Over the last month and a half, she and Sayer had brought over most of their suppliers, filling the back of her pickup truck and transferring them into the shipping container, which was now buried in a pit. Sayer and Pike had made a large camouflage rug. Then they’d placed sealant-treated plywood over the doors and laid the rug over the top. With dirt shoveled around the edges, Joy was hard-pressed to see where the container was. Located fifteen feet from the rear of the cabin, it was be the protection of the cabin. The pit itself was lined with gravel and larger rocks for drainage.
The boys had spent a few days coating the inside of the container with a rubbery compound that would keep it waterproof. They had also drilled holes in the very bottom in case water did get in. They had then put metal brackets in the bottom, followed by shelving.
It was surprisingly large and held quite a bit of their nonperishables. They had decided it would be okay to store the food sealed in mylar bags, but made sure it was also put into large plastic containers, double waterproofing it. Margo had been busy buying beans, rice, pasta, dried onions, dried garlic, dried peas, and anything else she could get her hands on. She’d even gotten powered milk.
Joy was amazed at their motivation. A few months ago, she’d had no idea what all went into prepping, but she was learning fast.
Sayer and Pike had also dug several smaller pits near the cabin, in which they’d buried heavy plastic containers containing boxes of ammo. They were only about six inches under the ground. If they wanted fast access, they could dig them up quickly. There were also a number of large PVC pipes buried around the cabin in which several weapons, all wrapped in waterproof bags and sealed, then wrapped again, had been placed.
“I can’t believe we’ve been in this cabin for over four months now,” Margo said, her voice tinged with wonder. “It almost seems like a dream. If I hadn’t read that article by Dr. Rhy, I don’t think we’d be here.”
“Life sure has a funny way of working out. I think God gets us where we’re supposed to be, whether we want to be there or not. It is only through hindsight that we see it was meant to be,” Joy grinned
“I’d say you’re about right on that one. Thank you for the extra medical supplies. Pike and I have been making a false wall in the basement. We are putting some of your medical supplies down there, along with toilet paper and other non-perishables. We put some in the shipping container too. We’re going to hinge the wall so it will swing out easily, and put latches in several hidden places. We’ll also build shelves onto the wall, so it looks solid. Besides, we can always use the storage space.”
“What did you get Pike for Christmas?” Joy smiled as she mashed the potatoes in the pot with the old-fashioned wire masher. Steam from the potatoes wafted up around her face.
“I got him an old radio set so that, if anything happens, we can maybe listen to transmissions and even send, if we want. I was able to get a long antenna as well. Once he’s learned to use it, we’ll wrap it up in heavy foil and put it in the battery room. I also got him a new Geiger counter, a modern one. That too will go into the room, wrapped up in foil,” Margo said.
“Very wise choice of gifts,” Joy said, tasting the mashed potatoes. She added a bit of salt, smiled and nodded to herself. She reached for the pepper and tapped a bit into the mix. “Sometimes, though, I wonder if we’re wasting time and money on all this. But then I think, what else would I buy? We have everything we need.”
“I know what you mean. But I have to say, we are feeling better about it. We aren’t as fearful nor frantic. Every day back when I thought it was going to happen and I wasn’t prepared. I felt like I was suffocating in fear,” Margo said, her hands playing idly with her coffee cup.
Joy’s dark eyes looked into Margo’s, and she smiled gently. “Well, we are doing something about it, and our men are making sure it gets done right.”
Margo blushed and nodded her head. “I feel like I’m getting to know Pike all over again. It’ss funny. He was such a geeky kid, but I guess we all were. But he’s become a wonderful friend.”
“When are you going to tell him you love him?” Joy asked gently.
“You know?” Margo asked, her eyes widening. A deep blush crept up her face as her hand went to her mouth.
“It’s written all over your face.” Joy laughed sweetly, and reached over and grabbed Margo’s hand and squeezed.
“I just never thought it would happen. We were working so hard together. Then I began to realize he is a good man. He’s a couple years younger than me, but he’s so mature, not some scatterbrained kid. Most of the guys his age, and even mine, aren’t half as responsible.”
“Honey, age has nothing to do with it, you know that. I’ve met men in the hospital in their fifties that come in injured because they were acting like kids. I think Pike has found his purpose in life.”
“It is just so weird. I’d never have thought that my life would take this turn. And if POSEIDON is just a hoax, then I’ve turned my life on its side for a hoax.”
“If you’re happy, what does it matter how you got here? Sometimes our paths don’t match what we had in mind. But you’re here, Pike is here, and the two of you are good together. If nothing ever happens, would you be sad that it brought Pike to you?”
“No, not at all,” Margo shook her head emphatically. “I couldn’t be happier. With or without the threat, I’m where I want to be. And that is with Pike, here in this cabin.” Margo smiled sweetly, and she reached over and gave Joy a hug. “Thanks for listening.”
Kalvin and Mikey both took a mouthful of their beers. Christmas lights were strung around the bar, turning it festive. It was a planning night. This was the time of the year when they made big scores.
“I’ve got a list of homes that will be vacant between the hours of 8 pm and 1 am. There’s some big shindig going on and I found out these people are going to be there,” Kalvin said, showing Mikey a piece of paper.
Mikey took the paper and looked it over. There were six addresses, all in the ritzy part of town. “Looks good. I say we start about 9 pm and hit and run.”
“Yeah. I don’t want to hang around those houses too long. Nosey neighbors, you know.”
“Hell yeah, you got that right. With the cameras nowadays, it’s getting harder and harder.”
“We need to get in and out fast. Some of them have silent alarms. So, three minutes at the most. In, out, and gone. Cops usually get there in about five, so I want to be well away,” Kalvin said.
“Just so you know, I got my eyes on a new source for some pills. I’m checking it out before I do anything.”
“Good, Mikey. Let me know and I’ll get it to my guy.
“I’d say this is going to be one of our nicest Christmases,” Kalvin laughed.
“Merry Christmas, Kalvin,” Mikey laughed, and lifted his beer.
Harley and Christy sat on the couch watching the boys. They were playing with their Legos while the three dogs were passed out. The lights on the Christmas tree twinkled and, in the background, soft Christmas music played. He and Christy were drinking hot chocolate.
Christy lay against him and he leaned down and kissed her head. She tilted it back and smiled up at him. He was dreading the next few months. He had a lot of trips planned. Thankfully most were only a couple days away from home.
After Christmas was a busy time. He was glad he was able to spend this precious time with his family.
“Thank you again for the bugout bag. What made you get it for me?” he asked his wife.