Chapter 5

Upon getting Lindsey into the truck I started driving again, though now I was going closer to normal speeds than the slow I’d done earlier. I’d seen enough excitement for today and while I had no problem having killed Mr Knife I did still feel a little given the few people left. Definitely not enough to feel real guilt over. I was now q little more wary, which was part reason for the increase in speed. I also made sure to be watching my rear view mirror in order to insure we weren’t being followed.

Looking back over to Lindsey briefly I remembered something I had noticed earlier: Walmart and HEB had indeed been fairly picked over, but the smaller stores that weren’t food stores hadn’t seemed to have been touched.

“Is that pack all the stuff you have? I was off the freeway earlier looking over the stretch between HEB, Walmart and Lowes. The smaller stuff hasn’t been messed with. We should make a quick stop and get you some fresh clothes.” I had spared a glance her way as I spoke, but still kept my attention focused on the road.

“Are you for real? First you jump in and save me from whatever those two assholes would’ve done, now you’re suggesting we stop for clothes?” She shook her head in disbelief, but didn’t wait for an answer before continuing. “I’d like that. There’s a few smaller stores like Kohls and a couple others that I can get stuff from. I wouldn’t mind some fresh toiletries either, I’m sure I’m not smelling my freshest right now.”

I thought about her suggestion of Kohls. It probably hadn’t been gone over much, the first things scavengers usually had gone for was food and the high end items they always wanted and now could take. Basic clothes? Might not have been gone over. Which also gave me the thought of the Army surplus stores in the area. Those and stores like Sam’s Club might not have been big targets. Those could work as a start, but that also got me thinking about going up the chain. The stores were the end of the supply chain, after all. A little research and some checking and I could start looking into distribution centers.

“Kohls and Walmart might not be bad ideas. Toiletries I don’t think would have really been hit or at least not as hard. We’ll do those stops and see how we come out.” I gave another glance her way, considering the logistics behind it. “We’ll park behind each building and go in that way. It’ll l draw less attention like that. Do you know how to fire a pistol?”

Lindsey gave me a look as if I were a complete idiot. “I’m a Texan. I may not have had a pistol on me but my dad believed in making sure his girls knew how to handle one safely. I may not be the best shot, but if it’s within 30 feet I’ll hit it.”

I considered her response before nodding my head. “Things aren’t like they used to be. I gave Mr Knife a warning earlier and Crony a warning shot. That was risky and I probably shouldn’t have. Now I’m forced to wonder whether Crony had someone else to report back to. But know this: thinking you can take a life and doing it are entirely different things. I’ve seen people train for it only to freeze up when the shit hits the fan. I hope it won’t happen, but the time may come soon when you find out if you can kill a person to save yourself.”

I watched her for a moment and heard an audible swallow. “Mr Knife and Crony, hmmmm? I guess that’s a set of ‘names’ that make sense. They didnt exactly shake hands and introduce themselves. But as for shooting, even if I can’t kill someone, I can at least make them duck for cover. You probably want more, but it’s something at least.”