Free Surviving the Day by Matt Hart

Richard.
     
    “Uh... not here, I left her in the car,” said the man. Richard chuckled.
     
    “What a fool,” he thought.
     
    “Okay,” he said, standing and switching on his light. “We're just customers too,” he said. “There's no one in here, but someone killed a person back here, so you probably don't want to go there.” Richard figured being honest was the best way to get the guy's trust. “I was going to camp out somewhere in here myself, wait until first light. I just finished getting a few supplies,” he added.
     
    “Oh thank goodness,” said the man, lowering his hands and flashlight. “I'm Ben,” he said, holding out his hand.
     
    “Richard. Let's go get your friend and get you setup with supplies,” he said. He walked to the front of the store and pushed open the doors, then looked back at the man. Ben seemed to be indecisive, but finally shook his head and walked to the front of the store.
     
    “It's okay Sue,” he called out into the parking lot. “They're friendly and we can get what we need.” A car door opened, but no overhead light came on. A person stepped out, and Richard pulled out a tactical flashlight and directed it toward the figure. He chuckled as the light framed a beautiful young woman. She looked a bit disheveled.
     
    “Nothing like she's going to look,” thought Richard.
     
    She came up and put her hand in Ben's, then stood slightly behind him. “Thank you, sir,” she said. Richard smiled, then turned and led them inside.
     
    “Camping gear is this way,” he said, walking to his left. He suddenly turned and punched the man in the stomach, then grabbed the woman's hand. She screamed and tried to free herself. The man on the floor squirmed and tried to rise up, and Richard kicked him in the gut.
     
    “Jeffrey! Lock the front doors! It's party time!” The man on the floor groaned loudly, so Richard kicked him again. The woman was still screaming. “I suggest you quiet down before I put a slug through your sweetie's head,” he said to her. She sobbed and trembled, but stopped screaming. “That's better,” he said as Jeffrey walked up.
     
    “Tie him,” said Richard. Ben moaned again as Jeffrey grabbed him. “And gag him,” he added. He pulled the woman toward the back of the store. “Grab some sleeping bags when you come,” he told Jeffrey. He got behind the gun counter and threw the woman to the floor.
     
    “Listen up sweetheart,” he told her, “This store no longer accepts cash or credit.” He chuckled. “But that's okay, because you have exactly what we want for payment.” He reached down and tore at her shirt. She screamed and pulled it back over her. “None of that now, or Ben gets a third corn chute. You be nice and pay for your supplies, and you can go. Does that sound fair?”
     
    She looked up but didn't meet his eyes. Richard slapped her, hard.
     
    “I said, does that sound fair?”
     
    She sobbed and nodded. Jeffrey walked up and threw the bags down on the floor. Richard handed his shotgun to Jeffrey and unbuttoned his shirt. He didn’t notice his partner’s frightened face. “You keep a look out,” he told him. “I'll let you know when it's your turn.” He chuckled and reached for the girl.
     
    “I definitely didn’t sign on for this,” thought Jeffrey.

Chapter 14
    —————
     
    Erin
     
     
    Stompy Joe led the way down Redneck Row, and I followed him, keeping a watch on the houses to the right. It was getting late, and I really wanted to get to the boat before dark. I didn't know what I'd do if we were caught out in the open after dark.
     
    Probably go on an old fashioned freak out.
     
    I saw movement in a window and stopped, whistling at Joe to get his attention. He walked back to me and looked toward the same house I was watching. “Someone in that house,” I told him. “Go check it out.”
     
    He gave me a thumbs-up and walked quickly toward the house. I did a slow turn, checking in all directions. I