THE DESOLATE SOUTHLAND

CHAPTER 13: CLOSE CALL

Click!  Riko sat up in bed.  He turns and looks toward the familiar sound of the minutes ticking off on his clock. 

"Ah, 0130," he thought.

Quickly pulling the covers to the side, he was up and getting dressed.  Tip toeing down the stairs he smelled "lifer juice" brewing in the kitchen.  As he reached the first floor he seen a shadow moving in the kitchen. 

"Who is up at this hour?" he whispered.

He slowly entered and seen Harley sitting at the breakfast nook staring out the window.  He quietly cleared his throat and tilted his head to the side suspiciously.

"Good morning, Riko," she said as she blew her hair out of her eyes.

"Good morning," he replied suspiciously, "Why are you up?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"Why is that, wasn't you comfortable enough?"

"No not that, I am just worried about you going into town today by yourself."

"We went over this already."

"I know, I...I'm just afraid that you won't come back."

"I'll be back, don't you worry."

He got down on his knees in front of her, hugged her close and kissed her forehead.

"Look, I wouldn't go if it wasn't necessary.  But, we really need that radio.  If I can reach somebody, we can determine how far this shit has spread.  And, we have those kids to worry about also.  They will need clothes."

"I know, I am just worried."

"I'll be fine."

He stood up and fixed himself a cup of coffee.

"Thank you by the way."

"For what?"

"For brewing the coffee."

"Oh, no problem."

"Riko."

"Yes?"

"Are you really going to let those three leave out on their own?  I mean, with the jibbers wandering around?"

"Right now, they are still suspicious of us.  I also think they are hiding something.  But when I get that radio and get in touch with someone that can verify that it is safe I have an old car they can have to travel.  It isn't fancy, but it runs and is dependable.  Besides, I'd feel better doing it that way and not take them back in town to get theirs.  If we can't get anyone to answer right away, I plan on insisting they stay with us for a few days while we continue to try and hopefully gain their trust and they will want to stay.  Either way, I think we got to make it seem like their choice."

He finished his cup of coffee and sat there talking with Harley.  He showed her how to use the com link.

"I will have mine on where I can answer you at all times, I promise."

He even tested it with her to help put her mind at ease.  He kissed her on the cheek and hugged her before he walked out the door.

"I'll be back before dark."

She filled his thoughts while he drove to town.  He felt bad about not telling her that getting the radio and clothes for the kids wasn't all he planned to do while in town.  He told himself, however, that it may be nothing and by not telling her up front was best.  If it turned out to be something then he would definately tell her.

****

About a mile outside of town, Riko pulled over and made sure it was safe.  He got out and removed the light bulbs for his tail lights and breaks.  Put on his NVG's, turned off the headlights, got in and continued to drive.  It made it easier to sneak in and still be able to observe everything without being seen.  He had done this many times over in "goat country."