The Road Home by Clifford Beck - HTML preview

Chapter 51

Newman Lake lies within the southern region of Mount Spokane State Park. The map didn’t show much detail except the lake, but they would learn more when they arrived. Continuing to study the map, something caught Maya’s attention. “Guys,” she said. “We may have a problem.” Concerned, Aurora moved in and, looking over her shoulder, saw what Maya was referring to. “Oh, shit,” she said. “I see what you mean. Route 290 goes straight through the city.” The last thing Eli wanted was to drive through a city – especially, one the size of Spokane. “Is there a way around?” he asked.

“Not without going way out of our way,” Maya replied. “We’re going to have to go through.” An anxious pause hung in the air as everyone considered the possibilities. If they drove fast enough, the chances of being seen might be lower, but as they approached Spokane, an unusual idea occurred to Eli.

“I hate to bring something like this up,” he said. “And I know that you two probably won’t go for this, but maybe we should pick up some guns someplace.”

A moment went by as the thought of firing a gun sank in.

“Guns?” Aurora said. “Do you really think we need those things?”

Hesitant in her response, Maya followed up with her thoughts on the matter. She hated guns and was terrified of what they could do, but she also realized the need for them. No matter where they were, trouble could easily find them, and if they weren’t prepared, the results would, no doubt, be catastrophic. Some things in life are far worse than death.

“Jesus Christ,” she said. “Do you really think things are that bad?”

Continuing to navigate route 2, Eli conveyed what could be called ‘words of wisdom’. “Well,” he began. “I’d rather have one and not need it than need one and not have it.” Eli brought the entire matter down to one simple statement. Taking advantage of the moment, Maya replied, half joking, half sarcastic.

“Did you just say that?” she said. “Holy shit, Eli, you said something intelligent. I’ll bet you can’t do it again.”

He knew she was kidding, but as a matter of course, he released one hand from the wheel and raised a middle finger. In the absence of animosity, his gesture prompted a sudden bout of laughter from the girls.

“Eli,” Aurora said. “You are too easy.” He never took their teasing seriously and always had a finger ready for reply.

“Yeah,” he said. “Alright, whatever. Can we get back to the whole gun thing?”

“I don’t know,” Maya replied. “I’m not so sure it’s a good idea, and I hate guns.” Aurora agreed, with one exception. At some point, they may have to hunt for food, and depending on where they went, food could be scarce.

“I’m not saying we’re going to be playing around or shooting each other’s junk off,” she said. “But we may need at least one.”

Maya came to a hesitant agreement, but there was one other issue that needed to be addressed. “Okay,” Eli said. “So, who knows how to use a gun?”

Aurora’s woodsman skills included the use of a deer rifle and raising her hand stated she was quite familiar with its use. This was a surprise for both Maya and Eli.

“Jesus fuck, girl,” Eli said. “Where did you learn to use a fucking gun?”

She rarely told anyone about her knowledge of firearms, believing that it might make some people nervous. Now, her secret was out, but her skill with a rifle might be necessary at some point. “I learned a lot about survival when I was a Girl Scout,” she replied. “They pretty much taught me everything I know.”

Eli’s curiosity piqued and proceeded to ask questions about what she knew of survival. “So,” he began. “You ever skin a rabbit or anything?”

Aurora’s answer was quick and specific as she went down a mental list of her skill set. “I can shoot and dress a rabbit,” she began. “I’ve shot a deer, built a shelter, filtered water – I can start a fire with a bow and a piece of wood. I can even identify edible plants.”

All this time, Maya and Eli considered her to be just another former graduate student. Now, they realized how much she could teach them and once they acquired the necessary equipment, both would begin picking her brain. It is sometimes said that knowledge is power, but in this instance, knowledge is life.