Free Voodoo Plague - 01 by Dirk Patton Page A

his
update.
    Rachel was still
in the back seat, silent and unmoving and I thought she was still sleeping
until she spoke, “Why would the government cut us off like this?  Shouldn’t
they being doing everything they can to help us?”
    I thought about
it before answering, “I don’t have any idea.  It doesn’t make any sense to me
either.”
    She turned over
and looked at me for a few minutes before climbing out of the backseat and
disappearing into the bathroom.  She returned a few minutes later and hopped up
on the lowered tail gate next to me. 
    “I don’t suppose
we have a toothbrush or any toothpaste.”  She said.
    “I’ll put it on
the list.” I said, trying to make it sound light hearted but failing miserably.
    Rachel looked
over at me through tangled hair, “So what’s the plan?”
    I let out a big
sigh before answering.  By nature I was a person who analyzed situations and
made decisions quickly.  The US Army had recognized this trait early and honed
it to a fine skill.  College and work after the army had polished it, but at
the moment I felt like I was in a daze and thinking at about half of my normal
rate.
    Trying to get my
brain in gear I started to lay out our situation and options.
    “We’re cut off
from any form of government help or protection.  In fact I haven’t even seen a
cop since this all started.  Infected are roaming the streets and will attack
as soon as they see us, but I think the bigger danger may be from other people.
    This just
started and already we’ve had to escape an attempted ambush.  Fortunately those
guys were amateurs or we might have been in some trouble.  We might not be so
lucky next time.
    I’m heading for
Arizona to get to my wife.  I don’t know what it’s like there, but if anyone
can hold out it will be her.  That’s at least 1500 miles through what sounds
like will be hostile territory.  No comfortable hotels or restaurants along the
way.
    I guess the
first question is what are you doing?”
    I looked at her
and reached to my shirt pocket for a pack of cigarettes that wasn’t there. 
Another item for the list the next time I looted a store.
    Rachel shook her
head, the tangled hair swirling around and hiding her face. 
    “I don’t have
anywhere better to go, and sure don’t want to be on my own, so I guess I’m with
you.” She answered while staring between her swinging feet at the stained
garage floor reaffirming her prior commitment to go with me.
    I was relieved. 
She had already shown a good head for crisis situations not to mention saving
my life at the first gas station we’d stopped at.
    “Good.  First
thing we need are more supplies.  These protein bars aren’t going to last
long.  Just as important we need weapons.  We’re going to have to defend
ourselves and a tire iron and nearly empty pistol aren’t going to cut it.  And,
I need to find a map.”
    Talking was
helping and I was starting to think again; starting to plan how we would
actually make it across the majority of the United States.
    “Why a map?  We
just follow the freeways, right?”  She asked.
    “If the freeways
are open and safe that would be great, but I have a feeling that there’s going
to be a lot of bad guys ready to ambush anything moving on the interstate
system.  Also, freeways go through big cities.  We need to go around them.  I
know how to get to Arizona, but I don’t know how to avoid all the dangers
between here and there.”  I answered.
    She thought
about that for a moment then nodded her head in agreement.  “You’re right.  OK,
so what’s first?”
    “Weapons, then
food, medical supplies, then a map.  In that order.”  I didn’t even hesitate
with my answer.
     
     
     
     
     
     

12
     
     
    I started the
truck, twisted the right wires together to keep it running and stepped out of
the cab so Rachel could slide behind the wheel.  In place, she put her foot on
the brake and held it there while shifting the big