A Hard Rain: Book Two Of The Shift Trilogy

Chapter 23

Staunton, Virginia

January 2013

Meredith didn't expect such a lively crowd to still be loitering around when they arrived as it was well past 2 AM. But the Prancing Pony was packed. It had started life as a Chili's. Kitschy items such as a decorative stop light, street signs and a Marilyn Monroe print still decorated the family bar and grill and brothel, while a Van Morrison record played on the jukebox. Meredith was impressed. Anyone with a record collection was wealthy.

Thuy, Meredith and a small contingent of Vicious Rabbits stomped the snow off their boots and took off their overcoats as they entered tavern, dimly lit by oil lamps, and heated by the press of bodies inside. Four of the burly Vicious Rabbits, kids no older than eighteen, protectively surrounded her as she sauntered over to the bar. They made her feel extremely short but important all at once, as even the grisliest ex-biker saw her not-so-low-key protection detail and picked up his drink and moseyed off.

Laborers, coal and pot runners, hookers, arms dealers, pimps and desperados filled the joint. All in all, it wasn't much different from when it was a Chili's. The bartender, a woman who looked like she could double as a bouncer spat in a glass and polished it clean with a dirty rag.

"What can I get you, honey?" she said with a nasal voice, revealing she had few teeth left.

"I'm here to see the Ice Dragon."

The woman cackled. "Ha, no one sees the Ice Dragon."

Meredith leaned in closer. "You tell her that the Vulcan is here to see her."

The woman froze and lost her smugness. She stammered, "The Vulcan? You're the Vulcan?"

"That's right. I'm sure that the Ice Dragon would be most interested to know if you tried to keep me from delivering a very important message."

"That won't be a problem," the woman replied contritely. "Right this way, Miss Vulcan." She indicated to follow her through the swinging doors. The detail moved in front of Meredith to ensure there were no surprises as they walked into the kitchen. They passed the array of stainless steel tables and weaved around cooks, strippers and busboys till they reached a back office with two burly men waiting outside in the hall. With a look, the guards moved aside and the woman knocked.

"Yes," came an agitated voice from the other side of the door.

"Umm, ma'am, someone's here to see you...the Vulcan," she said nervously.

A second later the door opened. Meredith walked into the nondescript windowless office to see the Ice Dragon standing before her with her arms outstretched.

"Meredith!"

"Hi, Jen." The two friends gave each other a warm hug. Jenny Parker, AKA the Ice Dragon didn't give the appearance of being the local warlord kingpin or any kind of warlord for that matter. Most were tattooed, hairy ruffians, men who skirted on the frayed edges of civilization back in the real world, who didn't pay their taxes or recognize the social contract. But Jenny was a sweet looking blonde, about Meredith's age. Wearing a Lands End sweater, winter vest and white pants, Jenny looked like she should be hosting a book club rather than running the gun and Hemp trade for Rochelle through Staunton.

"My God, you look great! The apocalypse really suits you." she exclaimed with her tenor raspy voice.

"Oh, thanks!"
"How long has it been? Two years?"