Free Neighbors by Jerry D. Young

caught.”
    “I’ll bring it up at the meeting,” Hank said. “Just to check, we’re all in favor of the plan. There are going to be several that don’t like it at all.”

“I see it as the best possibility to save ourselves, if that outfit tries anything,” Elizabeth said.

The meeting that evening started much like the last one. A raucous mass of sound with little meaning. But it quieted down when Hank stood up. He spent all of twenty minutes outlining the plan of action, and the increased fortifications the team wanted to do.

There was silence at first, when Hank sat down. Then murmurs as family members talked it over with each other and with those sitting near them in the community building. Silence fell again. Sara was the first one to speak up.

“If trying to cooperate with the gang is out, I say we pack up and leave, lock, stock, and barrel. We have all the trailers just sitting, and enough trucks to pull them, if we make several trips.”

“Where would we go, that has the advantages this place does?” someone ask.

Sara shook her head. “I don’t know. We’d have to research that.”

Hank looked over at the door suddenly, seeing some movement out of the corner of his eyes. It was Juan. He was on gate watch. Stepping around him, Chap Hunniker came into the room.

“Hank, Chap wants to talk to you. From what he told me, the whole community might want to hear it direct from him.”

Hank nodded and motioned for Chap to come up to the table behind which Hank was sitting, facing the group.

“What’s on your mind, Chap?” Hank asked.

“You guys are in big trouble. If I was you, I’d pack up and leave. Right now.”

There was an uproar, but Hank lifted a hand and quiet resumed. “Why?” Hank asked Chap.

“There’s a big gang out there gunning for you. They… Uh… found out about your place here and aim to hit it after the harvest is done so they can take it all. They ain’t very nice folks, let me tell you.” Chap rubbed his jaw. It showed the effects of being roundly beaten for the information he’d given the gang leader. Even though Chap had told all he knew, right off the bat. The leader wanted to make sure Chap had given up everything.

“I just want to trade for a few supplies and take off for safer parts. I hear the National Guard is getting their act together, cross state. I’m heading for them.”

“And when did you plan on telling us about the National Guard, Chap?” asked Pete. “That could make a big difference in what happens from now on.”

“Don’t matter here,” Chap said, shrugging. “They aren’t going anywhere until spring. Supposed to have fuel and stuff they need then.”

It was a disappointment. “Can’t we get them on the radio and ask for help?” asked Sara.

“Done been tried,” Chap said. “The last place tried it. They were turned down flat. Everyone is on their own until the National Guard can mobilize properly. At least that’s what the guys there told me. That was after Gustav… that’s the head guy of the gang… contacted them and told them to surrender… or else. The idiots chose to fight.”

“And just how did you managed to get yourself caught?” Hank suddenly asked.

Chap turned red. “I tried to save my stuff. Couldn’t get away fast enough when the group decided to fight.”

“Chap, why don’t you hang around for a bit? We might want to ask you some more questions.”

Chap didn’t look happy, but seeing several of the group standing near the door, he found an out of the way place and sat down.

“All right,” Hank said, looking out at the crowd. “Those that want to go should make their plans. Those of us staying need to know how many people we can count on for the battle that looks inevitable.”

There was pandemonium for a few moments, but it quickly quieted as Hank held up his hand. “I plan to stay and fight for what we’ve done here. If we weather this, and the National Guard will be