Home Coming (The Survivalist Book 10) A. American (read after .txt) 📖

They said their goodbyes, with Janet adding we should come over any time after noon tomorrow. We promised we’d be there and waved as they climbed into the truck and headed down the road.

After they left, I told Sarge I wanted to go to town to talk to Cecil. I wanted him to go with us to this little cookout. “That’s a fine idea. I’ll take that ride to town with you,” Sarge replied.

I went home to tell Mel we were going into town. She replied she wanted to go too. Lee Ann said she wanted to as well. Since they were going, I asked Taylor if she wanted to go.

“No. I’ll stay here. Ashley wants to go see the cows. I’ll take her over there.”

“And then we’re going to play in the pool too!” Little Bit shouted.

Taylor smiled at her little sister, “Yes, then I’ll play in the pool with you.”

“Alright,” I replied. “We’ll be back later.”

I pulled my armor on and picked up my rifle. Lee Ann came out with her H&K slung over her shoulder. Mel came out of the bedroom and I looked at her. “You going to put your pistol on?”

She looked at me and cocked her head to the side. “Aren’t we just going to town?”

I nodded. “Yeah, so put your pistol on.” While she went to get her pistol, I went to the kitchen and poured myself a thermos of tea and filled an insulated mug with ice and tea. This was one luxury we had, ice, and I was thankful for it!

She went back into the bedroom and came out, lacing a belt into her jeans and threading the holster on. “Let’s go over and get some pork to take to Gina,” I said.

“That’s a great idea,” Mel replied.

We walked over to Danny’s. He was in the shed, messing with something and waved as we passed. Thad, Mary and Miss Kay were in the kitchen working on the pork. I asked for some to take to Gina.

“That’s a fine idea,” Kay replied. She took out a loaf pan and laid a couple of thick pork chops into it and packed the rest of the pan with some of the sausage that they were busy grinding. “You think that’s enough?” She asked.

“I’m sure it is,” I replied.

“They’ll be happy with it,” Mel added.

“You going to town?” Thad asked.

“Yeah, I want to go talk to Cecil. I’d like him to come with us tomorrow.”

“Oh, that’s nice, Morgan,” Kay said. “You’re always thinking of others.” She made me smile. Kay was such a gentle soul. The epitome of an iconic grandmother.

“It’s just what we have to do,” I replied with a smile. We left the house headed towards the old man’s place.

“Man, it’s hot,” Mel said as we made our way down the road.

“Tell me about it. I really, really miss air conditioning,” I replied.

“Me too,” Lee Ann added.

Sarge was sitting in the Hummer at the end of his street. Seeing us, he shouted, “You brought back up!” As we were getting in the truck, he said, “Mornin’, Mel, Lee Ann. Glad to see you two getting out.”

As Mel settled into her seat, she said, “It’s about time I started doing more. This is life now. The old one isn’t coming back.”

When I got in, Sarge looked at me with raised eyebrows. I shrugged, and he smiled and dropped the truck in gear and we headed out.

“Stop by Gina’s place. We have some pork to give them,” I said. He nodded as we pulled out onto the county road.

Gina and Dylan were sitting on the porch when we pulled up. They both got up and walked out to meet us as everyone got out. “What a surprise!” Gina said when she saw Mel.

“We brought you some pork,” Mel said, holding the pan out.

Gina took it and lifted the little towel covering the meat. “Oh, Batman is going to love this!”

“What is it?” Dylan asked as he shook Sarge’s hand, then mine.

Gina tilted the pan, so he could see in it, “Pork chops and sausage!”

Dylan clapped his hands, “Hot damn!” He shouted.

“Come inside, Mel. I’ll find something to put this in, so you can take the pan back,” Gina said as they headed towards the house.

“What are you up to today?” Dylan asked.

“We’re headed into town,” I replied. “How are things here? How’s Gina doing?”

“Oh, we’re fine. Gina is good. She hasn’t had an episode in a couple of weeks.”

“That’s good to hear,” Sarge replied. “You know, if you ever need anything, we’re just across the road.”

“We know, we know; and we appreciate it too.”

Mel and Gina came out of the house. They were laughing about something. “What are you two up to?” I asked with suspicion.

“Don’t you worry about it, Sheriff!” Gina shouted.

Folding my arms, I replied, “Gina, I’ve been married long enough to know when women are up to something. And you two are definitely up to something.”

Mel walked past me and smiled, “It’s nothing you need to worry about.”

Sarge looked at her, then at Gina. Then at Dylan. “Yep. They’re up to something.”

“Ya think?” Dylan asked with a laugh.

“Alright. We’re outta here before these two get into trouble,” Sarge replied.

“Indeed,” I added. “Say, tomorrow we’re going to a little get together with some folks we met. They’re putting on a cookout. Would you like to come?”

“Cookout?” Dylan asked. “What are they cooking?”

“Steak.”

“Steak?” Gina asked in surprise.

“They have cattle,” Sarge added.

“Well, we wouldn’t want to intrude,” Dylan replied, looking at Gina.

“You wouldn’t be. You’re more than welcome,” I said.

Dylan looked at Gina, “It sure would be nice to get away. Not to mention eating some steak.”

Gina looked at me, “We’d love to come. If it’s no trouble.”

“We’ll swing by and pick you up on our way,” Sarge said.

We waved goodbye and got on the road towards Eustis. But we didn’t go far. When we came to the market in Altoona, there was a crowd gathered and it was obvious