Unthinkable (Berger Series) (17 page)

“Okay Yosh, let’s get in this ditch, just in case.” Evan swung Grace off his shoulders and slid into the shallow ditch.

“If this ditch fills up we’re going to get soaked,” observed Yoshi.

“Yeah,” said Evan looking around. The field behind them was full of thick corn stalks. Lightning flashed and thunder soon followed. Grace whimpered again and grabbed Yoshi’s leg.

“It’ll be okay Grace,” said Yoshi, looking at Evan.

Evan pulled open the bag and yanked out the jackets. Maybe they could slow down the soak. As he looked into the bag he realized just how low the food was getting. He pawed through the bag, looking for anything else useful. A butcher’s knife, still in its cardboard sheath, slipped out of a towel. Evan grabbed it and looked at the cornstalks. Well, it was better than nothing.

“Get down and wrap up in the jackets,” Evan ordered. Yoshi nodded, spread the biggest jacket underneath them,
then wrapped Grace in the smallest one and himself in the next one. Evan ignored the left over jacket for the moment and looked back at the rain line. The wind picked up and rattled the field. He yanked the bag closed and turned to the field.

Grabbing the nearest stalk, Evan started chopping at the bottom of it. It broke off and he laid it across the ditch. It was going to be a tight fit, but they’d all lost weight, so hey, it just might work. Evan worked methodically, smelling the rain approaching, half listening to Yoshi telling Grace a story as the thunder and the lightning moved ever closer.

The first fat drops fell. Evan shrugged the jacket on, already sweating profusely. He looked down at his work; maybe it would keep the worst off. Too bad this wasn’t some tropical island with palm trees with big leaves. He chopped off one more stalk, slid the sheath back over the knife and slid under the improvised roof. Hopefully this field belonged to the farm that didn’t want to give them shelter, ‘cause it was providing some shelter now. Grace clutched Harry tightly in the dim light and looked wide-eyed at Evan. Thunder crashed closer and she ducked, burrowing into Yoshi’s chest. The rain hit hard and Evan prayed that they’d be okay.

“Good thinking,” said Yoshi quietly. “I think it’s going to be all right.”

“Thanks,” whispered Evan. The rain dripped, then ran between the stalks. There was nowhere to move that didn’t have a small stream of water. “It was an idea anyway,” muttered Evan.

Grace started crying as the thunder and lightning crashed overhead. Yoshi started humming and then singing as he gently rocked her back and forth. “
Margaritaville?” asked Evan.

Yoshi shrugged.

“What, is that the only song you know?” asked Evan with a bemused smile.

“Well I like it, okay?” said Yoshi defensively.

Grace sniffled. “We could try praying,” suggested Evan. Yoshi stiffened.

“Mommy doesn’t like it when Nana prays. Mommy says praying is just a silly crutch for weak people.”

“What does your Nana say?” Evan shifted away from one of the streams of water.

Grace answered with silence. Lightning flashed and Evan could see her looking at Harry. “
Har…Harry says it’s okay,” whispered Grace at last.

Harry is a wise elephant
, thought Evan. He reached over and took Grace’s small hand. He said a quick prayer for safety. Yoshi remained stiff and silent.

The thunder and lightning started to move away. A few minutes later the rain slackened off. Evan cautiously climbed out of the ditch. The air was still damp, but the worst of the rain seemed to have passed. “
It’s okay guys,” he called.

Yoshi and Grace crawled out. Grace held Harry tight
to her chest and looked around as Yoshi stretched his neck. Evan peeled off the jacket, sweating in the humidity. Yoshi took the jacket form him and Grace and draped them over one arm. Evan picked up the bag and they started walking again.

The sun came out as they walked and soon
dried up any moisture that had collected in the ditch. Evan listened to the footsteps behind him as he walked along the edge of road. Yoshi’s limping gait and Grace’s small steps. What a group they were, eh? It occurred to Evan that if they were all gazelles and this were some African plain he’d be the only one that could escape the lions. Evan shook his head. What did that even mean? Must be the heat.

Up ahead on the right was a broken shell of building. Maybe it had been a barn. Either way, it was shelter, and it wouldn’t hurt to stop. Evan turned and walked through a large hole that might have been a door, or just a
hole. There was still part of a roof toward the back, which at least provided some shade. Grace looked around cautiously, but sat near Evan and started talking to Harry about how the storm hadn’t been that bad and it was silly to be scared. Evan smiled and started a small fire in the middle of the building while Yoshi hung up the jackets on a beam.

The smile faded as Evan went through the bag. Yoshi saw the look on his face as he sat down next to him. “We’re out of water,” said Evan. “Stuck in a rainstorm and we didn’t catch a drop. Son of a…” he stopped as he saw Grace looking at him.

“We’ll find something,” said Yoshi as he pulled out a can of soup.

“Just one can tonight,”
warned Evan.

Yoshi nodded, opened the can
and set it on the small fire while Evan sat back and worried. Grace looked over at him. “You okay Mr. Evan?” she asked.

Evan faked a smile. “I’m fine Grace. You were very brave today.”

Grace looked away and went back to playing with Harry. Yoshi handed Evan a few mouthfuls of soup. He ate it and watched Yoshi settle Grace down for the night after they ate their shares. Grace looked up at Yoshi and asked him to sing that song again.

Evan rolled his eyes and tried to hide his smile as Yoshi
did his horrible rendition. Grace giggled and curled up around Harry. “Why do you even sing that?” asked Evan as Yoshi sat across from him.

Yoshi looked troubled. “Why do I sing
Margaritaville?”

“Yeah,” pushed Evan.

“Do you remember Amber?” Yoshi looked away as he asked.

Evan thought hard. “Was that the girl you dated for a few months
junior year?”

“That’s her. She went to Florida for spring break and never came back. It reminds me of her.”

“Wow, Yoshi,” Evan looked at his friend. He’d never really thought of Yoshi as sentimental before. Silence stretched between them. “Do you,” Evan broke the silence first, “do you think Jimmy Buffett survived?”

Evan kicked himself
for asking a stupid question. Yoshi didn’t answer. Who knew who had survived and who hadn’t? Even if he or any other celebrity had survived what difference did it make? Yoshi shook his head and curled up near Grace to go to sleep. The sun was setting and the stars had started appearing in the sky. No one else mattered; they had survived, so far. Evan reached into his pockets and pulled out his treasures: the dog tag, the license, the note. He laid them carefully on the ground and looked at them. He picked up the license, said a silent prayer for Damien, wherever he was now, and put it back into his pocket. He picked up the dog tag, said a silent prayer for Yoshi, and put that back too. He picked up the note and said a silent prayer for all of them before putting it back. Then he pulled out the gun and laid it by his head before going to sleep by the entrance.

The next day, after another can of soup for breakfast, they started walking again. Grace was quiet, and Evan imagined it was because she was hungry. He knew he was. The next farm house, he decided, they’d
see if they’d be willing to at least share some water.

Around mid-morning the fields gave way to a wide cow pasture. The cows ignored them as they trudged past. Evan glanced at the yellowed grass and the cows before turning his eyes back to the road. Only a few steps later there was a tug at his sleeve. “Mr. Evan?”

Evan slowly looked down at Grace. “I think there’s water over there,” she pointed. Evan nearly told her it was a mirage without looking, but with a sigh he followed her finger. Sure enough there was a small pond on the far edge of the pasture. Evan stared at it to make sure it wasn’t going to go away.

“Stay here,” Evan said to Yoshi. He
carefully climbed the fence and started across the pasture. The cows watched him as he walked past. One of them mooed loudly. Evan glanced at the cow but kept walking, praying that the water would be safe to drink. He was aware of how dry his mouth was as he fixated on the clear liquid. Setting the bag down, Evan crouched at the edge, cupping his hands as he reached for a drink. Part of him said he should wait, but he ignored it. The water was warm as he dipped his hands in it and brought it to his mouth.

A safety clicked off behind him.

Chapter 15

“Okay Achmed, put your hands up and turn around slowly,” said a gruff voice. With a pounding heart Evan raised his hands and spread his palms wide. He slowly stood up and turned around. A bearded man stood a few feet away, shotgun leveled steadily. A younger man stood next to him with a large knife.

“Shouldn’t you just shoot him?” asked the younger man
, eagerly.

“Probably, but that’s not our orders. Just get his gun.” The younger man walked over and jerked the pistol out of Evan’s waistband. He looked down at Evan and smiled. Evan glared back and the smile vanished. The man scampered back to his friend. “What are you doing here,
Achmed? You escape from a prison camp or something?” the bearded man asked rhetorically. Evan stared silently at him.

“We got two more by the fence. Bring ‘
em all into the square,” crackled a radio on the bearded man’s waist.

The bearded man nodded at his accomplice, who took the radio and acknowledged the request.

“How many Achmeds do we have today?” muttered the bearded man. He gestured with the shotgun. Evan sullenly went as he was directed, cursing himself for his stupidity. He should have paid more attention. They walked across the cow pasture until they reached a dirt road. They turned up it and walked until buildings appeared on either side. Another block or two and they were in an old fashioned town square, complete with flagpole, cannon and a brick town hall on one side. A dozen men stood in a circle on the grass. The crowd parted as they approached and Evan saw Yoshi standing protectively over Grace, his hands on her shoulders. Yoshi stared daggers at Evan as he walked up next to him. Evan was fully aware they were weaponless as the men closed back around them, talking amongst themselves, some of them jeering, all of them armed. They looked at them with open hostility and suspicion. Evan wondered what it would be like to be lynched.

After what seemed like a
small eternity, the crowd parted and an older gentleman made his way toward them. His hair was grey and he leaned on a cane. His green eyes startled Evan, full of concern and strength. The man looked from Evan to Yoshi to Grace and back to Evan. He put his hand out to Evan. “I’m Judge Roger Ryans. Folks just call me Judge.”

“Evan Berger,” Evan shook it automatically. “This is Yoshi McCarthy and Grace Perkins.”  Judge nodded at the introduction.

“Won’t you follow me, please?” he turned and hobbled toward the city hall. As if on command the crowd started to disperse, with many hostile looks their way. Evan did his best to ignore them. A young man pushed open the front door for Judge, and then disappeared into the building. They followed Judge down a hallway and into a room with a long table. He took a seat and gestured for them to do the same. Grace sat between Evan and Yoshi and occupied herself silently with Harry. The bearded man who had captured Evan walked in and sat next to Judge. “I believe you already met Hopkins,” said Judge. Hopkins nodded with a neutral look on his face. “So,” Judge leaned back in his chair and smiled, “what are you folks doing in this neck of the woods?”

Evan stared at him, refusing to smile back. “Sir, are we prisoners?” he asked.

“Well no. Should you be?” The smile slipped just a hair.

“If we aren’t prisoners then I would like my
gun back,” said Evan, trying to keep his posture neutral. Hopkins shifted uncomfortably. Judge crossed his arms and studied Evan. He looked over at Hopkins and nodded.  Grumbling, Hopkins got up and left the room. Evan let the silence stretch out until Hopkins returned and set the pistol on the table. Evan took it and put it back in his waistband as Hopkins sat down again.

“So, is this pretty little girl related to either of you?”
Asked Judge, leaning forward.

“No,” answered Evan
, honestly. He was aware of Yoshi putting one hand protectively on the back of Grace’s chair. Grace pulled her feet up and began wiping off a dirty spot on Harry.

“Ah.” Judge sat back. Evan stared through him and refused to give any further explanation. “Well I take it you folks are traveling?” Evan continued to stare silently. “Where are you coming from?”

“St. Louis,” answered Evan.

“And you’re going to…?”

“Wyoming.”

“And what’s in Wyoming?” Evan glanced at Yoshi. Yoshi shrugged.

“I see,” Judge sat back and studied the group. Hopkins shifted in his seat. “Looks like you folks have seen some trouble.” He waited in vain for answer. “Well if that’s the way you boys are going to be then there ain’t any point in wasting my breath. Hopkins here will take you over to the bar. You can clean up, maybe it’ll improve your disposition. We’ll have lunch afterward.”

“That would be fine,” said Evan carefully. He stood up before anyone else did. Judge had his jaw set as he made his way out of the room.

Hopkins led them back out to the strangely empty streets and took them to a building across the square. “Bill?” He called as he pushed open the door. A tall, rail-thin man appeared. “Judge wants ‘em to clean up and join him for lunch,” said Hopkins. The man nodded and gestured for them to follow him. They walked through the building  and into a small backyard with a high wooden fence.  A tree nearly filled one back corner. Several tubs of water stood in the middle of the back yard with soap and towels at hand.

“My wife can take care of the girl,” said Bill.

Grace looked up at Yoshi. Yoshi gave her a small smile. “That’s fine,” said Yoshi. “Grace go ahead, we’ll be right here.” Grace watched Yoshi as Bill led her off.

“You let her go pretty easy,” commented Evan, surprised.

“He has a wedding ring. It would be better if his wife cleaned her up.” Yoshi started stripping. Evan looked around carefully before pulling the gun out of his waistband and doing the same. He noticed now how bloody and mud-caked his clothes were. Evan set the gun on top of the pile and stepped into a tub. The water was warm as he settled in. Yoshi ducked his head under.

It felt almost strange, the act of bathing, after so long without it. But his hands remembered and his body reveled in the feel of soap.
Now he really needed a haircut, and a shave. Part of him would have preferred to stay in the lukewarm water, but he got out before Yoshi and started drying himself off. He heard the door open and instinctively reached for the gun. Bill walked out with an armload of clothes.

“I think these will fit you,” said Bill, setting them on the ground and quickly walking back into the building. Evan wrapped the towel around his midsection and walked over to the pile. These clothes were still brand new, he noticed as he picked some out.

Evan was aware, as he dressed, of just how much his body had changed. The slight chubbiness was long gone and the muscles in his legs and arms were hard. It seemed the trials and travails of the last weeks had carved him into something he never would have been if life was normal, physically and mentally.

Yoshi splashed out of the tub and went over to the clothes pile.
Glancing over, Evan was surprised by how frail Yoshi looked. He’d always been skinny, but now he looked fragile and small. Evan turned away to transfer things from his old pockets. These new clothes actually fit better than the things he’d taken off. Evan picked up the gun, checked it and cursed.

“What?” asked
Yoshi.

“
He took the bullets out, the bastard.” Evan reloaded the weapon with most of the precious few bullets he had remaining while Yoshi dressed. He grumbled as he lead them back inside.

Evan pulled the door open and stepped into the dim interior. His eyes struggled to adjust as they picked their way carefully through the back room and into the bar. The room was lit by large front windows. Hopkins leaned against the bar, waiting for them.
“Ready to go, Achmed?” He asked.

“You owe me,” said Evan, quiet and low.

“Whaddya mean?” Hopkins was all relaxed confidence against the bar.

“You know exac
tly what I mean.” Evan stalked toward him.

Hopkins stood up slowly and sauntered over to Evan
, meeting  him in the middle of the bar. He was a full head taller. “No I don’t know what you mean.”

Evan stepped up
inches from Hopkins, looking up at him. “You took the bullets out of my gun when you had it. I want them back.”

“Well you know what they say: want in one hand, shit in the other…”

Evan stared up into Hopkins’s eyes. Hopkins stared back.

“Mr. Yoshi!” Grace burst out of a side door. She
stopped as Hopkins stepped back from Evan. Evan turned to look at her while she ran to Yoshi and hid behind his legs. She was dressed now in an adorable yellow sundress, clutching Harry by the trunk. Yoshi tousled her hair.

“Judge is waiting,” muttered Hopkins, turning to walk out the door. Evan, Grace and Yoshi followed close behind. They walked down a few doors to a café. Big windows let in plenty of light. Judge set at the head of a table near the windows talking to a large woman. She was laughing as they walked in. When she saw the company her smile faded and she turned and disappeared into the back. Evan took a seat on Judge’s left and Hopkins on his right. Yoshi sat next to Evan and Grace sat next to Yoshi.

“Feel better after your bath?” asked Judge.

Evan shrugged and played sullenly with his silverware. Grace chattered quietly with Yoshi about how nice Harry felt being clean. The front door opened and another man walked in and sat next to Hopkins. He was close to Evan’s size, with a kind face and a
n already retreating hairline.

Judge started to speak. “Glad you could join us Preacher. This is…”

“I’m Evan,” he interrupted. “This is Yoshi and that’s Grace.” Preacher smiled at Grace and she shyly ducked behind Yoshi’s arm.

“Folks just call me Preacher,” he said affably, reaching for the sugar as the large woman came out with a tray of iced tea, without ice. Evan forced himself to drink it slowly. He’d never
been a big fan of tea, but it tasted good, even if it was warm. Preacher ignored the tension at the table and started talking about the weather, how it seemed warm for September and they needed some more rain. Evan stared at the table and noticed how much he needed to cut his fingernails. Grace giggled at something. Judge leaned back, watching the table. Evan was aware that Hopkins was staring at him.

Evan felt his stomach lurch as the woman came back out with plates of sandwiches. He forced himself to eat
slowly and watched as Yoshi encouraged Grace to do the same. It had been two-thirds of a can of soup for the last two meals. That wouldn’t have lasted very long. Preacher took bites in between as he kept up steady chatter.

“Where are you putting up our guests?” Preacher asked as they finished.

“They can stay at the tavern for right now,” answered Judge. Preacher nodded and chased the last of his sandwich with his tea.

“Sir,” said Evan carefully, “while we appreciate your hospitality
, perhaps we should just continue on down the road.”

“Well now surely you boys can stay one night?” said Judge. Evan resisted glancing over at Yoshi
, instead searching Judge’s eyes. They were hostile, but not hateful.

“We’ll stay the night,” sighed Evan. He felt Yoshi stiffen behind him. “What can I do to repay you for this meal?”

Now it was Judge’s turn to search Evan’s eyes. “Preacher,” he said without turning away from Evan, “does that roof still need fixin’?”

“Yep, that storm yesterday tore lose some shingles,” said Preacher.

“Well there you go,” said Judge. “Now, I have other business to attend to…”

“’
Scuse me Judge, but why don’t they just stay at our place?” asked Preacher.

Hopkins and Judge exchanged a glance. Judge shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He stood up and the rest of the table stood up after him. He made his way out the front door without looking back.

“I can take Grace over to the park,” offered Hopkins.

“No,” said Yoshi firmly, “she stays with us.”

“Oh yes,” said Preacher, “she can play with Joshua.” He turned and led the way out the door with Yoshi and Grace right behind him. Hopkins and Evan looked at each other.

“After
you, Achmed,” Hopkins gestured. Evan hesitated, then followed Yoshi, fully aware of both Hopkins behind him and the pistol in his belt. After about a block Hopkins turned and went up a different street. Evan forced himself to relax. He noticed Grace chattering with Preacher about Harry the elephant.

The church was a neat little white clapboard building straight out of Americana, complete with a steeple and a small graveyard in the back. The parish house was an equally neat white cottage a few yards away from the church. A sturdy woman was hanging clothes up on a line at the side of the house.

“Maggie, we have guests,” said Preacher.

She looked up and called around to the back of the house. A young boy around Grace’s age came running around the corner.

“Joshua,” said Preacher, crouching between the two kids, “this is Grace. Why don’t you go play together?” Grace looked up at Yoshi.

“It’s okay,” said Yoshi with a smile. Grace stepped toward Joshua. He had a smile as big as his father’s. He told her
he had a good place to play, grabbed her hand and pulled her back behind the house.