The Long Road Home

Chapter Sixteen

Page sat in a chair in the sick room the next day. She was going through their supplies to see what they were running low on. Kidd entered and joined her.

'What are you doing?' He asked kneeling on the floor beside the cart.

'Well,' Page started as she checked a bag she uncovered. 'If we plan to winter here, then I need to know what I will need to grab from the city when my leg gets better.' He nodded frowning.

'Henry says the screamers have all been running south.' He told her. 'He thinks they are going for warmer weather.' The statement worried Page. It was good for her and the others, but what about those who had headed south. What about Tucker and his group. They were smart and strong, but unless they got good cover, a swarm of screamers would not be a good thing to be caught in. She tried not to think about it.

'If they all went south, then that is good for us.' She told him. 'It means the city will be empty and I will be able to get what we need.' He nodded.

'I want to go.' He said hopeful. 'If the screamers are gone it should be safe right?' Page frowned thoughtful. The boy had a point, but she wanted to be sure first.

'Maybe.' She told him 'I will decide when my leg is good enough to make the trip.' He nodded. Henry entered the room with a man she had not met yet.

'Doc said you were up and around.' He said with a smile. 'Can we talk?' She motioned to the empty chairs against the wall. Henry pulled one over and sat down. 'Page this is the dumb ass that shot you. As punishment, Jack is now your go to guy. You need anything at all; Jack will get it for you.'

Page scowled at the annoyed looking man before she punched him as hard as she could right in the zipper of his jeans. He let out a squeak before falling to the floor clutching himself.

'That was for being a dumb ass.' She snapped. 'You could have shot one of those boys you asshole.' She looked to the shocked Henry. 'I don't need or want a servant. That was punishment enough.' He nodded shaking himself.

'Okay.' He said standing. 'I will just help Jack here to Doc's office and then we can talk.' She nodded and watched as Henry helped the man out. She looked to Kidd who had been giggling.

'Thought that was funny eh?' She said amused.

'I didn't know people could turn purple.' He said amused. Page nodded.

'It's just like hitting with the bat.' She explained. 'Don't aim for your target, aim past your target. That's how you do the most damage.' He nodded.

'Will they turn purple too?' He asked with a grin. Page shook her head chuckling.

'Smarty pants kid.' She teased tickling his side. He giggled moving back. Page motioned to the pile of games. 'Let's give those to the twins. You don't even play them anymore.' He nodded his agreement.

'Can we get them some other stuff from the store too?' Kid said excited. 'I think they would like that.' She smiled running her fingers though his hair.

'That's a great idea sweetheart.'  Page could not believe the change that had come over the boy these last weeks. Sure, it only showed when they were alone, but she did not mind. Kidd was a strong boy, and she knew sooner or later, he would open up to others.

Henry returned and took his seat glancing at the door worried. He looked to Page.

'Gzz, did you have to hit him so hard?' he asked. 'Never seen a full grown man cry like that.'

'Three little boys.' Page growled. Henry nodded.

'Doc and I talked a little last night, and he told me some of the stuff you two talked about.' He said. 'I was hoping you could tell me a little more.' Page shrugged.