Chapter 2 Concluded
The four men walked inside; proud of the loading and building they’d done to protect their families. It was dark now. The day was over.
They’d wrapped horse fencing around the patio, so they could see out, open the doors, even go outside, but no biters could get to the vulnerable glass. Same with the windows. No fire marshall would ever approve, but that was a necessary risk compared to the hungry uglies.
Inside they found the women now joined by Patty and Jordan. Gabe’s sister and brother in law had always been distant but today was a bad day for everyone.
They turned on the TV searching for news. On MSNBC a pretty Asian woman with an overly dramatic voice and manner explained.
“…the super rabies that has been seen in the small villages and towns around the globe for the last several weeks today reached 21st century metropolitan life.
In England, the prime minister ordered troops sent out, but with recruiting at an all time low and reenlistment rates since Iraq have steadily fallen England does not have enough troops and the country is now in Chaos!”
Behind her a video of Downing Street in London was burning. She continued…
“In Russia the Chechen rebels began rushing military positions; only to have the military open fire, killing as many as could be seen. It did not take long for the military to realize that rather than an attack it was flight that spurred them on. They were attempting to escape the rabies itself. After the rabies reached into the heart of the military itself, it did not take long for it to reach Moscow itself.
Word has not been heard from any of our correspondents or any official government news in India in the last twenty four hours. At last reports many cities were inflames, with low building requirements and lack of an adequate fire control system the fire and the disease is believed to be spreading. Of course there are conflicting reports and nothing is confirmed but it is believed that millions of refugees are fleeing before both.”
The list went on and on, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Brazil, China, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany and France. Detailing the massive destruction of all the worlds major powers. It seemed that the only nation that still functioned was Israel, probably due to their well practiced and heavily controlled country and police and military infrastructure.
Finally the petite Asian woman, now sounding strained and her face puffy, eyes red, got to America.
“At 11o’clock this morning the outbreak began in the U.S. The first report was in San Clemente, California just over the border from Mexico. From there quickly reports began arriving from all across the southwest; Phoenix, Tucson, Farmington, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Ft. Worth.
In New Orleans a diesel truck rammed and then exploded against the levee system. New Orleans is again under water. Thousands are expected dead. The Department of Homeland Security first said it was an isolated terrorist attack, but retracted that statement after all the outbreaks of the Super-Rabies became evident.
At two o’clock pacific time, the President was dedicating the new 9/11 memorial with the vice president when they were attacked.
Vice-President Guiliani was infected during the attack. The President was evacuated and taken to a safe location. Much of congress and the senate have been infected and/or killed this…<bleep>”
“That’s enough,” Gabe said.
Quickly whispers and comments started flowing about the danger and devastation that surrounded them. Quickly voices rose and with the volume of voices the children began to panic seeing their parents so upset, tears and cries soon erupted.
Louder this time, “That’s enough!” Gabe said again. “Everybody gather up, fold your arms and bow your heads.”
“Oh heavenly father,” he began. It seemed like such a long time since he’d prayed. Drawing himself up and fighting his body for control and composure he said again. “Heavenly Father, we’re here. Together. Thank you for the protection which we’ve received this day. But we’re here. And it feels like hell. We need you now, Heavenly Father. People are dying.” He thought of Linda and Mr. Creepy.
“People we love.” Gabe could hear Patty crying. They’d always had a strained relationship. Often unpleasant and they rarely got along. But he loved her and her family. Her boy David and Greg were good kids!
Biting back his grief he continued. “Heavenly Father, we need your help. We’ve tried to live right. Honestly and fair. We need your protection and your help now. Please protect us from the whirlwind about us. Please bless us with strength and courage. Protect our families who are now with us that they will be safe. Please keep us safe, and together. In your holy name Father. Amen.”