Chapter 6: Abba’s Promise
I hear some children whispering the latest morning news. They try being as quiet as children can, but their silly sweet giggles wake me. The precious youngsters remain as still as possible atop their cots trying their best not to wake the adults. I see some sunlight crawling across the ceiling yelling at me “Get up!” I try and force my body up, but it seems I’m heavier today. I think there must be several narrow windows near the top of this store’s walls. The light is a welcome reminder of fonder days. I reminisce of days filled with the warmth of love and the hope filled with dreams. I think how this sneaky sunlight will lift the dreariness from this place along with our spirits.
I smell fresh coffee brewing. Oh, so many memories hit me at once. My strong desire for a cup outweighs all my present thoughts. “Morning” comes from a familiar friendly voice. I ask “Dave, you made fresh coffee?” I finish my morning greeting to him by replying to his salutation with “Right back at you-buddy.” I stare at him confused. He has never been the type to take initiative-before, but I am proud he’s trying. I tell him “Well, the coffee smells great.” Dave enlightens me on how this morning endeavor came to fruition. It’s too early for my mind to think, so I pretend to listen. I just want to sample some of the “wake up juice.” I can’t remember the last time I had real hot coffee. He continues explaining as I reach for the antidote to my sleepiness. “I got up early and remember seeing the portable stove in the supply freezer. I thought it would be nice to make coffee for everyone. I went and got the stove, but the frozen metal of the stove stuck to my hands” Dave laughs. “But, the metal defrosted as soon as I got it back here. I also found a bunch of bags containing coffee rations. Ahhh, but I couldn’t find any sugar.” I just sip my coffee and pat his shoulder with my “that’s alright” seal of approval. I squeeze out between sips “You did great Dave.”
He remarks that he might have made it a little too strong while I swallow my next gulp of the delightful nectar. I shake my head, “No” in disagreement. “This is just fine.” I think how I need this extra black jolt of caffeine to wake up anyway. “It’s hot and ‘Jim Dandy,’ fine Davie.” He gives me a special smile for adding the “i” and “e” of affection to the end of his name. “Yep, it’s just fine.” I start on my second cup as Dave looks at the large pot and begins to worry if he’s made enough for everyone.
The place fills with yawning and the rustling of sleeping bags. I notice a couple, far off, zooming in on the aromatic dream cloud wafting about. I see this woman sit up and turn towards the man next to her cot. She smiles and silently forms the word “Coffee” with her mouth. I reason they are probably husband and wife. They struggle to wake as I watch their feet carry them towards the heavenly smell. She graciously tries brushing decency into her hair with her hand as she dances this way. He, on the other hand, looks more like a tightrope walker fighting to keep his balance. He straddles behind her following the fine line between the cots with his outstretched arms. I enjoy this morning’s entertainment as I finish my second cup.
Dave becomes aware of the awaking multitude wishing to sample his godly concoction. “I wonder if I made enough?” he again nervously replies. Both Dave and I hurry and shove away some of the boxes blocking his newly formed coffee stand. I try making a make shift café with tables and chairs made with some of the surrounding boxes. I look on as the wild bunch stampedes towards Dave, as he nervously asks himself again, “I wonder if I made enough?” I just laugh at my buddy, at his predicament, and at the beauty of this moment. We watch the rest of the motley crew stalk the smell. I rhetorically respond, “Ain’t it wonderful Davie; ain’t it just-wonderful!”
Dave’s exploit helps us all remember finer times. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the world go around. It might be the sight of children playing on the playground, or the song of bluebird on a warm spring day. It might be a word of encouragement during the storms of life. Or, it may be just an innocent childhood memory while staring at passing clouds. I don’t know where they come from. I just know it’s those simple things that make life worth living. This morning is one of them. For me, I’ll take the simple things in my life.
Realization approaches. Pastor Paul summons all the men to come join him. I feel the joy of the moment slipping away as my heart adjusts to the priorities of our mission. “I’m coming,” I yell, while turning to march to the meeting.
Paul greets everyone as he bids us to come in his newly formed meeting area. He made it by shoving around stacks of MRE boxes and other supplies. I arrive as this morning’s prayer circle just as it is forming. Dave shows up and breaks the chain of joined arms. I grab his hand and reconnect while Paul begins leading us in communal prayer. “Lord, lead us in your mission to save souls. Please continue to divinely protect and provide for us. Give us the strength to carry out your will. Gives us peace to discern the things you desire. And Lord, please bless and guide us along your righteous path. Thank you God, Amen.” The group concludes the circle with our own, “Amen.”
We retreat to the bleachers, trying to find some sort of something resembling a seat. Paul begins listing the important topics we need to discuss. Number one is: how best to organize the new living quarters. Number two on his list is: assigning certain daily responsibilities. And three is: picking leadership positions to make sure certain things are done for our mutual benefit. This includes governing and regulating our large, but limited supplies. Lastly, we discuss our new mission concerning the other Irreverent brethren throughout the area. We choose leaders and agree on work details before deciding on the most important topic.
We try coming up with the approximate amount of Irreverent still in town. Figures differ between my “Project T”
brethren and the rest of our new Irreverent family. We estimate there may be around forty families still in town, and maybe a hundred individuals still hiding. We reason this by the amount we’ve come across on this side of town, and by the town’s actual size. The new brothers have a different picture. They believe there are at least 20 more families than we guesstimate, and maybe 50 more individuals. This puts the figure somewhere between 260 and 400 Irreverent still out there. I look at Paul as he looks at me. Our faces and eyes ask the same questions. How can we get them safely here, and how can we possibly house them all. I turn my head to estimate what 400 additional souls might look like living here. Pastor sees me shaking my head side to side in bewilderment. He responds to me by addressing us all. “The Lord gave us this place. He is protecting this place. And, He will provide for this place.” I am reminded of the constant miracles I’ve seen while hearing that faint voice whisper again, “Faith Joey.”
I just remember; I haven’t seen Moses this morning. I look to Dave for answers. He tells me he noticed Moses gathering some stuff as he was making coffee. “I saw Moses talking with Scotty after he got his stuff ready.” I walk around the group to engage Scotty on the other side. I interrupt the conversation he’s having with his new friend. I ask, “Do you know where Moses is?” Scotty tells me, “He left about an hour ago. He was heading back to his family. He told me to tell you how grateful he was.” I worry after hearing this news. Moses is in real danger now more than ever. The LD and Demons may not be able to come onto this property, but I’m sure they are at its edge waiting for any opportunity to destroy all of us; even if it is just one Irreverent at a time. We hurt them real bad last night. I know they want revenge, and their supplies back. I know I got to go help Moses.
“Pastor Paul, oh Pastor Paul” I command! “Over here; I need to talk to you right now!” I grab my rucksack while Paul heads over to me. I check it to make sure it still has the “bolt cutters,” rope, and little “first aid” kit. I swing the sack on my back as the pastor arrives. “I’m going to find Moses, and if it is God’s will, to bring his family back here also.” The pastor is surprised to find out Moses left. “I guess I would do the same thing if my family were still out there,” he replies. He helps me adjust my
rucksack as he prays a prayer of blessing over me. “This is a God thing Joey. I will prepare a place here for Moses and his family.” I turn my face towards his and nod, “God be with you too today.” Paul whispers back to me, “You too Joey.”
I hurry up the roof access ladder and open the ceiling hatch, and then advance to the flat roof’s edge. Pastor Paul lowers the hatch behind me as he whispers, “Go with God and do His work.” I pan the surrounding field for LD. I don’t see any, but I know they’re there somewhere. I stare in the most likely direction Moses should have taken hoping I might still see him off in the distance. I can’t find him though. I think he is either: already caught-god forbid; or he is long gone. Either way, I’m going to find and help my brother. I’m sure the enemy is looking at all the access points on this building. I decide to descend down the rope rather than chancing any of the access ladders. I hustle to the north end of the roof and observe while sitting with my back pressed against the inner wall. I toss my rope over the edge of the store. Peeling back my watch cover I see it is 8:12 am. One last peek around and I repel over the edge and down the outer wall. I make it down and then remain motionless in a squatting position observing for LD for about a minute. Gently, I pull down my rope while staring at the perimeter. I roll it quickly and store it inside my sack. I take a last look around then run for it. I debate as I run, “Should I take the tree line, or the alleyway system?” The urgency of my mission causes me to risk detection and chose the faster alleyway system. This is probably the way Moses took to Katie’s anyway. Off in the distance is a balloon of smoke floating high in the cloudless morning sky. I see another black balloon just below the first rising above the skyline. Neither of them has a smoke trail. I conclude these smoke clouds’ were caused by two independent explosions. From my military experience I realize only fires leave smoke trails. Explosions usually blow up most of the combustible material leaving just a balloon. These float near the area I’m headed. I pray that Katie and Moses are alright, as I shift to a different cover position along the alleyway system.
I hear jets off in the distant sky screaming. I make out the Jets’ camouflage color identifying them as New California Guard Jets. The roars of these beasts help cover my tracks by diverting attention from me. I take advantage and double the distance between intervals of ducking, observing, and advancing. The “Doppler Effect” from the screaming jets suggests they are moving away fast and low. The fading roars gradually diminish revealing the sound of my trotting footsteps. I go back on stealth maneuver as the quiet settles in.
I pullback the Velcro cover and see it is 9:15 am. I deduct from the time I saved, and the distance I covered, that I should be closing in on Moses. “Poof, poof” noises suddenly echo throughout the alley. I know immediately what these familiar sounds are. They’re two distinct explosions muffled by distance and elevation. It takes me a few seconds to figure out the direction and origin. “Roarrr” explodes right over my position filling my ears with a million banging drums. The jet is low enough for me to read the New California Air Guard marking. It peculiarly heads in the opposite direction of the other two jets. Evidently, it has a different target to attack. I conclude all out war has been declared on Irreverent. I stick to my mission and concentrate on my objective through all this commotion.
I stop and observe at the end of this alley. The surroundings look familiar, but I am slightly confused on how to proceed. Last time I came to Katie’s from another direction. Adjusting for this new information I determine Katie’s place is close now. I still hear the ringing of drums affecting my ability to accurately detect sound. I know I must be making “huffing” sounds as I try and catch my breath. I’m afraid my breathing may alert a passing LD. I try and slow my breathing, but my chest is fighting me for the ability to control the air supply. Its expansions and contractions are in a race with my pounding heart. I place my hand over my mouth suffocating the uncontrollable sound until the race is over. Slowly, I move my head past the picket fence that I’m currently crouched behind. I peer left, and then right. I strain my hearing trying to observe for any unusual noise, but my eardrums are numb. I lean up and get ready to bolt across the street. All of a sudden, I see Moses! He’s dashing across the adjacent framework of fences lining the street that I’m preparing to cross. I realize, if I hurry straight up the next alley I might be able to intercept him at the next intersection. I am greatly relieved that he’s alright; at least for the moment.
I run across the street into the adjacent alley, pounding the pavement all the way. My lungs and heart try and catch up as I stop at its end to observe. I listen for the enemy, but all I hear is the thumping and pounding of my body, as my hearing begins to return. A cold sweat drips off my warm forehead blurring my vision. I don’t have enough time to swipe it away, or wait for my heart and lungs to settle. I dash left hoping to cut off Moses.
Suddenly, I notice the two LD giving chase behind Moses. I immediately dive to the ground hoping to fly under the LD radar. I lift my head just enough to see them vanish pass the fence. “Poor Moses” is the only thing I can think of. I give all out chase just behind the LD as I turn onto their street. I see them closing in on Moses. I watch Moses advancing in a duck and cover maneuver. I immediately realize he doesn’t realize he’s under attack. If he continues on his present course he’ll lead them straight to Katie and the kids. I reckon Moses is about a half a block ahead of his pursuers, which are a half a block ahead of me. I wish Moses would turn his head around to see them. I think, “Maybe I could alert him to the approaching LD?” I got to do something to thwart the perpetrators before it’s too late.
Frantically, I look around for anything I can use to cause a diversion. “Got it,” I tell myself. I see a glass bottle at the base of a dead tree. I dash up to it. I launch it into the middle of the street, and then hide behind the nearest tree. Two seconds later it explodes with a popping noise followed by a thousand tingling chimes. My hearing returns and goes on full alert. My ears turn into radars searching for any sign of approaching LD. My body shuts down all operation of its external motion rededicating its resources to my hearing. But, my heart and nervous system refuses to cooperate. I shake uncontrollably and shout at my heart, “Be quiet!” Crunching sounds come from the street as I think, “They bought it!” I peek out past the far side of the tree, trying to see Moses. “Thank God!” my mind exclaims. I see his tail end sticking out behind and old abandon sofa. I realize he knows about the LD following him. I decide to secure the deal with the LD. I blast the loudest whistle I can muster, and then scurry back towards the alley. The plan is for them to chase after me.
I hear the thumping of one set of feet follow me. I silently pray for a miracle as I run as fast as I can back to the alley. I don’t dare slow down to make my turn into the alleyway. I lean away from my legs as they fight the “inertia slide” forcing them in the other direction. . My pumping legs try to pass my rushing feet, but their lack of oxygen and the slippery sand beneath my shoes won’t let them. I am praying this LD does not have the supernatural power of a Demon as I run up the alley. I make it to the next alley as my gas finally runs out.
I hear the steady pounding of the encroaching LD “zero in” on me. My mind grows fuzzy as my selfish body steals all the oxygen for itself. My emergency overdrive is now over driven. I collapse to the ground. The sound of the impending racing LD answers the question; it is demonically powered? I seem to be going into a dream state as my eyes stare at the space ahead of me. The only things I feel is numb and tired. I fight to stay awake, but my pending doom convinces me to just sleep. My sense of fear drifts away, which scares me. I see something strange ahead and wonder if this is what happens when you’re about die. A small fuzzy jet is streaming right towards my location just as I give up the fight. I think how unlucky I am to have taken on a Demon and a enemy jet.
My head’s pounding as I come to. I have no idea what time it is, or how long I’ve been unconscious. I’m wondering why I am still alive. My blurr
y eyes squint as they adjust to the overpowering light. I feel a tiny presence touching my shoulder as I lay on my belly. I slowly turn my head around as my fear returns. I suspect this LD wants to torture me before it kills me. My blurred vision can only make out the detail of one small eye staring directly at mine. I strain my vision and my face to see more clearly. I notice this Demon has an awfully small eye. A tiny powerful punch hits me right between eyes. “No,” my mind yells! I reason this was not a punch; it was a knock. Again, it thumps me in the same spot. Suddenly, my vision magically returns revealing the owner of this mysterious eye.
Flicker’s face pecks my forehead once more, as if to check my conscious reflex, or just maybe to say “hello.” My extreme emotional state “flip flops” from fearing, to feeling fantastic. My whole body shakes under the influence of the tremendous change of emotions. I see his friendly little blue face covered in blood, and then wipe my head to see if it came from me. My hand returns clean, as I use my other arm to slowly lift my body. I don’t have to wonder long where the blood came from. I see lots of blood and a battered eyeball lying on the ground. Just behind it are a couple blue feathers and several bloody footsteps staggering away. I remember now thinking that the approaching jet looked kind of weird. It was blue and awfully small. I thought at the time my eyes were playing tricks due to the jet’s speed and distance; and my state of mind. Again, he pecks me. “Okay,” I tell my little friend, “I’m getting up!” I try and pat his little head and tell Him, “You sure are amazing.” But, he leaps and flies away before I can. I head out in Katie’s direction and pray Moses got away alright too.
I make it to the end of the alley and see the old gas station one more block away. I notice the front door is open as it slowly swings and squeaks in the warm morning breeze. This may be a sign Moses made it inside. Everything is remarkably still and quiet at this moment. My urgency slips back to a high state of reconnaissance. The last thing I want now is to alert any more LD. I play it safe and take my time searching and observing the premises before trying to enter it. I wait several minutes to see if there is any movement in the immediate area. My senses affirm it should be safe to move out. I leave the safety of my current position towards my objective inside the station.
The door swings slowly open at the moment I arrive. I dash inside the dusty building as a cloud mysteriously closes the front door behind me. I see a fresh set of footprints through a slight haze leading towards the mechanic’s bay. My concern for the family hastens me, but my vision blocks my approach. The sun is painting swipes of tiny bright golden galaxies that are reflecting off the airborne dust. Each of these stripes of light blinds and muddles my perception. Their contrast is making it hard for my eyes to focus. I salute with respect to the light and proceed with my partially covered eyes honoring my sight towards the darkness.
I shuffle through the trail of leaves covering the bay till I reach the hidden door. Leaning over the top box concealing the door I direct my whisper behind it. “Moses, Katie, it’s me Joey.” I hear the doorknob screech as a thin line of light emerges in the door jam. Through it an eyeball appears. Quickly, the door opens, as Katie tackles me with her hug. “Thank God it’s you. Hurry honey and come in,” she softly commands me. I jump around Katie as she kicks the unwelcome leaves back into the bay. I see Moses at the table sitting and doing something with his arm. Katie locks the door and gives me a quick explanation of what happened to Moses while she tries to hurdle past me towards him. “My baby is hurt and I’m doctoring him up.” I realize now that Moses is applying direct pressure with a towel to a wound on his arm. He turns and gives me a big smile. Katie pulls back the towel slowly as Moses repeats, “Owie.” Katie continues administering “first aid” as the big guy waves his available arm inviting to hurry over.
I jostle through and hurdle over the clutter while hearing the kids play in the corner of the room. I stop for a second and remember the candy. I toss a few pieces to the tots who immediate recognize the delectable contents. I hear, “Thanks Mr. Joey,” as I continue to move over to the table. Moses informs me, “I don’t know what I would have done if you didn’t alert me to the LD? I would have led them right here.” I ask Moses, “How did you get away from that last LD?” I reach back into my sack and toss Katie my “first aid” kit. I tell Katie, “It comes complete with stitching equipment.” She grabs it and goes to work on the big guy. Moses continues by stating, “I didn’t! He caught up with me and tried to kill me. I just beat him to the punch.” I sense Moses had no enjoyment putting it out of its misery. Moses hangs his head down in sorrow more than shame. “It was either that evil creature or me. I thank God he gave me the strength to break its neck.” Moses goes on to tell me how it caught him and tossed him around like a “ragdoll.” He hit the thing many times with all his might, but it just kept coming; like it didn’t feel any pain. “The scariest moment is when it choked me and I saw straight into his empty eyes. He didn’t have any pupils or a soul. I just wrapped my arm around his thin neck and squeezed as hard as I could. He dug his fingers into my arm, but I wasn’t letting go till it was dead.” I watch as Katie sews the pair of eight inch long gouges close. I ask him what he did with the body. Moses states that he stuffed it down the manhole in the street. I think hiding the corpse may have bought us some time. I’m hoping it will be enough time to get this family back to the “old department store.”
We go on talking about all the activity we saw today. I try to draw some possible conclusion about the airstrikes this morning, while Moses continues to give me additional details about his encounters. He saw some Irreverent fleeing from the direction of the explosions. He hid from those evacuating their hiding spots and watched them search for new places to hide. He wanted to somehow help them, but his main concern was to get back here to his family. We both determine that last night’s defeat has provoked all the evil forces to all out war on Irreverent. We immediately devise a plan to get all of us out of here tonight and back to the safety of the store. The sooner we get there, the better it will be for us all. I check the time and see it’s already getting close to sunset. I ask Moses if they can be ready in one hour as I watch Katie finish applying a dressing on his wound. He tells Katie to bring only a small bag of personal belongings and to dress the kids warmly. I grab the remaining “first aid” supplies and shove it back in my sack. We all eat one last MRE before we head out.
I check my watch and flashlight. It’s exactly 7:00 pm and the batteries still work in my light. Katie gathers the kids as I go over some rules with Moses. “I’ll take the lead with Katie as she follows just behind me. You bring up the rear just in case they sneak up from behind. Make sure none of the kids fall behind Katie too far. In an emergency; you grab one kid and I’ll grab the other. Then, we all run.” Katie finishes attending to the children as I explain to her my command signals. I tell her what each signal means and how we will move to the store. She repeats my hand gestures proving to me she knows them. I look Moses in the eyes and ask, “Are you ready?” The big guy exhales a sigh of worry and says, “We’re all ready.” Katie looks around one last time. It’s more a look of respect at what has been her home the past several years than a “good bye.” I don’t think she’ll actually miss the isolation and cramped quarters, but it was still home to her and her babies. Moses steals the opportunity by asking if he can lead us in a prayer. I bow my head as Katie joins our hands. “Lord, I know you’re here. I saw the miracles you performed last night. I never been much for praying, but I promise I’ll do better. Give us another miracle tonight and keep all of us safe. Oh, and thank you for my new best friend. Amen.” I look at him and graciously nod my approval. Moses tells the kids they’ll need to be “quiet as a mouse.” I open the door as the light goes out.
I hold Katie’s hand and lead her through the path of crumbling leaves. She holds Jordan’s hand, and he holds Hanna’s. Momma warns them to keep a tight hold on each other all the way. She tells Jordan not to let go of his little sister’s hand no ma
tter what happens. She reminds Jordan he’s her big brother and a big boy. I can smell the dark dust clogging my nostrils. The only evidence anyone is behind me in this darkness is the children’s muffled coughs, and Katie’s holding hand. We stop at the front door. I explain to the group to stay here until I motion momma. “When I tell you kids to come, run with your mom. Do you think you two can run fast, but real quiet?” Both of them whisper, “Yes.” “Okay everyone, here I go.”
I stick my head slowly out the entrance and look around. I notice it is really dark again. Everything seems to be fine as I dash to the abandoned car at the edge of the station lot. I bend down and observe with my head just above the hood of the car. Everything seems clear and exceptionally quiet. This worries me because any noises we make will really standout tonight. I pray, “God hide us and protect us.” I wave Katie on as I continue looking around over the hood. I hear the tapping of all the little steps approaching me. Now, I hear a set of thumping. I already have my next shelter position picked as Moses whispers, “Okay, we’re all here.” I want to tell him, “Everyone within a mile knows that by your loud footsteps,” but I say, “Good job,” instead. I warn him to try and run a little more quietly though. I dash again making my way to what looks like a mound of trash on the other side of the street. I determine the pile is just big enough to hide all of us. I see a shadow about three blocks away cross the street. I debate if we should return to the station and wait a while. But, I reason it is better to keep moving rather than trying to move later tonight with a bunch of sleepy children. The shadow has disappeared for about a minute now. I decide to wave Katie across as I give her the “shhh” sign; which means to be extra quiet. I stare down the street to where the shadow crossed, and then back at Katie. In the dark she looks like a mother goose with her waddling goslings’. They arrive safely, but seem like they’re slightly out of breath. Moses brings up the rear. This time he seems to be more alert to the sound he’s making. I barely notice him this time.
I make it to the corner fence of the alleyway and wave the bunch over. I decide we are spending way too much time in this endeavor. Waiting for them to catch up, and then moving, has become time consuming and dangerously slow. I push my hand down to let Katie know to proceed here and wait. I run to my next location as she rushes to my previous spot. I keep repeating this tactic over and over. We seem to be moving a lot faster. I just worry about those little legs getting too tire. They have to take twice as many steps as I do. I keep pushing them on as hard as I can. We make it halfway down the fourth alley before Katie raises the “stop” hand signal to me. I acknowledge her by repeating the sign back to her. I figure we still have about fifteen alleys and two open fields to cross. I give them a few extra minutes to catch their breaths, and their leg strength. While we wait, I pick three positions ahead that we’ll use in our advancement.
It is getting cold out. I see little steam clouds puff above the already tired bunch. I determine this sitting around in the cold will stiffen and cramp their exhausted muscles. It can also cause excessive shivering, and even hypothermia. It’s not so much the cold that does this; rather it is the large loss of body heat. I make a mental note to limit the amount and duration of the breaks we’ll take from here on out. I snap my finger to alert Moses that it’s time to get moving. He nods as I move to the next spot. I low run to a bush and stop. I decide to keep going and wave to them to “keep up.”
I hear the growl of a dog about four houses ahead. I turn and wait for all of them to make it to my last spot. I silently give Moses the “wait there” signal with my hand. This growling sound is something I haven’t heard in a while. I thought everyone has gotten rid of their pets. Lately, all the animals have been acting weird. Even pets have been turning on their owner’s. This started about a year ago. It’s as if they’re no longer fear humans. Even little critters will attack. People just abandon their pets now. I thought all the pets were already killed, eaten, or had run off. I wonder where this one came from. He sounds like he’s going to attack someone. I pray we can get by this crazed creature before he notices us. I move slowly, cautiously, and quietly onward.
I advance to a spot parallel to the growling menace. As soon as I squat he attacks something in the dark back porch area of the adjacent house. I wave the bunch to catch up to me, using this diversion to our advantage. I’m betting the dog will be concentrating on its prey long enough for us to squeeze by unnoticed. I watch the dark figures on the porch wrestle the dog. I’m filled with sorrow as I watch it being shaken and bitten to pieces. Now, I can only see shapes floating throughout the dark of the porch. I believe they are swatches of shredded clothing. I hear a gurgling sound as the growling and barking stop. The bunch arrives as I silently instruct them to move ahead of me to the next location. I decide to stay behind in case it tries to attack any of us from behind. Moses waves to me the “all clear” sign. It’s not a second too soon as I advance. I see the dog’s silhouette stand still on its silent victim. I hurry along as I think whatever he attacked is surely dead now. I pray, “Go with God and rest in peace.”
I make it past the present danger. The incident gives the bunch a little more time to rest. I jump past them to the next position while waving the “wait here” sign as I pass. I find a protruding section of fence to hide behind. I give them the signal to advance as I “leap frog” ahead to an overturned trash dumpster. I wave to them to keep coming as I continue my rapid pace. I want to get as far away from this area as soon as possible. All the commotion the dog made is sure to have alerted someone. I just don’t want us to find out whom that someone is. I keep us moving fast for another four alleys. The speed we’ve been moving surely deserves a needed rest. I wave the bunch up to my position watching Moses carry both the kids. Katie holds his arm trying to assist him, but she really is just weighing his tired body down. “We got to rest,” the big guy commands. I tell him to take a few minutes as I go and scout the area ahead. “I’ll be back in five minutes. Keep the children warm,” I warn him. I see him sit and open his jacket to tuck everyone inside next to his body. As I dash off, I watch Moses wraps his big arms of protection around them all. I take this picture with me tonight, and will cherish it the rest of my life.
I make it to the end of the next alley and look around the corner. There seems be a crowd of noises several blocks to my right flank. I thought it was too quiet for too long. I am finding out now why. It seems the evil was concentrating on this section of town tonight. I guess there are a few dozen or more LD by the sound of it. I hear yelling back and forth, and about a block apart. It seems to be holding steady to the area over there. I know I need to get all of us five more alleys sections away. If we can make it that far we can stop at my house for a safer rest. I hurry back to the bunch.
I approach to find them all catching some sleep; all except Moses. His worry to protect them keeps his senses heighten. I slow to a walk and give them a minute more nap. I report to Moses my findings, while trying not to wake the rest of them. “I located some big activity a few blocks over.” I see Moses face fill with fear. “Don’t worry, we’ll be alright. We have someone bigger on our side. We need to move quickly for the next five blocks. The LD are still far enough away for them not to be an immediate problem. We should be fine if, that’s if, we can keep moving fast enough for that long. My house is five blocks away. Do you think you can handle it that long?” Moses reaches down inside and pulls out an extra amount of determination. His face fills with anger, not at me, but with his own self. He is attempting to force his body to handle the rigor that lay ahead. He nods as he stares into space while replying, “You keep us safe, and I promise we’ll keep up.” I tap his should and tell him, “It’s time buddy. We got to get going.”
I jump to the next position and stare back. Moses is placing the kids in position as he rubs increased circulation into their arms and bodies. I give him a slight whistle to get his attention. He looks at me waiting for my command. I wave at them to advance. As they start to
this position, I move to the next. I see little Hanna trip and fall, but daddy gobbles her up before she hits the ground. Each of the children’s legs looks like Sandpipers scurrying across the darkened beach. I see momma’s blackened arm sway backwards pulling along her dangling baby Jordan. She looks like a little girl frantically trying to launch a kite on a windless summer day. I pray, “Dear Lord, give us the strength of Sampson this night.” I move out advancing onwards once more.
We make it three blocks before the family is totally worn down. Moses has been carrying both the kids for the last bock and a half, while Katie is billowing tons of steam like an old steam locomotive going uphill. They need a break before all of them breakdown. I wave them to where I am. Moses chugs and jerks, then chugs again. Katie’s legs are wobbling side to side faster than they are frontwards. They finally make it to my location. I stand and hug them while pulling them downward for a rest. I take my jacket off and wrap it around all of them the best I can. I reward them with, “You guys are doing great.” I remind them, “We’re almost there. It’s just a couple blocks more.” A cold chill suddenly comes over me,
but I try not to shiver. I realize that my warm jacket may be the only thing keeping them going. “I’m going to recon the area ahead while you guys take a quick breather.” I figure it’s best if I get out of here so they don’t see me in this condition. I pat Moses on top the head as I stand and prepare to take off. “I’ll be back in ten minutes.” Moses opens his jacket to tuck the family in close to his body heat, and his heart. I quietly shiver off into the cold crisp air.
I make it to the end of the next alley and see something lying in the street. The lump looks like a dark pile of leaves someone drug in the middle of the street. I realize this may present a possible problem, so I decide to go move it out of the way. I check both my flanks then progress to investigate. As I move towards it, I see small bits of something trailing in the direction it must have come from. These remnants don’t look like leaves though. The lump’s dark ruff jagged texture makes it hard to identify what it really is. I smell an appalling aroma as I approach the motionless mound. My stomach ties a knot between the sweet and noxious stench. I bend over and use my knife to jab it. It slides easily into the lump as I realize it’s not a pile of leaves. I return my blade and observe the slither that came off it. I bring my blade nearer and notice it glistens like a black chunk of coal. I try bringing it close to my eyes, but my nose warns me to through it away. I pull out my flashlight and cup my hand around the lens. With my other hand, I balance the object on my blade as I lower my face towards the flashlight. I form a compartment to contain the light and turn my lab light on the specimen. I fight the putrid syrupy stink while categorizing the content. I finally figure out what it is; and I knew I know this smell. This specimen is man. I keep my light covered as I move over the lump’s forward area. I flick the flesh and wipe my blade while shaking my head side to side in disgust. I say a silent eulogy for the poor baked being as I humbly try kicking the lump over to the curb. I remove it in sections as it disintegrates with each kick.
I hustle to the next block while analyzing the situation.
First, I try understanding the purpose of the corpse. My mind proceeds along with my feet. “Why drag it around unless that is your intent. Why leave it there unless it just can’t be drug any further.” I make it to the end of this alley and see my backyard fence. It tries to lure me in for a momentary rest by telling me, “I’m just a few houses down.” My temporary temptation is immediately interrupted by the echo of the crowd closing in. I sense their evilness and feel their wickedness is very close. I slowly melt backwards to blend in with the blackness behind me.
My only cover is the darkness. I don’t have enough time to retreat, so I take evasive action. I sit and bend my legs near to my chest while opening my shirt. I spread it out over my knees and wrap it with my arms. I then hide my head inside my improvised “tepee.” I hear their snarling voices turn the corner as I try and replicate the silhouette a dark bush might make. I pray the shaking of my panicky pants imitate breeze blown black branches.
I stare at my knees and demand my chest to stop moving. I begin to understand the imminent noise forthcoming. I notice several different sounds being dragged below the elevation of my hearing. They sound as if they are gagged garbled cries for help. The next thing I hear is, “Irreverent, come and get your friends!” A chorus of wicked laughter momentarily extinguishes the anguish being drug. I hear feet kicking against the coarse sounding texture of rough material. The amount of noise tells me the evil pack is right in front of me. “Come on, come and get them.” These evil voices dare me, but are not aware I am just a few feet away. My soul tries to slice my shirt open and free my friends from these fiends, but my spirit shakes its finger and warns me, “This is not the time.” Evil laughter fills the night as the smell of burlap burns the asphalt. I survive as they pass on by, but part of me dies with those passing cries for help. The shuffle and dragging turns the following corner as their merciless trail of laughter follows.
“Flop, flop, flop...” sounds trudge up from behind me. I detect them echoing up the alley. They stop momentarily to rest, and then the fleeting feet continue. I resume and re-pace my steps in the alley towards the approaching large black mound. A shouting attempt to whisper asks, “Are you alright?” I wave my hand signaling him to “keep quiet,” as I hurry to meet him. I squat and observe as Moses joins me. He tells me I’ve been gone at least a half an hour. “We were worried. What happened?” I pat his big shoulder and give him the abridged version of my encounter. I tell him to go and get the family and meet me here in ten minutes. I tell him, “I’m serious this time; I’ll be back in ten minutes. Time is of the essence!” I move out to go check on my house, as Moses moves back to get his family.
His flopping feet trickle away as I come within reach of my backyard fence. I back up and lower my body against it, while taking a quick look around. Everything is still. I turn and face the fence, and then lift my head slowly up over to view the backyard area. Two shadowy figures sit where nothing should be. They’re not moving at all, so I’m not sure what the figures really are. They’re sitting near my backdoor, which is ajar. Just now, I see what looks like an arm rising up and down. I deduct these shadows are a couple of LD waiting to snare me. If there are two out back there are more out front. I pull my head slowly down by lowering my entire body at my knees. Very cautiously I turn away, and then softly creep away.
As I arrive at the rendezvous point, I peel back my Velcro’s to find the excursion took six minutes. I bend behind a bush near the alley intersection and wait for the return of Moses. My mind races to figure and alternate plan before the bunch gets here. I know they will be weary, but I will need to keep them moving. “Dear Lord,” I silently pray, “Please tell me what to do and how to do it.” I urgently stress, “I need an immediate idea!” I hear quick erratic tapping stirred within the consistent flopping sounds drawing near. I rack my head for an answer to this dilemma. Once more I beg God for help. I now see four trotting legs linking this floating shadow. I think to myself, “I got it!” The thought occurs to me as the fatigued family arrives.
Moses and Katie pant while I pull some rope out of my sack. I pull Moses bent over body away from the bunch to inform him about the change in plans. He straddles his slightly bent knees with his hands as he shuffles along with me. I measure off two sections of rope that are each five arm lengths long. I tell Moses, “This is what we are going to do,” as I slice free two sections. “We can’t make it to the store tonight. There are too many LD vigilantes roaming the streets. Trying to make it to the safety of the store is just plain suicide. It’s just too far. My house is out of the question. I even thought of searching for a nearby abandoned house. But, we just can’t be sure what’s inside. They’re setting traps for us. They’re angry and want their ‘pound of flesh;’ and want it tonight.” I continue telling Moses my plan as his face cringes at the task ahead. But, we both
agree on the ordeal together. Our new goal is get to “T” real, real fast. “This is our best chance of survival.”
Moses moves back to his bunch and briefs them on our new plan of action. First, he apologizes to the family for all they’ve endured. He asks the children, but he stares at Katie as he says, “I need you to be brave a little while longer. Can you all do that?” I give him a few seconds to explain what we will attempt as I continue winding up the two sections of rope around my bent left arm. “Hanna, my good friend Joey is going to carry you a while. You just hold on to him tight and you’ll be..., just fine.” He gives her a peck of reassurance on her little red cheek. I move closer while winding the last section. Both the kids seem to be already half asleep. I see a lot of eyelid, but little of their eyeballs. “And Jordan, you’re going to ride on poppas back for a while. If you get tired you just go right on ahead and sleep. Is this okay little man?”
I pull Moses towards me, as his face stares at Jordan’s waiting for his nod of approval. I slide my hand on Moses back instructing him to bend over. Jordan answers daddy by nodding, “Yes.” Moses says, “That’s my big boy.” He winks and smiles at him, and then I lift and lay Jordan on daddy’s back. I grab one rope and toss it two times around the big guy. I hang the loose ends over Moses chest and ask him to tie it. I ask Katie if she has anything soft in her personal belonging’s bag. She recollects she might. She abruptly tosses it on the ground and jerks it open. She hands me a towel. I ask her if she has one more in her bag, maybe under the “kitchen sink.” My irritating humor temporarily wipes the worry off her face as her hand dives back in. It’s replaced with a “half baked” smile and a sideway shrug of her head. She pulls out a second towel while quietly and firmly informing me, “Towels can be tiny blankets, wrapped pillows, an extra jacket, ‘first aid’ dressing, and to dry off dirty kids.” I give her a big quirky smile as a reward for her witty response. I quickly tuck the first towel between Jordan’s head and the big guy’s back. He stands, and then I bend over. I think how I’d like to meet a woman one day just like Katie. Any woman that jokes in the “face of danger” is my kind of lady. She lifts Hanna on to my back and uses Moses as the template to perform the task at hand. I snug the rope tight and whisper over my shoulder, “Is this hurting you honey?” Katie checks the rope by sliding her hand between Hanna and the rope. Katie tells me, “She’s just fine,” and then pecks her darling a kiss while sliding her open hand gently across her tiny face. I turn my neck back around front and stand, while Katie tucks the towel in against my back and Hanna’s head. I tug the rope a couple times to see if it’s still taut, and then hand Katie my rucksack. She quickly stuffs her smaller bag into it, and hangs it over her shoulder. I look around and ask, “Well then, are we ready?” They all nervously say, “Yes.” I look at Moses and nod. He gives a quick short nod back. My final instruction is, “We’ll move fast, steady, and together.” I lead us on.
I turn left after leaving the alley and proceed to the street corner. A second later we’re all together hiding next to a telephone pole. I motion them to “stay here.” I slowly move away. I cautiously walk into the adjacent street while observing in both directions. I continue across as I wave my hand, signaling them to advance. I hear their hurried steps race across the pavement as I bend down next to another pole on the other side of the street. I stare into the darkness ahead looking for the next adjacent alleyway, and for any LD. Katie and Moses don’t get a chance to rest, as I jump to the next position near the alleyway entrance. I follow a wet reflecting trail up to the alley trying not to slip on it. I turn in the alley and notice the wide strip continues up the street. I know in my sinking spirit what made this mark.
Hanna feels like she’s fast asleep. I run off and feel her little legs again uncontrollably bounce and kick the sides of my belly. I hear Moses huffing, and one of them slide on the wet mess left in the street. Their approaching noise tells me they must have recovered alright. I leer in the alley as I try and remember exactly how far “T” is. I stop momentarily just inside the alley and look back to see them approaching. I don’t wait for them, but instead I jump ahead to the next hiding spot. I want us to keep moving. I see a spot by a little shed ahead that looks like it may be a good cover spot. I race to it as I calculate we have five or six blocks more to travel. I plant us slightly against the shed and turn to see the couple struggling to make it their last few remaining steps. I whisper to them, “We’ll wait here till you catch your breaths.” I peek around the side of the shed as they sit and lean their backs up against it. My face keeps watching down the alley as they gasp. I try to pace my breathing attempting to quicken my recovery. I try hiding my weakness of being totally exhausted by trying to remain strong as their example. Their rapid breathing slows enough to seemingly handle a little more lung pain. I turn back to them and whisper, “It’s time.” Moses sighs, “Yes,” and then grabs Katie’s spaghetti looking arm,
yanking her up.
I place myself in a “racer’s starting position,” and then dart to the next hiding spot. I don’t look back, but I do expect their steps to confirm my actions. I think as I run about slowing the pace, but I realize speed is our best insurance against getting caught. The less time we are exposed gives us a greater chance of success. I hear their steps again, so I “push off.” I keep pushing them to keep up as we rush through our maneuvering procedure for the next three sets of alleys. I just hope they can hold up.
I tell myself, “We have to ‘brake’ before we all break.” I locate another shed ahead. I dash to it and take a much needed rest. I turn and look at the shadows “leapfrogging” two stops behind. I notice a window on the shed’s side, and no lock on its door. I decide I’ll sneak a peek while they catch up. It looks dark and empty. It also looks just big enough to hold all of us inside. I grab the door handle and softly press the latch. I tug the door easily as it slowly begins to open. I lean my head slowly around the corner of the door and prepare myself to slam it closed. But, I don’t see anyone inside. I move inside and hold the door open. I see the shadows are almost here, as I watch them force their bodies on. They are close enough to see my hand waving them inside, as I prepare to shut the door. My beckoning hand keeps on instructing and encouraging them to make it. Fifty feet away they notice this is a place of rest and refuge. I hope it gives them the “oomph” they need to finish running here.
Just a few feet away I see the sheen of ice on Moses hair. I suddenly realize how cold it has become. I guess my concentration to hurry has made me numb tonight. Katie’s clothes and hair are gleaming too. I reason, Moses steamy breath blew over the trailing Katie and froze to her clothes. I am able to make out their faces now. I keep waving them on their last few agonizing paces. “Come on guys. Just a few more steps,” I loudly whisper.
I take several steps out and help drag both of them in the shed. They hysterically gasp like someone has suffocated them. I help Katie down in the dark corner and watch Moses bend and grab the wall. They continue deep breathing as I look outside with my head. No one is around or has followed us. I quietly close the door and return inside.
“Okay guys, we just have about three blocks to go. We move out...,” I check the time and tell them, “In ten minutes.” Hanna stays asleep on my back enjoying the heat I must be producing. In a way, she is my tiny jacket. I strain my eyes by constantly rechecking the iridescent minute hand on my dark watch. I keep repeating every few minutes how much time is left. I try encouraging them with, “We’re almost there guys.” In the back of my mind I know it is growing more dangerous. We’re not just battling time, but hope too. I believe all the LD activity may have given “T’s” secret location away. It would only have taken one careless Irreverent brothers to let them know its location. Or worse, one captured brother who’s willing to trade his loyalty rather than accept his awful fate. “One minute,” I tell them. I notice Jordan sleeping on the bent back of Moses as momma comes to kiss both her babies. I say aloud a soft prayer of protection for the r
emaining journey, “God, please give us swift strong legs.”
No sooner do I finish praying and I hear many far off voices. They still sound like they’re several blocks away, but I can’t tell if they are coming this way. “Come on guys, we got to go!” The voices are faint enough for me to hope I am the only one hearing them. I don’t want the family to panic and run afraid. This will tire them even more while dashing their hopes. Katie gathers herself as Moses gives me a strange look. I think he’s acknowledging he hears the voices too. It seems so by the stare he’s now giving me. It also looks like he’s thanking me for not alerting Katie and the kids. She checks the children and confirms they’re still asleep. I see their tiny limp bodies and think how much exercise they’ve gotten tonight while sleeping. I nod to Moses then dash out. Katie is next as Moses brings up the rear.
I think of another strategy while running. I slow and wait for them to catch up to me. I wave each of them to each of my sides. I keep a steady pace while directing each of them with both of my outstretched hands to their prescribed positions along side of me. I focus straight ahead so they can both hear my plan at the same time. “We’re going to speed things up by forgo our ‘duck and cover’ maneuvering. I want both of you to stay alongside me. We’re going to jog at a pace a little faster than this the rest of the way. We need to get there fast. Do you think you both can handle it?” Katie reluctantly forces herself to say, “Yes,” as I see Moses out of the corner of my eye nod his affirmation with his face full of determination. “Here we go then.” I increase my speed slightly as my mind drifts to that unconscious place filled with pass thoughts.
The closeness this family has given me tonight kindles memories of a family life long ago. I see my little sis playing dolly and teaching it to swing. I’m on the adjacent swing listening to her tell Miss Polly to hold on tight while she pushes her. I don’t have a care in the world, as I try kicking the clouds out of the sky with each closer swipe of my feet. Momma yells out the back door “Joey! Is your sister with you?” I yell back a lackadaisically, “Yeah mom!” I feel so apathetic and happy at the same time. Sis lectures her dolly for falling off the swing, as I fly my jet exploring the world. “Kids, I want you in here in five minutes!” I try and give negotiation a chance and yell back, “Ah mom, how about 15?” She once again yells to us, “10 minutes, and I expect your hands to be washed. We’re going to eat dinner.” I yell back, “Okay momma,” and feel I negotiated an end to all war and ushered in world peace. My heart tells my momma and sis, “Goodbye,” as mind forces me to drift back to reality. I soon enter this tired, worried, and worn body; and regain the pain of living once more.
My sight recognizes the area just ahead. I form “starting gates” in front of my replacement sis and momma. I guide them along as I slow my pace. We reach a “quick time”
marching pace before I pull their reigns. I steer them with my outstretched arms to the bushes near “T”. We calmly stop and bend down in the bushes. I try and hush their noisy breathing by using my hands to orchestrate them to my tempo. “Slowly, slowly,” I command, as I try training them to regulate their breathing. My hand moves up as I take in a deep breath of air. I hold it till my hand drops, and then slowly exhale. They try matching this pattern to the tune of my moving hand. It takes about a minute before our breathing returns to normal. I try and keep rhythm as my eyes travel around the premise. I untie the rope holding Hanna, and then slowly release the rope. I continue the breathing technique while gesturing to Katie to catch the sliding baby.
I quietly explain where we are going. I point out the stone entranceway next to that pile of rubble; which is on the other side of this open area. I then tell Katie to grab Hanna and hold her tight. I turn to Moses and ask him if he can find his way to the department store from here. He nods a confusing, “Yes.” “I’m going to the secret entranceway. I’ll wave you on if everything turns out alright. But, if you see anything happen to me, take off fast and as quietly as you can. I’ll play decoy in the event the LD are around. You head to the store, but keep in mind the old floral mill as a backup. Do you understand?” Moses forms the saddest face I’ve ever seen. It instantly freezes into a cold stare. I command him once more, “Do you understand?” He speaks straight ahead into the dark, “I will never forget all you’ve done for us. I want you to know you are family now. I promise you, we will be together; in this life, or the one to come.” I almost shed a tear, but I rub his slick icy head instead. My last words to him are, “I love you too dear.” He continues to stare as I lean to get up. Katie almost tackles me with her hug from behind. I hear her over my shoulder, “You gave me the greatest eternal gift. God bless you Joey.” I give a slight turn of my head and a slight nod of approval. My heart silently replies to all of them, “You’re welcome family.”
I advance slowly forward trying not to brush a bush or even snap a twig. I weave my way to the edge of the clearing and begin circling the perimeter. My head moves like a radar back and forth across the clearing, and then returning to the forest. The frosty brown grass crunches under my feet forcing me to take slower thoughtful steps. The darkness reveals a worn path around the stone that the daylight camouflages. The worn area is darker than its surroundings. I continue moving while staring for any unusual shadows or figures in the forest. The night turns every bush into a crouched Demon, and every tree into a motionless LD. I near the circle’s end without incident. I know the next step of my journey can endanger many lives. I pray I’m doing the right thing.
I slowly spin and observe while taking my final steps toward the entrance stone. Something in me just doesn’t feel right. It’s that feeling you get when someone is watching. I stop and stare for signs of red dots in the dark, but I just don’t see anything. I realize I can’t keep standing here. I got to either: return to the bunch and jeopardize them, or try and enter “T,” and possibly jeopardize its existence, and the brothers below. I think of the family hidden in the bushes as the hair on my neck stiffens. Haste warns me to take a chance and enter. My subconscious tells me to listen to my dangerous feeling. Logic commands my common senses, “there’s no evil here.” I decide I’ll have to take a chance for the family’s sake.
I progress swiftly to move in position and slide the stone away. I bend down close to the ground where I nervously pounce down the secret unlocking key. I hear the click of the unlocking mechanism. I place my hands on the slab’s cold frosty surface and begin pushing it away. My worse fear is realized. I hear stamping and snarling sounds charge towards me. Frantically, I try relocking the lid by sliding it back to its original resting position. My shaking hands are sliding faster than the slick stone is moving. I hurry and lean forward in an attempt to apply even more pressure and counteract the stone’s slipperiness. I hope the increased pressure will slow the slipping of my hands long enough to beat the remaining stone before they completely slide off it. I win, as it clicks shut. I calmly and purposely stand to face my foe with outstretched arms. I surrender as I watch a dozen, or so, LD preparing to pounce on me. Several have those evil red eyes bouncing up and down, while the rest are like black pearls peering in the night. They are just several feet away as my eyes look to the tree line. Four figures drift away as my heart goes with those shadows. A great peace comes over me right before this doom does.