THE DESOLATE SOUTHLAND

CHAPTER 10: GOING TO TOWN

"Are you serious?"

Harley couldn't believe what she was hearing.  Fear engulfed her.  Riko hugged her close.

"Everything will be fine. We are completely safe here.  I have been preparing for this since I came home."

"B..but, what about my friends, my grocery store, my home?" Harley asked frantically.

"We will head to town right now.  I don't think it has spread this far yet, but we must act quickly."

Harley, had tears swelling up in her eyes as she shook her head.

"Okay, you head to the truck while I grab a few things just in case we run into something unexpected."

Riko, went to the walk-in pantry, reached behind the shelves on the back wall and pulled out his pair of glock 45 pistols.  Slipped on his shoulder holsters, checked the magazines and slipped them in the holsters.  Grabbed two extra clips for each and placed them in pouches on his belt.  On his way out to the door, he stopped and got his kukri knife for Harley and a pair of karambit fighting knives.

"O-kay, I'm reading for anything.  Let's just hope it isn't necessary, YET."

****

On the drive to town, Riko explained to Harley more about the danger that lies ahead and the fact he had warned military officials about it.  However, they wouldn't listen.

Riko had a plan though.

"Harley, we need to get everything of yours that you may need and take with us to my place."

"I told you that wasn't happening."

"Look, I'm not arguing with you about this, Harley!" Riko said with a harsh commanding voice.

He realized suddenly he had raised his voice to her and it ripped at his heart.

In a more calmly tone, "I'm sorry.  But you got to understand nowhere is safe but the plantation.  And that is
because I knew this was coming."