Chapter Three
Laughter filled the truck cab; it was a sound Alyssa did not hear often. Gabe and Samantha tossed animal sounds back and forth in a race to be a champion. Gabe seemed to have an endless supply of traveling games. They counted barns and horses, white cars, and trucks. Samantha giggled, fascinated by the variety of license plates from different states.
Samantha laughed the hardest when Gabe responded to a child in the car beside him and blew his truck’s horn. The first time he blew the horn Samantha was so surprised she fell off the bench onto the floor. After their dinner stop, Samantha settled down on the bench in the back and fell asleep as the sky began to grow dark and fill with stars.
“You’re very good with Samantha.” Alyssa said, “She hardly noticed the passing miles. I don’t recall ever seeing her so happy.”
Gabe flashed Alyssa a brilliant smile that made her heart skip a beat. He said, “Samantha is a very smart little girl. She’s going to grow up to be an exceptional young lady.”
“She’s always been fearless in her search for knowledge.” Alyssa explained, “We’ve read every book in the compound several times including the old set of encyclopedias we found in the attic.”
Gabe’s smile vanished as he asked, “I’m surprised they allowed that.”
“They didn’t know,” Alyssa offered quietly, “I was six years old when my parents brought me to the compound. I knew the outside world. I knew there was more to life than the compound. After my father died, my mother secretly began to educate me. She taught me to read and write in the early hours of the morning when most of the others were asleep. We did the same for Samantha.”
“Why did your parents go to the compound?” Gabe asked.
“My father was in the army. He was wounded in a transport explosion. His entire unit was killed. His face and neck were badly burned. He had a hard time adjusting to normal life. When he came home he had trouble finding a job.” Alyssa began, “The compound offered him a good salary and a house if he would live on site as the maintenance man. I remember how excited he was. He said it was a new beginning for us, out in the country with fresh air and religious people. We sold everything we owned and brought only a few personal belongings with us. When we arrived the elders were very happy to see us, the entire compound came out to greet us. Then things changed. They insisted we convert to their way of life. They took away my books and toys. When my father refused to attend their worship services, they beat him and declared the cottage was only for guests. We were forced to move into the dormitories. They took me away from my parents and forced them to work the farm. My parents were separated like the others. There were separate buildings for the children, men, and women. Only the senior elders had their own quarters.”
“Why didn’t you leave?”
“The elders wouldn’t allow it. The gates were chained and padlocked. I don’t think my parents realized until then the fence was topped with barbed wire and guards patrolled the perimeter.” Alyssa answered glancing back to make sure Samantha was still asleep. “One night we tried to escape, but we didn’t get far.” Alyssa’s voice caught in her throat. “I believe they killed my father that night. I never saw him again. My mother was never the same after that night.”
Gabe nodded and said, “Your father was a brave man. He died trying to save his family.”
“I miss him so much,” Alyssa whispered, “And my mother too.”
Gabe reached out and touched her hand. “What will you do once you reach the farm?”
“I don’t know,” Alyssa answered with a frown, “I haven’t thought that far ahead, but my grandmother says we will be safe.”
“What kind of farm is it?” Gabe said.
“She has a sharecropper who farms 300 acres of her land. Mother told me it’s a working farm. She has sheep, half a dozen pigs, chickens, a handful of dairy cows, a sheepdog and about a dozen cats.” Alyssa laughed as she spoke. “It sounds wonderful!”
Gabe chuckled and added, “The perfect place to raise a child.”
“Do you have any children?” Alyssa asked, gazing into the darkness before them.
Gabe concentrated on the dark road before them. They traveled on the same narrow two-lane highway as before. The sky twinkled through a haze of clouds. Yet the sliver of a crescent moon could not offer light to the farm fields and forests around them.
“I was not blessed with the privilege of having a child.” He said turning to gaze at her.
When their eyes met, Alyssa felt the familiar pang in her stomach. “Are you married?” She asked.
“My work is my life.” Gabe’s eyes seemed to change to a darker shade of blue as he stared at her.
The sun sank toward a horizon filled with tall evergreens and distant hills. Gabe pulled his truck into a large truck stop and said, “Why don’t you two go inside and grab us a table in the restaurant while I fill up the tank?”
When he strode into the restaurant, the waitress was at their table with glasses of water and silverware. Gabe smiled at the tall, thin waitress with curly dark hair and said, “Hi Julie, how are the kids?”
“Gabe!” Julie said with a high-pitched squeal and gave him a quick hug. “They’re doing great, Lexi’s rash has cleared up and Skylar is doing much better in school now that he has a new teacher.”
“Good to hear,” Gabe answered sliding into the booth next to Samantha. “Did Frankie find a job?”
“He did,” Julie smiled down at him, “You were right; the sporting goods store snatched him right up. He loves it, and the steady cash is really making a difference.”
“Good to here, tell him I said hello.” Gabe added glancing at Alyssa.
“So, the usual?” Julie asked poised with her pen to write his order down on her notepad.
“Yes, Ma’am.” Gabe grinned, still looking at Alyssa.
Julie turned to Alyssa and asked, “And for you two ladies?”
Alyssa glanced at the large menu before her. There were so many pages filled with all sorts of food, many she’d never heard of before. She had no idea what to choose. Samantha climbed onto her knees and leaned over the table asking, “How about hot chocolate and soup?”
Gabe chuckled and added, “Why don’t we give the lady the pot roast dinner and Samantha a grilled cheese platter?”
Alyssa nodded anxiously at Gabe and gave the waitress a shy glance.
“Sounds good,” Julie smiled back at her, “And a hot chocolate?”
“Oh yes!” Samantha answered with a giggle, “With marshmallows?”
Alyssa laughed and said, “You don’t even know what a marshmallow is.”
“I know,” Samantha answered, “But it sounds delicious.”
The waitress disappeared, and Samantha colored on the paper placement with crayons the waitress brought. Alyssa glanced around the restaurant watching the other patrons. She was fascinated by the families eating together smiling and talking.
Gabe watched her in silence as she gazed from table to table. When she turned to look at him, she blushed realizing he was looking at her. She glanced down then forced herself to meet his gaze saying, “Everyone is smiling and having a nice time and the waitress keeps bringing so many different dishes.”
Gabe leaned back in his seat and said, “I guess the food at the compound was pretty basic?”
“Yes,” Alyssa answered, “We grew our own food. We canned or froze the fruit and vegetables for winter. We even butchered our own cattle. Everything was fresh and unseasoned. The food out here seems very salty.”
“That’s probably true, we Americans tend to over salt everything.” Gabe glanced around the room, “We’ll have to stop for dinner tomorrow at an Italian restaurant. You haven’t lived until you’ve had and Italian style salad, spaghetti and cheese garlic bread.”
It wasn’t long before Julie returned with their food. Alyssa’s mouth watered when the aroma of the pot roast reached her. She gingerly tasted the tender meat and vegetables; they melted on her tongue.
Samantha dug into her grilled cheese and applesauce with eager delight. Gabe ordered Samantha a hot fudge sundae when the meal was over and excused himself while she and Alyssa sampled the scrumptious dessert.
“I’ll meet you outside, I’m going to grab a few things for the trip.” Gabe announced and disappeared into the store attached to the restaurant.
When they were finished Alyssa looked for the waitress intending to ask her how to pay for the meal. When she didn’t appear Alyssa took Samantha to the register and said, “I need to pay our bill.”
The young man at the register glanced up at her and said, “Oh yeah, you were at Julie’s table. An older woman paid your bill, so you’re good.”
“What older woman?” Alyssa asked frowning at him.
The youth pointed behind her, and Alyssa turned around to find an older woman with dark brown hair standing near the front doors. Alyssa smiled and waved at the woman. The woman stared at her then turned and walked out the door. Alyssa she grabbed Samantha’s hand. Walking to the door, Alyssa gazed outside searching for the woman. She found her standing by a stack of propane tanks.
Alyssa came up to her and said, “Thank you for buying us dinner. Are you a friend of Gabe’s?”
The woman turned to gaze as Alyssa. Her face was blank; her gaze was hollow. She spoke is a soft monotonous tone, “Happy to help my dear. I know you think you are safe with that man. But all men want the same thing. Eventually, you will have to pay for his kindness. Prepare yourself.”
The woman turned and walked away. Alyssa stared after her. What just happened? How did that woman know she and Gabe were strangers? She glanced down at Samantha considering the woman’s words. Would she have to pay for his kindness?
Gabe appeared beside them and asked, “What are you looking at?”
“Nothing,” Alyssa answered jumping slightly, “Are you ready to go?”
Gabe glanced through the glass doors and said, “Yes, I bought you both a couple of sweatshirts and a blanket for Samantha.”
He held out a plastic bag and Samantha took it digging inside. “Oh mommy, look! It’s pink, and it’s so soft!”
Alyssa couldn’t smile; a cold feeling rushed through her. “That’s nice.” She answered in a hollow tone and followed Gabe to the truck.
The climbed into the truck and pulled out of the truck stop. The sky darkened into shades of blue and purple as the night sky pushed the light toward the distant horizon behind them. Samantha cuddled up with her blanket on the bench behind them and fell asleep. Alyssa glanced out the window as the last trace of the small town behind them disappeared, replaced by large evergreen trees as the landscape began to change.
The two-lane highway they travelled wove through the low hills as the road began to slope upward into the mountains. Alyssa glanced at Gabe as the last of the daylight sank behind them, casting large shadows inside the cab. Finally, she said, “Thank you for the sweatshirts. These cotton dresses don’t do much to keep you warm.”
“No problem,” Gabe replied.
“Did you know the woman who paid for our dinner?” She asked.
Gabe shot her a quick look and said, “Someone paid for our dinner?”
“Yes, the cashier pointed her out to me, but when I smiled and waved thank you she turned and walked away.” Alyssa explained.
“Strange,” Gabe shrugged, “But nice; you’ve experienced a kindness from a stranger.”
“I suppose,” Alyssa stared out the windshield.
“It’s not an everyday thing.” Gabe explained, “But it does happen. Don’t get me wrong, there are mean, nasty people in the world. Walton isn’t the only one to take advantage of people’s weakness and vulnerability. You have to be careful, but most people are kind. It’s those rare few…” Gabe stopped himself. “I’m sorry, it’s not my place to lecture you.”
Alyssa gazed at him, touched by his protective instinct. “I don’t mind.” She said softly, “It’s been a long time since any man has bothered to look out for my best interests.”
“Alyssa,” Gabe flashed brilliant smile, “You are beautiful and sweet; any man would want to protect you.”
Alyssa didn’t react as he expected. Instead her face went pale, and she turned nervously to glance at Samantha. She turned and looked out her window as if she suddenly felt like a trapped animal.
A sudden movement flashed in front of the truck. Gabe hit the brakes as they slammed into a large object. A broad antler flew across the hood of the truck, and its tip burst through the windshield. Alyssa screamed as the truck lurched over the large animal and came to a sliding stop. Samantha flew off the bench and rolled onto the floor beside Alyssa.
Gabe quickly lifted Samantha from the floor and placed her in Alyssa’s arms as she burst into tears. He flipped a switch and the interior lights came on. He moved closer to them and asked, “Samantha, are you hurt?”
Samantha sniffled and turned to face him. She wiped the tears from her face and said, “I bumped my knee and my elbow.”
Gabe smiled and ran his hand across her knees then checked her elbow. She had some bumps and scrapes. “You’ll be just fine.” Gabe sighed and nodded at Alyssa. “You should stay in the truck with Samantha while I take a look at the damage. I think we hit a moose. It happens sometimes in this part of Wyoming.”
He turned the lights off in the cab and said, “Why don’t you take Samantha in the back and get her settled in, I have a feeling we’re going to be here for a while.” He reached under his seat, pulled out a large handgun and glanced up at Alyssa adding, “Just in case the poor creature is still alive.”
He closed the door behind him. Alyssa rose from the seat and carried Samantha into the back. It wasn’t long before a large thud came from under the truck, and a gunshot could be heard. More thumps and bumps could be heard then it went silent.
Gabe pulled open the door and grunted as he climbed into his seat. He turned to face them saying, “The truck isn’t badly damaged. The moose is dead but unfortunately the poor creature is wedged underneath. I’ll radio for a tow truck.”
Gabe switched off the headlights and turned on the emergency lights. When he reached for the radio Alyssa gasped seeing the blood running across his hand. “You’re hurt!”
“It’s nothing,” He said quickly, grabbing the mouthpiece.
Alyssa turned to Samantha as Gabe talked on the radio. She whispered, “Try to find a medical kit.”
When Gabe finished, he turned to look at Samantha. She was searching the small set of drawers next to the bed. When she moved to look under the bed, he said, “The first aid kit is up here in the glove compartment. But I don’t need it, I’ll be fine.”
“We are going to sit here anyway waiting for the tow truck.” Alyssa countered, “You might as well let us work on your injury. It will help us pass the time. Besides, Samantha is quite the little nurse.”
Gabe chuckled and pulled off his jacket. “How can I say no to two such determined ladies?”
Alyssa’s eyes opened wide in shock at the sight of a chunk of glass about the size of a silver dollar sticking out of his shoulder. “You need a doctor.”
“No time.” He said casually.
“Then take off your shirt.” Alyssa instructed, leaning back to give him space.
He grinned at her innocent expression and unbuttoned his shirt. She helped him slip his arm out of the shirt and examined the wound. She touched the skin around the glass surprised at how soft and smooth it was. Alyssa couldn’t help but notice his large muscular chest and arms. Her heart began to pound as she forced herself to concentrate on the shard of glass. “I’m not sure I can get the glass out without making it worse. You must be in a lot of pain; this is a serious wound.”
“I’ve had worse.” Gabe answered reaching up he dug his fingers into the wound and pulled the glass free with a grunt of pain.
Alyssa gasped in surprise. Samantha shoved a large bandage into her mother’s hand and said, “Push on it mommy!”
?
??Pressure on the wound.” Gabe nodded his approval and smiled through the pain. “You are a good nurse, Samantha.”
Alyssa held the bandage against the flow of blood. “You need stitches and there could be more glass in the wound.”
“The pain is subsiding.” Gabe offered, “If there was more glass it would hurt worse when you push on it.”
Alyssa looked at Samantha and said, “Grab the sheet off the bed and hand it to me, baby.”
Samantha rushed to grab the sheet and handed it quickly to her mother. Alyssa could see the concern in Samantha’s face. “It’s okay, baby.” Alyssa said in a calm soothing voice, “I need you to keep the pressure on Gabe’s wound while I tear the sheet into a bigger bandage.”
Alyssa tore the sheet into strips and wrapped them around Gabe’s shoulder. She leaned closer and closer as she wrapped his shoulder. He smelled like sweat, but the scent of soap still lingered in his hair. She reached around his back then draped the dressing around his shoulder and across his chest. Her nose brushed his cheek as she worked. Gabe turned toward her and gazed into her eyes. Alyssa froze as their eyes met. Their lips were so close; she couldn’t breathe; she couldn’t move.
She didn’t want to move. She wanted to get lost in his deep blue eyes. She wanted to forget about the rest of the world at that moment and lean closer. Gabe held her gaze as he reached slowly up to take the bandage from her hand. She was so beautiful with her large blue eyes, perfect skin and golden hair. Her innocence was astounding given her life experiences. Gabe felt an overwhelming urge to protect her.
He took a slow, deep breath and whispered, “That’s good.”
Alyssa’s head snapped back instantly. She snatched the bandage from his hand and tied it in a knot over the wound. Then scrambled awkwardly back into her seat. Gabe couldn’t help but smile as her cheeks filled with color.
Samantha frowned at her mother’s strange behavior and shook her head in confusion. She turned and sat back on the bed just as a wolf-like howl came from outside the truck. Gabe sat up straight. He gazed intently out the windshield.
“That sounds really close.” Alyssa said, as another deeper howl pierced the night. “That was even closer.”
Something large and dark dashed across the road in front of them. “Was that a wolf?” Alyssa gasped; a second figure dashed in front of the truck but stopped and stared at them. Its eyes flashed with a blood red gleam. Alyssa heart jumped into her throat as the red eyes seemed to focus on her. Gabe reached for the headlights, but it was gone when the lights burst to life.
Alyssa whispered breathlessly, “That wasn’t a wolf, it stood upright. Was it a bear?”
“Bears don’t howl.” Gabe said, as he turned to meet her gaze.
Alyssa’s face lost all color. His eyes told her all she needed to know. Somehow, he knew. He knew what was out there. He knew it wasn’t a wolf or bear, just as she did. Walton’s wrath was upon them.
“Mommy, I’m scared.” Samantha whimpered from the back seat.
Gabe pulled on his shirt and jacket saying, “Get in the back and stay there. I’m going outside, whatever you do; do not open the door even if you hear my voice. I have a key; I will open it or you will stay in here until the tow truck comes.”
Alyssa’s stomach lurched with fear. The urgent tone of Gabe’s voice deeply frightened her. Yet she knew without a doubt that she would do as he requested, even if she didn’t understand why. She climbed in the back as Gabe pulled a long object out from under his seat. Alyssa assumed it was a gun. Alyssa wrapped her arms around Samantha and pulled her close. Gabe opened the door and slipped out of the truck. The cabin filled with a blast of cold air that carried the stench of rotten meat.
Alyssa recognized that smell. The elders stank of it after their monthly rituals. No women were allowed in the basement of the gathering hall where the rituals were performed. It was always the night of the ritual when Walton would come to find her. His skin and hair smelled of the same stench of the rotten death that surrounded them now.
The howls turned quickly to snarls of attack. Animal-like screams of anger and pain filled the air around them. Thumps and thuds of something hitting the side of the truck sent Samantha into hysterical sobs as she clung to her mother. Alyssa couldn’t catch her breath as she fought the urge to run, she desperately wanted to run. Walton was outside with the elders. They brought something to help hunt them down, something terrible. It was something worse than the guard dogs. Something she’d kept hidden in her memory for a very long time. Something she never wanted to see again.
Gabe was going to die!
Tears streamed down her face as she waited for Gabe’s screams, but they didn’t come. Only the animal sounds filled the air. The snarls and growling grew louder permeating the truck. Oh Gabe! I’m so sorry! Alyssa’s mind screamed. It was all her fault. Gabe was going to die because she allowed him to help them. She should have been stronger. She should have done this all on her own.
Suddenly the commotion stopped. Alyssa stroked Samantha’s hair and kissed her forehead. It was over. Now Walton would come and take them back. She knew she would suffer her father’s fate. She had failed. Alyssa glanced around for a weapon. She would not go without a fight.
“Get under the bed, baby.” She said, pushing Samantha to the floor. “Quickly, my darling, quickly.”
Samantha didn’t hesitate; she scurried under the bed as the truck door swung open. Alyssa snatched up the first aid kit and pulled out the small scissors. She placed herself between Samantha and the front of the cab as a bloody hand reached in and grabbed the steering wheel. A head full of light brown hair appeared before her.
It was Gabe.
He leaned over the seat but didn’t sit down. “We have to go, now. We can’t stay here.” Gabe pulled off his jacket and handed it to Alyssa. “Put this on and grab a blanket off the bed for Samantha.”
Gabe climbed out of the truck and allowed Samantha to jump on his back. Alyssa climbed down beside them and wrapped the blanket around Samantha, tucking it between her and Gabe. She turned to allow Gabe to close the truck door. When Gabe stepped into the light of the cab, she would see his clothes were torn and spotted with blood. Glancing around expecting to see the carnage scattered around them, Alyssa was shocked. The road was clear, no animal carcasses, no blood, and no sign of conflict at all. Gabe limped slightly as he headed off down the road into the darkness carrying his sheathed weapon in one hand.
Alyssa rushed to catch up with them asking, “What happened? Where are the animals?”
“They ran off.” Gabe answered quietly.
“What if they come back?” Alyssa glanced around, searching the darkness.
“We’ll be fine if we keep moving." He reached out and touched her shoulder.
She looked at the calm expression on his face and relaxed. “How far is the nearest town?”
“A road sign a while back said 10 miles. I’d say we have 3 or 4 miles left.” Gabe answered. Alyssa noticed he was carrying the long slender case he pulled out from under the seat.
“Why didn’t you use your gun?” She asked leaning forward to gaze at his other hand, carrying the object.
Gabe adjusted Samantha on his back, and she laid her head on his shoulder. “Guns don’t work. Why is Walton so determined to get you and Samantha back? He seems very possessive, but there was no love in his eyes when he looked at either of you.”
“I don’t think Walton knows how to love anyone, but himself.” Alyssa answered. “He doesn’t care about me. He only wants Samantha.”
“Why?” Gabe asked keeping his eyes on the road before them.
Alyssa sighed; she didn’t want to tell Gabe that Walton was not in his right mind. Somehow his followers believed his stories and did as he bade them. But she did not. She glanced at Gabe and said, “He thinks Samantha is special.”
“Special? In what way?” Gabe turned to look at her.
Alyssa’s eyes fell to the ground. “What kind of animals attacke
d the truck?”
Gabe fell silent. He turned to gaze as the last of the clouds disappeared and the sky filled with stars. Samantha was sound asleep on his shoulder. He stopped and turned to stare at Alyssa saying, “You know what they were.”
Alyssa’s breath caught in her throat as their eyes met. “How did you survive?” She whispered.
“They were minor demons carelessly called in a rush of desperation.” Gabe’s voice was harsh with disgust. He stopped and pulled the leather sheath off his weapon. The silver metal of the long sword shone in the darkness like a beacon of hope. “Walton sent them to see what he’s up against. Now he knows.”
“Who are you?” Alyssa gasped, gazing at the perfection of the unblemished blade.
“I’m here to help you, that’s all you need to know.”
“How much do you know?” Alyssa wouldn’t accept his answer. “You know about Walton’s plan, don’t you? He believes the apocalypse is approaching. The elders believe Samantha will receive a divine visitor that will protect her from the chaos that precedes the end of days. Walton believes anyone who has possession of Samantha will also be protected.”
Gabe shook his head and said, “Walton is insane, but he’s powerful and shouldn’t be taken lightly. We need to find a car and get you to your grandmothers as soon as possible.”
“Who sent you to protect us?” Alyssa whispered.
Gabe squeezed Alyssa’s hand. “This is not the time or place to discuss these things, Alyssa.”
She stopped and pulled her hand from his. “I will not be dismissed like a child. I am Samantha’s mother, the only person in the world who loves her. I will not be kept in the dark. I’m not taking another step until you tell me why you are here.”
Gabe stopped and stared at her amazed at the fire in her eyes. A smile spread across his handsome face, and he said, “You’re pretty feisty. I like your spirit. I suppose you wouldn’t have gotten this far without a bit of moxie inside that shy, petite form.” He stared at her for a moment. Then he turned to glance up toward the stars. When he turned back to face her, he said, “I am here like any decent man would be, to protect you and Samantha. She is an innocent child. I will not allow her to be harmed.”
Alyssa watched his demeanor transform before her eyes into that of a warrior. He stood taller somehow. His voice took on a deep commanding tone. His expression hardened, and his eyes lit up with a spark of challenge and conviction. There was no doubt in her mind that he would protect them, no matter what the consequence.