Derek Slaton [Slaton - Dead America - Mississippi

DEAD AMERICA

THE SECOND WEEK: BOOK 1

MISSISSIPPI

BY DEREK SLATON

2019

CHAPTER ONE

Day Zero +8

Vernon sat in the wooden chair on his front porch sipping a hot cup of coffee like he did every morning. He watched the first of the suns rays peek over the horizon and warm his dark skin like he did every morning. He stood up and stretched his forty-year-old back, ready to head across the river for work like he did every morning.

Only unlike a normal morning, he wouldnt be heading from his home in Lula, Mississippi to West Helena to work on engines at the local mechanic shop. This morning his work was more suited to the survival mentality that had encompassed the world.

He sighed and downed the last of his coffee. Well, daylights a burnin, he said, to nobody in particular. Better get to it. He headed back inside his modest two bedroom home and filled up two travel mugs with the last of the camping coffee pot from the fireplace.

He headed down the hall and took a deep breath before putting his hand on the knob of the second door on the left. He cracked it open, letting a ray of bright sunlight cascade down onto the sleeping form of his own little monster.

She gave an almost inhuman groan and grimaced at the light in her eyes, pulling the covers up over her head.

All right, Nadia, Vernon said gently, its time to get up, girl. Lots to get done today.

The sixteen-year-old grunted again, tightening the blankets over her. He chuckled and shook his head, opening the door wider to brighten the room.

Daddy she whined, voice muffled as he poked her still form. Why do you insist on starting every day at the crack of dawn? Its the end of the world. There isnt any time clock to be punched.

Thats true, he agreed. But ever since we lost power a few days ago, the only light we have is the one the good lord put in the sky for us.

Nadia pulled the covers off of her face and wrinkled her nose, her shoulder-length braids disheveled around her head like a halo on her pillow. Still dont see why I have to be up at this hour.

Because were going across the river today for some more supplies, Vernon replied, perching on the edge of her bed.

Her brow furrowed. We just went two days ago.

And weve had eight new people show up in town since then, which means were runnin through them supplies faster, he explained.

Nadia rolled her eyes. Thats right, we have eight new people in town. Which is why Mister Kenneth asked for my help this morning in getting them situated. Remember?

Ah, damn. Vernon scratched at the salt-and-pepper scruff on his cheek as the conversation from the night before came back to him. Im sorry. Youre just so good on these supply runs. You know we need you, baby. Are you sure Mister Kenneth cant handle this one on his own?

Hes busy helping the older ladies get the daycare set up, Nadia replied, finally shaking the sleep from her voice and sitting up. Theres a lot more orphans in town ever since we had to go to the casino.

What about Solomon and Gregory? her father asked. I know they are a little younger than you, but they seem competent enough.

Nadia sighed impatiently. Theyre helping those big trucker boys and the church handyman get some barricades set up on the north side of town. They dont have much to work with, but Mister Kenneth figures something is better than nothing.

I would take those boys along Vernon pursed his lips. But they aint exactly what Id call physically able.

She laughed. Yeah, theyd probably pass out just walking to the bridge, let alone all the way to West Helena, she agreed. Plus, from what I can tell, they arent that bright, either.

So, that makes you the last capable person in this whole town, he reiterated.

She shook her head. Maybe not. I was up for a bit after you went to bed and I saw a car come into town. I could hear Mister Kenneth talking to somebody before they went inside. Maybe theyll be useful.

Well, maybe you right, girl. Vernon shrugged. Come on, now, throw some proper clothes on, grab your coffee, and well go chat with Mister Kenneth.

The father and daughter headed across the quiet residential street. It was an old neighborhood, most of the houses built in the sixties, and not incredibly well-updated. But they stood, and it was home, and that was what mattered.

There were four people milling about on Mister Kenneths large porch, enjoying their own morning brew, dressed in form-fitting clothing and armed to the teeth.

Mornin Vernon, Marc greeted, waving. Not like you to be the last one showing up.

He laughed and patted his daughter on the shoulder. Had a little trouble waking the sleeping princess today.

Hey. She pouted. Its not my fault you neglected to bring me coffee in bed.

Vernon laughed again. If I had done that, youd still be there. At least when I leave it on the counter I know youll get up before it gets cold.

Making a tired person find their own coffee, Nadia replied, shaking her head in disdain. Pretty sure the Geneva Convention would classify that as a war crime.

Hear, hear! Mandy agreed, holding up her own mug. You coming with us today, Nadia?

Im afraid I require the young ladys assistance here, Mister Kenneth announced from the doorway, heading out onto the porch in his conservative Deacon outfit.

The morning sunlight shone off of his pristine bald head, and his presence brought a calm over the group, as it always did. He stepped out of the way and a young couple emerged, the woman holding a gurgling infant.

Id like to introduce you to the newest members of our little community, Mister Kenneth said with a smile. This is Phil, his wife Emma, and their baby daughter Olivia.

Pleasure to meet you all, Phil offered with a nervous smile.

Tony winked at him, adjusting his baseball cap. Well, you say that now , he said playfully, and the tension seemed to drain out of the young couple as everyone chuckled.

Phil, my friends and I are about to do a run, Vernon piped up. Were a man down today.

Nadia clucked her tongue. Excuse me. A man down?

Apologies, her father corrected, giving her a bow and a flourish. Were a person down today, and you look like you can handle yourself, sir. Would you be so kind as to join us on our trip?

Phil glanced at his wife, and she looked up at him with a little nod. These people have taken us in. The least we can do is contribute, she replied.

He kissed her forehead and then leaned down to do the same to the baby, who giggled and squeezed his nose in response. Mandy let out a little noise of delight and cooed at Olivia as Phil turned to Vernon.

I have a handgun with our things, he said. Ill go grab it and we can get underway.

Mister Kenneth put a gentle hand on his shoulder as he turned. If you look beside the washing machine, theres a crowbar resting next to it. You would be wise to take it with you. As the younger man headed inside, the old Deacon turned to Nadia. I really appreciate you helping me out today. As it so happens, I have a fresh pot of coffee that should be finished brewing about now. Why dont you go help yourself to another cup before we get started?

Thank you, the teenager replied, and then turned to her father. Daddy, you be safe today. She put a hand on her hip.

Vernon felt a pang in his heart as he took her in, looking so much like her mother. Dont you worry baby, he assured her, voice thick. Ill come home to you just like Ive always done.

Well, this is the first time you havent had me watching your back, she replied. So youd better be extra careful. And Im going to have a walkie talkie on me all day long, so youd better keep in touch and let me know youre safe.

I will, baby, he promised, and pulled her into a tight hug. She kissed his cheek and then headed into the house, stepping around Phil who emerged back into the sunlight.