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It's been three weeks since we fled the farm. I don't know where we're going. Can't tell the kids that, just keep pressing on like everything's gonna be ok. Maybe the Texans will have us.
I hope our little campsite is hidden well enough. Not many men left, even the older kids have to take their turns on watch now. Not much ammo left, either. One guy has a crossbow, too bad he won't let anyone else touch it and his handmade bolts suck.
I've taken to being the designated scout. Mostly so I can stretch my legs and walk at a reasonable pace without having to listen to the chatter. Apparently even a war doesn't stop gossip.
Movement ahead. I drop and get into the bushes. We're pretty close to the Texas lines, maybe they're friendly. Then again, even the Texans might shoot us on sight. At least they won't eat us.
Nice and easy, I low crawl through the brush until I can get the scope pointed at them. Roadblock, and they have armor. Nobody's driving, or they'd have seen me first.
Four guys. Avoid or engage? Their supplies could be a huge help, even if we can't start that armor. Still, even from an ambush, four on one is shit odds. I shift a bit for a better look.
Something is crinkling in my pocket. It's slight, but it feels like an air raid siren. It's a receipt for a cheeseburger. I haven't eaten a cheeseburger in years. Guess I can't stand to part with it, might be the last cheeseburger I ever eat. Can't think like that. Focus.
Four guys. They aren't going anywhere, and they're in the way. We'll have to haul ass if I pull this off. At least I'm far enough up the road that the others will have a head start if it doesn't work. I slide the safety off.
As much as I want to start with the guy nearest the armor, I target the radio man. Can't have them calling for help. One last look around to make sure I accounted for everyone. Range him, 150 yards, give or take. An easy shot, even if he is a skinny bastard.
CRACK
He falls.
CRACK
He falls.
Three heads whip towards me. I work the bolt furiously. Get on the guy going for the armor.
CRACK
Through his hips. Close enough for government work.
CRACK
Through his hips. Close enough for government work.
The other two are hiding behind a concrete barrier. I can't get them, but they can't get to the armor, either. I move around to the right, and inch closer. Slow and patient, no reason to rush this now.
Nice and easy. About 100 yards to go. Not sure if they've seen me move. They don't even know I'm alone. Movement, by the radio! I snap off a hasty shot, a miss. Both of them return fire.
They aren't nearly as judicious with their ammo, it whizzes off the asphalt and hits the trees around me. One guy is firing blindly over the barricade, the other is actually attempting to use his optic. I try to relax, put the sights on the guy I can see.
Relax. Have to focus.
CRACK
I see pink mist in my scope, despite the recoil. Got him.
CRACK
I see pink mist in my scope, despite the recoil. Got him.
One on one now. That's good, only a few rounds of old hunting ammo left. He's still afraid to pop his head up, time to move.
I haul ass, trying to stay low while running flat out. It used to be a lot easier. When did I get old?
I haul ass, trying to stay low while running flat out. It used to be a lot easier. When did I get old?
I clear the barricades, and fire before he can see me. Catch him right in the chest. The bullet goes all the way through; he's dead before he hits the ground.
Wheezing, I steady myself on the barricade. I don't even hear the rifle shot that goes through my leg.
Wheezing, I steady myself on the barricade. I don't even hear the rifle shot that goes through my leg.
The guy by the armor. Shit.
I'm on the ground. God, it hurts. I can see broken bone, and there's blood everywhere. It's spurting, I don't have much time. I fumble with the tourniquet in my waist pouch, it might buy me a little time to get to...
...where? Doesn't matter.
I'm on the ground. God, it hurts. I can see broken bone, and there's blood everywhere. It's spurting, I don't have much time. I fumble with the tourniquet in my waist pouch, it might buy me a little time to get to...
...where? Doesn't matter.
I think it's on in the right spot. I feel cold. Have to stay awake. Have to.
I think about that cheeseburger. That fucking cheeseburger. Just one more burger with my son...
I think about that cheeseburger. That fucking cheeseburger. Just one more burger with my son...
I wake up in a truck.
We didn't have a truck.
Panicked, I try to sit up. A man in a cowboy hat tells me not to. Says I'm going to be ok. My son flagged them down, they're taking us to Wichita Falls. We made it.
We didn't have a truck.
Panicked, I try to sit up. A man in a cowboy hat tells me not to. Says I'm going to be ok. My son flagged them down, they're taking us to Wichita Falls. We made it.
