Our End Of The Lake: Surviving After The 2012 Solar Storm (Prepper Trilogy) by Ron Foster Page A

ducking back in the kitchen.
    The closet contained several cased rifles and shotguns and several boxes which could only include pistols and we had a field day snooping around.
    “Hey, I got one of those” I said handling a small .380 Sig Sauer 230 stainless pistol. “They used to be the Cadillac of concealed carry in their day.” I said dreamily handling it and checking the mechanism to see if it was clear.
    “Offer her a hundred bucks for it.“ Dump said.
    “That’s a four of five hundred dollar gun, Dump” I objected.
    “She don’t know values, and besides, where is she going to spend it. Just make the offer.” he said settling on a .45 caliber Astra and sticking it in his waistband.
    “I get to borrow remember.” He smirked and we headed back towards the kitchen.
    After a momentary pause contemplating my offer, she said “Sure David I will sell it to you. I got my shotgun and 38 if I need them and there are several other guns around here just collecting dust, so it’s a deal.” she said to my amazement and Dump’s cousin knowing nod.
    “Well, thank you very much” I accepted and followed Dump back to the bedroom to get some ammo for it and search around for a holster if one could be found.
    The holster I ended up with was a simple affair, just a loop of leather really that slid on your belt. But with my shirttail out the little weapon just disappeared.
    “I feel so much better to have a pistol again, Dump.” I said.
    “Hope you won’t have to use it buddy, but I am glad for you too. Makes me fell a lot better, since I won’t be there to have your back after tomorrow” he said looking towards the kitchen.
    “Yea I am going to miss you my bouncer friend. Hey what kind of message does Martha need me to deliver? I asked
    “Martha, David wants to know what kind of message you want him to deliver.
    “I want him to stop by Ray’s trailer and tell him he ought grab his stuff and move in with me tomorrow. I got chickens, goats and a garden plot that needs tending. Tell him.” Martha said while setting various dishes on an already overcrowded table.
    Dump waved me closer into a whispered conversation, “She’s had her eye set on him for years and now is her chance to reel him in.” he sniggered.
    “Come on and eat!’ Martha called from the dining room and we all settled in on a feast.
    “You’re cooking with propane.’ I said remembering the big silver tanks I had seen in the back.
    “Yes, just topped off, last week. I guess I don’t have all bad luck after all.” she said reloading her plate.
    These folks can eat! I was getting tired just watching the two of them go at it. I didn’t do too bad myself and had seconds of most everything.
    “I will go by Ray’s tomorrow morning for you.” I said while resting up out on the front porch and looking forward to a softer bed tonight.
    “That will be fine, David. He has his own bicycle, by the way, and maybe you can help bring back some things in your little basket.” she said picking at me about the garish bike and producing a laugh out of Dump.
    “Stranger things have happened.” Was all I could come up with, and studied my glass of warmish sweet tea.

12
    RAY`S PLACE
     
     
    I got on my bike in the morning after receiving directions and cycled down the road to deliver the message. Dump had to be a smart ass and start humming the music from the Wizard of Oz witch riding the bicycle in the storm, as I pushed off.
    “You will get yours, Dump.” I said as I peddled away.
    Riding this bike sure was easier than walking and I was at the old single wide trailer before I knew it. I was getting off the bike and hollering “Ray!” RAY! When a balding older guy in overhauls stepped out of the trailer and looked down at me.
    “And who might you be and what does Martha want now?” he asked smiling and reaching out his hand.
    “I am David. I take it you recognize the bike?” I answered, laughing as I dismounted.
    “That I do. Is she ok?” he