Cooper grew impatient, “Yes, but let’s stop complaining and deal with it.”
“He looks harmless enough,” Calvin observed.
“What do you remember about him? Behavior. Character.” Cooper asked.
Finally, Dranko calmed down and grew serious, “Honestly. Good kid. Worked hard. Fair rate. Always on time and stayed late to finish the job.”
“Anything else?”
“He did have a brother who was a Meth head. Totally hooked on that stuff. He was really pissed off about it and complained to me about it.”
“We know he has electrical skills, what else?”
“He mentioned hunting as a kid with his dad. We should ask him, though.”
“Did he tear your place up?” Lily asked.
Dranko shook his head. She continued, “So, you got yourself the world’s best trespasser?”
He pursed his lips in response.
“So, let’s make sure his brother or parents won’t be a problem. And, if he’s willing to work, we let him stay?” Cooper asked the group. Everyone nodded, Dranko joining reluctantly at the end.
As they walked back to finish the interview with Tim, Cooper pointed to the Airstream, “What’s that all about?”
“It was my temporary structure up here, as I was building it up. I got it cheap because it needed some work. It’s the world’s best-kept secret. RVs and trailers make the cheapest and quickly set up bug out shelters.”
Cooper cocked an eyebrow, “Best kept among the one-tenth of one percent of people like you who were getting ready for all this!”
Dranko chuckled, “Just remember you said it.”
His eyebrows drew together, “Said what?”
“That I’m part of the smartest one-tenth of one percent!”
“Smart? I never said that. Maybe just lucky? Tell yourself what you want.”
His words failed to wipe the self-satisfied smile off Dranko’s face.
Tim was kneading his fingers when they came upon him. “So, did I get voted onto the island?” His smile was tentative, nervous.
“Dunno yet. We have a few more questions.”
“What about that brother of yours, with the meth problem?”
Tim tightened his lips, “He’s dead.”
“Plague too?”
He shook his head, “Nope. ‘Bout a year ago. Knifed in a bar.” His head wagged back and forth, “Dumbass.”
“What about your parents?”
“They moved to Arizona last year. After my brother died, they wanted a change of scenery and a warmer climate, anyway. I talked to them the day after all this broke out. But, not since.”
“You willing to work?”
“Yes, sir. Mr. Dranko knows I bust tail.” Dranko cocked his head and raised an eyebrow to show he agreed.
“You might have to work harder than the rest. We all brought something to this party and you haven’t,” Dranko added.
Tim looked him straight in the eye, “No problem. I know I got some debt I need to work off for you, anyway.”
“Can you shoot?”
“I haven’t hunted in a couple years, but I punch paper targets with friends a couple, three times a year. I’m still a decent shot.”
Cooper feigned thinking for several seconds, stroking his chin for good measure, “Alright you’re in. But, we’ll be keeping an eye on you.”
The tension left Tim’s face, he grasped both men’s hands in succession, “Thank you! You won’t regret it.”
An hour later, Tim had been introduced to everyone and they had unloaded their gear. Dranko had given them all a tour of the structures and ground. The cabin was an impressive defensive structure. He’d pointed out how the logs had been treated with flame retardant and showed them how to access the basement that lay underneath. There, food, water, and a few firearms were stored; along with a myriad of other supplies. Dranko explained that he had a little over a year’s worth of food for himself. With this many people, he expected it would last for two months.
“The grocery trucks will be running again by then, right?” Jake asked, knotted eyebrows.
Dranko shook his head slowly, “Hard to tell. We need to prepare as if not, though.”
“We’ll need to get our hands on some seeds and get the ground worked outside,” Calvin added.
A grin lit up Dranko’s face. He pointed to a row of metal cans lining one shelf, “I have plenty of seeds.”
“You stored seeds?” Angela was incredulous.
“Damn straight,” Dranko said. Cooper noted how his chest puffed up a bit, “For a few hundred bucks, I was able to put aside plenty of seeds for this kind of situation. I know some people would spend that much on one fancy meal at a restaurant. Here, I can grow enough food for years.”
Angela shook her head in disbelief, as did Calvin, “Amazing,” his deep voice intoned.
“I have one question for you, Paul,” Lily Stott piped up.
Dranko turned towards her, “What?”
“Have you ever spent a dime on something that wasn’t about getting ready for the end of the world?”
The room exploded in laughter. Dranko was speechless. Cooper was shocked to see Julianne and Angela briefly clutch each for support while in riotous laughter. Calvin’s laugh boomed off the basement’s walls. Seconds later, Julianne and Angela looked at each awkwardly and then disengaged. Tension down enough for them to embrace while they weren’t thinking, but that’s all for now. When the laughter had subsided, Cooper couldn’t resist.
“There was that time back in ’98 you bought a candy bar and ate it right then and there with not even a thought to storing it for the end of the world?”
Dranko punched him in the arm, “Screw off,” he said while passing him on his way to the stairs.
“Ah, c’mon, Paul. I love you like a tick loves blood,” Lily called after him. The others added other calls of affection. Dranko continued stomping up the stairs. Just before passing out of sight, he lowered his head and gave them all a wide smile to show his anger was in jest. This induced another round of laughter, but lighter.
Their dinner that night was canned beans and instant mashed potatoes. I guess I have to get used to mostly tasteless food for a while. His mind drifted to how Elena would often make him his favorite home cooked meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing—outside of Thanksgiving. His mouth watered and the memory made the dinner taste even worse.
They decided the women would lodge in the Airstream, while the men would fit themselves into the cabin. I wonder how long it will be before sexual tension becomes an issue? We have a lot of people still in their prime without a good outlet. “Don’t borrow trouble,” he muttered.
“What’s that?” Calvin asked.
Cooper smiled, “Nothing. Just something my father used to say.”
Chapter Seven
When Cooper awoke, he found Dranko boiling water for tea. It wasn’t yet light out and the others lay in about the cabin, sleeping.
“Want some?” Dranko whispered to him.
He nodded and inclined his head to indicate Dranko should join him outside. Cooper opened the door, being careful to do so quietly, and stepped outside. The air was brisk, and he pulled the oversized green quilted flannel shirt tight around himself. Wood smoke greeted his nose. It smelled like it would at a campground. More people using wood now, they’re saving their propane and heating oil or are already out, he guessed.
The door opened before him, and Dranko joined him. He took the steaming mug, welcoming the source of heat and the sweet smell of Earl Grey tea.
“Won’t be long before boiling water for tea might be an extravagance we can’t afford,” Dranko observed.