The Long Road Home

Chapter Twenty-Six

Page let out a deep sigh and rubbed her forehead. The headache was getting worse. They had dropped off the survivors from the house without a problem. The people at the settlement had welcomed them all with open arms, and even offered Kidd and Page a place in the settlement. Both were egger to get back on the road again however. Page's ankle slowed them down a lot and their progress frustrated her.

Kidd took her hand, and she looked to him. He was watching her worried.

'You're pale.' He said frowning. 'Dose your ankle hurt?' She shook her head.

'It's not bad.' Page assured him. 'I think I am coming down with the flu or something though.' She shook her head. 'I thought our trek through Washington was slow. The way things are going, we will end up wintering here in Montana.' Page sighed and shook her head. 'Complaining isn't go to help any however. If I start feeling worse, we will find a place to bed down for a while.' He nodded and then just stopped. Page followed his gaze and giggled shaking her head.

There was a large truck stop right next to the welcome to Pineview sign. What had stopped them both was a fifty-foot pig on the roof. It was dressed like a cowboy with a ten-gallon hat and all.

'That is just silly.' Kidd giggled.

'Yes it is.' Page agreed continuing. 'We will check it out, and if it is empty, we will use it as a landmark.' Kidd nodded his agreement. 'It's been a while since we talked about landmarks. You remember the rules?' he nodded

'If we get separated, go back to the last landmark.' Kidd said 'Wait as long as it is safe, but no longer than a week. After seven days, work my way back to the last settlement or safe place with people.' He frowned. 'I would go back with Elaine. I liked her. She is like you, but little.' Page smiled amused.

She had Kidd wait near the road as she walked the perimeter of the truck stop. All of the doors were locked, and the building looked empty. When Page was sure it was safe, she signaled Kidd to join her. Inside, they checked the rooms and found them empty. The place was completely untouched and Page loved that it had roof access. It was far too early to stop, so they locked the doors behind them and moved on.

Page did not relax until the interstate rose above street level. She had been spotting a lot of ripper movement in the buildings. Once they were high enough, Kidd walked off to the railing and looked down. He motioned Page over and she joined him looking over the rail. There was a row of military vehicles with US army all over them. Page frowned confused and scanned the streets for any sign of military presents. She drew back from the rail and continued.

'Do you think the army is here?' Kidd whispered catching up to her.

'I don't know Kidd.' Page replied. 'If they are, it makes no difference to us. We are just passing through.' He nodded his agreement and went back to the rail glancing down from time to time. Page did not bother to stop him. This would be a long boring walk. It was best to let the boy entertain himself while he could.

There was a loud pop and something slammed into Page's shoulder spinning her around. She fell to the ground blinded by the pain in her shoulder and back. Kidd ran to her with tears in his eyes. Page looked in the direction the shot had come from. A group of men in camo was running toward them. She cursed and shoved her bow into Kidd's hands.

'Landmark.' She ordered pulling the quick release on her harness. 'Stash my cart and bow, then go to the landmark.'

'But,' Kidd protested.

'Go!' Page ordered. He gave her a terrified look before grabbing her cart and running back the way they had come. Page looked to her shoulder and was surprised there was no blood. Then she spotted a black beanbag on the ground nearby. She tried to sit up, but the pain crippled her.