Thank you and God Bless You.”
“Well that was a bit unusual, the Vice President addressing the nation. Her message was very clear. We are at war and all of us are on the front lines. It appears that the White House intends to fully support the ban on all land, sea, and air travel with the exception being within the individual states. How they intend to enforce this is not clear at this time. We have learned that every airline company has been ordered to cease all air travel. Private planes will not be allowed to operate as well. Basically we are a quarantined nation with no one allowed to enter or exit. The borders between Mexico and Canada have been closed. The Canadian and Mexican governments are cooperating.
The list of suggestions by the CDC will appear on the screen shortly. You may want to have a pen or pencil and pad of paper handy.
We now return you to our regular broadcast.”
“What do you think?”
“I think it went as well as could be expected. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m sure some cities will have riots break out. The bad elements in society just can’t wait for an opportunity to loot and burn.”
“I wish you were wrong but unfortunately you are probably right,” the Chief of Staff replied.
“I do not like lying to the people of this country. It leaves a very bad taste in my mouth.”
“It had to be done. The last thing we need is for the American public to hear even more bad news.”
“I know but I don’t have to like it.”
“None of us do Madam President.”
“Well, that certainly doesn’t roll off the tongue very well does it?”
“It will take some getting used to.”
“How long will they keep Thornburg sedated?”
“That depends on his mental capacity. It is obvious that he cannot be in charge of the country. At least not in his present condition.”
“We need to let the leaders from both parties know what’s going on.”
The new Chief of Staff, Beverly Wilson, let out a big sigh.
“You know it won’t be a secret very long.”
Acting President Andria Toll laughed.
“Bev, you couldn’t be more right. A secret in D.C. Talk about an oxymoron.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“You are sure you can get me across the state line?”
“Absolutely. I guarantee it.”
“You know what happens if we get caught.”
“Believe me, we will slip right through like a walk in the park.”
“Okay. Here is two fifty up front. You get the rest when I am safely over the border into Missouri.”
Bud Sorensen had been about as close to a mountain man as you could be in today’s world. He owned seven hundred and ninety acres that ended at the edge of the Mississippi River. Bud hardly ever left the place he called home. A couple of weeks ago he went into town to get a few supplies. One of the few trips he ever made into the small town of Hick Port. He ate at one of the local dinners and listened while people flapped their gums about this and that.
Of course the most attention was given to this new deadly virus that seemed to be spreading all over Kentucky. All he got were bits and pieces. He was glad he didn’t have to deal with these town folk very much. They worried about everything.
“Why hello Bud. I ain’t seen you in like forever.”
“Terri. Big stuff going on,” Bud said, jerking his thumb over his shoulder at the television.
“That’s all everyone is talking about,” Terri said coughing into her arm. “Sorry about that. I got a cold coming on. My throat is a tad sore.”
“Maybe you should get checked out,” Bud suggested.
“Like Earl would ever let me off long enough to go to the doctor. Hell, I’ll probably die right her in the diner.”
“That Earl, what a corker.”
“What can I get for you honey?”
“Bacon, three eggs over easy, taters and a couple of those biscuits you all make.”
She coughed again and headed for the kitchen. While Bud was waiting for his order a man slipped into the booth across from him. Bud looked at him questionably.
“I don’t think I know you friend,” he said at last.
“You’re Bud Sorensen right?”
“Who’s askin’?”
“My name is Stillwater. Ted Stillwater.”
“Okay. Is that supposed to mean something to me?” Bud asked still looking at him suspiciously.
“Look. I happened to be over her in Kentucky on a business trip when they stopped interstate travel. I just have to get back to Missouri where my wife and kids are.”
“Uh-hu. And how does that concern me?”
“They tell me you have land that is right on the Mississippi.”
“They do. Who tells you that?”
“Ed Jenkin, Tommy Lee, and some others.”
The waitress came back with Bud’s food. She looked puzzled at the man across from Bud but didn’t say anything.
“Anything else I can get you Hon?” she asked Bud, more or less ignoring the man across from him.
“No that will do it Terri.”
She coughed and left, glancing back at the man once more.
“So, why are you sharing this sad story with me?” Bud asked.
“Mr. Sorensen, my wife is eight months pregnant. I have to get back home. She can’t even drive. I want you to get me across the river. That’s all. I’ll get home from there. I only live a few miles up Highway A, near the Dorena Ferry ramp.”
“Oh, is that all? You want me to get you across the Mississippi, over into Missouri. Even if it is against the law. You somehow feel I can magically transport you over there is that about it?” Bud said taking a big fork full of eggs and potatoes.
“Mr. Sorensen, I just have to get home. What would you do if you were trapped like this?”
“Make my own way across. I don’t need anyone to help me,” he said shoveling another fork full in his mouth.
“Look. I’m a salesman. I don’t have any knowledge of how to get across a river like that. I can just barely get from point A to Point B without GPS.”
“Sorry. I can’t help you,” Bud said.
“I’ll give you five hundred dollars to get me across the river,” he said.
Bud looked up at him.
“Five hundred cash. No bull Ed. I don’t take to kindly to having my chain jerked.”
“In cash.”
“Alright Ed, you got a deal. You come out to my place at nine O’clock tonight and I’ll get you across,” Bud said drawing out a quick map on a napkin.
“Ain’t hard to find. Do you know where Upper Bottom Road is?”
“I do.”
“Good. Go north and as soon as you cross that little tributary look for a gravel road on the left side. It usually has a gate across it but I’ll leave it open for you. Just follow that road. You’ll see my place about a mile back. I’ll be waiting for you there. Bring the money.”
“I’ll be there,” Ed said and slid out of the booth like he wasn’t ever there.
Bud just chuckled. Five hundred bucks. Hell, he would have done it for a hundred. Dumb sucker.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Telling people they can’t travel and stopping it are two entirely different things. Over twenty-seven hundred arrests were made across the country on just the first day of the new restrictions. Many others probably slipped through.
On the second day, riots flared up in L.A., Detroit and Chicago. Protests took place in San Francisco and Denver. Runs were made on grocery stores all across the nation.
On day three, L.A. was forced to call out the National Guard. Fires were raging across the entire city. By nightfall the jails were overflowing with those arrested. San Francisco had come to a screeching halt. Portland Oregon held a huge rally demanding that businesses be allowed to operate across state lines.