Free SurviRal by Ken Benton

past our current obstacles and resume business.”
    “How long you gonna be gone for?”
    “Not long. I have to be back for the new President’s airdrop program. Gotta deliver a blasted speech and sing his praises. I’m supposed to make people who are now dependent on begging food from the government be proud Americans again.”
    “I do wish you luck with that.”
    “Thanks, Charles.”
     
    * * *
     
    “Are we sure this car is going to make it?” Jenny asked.
    Clint cringed. He knew Harold was proud of his wagon, and expected him to be insulted.
    But he only laughed. “This is probably the most reliable vehicle on the highway, Jenny.”
    “That’s not saying much right now,” Jenny said as they passed another tow truck on I-25. Those were out in force, having a field day removing abandoned vehicles. Clint supposed all these cars must have all ran out of gas. He was amazed at the number of tow truck drivers out working. Perhaps there wouldn’t be any trouble with the roads remaining clear.
    Harold patted his dashboard. “She may be twenty years old, but there’s less than 100,000 miles on her. I take good care of my things. And there’s no better car for Colorado winters.”
    “We’ll be coming back long before winter, won’t we?” Jenny asked. She looked at Clint.
    “We all hope so, honey. Hmm. Flashing lights ahead. More tow trucks?”
    “Looks like state troopers,” Harold said.
    That’s what they were all right. Three of them had their lights on and went racing by on the northbound side of the highway. A short while later, two more did the same.
    “Wonder where they’re all going,” Jenny said.
    Harold pointed his thumb backwards. “Must be something urgent to attend around Denver. Could be our exit was just in time to avoid whatever problems are brewing there.”
    “I don’t know.” Jenny sounded nervous. “If all the police are headed back that way, who’s going to keep the roads safe where we’re headed?”
    Clint chuckled. “The roads seem fine, honey. And there’ll be more troopers around Colorado Springs. We’re making pretty good time.” He tried to use a confident tone of voice, though he realized Jenny brought up a valid concern.
    They passed three hitchhikers. Twenty-somethings, two of them female. One was on her knees with her hands folded, as if she were begging. Clint made an exaggerated shrugging motion as they passed. Hopefully, they would see there was simply no room in the car.
    A short ways later, they hit traffic and slowed. Soon it was stop-and-go.
    “What could be causing this?” Clint asked. “We’re practically parked. You think there’s road construction?”
    “I don’t know,” Harold said. “Seems unlikely.”
    Jenny squirmed in her seat. “I don’t like it.”
    “Hmm.” Harold scratched his beard. “We could go back to Castle Rock and take the 86 over to Highway 83. It’s only five or six miles back. That’s a much smaller road, though, and goes through rural areas. Usually less traffic. Only…”
    “Only what?” Clint asked.
    “Has Jenny ever fired a pistol?”
    “That’s a hell of a thing to ask, Harold. You know she’s already nervous. You’re the one who talked us into making this trip. If you’re going to start scaremongering, or talking like my brother, we’d just as soon turn around and go home.”
    “Let’s stay on the interstate,” Jenny said. There was determination in her voice now rather than fear. “And for your information, Harold, I’m a pretty good shot with the thirty-eight special my wonderful loving husband bought me.”
    “Did you bring it?” Harold asked.
    Clint laughed. “Man, you’ve got to be kidding. With all the guns you probably smuggled aboard? Of course not.”
    “That’s okay. You’re right, Clint. I brought a couple pistols. A nine and a forty-five. The nine will be good for her.”
    “Please stop it, Harold.”
    Several tow trucks with cars hitched passed them on the shoulder. The landscape