Read Online Kiamichi Refuge by C. A. Henry - Free Book Online Page A

supplement. She gave the clerk her name, and when the pharmacist heard it, he came over.
    “You must be Ernie’s niece. I’m Richie Baxter. I heard you were living here now. How are you liking it?”
    The two chatted for a few minutes, and Richie told her that he had just downloaded Ernie’s new book. “It’s really great. I have read every one of his books, and I think he was exactly right. Tough times can happen, and it looks like it won’t be long before we find out just how tough. Ernie got me to thinking about survival, and I have a plan. Maybe sometime we’ll get a chance to discuss it.”
    Erin sensed that Richie was a nice enough man. He was probably about fifty, of average height, a little overweight and totally bald, but his amber eyes were friendly and intelligence gleamed in them.
    She nodded, and agreed that they should talk soon. “I edited all of his books, and there are parts I can quote from memory. He was a brilliant writer, and I agree, the zombies could be on their way. I am trying not to let worry ruin my life, but I see the signs, too.”
    Erin ran a couple of other errands, but could not get her mind off what Richie had said. She was curious about his plans, and the thought that he had access to lots of medications that might be vital to survival kept coming into her mind.
    ***
     
                Several days later, Erin came home from buying groceries, and again found signs that someone had been there in her absence. Tracks just like the ones she had seen before led across the drive and up the walk to the front door. Scratches around the keyhole indicated an attempt at breaking and entering. She knocked on the door, and heard Blitz bark.
    “ Well,” she thought, “Blitz sounds normal, so I suppose they didn’t get in. I guess I’d better call the sheriff after all.”
    She let Blitz out, sat down on the porch, and made the call. About twenty minutes later, a white SUV pulled in. The uniformed deputy took his time getting out. The gaps in his comb-over hairstyle showed a sheen of sweat until he put his hat on, and his very pale blue eyes blinked frequently as he approached Erin.
    “Wait!” Erin warned. “The prints are right there in front of you. And see, whoever was snooping around tracked mud all the way up the walk.”
    Kline continued to trample the evidence. The fingers of his right hand were in constant motion, turning and caressing something that he held. “Well, now, little lady, I believe I know how to do my job. I’m Deputy Sheriff Barry Kline. What time did you leave today, and when did you get home?”
    As his questions continued, Erin felt as though she was being interrogated. The deputy continued to ask questions about her activities, without seeming to care about the evidence he was mutilating by walking on the prints. He was arrogant and pushy, treating her like a suspect.
    “There are fresh scratches around the lock, Deputy Kline. Someone tried to get into my house,” she insisted. “Aren’t you going to dust for prints?”
    “That won’t be necessary.” The item in his hand hit the gravel, and he paused to pick it up. It was an old-style cigarette lighter with a scorpion engraved on it. “Whoever was here is long gone now, so you just need to calm yourself. Be sure to lock your doors. You’ll be just fine,” he replied in his overly loud voice.
    “’Fine’? This is the second time this has happened. The shoeprints today look just like the ones from before,” Erin protested. “Have other homes in the area been broken into?”
    “Now, just relax. I’ll file a report. That’s about all that can be done right now. You should have called us the first time. Why didn’t you? Do you have something against those who protect and serve, like your uncle did? I’d say your dog can take care of you.” He strolled back to his car. “You be sure to call if you have any other problems, little gal,” he smirked as he hefted his oversized belly behind