THE DESOLATE SOUTHLAND

CHAPTER 2: ROGERSVILLE, ALABAMA

Riko was well know by the locals. However, most were scared of him. He didn't mind because it enabled him to keep to his self and not worry about all the bullshit goings on around town. He was content on going to town to pick up supplies that couldn't be delivered otherwise. One Saturday, Riko was at the post office picking up a package to large to be delivered by the mail carrier when he over heard some women talking about him.

"He is a very handsome and nice man but I think he is dangerous. He rarely talks to anyone. Matter of fact, he only speaks when spoken to, and then it is a quick, hi, thank you, or whatever he needs to say to be friendly and hurry away."

Another said, "I seen him one day at the pharmacy, getting supplies. Let me tell you, he had enough stuff you'd think he was starting up a hospital. Anyway, I spoke, and he spoke back, but immediately turned and watch out the window. He is always doing that, but the weird thing is, he always positions himself so he can see everything, but not directly in front of that window. Also, he makes sure he can see everyone in the place. He is paranoid I tell you."

The third,Mrs. Mavis said, "Ladies your right, I have noticed that stuff too. I also noticed that he wants his business conducted as quickly as possible. Paranoid is not the word for it, I think he has PTSD. And that means he could snap at any time."

This made him smile. "If they only knew," he thought. If they only knew what he knew. If they could only realize what he was preparing for, what was coming and coming soon.

A flicker of light through the window snapped Riko out of his gaze and he realized it was the American flag waving it the wind that caused the flash. He collected his packages and left as quickly as he could. Carefully placing the packages in his truck and covering them with a tarp, "two young boys skateboarding to my right, Mrs. Pershell looking in the Cato's window across the street, Mayor Brinks talking to the elderly men outside the barber shop to my left and Drake loading someone's groceries one block up." He thought, "Just a normal day." This was his mindset every time he came to town. It was just who he was, what he did and why he survived the war. It was his job to notice things.

Riko, walked down to the grocery store. He had always asked Drake to deliver his groceries because he was uncomfortable being in public places very long at a time. As he entered he noticed the owner helping bag an elderly lady's items.

"Hey Harley, when you get a moment."

Harley, nodded.

Riko, watched her closely. He felt a desire within himself that no one but Harley had ever caused. He stared at her intensely and thought things that would make the devil blush.

Harley finished, and approached him slowly. She knew he watched her and often did things to get into his head. Today as she approached, she made sure he could see what she wore very clearly. The tight t-shirt, showing off her perky breasts and hard nipples. He noticed her short cut off jeans, her long silky smooth tanned legs and her perfectly round ass. Her black hair was put up in a single pony tail and her green eyes glistened like the moonlight off the water. Riko, watched every move, every sway of her hips as he felt a burning sensation in his loins.

"Hey sarge. What can I do you for?" She said flirting as she winked at him.

"Oh, I'm sure you already know darling," he said clearing his throat.

She giggled. "Really, and what do I get in return?"

"Anything you want,anything you want and more."

"Awe, sarge, you know all I want is you."

Riko, snapped out of his desirable trance and said, "Honey, I am gonna have to take a rain check, I have some things to do. Can you have Drake deliver these items to me later this evening when he gets time?'

Harley took the list as she slowly ran her hand down his arm. She read it and said, "Nope!"

"What, why not?"

"I gave him the rest of the day off, sweetie."

"Well I guess it can wait until tomorrow."

"oh? You mean I'm not allowed to deliver to your place?" She asked as she intentionally bent over to pick something up off the floor.

Riko felt a rush of heat flow from his toes to the top of his head as he glared at her sexy ass in front of him. He thought, "Damn, what I wouldn't do to you!"

"That is fine, what time should I expect you?

"Oh somewhere around 5:30." "And we will discuss more of what I want."

Riko smiled. "I will see you then" and he walked away.