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( chapter nine, the consequences of her actions.)
"WE WANT TO secure a backup supply of water in case it's a hot summer. We'll only be gone a couple of days." Madison states, leaning against a table beside Walker, who adds, "In the interim, we impose ranchwide rationing."
Sadie listens, face pale with sweat lining her brow. The morning before the meeting, she had woken up, warm and sweaty, nauseous. She supposes she caught something, but didn't think much of it as she got ready for the day. Now, she regrets not going to the infirmary, as she sits, sickly and ready spew chunks. "We shut off all pumps, irrigation, RV lines, and taps." Madison states, looking around the group before Walker continues, "Even the one up at the adobe."
"So, everyone gets their water from the main well?" Alicia questions and Madison nods her head in agreement, "That's right. Two gallons per person per day." The group grows quiet and Walker stands from his spot beside Madison, walking over to Crazy Dog and Ofelia, "We're releasing guns to you and two deputies." Jake, unable to listen anymore, walks away. "Maintain the peace."
The group disperses leaving just Sadie, Alicia, and Madison in the open tent. "He seems better." Their mother states, watching as Jake leaves on an ATV, driving away without a glance toward the three women. Alicia stands, stepping over to Madison, "I'll watch Nick while you're gone."
Sadie goes to stand, but quickly stops as a wave of nausea washes over her, preventing her from standing as fear of vomiting comes over her. Her face turns even paler than before, the redness of cheeks no longer there as she gulps back saliva. "Thank you. I know I ask a lot of you, but–" Alicia interrupts their mother, seriousness on her face as she states, "There's more. Tell me."
Madison sighs, looking away from her youngest daughter before glancing back, softly revealing, "There's only about six weeks' worth of water left." Alicia reels back slightly at her words, her eyes wide as she asks, "The austerity will help, right?" Their mother replies, "That's with the austerity. Alicia, no one can know." Her eyes flit over to Sadie and her eyebrows furrow in worry at the state of the women before looking back at Alicia, "If they do, this all goes to hell. And if it does, you, your sister, and your brother need to get out. Things go sideways, you need to be ready."
