs started barking and exited the pool as Mom and Sam walked into the backyard.


    ¡°Holy SHIT!¡± Followed immediately by ¡°Aww!¡± Helen said in reference to Sam.


    ¡°That¡¯s a big bear.¡± Scotty said as the dogs greeted Mom and Sam as Jillian got up to get buckets of water and a box of dog cookies.


    ¡°Just sit and try to relax. Let them approach.¡± I said as I got up and greeted Mom and Sam.


    ¡°Sam. You¡¯re getting so big!¡± I said as I scratched his backside. Mom let out a roar as I checked Sam¡¯s paw and the dogs sniffed and kissed both of them.


    ¡°That healed up nicely.¡± I said to Sam, inspecting his leg and paw. Mom and Sam started smelling the air and were making their way toward Helen and Scotty.


    ¡°Here we go.¡± Scotty said quietly taking in a deep breath and trying to be relaxed. I put myself between Helen, Scotty and Mom.


    These are friends. They are important to us. We are all stronger together. I did not speak these words as Mom shifted her gaze from me to Scotty, who was closer.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure meeting you.¡± Scotty said in a soft tone to Mom who sniffed him all over and knocked his hat off his head to smell his hair as I knelt petting Sam, Ginger and Pete.


    Mom focused in on the front pocket of his shirt and tore it off as a small cigar fell to the ground. Mom found the cigar on the ground. Scotty sat holding back his laughter with this shirt pocket torn off as Mom looked relaxed chewing on the cigar and she made her way toward Helen.


    ¡°Sorry sweetie, I don¡¯t¡¯ have any cigars.¡± Helen said softly as Mom sniffed her shoes and made her way to her head as Mom started licking her hair leaving fragments of Scotty¡¯s cigar combined with saliva that matted her hair. Helen sat giggling as Mom appeared to really enjoy the taste of her hair as Jillian, Scotty and I laughed at her predicament.


    Jillian put down her camera and approached with the bucket of water and a box of dog cookies. Mom and Sam quickly made their way toward Jillian. ¡°Sit.¡± Jillian said to the attentive group as she held a dog cookie. Ginger and Pete were already sitting with anticipation as Jillian gave them each a cookie. Sam was also sitting and received a cookie. Mom let out a loud roar and Jillian repeated the ¡®sit¡¯ command as Mom just helped herself to the water bucket. Mom drank half the water and was sniffing for a dog cookie.


    ¡°Sit.¡± Jillian said but Mom ignored her and dumped the box over and helped herself. Mom ate most of the dog cookies as Sam and the dogs waited patiently. Mom made her way to the pool and started swimming. Sam, Ginger and Pete made short work of the remaining cookies and joined Mom in the pool.


    ¡°Tobacco and Bear spit is not one of my better looks.¡± Helen said as she took off her clothes and slowly entered the pool in her bra and panties.


    ¡°It¡¯s a party!¡± Jillian said as she stripped down to her bra and panties and headed into the pool.


    ¡°Sorry about your shirt.¡± I said to Scotty as I was undressing. ¡°I¡¯m not worried about the shirt, but you owe me a cigar.¡± Scotty said.


    The next morning, we all went back to the bunker across the street from the Sofa-King and selected three vehicles: the station wagon, a four-wheel drive pick-up truck and an unknown very generic looking black sedan with no manufacturer identification other than the number 4001 stamped in the door jamb. They all started right up. The engines sounded like the hum of a washing machine when idling. When you accelerated it seemed to make no noise at all. Just a small light on the dash that read: ¡®On¡¯.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the station wagon.¡± Scotty said. I took the ¡®4001¡¯ and Helen took the pick-up and Jillian navigated with the dogs in the Suburban.


    ¡°I¡¯m only half full. We all need to know how to refuel these.¡± I said.  We located the light blue storage tank that was only a few blocks away. A special adapter was needed that was easily found just inside a small building next to the storage tank. The fittings only worked one way and it sounded like it was under a little pressure when I engaged it into the port on the 4001. It sounded like opening a can of soda. No smell, no leaking. I heard a click and the adapter dis-engaged slightly.


    ¡°Idiot proof!¡± Scotty said inspecting the adapter and reading the fuel gauge as ¡®full¡¯ and tossing it in the back seat.


    We stopped at a truck repair shop as Scotty selected some specialty tools and merchandise that filled up the pick-up and the station wagon.  Helen and Jillian shopped while Scotty and I hooked up a large utility trailer to the pick-up and loaded it up with building materials and three large generators we took from a construction site.


    ¡°You want me to drive the Pick-up?¡± Scotty asked Helen as they loaded up my car with an assortment of paper goods, clothing, and random gifts and wrapping paper.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s like pulling a horse trailer, no problem.¡± Helen said cheerfully closing the door.


    We arrived at Helen and Scotty¡¯s house and were immediately greeted by Becky and Jeff. We made our way to Rosie¡¯s den who came out to greet us all.  After a full one-minute canine ass sniffing wagon train, Rosie, Becky and Jeff focused on Helen and Scotty. They both sat on the ground and let them smell. No doubt picking up on Mom and Sam as Jillian and I took off Ginger and Pete¡¯s backpacks. After recording all the smells, Rosie brought out her pups. They were getting bigger every day.


    ¡°Where is the other pup?¡± Helen asked. Rosie sat with her four pups happy and content that we were all together.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the other female?!¡± Helen said as her eyes teared up.


    ¡°Oh no.¡± Helen said as she started to cry and immediately embracing Scotty. All the dogs approached Helen and Scotty and were aware of their emotional state as Scotty looked over Helen¡¯s shoulder and said: ¡°You were right.¡± As a tear rolled out of one of his eyes as they closed.


    We shared the turkey feast leftovers with all the dogs as they busied themselves by licking out the plastic containers. We unloaded the gear and spent the afternoon recording the engine extraction (I guess it could be called) from the station wagon. Scotty¡¯s mechanical expertise and a series of ¡°I¡¯ll be damned¡± and ¡°Wow¡± and a legal pad of notes and drawings was impressive. His explanations and level of details seemed to be more for him to assess than for me to understand. I absorbed what I could and assisted when requested and not asking any questions that would break his concentration. Helen, Jillian and the pack showed up at the garage with some cold citrus juice.


    ¡°Thank you! Why does it taste like the boner juice, only better?¡± I asked looking at Helen and Jillian with suspicion as Scotty was half way through his glass and just shrugged his shoulders and drank the rest down.


    ¡°We need to get going, temperature is dropping a little and the pressure is changing. We need to be home if it rains.¡± Jillian said. I looked up into the sky and the clouds seem to be active.


    ¡°You be careful!¡± I said to Scotty. The system is pressurized. If you loosen the wrong bolt¡­¡± I started to say as Scotty had a thought. ¡°Pressure. Negative pressure. Positive pressure¡­!¡± Scotty said quietly turning to his notes and concentrating.


    ¡°Bye Scotty! Good luck!¡± Jillian said as Helen rolled her eyes and gave us both a hug.


    ¡°So long. Sorry ¡®bout that.¡± Scotty said apologizing for being rude. Helen gave us a bunch of fresh produce in boxes and a garbage bag full of not so fresh produce for Mom and Sam.


    ¡°I put some of my hair in it so they know it¡¯s from me!¡± Helen said.


    ¡°That is so thoughtful!¡± Jillian said followed by and creepy.¡± Scotty added.


    ¡°After a big climb or any time after you accelerate let me know if you hear a ¡®pop¡¯.¡± Scotty asked me from outside the 4001.


    ¡°Ok.¡± I said as I turned on the radio on the passenger seat as Jillian and the dogs in the Suburban started down the gravel driveway as we headed back to Malibu. Sure enough, the smallest perceptible ¡®pop¡¯ could be heard as I drove with the windows up.


    ¡°Pack o¡¯ wolves, come in.¡± I said into the radio.


    ¡°Report?¡± Scotty said with anticipation.


    ¡°Plastic or fiber. Definitely not metallic. During climbs and descents. Sounds like around three thousand RPM.¡± I said.


    ¡°Ok. Thanks. Wolf pack out.¡± Scotty said.


    I heard a couple of clicks from the radio which was not usual. The Catalina folks probably heard the transmission I thought. As we approached the intersection, I honked my horn and Jillian stopped.


    ¡°While were here let¡¯s investigate the gas station explosion and what¡¯s left of the yellow Lotus.¡± I said to Jillian as she rolled down her window.


    ¡°Reese was a little light on the details; besides, I want to get some crazy expensive gag gifts for our party and the weather doesn¡¯t look that bad now.¡± Jillian said. We made our way back to the once exclusive neighborhood and the gas station. Only a few animal tracks were present on the mud-covered streets.


    ¡°It looks like the gas tank exploded on the Lotus.¡± I said to Jillian surveying the area and the remaining evidence near the covered storage unit. Neither of us said it out loud, but we were looking for any remaining evidence of Mister Charity. We both came to the conclusion that we might be lucky to find a shoe judging by the level of destruction.


    ¡°Look at this.¡± Jillian said holding up a bullet riddled yellow door panel.


    ¡°Automatic gun fire.¡± I said counting the perforations.


    ¡°Look how close the holes are.¡± I said.


    ¡°Spray and pray?¡± Jillian said as she continued taking pictures of the scene. We walked around the perimeter of the explosion looking for brass cartridges, or any other evidence. Time and the elements seem to have taken their toll.


    ¡°I want to find jewelry boxes from these stores.¡± Jillian said pointing to all the stores within the vicinity of the explosion.


    ¡°What are you up to?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°Helen and I are planning a gift exchange game for the Luau¡­¡± Jillian said as I interrupted; ¡°Reese already admitted he was here.¡± I said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just call it, female intuition.¡± Jillian said. We found a couple of jewelry boxes and some nice pieces and we headed back to Malibu as the sky was starting to cloud up again with a good promise of rain.

 Emergencies

    ¡°K9¡¯s come in. K9¡¯s.¡± The radio squawked downstairs early one morning.


    ¡°K9¡¯s come in. K9¡¯s.¡± Paul¡¯s voice repeated.


    ¡°K9¡¯s here, go ahead Lightening.¡± I responded still half asleep.


    ¡°We have a medical issue here.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°Doctor J here, go ahead.¡± Jillian said just over my shoulder.


    ¡°Tooth infection, bad.  Lots of swelling and a fever.¡± Paul said sounding concerned.


    ¡°Bring him here immediately, leave now.¡± Jillian said partially excited.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°Any medical history information will be useful, allergies and such.¡± Jillian said and what sounded like arguing could be heard in the background.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± I asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ll explain later. Leaving now. Lightening out.¡± Paul said with conviction.


    ¡°I hope I get to do a surgery!¡± Jillian whispered to me with enthusiasm. ¡°I¡¯ll start preparations. You get to be the ambulance driver.¡± Jillian said heading back upstairs.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start breakfast, and good morning to you too by the way.¡± I said sarcastically. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Good morning!¡± Jillian said returning and giving me a kiss. ¡°I¡¯m just so excited.¡± Jillian squeaked.


    ¡°Anything we can do to help?¡± Came Helen¡¯s voice over the radio.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± I said into the radio.


    ¡°Ice!¡± Jillian yelled from the stairs.


    ¡°Did you get that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Got it, anything else?¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°Cheese.¡± I said.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any cheese, except¡­ why?¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°To go with his whine, I bet he¡¯s a big baby and faints at the sign of a needle or blood.¡± I said as I heard Paul¡¯s voice chuckling in the background.


    ¡°Is he mobile? Jillian asked buttoning her shirt.


    ¡°Weak, he may need assistance. We¡¯ll be about an hour and a half behind, if that¡¯s okay. Can you recommend a nice hotel we can stay overnight? Paul asked.


    ¡°Yes, but it is very expensive. Swimming pool, continental breakfast and the hostess is super-hot!¡± I said.


    ¡°Is it clothing optional?¡± Rebecca asked.


    ¡°It is right now as a matter of fact. No problem. We have plenty of room, provisions may be a little light.¡± I said.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take care of that. Lightening, out.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°We¡¯ll pick up the second batch, okay?¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°Thank you, over and out.¡± I said as I started to clean and organize to prepare for our guests.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take Pete in your BMW. See you in a couple of hours.¡± I said as I kissed Jillian goodbye while she was reading a text book and taking notes. ¡°Be safe.¡± Jillian said as I said bye to Ginger, telling her to take care of Jillian.


    I arrived at the marina and Helen and Scotty showed up shortly thereafter as I performed some routine maintenance on the boat. ¡°We didn¡¯t want to say anything, but just to be on the safe side of caution, we didn¡¯t want you to be alone.¡± Scotty said from inside his vehicle.


    ¡°Thank you, this is going to raise a few eyebrows.¡± I said referring to the military truck as Pete waited anxiously for Helen and Scotty to exit.


    ¡°There she is. About thirty or forty minutes out.¡± Scotty said looking through his binoculars.


    ¡°Tell Greg about your project!¡± Helen said as she gave Pete some dog cookies and going through the series of training exercises.


    ¡°I was able to fire up the engine and I¡¯m putting the final touches on the transmission to a big generator.¡± Scotty said excited.


    ¡°Since the transmission is posi-track, maybe hook up two.¡± I said as I cast out a line hoping for some lunch.


    ¡°Son of a bitch.¡± Scotty said quietly as he stood motionless, thinking. Helen and I fished from the pier as Scotty sat at a picnic table and talked to himself as he sketched in a note book. Pete paced up and down the pier waiting for us to reel in something. ¡°Becca¡± was approaching so we made ready to receive her and the patient.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± I said politely as she appeared red-faced and really pissed off.


    ¡°NO! QUITE THE OPPOSITE! He fucking puked all over my boat and I¡¯m ready to put a bullet in him!¡± Rebecca said as we boarded ¡®Becca¡¯ and assisted Reese to his feet stinking of vomit and looking pale, weak and swollen. Pete was excited and ran around as Scotty and I assisted Reese into the BMW.


    ¡°You drive a BMW?¡± Rebecca asked as she handed me two large duffle bags.


    ¡°We DO live in Malibu.¡± I said in an elitist tone and raising one eyebrow. This brought a partial smile from Rebecca.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to need Scotty to help with Reese.¡± I said.


    ¡°I can walk.¡± Came a muffled and painful response from Reese inside the BMW.


    ¡°Scotty and I will clean your boat, go with Greg and Reese.¡± Helen said to Rebecca after a hug and handing me the small cooler with ice. ¡°It¡¯s not necessary, but thank you.¡± Rebecca replied.


    ¡°Patient secure.¡± Scotty said into the radio. ¡°Affirmative.¡± Came two responses. Reese barely fit in the front seat, as Pete insisted that Rebecca pet him in the back seats.


    ¡°Why does this car not make any noise?¡± Rebecca asked.


    ¡°It does not run on gas.¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s battery? With air conditioning?¡± Rebecca asked.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s a long interesting story. We just happen to come across these vehicles¡­ I¡¯ll explain all the details later.¡± I said. The enclosed car with the air conditioning on and the pungent smell of vomit was quickly making Rebecca and I very ill. It did not seem to bother Pete as I glanced at him in the rear-view mirror as Rebecca scratched his big head.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± I said as I opened the windows for some fresh air. Reese just moaned and closed his eyes.


    ¡°Wow! Nice place!¡± Rebecca said as our house and gardens came into view.


    ¡°It¡¯s like an oasis.¡± She exclaimed seeing Jillian and Ginger waiting in the driveway with a gurney.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Jillian said as she quickly revised her greeting opening the passenger door.


    ¡°WOW! NOT GOOD! We need to get these clothes off.¡± Jillian said trying to assist Reese out of the car.


    Rebecca and Jillian helped Reese strip down to his boxers, revealing an array of tattoos, most notable a huge laughing skull on his stomach. ¡°Burn those.¡± Jillian said to me referring to Reese¡¯s pile of stinking clothes.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to need an assistant. Does the sight of blood bother you?¡± Jillian asked Rebecca. Rebecca just looked at Jillian with the ¡®are you kidding me¡¯ look.


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking.¡± Jillian said as Reese moaned loudly again as he laid on the gurney making our way through the house.


    ¡°Let me know if you need anything.¡± I said as I started closing the door to the room that was converted to a doctor¡¯s office.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble, I have not had lunch¡­¡± Rebecca said as I interrupted. ¡°No problem.¡± I said closing the door.


    After putting together, a huge tray of fruits, vegetables and flatbread and a new ¡®dip¡¯ Jillian was working on that I thought was just fabulous, the radio crackled to life.


    ¡°Second batch secured, how¡¯s the patient?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°In capable hands. See you soon. Out.¡± I said.


    Pete heard the road alarms sound off and headed to the front of the house followed by Ginger. All three of us waited in the driveway as Scotty¡¯s truck stopped.


    ¡°Welcome to Malibu.¡± I said shaking Paul¡¯s hand then gently embracing Susan and Elaine and finally shaking Sammy¡¯s small hand.


    ¡°This is absolutely beautiful.¡± Susan said looking toward the gardens with Helen.


    ¡°I¡¯m interested in your method for water collection, there, there, there, there¡­¡± Paul said pointing in different directions. ¡°But first, how¡¯s Reese?¡± Paul asked concerned.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in and get an update.¡± I said as Sammy, Ginger and Pete were rolling around on the grass. Paul and I carried a huge white cooler that was very heavy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t peak inside it¡¯s a surprise.¡± Paul said. The smell of fish was obvious.


    All of them looked around at the inside of our house as Sammy asked if he could go swimming. ¡°In a minute Sammy.¡± Paul responded as I knocked on the door.


    ¡°Everyone is here, how is it going?¡± I said as Rebecca opened the door in full medical scrubs.


    ¡°He is doing fine, broken tooth, massive infection, she is having a great time, really kind of creepy.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°What is that smell? WOW!¡± Susan said backing away from the door and covering Elaine¡¯s face.


    ¡°That¡¯s the infection.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°He also had three cavities. I¡¯m stitching him up now, about twenty minutes. What¡¯s for dinner?¡± Jillian asked holding up a stained gauze pad yellow and red with forceps.


    ¡°Twenty minutes then.¡± I said closing the door.


    ¡°DAAAAD!¡± Sammy complained out loud to Paul. ¡°You can go swimming only if an adult is present. Okay?¡± Paul said to Sammy.


    ¡°Great. That¡¯s just great! Where are we going to find an adult?¡± I said as I stripped down and ran to the pool and jumped in. I was immediately followed by Ginger and Pete. Paul laughed as he helped Sammy off with his shirt as he showed Sammy the deep end and the shallow end of the pool. Ginger and Pete barked continually until Sammy walked down the ramp with Paul, who sported a very contrasted farmer¡¯s tan.


    ¡°I wanna jump in the deep end.¡± Sammy said.


    ¡°You have to learn how to swim first.¡± Paul said as he gave basic swimming instructions to Sammy as Ginger and Pete swam around them.


    Susan and Helen sat at the edge of the pool with just their legs in the water as Susan nursed Elaine under a small blanket.


    ¡°INCOMING!¡± Yelled Scotty in his tighty-whities prior to each cannon ball off the diving board.


    Jillian and Rebecca emerged onto the patio wheeling Reese into the shade on the Gurney.


    ¡°Some fresh air will be good for him.¡± Jillian said as she stretched her back and rubbed her shoulder.


    ¡°Is it too early for a drink?¡± Rebecca said out loud.


    ¡°Never. And make mine a double.¡± Jillian said stripping down to her bra and panties and jumping into the pool. Rebecca pulled a bottle of rum from a box on the patio table Susan and Paul brought, took two gulps and took off all her clothes.


    ¡°What the hell you all looking at! This is California!¡± Rebecca said walking down the ramp and handing Jillian the bottle. Sammy yelled ¡°All RIGHT!¡± and removed his spiderman underwear and tossed them outside the pool.


    ¡°Who¡¯s hungry? Besides Elaine.¡± Susan said handing Elaine to Helen who gladly accepted and held her lovingly in her arms with a big smile. Jillian and I got out of the pool to make ready for dinner.


    ¡°I hope four is enough.¡± Susan said opening the cooler as I looked in amazement.


    ¡°Lobsters?! Yellowtail, is that¡­ tuna?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I caught the tuna. Dad helped me bring it in.¡± Sammy said proudly.


    ¡°You have to teach us how to catch tuna. We have had no luck.¡± Scotty said admiring the fish and fist bumping Sammy.


    Jillian recorded as Paul cut up the tuna and Scotty and I prepared the yellowtail. Susan and Helen prepared the lobsters for the grill as Elaine took a nap in her portable crib. Rebecca made sure I had taken notice of her and I commented on her artistic Golden gate bridge tramp stamp on her lower back. Rebecca had an absolutely beautiful figure, flawless skin, shapely legs and firm breasts. Jillian just laughed as she knew I was checking her out. Scotty pretended not to look, but he definitely appreciated her beauty as well.


    Reese started to stir as the seafood buffet aroma from the grill permeated the air.


    ¡°Reese is going to be hungry; he hasn¡¯t been eating much lately.¡± Susan said as she and Jillian set the table on the patio.  Helen brought out a bottle of her cloudy citrus juice and placed it on the table.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°What is that?¡± Rebecca asked looking at the bottle as Scotty and I chuckled.


    ¡°It¡¯s very nutritious!¡± Helen said a little offended.


    ¡°Reese is not going to be chewing much.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°But he¡¯ll sure put a smile on Rebecca¡¯s face!¡± Scotty said giggling.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Susan asked.


    ¡°It is very nutritious, but it has a¡­side effect.¡± I said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say, if he plays ¡®rock-paper-scissors¡¯ he¡¯ll be choosing ¡®rock¡¯ for about four hours.¡± Scotty said with a big smile. ¡°Five hours.¡± I said holding up my hand as Jillian high-fived me and said ¡°hell yea!¡± This brought a very sly and crooked smile from Rebecca.


    Reese tried to sit up groaning in pain as Rebecca adjusted the gurney in a more upright position and handed him a cup of Helen¡¯s citrus juice and Sammy gave him a hand drawn ¡®get well soon¡¯ card.


    ¡°His fever is down.¡± Rebecca said touching his forehead.


    ¡°Hungry.¡± Reese said quietly and carefully looking toward the grill in its full glory.


    ¡°Good timing, were ready to eat.¡± Paul said cutting into one of the huge tuna steaks.


    The lobster was just fabulous, the tuna dipped in olive oil was outstanding and the yellowtail was firm yet flaky. Rebecca cut up tiny pieces of each and fed Reese as he gave us a thumbs up.


    ¡°He¡¯ll need to rinse out his mouth with salt water when he¡¯s done.¡± Jillian said as Rebecca made him drink all of Helen¡¯s citrus juice. Reese did not protest.


    Everyone was relaxing floating around in the pool. Sammy was doing well treading water and holding his breath and slowly making his way to the pools edge under close supervision by Paul. Susan held onto Elaine as she giggled and smiled a toothless smile as Susan bounced up and down causing small splashes. Scotty continually put sunscreen on Helen as I floated around in an inflatable chair with my sunglasses, bourbon and a cigar. Jillian was finishing up putting the fish and lobster carcasses in a utility cart bound for the garden.


    Reese was sleeping after Jillian administered some pain killers. Rebecca was inside the house, using the bathroom I think, when Ginger and Pete started barking.


    ¡°OH SHIT!¡± I said as the dogs ran out of the pool to greet Mom and Sam, who appeared on the side of the house with noses sweeping the air.


    ¡°Oh my God! Holy Shit! What do we do?¡±, was heard as I quickly made my way to exit the pool. ¡°I need everyone to relax.¡± I said as calmly as I could. Jillian quickly went into the house to get a bucket of water. Mom playfully roared at Ginger and Pete as they barked, sniffed and greeted Mom and Sam.


    ¡°Hello Mom.¡± I said affectionately looking directly at her and kneeling down to check Sam¡¯s paw as he presented it to me.


    Mom. Sam. These are friends. They mean you no harm. They brought food for all of us. They are part of my family. I said without talking as Mom slowly made her way over to Helen and Scotty.


    ¡°Hello Mom. Sam is getting to be a big boy.¡± Helen said softly as Mom smelled her and started licking her hair like it was a lollypop. Our guests just gasped as Helen sat laughing.  ¡°I love you too Mom.¡± Helen said with her eyes closed.


    ¡°Sorry Mom. I don¡¯t have any cigars today.¡± Scotty said softly as she turned her attention to Scotty and sniffed him all over.  Sam headed into the pool and Mom turned and slowly walked down the ramp. I entered the water as well.


    ¡°No sudden movements.¡± I said calmly to the very nervous group. Mom went under water as Sam went over to Paul and Sammy at the pool edge.


    ¡°Sam. This is Sammy.¡± I said. Sammy slowly held out his hand so Sam could smell him. He was completely unafraid as Ginger and Pete swam alongside of Paul and Sammy as he sniffed and licked Sammy¡¯s arm. Mom emerged next to Sam as he inspected Paul and Sammy.


    ¡°Hello Mom. You have a beautiful cub.¡± Paul said more calmly than expected. As Mom smelled his hair and face then smelling Sammy¡¯s hair and face.


    Mom let out a roar as Sammy did his best to imitate her, laughing. Mom made her way to Susan and Elaine. Susan was very nervous and scared as Mom just sniffed the air and went near Elaine¡¯s head and then immediately backed away.


    Jillian came out with the water bucket and the dog cookies that caused the dogs to frantically exit the pool, drawing the attention of Mom and Sam. Rebecca stayed in the house behind the glass sliding doors and it looked like she had one of my larger rifles.


    ¡°Sit. Sit.¡± Jillian said as the dogs were already sitting and each received a cookie. Sam was playing with Pete¡¯s tail as it whipped back and forth and Mom just roared as Jillian said ¡®Sit.¡± And held a dog cookie.


    Mom looked like she was actually ready to sit when she noticed Reese lying on the gurney. I approached Reese next to Mom. We are helping him. Just like we helped your baby. We need to help each other. Again, I did not speak these words out loud, but I received a responsive look from Mom who smelled Reese up and down and focused on his mouth. I placed my hand on Reese¡¯s bald head. ¡°He is going to be okay.¡± I said looking at Mom and smiling softly.


    Mom returned to the bucket of water and drank most of it. She nosed around the patio table nibbling on a few of the table scraps before going to the utility cart, knocking it over and helping herself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you eat all of that! It¡¯s for our garden!¡± Jillian said as Mom just ignored her and crunched away. Eventually Sam joined in as everyone was more relaxed.


    ¡°Greg can communicate with animals.¡± I heard Helen say to Susan and Paul.


    ¡°Animals respond to body language and emotional energy.¡± I said.


    ¡°Right. You are an animal whisperer.¡± Scotty said confidently.


    ¡°Mom does not see us as a threat to her or Sam. We are nothing more than a curiosity and a water and cookie source.¡± I said as we watched Mom and Sam feeling comfortable laying in the shade with Ginger and Pete as Jillian brought out another bucket of water.


    Sam came over and drank from the bucket, followed by Mom who then both slowly walked out of the back yard quietly as Ginger and Pete watched.


    ¡°THAT WAS SO COOL!¡± Sammy said to Paul and Susan, who both looked relieved and issued a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Wolves and Bears.¡± Paul said shaking his head as Rebecca came out on the patio and was looking at me very strange.


    ¡°You guys are friends with Bears and Wolves. You drive a military¡­ whatever that is.¡± Rebecca said looking towards Helen and Scotty. ¡°A black¡­ whatever that is in the garage and a BMW that makes no noise, that is not gas or electric and has air conditioning. You said you would tell me the ¡®Long and interesting story¡¯, well time is one thing we have plenty of.¡± Rebecca concluded demanding an explanation.


    ¡°Well, first, the wild animals and the vehicles are not connected.¡± I said as I put on some dry clothes.


    ¡°We were looking for a better way of communicating and stumbled across a bunker, I guess it could be called. Masquerading as a furniture warehouse. Anyway, there was this guy inside, his name was Todd. Because we compromised his position, he, for whatever reason was compelled to drive to Oklahoma.¡± I said. At the mention of Oklahoma, I noticed Reese¡¯s head move.


    ¡°He told us about the vehicles and the special fuel they use.¡± I said.


    ¡°This technology has been around since the seventies and only available to the Government, apparently.¡± Scotty added with disdain.


    ¡°The most interesting part is the fuel. You can get three hundred miles per gallon.¡± I said as Paul, Susan and Rebecca just looked at each other. A long moment of silence was broken by Paul.


    ¡°Three thousand miles on ten gallons.¡± Paul said shaking his head in disbelief.


    ¡°What does that mean Dad?¡± Sammy inquired.


    ¡°You know how we always have to be careful driving around, then we have to wait for the Sun to charge the batteries on the golf carts?¡± Sammy nodded his head yes. ¡°With this type of fuel, we could drive around the island for about three years, without waiting.¡± Paul said as Sammy seemed confused.


    ¡°How many vehicles are there?¡± Susan asked as I looked at Scotty and he said: ¡°We can give you two of them.¡±


    ¡°Where do you get the fuel?¡± Rebecca asked.


    ¡°Light blue colored storage tanks, typically located near Government installations or National Guard depots.¡± I said.


    ¡°We have those on Catalina! It takes a special adapter. It has no color; no smell and it leaves a thin slick film on your fingers that takes days to wear off because nothing will clean it off.¡± Paul said. ¡°That¡¯s the stuff!¡± Scotty added.


    ¡°We thought it was water at first, we tried lighting it on fire and nothing happened. We pretty much gave up on it as a resource.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°You probably have a couple of these vehicles already on the Island.¡± Scotty said hoping to persuade him to not take us up on the offer. I knew Scotty wanted his project to remain a secret by utilizing the engine as a generator and he was not keen on making the offer of the two vehicles.


    ¡°You said it was a furniture warehouse. What is the name?¡± Paul asked hesitantly.


    ¡°Sofa-King.¡± I said as Susan turned and looked toward Paul. ¡°I think I remember seeing that name somewhere.¡± Susan said.


    ¡°You may want to be very careful though, you might have a resident living there.¡± I said.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to give it some thought.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°We have someone else living on our island?¡± Sammy asked Paul in a slightly frightened tone. Paul sighed.


    ¡°Sammy, you do not need to worry about that. Okay?¡± Paul said as he touched his head. Sammy gave an unconvincing smile. A long and uncomfortable silence loomed as the Catalina group exchanged glances and Scotty made a proposal. ¡°What do you say we all show up with full K9 force and storm the place?¡±


    ¡°Hostility is contagious, if anyone is there and see us as being aggressive, they might retaliate. What would you do? Consider fight or flight? Since flight is probably not an option¡­ well¡­¡± I said.


    ¡°What if we all investigate the Sofa-King here, learn what we can about the layout and surveillance used, ya know, poke around a bit.¡± Paul proposed.


    ¡°I bet the layout is the same.¡± Scotty said looking excited at the prospect of an adventure. I stood up and said ¡°Let¡¯s rock.¡±


    ¡°Right now?¡± Susan asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ll stay here with Reese. You have about four and a half hours of sunlight.¡± Jillian said looking at her wristwatch.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to go.¡± Rebecca said with every intention of us agreeing.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take Rebecca and Pete and be back before sundown.¡± I said.


    ¡°Dad. Can I go?¡± Sammy asked Paul in a sad pathetic tone.


    ¡°No Son. We need you to stay here and take care of Mom and Elaine. Okay?¡± Paul said to Sammy. Sammy¡¯s disappointment was evident as he hung his head low and sat down next to Susan who held him close. Ginger was just as disappointed as I put Pete¡¯s back pack on and told her to ¡®Stay.¡±


    I opened one of my gun cabinets and grabbed the AA-12 and my Desert Eagle. ¡°Pick your poison.¡±  I said to Rebecca and Paul as they made their selections.


    ¡°Why do you have a grenade launcher.¡± Paul asked.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m lazy and it hurts my shoulder if I throw more than three of them.¡± I said rubbing my shoulder. Paul just laughed. We grabbed extra head lights for everyone, some food and water for two days as we all got in Scotty¡¯s military vehicle and did a quick radio check.


    We pulled up slowly to the entrance to the underground garage and Scotty hit the button and the door slowly went up and stalled half way.


    ¡°Sofa-King is across the street.¡± I said pointing as we all looked in different directions for surveillance equipment.


    ¡°Dome cameras, there, there, and there.¡± Rebecca said pointing and taking pictures of each.


    ¡°These are all your tracks?¡± Paul asked looking on the ground to the slight foot and tire witness marks in the dirt.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I said as Pete¡¯s nose focused on the area Paul pointed to on the ground.


    We entered the underground garage and felt the cool stale air. Three clown cars, two subcompact sized cars, one late model Mercedes, one full sized cargo van and the Escalade.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got dibs on the cargo van and one of the clown cars.¡± Scotty said.


    Rebecca and Paul made their way to the Escalade. ¡°You don¡¯t want this one?¡± Rebecca asked looking at Scotty and I.


    ¡°Maybe we can borrow it once in a while?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Sure, no problem.¡± Rebecca said as she opened the door and adjusted the driver seat.


    ¡°It contains a GPS locator and it looks bullet-proof.¡± I said. ¡°Bullet Resistant!¡¯ Scotty said correcting me. ¡°No such thing as bullet-proof. It all depends on the size of the bullet.¡± He added.


    ¡°I have all the operator manuals at home, two binder¡¯s worth. Lots of neat features!¡± I added as Rebecca observed the unique interior.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the key?¡± Rebecca asked looking for the ignition.


    ¡°Just hit that button.¡± I said pointing as we heard a click and the blank button showed ¡®On¡¯ as Scotty disconnected the cables from the front bumper and gave a thumbs up. Rebecca closed the door with a heavy thud and pulled out of the garage as Paul selected a Blue sub-compact and exited behind her.


    Scotty got in the Cargo van and parked it next to the other dust covered vehicles. We all went back in the garage as we all took note of the layout and we showed Rebecca and Paul the elevator which was not operational. Our voices echoing through the dimly lit chamber.


    We exited and walked across the street to the Sofa-King. The key card swipe LED no longer lit and the door still propped open. We arrived at the second small waiting room and could go no further, door locked and card swipe inactive.


    ¡°This is where ¡®Todd¡¯ lived.¡± I said as Scotty looked at me sideways.


    ¡°He must have shut it down when he left.¡± Scotty said, still looking at me.


    ¡°How did you get inside? No signs of forced entry.¡± Paul asked looking at the condition of the door.


    ¡°¡¯Todd¡¯ opened the door for us.¡± Scotty said, drawing curious looks from Rebecca and Paul that required explanation.


    ¡°Helen¡¯s Ex-husband worked here.¡± Scotty said with no particular emotion. ¡°We mentioned his name and, well, he opened the door.¡± This information should have launched a flurry of questions, but Rebecca and Paul fell silent.


    ¡°Like we said before, we were just looking for a communication devise.¡± Scotty said as a matter of fact.


    ¡°Pete. Come.¡± I said as Pete made his way through the crowded room. I pulled ear plugs out of his back pack and inserted them in my ears.


    ¡°Fire in the hole.¡± I said as Rebecca, Paul, Scotty and Pete went outside.


    ¡°Freeze Motherfucker!¡± I said as I unloaded into the blank hinge area of the door, and a final blast to the door handle finished the job. The bitter taste and acute smell of success proceeded by a forceful kick; the door fell to the ground with a crash. ¡°CLEAR!¡± I said out loud. The soft light from outside was broken by shadows and light beams issued by each of the head lamps amplified by the smoke.


    We entered the ¡®Stinking Nerd Nest¡¯ looking for anything of interest as Rebecca¡¯s camera flashed and illuminated everything momentarily with each picture.


    ¡°Breaker is in the ¡®on¡¯ position.¡± Scotty said against the back wall.


    ¡°Hello!¡¯ Paul said.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± I asked.


    ¡°A couple of CD¡¯s and low-capacity thumb drives.¡¯ Paul said in disbelief.


    ¡°Possibly early 2000 vintage. They were deep inside the desk, when I pulled the drawer out, they were in the back.¡± Paul said as we all pulled out all desk drawers to look into the depths of the desks.


    ¡°Some old computer games. ¡®Prince of¡­Persia, Doom II, Civilization¡¯?¡± Rebecca said unfamiliar with the names.


    ¡°Put them all in Pete¡¯s pack please.¡± I said.


    ¡°JACKPOT!¡± Scotty said enthusiastically from across the room. We all converged on a flat file cabinet filled with old school blue prints and drawings. Scotty leafed through them.


    ¡°Either of you wouldn¡¯t happen to be an electrical engineer, would you?¡± Scotty asked smiling broadly.


    ¡°No, but Reese is a mechanic and there is a book shelf with about five volumes of similar text over there.¡± Paul said pointing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start loading up the truck.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°We should all stay together.¡± Paul recommended.


    ¡°Right, everybody grab something.¡± I said as we headed outside.


    Pete immediately started to growl as our eyes adjusted to see two Mountain Lions or Cougars (I don¡¯t know the difference) fixing on our position snooping around Scotty¡¯s truck across the street.


    ¡°Pete. Easy.¡± I said as we all slowly put down what we were carrying and made our weapons ready. One was large, in full predatory mode, the other was thin, slightly smaller.


    ¡°Pete. Easy.¡± I repeated as his hair was standing on end and looking as terrifying as possible.


    ¡°Safeties off everyone.¡± Scotty said as four clicks simultaneously sounded as one.


    ¡°I only see the two.¡± Rebecca said looking around us and in all directions.


    ¡°Everyone; arm¡¯s length apart and start moving slowly forward.¡± I said quietly.


    The big one was not showing any sign of backing down as we moved forward. The small one ran in the opposite direction.


    ¡°I hope he¡¯s not going to get his buddies.¡± Scotty said quietly as Pete was showing excellent discipline as he stayed just in front of me completely transformed into a beast.


    ¡°Easy. Steady.¡± I said as we closed the gap. We could now hear the snarls and warnings as we looked into the eyes of this magnificent creature who was definitely not backing down. All I could sense was rage, fear and ferocity coming from her. A truly frightening feeling.


    ¡°Still all clear.¡± Rebecca whispered as she continued to scan the perimeter of our position, now in the middle of the street.


    The creature lunged forward as Pete engaged. Pete and the creature collided as Paul fired a single shot as Pete grabbed it by the throat and thrashed violently. Pete continued his assault on the lifeless body as we approached.


    ¡°PETE! PETE!¡± I yelled to break his concentration and focus.


    ¡°YOU GOT HER! GOOD BOY PETE!¡± I said as he withdrew a little covered in blood. The creature raked Pete¡¯s side, shredding his backpack as it hung by only one strap. His ear was bleeding a lot.


    As his adrenaline subsided, reality came back into focus. Pete sniffed his victim as his heavy breathing caused him to lie down. I took off his backpack and inspected him. Three superficial lacerations on his side and a bullet hole through his ear. The creature had a single bullet hole right between the eyes.


    ¡°Accountant my ass!¡± Scotty said looking at the precision, then at Paul. I dropped everything and picked up Pete.


    ¡°CALL JILLIAN! MEDICAL EMERGENCY!¡± I yelled as I clumsily opened the passenger door of the blue car and placed Pete inside. Scotty was running toward his truck as I tore out of the parking lot in a cloud of dust. Pete was panting heavy interleaved with whimpers as I held on to his ear that was pouring blood everywhere.


    ¡°You are the bravest dog ever! She was twice your size!¡± I said looking at him as his breathing slowed.


    ¡°LEFT, HERE!¡± I heard from the back seat, scaring the shit out of me; William.


    ¡°Just Drive!¡± He said calmly as he held Pete¡¯s ear and Pete just looked at him.


    ¡°Two more streets. Right then a quick left.¡± William said as I did not protest his directions. I looked down for a moment and noticed a familiar scar on William¡¯s arm.


    ¡°HARD RIGHT!¡± William said as I just barely missed a huge crevasse in the road. I could not tell if Pete was relaxing or dying as I made the final ascent to our house.


    ¡°Thank you, William.¡± I said looking in the rear-view mirror. He was gone.


    ¡°Helen, Susan (Holding Elaine) and Reese were waiting in the driveway. I held on to Pete as I braked hard and stopped. Helen opened the passenger door and Reese picked up Pete and ran into the house.  I stopped for a moment to catch my breath, taking note of all the blood. Helen¡¯s voice was silent as I looked at her yelling at me. A swirl of white noise and her voice came into focus.


    ¡°¡­GREG! YOU OKAY?!¡± Helen yelled as my right hand was shaking as I touched my forehead, only realizing that it was covered in blood. Ginger was sniffing the seat and looking at me as Susan pulled her out of the way and closed the passenger door.


    ¡°My Friend! I have to be with my brave friend!¡± I said as I exploded out of the car as Ginger tried to get some information from my clothes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to give him too much sedatives. He didn¡¯t like the local near his ear too much.¡± Jillian said snipping off the remaining piece of flesh hanging loose from his ear as Reese was shaving his side.


    ¡°Let me do that!¡± I scolded as I grabbed the razor from Reese in my bloody hand. Reese just gestured for me to give back the razor.


    ¡°We got this sweetie. We will do our best, I promise.¡± Jillian said concentrating and Reese placing a hand on my shoulder and giving me a smile of reassurance.


    I pulled up a chair and placed my head against Pete¡¯s big head as Jillian stitched him up as I closed my eyes and flashed back to the moment, I met Ginger, Pete and their mom, remembering what I said. ¡°I will do my best.¡±

 Recoveries and Hope

    ¡°If he didn¡¯t have his backpack on, he would have been a goner.¡± I heard Scotty say. I opened my eyes and everyone was gathered around Pete and I.  Pete was bandaged up sleeping as his back leg twitched a little.


    ¡°He¡¯s going to be fine. Let¡¯s get you cleaned up.¡± Jillian said helping me up. Ginger insisted on being petted and cried as I loved her up telling her that her brother is going to be fine and he was so brave. Sammy placed a hand drawn ¡®Get well soon¡¯ card next to Pete depicting the encounter in crayon on a two-page fold out.


    ¡°You drew this?¡± I asked Sammy. His tearful eyes gave way to a smile. Children¡¯s art always fascinated me the way they view the world using perspective. This was clearly evident by Pete¡¯s grossly oversized head and the small size of his opponent.


    ¡°I am so sorry for shooting your dog.¡± Paul said with sincerity.


    ¡°That shot probably saved his life. Don¡¯t ever forget that.¡± I said as I hugged Paul and thanked him.


    ¡°We have a surprise to show you.¡± Rebecca said as she opened the refrigerator door.


    ¡°This is what we are having tonight.¡± She said. Two huge trays full of butcher quality meats and one smaller package with Pete¡¯s name on it.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I asked pointing to the smaller package named ¡®Pete¡¯.


    ¡°Liver.¡± Reese said in a quiet tone.


    ¡°True glory can only be achieved by eating the liver of your enemy.¡± Reese said in a quiet serious tone. I looked at Reese in a different light. ¡°I¡¯m glad were friends Reese.¡± I said.


    I took a quick shower and checked on Pete. He was sleeping in his bed outside in the grass as Ginger lay next to him in the warm night air and Sammy petting and talking to both of them gently. As soon as the meat hit the sizzling grill, Pete woke up.


    ¡°Nothing wrong with his hearing.¡± Jillian said.


    Pete stretched and inspected his bandaged side and tried to get up. Sammy placed the water bowl next to him and he drank until it was gone. Reese approached with the liver on a familiar silver platter. Pete, still a little groggy looked at the liver then at Reese. His one eye was slightly offset as he sniffed the brilliantly colored liver and Reese tore a section away with his bare hands.


    Pete sniffed, then ate the section and Ginger had to investigate. With the ceremony complete, Pete got up lifted his leg, whizzed on the bushes followed by a shaking squatting poop with everyone watching him.


    ¡°All systems are a go!¡± Scotty said as someone turned on the Beach Boys and we lit Tiki torches for light.


    We all had a wonderful feast, going over and over our adventure as Reese continually adjusted his position in his chair. I gestured to Scotty with a head nod in Reese¡¯s direction smiling.


    ¡°You okay Reese? You seem a little, uncomfortable.¡± Scotty said aloud.


    Everyone stopped their conversation and turned in Reese¡¯s direction and grinned. Scotty unleashed a battery of boner jokes and metaphors that took a minute for Reese to connect. The ¡®Walking Hat Rack¡± comment sent everyone laughing out loud as Reese turned red in the face.


    Rebecca seemed to share in his embarrassment as he eventually started laughing painfully holding his jaw after Helen described the citrus juice and its side effects. Susan playfully covered Elaine¡¯s ears and turned toward Sammy to see if he was paying attention.


    Sammy, Ginger and Pete snacked on Jillian¡¯s chips as he was reading a book to them lying in the grass. He turned and said; ¡°It¡¯s okay Uncle Reese, I sometimes get that in the morning.¡± Everyone¡¯s stunned silence was broken by Scotty. ¡°Welcome to the club Sammy! Here¡¯s to Morning Wood!¡± Scotty said holding up his glass. We all laughed out loud and drank a toast to ¡®Morning Wood¡¯ as Rebecca looked at me with a gaze similar to the Mountain lion earlier.


    ¡°Anybody want some coffee?¡± I asked as I walked to the side of the yard to relieve myself.


    ¡°Not if that¡¯s how you¡¯re going to make it.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°We are running low on water, our system can accommodate up to four people for two days, we just need to conserve¡­¡± I stopped my sentence short staring off into the distance. Paul stood to see what I was looking at.


    ¡°What the hell is that?¡± Paul said quietly standing next to me. Soon enough, everyone was looking in the direction of Catalina Island and the mysterious yellow glow.


    ¡°Can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s on, or near the island.¡± Reese said.


    ¡°We see that from time to time, I have pictures and some video clips with dates and times.¡± Jillian said heading into the house to get her laptop.


    ¡°Dad. What is that?¡± Sammy asked standing on a chair next to Paul.


    ¡°I have no idea, Sammy.¡±  Paul said as he put his arm around Sammy.


    Helen and Scotty started extinguishing the Tiki torches and we all stood in the darkness and watched the yellow glow. It was difficult to determine the size, distance and height of the yellow sphere as it slightly pulsed once and vanished.


    ¡°Here is what I have.¡± Jillian said from the patio table, her face strangely illuminated by the computer screen. We all reviewed the pictures and video clips from Canada and here in California and all commented on the similarities and differences between all of them.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re just checking up on us.¡± Sammy said during a break in the spirited discussions.


    ¡°What makes you say that, Sammy?¡± Susan asked.


    ¡°They don¡¯t seem mean to me, it¡¯s kind of, I don¡¯t know, pretty.¡± Sammy said embarrassed at using the term ¡®pretty¡¯.


    ¡°Sentient?¡± Scotty asked looking around at everyone and stopping at me and raising his eyebrow a little.


    ¡°Does it seem coincidental that it blinked out after we¡­¡± Rebecca said as Paul interrupted. ¡°Capped the last Tiki torch?¡± Reese was the closest and lit four of them, Rebecca grabbed her camera and recorded the activity. After ten minutes of quiet and staring off in the distance in all directions, the yellow glow did not re-appear.


    ¡°Well, if they want to talk, they know where to find us.¡± Scotty said handing a glass of wine to Helen and whispering in her ear making her giggle a little.


    ¡°You know. You¡¯re right!¡± Paul said relieving Susan of Elaine and kissing her tiny head and hugging her gently.


    ¡°Sammy. Time for bed. Say goodnight to everyone. Wash up and brush your teeth.¡± Susan said in a parental tone.


    ¡°Awww! MOM! I wanna see the light again! I wanna sleep outside tonight with Ginger and Pete. They¡¯ll protect me. PLEASE!¡± Sammy¡¯s desperate plea was met with a firm ¡°Absolutely not!¡± from Paul.


    ¡°Okay. Goodnight everyone.¡± Sammy said as he headed into the house with Susan.


    ¡°Goodnight Sammy.¡± Everyone said.


    ¡°If the light comes back, would it be okay if we wake you up?¡± Paul asked.


    ¡°You promise?¡± Sammy asked as he turned in the doorway looking at Paul.


    ¡°I promise.¡± Paul said holding up his right hand.


    Jillian came up to me with that familiar grin, grabbed my ass and rubbed her breasts against me.


    ¡°Are you, coming, to bed, soon?¡± She whispered to me.


    ¡°Give me fifteen minutes, okay?¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be done in five.¡± Jillian said a little louder than necessary as Rebecca pretended not to watch Jillian and I as she and Reese were in some sort of debate going into the house.


    ¡°Go be with your family. Scotty and I will stay up tonight, just for security purposes.¡± I said to Paul stroking Elaine¡¯s head.


    ¡°Quite right. I¡¯ll make some coffee.¡± Scotty said as he went into the kitchen.


    ¡°Thank you. This has been an interesting day.¡± Paul said as he snuggled Elaine and retired into the house.


    ¡°Scotty?¡± Helen said appearing in the doorway.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Scotty said to me. But he did not return as I sat with Ginger on the patio sipping coffee and content.


    After about a half hour, Jillian quietly opened and closed the patio door and approached me in nothing but a bath robe. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed some movement inside the house. In the kitchen by the feeble light over the stove. I could just make out a silhouette. Rebecca.


    Jillian was in the home stretch and I somehow felt compelled to pick her up and bend her over the patio table in full view of Rebecca. Being in the throes of ecstasy, Jillian did not take notice of Rebecca as she groaned and cursed quietly. This was one of four or maybe five times we both had perfect timing. I collapsed on top of her breathing heavy as she quietly cooed like a dove.


    I withdrew from her and we both embraced in the deck chair using the bath robe as a blanket. I was exhausted, and Jillian was ready to dig another swimming pool. The last thing I remember is listening to her graphic details as only another woman would actually understand.


    I woke up to Ginger licking my hand and Pete was snoozing at the end of the cozy deck chair as William pulled up another chair and sat down next to me. Pete woke up, stretched and carefully walked over to William to share his affection with Ginger.


    Ginger and Pete miss Rosie, Becky, Jeff and the pups. Maybe a visit soon, yes? William said to me.


    I like your new friends; they seem honest and sincere. William said inspecting Pete¡¯s ear and scratching Gingers rump. The only one that concerns me is Reese. Why is that? I asked.


    I am not sure. Intuition perhaps. He is difficult to read sometimes. William said giving a dog cookie to Ginger and Pete from his pocket. William shifted his gaze toward me and was waiting for me to ask a question.


    What can you tell me about the yellow light? I asked.


    I can tell you everything you could ever want to know about it. William said in a satisfied tone.


    What does it want? I asked.


    Nothing. William responded.


    Is it dangerous? Does it pose a danger to us or the Catalina folks? William was already shaking his head ¡®no¡¯ before I could finish my thought. Actually, quite the opposite. William said nodding his head, satisfied with his response.


    What is it? I asked.


    It is the manifestation of harmony, positive energy and balance that you, Jillian, all your friends, even the dogs; ALL generate. Life has been purged; the shear existence of any remaining life can now be¡­ re-focused. For lack of a better term. But make no mistake, as with ALL things, there is the ¡®balance¡¯. The energy you, all of you, create has an action and a reaction. William said sincerely with conviction and warning. What do you think everyone did last night? William asked with a shrewd look. I hesitated my response.


    OH PLEASE! You bent Jillian over in front of Rebecca. You knew she was watching! Why did you do that? William asked.


    Because I¡¯m a pervert? I said.


    NO! William said laughing then changing his answer to; Well, yes. Not the point.


    You were subconsciously establishing property rights. You sent a clear message to Rebecca. This is MY woman. The one I love. You forget I know everything about you. Jillian want¡¯s children so bad. But she is afraid to bring up the subject because of the risk you might say no. We can discuss that later. Love Greg. Love. William said touching my left arm and standing up. John Lennon said it best: ¡°All you need is love. Love is all you need.¡±


    After a long pause, Ginger and Pete came up to me and started licking my hands.


    You cannot get a better endorsement than that. William said.


    How come we don¡¯t see it every time we, ya know¡­I asked.


    Not every time it¡¯s for love, and it just is not when, ¡®ya know¡¯.¡± William said in a sarcastic and condescending tone that sounded like something I would say.


    It appears sometimes as a sparkle or glare for a split second or a reflection, it depends on the energy flow of the Earth itself, and you, believe it or not. Some places are just more prone than others.


    Now, keep in mind the balance. The opposite effect also has a manifestation, but it often conceals itself, it hides or takes on different shapes, sometimes as a shadow or just a glimpse from the corner of your eye. It preys on the weak and is repelled by the strong. D¨¦j¨¤ vu is a marker. A failed attempt to persuade you. Do you know how many D¨¦j¨¤ vu events you have had?  William asked me.


    I thought about it for a while. Ten maybe fifteen? I responded.


    Twenty-two. William said proudly. Another long pause in our conversation.


    Are you familiar with ¡®Jamais vu¡¯? William asked me. I hesitated.


    It occurs when something happens that appears as though it should be familiar, but is not.


    The ¡®yellow glow¡¯ is in fact: peace, love and harmony. Consider it Earth¡¯s energy¡­ smiling. It is just that simple. Please reconsider your thoughts on children. You do have other families with children. William said in a tone that made my eyes well up in tears.


    Yes. You will love them just as much. William said answering the question I proposed to myself.


    What is most important? William said with increasing punctuation. Denying Jillian of her finest hour as a Woman, or you, and your misplaced selfish stubbornness and unwarranted fear?


    William stopped for a moment. Staring, like someone hit a pause button. His eyes slowly closed and he took a very deep breath but did not exhale. His eyes slowly opened as tears streamed down. He started to speak words but nothing could be heard as he dissolved.


    ¡°What was that all about?¡± I asked Ginger and Pete.

 Canine Circle of Death

    One by one, our guests filtered through the kitchen and emerged onto the patio with their choice of morning beverages and some fresh fruit. I was in the pool with the dogs cleaning all the hair out of the filter as Sammy showed up in his underwear and testing the water temperature.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold!¡± Sammy said as the dogs rallied around him looking for morning pets and affection.


    ¡°Can I help?¡± Sammy asked me with an eager smile.


    ¡°WOW! That is cold. I¡¯m not getting in.¡± Paul said testing the water and walking over and grabbing the pool skimmer and showing Sammy how to use it from the pool edge, then sat at the patio table sipping his coffee.


    Sammy walked around the pool and expertly cleaned the surface debris as I pulled chunks of hair from the partially disassembled filter. I turned my head for a split second and ¡®SPLASH¡¯.


    ¡°SAMMY!¡± I heard out loud from at least three different voices as Paul launched off his chair.


    Ginger and Pete swam over to him as he came up laughing; ¡°CRAP IS THAT COLD!¡± He yelled out loud as Paul stopped short of the pool edge and Sammy turned toward him treading the water.


    ¡°It takes your breath away!¡± Sammy said in astonishment.


    ¡°Sammy. Can you make it to the edge?¡± Paul asked in a calm tone. By this time everyone was at the pool edge concerned for Sammy¡¯s safety, and the dogs and I were just within arm¡¯s length from him.


    ¡°You know this is the deep end, right?¡± I said to Sammy treading water right next to him.


    ¡°Yea. I know. You¡¯re not a-posta jump in the shallow end. Sammy said calmly still treading the water.


    ¡°Sammy. Can you make it to the edge?¡± Paul asked Sammy, again. Sammy immediately started swimming, not the most efficient technique, and not to the closest edge but started swimming to the deep side near the diving board about twelve feet away, touched the side and returned from where he started.


    ¡°The water is getting warmer.¡± Sammy said smiling as he continued treading the water.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I just peed.¡± I said joking to Sammy as he just looked at me with a ¡®gross¡¯ face.


    ¡°I¡¯m just kidding Sammy.¡± I said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pee in my pool! That goes for everybody!¡± I said shaking my finger toward everyone watching. Scotty pretended to write with an imaginary pen on paper: ¡°Don¡¯t, pee, in, the, pool. Got it.¡± Scotty shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Makes sense!¡± Scotty added.


    We all had breakfast together, finishing off the leftovers, cleaning up and we helped everyone pack up for their return voyage.


    ¡°What are your plans for the ¡®Sofa-King¡¯? Scotty asked Paul, closing the rear door on his truck.


    ¡°Not sure yet.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to put one of those engines in a boat, cut travel time to about an hour.¡± Reese said to Scotty.


    ¡°I was thinking the same thing!¡± Scotty said cheerfully.


    ¡°Put together a couple layouts and take some pictures, I¡¯ll do the same and we can compare ideas.¡± Scotty said excitedly.


    ¡°Sounds good to me!¡± Reese said in an odd manner that caused Rebecca to comment; ¡°Sailing is beautiful and graceful. It challenges you to be aware of the constant changes Mother Nature throws at you. You are part of the ocean, not just bouncing on the surface.¡±


    Jillian interrupted what sounded like another debate brewing.


    ¡°Take these once a day, till there gone. Rinse your mouth after you eat anything, and no straws.¡± Jillian said handing Reese a pill bottle. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± Reese said hugging Jillian.


    Jillian and I secured our house for a possible overnight stay at Helen and Scotty¡¯s, partially because we were out of everything and needed to go shopping and we wanted to check up on Rosie, Becky, Jeff and the pups. We all said our goodbyes and promised Sammy a baseball game on our next visit. Rebecca gave both Jillian and I a hug and placed an arm around each of us and pulled us in close.


    ¡°This will be more fun naked.¡± She whispered to us and placed a small SD card in my shirt pocket. ¡°Men are visual creatures.¡± Rebecca said with a wink to Jillian.


    ¡°I want a group picture!¡± Susan said as we all assembled and Rebecca took two pictures as she placed her camera on the top of Scotty¡¯s truck and hit the button and quickly took her position and Jillian and Helen did the same. We did a quick radio check and watched them taxi out of the Marina.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to make three photo albums, so I¡¯ll need all your pictures.¡± Helen said to Jillian as Scotty and I checked our boats and the batteries making sure the solar chargers were working properly and then drove to Helen and Scotty¡¯s.


    ¡°Rebecca is really desperate for sex.¡± I said to Jillian as we drove.


    ¡°Ya Think!?¡± She responded.


    ¡°What do you suppose is on the SD card?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Knowing her, could be anything or everything!¡± Jillian said laughing.


    ¡°Rebecca and Reese sure have a strange¡­ what¡¯s the word?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Dynamic.¡± Jillian answered looking at me.


    ¡°What?¡± What do you know! Come on, spill it!¡± I said. Jillian turned her head away from me and snickered.


    ¡°With all your observational skills, body language and emotional energy assessments; you are not very perceptive.¡± Jillian said in a tone that brought some sort of satisfaction to her face as she turned toward me and raised her eyebrows. I read Jillian¡¯s mind. Reese is Homosexual.


    ¡°Reese is gay?! I mean, homosexual?¡± I said correcting myself; but it was too late.


    ¡°YOU CAN READ MY MIND! Son of a bitch! I knew it all along!¡± Jillian said proudly.


    ¡°Not all of the time.¡± I said quietly, embarrassed.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°The salt and pepper mill. That was the clincher!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°We were shopping, and you put a new salt and pepper mill in Gingers pack. I asked you, ¡®why do we need a new salt and pepper mill¡¯ and you said, ¡®because ours is broke.¡¯¡± Jillian said very excited and animated imitating my voice.


    ¡°So?¡± I said not understanding the point.


    ¡°I accidentally broke the salt and pepper mill five minutes before we left for the store and thought about it the whole drive. You did not know it was broken.¡± Jillian concluded her presentation waiting for an answer. I said nothing.


    ¡°OH, I love you too!¡± Jillian said kissing my cheek and exposing a breast to me.


    ¡°I have always been able to read your mind.¡± Jillian said securing her breast back in her shirt.


    ¡°Damn.¡± I said. Defeated.


    Scotty¡¯s truck went off the road a little as he quickly brought it back under control. I slowed down to see what may have caused this because this road appeared quite clear.


    ¡°What was that all about?¡± I said. ¡°Call them and ask¡­¡± I started to say as Jillian interrupted me.


    ¡°Helen just told Scotty that Reese is homosexual.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re just scaring me.¡± I said to Jillian shaking my head.


    ¡°Reese is homosexual. I did not even consider the possibility, but now that I know, some things seem a little clearer. Now that I think about it, it was cruel giving him a four-hour erection and¡­ well.¡± I said feeling guilty.


    ¡°Rebecca and Reese have sex, but she said that it¡¯s very uncomfortable, unnatural and unsatisfactory, for both of them. She says the only time it¡¯s tolerable is when she is drunk.¡± Jillian said, feeling sad.


    ¡°That sounds like it would be, frustrating.¡± I said. Jillian and I did not speak the rest of the way to Helen and Scotty¡¯s house. I think both of us felt sorry and guilty.


    Ginger and Pete started getting excited as we approached the house. I put the car in park and got out to open the back door, but they both exited through the driver¡¯s side tearing three holes in the leather seat.


    They both took off barking towards Rosie¡¯s den in a cloud of dust. All of us walked toward Rosie¡¯s Den and saw Ginger and Pete barking playfully and wining. The pups were getting big, miniature unstable little fur balls that were wet from Ginger and Pete kissing them. Rosie saw us approaching and was very excited and happy to see all of us.


    Becky and Jeff were probably out hunting as we sat down on the ground and let Rosie smell each of us a couple of times as the pups tried to climb on top of us. We took off Ginger and Pete¡¯s backpacks and shared water with the pack as the pups drank from our cupped hands. Rosie laid down next to Jillian and the pups started nursing as Jillian stroked her head. Ginger and Pete busied themselves sniffing the entire area as we sat and talked. Scotty was confused and a little uncomfortable talking about Reese.


    ¡°I can honestly say, I have never met a gay man before.¡± Scotty stated.


    ¡°None that you were aware of.¡± Helen said as Scotty just shook his head and looked toward me. ¡°And you didn¡¯t know?¡± Scotty asked me.


    ¡°Took me by surprise as well.¡± I said. Scotty was really struggling with trying to process this information.


    ¡°Just because he''s homosexual doesn¡¯t make him any different. I bet relationships are just as confusing and frustrating.¡± I said.


    ¡°Think of it as someone who prefers a Japanese motorcycle over a Harley Davidson. You don¡¯t ask why; you just accept their choice regardless of your personal view.¡± I said. ¡°That¡¯s not a very good example.¡± Jillian said as she tried to inspect Rosie¡¯s teeth as Rosie licked her hands. ¡°Not if you ask someone who rides a Harley.


    Becky and Jeff appeared out of nowhere and startled Ginger and Pete as they greeted each other. Eventually, they came over and greeted us.


    They were full grown and strong. After a few rotations of smelling each of us and expecting to be petted they sat next to Jillian.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t I the popular one!¡± Jillian said as she inspected both of them between kisses.


    Rosie got up, stretched, yawned and headed toward the house. She turned and looked at us, then looked at the pups and continued walking toward the house. We picked up the pups as Becky, Ginger, Jeff and Pete ran in a protective circle around us and the pups.


    After lunch, Scotty and I worked on the generator using the motor from the station wagon and hit the ¡®Start/Stop¡¯ button. A small click and all the indicators jumped to one-hundred percent. Scotty made a couple of adjustments and the indicators were at ninety-eight percent. He turned it off very satisfied with the results.


    The project was fairly big, but it was on wheels. Scotty backed up his truck and we moved it to the side of the house to a small shed he built for it and he made the connections. Scotty explained to me: ¡°Since most of the critical systems are solar and everything prior was running on nine volts, this thing should not break a sweat.¡±


    Scotty hit the ¡®Start/Stop¡¯ button, and the small click and indicators jumped to ninety-eight percent.


    ¡°No screaming or explosions. That¡¯s a good sign.¡± He said with partial sincerity with his filthy glasses at the end of his nose. He walked into the house and using his meter he checked the service panel and hit each breaker.  Using his nose, he sniffed after each in order to detect something wrong. He handed me a thermal gun as I pointed it at the service panel and did not see any variation, maybe one or two degrees as he explained ¡®line conditioning¡¯ and using technical terminology. I just shook my head as though I understood.


    Scotty handed everyone a small corded electrical device and told everyone which room to test the outlets. Room by room we tested the outlets and the ceiling fans. After ten minutes, not one failure. Scotty installed a new hot water tank and a clothes dryer. He switched the breaker.


    ¡°Here we go.¡± Scotty said smiling. Helen loaded the small basket of clothes into the washer, added detergent, made her selections and hit the ¡®start¡¯ button. We all rejoiced. Scotty took off his cap and opened the dryer. The light came on as he placed his sun faded cap inside and turned it on. We all rejoiced. We walked outside and checked the generator. 97%.


    ¡°Before you two get more involved, let¡¯s have some dinner.¡± Helen said as she handed Scotty a small stack of vacuum sealed frozen fish packages. ¡°We¡¯ll get some veggies.¡± Helen said handing Jillian a box.


    As the sun set, we sat in the Gazebo with the dogs staring in amazement at the house. It actually looked alive. None of us have seen a house this brilliantly lit in over five years.


    ¡°Does anyone else feel guilty, like we are wasting energy?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°I have a tendency to turn off what is not being used.¡± I said.


    ¡°I think it is just beautiful!¡± Helen said handing a glass of wine to Jillian.


    ¡°I bet ¡¯cha you can see this from space!¡± Scotty exclaimed as he rounded the corner with a big smile.


    ¡°Any change?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nope!¡± Scotty said admiring his work. ¡®Ding¡¯. The dryer sounded as another load was complete. It was Jillian and my whites; t-shirts, socks, underwear.


    ¡°I have never been this excited to fold warm clothes!¡± Jillian said smiling as she got up to retrieve the clothes.


    A twig snapped in the distance causing all the dogs to become alert. Helen quickly put the pups in a clothes basket and held onto them. Rosie and Pete took point toward the location of the sound and Becky, Jeff and Ginger silently jogged off in different directions. Scotty handed me his 357 as he pulled a rifle from a compartment in the Gazebo.


    ¡°Whatever made that noise has less than a minute to live.¡± Scotty said quietly as we scanned the area as Rosie and Pete slowly walked forward, all senses on high alert.


    The closing of the dryer door in the silence broke everyone¡¯s focus momentarily as a rustle in the darkness gave away the position of the nosy intruder. It sounded like whatever it was, made a break for it as the dogs engaged. The animal squawked twice and no more. Rosie and Pete stood guard just in front at the edge of the bushes in plain view.


    ¡°Five million dollars on Jeff!¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°No way, Becky.¡± Helen said.


    Breaking into the light was Ginger with the biggest raccoon I have ever seen hanging limp from her mouth. Becky and Jeff respecting the kill just sniffed the animal as Ginger proudly trotted to the Gazebo followed by Rosie and Pete.


    ¡°Good girl Ginger!¡± I said as she headed in my direction.


    ¡°Look at the size of that thing!¡± Jillian said walking toward the Gazebo from the house holding a basket of clothes. Ginger turned and headed toward Jillian just as proud as can be with all the dogs taking interest.


    ¡°AWW! You got me a big stinky raccoon! Thank you Ginger!¡± Jillian said as Ginger let go of the raccoon and it took off causing everyone to scream and jump. The dogs prevented its escape, as it had nowhere to run inside the canine circle of death. Wagging tails and playful barking almost made me think as though it had a chance, when Jeff decided playtime was over.


    Helen let the pups go investigate. Rosie sat and monitored as Jeff and Becky squabbled back and forth as the pups kept their distance. Ginger just wanted congratulations and appreciation from Jillian as Pete sat next to me happy to have his head petted.


    We decided on names for the four pups. The two females: Emma; shy and curious. Sandy; energetic and always rolling in the dirt. Jake: fearless, has to taste, chew or eat everything. Roy: the runt of the litter. Apprehensive, always last and needed to be near Scotty at all times.

 Just Visiting

    We woke up the next morning and Scotty went over all the details on how to connect the engine to the generator.


    ¡°When you have everything ready, let me know and we¡¯ll hook her up!¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°We need to go shopping anyway and I¡¯ll pick up the items on the list.¡± I said.


    ¡°We need a bunch of stuff too. We should all go shopping.¡± Helen said cheerfully. Jillian whispered to Helen and they both looked at me and giggled.


    ¡°What are you two up to?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Jillian and Helen said in harmony.


    ¡°That sounds like a conspiracy brewing!¡± Scotty said.


    My birthday is next week or the week after and Jillian has not said a thing about it, which makes me suspicious by its own right. Jillian and I borrowed Scotty¡¯s pickup. Helen, Scotty and all the dogs got in Scotty¡¯s truck as Helen tried to keep the four pups contained in a large box on her lap.


    Jillian and I were laughing so hard at the spectacle of all of them in the truck, Jillian took at least ten pictures with the hopes of getting at least one good one. Roy was in major distress and was only satisfied inside Scotty¡¯s shirt smelling the air as they drove.


    ¡°That¡¯s got to be some kind of record! Can¡¯t wait to show that to the Lightening group!¡± I said into the radio.


    ¡°Pete¡¯s breath is bad enough, but combined with the rest! WOW!¡± Scotty said as we could hear all the animals panting.


    ¡°Ouch! OUCH! OUCH! Damn!¡± Scotty said laughing as we heard Helen burst into laughter as the radio was cutting in and out.


    ¡°You guys are drinking pretty early for a Tuesday!¡± Paul¡¯s voice came across the radio.


    ¡°Today is Thursday.¡± Susan said correcting him in the background.


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to show you this! Imagine an entire K-9 Baseball team including the latest Pee Wee draft picks in a small confined space.¡± Jillian said laughing.


    ¡°How is my patient?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°He is doing fine, but¡­¡± Paul stopped his sentence short, muffled talking could be heard.


    ¡°His friend decided to take some time off and left real early this morning.¡± Paul said reluctantly.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, this occasionally happens, but you may be having a visitor.¡± Paul said diplomatically.


    ¡°No problem.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Are we¡­?¡± Susan¡¯s voice now coming over loud and clear.


    ¡°Yes. Did you¡­? Jillian responded.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Came a response from Susan.


    ¡°What about number six? Helen asked.


    ¡°No. But we have a substitute.¡± Paul responded. This cryptic conversation was obviously pre-arranged so I had to say something.


    ¡°What about number eight?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nice try. There is no number eight.¡± Jillian responded.


    ¡°Damn!¡± I said.


    ¡°Lightening out.¡± Paul said laughing.


    We stopped at a huge home improvement store that Jillian and I have never visited and the dogs poured out of Scotty¡¯s truck and relieved themselves in multiple places and scanned the area. After a quick sweep and a drink of water, Ginger and Pete were ready for work. Rosie, Becky and Jeff patrolled the area outside as Helen put the box of pups in a shopping cart.


    ¡°How many trips to this store have you made?¡± I asked Scotty looking at the tracks in the dirt. ¡°About five or six.¡± He responded.


    Ginger stayed with Scotty and I, while Pete went with Helen and Jillian to the garden center. After about forty-five minutes of shopping Scotty called Helen on the two-way radio as we loaded up the pick-up truck.


    ¡°Helen. You need to bring the pups outside, lunch is ready.¡± Scotty said as the wolf pack caught something at the far edge of the parking lot. ¡°Okay. Were on our way.¡± Helen said. Scotty took the shopping cart full of pups from Helen.


    ¡°I hope they saved some for me!¡± Scotty said smiling as Rosie patiently waited for Scotty and let the pups go about half way.


    ¡°Looks like it may have been a small deer.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Helen said with remorse. Ginger and Pete just smelled the air as we shared some snacks and water with them.


    When the wolf pack was done, they came over and drank most of the water as we secured the load in the pick-up. Scotty and Jillian reviewed the road maps and selected the best route back to Malibu. We said our goodbyes and we headed off in different directions.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Jillian and I spent the next three days and two shopping trips getting the engine and generator prepared for the final install with Scotty. As well as some additional lighting for the patio and pool area. I pulled the engine from the ¡®4001¡¯ according to Scotty¡¯s instructions and built an enclosure for it next to the house.


    Jillian was performing additional cleaning and preparations for our guests and looking forward to using all the light switches and outlets. I called Scotty and gave him the update and he went through a mental checklist of items that only a few minor omissions included.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be there tomorrow, in the afternoon.¡± Scotty said as Helen asked to talk to Doctor ¡®J¡¯.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have some¡­ voltage to regulate or something?¡± Jillian asked me, apparently looking for some privacy with her discussions with Helen.


    ¡°I was thinking of regulating YOUR voltage. But now I just might go solo.¡± I said walking away.


    ¡°You just go ahead and start without me.¡± Jillian said taking off her shoes.


    As I finished washing up, I heard the road alarms go off. I listened close and only heard Jillian¡¯s muffled conversation and the wind as I grabbed my guns. I heard the heavy slam of a car door followed by ¡°Hello Ginger. Hello Pete.¡± Rebecca. I opened the screen door to the garage and Rebecca was greeting Ginger and Pete who were happy to see her.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I said.


    ¡°Good afternoon.¡± Rebecca said smiling. Her expression changed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Paul told you¡­¡± Rebecca said as I interrupted her uneasy sentence.


    ¡°Yes. You are welcome here.¡± I said.


    ¡°Sometimes you just need to get away.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°I come bearing gifts! Here take this.¡± Rebecca handed me a box from the back of the dirty Escalade.


    ¡°The cooler is kind of heavy.¡± Rebecca added as I opened the cooler.


    ¡°Lobsters! Nice! Thank you!¡± I said as I entered the kitchen with the box and Jillian was walking down the staircase in high heels, garter belt, white stockings and a pushup bra that was actually only a half bra and no panties, looking absolutely gorgeous. Jillian looked at Rebecca and Rebecca said ¡°Wow! Talk about good timing!¡±


    ¡°Hello. Rebecca.¡± Jillian said very uncomfortably then trying to cover herself up.


    ¡°You know, we are about the same size, maybe we can put on a show!¡± Rebecca said in a serious tone.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t last more than two minutes.¡± I said, also in an even more serious tone.¡±


    ¡°Besides, these lobsters only have about an hour or less.¡± Rebecca said smelling inside the cooler as Jillian retreated back up the stairs.


    ¡°You better check in.¡± I said as I gestured toward the radio on the kitchen counter.


    ¡°Lightening come in.¡± Rebecca said into the radio.


    ¡°Lightening here. We were starting to get worried.¡± Susan said.


    ¡°All secure here.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°Call us with any updates. Okay?¡± Paul said after a long uncomfortable pause.


    ¡°I will. All my love.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°Love you too. Over and out.¡± Susan said in a somber tone.


    The sunshine gave way to cloudy skies as the wind stopped and we felt the pressure change. A cold light rain began as I made ready for rainfall. The temperature outside dropped to forty degrees as I fired up the generator using ¡®Scotty¡¯s special fuel¡¯. The generator was loud but my sound proof enclosure made it unnoticeable inside the house with all the windows and doors closed. I started a fire in the beautiful fireplace. It was one of my favorite accents to the house besides the patio.


    Jillian and Rebecca made a wonderful fish and lobster stew as they both leafed through the numerous volumes of pictures of our adventures. I grabbed the two-way radio and collected the dogs to see how the rain collection systems were performing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in fifteen minutes.¡± I said as they were obviously reviewing the Canada pictures with Tom, and only paying half attention to me.


    After about thirty minutes of inspections, I gazed upon our house and felt a resounding sense of calm and serenity listening to the rain as the chimney gently smoked from my position across the street. Ten years ago, I never would have thought I was capable of anything like this. Working as a drone to the confines of an alarm clock, everyday not much different than the next. A sense of self satisfaction and pride came over me that only a man can truly understand. Being able to provide shelter, warmth and security to the ones he loves.


    A sparkle appeared out of the corner of my right eye, just down the street. It reminded me of a car headlight. I waved and said ¡°Thank you for a beautiful day¡± as Ginger and Pete looked at me waiting to throw a stick.


    Couple of days after Rebecca left, Helen and Scotty called to confirm their visit and that they would be bringing the pack because Rosie was already sitting in the truck with her family when Helen mentioned Ginger and Pete. I expressed my concern for road conditions because of the rains and Helen and Scotty said that they did not get rain and that they would be careful.


    Jillian the dogs and I were in the gardens as Scotty¡¯s muddy truck pulled in the driveway.


    ¡°She¡¯s a beast!¡± Scotty said as Roy¡¯s head popped out from under his shirt. ¡°Couple of tricky spots but no problem.¡± Scotty said as he opened the door and let the wolf pack out. We all went into the kitchen to prepare lunch.


    ¡°Oh. Are these more pictures?¡± Helen asked inserting a SD card lying next to Jillian¡¯s laptop. Jillian and I looked at each other. ¡°Wait¡­ don¡¯t!¡± Jillian said looking towards me. Helen¡¯s expression changed to a blank, quickly going through the pictures of Jillian and I. She stopped, observed Scotty on the patio with the dogs and turned to us and said quietly; ¡°You guys have all the fun.¡± In a tone that sounded like disappointment.


    Scotty called me outside near one of my holding tanks as the pack ran around outside playing as Rosie kept a close eye on the little ones.


    ¡°You need to tighten that lock ring.¡± Scotty said pointing. ¡°We¡¯ll get to that later, let¡¯s see what you got. Scotty said excitedly rubbing his hands together. We positioned the pieces on the side of the house, made the connections and were called in for lunch.


    After lunch, Scotty tested the connections and double checked everything. ¡°Hit it!¡± Scotty said as I hit the ¡®Start/Stop¡¯ button. A small click and the meter jumped to a level Scotty was comfortable with, it looked like around ninety-four percent. We went to the service panel and one by one we switched the breakers looking at the thermal readings and sniffing.


    I transmitted the location of each breaker to Jillian and Helen over the two-way radio and received jubilant confirmations on each.


    We were at the bottom of the service panel, last one. ¡°Pool house.¡± Scotty said looking toward me knowing this was a power hog. I installed a new filter system and heater last month. I flipped the dual breaker and we walked over to the pool area. Brown and red water poured in a cloud and quickly dissipated as we checked the filter and lighting controls on a panel near the patio. Only a gentle hum could be heard. We walked back over to the generator. It was reading eighty-five percent. ¡°Damn.¡± Scotty said as he made a couple of adjustments.


    ¡°There we go. Ninety-three percent. Not too shabby!¡± Scotty said with a smile and a handshake. Jillian was having fun using the light switches as Helen replaced burnt out light bulbs.


    ¡°Seventy-nine, let¡¯s say eighty percent! Damn!¡± Scotty said as the smell of burnt dust poured in through the registers as the heater kicked on.


    We finished up dinner as the sun was setting. For some reason this sun set seemed more beautiful than I can ever remember. I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders watching the dogs relaxing in the grass as the four pups played and climbed all over Ginger and Pete.

 Forty-Six

    ¡°Happy Birthday!¡± Jillian said after she kissed me and presented me with a tray that had a new huge coffee cup. It was more like a soup bowl with a handle. Fresh warm cereal bars from the oven a single flower and an envelope. I smelled the flower, sipped the coffee using both hands and then opened the envelope. The cover was the first picture we took together. As I opened it, I could just barely detect my favorite perfume. It was hand written in pen, very neat. It contained three paragraphs of the most sincere and honest thoughts and feelings I have ever read. Tears came to my eyes as I read through it. I said nothing and hugged Jillian for a full minute. Seventeen minutes later we took a romantic bath together.


    Jillian was full of energy and in good spirits as she straightened up the house.


    ¡°So what time is everyone coming over?¡± I asked Jillian.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Jillian said, not very surprised.


    ¡°All the bathrooms have a fresh roll of toilet paper.¡± I said.


    ¡°Helen and Scotty left early for some last-minute shopping and will be back in an hour or two¡­¡± Jillian said as three quick clicks came over the radio.


    ¡°That¡¯s the signal.¡± I said walking outside to the patio to give Jillian some privacy with her failed surprise party planning committee. I used the outside hot-tub as a planter for peppers; Jalapeno, habanero, red, yellow, green and needed to transfer the plants now that we have power. For some reason I actually lined it with thick plastic in case we needed it for something else and clean up would be easier.


    ¡°They will be here around six o¡¯clock.¡± Jillian said as she came over to me.


    ¡°Have you checked the pool?¡± I asked smiling.


    ¡°Oh my god is that nice! Jillian said with a big smile as she knelt down to check the water temperature. I actually had to turn it down a bit.


    Everyone showed up in festive Hawaiian fare and Rebecca actually wore a coconut bra and grass skirt. Reese prepared a medium sized Turkey and everyone else helped clean and prepare fish and appetizers. Sammy played with all the dogs and Rosie took a particular liking to Sammy as he was very careful and protective with the pups as he read a book to all of them as they all sat patiently waiting for him to pass out dog cookies.


    The sun was setting and we wanted to show off our power conversion project. Paul and Reese took detailed pictures, video and notes as Scotty and I walked them through our on-going learning process. Paul and Reese already started extracting two engines from the cars they found at the Sofa-King on Catalina with no occupants. Reese¡¯s mechanical knowledge gave us a couple of new directions on a phase two project.


    Jillian turned off all the lights in the house as she was very excited to see the patio and pool area with all the lights and her recent additions. One by one she threw the switches to a resounding series of ¡®Ohh¡¯s and Ahh¡¯s like during a fireworks display. My personal favorite was the lights recessed in the cement around the pool area. Plus, a couple on the low stairs I did not know existed or just forgot about them. It looked very classy and the lights inside the pool were just beautiful. Everyone presented me with gifts after a toast and an awful rendition of ¡®Happy Birthday¡±.


    I received an electronic coffee grinder and a photo album of just Jillian and I that she took. It included bits and pieces of memorabilia that took a long time and a lot of effort. Helen gave me a beautiful handmade sweater that fit perfectly. Scotty made me a leather holster for my Desert Eagle and of course a couple of bottles of Bourbon. Reese gave me a complete set of ¡®proper¡¯ cutlery, he said ¡®they were the best¡¯ and a book on how to prepare animals of North America. Rebecca, obviously does not like my choice of casual wear and got me a number of shirts and pants. She also got me a new video camera and tripod and a collection of ¡®toys¡¯ for Jillian and I that did not need to be presented. Susan and Paul gave me a marked-up chart with days and hours for fishing.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Jillian then presented me with a familiar shaped package and weight. I tore off the wrapping paper and immediately recognized ¡®Fender¡± on the case. I snapped the locks off and lifted the lid. It was a beautiful dark green Stratocaster.


    ¡°There were so many choices, but this one wanted to come home with me!¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I had no idea you play! I play drums. I have four kits set up. Were gonna have to jam one day!¡± Paul said with enthusiasm. I smiled and gave Jillian a kiss.


    Sammy presented me with a huge rolled up and wrinkled poster. It chronicled our arrival at Avalon Bay and our first baseball game together. All the key plays including a very detailed area of when I hit the line drive right at Sammy. His verbal presentation outlining each individual drawing was a complete and detailed recap of the game that included Ginger and Pete with his over-sized head. I was all choked up and did not know what to say. I hugged Sammy and thanked him. Embracing his small frame immediately transported me back in time when I hugged my children. I should have hugged them more often.


    ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯m going to make a frame for this.¡± I said holding back my emotions.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t sign and date this.¡± I said to Sammy. Jillian found a pen and handed it to Sammy who signed his name and today¡¯s date.


    It was very late; I was tired and a little drunk. We turned off all the lights and laughed at all the dogs bedded down together on the huge couch.


    ¡°I have one more present to show you.¡± Jillian said grinning ear to ear as we entered our bedroom and made ready for bed.


    ¡°Really! Does it include¡­¡± I started to say as she presented me with a black and white picture.


    ¡°This is a¡­ Sonogram?¡± I asked trying to assemble my thoughts and feelings. Jillian started crying tears of joy and hugging me. I was numb, tired, drunk and a wash with swirling emotions.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to have a baby?¡± I asked out loud in order to actually hear the words. Jillian looked at me clutching my face crying and giggling. I was overwhelmed with joy seeing her so happy. As I was hugging Jillian, a flash of lightening appeared followed by a little thunder as light rain started to fall outside.


    ¡°We better check on the dogs.¡± Jillian said knowing Ginger and Rosie might be a little nervous.


    ¡°SURPRISE!¡± Everyone was assembled downstairs as Sammy was in charge of the light switch illuminating everything as Helen and Rebecca snapped off some pictures including the head of my dick peeking out from under my over-sized t-shirt. I immediately pulled it down to cover it up.


    ¡°Too late! We¡¯ve already seen it!¡± Helen said confirming the picture she took with Susan as everyone laughed and congratulated us.


    ¡°Did all of you know?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Only me!¡± Helen said walking up and hugging me.


    ¡°I just told everyone about ten minutes ago.¡± Helen said wiping tears from her eyes.


    ¡°Uncle Greg. You need to put some pants on. I can see your butt!¡± Sammy said laughing. I have not heard someone say ¡®Uncle Greg¡¯ in a long time.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just shake your hand if that¡¯s okay.¡± Scotty said as he congratulated me. I grabbed his hand and gave him a hug anyway. I hugged Susan and Paul then Rebecca who all congratulated me.


    Reese was smiling broadly with arms outstretched. He picked me up by my ass with both hands and gave me a bone crushing hug.


    ¡°REESE! Down Boy! SIT. HEEL!¡± Rebecca said as she smacked his back. Reese put me down laughing and congratulating me.


    All the dogs seemed to be annoyed at this commotion looking at us from the couch. Susan and Paul showed the Sonogram to Sammy as he did not fully understand the picture.


    ¡°I picked up the machine a week ago. It¡¯s at Helen and Scotty¡¯s. I figured out how to use it. It¡¯s not that difficult.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I thought it was to test high blood pressure or something. Didn¡¯t give it a second thought.¡± Scotty said.


    No one else noticed but a soft yellow glow was visible inside the fireplace.

 Vigilance (with a full clip)

    The next morning, I slept in late. All the women were gathered in the kitchen talking swiftly about three or four different topics at the same time that was just too early for me to digest. Paul, Sammy, Scotty, Reese and all the dogs were in the pool enjoying a beautiful sunny morning.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t recognize you with your pants on.¡± Paul said out loud as I greeted the dogs holding my monster coffee cup. After breakfast, Helen presented everyone with team jerseys and baseball caps. Sammy was so excited. Helen got every detail correct according to Sammy¡¯s specifications for the ¡®Catalina Lightening¡¯.


    We all drove down to our local baseball diamond and had another fun day of activity. Malibu K-9s won thirteen to nine. After the game we all went fishing. It was decided that the loser of the game was responsible for cleaning the fish. This never happens because we all share the fish cleaning and preparation responsibility equally.


    Sammy insisted that we all wear sport cameras on our baseball caps so he can put together a complete movie including his play-by-play commentary. This is a project that Paul and Reese help him with, but Sammy is a quick study and I¡¯m sure in no time he will be able to do it without assistance.


    ¡°Dad? Take a look at this bird.¡± Sammy said as he was uploading the data from each camera to his laptop.


    ¡°What the¡­!¡± Paul said.


    ¡°What kind of bird doesn¡¯t fly around?¡± Sammy asked. Everyone within earshot assembled behind Sammy and watched the video clip named ¡®Unkel Gerg¡¯ as the image of the object appeared each time I faced east.


    ¡°When was this¡­?¡± I started to say.


    ¡°Bottom of the fifth, Doctor J was up with a one and two.¡± Sammy said without hesitation.


    ¡°Helen was sitting next to me, see if you can¡­¡± I started to say as Sammy expertly minimized my window and opened ¡®Ant Heln¡¯. ¡°There it is!¡± Reese said quietly as the image was visible each time she faced east. It did not move.


    ¡°Drone.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°DID ANYONE USE A DRONE TODAY AT OUR BASEBALL GAME?¡± Reese boomed out loud so everyone could hear. The multiple concerned responses of ¡®No¡¯ confirmed our apprehension. All of us standing behind Sammy looked at each other, and without saying a word, all went in different directions outside and surveyed the sky.


    The dogs all keenly aware of our heightened state of unease took off in different directions. Except Rosie and Pete who paced around the driveway smelling the air and the ground and looking toward us for additional information.


    ¡°Drone batteries usually only last twenty or thirty minutes. Bottom of the fifth; we were playing for least another¡­¡± Scotty said trying to calculate the time frame as Sammy said ¡°Thirty-six minutes.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sammy.¡± Scotty said politely.


    ¡°They may have seen us pack up and head towards the marina. That would be about an hour.¡± Reese said.


    ¡°Who¡¯s, ¡®They¡¯?¡± Asked Sammy.


    ¡°Baseball fans, I would venture to say.¡± Scotty said trying to break the tension. Scotty deployed his drone from the back of his truck and recorded what our neighborhood looked like from above after a scan of the sky. Everything appeared normal as we all returned to the house.


    ¡°Another fabulous dinner thanks to Sammy who continues to out-fish everyone.¡± I said holding up my glass of wine.


    ¡°What is your secret Sammy?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°You just have to talk to the fish.¡± Sammy said like it was common knowledge.


    ¡°The power of positive thinking!¡± Susan said, proud of Sammy¡¯s response.


    ¡°Talk to the fish. I wouldn¡¯t know what to say.¡± Scotty said in deep thought looking at Helen.


    ¡°Try¡­I got something for you.¡± Helen said in a sexy tone. ¡°That does yield some good results.¡± Scotty said winking at Helen.


    After dinner we all helped the Catalina folks pack up for early departure tomorrow morning. We all looked at Sammy¡¯s video clips of the drone at the baseball game on the big screen T.V. and Scotty¡¯s video of the sky and our house from above our neighborhood.


    ¡°Sticks out like a green thumb!¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s beautiful!¡± Jillian said proudly looking at me and smiling.


    ¡°We cannot ignore the fact that others exist, what is not known is what their intentions are. We can only hope they, like us are curious, friendly and not hostile. If they have been able to exist this long, I don¡¯t see any reason for hostility. Hostility is born from laziness, and, like I said before, failed politics.¡± I said as I stopped myself from a long-drawn-out synopsis.


    ¡°What about Oklahoma.¡± Reese asked, finally contributing to a conversation.


    ¡°Especially that smelly guy in the bunker and the crazy lady you talked about.¡± Reese said looking toward Helen. ¡°What if one or both of them actually made it and they were¡­questioned.¡± Reese said with emphasis on the word ¡®questioned¡¯.


    ¡°It would not take a whole lot of brain power to connect the tracks we left from the Sofa-King to our house or here. Especially using a drone.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to give it a whole lot of thought, just be vigilant and have full clips.¡± I said.


    ¡°What if we could track the drone? Track it to its source, without them knowing.¡± Reese said thinking out loud causing a bunch of eyebrows to raise. ¡°We would need to know the make and model, but most importantly the transmitter frequency.¡± Reese added.


    ¡°You guys are over-complicating things, what about leaving a message at the Baseball field? Chances are good they will be back soon. Place, I don¡¯t know¡­ a big arrow pointing to an envelope that asks what they want.¡±


    ¡°If I saw that I would only think one thing.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°A trap.¡± Almost everyone said together.


    ¡°We can set it up tomorrow, after you leave. We¡¯ll put out game cameras and the note.¡± I said.


    ¡°What¡¯s the note going to say, exactly?¡± Susan asked.


    ¡°Sammy. Get some of your crayons please. Let¡¯s reach out.¡± I said to everyone.


    ¡°Can I make a suggestion?¡± Reese asked opening up a map of the area. ¡°Why do you suppose they did not want to be seen, or make their presence known?¡± Reese proposed. ¡°If they are ¡®friendly¡¯ they would have been happy to see us and make their presence known by doing some fly-by''s and returning with the hopes we would follow it?  If they were on a recon mission, they, well I, would have been careful not to be detected. Use the trees as cover and not as an obvious UFO against the sky.¡± Reese said finding the baseball field on the map and circled it with a pencil.


    ¡°What if it was neither? What if they were at maximum range and¡­¡±? Scotty started to say as Reese pointed his huge sausage finger at him. ¡°That¡¯s what I think.¡± Reese said smiling. ¡°Based on the location and the direction, I would estimate, right about here.¡± Reese said putting an X on the map of the approximate location of the drone.  ¡°If it was at maximum range¡­¡± Reese said as he made some formula calculations in a blank area of the map. ¡°Do you have a compass and a ruler?¡± Reese asked. I quickly ran to the garage and returned with both and handed them to Reese. ¡°One-mile range, plus or minus¡­¡± Reese mumbled to himself adjusting the compass and used it to draw a circle on the map.


    After a long pause, I made my proposal. ¡°The question is, do we want to ¡®poke the bear¡¯ or let it come to us? Looking at the location and the terrain, they may be closer to Helen and Scotty¡¯s house.¡± I said with concern and continued. ¡°Let¡¯s assume that they monitored our activity, performed a head count and no doubt saw the dogs running around and, all the vehicles.¡± A long silent pause.


    ¡°Americas favorite post-apocalyptic past-time.¡± Paul said in a chilling, yet cheerful tone. Another long silent pause in the conversation. ¡°Even if they were monitoring our communications, we propose absolutely no threat to anyone.¡± Paul concluded.


    ¡°At the risk of sounding paranoid, that does not make me feel¡­ comfortable.¡± Rebecca said as everyone agreed.


    ¡°All of us have spent the last five years surviving, building and maintaining a self-sustainable environment using the resources available and most importantly, helping each other using information and knowledge learned, co-existing by sharing these resources and responsibilities.  Would you welcome someone with open arms who showed up at your door that has contributed nothing and share what you have? What if someone came to your island and set-up camp.¡± I said turning to Susan and Paul as they looked at each other, then to Rebecca and Reese, who all looked at Elaine and Sammy.


    ¡°Who do you think would be selected as someone worthy of saving? The common man or woman? A farmer? An accountant? A Quality¡­ whatever you said you did Greg. I don¡¯t think so.¡± Scotty said with growing concern making all of us feel vulnerable.


    ¡°The wealthy, the privileged, untouchable people who are used to standing on the shoulders of those less fortunate visionaries who actually made the difference. Imagine living a life of luxury and entitlement and all of the sudden you trade EVERYTHING to live for five years like a peasant in a prison. A vaccination is created and you can finally go outside!¡± Scotty said becoming animated.  ¡°These people have no survival skills. They rely on others to provide for them. That¡¯s all they know. Since money is no longer relevant, they have nothing. Do you think they would be able to build a water collection and filtration system like we have? Plant crops? Raise livestock? Stitch a cut? Fix a tooth? Desperate people make bad decisions.¡± Scotty concluded his well thought out scenario of a possible future that all of us have considered at one point or another.


    ¡°What¡¯s in Oklahoma Dad?¡± Sammy whispered.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know Sammy.¡± Paul responded.


    ¡°Everyone is welcome.¡± Jillian said sarcastically.


    ¡°I suppose, if you can¡¯t survive or are having trouble, it would be a welcome choice.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°Control.¡± I said thinking out loud. ¡°The ONE thing powerful cowards crave and need.¡± I added.


    ¡°It¡¯s easier to control sheep in a pen than out on the plain... with firearms.¡± Scotty added.


    ¡°This is a serious conversation for us seeing just one drone. We are survivors, we have strength in numbers. No one is going to mess with us. Life is good, we have each other.¡± Jillian said standing up and holding her cup of tea.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°You¡¯re right damit!¡± Rebecca said standing up in defiance.


    ¡°Here¡¯s to vigilance ¨C with a full clip!¡± Reese said in a masculine tone confirming my quote from earlier with a sneer and a head nod.


    We all finished cleaning up dinner and went outside to the patio. Reese approached me with a CD. ¡°Is it okay if I play this?¡± Reese asked showing me ¡®Metallica, Justice for all¡¯.


    ¡°Hell Yes! Crank it up!¡± I said as I poured shots of Scotty¡¯s bourbon, drank two and jumped in the pool followed by all the dogs as Jillian took pictures of the pups swimming under close supervision by Rosie and Helen. Roy was absolutely terrified of the water until Scotty got in and he had no choice but to swim with him.


    Jillian swam over to me with I thought was ¡®the look¡¯ and said: ¡°You know what I could really go for?¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid to ask.¡± I responded.


    ¡°A cold beer.¡± Jillian said to my surprise.


    ¡°The last time I saw you drink a beer was in Canada!¡± I said chuckling.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a pregnant lady thing, but I really crave a beer!¡± Jillian said in a serious comical tone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start tomorrow.¡± I said as she gave me a hug and said; ¡°FUCK ME!¡±


    The dogs started barking and exited the pool as Mom, and a very big Sam strolled in from the side of the house. Ginger and Pete greeted Mom and Sam as I got out of the pool as quick as I could. Rosie, Becky and Jeff remained quiet and approached cautiously. No doubt they were aware of their presence in the area and Ginger and Pete¡¯s behavior supported the fact they pose no threat.


    Reese turned off the music and everything was quiet and still as Ginger, Pete and Sam gave chase around the backyard playing. Scotty and Helen got out of the pool as well. I placed myself between Mom and Rosie, Becky and Jeff who were sniffing the air and hair partially standing up, but making no sound or showing of teeth. Mom glanced at them for a moment and sniffed the air and slowly walked past everyone toward Scotty who was holding Roy.


    ¡°Hello Mom. This is Roy. One of Rosie¡¯s pups.¡± Scotty said in a quiet tone looking at Rosie for a moment. Mom let out a gentle roar as Rosie, Becky and Jeff smelled Mom without touching her. Roy seemed unafraid of Mom and was perfectly content in Scotty¡¯s arms as Mom moved in close for an inspection. Mom smelled Roy as he took a playful swipe and bite toward her. Rosie, Becky and Jeff took strategic positions just in case things went south. Mom glanced at each of them continuing to smell as she focused on Roy.


    Jillian came out of the house with a bucket of water followed by Helen who held the familiar box of dog cookies. Helen shook the box and Ginger, Pete and Sam knocked over two chairs to get into position in front of her. Mom slowly turned from Scotty and Roy and sat down and slowly drank from the water bucket and allowed Rosie, Becky and Jeff to smell her more closely.


    Jeff eventually took a position next to Sam waiting for a cookie as Sam looked over and let out a roar and Jeff grunted and took off with the hopes of playing chase. Sam was reluctant because cookies are awesome and I approached him scratching his head as he presented his paw for me to inspect. Just a thin line where no hair grows. His claws were just huge as I looked at them in awe.


    ¡°What do you think Sammy?¡± I said looking toward Susan, Elaine, Paul and Sammy in the pool.


    ¡°He¡¯s a total bad-ass!¡± Sammy said.


    ¡°Sammy!¡± Susan said laughing quietly as Paul turned to Sammy: ¡°Total bad-ass is right.


    Jillian wheeled the cart destined for the compost bins with all the fish carcasses and food scraps. Mom took interest right away as Jillian slowly and carefully dumped the cart and Mom approached waiting patiently as Jillian sifted through the nastiness with the barbecue tongs as Mom leaned in and focused on Jillian¡¯s hair. Jillian turned and was face to face with Mom as she sniffed her face and breath. This is the closest Jillian had ever been to Mom and it startled her a little. Mom backed away silently.


    Sam approached quickly and muscled his way into the cart head first that scared Jillian and made Mom angry and she moved with lightning speed to discipline Sam with a vicious snarl. Jillian jumped out of the way and stumbled over the handle of the cart. Mom placed herself between the cart and Sam and did not allow him to eat from the cart until she decided.


    This aggression immediately drew the attention of all the dogs who assembled and protected Jillian but did not interfere with Mom and Sam¡¯s conflict. Jillian thanked them and said ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay.¡± Reassuring them of her condition. Scotty just rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Did you see how fast she is. Wow.¡± He exclaimed quietly.


    ¡°Uncle Greg?¡± Sammy said quietly.


    ¡°Yes Steven? I mean Sammy.¡± I turned to face Sammy.


    ¡°I peed a little in your pool. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Sammy said quietly and embarrassed.


    ¡°Thank you for your honesty, Sammy. It¡¯s okay.¡± I said.


    ¡°Uncle Greg?¡± Paul said quietly in a similar tone as he just looked down and raised his hand.


    Sandy, Emma and Jake were eager to investigate the new arrivals and stayed close to Rosie as she laid down in the grass about five feet from Mom as she slowly snacked and crunched away. All three of them sniffed the air and tails wagging as they approached Mom. Jake approached first and issued a puppy grunt, woof, bark combination that made Mom turn her head in his direction. Mom rolled over on her back and casually picked apart a tuna carcass, I think, as Jake inched up.


    Rosie was not too concerned as Ginger, Becky and Jeff chased Sam around the backyard and disappeared toward the front yard. Pete sat next to Rosie and the pups panting and tails wagging. Mom let out a roar and turned back over. This just increased Jake''s interest as he pretended to hide in the grass then pounce on Mom¡¯s massive paw. Mom stuck her head into the cart and pulled out a particularly disgusting piece of something and placed it on the ground in front of Jake and then slowly made her way into the pool.


    ¡°Aww!¡± Helen, Susan and Jillian said in unison as Rebecca, once again was in the kitchen behind the counter. Mom exited the pool after about three minutes of swimming. The water temperature was not to her liking. Mom approached Reese and started smelling his mouth.


    ¡°See Mom. We helped him.¡± Jillian said transferring a bunch of cookies to Reese¡¯s hand. Reese held out the cookies and Mom scooped them all with one swipe of her tongue.


    One of the dogs cried out loud as playtime with Sam was getting rough and out of control as they appeared from the opposite side of the yard. Once again, as fast as lightening, Mom engaged Sam who immediately laid on his back submitting as all the dogs scattered. Mom turned and looked at each dog and moved toward Becky. Becky had a small patch of fur missing near her back-left leg. Mom sniffed the area as Becky sat panting hard and happy. Mom grunted and walked toward the side of the house as Sam slowly followed her.


    We all were more concerned for Becky than Rosie and the rest of the dogs. She laid on her side still panting from playtime as Jillian and Helen checked her leg.


    The sun was setting as we all agreed not to leave a note or acknowledge the drone encounter. I was disappointed because I wanted to leave a highly sophisticated and intellectually challenging message using Sammy¡¯s handwriting, crayons and construction paper.


    It was still dark outside and the house was a buzz of activity as we all had breakfast and prepared take home packages of fruits, nuts, vegetables, boxes of extra fresh canned beans, peaches and applesauce. All that we felt comfortable sharing without compromising our stock in case of a poor yield. The Catalina group felt guilty and thanked us constantly and promised to re-pay us.


    As we said our goodbyes at the marina and performed a quick radio check the wind changed direction and the dogs caught something.


    ¡°Let us know what¡¯s for lunch!¡± Paul said as he taxied ¡°Sammy¡¯s Toy¡± out of the marina following ¡°Becca¡±.


    Pete stayed with us as Rosie silently trotted off. We all went into the marina shops and stores for tackle and supplies similar to what Paul, Sammy and Reese recommended.


    Upon returning to the parking lot, an identical black Escalade was parked next to Rebecca¡¯s dirty one. Pete took point and started growling low. All three of us pulled our side arms and Helen walked behind us with the box of pups.


    ¡°If they hurt one hair on any of the dogs¡­¡± Scotty whispered his warning as we swept the area for the dogs. I whistled loudly for the dogs as we approached the vehicle. The dark green driver side window dropped almost halfway.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I said in a cheerful tone smiling as we did not point our weapons at the vehicle.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Came a similar response from the driver.


    ¡°Are you responsible for the dog¡¯s quick departure?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Came a quick response as all the dogs suddenly appeared at the vehicle sniffing the air.


    ¡°We figured the dogs would be gone longer with a bunch of food.¡± The driver said smiling. Male, mid-twenties, military hair cut wearing a ¡®Angels¡¯ baseball cap.


    ¡°They just had breakfast.¡± Jillian said in a flat tone.


    ¡°How can we help you?¡± Scotty asked with slight emphasis on the word ¡®you¡¯.


    ¡°What makes you think we need help?¡± The driver said smiling.


    ¡°Please, exit the vehicle slowly, one at a time and let the dogs meet you. One at a time, starting with you.¡± I instructed in a gracious tone. The window went up as the driver turned his head to the right.


    After ten seconds Scotty whispered ¡°Safety¡¯s off.¡± Without moving his lips. After about twenty seconds I said ¡°Were leaving.¡± Loud enough for them to hear. As we started to back away, taking a more defensive position with both hands on our guns and searching the perimeter, the driver side passenger door opened slowly as two hands appeared.


    ¡°I am not armed.¡± Came a thick male voice as he used his foot to slowly open the door. I whistled low and the dogs assembled around us.


    A heavy-set man in his fifties, salt and pepper hair, in a white polo shirt, dark blue sport coat, dark pants and tactical military issue shoes emerged smiling.


    ¡°I can honestly say, when we saw the wolves were not domestic dogs, we were very surprised.¡± The man said with a smile as Pete slowly approached and sat like a statue exactly between us and the man.


    ¡°That dog has a huge head!¡± The man said starting to smile showing his teeth.


    ¡°Do not look at the dog and do not smile.¡± I said plainly. ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked sounding a little more agitated than I intended.


    ¡°My name is Billy. His name is Jimmy.¡± The man motioned using his head with arms still raised as the driver side window went down and Jimmy showing his hands.


    ¡°And, not sure if you can see him but his name is Tommy.¡± The man said as a painful look came across his face for a split second. The front passenger leaned into view with his hands raised. ¡°Howdy!¡± He said with a big smile.


    ¡°It looks like we shop at the same store for transportation.¡± Scotty said calmly.


    ¡°You can have any color you want as long as it¡¯s black.¡± Billy said still smiling broadly.


    ¡°Why did you wait for our friends to leave?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°That, is a good question¡­¡± Billy started to say.


    ¡°QUIT FUCKING WITH US! WHAT DO YOU WANT!¡± I said starting to get pissed off because his thoughts were very unorganized and preoccupied. It was like watching T.V. as someone else surfed the channels quickly. This caused Pete to stand up and the pack to close the gap.


    ¡°Can I put my hands down?¡± Billy asked as his thoughts started to become more focused.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I said. Eventually.


    ¡°No doubt you are aware of a place in Oklahoma!¡± Billy said proudly.


    ¡°Go on.¡± I said.


    ¡°It¡¯s a wonderful place. A refuge. For survivors, like you! Folks that are hardworking, determined to live and make the best out of an unfortunate situation.¡± Billy said sounding like an infomercial.


    ¡°Is that your recruitment speech?¡± Scotty asked not very impressed. Billy laughed and tried to be as diplomatic as possible as he glanced at his watch for a third time.


    ¡°We have no interest in Oklahoma or any other such location.¡± I said plainly.


    ¡°Your daily struggle for food and water will be over!¡± Billy said confidently.


    ¡°What makes you think we are struggling?¡± Jillian asked flatly. Billy laughed again with a hint of nervousness that was apparent to everyone. Billy focused on our guns.


    ¡°Those guns are making me nervous; do you mind?¡± Billy said in a sudden change of temperament.


    ¡°Yes. We mind, and now I have some questions for you.¡± I said holstering my Desert Eagle, Scotty and Jillian remained steadfast. ¡°Under who¡¯s authority are you bound?¡± I asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s classified.¡± Billy said with a smile that he knows is no longer working. I laughed out loud and asked; ¡°Classified to who?!¡± Billy looked at his watch again and his blood pressure was rising as his face started to turn red.


    ¡°Now. Let¡¯s talk about where you stayed last night.¡± I said starting to pace a little as Billy and his associates became uneasy and were definitely sensitive to the time.


    ¡°Never mind. Scratch that. What did you have for dinner last night?¡± I asked. Billy did not respond. ¡°Tommy? Jimmy?¡± I asked taking a few steps toward their vehicle, now standing right next to Pete. ¡°No response? Either they did not eat or they do not want to tell us what they ate.¡± I said out loud. ¡°I find it hard to believe that YOU would miss out on a meal.¡± I said to Billy looking at his profile.


    ¡°Our final answer is no. You have nothing to offer us that we want or need. We expect to never meet again to discuss this topic. We know where Oklahoma is. If any of us change our minds we will say ¡®Billy, Tommy and Jimmy sent us. Such whimsical names.¡± I said turning toward Jillian, Helen and Scotty.


    ¡°Your obstinance and disrespect will not go unanswered.¡± Billy said in a tone that he is obviously comfortable with and more suited to his true disposition.


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡± Scotty said laughing a little.


    ¡°We will never pledge loyalty to you or your spineless leaders. You cannot take away anything more than you already have. You think by threatening us¡­ what¡­ like with a bullet to the head is going to make a difference to us!? All of us have already considered that option long ago and it would not be that difficult of a choice. But know this;¡± I hesitated for a full seven seconds.


    ¡°Your Canadian out-post, just outside Ontario, you know the one, you were so disappointed to find the freezers empty, and Tom and Chris¡­¡± I stopped mid-sentence because Billy¡¯s eyes widened and his face turned a new shade of red.


    ¡°We can save that conversation for another time. Right now, you have to leave.¡± I said with a false concern for him and his colleagues. Billy looked at me with the expression of: ¡®How can you know that?¡¯


    ¡°You have looked at your watch a total of eight times.¡± I said winking at him. Tommy and Jimmy looked straight ahead during my enlightening speech and showed no reaction to the information that almost gave Billy an aneurism. ¡°I would like to give you more information but, that¡¯s classified.¡± I said.


    Billy was speechless as he turned to enter his vehicle only to be startled by Rosie standing on the roof looking at him like prey. Billy entered the vehicle and closed the door quickly as Rosie jumped off the roof and stood next to us. Pete did not move, Jimmy had to make two attempts to go around Pete, the third attempt just barely cleared his heaving chest with the bumper.


    ¡°Should we follow them?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°No. Greg scared the shit out of them enough for one day.¡± Helen said. As soon as the vehicle was out of view my knees gave way and everything dissolved.

 The Movement

    I woke up and Pete was right next to me as he licked my hands. Helen and Scotty¡¯s house, our adopted room. I had different clothes on and it was late afternoon. Pete got up, stretched and jumped off the bed and walked down the hall way, his nails clicking silently on the stone floor. I heard the squeak of a chair and Jillian appeared in the doorway.


    ¡°He¡¯s awake.¡± Jillian said in a soft voice pointed down the hallway.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Jillian asked leaning over and placing her hand on my forehead.


    ¡°Monster headache, thirsty and a little hungry. In that order.¡± I said checking to see if my skull was intact. Helen approached me with the citrus drink and Scotty right next to her.


    ¡°Hi sweetie. How you feeling?¡± She asked handing me the glass.


    ¡°Like every hangover I have ever had combined.¡± I said as I accepted the citrus drink sitting up.


    ¡°What happened to my clothes?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You had, an, accident.¡± Jillian said as I closed my eyes in embarrassment.


    ¡°How long have I¡­¡± I started to say as Helen and Scotty exited the room.


    ¡°About three hours.¡± Jillian said sitting next to me and she started to cry.


    ¡°What happened exactly, all the details you can remember.¡± I asked. Jillian did not say anything as she laid next to me and held me tight until Helen came in to tell us dinner was ready.


    Jillian helped me up and we had a hard time navigating through the sea of dogs as we walked outside to the gazebo. I finally had to sit on the ground as all the dogs converged and smothered me with affection.


    ¡°Okay. Okay.¡± I said as I acknowledged each one and got up as my headache was quickly subsiding. Everyone watched and were obviously waiting for me to say something during dinner. Scotty finally had to say something.


    ¡°We thought you were infected.¡± He said with grave concern.


    ¡°When you hit the ground, your eyes were open and they were darting all over the place, then your nose started to bleed.¡± Jillian said, voice quivering as she recalled the event.


    ¡°Then you focused on something and you did not blink. I checked your pulse and it was racing and your skin temperature was increasing, then you closed your eyes.¡± Jillian said, voice still quivering a little.


    ¡°What did you smell? I mean, do you remember smelling anything? What did the dogs do?¡± I asked as I tried to recall the furthest point I could remember. Jillian, Helen and Scotty just looked at each other.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember smelling anything, we were more concerned for you than smelling or paying attention to the dogs.¡± Scotty said honestly.


    ¡°We waited until your pulse and temperature normalized and put you in Scotty¡¯s truck and we drove here.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Now that you mention it, the dogs were very quiet during our ride.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°Usually, they are running back and forth with noses out the windows making sure they don¡¯t miss anything.¡± Scotty said recollecting the dog¡¯s calm demeanor.  Jillian, Helen and Scotty exchanged looks again.


    ¡°Go on, ask the question.¡± I said. I did not have the energy, but it was obvious they were interested in knowing something specific.


    ¡°You got pissed off really fast. You didn¡¯t get that mad when ¡®shit for brains¡¯ was stealing from us.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°You, kind of, scared me a little. I thought you were going to put a bullet in him.¡± Scotty said looking down.


    ¡°The pups are usually like popcorn in the box, but when you said ¡®Quit fucking with us¡¯ they got scared and quiet.¡± Helen added. That was the first time I have ever heard Helen use the word ¡®fuck¡¯ and hearing her say it was comical as she was able to distill all the vulgarity from it.


    ¡°The second I saw the vehicle I knew something was wrong, it was their drone, and you were right, they were at maximum range. The driver, Jimmy was nervous but for some other reason, Tommy was truly happy to see us. Billy was all over the place. He had so many thoughts ¡­very disturbing. He did not offer me a handshake and did not ask any of our names. Do you want to know why?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Because he didn¡¯t want to get infected?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°He already knows who we are, they have been monitoring our communications and movements.¡± I said.


    ¡°I knew it! Bastards.¡± Scotty said using his fork for emphasis and glad he was able to predict something.


    ¡°He was not able to hold up his hands because of the treatments he¡¯s been receiving¡­.¡± I said as Jillian interrupted. ¡°Shots in the arm! His arms were sore!¡± Jillian said shaking her head. ¡°OH! and because he kept looking at his watch, probably a duration between treatments. And they were due or overdue.¡± Jillian said shaking her head again confirming her assessment.


    ¡°Now tell us about Canada, what¡¯s the connection?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°The information was fragmented at first, but I was actually able to see¡­like a smoky, foggy vision from Billy¡¯s perspective. It was only for a split second but the pieces of information just fell into place. It was winter, lots of snow. They flew in via a helicopter. Three people. Two women, one man. Unknown faces, they were there against their will. Billy had a gun¡­ I saw the big purple oven mitt we left on the counter, in the kitchen¡­¡± I said staring blindly forward as I recalled the events that again, were just a split second of time.


    ¡°The man opened the freezer door and the shear disappointment of Billy seeing it empty had a huge impact because this vision was triggered when I said, ¡°I find it hard to believe that you would miss out on a meal.¡± I said as I assessed the mechanics and the awareness of how all of this was possible in my head.


    ¡°He missed out on a lot of meals!¡± Scotty said happy that we were responsible for his misfortune.


    ¡°Then they went to the bunker and then the room Tom locked Chris in and saw the bloodstained wall and floor. But he was more interested¡­ in finding food.¡± I said in astonishment as I thought I actually heard Billy say ¡°Fucking Shit.¡±


    ¡°The three people stood at the door and one of the women smiled, laughed or giggled and he put a bullet in her forehead and stepped over her body, and¡­ that¡¯s all I got.¡± I said as Helen put her hand over her mouth and said ¡°Oh my God!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a murderer.¡± Scotty said quietly.


    ¡°He¡¯s a fucking psychopath.¡± Jillian said in a rare angry tone.


    ¡°He is, both.¡± I said as I tried to clear my head and eat some food.


    ¡°We need to tell the Catalina folks.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°How? They are listening in, right? That¡¯s what you said!¡± Helen said getting a little scared.


    ¡°Paul will call us when they arrive in Avalon. They are expecting us to tell them. What¡¯s more important is what we say and how we say it.¡± I said raising my eyebrow¡¯s up and down a couple of times. Scotty just smiled and rubbed his hands together.


    ¡°K9¡¯s come in. Come in K9¡¯s.¡± Paul¡¯s voice over the radio.


    ¡°K9¡¯s here. Go ahead.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°All secure and coolers full.¡± Paul said in good spirits.


    ¡°Let me guess. The undisputed champion of North American salt water fishing?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nope, not this time! Man mountain!¡± Paul said.


    ¡°HE CHEATED!¡± Sammy¡¯s voice came over very loud and distorted.


    ¡°There is no cheating in fishing!¡± I said.


    ¡°Unless you use dynamite.¡± Scotty added.


    ¡°I used the tools necessary to achieve optimal results.¡± Reese said as a matter of fact.


    ¡°So, you used C4? Don¡¯t use it all up!¡± Scotty said with a hint of warning. A long silent pause.


    ¡°We met the local Oklahoma recruiting officer right after you left this morning.¡± I said in a cheerful tone. Another long pause.


    ¡°Oh really!¡± Paul said very concerned.


    ¡°Yea, three of them. Ahh, what were their names again?¡± I asked out loud.


    ¡°Andy, Sonny and Stevie¡­ I think, anyway. Honest, observant, loyal, energetic¡­ pretty much sums up our assessment of the recruiter.¡± I said laughing as Scotty giggled and Jillian just shook her head.


    ¡°Hold on a sec, what were their names again?¡± Paul asked. I repeated the names and Paul started laughing.


    ¡°Were they walking or driving?¡± Rebecca asked.


    ¡°Driving a CLEAN Escalade.¡± I said as they hit the mute button, another long pause.


    ¡°How did the dogs react?¡± Paul asked.


    ¡°Much more disciplined than expected.¡± I said. Another long pause.


    ¡°How disappointed was he when you told him you are not interested?¡± Reese asked.


    ¡°I was kind of a dick to him and I should have apologized, but I¡¯m sure our paths will cross again and I will apologize in-person.¡± I said with emphasis on ¡®in-person¡¯.


    ¡°Why do you think they waited for us to leave? He would have had a better opportunity to ask all of us together?¡± Rebecca asked in a snide manner.


    ¡°Maybe a one hundred percent rejection rate would be too emotionally traumatizing.¡± Susan said answering Rebecca¡¯s question.


    ¡°Or the fact that it probably parallels his dating success rate.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°AWW! Now you don¡¯t know that! He was a very handsome man. Straight out of a firefighter calendar¡­ if I may be so bold.¡± I said hitting the mute button just in time. Paul did the same.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about them; we know where their dug in and it would not take much to compromise the air intake. The one thing the Government is known for, is consistency¡­ just like the Escalade!¡± I said in a cheerful voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m hoping WE can recruit a couple of folks from their group. Just think, another Baseball team! We would need to come up with a clever name for them.¡± I said.


    ¡°ALL RIGHT!¡± Sammy yelled as Elaine started crying.


    ¡°Think about it.¡± I said to no one in particular.


    ¡°Over and Out.¡± I said as Paul repeated the conclusion of our conversation.


    ¡°Do you think it was wise to call them assholes?¡± Jillian said to me a little upset.


    ¡°Asshole. One, singular.¡± I said.


    ¡°We still need to go fishing for a couple of hours.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°I would like to try out the new fishing spots!¡± Scotty added.


    ¡°Are you up for some fishing?¡± Jillian asked me.


    ¡°Hell yes. If we have time, we can deploy a drone to trace their tracks back to where they hide.¡± I said.


    ¡°You said you knew where they were dug in?¡± Scotty questioned.


    ¡°That was a lie.¡± I said.


    ¡°It cannot be too far from the marina and the maximum range at the baseball field. You drive.¡± Jillian said as we packed up and drove back to the marina.


    The Wolf pack stayed near the pen and were perfectly content staying behind. Jillian used the map Reese marked up to get an approximate location of the area to search with the drone.


    Helen and I prepared the fishing rods as a couple of Sea lions swam around the marina causing Ginger and Pete to bark playfully on the dock. Jillian and Scotty approached and gave us an update.


    ¡°Got a good fix on the tire tracks, they head north. We¡¯ll have better luck driving and monitoring the direction. Not much past two or three miles. Just scrub.¡± Scotty said.


    The revised tackle and locations paid off fast and we maxed out our coolers in one and a half hours. I did not get to fish at all as Jillian, Helen and Scotty were exhausted pulling in some big fish. We had to release a monster Tuna that Helen caught because we could not get it on the boat. Jillian recorded video of it as it splashed Helen and Scotty as he cut the line.


    ¡°Once I get that engine working in my new boat, we¡¯ll be able to bring him in, no problem.¡± Scotty yelled as he took off his hat and wringed it out. Smiling.


    As we unloaded the coolers and secured ¡®Fuck Me¡¯ to the dock. A familiar black Escalade rolled up and parked. We did not have the Wolfpack as back up and this made us feel a little vulnerable. We smiled and waved as we went about our business and Scotty opened the back of his truck and turned on his radio. Then we leisurely walked toward the vehicle talking tactics.  All three men exited the vehicle. Tommy and Jimmy with small automatic weapons. Billy was unarmed.


    ¡°We have extra fish if you are interested?¡± I said out loud approaching. Ginger and Pete walking right behind us growling low.


    ¡°I want to apologize¡­¡± I started to say as Billy interrupted.


    ¡°That time has passed. Stop right there.¡± Billy said in a commanding tone as we all stopped.


    ¡°Hands up! All of you.¡± Billy said.


    ¡°Now this is what¡¯s going to happen. All four of you are going to come with us. Make one wrong move and all of you die. We are going to take a little trip.¡± Billy said satisfied that he was in control. Tommy and Jimmy exchanged a glance for a moment.


    ¡°I told you this was not going to go unanswered, and this is the result.¡± Billy said with finality. I lowered my hands slowly.


    ¡°We will never go with you. Ever.¡± I said as I pulled Jillian close to me as Helen and Scotty joined us next to Ginger and Pete. I could feel Ginger and Pete shaking with rage against my leg.


    ¡°Kill the dogs and put a bullet in each leg.¡± Billy said with a smile.


    All of us looked at Tommy and Jimmy. We looked straight into their eyes. Jimmy raised his gun and put a single bullet into Billy¡¯s head, then fired five shots in the air. The shots made almost no noise as Billy¡¯s smile diminished just a little as he fell, lifeless to the ground.


    Tommy and Jimmy quickly dropped their weapons and went to the back of the Escalade. We did not move or say anything. I could not help but to notice the brilliant red pool of blood surrounding Billy¡¯s head that was flowing continually across the concrete. Ginger and Pete slowly inspected the body, being careful not to step into the blood.


    A quiet grimace of pain was heard as we all slowly walked toward the back of the Escalade. Tommy cut a four-inch vertical incision in Jimmy¡¯s shoulder as he stood with his shirt off. Tommy glanced toward us for a second as he put a bloody index finger against his lips. Jillian knelt down and pulled a small note pad from Gingers back pack and quickly scribbled on it and showed it to Tommy. ¡®What do we do?¡¯ How can we help?¡±


    Tommy smiled a little as he cut out a micro electronic device from Jimmy¡¯s shoulder as he held back his pain as tears streaked from his eyes and he took short powerful breaths.


    Jillian quickly searched through the small first aid kit at the back of the Escalade and put on some gloves. Tommy placed the bloody device on his shoulder to show Jillian the location. I picked up some bandages and wrapped Jimmy¡¯s incision as he smiled the best he could.


    Jillian felt the profile of the device and cut right next to it. He screamed into his bent arm as Jillian, not flinching in the least bit, revealed the small device. It looked like a tiny electronic button with a single tiny hole in the center and tiny hair-like strands attached. Jillian cut each strand and handed the device to him. Jillian gestured a sewing motion and he just tapped his watch. This obviously was a silent timed event as Scotty and Helen quickly started to pack up the coolers and position his truck for a quick exit.


    Jimmy and Tommy each grabbed a small backpack hidden under the seats inside the Escalade. They placed the small electronic devices into Billy¡¯s exposed ear canal and ran toward Scotty¡¯s truck.


    Jillian and I were just exiting the parking lot behind Scotty¡¯s truck as we heard two small ¡®pops¡¯ and watched Billy¡¯s head snapped back and forth in the rear-view mirrors.


    Scotty stopped his truck and Jimmy and Tommy got out. Jillian ran over with our monster first-aid kit as Tommy and Jimmy hugged each other. Apparently, their mission was a success.


    They both were overcome with emotion as they both hugged Jillian and Ginger and Pete were waiting their turns wagging tails sniffing their shoes and pants.


    ¡°You guys need to settle down or your gonna bleed out!¡± Jillian said laughing. Helen brought over a small cooler of snacks and water bottles. They both hugged Helen then Scotty as I stood and snapped off a couple of pictures and video.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°You have to be Doctor ¡®J¡¯ and this has to be Pete!¡± Jimmy said as he let Pete smell his bloody hand.


    OH MY GOD! LOOK AT THIS! Tommy said looking into the cooler. ¡°Homemade granola! trail mix, dehydrated¡­¡± Tommy stopped and just looked at us.


    ¡°Apricots, peaches, pears¡­what?¡± Jillian asked opening the first-aid kit and putting on fresh gloves as Tommy pulled out the bourbon.


    ¡°Not until I stitch you guys up!¡± Jillian said grabbing the bottle and handing them the dehydrated fruits.


    ¡°Are we supposed to still call you ¡®Tommy and Jimmy¡¯?¡± I said as I lit a small cigar and shouldered my AA12 as Jillian administered a local anesthetic, she has been working on to both of them and prepared to stitch the cuts.


    I held out my hand and said: ¡°My name is Greg, pleased to meet you¡­Mark.¡± Mark shook my hand with his mouth open. ¡°That is the luckiest guess ever!¡± Mark said.


    ¡°That, is not a guess.¡± Scotty said introducing Helen and himself.


    ¡°And you go by James, not Jimmy.¡± I said as I shook his good hand as Jillian said ¡®Stay still¡¯.


    ¡°There is no way that you could know that.¡± James said.


    ¡°Both of you need to relax and focus, how much time do you have?¡± I asked sensing time was a primary topic for both of them.


    ¡°They may come for him, they may not. Right now, I bet they have their hands full.¡± Mark said with a mouth full of Granola.


    ¡°They who?¡± Helen asked.


    ¡°Whoever he reports to. They probably don¡¯t want to leave evidence behind.¡± James said.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s not gonna be much left of him this time tomorrow, if anything.¡± Scotty said as Mark and James turned toward Scotty. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of fresh meat for a lot of different game.¡± Scotty added as Mark and James high fived each other with their good hands.


    ¡°How much time do the two of you have?¡± I asked the question again.


    ¡°We really don¡¯t know.¡± James said not very concerned.


    ¡°When the test results come back and you are sterile, you have a thirty percent chance.¡± James added as he watched Jillian¡¯s sewing technique, flinching just a little.


    ¡°Thirty percent? You risked your life for thirty percent?¡± I asked looking at Helen and Scotty as Mark sat on the ground and petted Ginger and Pete who continually smelled him.


    ¡°Why did Billy want us to go to Oklahoma?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Experiments, testing and blood. To better refine the treatments.¡± James said.


    ¡°Our inside contacts in OK gave us updates when they could. There is a whole movement going on right now, as we speak. We''ve been waiting and planning this for two years.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°Survivors, like you, who are either convinced or just show up at the facility are subject to some pretty gruesome tests. Out of the eighteen, that we knew about, only three are left.  We were deployed and have been monitoring all your communications for about nine months now. Some details we edited out before submitting that we thought were too informative or could compromise you in any way.¡± James said truthfully.


    ¡°We were able to encrypt these communications and send them to the ¡®Movement¡¯ as well. We can¡¯t tell you what an honor and privilege it is to finally meet all of you.¡± James said with the highest admiration.


    ¡°Thank you, I guess.¡± I said.


    ¡°Billy was the most senior officer we ever had contact with. From what information we could gather, He¡¯s second or at least third tier.¡± Mark said standing up.


    ¡°A guinea pig for the elites.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°So, the treatments you have been receiving, and the results of being sterile give you a thirty percent chance to live? Even if you stop the treatments?¡± Jillian asked for clarification.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Mark said breathing in deep.


    ¡°So, who¡¯s monitoring communications now?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No one. We were the only post for this area, like I said, for about nine months now. We would deploy drones and report our findings. We tried to keep your group a secret but we followed orders and any deviation from orders is usually met with the same result. But a visit by Billy a few days ago exposed you all at the baseball diamond. We¡¯ve seen and monitored your movements and reported as little as possible. There is another group of about four Northeast of San Francisco.


    There are two other posts; New Mexico, and Alabama. They will be toast in about a month. It¡¯s a satellite hook up with a very small bandwidth. The main terminal for North America was in Canada, which is not functional, thanks to you. I can¡¯t wait to hear all the details on that.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°So, we can use the radio and not worry about big brother?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Ninety¨Cnine percent sure. We locked it out right before we left. We have our encrypted channel but that¡¯s risky.¡± James said.


    ¡°You know you put all of us at risk with this project. Especially when a dead officer is very near our boats, and vehicles.¡± I said assessing the events and possible repercussions.


    ¡°The electronic treatment interface ports send a signal every fifteen minutes. Approximate location plus or minus a couple hundred yards, audio, very weak. Today, we set in motion a series of events that hopefully will bring an end to the Oklahoma facility, we were just waiting for the message to come get you.¡± Mark said as he drank the rest of his water.


    ¡°It will be dark soon.¡± I said looking around. ¡°What¡¯s your next move?¡± I asked James and Mark as they both looked at each other.


    ¡°We were hoping to stay with you for a couple of days. If that¡¯s ok?¡± Mark asked.


    ¡°You two are not much use to us with only one arm each.¡± Scotty said in a serious tone.


    ¡°What special skills do you have that would contribute?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Electronics and communications, if it has a circuit board, I can make it do most anything.¡± Mark said. His statement was accurate and short of what he is actually capable of.


    ¡°¡­and you?¡± besides being an executioner?¡± I said looking toward James. This statement was harsh and demoralizing to James. He put his head down slightly and walked away a couple of steps as Jillian gave me a very disapproving look.


    ¡°I apologize James. That was not necessary. I¡¯m sorry.¡± I said walking over to him with my hand out stretched. James accepted my hand. As I gripped it tight and looked into his eyes; a flash of information poured into my brain. His thoughts and disposition were honest and true, He and Mark risked their lives and the lives of at least eighteen others in order to make their mission a success and reach this point.


    ¡°John Wayne? Good ole boy? Princess Di? The Seductress??¡± I questioned James. He looked at me stunned.


    ¡°You¡¯re an empath.¡± James said as he tried to let go of my hand. I gripped his hand tighter. His thoughts were racing and becoming difficult to acknowledge. I let go of his hand.


    Mark walked up to me and held out his hand and took a deep breath with closed eyes, then opened them and looked directly at me as I grabbed his hand. Again, a flood of information poured in as Mark was able to recall and filter the important events from the past two years. As I let go of his hand I had a better understanding of their goals, objectives and failures as well as some personal information.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting late.¡± Jillian said as I walked up to her, Helen and Scotty for a private discussion.


    ¡°They pose absolutely no threat to us. They want to be useful and to contribute. They envy us, and really want us to trust them, but don¡¯t know how to convince us since we only have known them for twenty minutes, and they have nowhere else to go and are scared.¡± I said quietly.  We all turned to look at James and Mark kneeling down and petting Ginger and Pete, who were already convinced they are part of the pack.


    ¡°We can let them stay at our home till they heal, but they need to know it¡¯s short term.¡± Jillian proposed after a short pause.


    ¡°We can stay for a couple of days, just for security purposes. Maybe get the wolf pack tomorrow in case someone wants to have a little chat with them.¡± Scotty whispered.


    ¡°I have an unusual feeling about them. Not negative, but not positive either.¡± Helen said confused. ¡°I think it took more courage than you know for him to pull the trigger.¡± Helen added looking at me.


    ¡°Make a call to the Catalina folks, just tell them we are okay.¡± I said to Scotty as I turned to Mark and James.


    ¡°Conditions. One: You can stay with us, short term only. We will help, as long as you have a long-term plan. Two: We need to blindfold you for the drive. Three: If you do not contribute or do not provide us anything value added, we will have to¡­ sever ties with you. Four: You cannot harm, hunt or kill anything without us knowing about it. Five: No stealing.¡± I said in a serious tone that conveyed no latitude or variation in any way.


    Mark and James stood up and produced their hands and their eyes welled up in tears. We all shook hands. ¡°We will not let you down.¡± James said as he tore off his shirt sleeve to create a blindfold and Mark did the same.


    Paul¡¯s response was cautious and concerned as Scotty called him during a rare night time drive to Malibu.


    ¡°Scotty was right, Pete¡¯s breath is vile!¡± Mark said as he and James sat in the back seat in between Ginger and Pete who insisted on window positions. We arrived at our house and James and Mark took off their blindfolds. I looked at them and raised my eyebrows.


    ¡°Yes. We already know where you live. Well, approximately.¡± James said. ¡°We¡¯ve been keeping it a secret. As well as the people from Catalina, and your place.¡± James said turning to Helen and Scotty. ¡°We monitored the marina and know your fishing schedule. When we see you go out fishing, we investigate using the drone. We would get as close as possible. We both figured it would be Malibu, why not.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°Then why did you wear the blindfolds?¡± Jillian asked. ¡°Because you made it a condition.¡± Mark said as James just nodded his head in agreement.


    ¡°What were the other conditions?¡± Helen asked, testing them both. They repeated the conditions exactly as I said it to them, like they were reading it from a note card. It reminded me of the Boy Scout oath, monotone and deliberate. They both grabbed the biggest cooler with their good arms as we unpacked Scotty¡¯s truck and walked around the side of the house to the patio. I led the way using my headlamp on the ground as the grass met the stone walkway.


    ¡°HOLY FUCKING SHIT!¡± Mark said as he stopped fast and the fish in the cooler shifted against the ice.


    ¡°Bear tracks! Fucking big! Two of ¡®em!¡± Mark said inspecting. I started laughing. ¡°That¡¯s just our neighbors! They¡¯ll be here later if they are hungry or thirsty.¡± I said.


    ¡°Definitely in the A.M.¡± Scotty said shaking his head.


    ¡°Seriously, are you serious! The two Bears!¡± Mark and James exchanged concerned looks as Jillian turned on the patio lights. ¡°This is the most beautiful¡­¡± Mark stopped his sentence as Jillian and Helen turned on the kitchen lights and washed their hands at the kitchen sink.


    ¡°We have three more coolers.¡± I said as I prepared the ¡®cutting station¡¯ on the patio.  Mark and James returned with the last cooler as Scotty prepared the grill with the lump charcoal, and Mark and James looked around at everything. They both walked to the edge of the property and looked out over the black Pacific and said nothing. Ginger and Pete dropped their small backpacks at their feet and sat waiting for acknowledgment.


    ¡°Thank you, Ginger. Thank you, Pete.¡± They both said as they petted both of them. Mark and James walked over and placed the small back packs on the patio table. ¡°If you want, you can go through them.¡± James said as he put on a rubber apron to assist me. Socks, underwear, t-shirt, knife, multi-tool, lighter, small flashlight and a small first-aid kit. I thought to myself.


    ¡°Can you please take off the dogs¡¯ backpacks Mark?¡± I said as Ginger heard this and nervously waited for Mark to figure out the harness. As soon as Pete¡¯s pack was off, he started barking and this caused Ginger to get overanxious. I whistled and said their names loud trying to get them to settle down. They both sat and waited for Mark to take off Gingers pack and then exploded in a barking chorus.  I had to stop gutting a yellow tail and walk all the way over to the pool and hit the switch that retracted the pool cover.


    The brilliant sparkling water with the low-profile lighting was slowly being revealed as Mark and James just looked at each other, then at me.


    ¡°They will continue to bark until they get what they want.¡± I said walking back to the yellow tail as Jillian and Helen placed a beautiful assortment of appetizers and assorted beverages on the Patio table.


    ¡°Coffee will be ready in six minutes.¡± Jillian said smiling graciously as Ginger jumped into the pool and Pete just went down the ramp and into the water to cool off.


    ¡°That smells so disgusting, but for some reason it¡¯s not¡­offensive.¡± James said as I examined the contents of the stomach. Scotty peeked over my shoulder and jotted down in his ¡®Fishin¡¯ notebook and took a picture of the yellow tails diet then walked back over to the grill.


    ¡°I have a task for both of you!¡± I said in a high-pitched shrill voice as a ventriloquist using the yellow tails head as a puppet. James turned and looked at me in an odd fashion.


    ¡°You must provide for us something that we need, but, we do not know that we need it!¡± Scotty ran over to the cutting table/stage.


    ¡°I KNEW YOU COULD TALK! I KNEW IT!! Tell me¡­¡± Scotty said kneeling down and talking to the fish head. ¡°Is there a time limit for this task?¡± Scotty asked placing his ear next to the mouth and listening intently.


    ¡°Yes¡­Maybe¡­No.¡± Came the answer. Scotty looked up at James, who did not know what to make of this performance.


    ¡°It¡¯s like talkin to a magic eight ball.¡± Scotty said frustrated and confused. Helen and Jillian just smiled as they set the table for dinner. The ¡®magic eight ball yellow tail head¡¯ spoke again; ¡°Tell Mark and James to lighten the fuck up!¡±


    Scotty stood up and said in a serious tone; ¡°You two need to lighten the fuck up.¡± Mark and James smiled. Jillian and Helen began applauding seeing them smile.


    ¡°Ask mister fishy dick when he plans on flopping his ass over to the grill! Were hungry over here!¡± Jillian said out loud.


    ¡°Can I see the radios?¡± Mark asked me when we were done cleaning up the cutting table.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s over there.¡± I said pointing with the sheathed knife.


    ¡°Ours is in the truck.¡± Scotty said as he closed the lid on the grill.


    ¡°Where might I find some tools?¡± Mark asked me.


    ¡°Garage, help yourself. Through the kitchen, down the hall.¡± I said.


    Mark was working on the radios, making them more secure. He used terminology I only slightly recognized as he tried to put in layman¡¯s terms, explaining exactly what he was doing for fear he was setting a trap.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need the other radio from Catalina to complete the project. Mark said as he and James joined us at the patio table. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen food like this in¡­ years.¡± James said quietly.


    ¡°Will Mark and I be eating any of this?¡± James asked not looking up at us. Jillian and Helen heard this question and Helen immediately responded.


    ¡°Sweetie, you are welcome to eat anything you want.¡± Helen said walking over to James.


    Scotty poured a small amount of Bourbon in everyone¡¯s glass. Mark and James¡¯ eyes widened and a smile appeared on both of them.


    ¡°A toast!¡± Scotty said standing holding up his glass. ¡°To Freedom.¡±


    ¡°Real Freedom.¡± Helen added as we all touched glasses (and Jillian¡¯s Tea cup)


    ¡°Ah! Damn that¡¯s good!¡± James said as Mark¡¯s eyes just closed.


    ¡°Liquor was strictly forbidden. Our friend, Jason was caught making Gin and Billy cut off two of his fingers.¡± Mark said. ¡°No shit?¡± I asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true; Billy made him cut off two of his own fingers. Jason got to select which ones though.¡± James said trying to make it sound somehow less barbaric. Scotty looked at his hands. ¡°Talk about tough decisions.¡± He said looking over the top of his glasses.


    ¡°You guys might want to go easy on that until you gain some weight and get some normal nutrition levels.¡± Jillian warned as Mark reached for the bourbon bottle, then stopped. He shook his head and agreed.


    ¡°When was your last meal?¡± Jillian asked.


    ¡°About, an hour ago?¡± Mark said looking at James and both agreeing with a head nod.


    ¡°Two handfuls of granola, some dehydrated fruit and a bottle of water is not a meal.¡± Jillian said shaking her head. ¡°Before that, what did you eat?¡± Jillian asked again.


    Mark and James exchanged looks. ¡°Mine was marked ¡®Pizza¡¯. ¡°Mine was marked ¡®Cajun¡¯. They responded. ¡°About nine hours ago?¡± James added.


    ¡°What was marked?¡± Jillian asked as the grill sizzled and the smell hit Mark and James noses. They both inhaled the aroma and were practically salivating like Pete. Jillian and Helen got up and headed inside toward the kitchen, Jillian turned; ¡°You two. Kitchen. Now.¡± She said.


    ¡°You two are in deep shit.¡± Scotty said cleaning up a little as I tended the grill.


    They returned with washed faces and hands as Helen brought out her citrus drink and Jillian put out her legendary salsa and flatbread in front of them. Jillian asked them both a battery of health questions as she took notes on her laptop.


    Beep. Beep. Beep. Was heard as the road alarms sounded. A low tone was farthest, higher tones the closer to the house.


    ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s moving fast! Scotty, you¡¯re with me.¡± I said as I got up quickly and tossed him a two-way radio from the charging stand on a table behind Mark and James.


    ¡°You two. Stay right there. Don¡¯t move.¡± I said to Mark and James as I adjusted the grill temperature then grabbed my AA12 and Scotty pulled his forty-five. Jillian and Helen disappeared into the house. Jillian and I decided an elevated position would be more to our tactical advantage if somebody was snooping around.


    ¡°Ginger. Pete. Come.¡± I said as they switched modes.


    ¡°Lights are off, two houses down. Easy girl.¡± Scotty whispered into the radio as Pete jogged next to me as I Ninja-ed across the street then hiding behind the green-house.


    ¡°Escalade. Door open, driver side. Female driver. Passenger door. Male, tall, bald. That¡¯s gotta be Reese! YEP! Gingers tail is wagging. The nose knows.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°How is that possible?¡± I said.


    ¡°WHAT, IS YOUR NAME?¡± I said out loud with my best ¡®English accent¡¯.


    ¡°REESE OF CATALINA!¡± Came the response, turning in my direction.


    ¡°WHAT, IS YOUR QUEST?¡± I asked.


    ¡°WE SEEK THE GRAIL.¡± Reese responded in a heavy English accent with emphasis on the word ¡®Grail¡¯. I walked up and turned on my head lamp. ¡°What, is your favorite color?¡± I asked.


    ¡°BLUE¡­ No, GREEN!¡± Reese responded as we both yelled out loud.


    ¡°You guys are such nerds!¡± Rebecca said hugging Scotty with Ginger and Pete greeting them excitedly.


    ¡°You got it workin!¡± Scotty said greeting Reese with a big smile.


    ¡°One hour, twenty-two minutes.¡± Reese said proudly.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Scotty exclaimed.


    ¡°Just the sound of the wind and the water splashing!¡± Reese said still smiling.


    ¡°We heard the conversation with that asshole, then nothing for a while, till Scotty talked.¡± Rebecca said as she entered the Escalade to move it to the driveway.


    ¡°We saw the blood-stained concrete, some shredded clothes, a military issue shoe and two guns in the parking lot. You didn¡¯t sound very convincing.¡± Reese said looking at Scotty. ¡°So, we decided a visit would be best.¡± Reese said clicking the safety switch on his M1.


    As we entered the driveway, Jillian and Helen appeared. Jillian with her night vision goggles on the top of her head carrying the sniper rifle and Helen with one of my small machine pistols.


    ¡°How the hell did you get here so fast!¡± Jillian said walking up and greeting Rebecca and Reese. Helen did the same.


    ¡°New boat!¡± Reese said grinning.


    ¡°He¡¯s been working on it constantly.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°We have two guests.¡± Jillian said as we all walked through the garage and into the kitchen.


    ¡°THE RECRUITING ASSHOLES!¡± Reese boomed loudly and bringing his gun into action.


    ¡°They are part of a movement within the Oklahoma facility.¡± I said.


    ¡°¡­AND YOU TRUST THEM!¡± Rebecca said.  She was really pissed!  We entered the patio area.


    Mark and James were still sitting at the table with concerned looks on their faces until Reese appeared. This changed immediately to almost a panic level.


    ¡°Everyone, just relax!¡± Jillian said as she got between Mark, James and Rebecca and Reese.


    Reese approached them, standing across the table. They both sat in his shadow as the light behind him outlined his profile. Reese looked at them for a moment. We heard a click of the safety switch and Reese said: ¡°Talk.¡± In a low tone. He did not point the gun at them but no one was going to interfere. Mark and James exchanged looks and they slowly placed the knives exactly back into position next to the dinner plates.


    Mark and James explained, in detail, everything they said to us and the information from which I gathered. Ginger and Pete were confused, they sat next to me waiting for a command as Scotty added some more food to the grill and re-adjusted the temperature.


    After they were done giving all the information possible, Reese said nothing and placed 2 gun magazines on the table.


    ¡°Explain.¡± Reese said in the same low tone.


    ¡°Low velocity, close range, soft target.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°What did you do with the guns?¡± James asked.


    ¡°Tossed em.¡± Reese said immediately.


    ¡°Good.¡± Mark replied.


    ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± Reese asked clicking the safety switch and securing the gun next to him as he sat down in a chair at the patio table.


    ¡°You¡¯re Reese of Catalina, your quest is the grail, and your favorite color is, in fact, green.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°That¡¯s great! Now we have two of them!¡± Rebecca said as Reese cracked just a hint of a smile.


    ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± Rebecca asked in a sarcastic tone. Mark and James did not respond immediately, so I did.


    ¡°They have names for all of us! Go on, tell us these names.¡± I said as everyone sat at the patio table joining Mark and James and nibbling on appetizers as Jillian and Helen brought out two additional place settings as we waited for the grilled yellow tail. Both of them were very nervous and did not know exactly how to proceed.


    ¡°You have to understand, your communications were the only source of¡­ outside contact, and, well, entertainment the Movement had. All of you are, basically celebrities, famous! Plays were actually re-created using your dialog. All your communications were stored and sent as an encrypted file to the movement. Like I said before, we edited out a lot of communications and specifics that would compromise you to the Leadership. I was the first to hear your transmission. I knew right away you were not operating in an official capacity and were just regular folks, survivors, who obviously found the radios.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°Is it me, or is he stalling?¡± Helen said accusatorily, staring at Mark.


    ¡°STAL-LING.¡± Everyone said like an intervention greeting.


    A deep sigh issued from Mark as Scotty walked over with two plates of grilled Yellowtail.


    ¡°Saved by the grill!¡± Scotty said placing one plate in front of Mark and James.


    ¡°A Toast.¡± Jillian said. ¡°May your plans yield great success, for the future is at hand.¡± We all drank as Mark and James looked at each other and stood up.


    ¡°A couple of days ago, while eating my BBQ flavored gruel, I expected to be dead or imprisoned by now. But here I¡­ we, sit, in a fantasy world. Exceeding every expectation imaginable. When you asked me about long term goals, I now have at least three. I would¡­¡± ¡°CHEERS!¡± Reese said out loud. We were not sure if James was finished, but Reese was hungry.


    ¡°What do you think of the juice?¡± Rebecca asked pointing with her fork.


    ¡°Delicious! Nice and fresh.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°Pretty damn good!¡± James added.


    ¡°Their nutrition levels are pretty low.¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°Well, that stuff will definitely ¡®Get it up¡¯¡±! Rebecca said as we all snickered and giggled.


    ¡°What¡¯s that all about?¡± Mark asked bringing attention to our obvious inside joke.


    ¡°That¡¯s my recipe!¡± Helen said proudly. ¡°It has great nutritional value and I¡¯m working on the flavor, but it has a certain¡­ side effect, with certain men.¡± Helen added.


    ¡°All men.¡± I said.


    ¡°REAL MEN!¡± Reese added unexpectedly.


    ¡°Like what?¡± James asked like he figured it out already.


    ¡°Names first!¡± Rebecca said taking a firm stance on the issue.


    ¡°The only names that were ever mentioned were Dr. J; Jillian, Pete, and Ginger...¡± Pete heard his name at the dinner table and made his presence known to James. ¡°Man Mountain; Reese, Rosie, Becky and Jeff: the wolves and the name ¡®Susan¡¯ was heard in the background once. You are not Susan. Correct?¡± James asked Rebecca.


    ¡°Correct.¡± Rebecca said as a long pause exceeded my tolerance threshold.


    ¡°Okay, okay, who is John Wayne?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You.¡± James said as everyone laughed out loud.


    ¡°The Duke is a bad ass! Thank you. Who is ¡®Good ole boy?¡¯¡± Everyone looked at Scotty. James nodded his head. ¡°I take that as a complement!¡± Scotty said holding up his glass.


    ¡°Who is Princess Di?¡± I asked. ¡°Helen.¡± Jillian, Rebecca, Scotty and Reese said together. ¡°Ooo! Royalty!¡± Helen said sitting up straight and sipping her wine with her pinky extended.


    ¡°Mister Diplomat?¡± I asked as everyone said ¡°Paul.¡±


    ¡°Pee-Wee is obviously Sammy.¡± I said.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I remember. No, wait, there was one more¡­¡¯The Seductress¡¯, the name YOU came up with James. How could I have forgotten that one?¡± I said to James, winking.


    ¡°Rebecca.¡± Everyone said, as she was at a loss for words and actually blushed. I could smell her hormones from across the table as she stood up and topped off James¡¯ citrus drink and ¡®accidentally¡¯ unbuttoned her top button on her shirt. We all expressed similar adolescent remarks out loud.


    Mark and James were both twenty-five years old, birthdays three months apart. From the information I obtained, they have basically been imprisoned and subject to different types of testing and performed some horrific tasks in order to gain the trust of the Oklahoma Leadership. Constant attention for spy¡¯s and secrets between the Movement, left them numb and they are still not entirely relaxed. Which I found to be ironic because they have only a thirty percent chance to see next week, and it was low on their list of concerns as they constantly looked at each other in disbelief. After dinner we performed the bourbon and brine ceremony.

 Ursidae and the spirits

    Mark was putting the final touches on the three radios, showing us how to switch them through different security modes and a label showing how to communicate with just one or all the other radios.


    ¡°If you add more radios, just switch this to 1, 2, 3 and so on, up to eight.¡± Mark instructed as we tested them out and they worked just fine.


    ¡°So, how will you know if the Movement is successful?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°We are supposed to make a call, Monday, at exactly one, twenty-three P.M. on the encrypted channel from the outpost.¡± James said.


    ¡°What if you don¡¯t get a response?¡± Reese asked.


    ¡°Then it was a complete failure, and the Movement is dead.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°We have four people we can completely trust. They know the time and the codes in order to communicate the status. With any luck, in three days¡­ it will be a crater.¡± James said with a heavy sigh.


    ¡°That¡¯s the escape window?¡± Scotty asked. Mark and James just nodded their heads. ¡°There¡¯s a rendezvous point about two miles west of the facility, anyone left is to report there.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel guilty.¡± I said quietly to Mark and James.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard not to.¡± Mark said looking around.


    ¡°Enough of this sadness. We will all find out soon enough, until then, let¡¯s just hope for the best.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°With Billy being slowly digested and their resources spread thin against the Movement, you two are low on the priority list.¡± Reese said as he stood up.


    ¡°I need to call Susan and Paul and give them an update. Can you show me how to switch the radio back?¡± Reese asked looking toward Mark.


    ¡°Sure. No problem!¡± Mark replied.


    We all cleaned up dinner as Jillian and Helen made ready the additional rooms for Mark and James. Rebecca stripped off her clothes and jumped into the pool immediately followed by Ginger and Pete. James pretended not to notice. I stripped down and jumped in as well as Scotty in his tighty-whities. Jillian and Helen stripped down to bra and panties and jumped in. James did not know what to do.


    ¡°You know you want to jump in!¡± Rebecca said treading the water.


    Reese must have heard the splashes as he rounded the side of the house taking off his socks and cannon balled naked right into the center of the pool causing an enormous splash. Mark was not far behind as he ran and tripped trying to take off his pants with his good arm.


    ¡°JAMES JAMES JAMES¡± Everyone chanted as he stood up trying to conceal his erection, and now that everyone was watching, he was embarrassed. Rebecca got out of the water, walked up to James and whispered into his ear. He took off his clothes and entered the pool behind Rebecca.


    ¡°All we need to do is fix a sail on his back and he¡¯ll be in Catalina by mornin!¡± Scotty said as everyone laughed but all of us noticed Mark and James¡¯ battered, bruised and scarred bodies. With our help they should be healthy within a week, if they live.


    Jillian and I did not sleep well, we got up and started cleaning and making breakfast. Ginger and Pete both turned to see who was walking through the living room. James was wrapped in just a bed sheet.


    ¡°I can¡¯t find my clothes.¡± James said proudly.


    ¡°We heard the shower last night, was that you?¡± Jillian asked smiling and winking at him.


    ¡°No, but that sounds¡­¡± James started to say.


    ¡°Just keep it under five minutes. I¡¯m sure everyone will be using it.¡± Jillian said, still smiling. Helen and Scotty came into the kitchen after an extended ¡®good morning¡¯ session with Ginger and Pete.


    ¡°We might want to check the marina cameras for activity.¡± Scotty said as I poured him a cup of coffee at the kitchen table.


    ¡°We might want to fast forward through¡­ you know¡­ Billy¡¯s final demise.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to head north and check for Lobsters.¡± Jillian said as she and Helen started making baking powder biscuits.


    ¡°Good morning. Lobsters!?¡± Mark said, entering the Kitchen area.


    ¡°They are not like ¡®East coast¡¯, but they are lobsters.¡± Reese said kneeling down and greeting Ginger and Pete from the living room.


    ¡°Maybe you can give me some pointers on the boat I¡¯ve been working on.¡± Scotty asked Reese.


    ¡°Sure. Not a problem. It just can¡¯t be faster than mine.¡± Reese said with a serious face that quickly changed into a smile and in good spirits.


    It was nice having assistance with my morning preventive maintenance. What typically takes three to four hours only took one and a half. Mark and James worked together as one and volunteered to do the work and did not complain at all when it came time to clean the pumps and filters of the nastiness.


    Jillian showed Reese where we placed our lobster traps on a chart and James noticed a marked-up map among the stack of papers with a circle around the baseball field, and the different colored circles showing the approximate location of the outpost with question marks.


    ¡°So, you lied?¡±  Mark said looking at the map then at me.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I said.


    ¡°When Billy heard you talking to¡­Paul is it? He went nuts! Between the insults and knowing where we were and the air intake.¡± James said shaking his head. ¡°He was instructed to act immediately.¡± Mark added.


    ¡°By who?¡± Reese asked.


    ¡°Some woman. That was the first time we heard her voice.¡± Mark said.


    ¡°She has her hands full right about now!¡± James said fist bumping Mark.


    ¡°Once we had you secure, Billy was to call in for transport. Since that request never came and, well, everything else.¡± Mark said waving his hand.


    ¡°Transport?¡± Reese questioned.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°Helicopter. They have two that we know of. Very advanced, never seen anything like it.¡± James said as Ginger and Pete started barking at the patio door to be let out.


    ¡°HOLY FUCKING SHIT!¡± Mark said out loud looking for a gun seeing Mom and Sam in the backyard nosing around.


    ¡°Mark. Relax.¡± I said as I got up and opened the door and went outside with Scotty to greet Mom and Sam.


    Ginger and Pete gave Mom and Sam a quick sniff down and Sam approached me and presented his paw. This was more of a personal greeting than a medical inspection as Mom sat and waited for Jillian to bring out some water. Ginger and Pete playfully darted around her as she let them smell her as she sniffed the air.


    Looking into Sam¡¯s eyes and holding his massive paw, I sensed they will not be back for a while. A new area for one or both of them has been located.


    Helen opened the patio door for Jillian who was carrying the water bucket. They caught the scent of Mark and James and immediately were focused and not interested in the water or the cookie box Helen was holding. Reese came out onto the patio and Mom and Sam ignored him.


    ¡°Relax and clear your minds.¡± I said in a low tone as Mark and James stood in the patio door frame. Mom and Sam¡¯s disposition was very different. Even the dogs sensed this and stood near Jillian and Helen.


    Mom. Sam. These are new friends. They mean you no harm. We are helping them. I said to Mom and Sam.


    Mom¡¯s eyes shifted to mine for only a second and I could tell she was uneasy as well as Sam. They both backed away slowly toward the side of the house not taking their eyes off Mark and James and leaving without drinking the water or eating the cookies.


    ¡°Wow, that was odd!¡± Jillian said looking toward Helen who had the same look on her face.


    ¡°What did you say to them?¡± Helen asked me.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say anything?¡± Mark said in a wave of apprehension.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± I said as Helen looked at me and knew I was lying. Helen thought it would not be wise to have Mark and James meet the Wolf pack. I looked at her and nodded my head in agreement.


    After breakfast, we all went to the marina, Mark, James and Reese in Rebecca¡¯s Escalade, followed by Helen, Scotty, Jillian the dogs and I.


    We immediately noticed multiple animal tracks, the left shoe, piece of blue sport coat and the stain. I replaced the SD cards from the four game cameras and we all boarded Reese¡¯s new boat.


    ¡°You named your boat ¡°Ocean Motion¡±? Helen asked Reese with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to change that.¡± Reese said rolling his eyes and embarrassed. Reese had all of us change seats multiple times during the ride. The weight and balance needed constant corrections with eight of us and the dogs. We all complied and Reese seemed satisfied as he fine-tuned the boat as Scotty constantly asked questions.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna have to fill the old gas tanks with more water to create a better ballast.¡± Reese yelled over the wind as we approached forty-three mph.


    ¡°How much fuel do you have?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Three gallons. That should last all winter based on my calculations. I could really use the weight though.¡± Reese said and he and Scotty talked technical terms as Mark and James just sat and smiled enjoying the sun, wind, water and the marine life that found us interesting.


    We picked up about ten lobsters and let some of the smaller ones go. Mark and James did not say it out loud, but they really wanted to fish. Helen and Rebecca gave them a fishing rod and some quick instructions and inside of five minutes both were having a great time. They worked together using their good arms. James held the rod as Mark struggled reeling in something pretty big. Every time it got close to the boat it took out more line. After the third time Scotty was ready to pull it in and Reese pulled down Marks shorts. Everyone laughed, whistled and cheered as Mark remained focused on bringing in the fish.


    ¡°A little sun tan lotion please!¡± Mark yelled as he worked the reel.


    ¡°Blue-Fin! Looks like a thirty pounder!¡± Scotty yelled as he and Reese brought it on board.


    Mark and James stood for a picture as James pulled his shorts down alongside Mark. A big wave rolled the boat as Jillian recorded. ¡°Did you get that!?¡± Rebecca asked. ¡°The fish or the swingin¡¯ dicks?¡± Jillian said laughing as Reese finally had a name for his boat. ¡°I got all three!¡± Jillian said out loud as we all applauded.


    We headed back to the Marina in good spirits with enough food for at least three days for everyone. We ate lunch at our favorite spot; the restaurant overlooking the Marina. Comfortable seating, nice breeze and view.


    The wine tasted really good for some reason as I faced north and noticed a small sparkle reflecting in the distance. I just smiled and held Jillian¡¯s hand. Everyone, except Jillian, was getting a little drunk and we thought it would be best to drive back to Malibu and prepare today¡¯s catch.


    When we finished cleaning up the fish and lobsters everyone disappeared for an afternoon nap.


    I woke up and Jillian was looking at me smiling.


    ¡°You have been in such a good mood lately, it¡¯s nice to see.¡± Jillian said kissing my cheek.


    ¡°And you look more beautiful every day.¡± I said stretching.


    ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, life is good.¡± Jillian said snuggling in close to me.


    ¡°I think my boobs are getting bigger.¡± Jillian said unexpectedly.


    ¡°Maybe, a little.¡± I said as Jillian sat up and displayed her breasts to me. A quick knock at the door and Helen appeared.


    ¡°Do you think my boobs are getting bigger?¡± Jillian asked Helen.


    ¡°Oh sweetie, you have a great rack. We can¡¯t find Ginger and I looked everywhere.¡± Helen said concerned.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Pete?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Downstairs on the couch, snoring.¡± Helen said as Jillian and I got dressed and went downstairs. Pete did not seem very concerned about Ginger. He went outside, sniffed around, pooped and jumped on the big lounge chair with a heavy sigh.


    ¡°He¡¯s not a whole lotta help.¡± Jillian said as I whistled a couple of times and took the golf cart for a ride around the neighborhood. After twenty minutes I ran into Scotty and James in the other golf cart.


    ¡°Nothing. Is she in ¡®Heat¡¯?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡± I said.


    ¡°If there is a male snooping around and picked up her scent, he may not want to approach with the Bears and Wolf pack all over here. I have the drone but don¡¯t know where to start.¡± Scotty said a little concerned.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be dark in a couple of hours; she¡¯ll be hungry and thirsty.¡± I said starting to get worried.


    ¡°She¡¯s a smart dog, she¡¯ll be fine.¡± Scotty said concerned, but not as much as me.


    We headed back to the house and dinner was almost done. Jillian, Helen and Rebecca made a wonderful Lobster ¡®Crab-cake¡¯ like dish that everyone enjoyed.


    ¡°I always hated sprouts as a kid, but these are so good!¡± James said as he and Mark continually complemented the food and thanked us.


    After dinner, all of us were playing a Bowling video game on the big screen TV on the patio and Helen had a near perfect game going, until Ginger appeared from the side of the house followed by Mom and Sam.


    Pete immediately greeted his sister by smelling and licking her. Mom and Sam kept their distance and seemed to be more afraid of Mark and James.   Jillian and I ran up to Ginger and inspected her. I thanked Mom and Sam for some reason, not knowing exactly why, but it seemed appropriate.


    Helen and Scotty brought out a bucket of water and cookies as Ginger and Pete took turns drinking from the bucket and receiving cookies. Mom and Sam were reluctant.


    ¡°Mark. James. Could you please go into the house and close the doors?¡± I said quietly not looking at them as they both silently complied and disappeared from sight inside the house.


    Mom and Sam¡¯s disposition changed immediately. Ginger and Pete playing chase with Sam as Mom found the cart with the lobster carcasses, dumped it over and snacked watching Ginger, Pete and Sam¡¯s playtime.


    Helen talked in soft tones to Mom as she removed briers from her back and Jillian did a quick medical inspection. Mom enjoyed all the attention, food and water. Mom grabbed Helen and pulled her in so she could smell and lick her hair.


    ¡°Okay, okay sweetie. I love you too.¡± Helen¡¯s muffled voice could be barely heard as Mom left Lobster fragments in her hair as Rebecca and Reese sat at the patio table recording video and chuckling.


    ¡°Okay, okay Sweetie, I missed you too.¡± Again, Helen¡¯s muffled voice. Ginger was exhausted as she sat next to Mom and drank from the water bucket until it was empty. Reese got up and approached Mom and Ginger.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get some more water. Is that okay?¡± Reese asked looking toward Jillian and I.


    ¡°Thank you, Reese.¡± Jillian said as Mom got up just as Reese grabbed the water bucket and inspected Reese. She got up on her hind legs and towered over Reese as a display.


    ¡°Yep. You''re big. You''re bad, and you are the only one here that can kick my ass.¡± Reese said calmly looking around then looking at Mom as he held the water bucket. Mom dropped down and placed her head under Reese¡¯s empty hand expecting him to touch her. Reese complied with her request. Reese stood with his new friend, gently stroking her head.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see someone fuck with us now.¡± Reese said nodding his head in defiance and glancing at Mom.


    Mom and Sam ate most everything in the cart and took a quick swim and exited along the side of the house. Mark and James opened the patio door.


    ¡°That was unbelievable!¡± Mark said.


    ¡°No one would ever believe us if we told them. Are you friends with all the wild animals?¡± James asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Scotty said plainly.

 Dead Man鈥檚 Plan

    The next day we headed to the outpost very early for the scheduled communication with the Movement. The outpost was under a self-storage complex, about a half mile from the Marina.


    Jillian, Rebecca, Helen and Reese stayed outside with the dogs as Scotty and I accompanied Mark and James inside the complex. As soon as I entered through the door and down the stairs, I felt as though something was wrong.


    ¡°Does anything appear, different here?¡± I asked. Mark and James were focused on the communication in three hours and just said ¡®no¡¯ as they made their preparations. My unease slowly escaladed to the point Scotty noticed.


    ¡°We all need to leave.¡± Scotty said in a serious tone.


    ¡°We can¡¯t, we¡¯ll miss the call?¡± James said.


    ¡°Is there a way to use a radio? To relay the signal? So, we can be outside?¡± I asked in a slight panic.


    ¡°No¡±. James said unconvincing making sure everything was working properly.


    ¡°We need to be outside.¡± I said turning toward Scotty looking directly at him as he immediately grabbed my shoulder and forced me toward the exit.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Mark asked looking up from the console. ¡°There is something wrong here and we don¡¯t want to be a part of it.¡± Scotty said as we turned and hurried toward the exit. We made it outside and Jillian and Helen came over immediately.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Jillian demanded.


    ¡°Something is not right here.¡± I said trying to regain my composure.


    ¡°Get the vehicles out of here! Over there, in that field, under those trees!¡± Scotty said in a commanding tone looking at the ground and pointing. Rebecca, Helen and Reese jumped into the closest vehicle and tore out of the parking lot and into the field under the trees as Jillian, Scotty and I ran with the dogs.


    ¡°What happened sweetie?¡± Helen asked, placing her hand on my back as I was out of breath from running.


    ¡°Something¡­don¡¯t know exactly.¡± I said as Rebecca handed Jillian, Scotty and I some water that we shared with Ginger and Pete.


    ¡°Strange shadows snapped along the floor, swirling sounds, like whispers from different directions.¡± I said as Jillian grabbed my face and performed the breathing exercise and I felt my heart rate lower.


    ¡°When John Wayne gets scared, there is reason for alarm.¡± Scotty said to everyone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We can leave them a vehicle.¡± Rebecca said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s give them a half hour, I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Reese said as he quickly took the Escalade and parked it in front of the storage facility and entered. After about ten minutes, Reese emerged from the storage unit carrying the large console they were working on. Mark and James carried small components and cables and loaded up the Escalade and returned to our location under the trees.


    The trees did not provide enough shade. Scotty and I placed a large blue boat tarp we found over the vehicles. We sat in the middle and had lunch as Mark and James barked out instructions as they scrambled to make the necessary connections. We had to sacrifice one of our radios in order to complete the project. Rebecca handed Mark and James food and water and insisted that they eat and drink as they work.


    Mark and James worked fast and double checked all the connections twice with forty minutes to spare. I explained to them my experience in the outpost and they did not fully understand but did not have a problem adapting.


    ¡°Here we go.¡± Mark said as he flipped the switch. He punched in a series of numbers and the speaker went from static to a blank sound, only a gentle hiss could be heard. We all sat in silence and snacked on fresh fruit as we all heard a couple of clicks through the speaker.


    ¡°Test, test.¡± Issued from the speaker as a whisper, quiet and clear as Mark and James smiled and reached for the transmitter saying: ¡®That¡¯s Jason!¡± I stopped him. ¡°You have six minutes.¡± I said looking at Jillian¡¯s wristwatch. They reluctantly agreed.


    ¡°963241¡±. Came over the speaker, not Jason¡¯s voice. Mark and James looked at James¡¯s wristwatch and waited exactly thirteen seconds, both counting out loud then pointing to the speaker.


    ¡°968241¡±. Came over the speaker, Jason¡¯s voice.


    ¡°973242¡±. Mark said waiting exactly thirteen seconds as James switched the frequency on the green digital readout.


    ¡°Give us some good news!¡± James said into the transmitter.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to hear your voice!¡± Jason said.


    ¡°Same here!¡± Mark said.


    ¡°Both helicopters are burning as we speak!¡± The unfamiliar voice said.


    ¡°What¡¯s the current count?¡± James asked.


    ¡°So far, nine.¡± Came the response.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay as long as I can, then watch for the fireworks!¡± Jason said.


    ¡°We saw two, maybe three ultralights takeoff from the roof yesterday. It was tough to see with all the smoke.¡± said the unfamiliar voice as we heard short bursts of sporadic gunfire.


    ¡°Where¡¯s that coming from?¡± Mark asked.


    ¡°Compound three, officers trying to shoot the archers. OUCH! Right through the neck!¡± Jason said laughing a little, then a sudden change of emotion.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    ¡°Did you meet up with any new¡­ friends?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°Yes! Yes, we did indeed!¡± James said proudly looking at us gathered around.


    ¡°NO WAY!¡± Jason said very enthusiastically.


    ¡°You gotta be shitting us!¡± The other voice said astonished.


    ¡°You pilgrims best keep your heads down.¡± I said in my best John Wayne impersonation. Cheers and jubilance could be heard as Jason yelled: ¡°IT¡¯S THE DUKE! The Fucking DUKE!¡±


    ¡°Change the bandages on your arms¡­¡± Jillian started to say as multiple voices interrupted ¡°Doctor J! Doctor J!¡±


    ¡°Is Pete there?¡± Jason asked, his voice filled with emotion.


    ¡°He¡¯s right here.¡± I said as James held the transmitter near Pete who was panting from the heat of the afternoon. Jason started crying.


    ¡°OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! IT¡¯S HIM!¡± Jason said barely able to contain himself.


    ¡°What about the others?¡± The unfamiliar voice asked.


    ¡°We''re here son.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°We''re right here sweetie.¡± Helen said softly.


    ¡°HOPE YOUR KICKING SOME ASS!¡± Reese said in a thunderous tone as a resounding cheer erupted.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Jason said as it sounded like he moved quickly away from the radio. A loud bang and what sounded like two gunshots similar to James¡¯ gun. Everyone was quiet. Whispering could be heard among footsteps.


    ¡°Does anyone want to talk to¡­ Jason?¡± A husky female voice. No one responded.


    ¡°It¡¯s just as well. He doesn¡¯t have much to say, anymore.¡± The woman said in a flat tone as other communications could be heard from another source. I felt panic in their muffled voices as she muted communications.


    ¡°It¡¯s her.¡± The unfamiliar voice said quietly after a couple of seconds.


    ¡°Shh.¡± Mark said immediately.


    ¡°Trevor?¡± The woman asked.


    ¡°Ah Trevor. You know, you weren¡¯t much use to us anyway, and you think you can be of use to anyone else? It doesn¡¯t matter. All of you will be dead in a couple of days anyway. We have perfected the treatments and it¡¯s only available to a select few.¡± The woman said in a satisfactory tone.


    ¡°Does it protect against bullets?¡± Rebecca said loudly surprising everyone. The woman just laughed, a mirthless laugh.


    ¡°Your voice is somewhat familiar to me. You are a survivor, yes?¡± The woman asked. Hearing Rebecca¡¯s voice alarmed the woman. I also sensed fear and apprehension with regards to the ¡®treatment¡¯ comment.


    ¡°Tell me all about yourself.¡± The woman asked as she hit the mute button. Rebecca said nothing, looking toward us as we all shook our heads ¡®no¡¯.


    ¡°Tell Jimmy and Tommy I said goodbye.¡± The woman said as we heard three explosions and saw smoke pouring from the outpost as two men stood with small automatic weapons at the entrance waiting for someone to exit. Apparently, they did not see us as we blended in with the surroundings and Ginger and Pete started to growl.


    ¡°No one move or make a sound.¡± Scotty said quietly as Mark turned down the volume on the radio.


    A single shot rang out loud from my left as one of the men fell to the ground. The other man immediately turned in our direction and fired his weapon until his magazine was empty. It was as though he was firing blanks as all of us ducked for cover as Reese stood and worked the bolt on his rifle walking toward the man.


    The man dropped his empty weapon and stood with his hands raised as Reese approached pointing his rifle at his head. The man was very scared and unstable as he quickly dropped down and picked up the weapon from his fallen comrade and took his own life.


    ¡°We know you are just a few miles away, Trevor. Your friends; new and old, are all dead. As you will be as well.¡± The woman said.


    ¡°The air smell so good. The birds are like music. If we only have a couple of days; this is how we want to spend them.¡± Trevor said to a chorus of agreement from his group.


    ¡°I, plan on living a long and wonderful life. The world, is still mine.¡± The woman said with satisfaction.


    Rebecca reached for the transmitter, her face red and head shaking with rage. Reese stopped her. ¡°Don¡¯t break radio silence! They think we''re dead.¡± He said. Mark clicked the transmitter three times and switched the frequency.


    ¡°What happened!¡± Trevor asked excited. Mark and James explained what had happened as Trevor and his group cheered to hearing the news that we were all alive.


    ¡°I just hope Jason¡¯s plan works.¡± Trevor said.


    ¡°How come I don¡¯t feel comfortable relying on a dead man¡¯s plan.¡± James said looking at all of us.


    ¡°It¡¯s all we got right now.¡± Trevor said after a long moment of silence as cheers erupted from Trevor¡¯s radio.


    ¡°We see a group of about¡­ one, two¡­ five! Five! Heading this way! Everyone was cheering as Trevor continued; ¡°We¡¯ll stay until first light tomorrow, make sure everyone has enough supplies, as for me I¡¯m going to California! With any luck I¡¯ll be there in about a week. I know the marina and I will leave a note!¡± Trevor said as a huge explosion was heard followed by three more.


    ¡°OH MY GOD!¡± Trevor said as smaller explosions could be heard, and then, nothing else, his group was silent.


    ¡°May God have mercy on us.¡± Someone said in the background from Trevor¡¯s radio.


    ¡°No one is walking away from that.¡± Someone else said.


    ¡°It had to be done. Something, had to be done.¡± A woman¡¯s voice was heard. After a long silent pause an older man¡¯s voice sounded; ¡°So, what can we expect to find with this new world?¡±


    ¡°Just make sure that if you run into anyone; be polite, don¡¯t be aggressive and make sure you have something to trade. Do NOT steal from anyone.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name ¡®Good ole boy¡¯?¡± Came a thick male southern accent.


    ¡°Scotty.¡± He responded.


    ¡°Sorry to say Scotty, but I¡¯m not going to Cali. Headin to Missip.¡± The man said.


    ¡°Good luck to you¡­¡± Scotty said pausing.


    ¡°Names Ron.¡± Ron said.


    ¡°Good luck to you Ron, be safe, respect people, the land and Mother Nature.¡± Scotty said.


    Each of the fourteen people including two children requested to talk to us. This was as inspirational as it was depressing knowing that only one, maybe two have a remote chance of seeing next week. We shared the knowledge we thought appropriate; Food and fresh water sources, first aid.


    ¡°Take only what you need and utilize it to its maximum potential. Leave no trace and be careful of campfires. Do not mention our names or locations to anyone. Not everyone you meet will be¡­ nice. There are few rules and guidelines but no laws. If you are considered a threat. You are dead.¡± All of us added comments like these to the conversation.


    ¡°My battery is almost gone, were going to have to sign off.¡± Trevor said sounding a little choked up.


    ¡°The Earth is at peace, be a part of it.¡± Helen said, as Trevor started to say something and the signal faded out.


    ¡°I could use a drink.¡± Rebecca said as she opened her eyes as it appeared as though she was praying as Mark turned off the radio.


    ¡°You did it. Congratulations.¡± I said offering my hand. Mark and James were disappointed that only fourteen people made it out. No survivors among them. They obviously were kept away from everyone else.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s your next move?¡± Scotty asked Mark and James.


    ¡°Were going to Catalina with Rebecca and Reese. To meet Susan, Paul, Sammy and Elaine and tour the island. Neither of us have ever been there and it sounds beautiful. Since time maybe critical, were going to leave right away.¡± James said as Helen began to cry softly.


    ¡°We want to thank you for, everything you have done. It has been an honor meeting all of you. Make the best use of the time you have together. I¡¯m optimistic that one or both of us will be on the good side of thirty percent.¡± Mark said as we all affectionately said our goodbyes and pictures were taken.


    ¡°That Lobster-cake dish you made¡­¡± Mark said to Jillian. ¡°That was the best¡­ thing I have ever tasted. Ever. It was like a symphony for the pallet!¡± Mark said as he gave Jillian an extra hug.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Jillian said tearing up as we watched them drive away in the Escalade.


    ¡°Would you two mind coming over to our house?¡± Helen asked as she wiped the tears from her eyes. Scotty shook his head hoping we would join them for dinner. ¡°We need to be together.¡± Helen said.


    ¡°Anyone within ten miles is going to see the smoke.¡± Scotty said looking up into the sky from the outpost. Scotty and I put out the small fires burning in the outpost and secured the door. We packed up all the electronic gear and took the weapons from the two dead men and checked their pockets.

 Love Connection

    After about two hours, we received a call from Reese confirming arrival in Catalina. Rosie and her family greeted us warmly and Roy whizzed on Scotty as he whimpered pathetically. (Roy, not Scotty)


    After a complete canine sniff down session, they chased each other around for a solid five minutes and were exhausted in the afternoon heat. Jillian and Helen tended the gardens with Ginger and Becky while Scotty and I walked the perimeter with the rest of the pack, who managed to spook two rabbits from some bushes who were invited for dinner.


    The pups were getting big and we only had to wait a couple of times for them to catch up as we identified maintenance items and possible improvements. Neither of us said anything for a while, but we both knew the fate that awaits Mark, James and the surviving members of the Movement.


    A mouse ran across the path in front of us and in full view of the pack. It hesitated for a moment causing the dogs to momentarily freeze in their tracks.


    ¡°There¡¯s a bad decision.¡± Scotty commented as Jeff caused the mouse to retreat back across the path as the pups engaged.


    ¡°Interesting choice of words.¡± I said.


    ¡°How so?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°Decisions. Do you think a poor decision affects more people than a good decision?¡± I asked Scotty watching the mouse zigzag back and forth as Jeff corralled it towards the pups. Rosie and Pete watched with only half interest, just happy being together.


    ¡°Hmm. I guess it depends on how selfish the person is, making the decision.¡± Scotty said as the pups all wanted to make the kill.


    Jillian and Helen were in the Gazebo with a couple of baskets of green beans. ¡°Wow! Two rabbits.¡±  Helen said seeing us approaching. The Pups squabbled as they all wanted to show Helen and Jillian, what was left of the mouse.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Helen said cheerfully as the pups gathered in between Helen¡¯s and Jillian¡¯s legs as Helen looked at Scotty.


    ¡°It used to be a mouse.¡± Scotty whispered to Helen and Jillian as they shared their appreciation to all the pups as they seemed satisfied and chased each other toward the herb gardens.


    Beep. Beep. Beep, was heard from the driveway alarms. ¡°Must be one of the dogs.¡± Scotty said as he was starting to prepare the rabbits with the Wolf pack in full attendance and Ginger and Pete relaxing on the couch cushions.


    ¡°All present and accounted for.¡± Helen said looking up from cutting Cilantro. The dogs were all aware of our concern as they all turned toward the driveway, tires slowly grinding the gravel could be barely heard in the silence. The wolf pack scattered quietly as Ginger and Pete got up and took point, followed by Scotty and his 45 and me with my AA-12.


    A golf cart was approaching as we rounded the tall bushes that lined the driveway. Male driver, approximately thirty-five years old, smiling. Female passenger, same age, smiling. The golf cart stopped and they showed us their hands. A young boy struggled in the back seat as a Golden Retriever got loose and ran toward us. Ginger¡¯s tail began to wag as this dog ran at full speed towards us as happy as a dog could possibly be. Pete was having a hard time sniffing the back end of the Golden as Ginger and he greeted each other.


    ¡°I knew we would meet up one day!¡± The man yelled as he and the woman slowly exited the golf cart with hands in the air rotating, showing no weapons. The man turned his head and said something to the boy and he did the same.


    ¡°We have two shot guns, a rifle and a couple of pistols in the golf cart.¡± The man said still smiling as we approached, not pointing our weapons at them and the Golden laid on his back to let Pete give him a complete sniff down. Pete turned to us happy and tail wagging when he was done.


    ¡°Sampson here, and your female, we call her ¡®Lady¡¯, have been having¡­ premarital affairs, I¡¯m afraid.¡± The man said laughing a little. I sensed no threat from any of them, their disposition was genuine and a strong interest for being friendly.  Scotty looked at me and raised his eyebrows seeking a ¡®friend or foe¡± response.


    I shouldered my AA-12 and approached as Sampson engaged me. I allowed him to smell my hand, legs and shoes. ¡°We¡¯ll be with you in a minute.¡± I said as Sampson continued. He finished with me and moved on to Scotty as Ginger and Pete inspected the family.


    ¡°I hope we pass the inspection.¡± Scotty said quietly smiling as Sampson found Scotty more interesting than I as I caught slight movement in the nearby bushes. Sampson was happy and we all moved slowly forward for the formal ¡®human¡¯ introductions.


    ¡°My name is Scotty.¡± Scotty said extending his hand to the man.


    ¡°Hello Scotty! May I introduce Joan and Blake. My name is George.¡± Scotty shook hands with all of them.


    ¡°My name is Greg, pleased to meet all of you.¡± I said as information poured in from each of them as I shook their hands. I felt a peculiar energy from Blake as he blinked just as we made contact. Sampson, caught up in all the excitement, smelled the wolf pack. Nose sweeping the air and going into defense mode. One by one the wolf pack appeared in a circle around us.


    ¡°Oh SHIT!¡± George said looking at all of them.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move or make eye contact, they¡¯re with us.¡± Scotty said.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Joan whispered as Ginger and Pete approached Rosie and let her smell them with tails wagging.


    Sampson laid down and submitted immediately as the wolf pack slowly inspected him. The pups approached cautiously and Sampson¡¯s bushy tail began to sweep back and forth.


    ¡°We have seen that one before, the male, about a month ago.¡± Joan said gesturing toward Jeff as the pack, Ginger and Pete approached George. George was very frightened for the safety of his family.


    ¡°George, just relax and breathe. People do stupid things when they are frightened, canines know this.¡± I said as George closed his eyes and took a deep breath.


    Blake started laughing as Ginger licked his face as Sampson was carefully being inspected by each of the pack and satisfied with his position. If only humans could be more like canines and acknowledge the need for balance, harmony and one¡¯s position within a group in a matter of seconds.


    ¡°Somebody had something interesting for lunch.¡± Scotty said smiling. Blakes laughter brought the attention of the wolf pack and the pups as they converged with tails wagging.  Jillian and Helen appeared on either side of the golf cart startling Joan and George. Jillian with her crossbow and Helen with a small machine gun as she handed it to Scotty.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Helen said loudly as she helped Blake to his feet.


    ¡°Sorry about that, they just love kids. My name is Helen and this is Jillian. Welcome.¡± Helen said shaking everyone¡¯s hand followed by Jillian.


    We all walked back to the Gazebo as Rosie, Becky and Jeff took turns smelling Joan, George and Blake as Sampson was eager to play with anyone.


    ¡°We usually don¡¯t come this far south. We have a place we stay at and make trips with fresh produce. Usually takes a full day of travel.¡± George said still nervous.


    ¡°We see tire tracks once in a while, but usually lose sight of them. Sampson was acting really excited, more than normal. We were a couple of blocks away when we heard the explosion. Then we saw the smoke and followed it to the storage area. Sampson was just so excited smelling the ground!¡± Joan said, not mentioning the blood stains and carefully looking toward George.


    ¡°Do you know what happened?¡± George asked with genuine concern as we all sat at the table. Scotty outlined the events and referred to Rebecca, Reese, Mark and James as friends. No names or locations.


    ¡°We have heard about Oklahoma and actually saw a spray-painted billboard on the Highway. Didn¡¯t give it a second thought really, good thing.¡± George said.


    ¡°What else did you see?¡± I asked sensing he was apprehensive in supplying too much information. Joan and George exchanged looks.


    ¡°Tell um about the helicopters!¡± Blake said running over for a drink of lemonade as Helen began to pour glasses at the table.


    ¡°We found two ultralights; someone did a poor job of trying to hide them. We just followed the foot prints.¡± George said.


    ¡°How far away from the storage unit?¡± Scotty asked.


    ¡°About three blocks east.¡± Joan replied.


    ¡°Do you think someone might be looking for them?¡± George asked.


    ¡°Hard to say.¡± I said as George was struggling with a topic and not exactly sure how to bring it up.


    ¡°Would you care to join us for dinner? We¡¯re having Rabbit stew, I think.¡± Scotty said looking toward Helen as he put his apron on.


    ¡°Thank you very much, but we¡¯ll have to take a rain check.¡± Joan said smiling. ¡°We have a long drive ahead of us, it¡¯s getting late and we want to be home before nightfall.¡± George said.


    ¡°Rain check?¡± Blake questioned as he looked at the ground and walked slowly a couple of paces then turned to his right, took another couple of measured paces and turned left, then backward as Joan and George looked at each other as we all watched Blake. The dogs no longer bothered with him as he sat down and adjusted his position. He placed his hands, palm side down on the ground and closed his eyes. I felt an energy build from him. Blake stood up and turned toward us. ¡°Two days, coming from there.¡± Blake said pointing southwest as Sampson went over and sat next to him.


    ¡°Interesting skill, Blake!¡± I said as we all exchanged looks and started laughing.


    ¡°How long has he had that rash?¡± Jillian asked Joan and George. I did not notice but since Jillian brought it to our attention, Blake had a patchy red rash on his neck.


    ¡°He gets that sometimes; I think it¡¯s a heat rash.¡± Joan said.


    ¡°Would it be okay if I take a look?¡± Jillian asked concerned.


    ¡°Are you a doctor?¡± Joan asked. Jillian did not immediately respond so I intervened.


    ¡°She is a Doctor, a Dentist and a Veterinarian.¡± I said proudly.


    ¡°Blake? Is it okay if Dr. Jillian here takes a look at your rash?¡± Joan asked Blake as he just shrugged his shoulders like a typical kid.


    ¡°Come here sweetie. Let¡¯s take a look.¡± Jillian said with a big smile and open arms. Helen, Scotty and I walked away giving them some privacy. George followed as we all walked to the Herb Garden and Helen picked a box of fresh Herbs and handed it to George.


    ¡°Are you sure? This looks beautiful! Thank you very much!¡± George said as he smelled the aroma a couple of times. Joan and Blake joined us in the Gardens after a few minutes as Jillian called for Helen and both went inside the house.


    ¡°What¡¯s the question you want to ask, George?¡± I asked looking at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s that obvious huh?¡± George said looking towards Scotty and I.


    ¡°When Lady, sorry, Ginger has her pups, we could really, really use, I mean, we really want¡­¡± George stammered and was nervous looking toward Scotty and I as I interrupted him by holding up my hand.


    ¡°Ginger is my dog, let me discuss it with Jillian.¡± I said.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± George said with a smile as Jillian came out of the house with Helen and two medical journals comparing pictures and symptoms.


    ¡°It¡¯s a food allergy. See, look here.¡± Jillian said as she showed Joan and George her best guess based on the information provided and it was definitely similar.


    ¡°Keep track of his diet.¡± Jillian said looking toward Joan and George.


    ¡°Blake. Does the rash bother you?¡± Jillian asked gently touching his shoulder.


    ¡°Yea, kinda.¡± Blake responded looking down.


    ¡°Then you need to tell Mom and Dad everything you eat so we can find out what causes this and we can fix it. Okay?¡± Jillian asked smiling.


    ¡°No secrets!¡± Jillian added looking at me.


    ¡°What!?!¡± I said acting surprised.


    ¡°The chocolate?¡± Jillian said.


    ¡°How! How did you know?¡± I asked quietly.


    ¡°Oh please!¡± Jillian said rolling her eyes as Scotty said; ¡°You''re busted!¡±


    ¡°Blake laughed a little and looked toward Joan and George as Jillian gave me a little wink.


    Jillian and Helen gave them some take home ointments and the box of herbs. Jillian and I discussed Gingers litter and we agreed on half. We also scheduled a fishing trip next week to get to know them all better. This brought smiles from all of them as we watched them drive away.


    ¡°He¡¯s allergic to lactose.¡± Jillian said quietly, waving goodbye.


    ¡°What?¡± Scotty said as his eyes opened wide.


    ¡°Dairy.¡± Helen said excited.


    ¡°My Mom had the exact same reaction.¡± Jillian said.


    We called the Catalina folks and told them all about Joan, George, Blake and Gingers escapades with Sampson and they congratulated us on our expanding family.