Unthinkable (Berger Series) (18 page)

“We’re going to work on the roof,” Preacher told his wife.

“Be careful,” she said absently as she picked up the empty basket and walked away. Preacher led them around the house. There was a jungle gym that the kids played on and a couple of fruit trees. Further back there was an outhouse. A ladder leaned against the side of the house.

“I started working on it this morning,” said Preacher as he climbed the ladder.

“Yoshi, why don’t you…” started Evan.

“No,” said Yoshi and climbed the ladder. Evan shook his head and followed.

They worked on the roof the rest of the afternoon. Preacher babbled on about nothing as they worked.

Maggie called them for supper. Evan felt relieved as he s
lid down the ladder. He was hot and tired, but it actually felt good to be doing something aside from walking. They washed up at an ancient pump and went into the house.

Supper was a giant pot of spaghetti. Evan reveled in the feeling of fullness. Joshua and Grace seemed engrossed in a conversation of their own while Preacher kept talking. It was amazing to Evan; he hadn’t heard that much speech from one p
erson in a long time. When they finished Maggie got the kids to help clear the dishes.

“We usually sit out on the front porch after supper,” said Maggie as she followed the kids into the kitchen.

Evan and Yoshi dutifully followed Preacher out onto the porch. He took a seat in a wicker chair while Evan and Yoshi shared either end of the porch swing.

“You are certainly welcome to stay here more than one night,” said Preacher, lighting a pipe and leaning back.

“We don’t want to be a bother,” said Evan.

“‘Whatever you do to the least of these…’” quoted Preacher. “
It’s not a bother; we can always use more hands around here. At least sleep on it?” he smiled warmly.

“Okay,” said Evan, surprised by his desire to stay.
Wouldn’t it be nice to quit walking? Of course, then there was Hopkins to deal with. Evan frowned as he thought about it, but his smile returned aw the kids and Maggie came out to the porch. Grace climbed up in between Evan and Yoshi and started telling Yoshi about all the fun they’d had that day. Maggie pulled out a bag of knitting as Preacher continued to drone on. He started talking about God and Evan noted with amusement that Yoshi was starting to nod off. Evan let his mind wander on the subject of staying there. After all, why exactly were they going all the way to Wyoming?

As the sun started to set Maggie got up and declared bedtime. Preacher smiled and stood up. Yoshi blinked as the chairs scraped around him. Evan stifled a smile.

“Let me show you to the spare room,” said Preacher. “I hope you don’t mind sharing a bed, it’s all we have.”

Evan shrugged. “It’s fine, thank you for putting us up.”

“I’m glad to do it. There are bunk beds in Joshua’s room, Grace can sleep there. We’ve always hoped for more miracles, but so far Joshua is our only one.” Preacher led them upstairs and pushed open a door. Evan was suddenly aware of just how tired he was as he looked at the spacious bed. “You saw where the outhouse is. Sleep well.” Preacher left them alone and Evan closed the door, amazed at the quiet after Preacher’s constant yammering, just the sounds of footsteps retreating down the hall. Yoshi yawned and climbed into bed. Evan was about to join him when there was a quiet knock on the door. He opened it and saw Maggie.

“Your bag got dropped off while you were working; it’s down in the kitchen. Grace is in that room right over there.” She pointed at the door in the middle of the hall. Evan thanked her and Maggie wished them a good night
as she headed to bed herself. Evan closed the door again.

“Yoshi?”
Evan said as he climbed into the bed. He took the gun and set it on the nightstand.

“Mm?”
Yoshi was already half asleep.

“Why are we going to Wyoming?” Evan adjusted the covers.

“Whaddya mean?” Yoshi turned, half sat up and looked at Evan

“Well I mean I know your brother…”

“And that’s why,” said Yoshi shortly.

“But Yoshi, we don’t know those people and they don’t know us. Couldn’t we just stay in a place like this?”

“They don’t want us here Evan, you know that.” Yoshi slid back under the covers.

“But who’s to say Wyoming will? And there is Grace to think about. Should we really be dragging her halfway across the country?”

“Ryan said to go to Dover, Wyoming.” Yoshi rolled away from Evan.

“
Yosh, Ryan is probably dead,” said Evan gently

“You think I don’t know that!” hissed Yoshi fiercely as he
spun and faced Evan. “His wife and kids too. You and I, Evan, we’re all that’s left of our families. Ryan said to go to Wyoming.”

“And that last
request is sacred duty?”

“Absolutely
,” said Yoshi, as he rolled back over and faced the wall. With a sigh Evan stared at the ceiling.

The room grew
slowly darker. There was a creak in the hall and the door slowly opened. Grace walked in, looked around, and then climbed up in between Yoshi and Evan, clutching Harry. Evan watched as she snuggled into the covers and fell asleep. This child deserved a home. She was alone and adrift in the world, what right did they have to drag her halfway across the country? For that matter, what were they running from? So Ryan had said Wyoming; he could see Yoshi’s point. But maybe it was time to think for themselves.

Preacher had
made the offer of a home. Evan tried to remember what a home felt like. It seemed to have been lost somewhere in the endless blacktop. St. Louis had been home, or at least an apartment to come home to and put his feet up while he watched stupid television. He realized now he’d never really settled into Missouri and put down real roots there, but that didn’t mean that he never would have.

Evan stared at the dark ceiling
, too many thoughts to sleep. Maybe Shelly…when was the last time he’d thought of her? Maybe Shelly would have made it a home. After all home was more than a roof over your head. Damien had seemed okay enough on his own. Guilt wormed in Evan’s stomach. So much of this was his fault. Damien’s death, Yoshi’s suffering. Maybe finding them a home would be a way to begin to make up for all of it.

Grace shifted in her sleep and started snoring. If home was family though, then perhaps they had started to make one of their own. Yoshi was still here and now there was
Grace. Evan tried to imagine himself as a father. No, he told himself, Yoshi was far more a dad to Grace then he was.

Somewhere in the house a door creaked. Evan strained to listen. Muffled footsteps creaked on the stairs. He reached over, grabbed the gun and slid it under the covers. The footsteps drew closer. Evan knew what he would see before the shadowy figured pushed open the door and cocked his pistol.

“I see you
, Hopkins,” said Evan calmly. He sat up slowly in bed, careful to not to wake the others, keeping the pistol out of sight.

“You have that kid with you in bed, even here, in this
Preacher’s house? You sick bastards,” Hopkins snarled, pointing his gun at Evan.

“We haven’t touched Grace,” Evan kept his voice steady.

“Oh sure, Achmed. You foreigners are all alike. Stinkin’ liars and worse.”

“I’m no more a foreigner then you are,” Evan pointed out.

“I should have shot you in the cow pasture,” Hopkins took another step into the room.

“Maybe,” Evan tried to keep himself calm. “Are you going to commit murder in Preacher’s house?”

“It’s not murder if I’m protecting that child!” Hopkins raised his voice.

“Is that the excuse you’ve made for yourself?”

“Just shut up.”

“You’ve decided you’re protecting Grace and that makes it okay to shoot a man in bed?” Evan sat up a little more.

“You’re not a man, Achmed. If you were I wouldn’t have to shoot you,” another step.

“So if you’re going to shoot, then shoot. If not, then leave.” Hopkins stared at Evan.
Suddenly Yoshi threw the covers back as if ready to charge at Hopkins. He swung the gun toward Yoshi but before he could pull the trigger Evan’s blast knocked him over.

Grace sat up screaming. Yoshi turned and wrapped his arms around her.
Hurrying to Hopkins, Evan kicked the gun away as the man cursed at him.

Preacher charged into the hall with a shotgun in his hands, his wife behind him with a flas
hlight. Preacher saw the mess, took the flashlight from his wife and knelt next to Hopkins. Maggie stepped past them and headed downstairs.

“Let me see it,” said Preacher as Evan stood over them.

“The bastard shot me!” cried Hopkins.

“I can see that,” said Preacher, looking at the
leg wound. “Went straight through, by the looks of it. You’ll live. Hand me the sheet, Evan.”

There was hesitation, but Evan obeyed and watched Preacher wrap
the wound. Grace dissolved into hiccupy sobs. Loud voices approached the house. “Let’s get him to the couch,” said Preacher.

Evan watched Preacher help Hopkins
down into the living room. Hopkins cursed the whole way. By the time he was seated men barged through the front door, led by Judge. Yoshi carried Grace into the room.

“He shot me!” yelled Hopkins loudly.

“I had to,” said Evan quietly.

“Preacher?” asked Judge.

“Well considering I didn’t invite Hopkins into the house, and he was standing in their room I’d guess that Evan was justified. I didn’t see it,” answered Preacher.

Judge looked at Evan, then at Yoshi. “I think you
boys better leave. Now.”

“He shot me Judge. He
don’t deserve to walk out of this town,” whined Hopkins.

“He didn’t kill you and that’s more than a lot of men would have done,” Judge looked at Evan.

“Oh don’t worry, we’ll leave,” said Evan. “One thing though. Hopkins took the bullets out of my gun when he brought it to me. I had extra, but I’m a bit short on ammo and I’d like them back.”

Judge nodded and asked what caliber. Evan
took a spare bullet from his pocket and showed him. Judge said something to one of the men behind him. That man left as another man came huffing through the crowd.

“Evening Doc,” said Preacher. Doc ignored him and knelt to examine Hopkins. Yoshi gently rocked Grace as they waited for the man to return with the bullets.

He returned and handed the box to Judge. “Here you go. Now leave,” said Judge.

Evan opened the box to double check it was full and nodded. Maggie handed him their bag. Evan walked through the crowd, Yoshi carrying Grace behind him.

They were in the yard when a voiced called them. “Wait a minute,” said Preacher, running to catch up. “Don’t take the child with you. Leave her here; we’ll take care of her.” Yoshi shook his head. Evan walked over to Grace.

“Grace
, do you want to stay here? You can have all the food you want and Joshua to play with. Grace sucked her thumb, turned away and buried her face in Yoshi’s shoulder, adjusting Harry. “No preacher, she stays with us,” said Evan.

“You can’t send a child into the wilderness!”

“You’re sending us out,” said Evan bitterly as he turned away.

“It’s not my choice,” said Preacher with disappointment as they turned their backs to him.

Chapter 16

They walked through the dark town. No lights brightened any windows. Somewhere a dog barked, quickly shushed. The sturdy houses gave way to a small trailer park and then it was back to fields and blacktop. Yoshi set Grace down and took her hand. They walked into the night, the way lit by a thousand stars.

Evan kicked himself as they walked. It had been so tan
talizing, the idea of finding a home. Okay, maybe that town wouldn’t have been the best choice after all, but still, wasn’t there somewhere that they could find rest? He trudged on, feeling exhaustion tugging at his limbs. Between the walk the day before and working on the roof. And now, no sleep...at least there had been two good meals in there. He was aware that the bag felt heavier; no doubt Maggie had added to their food supplies. He hadn’t even had a chance to thank them for everything.

Grace stumbled first. Yoshi picked her up and took a few slow steps
, head drooping.

“It’s okay,” said Evan, “we need to rest.”

Yoshi didn’t argue, just stepped off the road and laid Grace down in the grass. She was asleep instantly. Evan put the bag down and looked around. It was the same as it had been yesterday and most of the days before that. Yoshi sat down near Grace with a huff. Evan looked at him, realizing he probably wanted to continue the argument from earlier. “I know that didn’t work out, but why shouldn’t she get a chance at a home?” he asked, sitting on the edge of the road.

Yoshi glared at him.

“Look, I want what’s best for her too. You want to walk all the way to Wyoming, fine, but she deserves a home.”

“You just don’t get it, do you?” spat Yoshi.

“No Yoshi, I don’t,” Evan felt so tired. He ran his hands through his hair. “I mean I know what Ryan said, but do you even know anything about these people he’s sending us too?”

“No,
” admitted Yoshi with a sigh, picking at the grass, “Ryan said something about taking care of me when the shit hit the fan, and I’ve known
something
was coming for a long time. But no, Ryan never talked to me about Wyoming.”

Evan glanced up at the sky, dug in his pocket and pulled out the dog tag. He looked at it before
tossing it to Yoshi. “You’ve earned that.”

Yoshi caught it and stared it. “What?”

“You’ve earned it.” Evan got up and crouched next to Yoshi. “You’re a McCarthy, Yoshi, nothing can change that. You’ve been just as gung ho and brave as any Marine. You’ve been a brother to me and hell I think Grace thinks of you as a father. Keep it. Your father may have been an asshole, but hell, that’s a piece of your family. More than I have of mine.” Evan thought of a long-lost angel. “My folks wouldn’t even recognize me now, I’m sure.” He stood and walked away, staring down the road.

“Your folks would be proud of you too,” said Yoshi quietly.

“Sure,” snorted Evan, “their son the murderer.” He thought of the dead soldiers in the barn, of Damien. The image from his dream flashed through his mind too, Yoshi dead on the side of the road.

“It’s not murder if you’re defending yourself or others.” Yoshi walked into Evan’s line of sight.

“Whatever,” Evan shook his head. “There’s blood on my hands, no disputing that.” He stretched his hands in front of him and looked at them.

“Evan…”Yoshi put his hand on Evan’s arm. Evan shook himself free and turned away again. Silence stretched between them.

“Maybe,” said Yoshi with a sigh, “maybe you’re right about Wyoming. It’s fall already and I don’t know if we could even make it by winter.”

Evan turned and
met his eyes. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah.
I’m sure.” Yoshi looked down at the dog tag. “Maybe it’s time to stop running.” He put the dog tag in his pocket and looked back up at Evan. Evan put his hand tentatively on Yoshi’s shoulder. Yoshi reached over and hugged him. “Let’s get some sleep,” he said.

“Okay,” said Evan with half a smile. Maybe it would be okay after all
. Yoshi lay down next to Grace. Evan sat on the grass and loaded the clip fully, fingers clumsy with exhaustion as he glanced towards the town. There might have been some distant lights, or it could just be low stars. That was one thing; he thought as he lay down, the world had gotten so much darker. He sighed and closed his eyes.

T
he roar of an engine jerked Evan awake. He grabbed the pistol as he jumped up. Bright lights blinded him and he threw up an arm, unable to aim. There were shouts and people rushing toward them. Something heavy connected with Evan’s head and he dropped, the gun falling from his grasp. Curses and kicks and Evan felt like he was back at the gas station on the first night. Someone connected hard with his head and he saw stars. Yoshi. Grace. The world spun into blackness.

Evan awoke gasping and sputtering as his head was pulled from a bucket. The smell told him it wasn’t water and he gagged. With a cough he opened his eyes. They were on the side of the road. Hopkins glowered at Evan with his shotgun in his hands, sitting on a stump. A heavy hand gripped his hair tightly. Blinking to clear his eyes, Evan realized his hands were bound tightly behind his back. A battered tomato-red pickup truck was parked half off the road. Someone was pouring gasoline into the tank. The smell permeated the air, even past the stink of the bucket. Evan couldn’t see Yoshi or Grace.

“Where…?”Evan started to ask.

“The kid’s safe, Achmed,” said Hopkins.” Your lover’s here too.”

“My what?”

Hopkins nodded at the man holding Evan. He jerked him up, dragged him over to the pickup and finally let go of his hair as he threw him into the bed. “You might not believe it,” said Hopkins voice, “but there are some pretty big farms around here looking for labor. Heck they’re even willing to pay for trash like you. Only reason I’m not just tying you to the back of the truck and dragging you there.”

“What the hell is your problem?” Evan twisted around to look out the back of the truck. Hopkins hobbled into view and leaned on the tailgate.

“My problem, Achmed, is you. And your people. All you want to do is hurt and kill innocent people in the name of your crazy false religion.”

“I’m not Muslim, I’m Lutheran!”

“Liar. You’re a terrorist. Why do you think Judge looked the other way when I came after you?” Hopkins turned away as an empty gasoline container bounced into the bed of the truck, joining half a dozen others lying around Evan. Twisting around again, Evan watched a man get behind the wheel and close the door. Grace sat in the middle, staring out the front window and clutching Harry tightly. Hopkins climbed into the passenger seat. Evan twisted one more time as Yoshi was tossed into the back, still unconscious. A man slammed the tailgate shut and climbed in, settled down with his back to it, and set his shotgun across his lap, watching them as the truck pulled back onto the road.

We have to get out of here
, thought Evan, pushing away panic. Being sold into slavery wasn’t a whole lot more appealing than being dragged to death. But what could they do? Evan tugged on his bonds, but they refused to give. Shotgun man laughed loud enough to be heard over the wind. Looking up, Evan saw him playing with a knife and smiling. Looking away, his eyes fell on Yoshi.

His friend
looked to be in bad shape. Evan could imagine that he would have fought back hard defending Grace. He wished he’d fired a shot anyway; maybe they would have left them alone. Not that he would have hit anybody with the light in his eyes. Yoshi moaned slightly and opened one eye. The other one looked swollen shut. His eye slowly focused on Evan. Evan met his look and tried to silently convey that it was going to be okay. The truck made a turn and Evan listened to the gasoline slosh around as the containers rolled towards the driver’s side. If this truck crashed they’d all be in trouble.

Shotgun man grabbed Evan’s foot. Evan looked down and he made a slashing gesture with his knife across his throat. No talking, Evan guessed he meant, though it would have been hard to anyway with the wind.  Evan glanced back at Yoshi, but his eye had closed.

The truck sped on for what could have been an hour, or could have been minutes. There was no way to keep track of time and he couldn’t see the sun. How far away were they from Preacher now? Were they even still in Kansas? Evan tried to imagine a map of the state, but all he got was an image of flatness. The truck bounced off the road and stopped.

Shotgun man climbed out of the back and pulled down the tailgate. He handed his shotgun to the driver, climbed into the bed and pulled out Yoshi, depositing him o
n the ground next to the truck, then grabbed Evan by the ankle and threw him on the ground. Evan cried out as he couldn’t break his fall and rolled over, finding himself next to Yoshi, who’d managed to get to his knees. Cradling his gun again, Shotgun stood over them.

Evan wondered what the point was of hauling them out while the driver grabbed a container and started filing up the tank again. Hopkins had some trouble with his door, but got it open and hobbled toward them. Grace darted out. “Mister Yoshi!”

Yoshi looked up as she ran towards him. Hopkins reached out and snagged her. “It’s okay girl, you’re safe now,” he said.

Yoshi struggled to his feet
as Grace tried to pull away. Hopkins waited for him to stand. “You got something to say?” he sneered.

“You leave her alone you son
of a bitch,” growled Yoshi. Evan rolled onto his knees, hearing the venom in his friend’s voice.

Hopkins pushed Grace behind him. “What did you say you
slanty-eyed cocksucker?”

“I said, leave her alone you
. Son. Of. A. Bitch,” Yoshi stepped forward, enunciating slowly.

“You’re the child-molesting, cock-sucking chink,” said Hopkins smugly.

With a roar Yoshi charged at Hopkins, catching him off guard. He kicked Hopkins’s wounded leg sending him screaming to the ground as Yoshi tried to kick him again. Evan climbed to his feet, but Shotgun grabbed his arm. Grace scrambled to get out of the way as the driver hauled Yoshi off of Hopkins and threw him on the ground at Evan’s feet.

The driver pulled his pistol and pointed it at Yoshi.
Grace screamed, dropped her elephant, and tried to grab his arm.

“No,” grunted Hopkins, climbing to his feet again.
The driver lowered his gun and held Grace. Hopkins limped over and kicked Yoshi hard in the chest, making Evan wince. Then he took the shotgun and looked down at Yoshi. With a growl of his own he slammed the butt into Yoshi’s crotch.

“No!” yelled Evan as Yoshi screamed and rolled into a
ball. Grace started crying. Hopkins handed the shotgun back and looked coldly into Evan’s eyes.

“I will
fucking kill you!” yelled Evan as Shotgun held him back.

“
You, kill me?” laughed Hopkins in a way that sent a shiver down Evan’s spine. “Achmed, the only one doing any killing around here is me.”  He pulled his pistol and cocked, it, pressing cold metal against Evan’s temple. Evan closed his eyes and tried to breathe. Hopkins stepped back and he opened his eyes to see him pointing the gun at Yoshi. “I’m the one letting you live, for now. Keep it up and I might change my mind.” He put the gun back in his waistband and limped back to the truck.

The driver pushed Grace
at the cab. She snatched Harry up before anyone else could touch him and walked over. As she climbed in she looked back at Evan and Yoshi “Mister Yoshi...,” she whimpered. The driver pushed her the rest of the way in and shut his door. Hopkins ignored the look of pure hate Evan was giving him and slammed his door.

“Get in,” growled Shotgun, pushing Evan towards the bed. Knowing he couldn’t leave Grace, he
half clambered in on his own, and got the rest of the way with a push from behind.  Shotgun picked up Yoshi and tossed him in next to Evan before closing the tailgate and climbing in himself, settling into the same position as before.

The truck started again and Evan looked at Yoshi. His eyes were squeezed shut as he tried to breath. Evan found his own breath
ing ragged. Hopkins would pay. He looked back at Shotgun. The man watched them, still playing with his knife. There was a quiet moan and Evan looked over to see Yoshi looking at him painfully a moment before his eyes closed again. Evan wondered if there was any way for them to all survive this.

Suddenly the breaks squealed and everyone and everything shifted to the front.
Shotgun tumbled over. Evan pushed himself up to see through the window. A truck was parked diagonally across the road in front of them. Shotgun climbed to his feet and leaned on the top of the cab. A shot rang out and he tumbled back. Gunfire erupted as Evan ducked down. Looking down, he saw the fallen, half-open knife.

“Yoshi!”
Evan hissed as he slid over and grabbed it, trying not to cut his fingers. He opened it the rest of the way against the bed and turned his back to Yoshi. Yoshi cut himself free as bullets pinged around them. He quickly sliced through Evan’s bonds. The shots stopped as suddenly as they had started.

They co
uld hear Grace crying. Yoshi called her name as he jumped over the side.

“Yoshi, wait!” yelled Evan as he more cautiously climbed out of the back. He looked around the
rear of the truck as Yoshi yanked open the driver’s door. He stepped out of the way as the driver’s body fell to the ground. Grace scrambled out right after.