Read Online What Survives of Us (Colorado Chapters Book 1) by Kathy Miner - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Kathy Miner
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worth arguing over. She would join them in Colorado Springs if this blew over, or they would join her at the cabin if it didn’t.
It had taken them two days to make the 130-plus mile trip, what with Noah’s determination to not arrive empty-handed. He had insisted on stopping at every single grocery or drug store en-route, even the tiniest hole-in-the-wall dives – there wasn’t much food left by then, but he had cleaned out anything left on the shelves, even feminine sanitary supplies.
“For trade,” he had told her without a trace of embarrassment. “After the plague burns itself out.”
Noah’s brother Levi had met them at the entrance of what had once been a campground, and was now a compound housing one family – Noah’s sister Jenny, her husband and their three kids – and a half dozen individuals hand-selected and invited by their father to be a part of the group. Levi stayed well back from their vehicle as he informed them they wouldn’t be allowed in until he was sure they weren’t carrying the plague. He had obviously been less than pleased to see Piper, as well.
“Did you clear this with Dad?” His words were directed at Noah, but his eyes never left Piper’s face. Cold, cold eyes. Holding his gaze had been both uncomfortable and difficult, but she made herself do it anyway. She knew when she was being measured.
“No. I haven’t been able to reach him – cell service has been pretty much non-existent. That’s why I brought Piper – her folks are in Colorado Springs, and she hasn’t been able to connect.”
Finally, Levi’s gaze moved to his brother. “So you haven’t talked to Dad since when?”
“Monday morning. As soon as they announced the plague had left the Springs, nobody could get through to anybody.” Noah must have read something in his brother’s demeanor, because his eyes narrowed. “Why? What aren’t you telling me?”
“Dad’s sick.” Levi didn’t stall or try to soften the announcement. “He started running a fever Tuesday night. We thought we got everyone out of town and locked down in time, but we didn’t. Jenny’s youngest has it, too – little Karleigh.” Levi dropped his head then, so Piper wasn’t sure whether she’d seen a flash of emotion or not.
“How bad is it? I mean Jesus, Levi, he’s tough as hell. I can’t imagine…”
“It’s bad. Jenny’s taking care of them both, with Ruth and a few others spelling her. Ruth’s got us wearing masks and gloves, the works. So far, no one else has any symptoms, but we have to wait and see. We should know in 2 or 3 days. They’re saying the incubation on this thing is anywhere from 1 to 6 days, but Sanders thinks we should give it at least two weeks.”
“Brody Sanders? He’s here?” When Levi nodded, Noah blew out a breath, his face tight with tension. “And he’s what – in charge while Dad is sick?”
“Something like that.” Levi’s eyes were cold, cold again. “For the time being, anyway.”
“Fantastic.” Noah muttered under his breath. “Alright, so as of right now, we’re quarantined. Where are we staying?”
“That depends. Do you need one bed or two?”
It took a minute for the implication to sink in, then Noah blushed scarlet and Piper leaned to speak to Levi for the first time. “Two beds.” No embellishment or elaboration necessary.
Levi’s eyes shifted back and forth between them for a moment, then he frowned and shook his head. “This is trouble Noah. It would be better if she
It had taken them two days to make the 130-plus mile trip, what with Noah’s determination to not arrive empty-handed. He had insisted on stopping at every single grocery or drug store en-route, even the tiniest hole-in-the-wall dives – there wasn’t much food left by then, but he had cleaned out anything left on the shelves, even feminine sanitary supplies.
“For trade,” he had told her without a trace of embarrassment. “After the plague burns itself out.”
Noah’s brother Levi had met them at the entrance of what had once been a campground, and was now a compound housing one family – Noah’s sister Jenny, her husband and their three kids – and a half dozen individuals hand-selected and invited by their father to be a part of the group. Levi stayed well back from their vehicle as he informed them they wouldn’t be allowed in until he was sure they weren’t carrying the plague. He had obviously been less than pleased to see Piper, as well.
“Did you clear this with Dad?” His words were directed at Noah, but his eyes never left Piper’s face. Cold, cold eyes. Holding his gaze had been both uncomfortable and difficult, but she made herself do it anyway. She knew when she was being measured.
“No. I haven’t been able to reach him – cell service has been pretty much non-existent. That’s why I brought Piper – her folks are in Colorado Springs, and she hasn’t been able to connect.”
Finally, Levi’s gaze moved to his brother. “So you haven’t talked to Dad since when?”
“Monday morning. As soon as they announced the plague had left the Springs, nobody could get through to anybody.” Noah must have read something in his brother’s demeanor, because his eyes narrowed. “Why? What aren’t you telling me?”
“Dad’s sick.” Levi didn’t stall or try to soften the announcement. “He started running a fever Tuesday night. We thought we got everyone out of town and locked down in time, but we didn’t. Jenny’s youngest has it, too – little Karleigh.” Levi dropped his head then, so Piper wasn’t sure whether she’d seen a flash of emotion or not.
“How bad is it? I mean Jesus, Levi, he’s tough as hell. I can’t imagine…”
“It’s bad. Jenny’s taking care of them both, with Ruth and a few others spelling her. Ruth’s got us wearing masks and gloves, the works. So far, no one else has any symptoms, but we have to wait and see. We should know in 2 or 3 days. They’re saying the incubation on this thing is anywhere from 1 to 6 days, but Sanders thinks we should give it at least two weeks.”
“Brody Sanders? He’s here?” When Levi nodded, Noah blew out a breath, his face tight with tension. “And he’s what – in charge while Dad is sick?”
“Something like that.” Levi’s eyes were cold, cold again. “For the time being, anyway.”
“Fantastic.” Noah muttered under his breath. “Alright, so as of right now, we’re quarantined. Where are we staying?”
“That depends. Do you need one bed or two?”
It took a minute for the implication to sink in, then Noah blushed scarlet and Piper leaned to speak to Levi for the first time. “Two beds.” No embellishment or elaboration necessary.
Levi’s eyes shifted back and forth between them for a moment, then he frowned and shook his head. “This is trouble Noah. It would be better if she
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