Chapter 17

As the three of us came in, Alice said, “Who’s he?”

Sarah responded, “We picked him up at one of the houses we inspected. He’s been living alone since the Eclipse so joined us. We’ll see how he works out.”

Jack, the teenager, blushed. “I want to live with people. It’s been terribly lonely by myself.”

“Be polite like my uncle Hank is and you’ll be fine.” Alice smiled. Sarah gave my hand a squeeze. I had Alice show Jack to a bedroom. They returned without undue delay. We all went into the kitchen.

As we went into the kitchen, I admitted to myself that I wasn’t sure about Jack. I believed his story but he looked at Alice with some lust. I hoped he didn’t make a mistake. My niece would shoot him as would Sarah. I wasn’t sure about the others though there were none without a protector. Missing people was one thing but trying forced sex was very different.

We gathered together for supper as was our current habit. I enjoyed that though realized that families would want the time for themselves as we grew and our community matured. I think Jack was surprised at our numbers and the varied abilities that were present in the group. I think he realized that Alice and Trevor Stevenson brought expertise to the group. He found out that only having survived wasn’t an impressive ability.

We had supper in a group and shared our days. I could tell that Jack was dismayed at all the activity that was being discussed. Crop planting was being readied with a few crops for the winter being considered. That was discussed and a decision was made with much input. Next was a discussion about clothing for the winter. A number of people admitted that they were poorly prepared. A big group was going to Tractor Supply to load up. I admitted that I was a bit low on winter clothes and should go or have someone pick up some things for me. Alice said she would do that since she knew my size. I nodded. Jack invited himself into that group when he heard that Alice was going. I decided to talk to my niece.

It was a bit later when I had a chance to talk to Alice. “Alice, I have a slight concern about tomorrow. Jack is going. I’m not sure about him. I want you to be careful about where you go and what you do and with who.”

“I’m a little concerned about him, too, Hank. I plan to give him a chance to screw up or be a good guy tomorrow. I don’t want a potential bad guy to show himself when he gets us in trouble. I don’t think he’s allied with anyone but he has been alone too long.”

That ended my day. I followed my new wife into our new bedroom. We found that we still delighted each other. Since it was our second night, I guess that was good.

In the morning, Alice left with the group along with Jack to select clothing for themselves and for other members of our growing group. It was approaching lunch when one of the ladies in that group drove up upset. She said, “Alice shot that boy. All he did was feel of her breasts.”

“I would have done the same thing. That’s the beginning of rape. We had concerns that he might try something repulsive.” Sarah took a deep breath. “We will go and comfort her.”

She and I jumped in a car and drove over to Tractor Supply where we hugged an emotional Alice. She was still upset saying, “He wouldn’t stop even after I told him to stop repeatedly. There was nothing else for me to do.”

“That’s why you were carrying that revolver. It was right to have used it. A rape or attempted rape carries an immediate death penalty.”

I said, “Sarah’s right, Alice.”