A search for Vicky

Part Seven

The next day they were forced up early by a wind from the east, the Geiger counters registered more than just background radiation. They had Rad-x with their breakfast and moved on quickly. After a full days walk and 20 something miles they saw the diner. This place had become a trading hub and motel of sorts. They had both stayed here at times both alone and together. The guy who ran the place was easy enough to get along with providing you had thick skin and a sense of humour.

‘Fancy seeing you dipshits back.’

‘Heya Lard, I’m gonna straight assume you have the space for two? 100 caps for food and a fucking shower for me and Vic.’

‘Now why would you ass…Ume I have any room?’

‘Because you’re more annoying than being shot, in the ass, with rock salt.’

‘Pfft, Its tactical aint it, they piss off before eating more food and that keeps my profits high, hahaha.’

‘Oh, I will need some 44 and 10 mils; Vic could use some shells as well.’

‘Yeah a dozen will cover me.’ Vic confirmed and walked to the back to shower and change.

‘Asra. How have you used enough ammo to require a top up from Boston to here?’

‘Had a couple detours off the usual path.’

‘And Vic took a dip in the fucking reservoir? This aint no normal trip now is it!’

‘Come join me for dinner and I will let you know what’s up. May even pay, if you have info to make shit, easier. Have to wait for Vic though.’ He went to get cleaned up and grab refills for his pack.

They joined Lard in a quiet corner of the restaurant area.

‘We’re looking for something, in a vehicle larger than a car.’ Asra tried to gauge Lards reaction.

‘And what…’

Vic interrupted, ‘Not saying, this is the only thing you can’t know, I will pay you not to repeat any of this.’

‘Well, my caps are my bond.’

She took a hand full of caps out and placed them in Lards out stretched hands. ‘Yeah, that will about do it lass. Now spin me a yarn.’

She told Lard about the note from Jax (but left out some of the more telling issues). Then she explained about the truck and the guise it was moving under. She further enquired if Lard had received any travellers from the town of Winchester. He had, one had informed Lard of a convoy that was in Old Forge, and this was on the 81 west of New York. They swore at this as it was around 250 miles away. They asked about Old Forge as the normal route would have been to skim New York and not be that far out. Lard explained that 50 years ago it was a hub almost a town filled with people.

‘So what happened?’ Vic enquired. ‘Settlement of that size are too large and protected for raiders, also the brotherhood would prefer trade.’

‘Death happened, I’ve only heard rumours but people were taking about lizards as tall as buildings.’

‘Fucking death claws!’ she exclaimed. ‘Jesus, how many would you need to over throw a town?’

Lard continued. ‘People have been past. They have said they’re trapped in it. Like they were fucking, guided in.’

‘How could anyone manage that?’ Asra asked then realised, ‘Enclave.’

‘Probably’ Lard said whilst looking at the pair trying to pry information from their expressions. They sat in silence for a minute. ‘Guess y’all aint going then?’

‘We need to discuss this.’ Vic said whilst looking at Lard as a cue to leave, he looked back blank faced. ‘Alone.’ Lard slunk away knowing that no more information was coming his way.

‘Fucking hell Vic, you’re considering this?’

‘Already considered, I’m going.’

‘Okay…’ he thought deeply.

‘Help me please?’ She looked into his eyes waiting tentatively.

‘Give me all and I mean all the facts and I may consider it. This sounds like a final fucking job Vic, not the hooray we retire kind but the, we don’t fucking live kinda job.’

‘I will explain everything, can’t tell you here though, meet at midnight.’

Asra nods his approval. Thinking what could possibly mean this much to Vic. What could mean enough to anyone to go into a town of death claws? Especially, if it was filled on purpose, by the Enclave.