THE DAY THE WORLD FELL

Chapter 16

Officer O'Hanlon

The cop slowly crept up the road. He side eyed the wreck and turned his eyes to the movement in the movement in the window of the house across from it. He is unsure if he should knock on her door. The house belongs to the nice family down the road from him. He notices the how closely Nix's truck was parked to the front and then he saw the body. A man lay flat on his back and was unmoving. He pulled his car into the drive and cautiously approached. He had been downtown when things went bump in the night. He could see the blood and the pale complexion of the man's face. He knew what he was, but was he still animated?  

"Nix?" the Officer called out from the walkway. "Everyone okay?"

He could hear some movement in the house and stepped closer to move away from the body. He was sure now that the man was not going to get back up. The bashed in skull was reassuring enough.

"Officer O'Hanlon? We are fine, hold on, I'm getting the door for you." Nix replied from the window. After a short moment the door opened to reveal Nix and a large group of people sitting in her living room.

"Strange time for a family reunion, don't you think?" he asked. "And you can just call me Patrick."

"Um Patrick," Nix tried his name and felt a little awkward, "These people are trying to survive and ended up here. This is Ben, Anya and Dorothy. Of course you already know my husband Danny and brother Austin. This is my sisters husband, Gayle, they were attacked in their home and came here to be safe. This man here is my best friend Willie, he lives a few neighborhoods away but rushed her to make sure we were okay, his Daughters are upstairs with Sierra and the boys right now." Nix finished the introductions and motioned for Patrick to come inside and have a seat. 

"How do you do?" Patrick asked as he shook everyone's hands. "Danny," Patrick never liked him, but played nice for Nix's sake. "It's been awhile." 

"Yes it has," Danny replied, he also did not like Patrick but showed respect. "Are you here because of the wreck outside?" he asked.

"Yeah, I saw it from my house and wanted to check it out. I can't get a hold of dispatch to report it but I'm sure its because of what is happening down town. It's a real blood bath. This is some real shit going down. I'm not really sure what I should do. For all I know, I could be the only remaining officer and I am still fairly new." he looked around and saw the hope drain from all of their faces.

"Is it really that bad, um" asked Dorothy, "Patrick?" she was unsure if the first name courtesy was extended to her as well or if it was just for Nix. She could see the uneasiness in the mans face. He obviously didn't like something or someone.

"It is, I don't recommend any trips to town right now." Patrick answered her with the best smile he could in the circumstances.

"We were at the grocery store earlier this morning and people were looting and going crazy, so I guess that makes sense. The world is ending after all." stated Ben.

Sierra came downstairs with the kids and had them all dressed and ready to go. "They were scared and wanted their parents." Sierra said as the girls ran to their father and hid behind him.

"That's fine, we need to all be together now anyways. We should start planning where to go. Officer O'Hanlon," Nix looked at Patrick, "I mean Patrick, says that down town is real bad." she sat on the couch and started fidgeting with the bags she had placed on the table. "Where could we all go that would be safe?"

"Well maybe the town is doing the safe house thing," offered Austin, "you know like when there is a tornado."

"Yeah maybe, but what if they aren't? The closest place is the school. They called and canceled school this morning, which probably means it is empty at the very least." agreed Danny.

"They would also have food supplies and I think the middle school where the boys go has a bunker in the basement for tornadoes. They also have the biggest clinic of any school here. It would have resources we could take advantage of." announced Nix. 

"Okay, lets make sure we have what we need and get it packed in the camper. Are you going to stick with us Patrick?" asked Willie. 

"Yes, please come with us, I'd feel better knowing that we had an officer with us to help keep us safe." said Nix.

"Sure, I will accompany you guys. It is safer in numbers anyways." answered Patrick. "Let me help you move these bags."

"Oh thanks, much appreciated. "answered Willie. 

Patrick, Willie and Danny moved the heavy bags to the camper and stored them inside with plenty of room to spare. Nix loaded the boys into her truck and Anya helped Willie load the girls into the camper.

"If we get to a gas station I can fill some gas cans and fill up my truck which broke down just down that road there," Ben pointed the direction they came.

"Alright I have three can in the garage, should be plenty I'll pack them in my car. Whose going with me?" asked Danny.

Ben decided to ride with Danny so that they could get the gas and the truck faster. Anya stayed in the camper with Willie and Dorothy and the kids, Nix drove Austin and the boys in her truck and Patrick had his police cruiser which Sierra and Gayle chose to ride in. 

Before long, Nix had the house locked up and they all drove off towards the closest gas station before heading to the school. The drive was short and the gas station was empty. It was left unattended and unlocked. 

Nix looked to the officer, "Well, what is the code here? Is it looting and will I go to jail?"

"I think we will be fine. You go grab some food and drinks for everyone and I will," Patrick did the air quotes, "'steal' the gas" he laughed at his own joke and hurried behind the counter.

"Alright then, any drink or snack preferences?" asked Nix.

"Mountain Dew and reeses chocolate." replied Patrick. This earned a giggle from Nix. They hurried to finish grabbing things and returned to the vehicles as the other guys finished fueling the camper and cans. 

"Alright everyone, lets be quick and make sure we stick together. We have fresh drinks and some snacks, everyone grab some and the rest will go into the camper." stated Patrick, before the caravan started moving again.