Hondo I. Sackett
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A bout a mile outside of Center town, not far from the currently empty caravan camping lot beside the old truck-stop, a greenish flash of light appeared out of nowhere, and as it faded two green jeeps with mechanics emblems suddenly appeared where before there was nothing. The drivers glanced at each other and after the lead driver gave a nod, he started rolling towards town and the other jeep followed suit, trailing him by 100 feet or so.
As the jeep rolled into town they continued to the Clyborn’s Blacksmith and Mechanic’s shop, a place the occupants had visited several times. Once parked, the leader, a big blonde cowboy, stepped out first and looked around, squinting slightly in the bright day light as he surveyed the area. Once he was satisfied everything was relatively safe he nodded to the others and was soon joined by a redheaded hamster wessen teen looking girl in an EMT hat, Jacket, and dark blue BDU cargo pants, a blue haired, half breed cat wessen girl in a jeans, a grey button up shirt, a brown duster, and dark brown western hat, a dark haired human girl in a grey hoodie and black jean skirt, a young grey/brown haired racoon wessen woman with darting eyes, in a black tank top with a grey cotton skirt, a redheaded human teen girl in a white shirt, dark colored jacket, and brown skirt, a teen dark haired girl in, dressed similarly to the shorter redheaded girl beside her, a light brown haired teen girl with a floral shirt, tan jacket, tan pants, and red baseball cap, with a rifle in hand, and a dark haired teen boy in a red jacket, white t-shirt, blue jeans and backwards grey baseball cap, also carrying a rifle. As the group gathered around their leader the proprietor of the shop came out to greet them, wiping his greasy hands on a rag before extending his right hand in welcome.
“Hondo! Good to see you again! Can’t say we were expecting you back again so soon.” Jerry said as he shook the big blonde man’s hand.
“Didn’t plan on it either, an’ might be a while before we’re back this way, as we’re headin’ on here soon. Just need a few more items an’ wanted to see if the local bank could get me a withdrawal from my account with the bank in fight town.” Hondo replied as she shook Jerry’s hand.
“Sorry to hear you might not be back for a while, as you’ve helped so much here and been great customers! Hell, we can’t repay you both for what you’ve done for this town.” Jerry replied as he gave Hondo’s hand one more firm shake before letting it go.
“No payment needed, other than seein’ everyone tryin’ to just make thin’s better from here.” He replied.
Jerry nodded, “It’s hard still, but we are trying. We are in a better place to try, at least, now… Bank transfer you say you are needing? Sorry to say you won’t have any luck here. Radio communications are spotty between us and Fight town since the riots. The military has a company there still, and they have been training an auxiliary squad there to help, but things are still chaotic. Until the military gets things settled down, they have blocked money and goods transports to and from Fight Town, other than one old slaver blimp they salvaged that is under military guard, and is only used for supply transport into the town for right now, or at least that’s what we have been told. The radio reports are unreliable at best, so we only get news when the blimp lands in town for supplies, and the news hasn’t been good.”
Hondo frowned, “Knew it was chaotic, but didn’t expect it to be that much of a powder-keg there.”
“It’s that and more. Lot of people lost money on that fight, from poor back-alley cut-throats to some very rich and powerful people, most all of which don’t take losin’ money well, and they are out for blood! Been bounty hunters in town, looking for those they think rigged the fight. The military has locked up several for roughing up those that look like the ones they are looking for or those that others have said might know them. Mostly its just some idiot giving out false information trying to get some money for it, but if it doesn’t stop soon it could get out of hand fast!” Jerry said seriously.
“Who they lookin’ for?” Hondo asked, though he knew Ichigo was wanted, he was wondering who else might be.
Jerry fumbled in his pocket and pulled out a folded, greasy paper from it and handed it to Hondo, “I was just given another of these things this morning… You can have it as I have probably a dozen or more of those lying around. Seems they think the fight manager threw the fight and then ran off with the money or something like that. They say she looks like a little blonde girl, though she’s really an adult. A little person, I think they call them. Then there were like a dozen or more ring bunny girls they were looking for in connection with her, as they think they may know something, but it’s down to five or six now, I heard tell… This business had got parents of young teen girls afraid to let their kids outside right now.”
Hondo took the flier and looked it over, “Five or six, you say?”
“Yeah, heard tell yesterday they captured two rabbit wessen girls, sisters supposedly, who tried to escape Fight Town. Almost made it here, so I’ve heard. The military is trying to get involved but, they are stretched too thin and because of those powerful folks involved, they know better than trying to oppose them too much.” Jerry replied with a growl.
The poster in Hondo’s Hands read:
Wanted!!
One-Million-dollar Reward in gold for capture of Ichigo Morino! Reddish-blonde hair, approx. 4’6” tall. Appearance of well formed 12 to 14 years old teen. Real age estimated to be 35 to 45. Has a genetic little person disorder. Easily passes for even younger than 12 at times, so do not let appearances fool you!
Also wanted in connection with the fugitive Ichigo Marino: $200,000 gold for capture of former ring bunny girls who worked under the fugitive Morino. The listed must be brought in for questioning, unharmed.
Name: Aurora, canine wessen, 17 to 19 years old, dark hair, tan fur, brown eyes, approx. 5’.
Name: Mae, human, 16 to 18 years old, Dark hair, brown eyes, approx. 4’6”.
Name: Sophie, Feline wessen, 16 to 18 years old, brown hair, tan fur w/grey stripes, green eyes, approx. 4’7”
Name: Kiah, human, 16 to 18 years old, blonde hair, blue eyes, approx. 4’4”.
Name: Scarlett, rabbit wessen, 16 to 18 years old, red hair, white fur, blue eyes, approx. 4’10”.
Name: April, human, 15 to 17 years old, brown hair, brown eyes, approx. 4’2”.
Name: Mary-jean, half-breed feline wessen, 15 to 17 years old, white hair, red eyes, not albino, approx. 4’.
Name: Willow, half-breed rabbit wessen, 15 to 17 years old, white hair, pink eyes, albino, approx. 4’3”
Name: Billie, human, 15 to 17 years old, Blonde hair, Green eyes, approx. 4’5”.
Name: Audrey, half-breed canine wessen, 14 to 16 years old, Blonde hair, no fur, approx. 4’4”.
Name: June, human, 14 to 16 years old, red hair, green eyes, approx. 4’.
Name: Ivy, half-breed sheep wessen, 13 to 15 years old, white hair, no visible wool, brown eyes, approx. 4’2”
Name: Bella, rabbit wessen, 13 to 15 years old, blonde hair, white fur, blue eyes, approx. 4”.
Name: Luna, fox wessen, 13 to 15 years old, blue hair, red fur, green eyes, approx. 4’4”.
Of the names all but six were marked off, and of the six remaining, four of the names stood out to Hondo, as they were the names of the girls Fernando had rescued, two of which he owed for saving Valentine’s life. The remaining two being Aurora and Sophie. Hondo looked over at the two bunny girls with him and got Mae’s attention without calling her by name. As her eyes looked into his, she swallowed hard, as she knew they had to be on there too, though she was almost afraid to see the list.
“How’s your readin’, girl?” Hondo asked.
“N.not bad.” She said hesitantly.
He handed her the sheet and as she looked over it and saw the crossed-out names she gasped softly.
Hondo turned back to Jerry, frowning a bit, “I don’t like this business at all, but ‘fraid there’s not much we can do ‘bout it.”
Jerry nodded, “I understand that. You don’t want to go against those involved, honestly. We couldn’t ask more of you than what you’ve done so far, anyway, and besides, they are just ring bunny girls. Little whores good for little else but strutting around in skimp outfits and #$@!ing the fighters before the fight and anyone willing to pay for their services after the fight. They don’t have a long-life expectancy as is, due to being killed by fighters before the fight, customers after, or illnesses gotten from fighters or customers. Not worth either of your time.”
He could see Mae visibly slouch at his words and June stepped behind him and grabbed onto the back of his vest as she hid from sight. He set his jaw and shot Jerry a glaring look.
“A lot of folks would have said the same ‘bout this whole #$@!in’ town, but we helped y’all anyway!” He growled.
Jerry held up his hands, defensively, “Whoa now, no offence meant! Just saying, if this had not happened most would have died shortly anyway, and if saved they aren’t good for much other than #$@!ing, as they are generally small, short, and underdeveloped. They give them pills and underfeed them to keep them small and make them look younger longer. That too shortens their lifespan but I’m not sure many want to live long! Other than wessens in the low-end whorehouses and gambling parlors, bunny girls have the highest death by customer and suicide rate. Their death by sickness is rated fourth behind mutants, cross breeds, and whorehouse workers. Nothing against them, but it’s reality!”
Mae seemed even more visibly shaken and he could feel June trembling as she leaned against him and clenched the back of his vest with both her small hands.
Hondo’s look stayed hard but he softened his tone some, “Maybe so, but that doesn’t make them worthless or beyond savin’… I hear too much of that talk ‘bout certain groups of folks ‘round here an’ I don’t like it.”
“No offense meant, honestly.” Jerry replied.
Hondo glanced at Mae again before turning back to Jerry, “What ‘bout the crossed off names?”
Jerry shrugged, “A couple were killed fleeing, one I heard was beaten to death for not giving information, two are locked up and being interrogated, the rest were interrogated then sold to black-market slavers.”
“Black-market slavers?” Hondo asked raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah. Unfortunately, some did not take kindly to you and Fernando taking the slave trade down and still want to buy. So, some of the remaining slave hunters who were not around when you took out Biggus formed an underground black-market slave trade, selling to the larger farms and plantations on the outskirts of the areas that made the no-slavery agreements. The military would like to force the agreement on them, but they are spread too thin, and these farms and plantations are in a grey area as the territory is not well defined there, Also, the owners of these places are powerful and connected to powerful people. We try to keep slavery out of the towns agreed on, but these girls were prisoners and were supposedly being transported for further interrogation, but some have reported seeing them in salve camps out of the military’s reach. No one is surprised about this, but since this issue is larger than our military, they are having to stay out of it, other than business that is done in towns. Besides, if this Morino woman and those bunny girls did rig that fight, then I reckon whatever happens is justice.” Jerry replied.
Hondo’s eyes narrowed a bit again, “What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?”
Jerry shrugged, “It’s a nice thought but rarely seen it in practice. That whole fight town manager guild is shady as hell anyway, so no one bats an eye at all this as they figure they have to be guilty by association, in the very least.”
“Well, I don’t like it at all!” Hondo replied.
Jerry nodded, “Can’t say I like it too much either, but its not my business and there’s not much I could do about it if I wanted to. Now, enough of that unpleasantness. Is there anything I can do for you?”
Hondo sighed and nodded, “*sigh*, yeah, possibly. I’m lookin’ for a trailer to pull behind one of these jeeps. They are for running mechanical rescue on the convoy, fixin’ broken down rigs on the fly an’ tryin’ to help speed things along. Leavin’ everyone to fix their own rigs often holds up the convoy way too much as most folks just aren’t outfitted to handle their own repairs properly. I’m lookin’ for somethin’ like maybe an old truck body with built in tool boxes an’ maybe a fuel cell, somethin’ to carry tools an’ supplies in.”
Jerry got a bit of an excited look, “Say no more! I think I have exactly what you need! Follow me!”
As Jerry started towards the fenced in storage yard behind his shop, he turned to the other, forcing June to let go of his vest, and to cling to Mae who was still very visibly bothered.
“Zoey, Macey, come with me. The rest of you stay with the jeeps. Honk the horn if there is trouble. I’ll be right back. Maggie, look after the girls here.” He said quickly, pointing to Mae and June, before taking off after Jerry at a fast walk.
His pace was fast enough that Macey and Zoey had to jog to keep up, but they stayed up with him and soon joined Jerry in the storage yard. They had to go to the far back side, and there, Jerry stopped in front of an old pickup box tool bed trailer with a partial rack on it and a long tongue. The box and frame seemed solid, but the springs were wore out, the hitch was missing it’s latch, and the tires were rotten.
“What you think?” Jerry asked.
Hondo looked over it and shook his head, “Needs a lot of work that I don’t have time for, though it’s what I had in mind over all.”
“If you have three hours, we’ll have it ready. I even have a gasoline powered air compressor and a couple 55-gallon drums with hand crank fuel pumps I’ll throw in.” Jerry said.
“That include a new hitch, tires, an’ some better springs? Would prefer them lifted a bit, maybe three of four inches since the roads are rougher than drivin’ ‘cross the prairie.” Hondo commented.
Jerry nodded, “I have some 4” sky-jacker springs for an old 1 ton truck that are good as new that will slide right in there, and I have some re-spaced run low wheels and tires, the sort the army likes, that will fit on there just fine too.”
“How much?” Hondo asked.
“After all you two have done? On the house!” Jerry replied.
Hondo shook his head, “I can’t do that. You have a business to run an’ we didn’t do what we did for free stuff…. How ‘bout $600 in gold?”
“How about $400?” Jerry counters.
“Your time an’ parts are worth more than that. I’ll give ya $500 an’ not a penny less.” Hondo replied.
Jerry held out his hand, “You have yourself a deal!”
Hondo gave him a weak grin and nodded back as he shook his hand on it. He then pulled out some coins from his pocket and counted out $550 and handed it to Jerry.
“That’s $50 more than agreed on.” Jerry said as he tried to hand him back a $50 gold piece.
Hondo nodded, “I know. That’s for an additional little favor.”
“What favor do you need?” Jerry asked seriously.
“Well, I’d rather it not get out that we are here. Don’t need trouble an’ a couple of the young ladies with me look an awful lot like those wanted ring girls on that flier. Don’t need trouble in town an’ rather not have to shoot someone for layin’ a hand on one of my charges, understand?” Hondo replied seriously.
“No worries. I’ll not tell anyone you were ever here. Hell, if you want the girls to stay in my office while you shop, they can and I’ll keep an eye on them.” Jerry offered.
Hondo shook his head, “No, I’d rather they stay with me.”
Jerry nodded, “Understand. Well, give me about three hours and we should have that trailer ready.”
“Sounds good. I’ll be back then… Come on, girls. Let’s get back to the others.” Hondo said, putting a hand on the back of Macey and Zoey’s shoulders to push them out in front of him, where he could see them better, as he was starting to worry a bit and regret bringing them and the others here with all that was going on.
After they had walked off a way Macey spoke up, “They are looking for Itchy and those other girls, aren’t they?”
Hondo nodded, “Yeah, but we are keepin’ that quiet, alright? Don’t want you two talkin’ ‘bout it outside of our camp nor to any strangers. I know we tell you not to lie, so if anyone asks you about them you tell them they have to speak to me or Jefe, understand?”
Macey nodded, “I guess, but why are they wanting them?”
“That fight your dad an’ I had in Fight Town, your dad healed the other fighters an’ James, as they were hurt bad.” He replied, leaving out that they were all actually close to death and he, himself had been burnt bad and shot and had to be healed as well. “Because of that they think the fight was faked. Most folks bet money against your dad, James, an’ myself, a lot of money actually, an’ they lost it. They think ol’ Itchy goof set it up to steal their money an’ they probably think the other girls were in on it or know somethin’ ‘bout where she went. Itchy might be a little bitch, but she didn’t rig or steal anythin’. She would have lost her ass an’ her life had your dad not taken her in. The other girls are innocent too, though the ones with us know where Itchy is an’ if caught they will be tortured for that info, then sold into slavery an’ we will be attacked by all sorts of nasty folk who want the bounty money on Itchy. We don’t want any of it, so we have to stay quiet ‘bout it, alright?” Hondo replied.
“I understand, though I wish she’d go away so I had daddy to myself!” Macey groused, more to herself than anyone.
Zoey gave her a suspicious look, “Do you like-like your dad too??”
Macey blushed a bit but tried to hide it with a grouchy look, “Where did you get that idea?!”
Zoey’s eyes got wide, “You do! And you made fun of me for what I said about liking papa a lot and wanting to be with him?!?! Macey!”
Macey scowled at her and hissed at her through grit teeth, “We’ll talk about it later!”
Hondo put a hand on Macey’s should that caused her to jump, “Settle down, little lady. It’s no secret, you know.”
Macey looked down and blushed.
He rubbed her back a bit, “It’s alright. He took you in an’ took care of you, so it’s expected. Your dad’s a good man an’ cares ‘bout you a lot, as do Zoey an’ I, but it’s expected for you two to have a special bond like it is for Zoey an’ I.”
Macey just nodded and stared at the ground as they walked.
Zoey wanted to say more, as she wondered about Macey blabbing about what she had said against Hondo when she had the same feelings for Fernando, but she did not want to further embarrass her friend, despite Macey having so embarrassing her before, so she stayed silent.
“But, I need you both to promise not to talk ‘bout them with anyone else but us, alright?” He said in a more serious tone.
“I promise!” Zoey said immediately.
“Yeah, I guess I do too.” Macey grumbled quietly.
It’s not that she wanted anything bad to happen to them, and as much as she liked being with Zoey and her uncle, and hoped to spend a lot of time with them in the future still, she did envy Ichigo being alone with her dad so much.
As they approached the vehicles again, he found Patricia and Madison guarding the vehicles, with both Mae and June sitting jus inside the open doors of one of the jeeps as Maggie and Miniya stood buy trying to talk to them.
“Everythin’ alright?” Hondo asked as he approach.
Miniya shook her head, “They are scared.”
Hondo looked between Mae and June but neither looked up at him.
“Ladies, you gonna be alright?” He asked.
“They are going to get us, aren’t they?” June asked in a very small voice.
Hondo shook his head, “No, not on our watch they aren’t.”
“It’s my fault.” Mae said quietly.
“What’s your fault?” Hondo asked.
“I… I should have tried harder to get the others to go with us and… and asked Mr. Fernando to wait.” She said timidly, still staring at the ground.
“Wait for what?” Hondo asked.
Mae looked up, “The bunny wessen sisters they just captured, Scarlett and Bella… they.. they were going to come too, but… they didn’t show up where we said to meet on time and we were afraid Mr. Fernando would leave without us if we weren’t there on time so we left without them and now? ….”
“It’s a little late to do somethin’ now. Should have said somethin’ before.” Hondo replied sounding unfeeling, though he didn’t mean to be.
Mae nodded and looked down again, “I know, but… I wish we could help them… I wish I didn’t feel so scared and helpless… I wish.. I wish Mr. Fernando was here.”
June nodded in agreement.
Hondo grimaced at them, “Well, I might not be Fernando but I can still keep you both safe… Now, we have shoppin’ to do. Are you gonna be alright to go along or do you need to stay here?”
“Don’t leave us alone!” Mae said, looking up suddenly with a scared expression.
“Take us with you, please!” June exclaimed.
Hondo nodded, “Fine, we’ll all go together, though there’s a lot to do.”
He turned to Patricia and Madison, “You two gonna be alright to do some errands on your own? I won’t be far if needed an’ I have my radio on me.”
Madison nodded, “Patty and me will be fine.”
Patricia nodded in agreement, smiling sweetly at him, “We will be fine! Anything I can do to help you, I’ll do happily.”
He half ignored Patricia’s reply and turned to Maggie and Miniya, “I need one of you to help them.”
They both looked at each other then down at the ground.
“I’d, uh, I’d really like to stay with you but …” Miniya said speaking first but was cut off.
“I’ll.. I’ll g.go w.with them, m.master.” Maggie said, though she was visibly nervous.
“You sure you’ll be alright?” Hondo asked, softening his tone for her again, as it seemed like his normal tone made her flinch a bit too often.
She nodded, “I’ll b.be fine… I need to get more brave, I know, so, I’ll do it.”
Miniya looked down feeling a bit ashamed as she had heard what Maggie had gone through and it was worse than what she had happen to her, yet Maggie offered when she was hesitant to do so.
“Maggie, you know what true bravery is?” Hondo asked, keeping his tone low and soft.
Maggie looked down sadly and sighed, “*sigh* … Yeah, it’s not being sc.scard of everything.”
Hondo shook his head, “No, that’s not it.”
She looked up at him questioningly, “But, I thought…”
He cut her off, “Bravery isn’t not bein’ scared. Bravery is bein’ scared but tryin’ an’ doin’ despite your fear. You’re showin’ a lot of bravery by offerin’ to go with them, when I know you’re scared, so don’t think you’re not brave. It also took a lot of bravery to help Val escape from that doctor at the lab an’ even more to walk into our camp with her in your arms. I know I scare you a bit too, an’ I’m sorry I do, but you still talk to me, trust me, an’ fight your fears every time you are ‘round me. You are brave, an’ I appreciate that.”
She looked at him stunned for a second before looking down and blushing at the compliment. She suddenly did not feel so scared after that, though she was not sure why.
“Thank you, master.” She replied softly.
“You really don’t need to call me master. I don’t own you.” He replied.
“You do own me, because I’ve given myself to you to be my master, and Fernando second because he treats us all so well and cares for us like you do. Like I said before, maybe someday I’ll be strong enough to be free but until then you are my master, and I need you to be.” She said softly.
Hondo frowned at it, but saw little use arguing with the poor, broken women, right now especially.
“We’ll talk more ‘bout it later.” He said as he dug in his pocket and pulled out a list.
He handed the list to Patricia, turning his attention to her and Madison for the moment.
“Here is a list of foods an’ seasonin’s that Ruth gave to me the other day. I marked off what we got last time. Also, you said you know ‘bout those hooded blanket thin’s, right?” He asked.
Madison nodded, “The snuggies? Yeah, I know where they sell them too.”
Hondo nodded and handed him a sack of coins, “Well, get a dozen, well, at least a dozen large an’ mediums, more if possible but no more than twenty of each. There is a wagon in the jeep I drove from last time, an’ you can use it an’ leave your jeep here. We’re gonna drive ‘round to the back parkin’ an’ keep the jeep close as I need to look at some tools, radios, an’ a couple barrels.”
Madison nodded, “Can do.”
“An’ watch out for Maggie for me. Been a while since she’s been in town an’ crowds make her nervous.” Hondo said.
Madison and Patricia nodded.
“We’ll take care of her, don’t worry about that.” Madison replied as he opened the rear hatch of the jeep and grabbed out the wagon.
“H.here. Let me pull it. You two have rifles and I only have a pistol, so it’s better for me to.” Maggie said as she stepped forward and took the wagons handle.
“Sure, that will help. Thanks!” Madison replied with a smile.
With coins in pocket, list in hand, and wagon in tow, the three set out towards the farmers market and grocery side of the market.
Hondo watched them for a moment before nodding at the jeep, “Zoey, Macey, Miniya, you three in the back seat. Mae, June, in front with me.”
June was already sitting on the edge of the driver seat so she slid over as Mae slowly stood up and walked around the other side looking nervously around as she walked around the jeep. Once in she sat quietly staring at the floor. The other three climbed in the back, Zoey sitting in the middle, allowing Miniya and Macey to sit by the doors. Once everyone was in Hondo glanced at the two girls beside him, both staring quietly at the floor as they sat there. He shook his head and fired the engine up before putting it into gear and heading around the back side of the market.
Once to the back-parking area, which had more people and vehicles than the front side had, but since it was early on a week day it was not packed like it had been before. As Hondo thought about it he was not exactly sure what the date or day of the week was, but it seemed like a week day at least.
Once parked, he and the girls all got out and headed towards the market, with Zoey on his left, holding his hand proudly as she walked with him, Macey on his left, occasionally leaning against him as they walked, Miniya close beside Macey with her hands in her pockets and head slightly down as she looked at everyone warily from under the brim of her EMT cap, and Mae and June walking right behind Hondo, their heads down in quiet contemplation.
They headed first to the electronics shop for radio’s and a couple barrels. The proprietor recognized him and asked if his friend who fixed everything was around, to which Hondo replied that he was not. After some talking Hondo managed to get another 4 working radios, 4 spare extended working batteries with usb charge ports on them, something that had been developed after he had been pulled form his timeline, a couple 12 volt car chargers, three plastic barrels, two for Fernando and one for the tool trailer, and a box of broken radios and dead batteries that the owner had gotten in from trades since they were there last. Once their business was concluded he gave the girls each a small peppermint stick, to which the younger two were extremely excited, Miniya was enthralled as she had never tasted it before and Mae and June tried to force a smile and gave a quiet ‘thank you’, though neither did good at hiding that they were distraught. The old owner asked what had them so down, and Hondo replied that they had recently lost a close friend and were struggling with it, leaving it at that. The old man wished them the best and tried to give them some words of encouragement but they just nodded, as they felt too horrible and scared to find comfort in anything.
Once they were done there and Mae, June, and Macey carried the radios, while Hondo carried two barrels and Miniya and Zoey managed the other one, though not heavy, it was a bit awkward for them to carry. Hondo threw the barrels on the roof rack and strapped them down with Miniya’s help, while the other girls placed the radios in the trunk.
Once done they headed to a large metal Quonset hut building which had a sign hanging from the front that read ‘Tools, Hardware, and Supplies inside’. There Hondo dickered over some tool sets for the jeeps, mostly basic hand tools, a batter drill, impact, saws-all,and grinder with spare batteries and a 12v charger, a creeper pad, and a aluminum jack for the one and a more extensive set of tools, two jacks, jack stands, battery and pneumatic tools, air fittings, oil, grease, and antifreeze. Along with that he picked up other sundries like drill bits, blades, grinding and cutting wheels, brazing and welding rods, for his torch and the welder he got from the guy they bought the gliders from, and some wire and shielding gas for his MIG welder. He looked at spare batteries and cables for the vehicles, but the selection was small and the prices were high. After talking to the vendor, he told Hondo that tech town was a cheaper place to get them, as it was where he was headed soon to restock, and unless they were needed immediately, even he suggested that Hondo wait to buy, since his own stock was almost gone. Hondo thanked him for his honesty, bought a couple jump-start packs, one large with 12/24 volt option and the other with a big 12 volt battery and built in air compressor, as well as a 6/12/24 volt battery charger on wheels, and gave him a tip for the honesty. It took a few trips to haul the tools to the jeep, and with everything they bought, the back of the jeep was full as well as the rear floor and the middle seat.
Once the tools were loaded Hondo called Madison on the radio.
“Teen guard leaders, you have your radio’s on?” Hondo called out.
“Madison here.” The radio chipped back.
“Try to refrain from using names on the radio. We will talk ‘bout that later, though. How is shoppin’ goin’ on your end?” Hondo asked.
“Sorry about that! Uh, we are maybe half done. Everything is going well, but takes time as the wagon fills up fast.” Madison replied.
“You alright on coin?” Hondo asked.
“We should be good.” Madison replied.
“Alright, then stop and get yourselves a snack on me. I’m going to get those with me something, then we will finish up. I have almost everythin’ on my list, except a couple items.. Try to meet up back at your ride in one hour, alright?” Hondo said.
“Will do! See you then.” Madison answered.
Hondo put his radio away and looked at the girls, Miniya was glancing around watching everyone suspiciously still, though she had relaxed some, Zoey and Macey were still at his side, but heard the word snack so were now looking at him expectantly, and he had to turn around to see Mae and June, who were still hiding behind him. He shook his head at them, then looked around in the distance for a place to stop. He saw a fried pie vendor, who sold fresh hand pies, milk, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate and had a small bar you could sit at to eat as well, and no one was there at the moment, so it looked like the best option at hand.
“Pie sound good to you ladies?” He asked.
“I love pie!” Zoey exclaimed.
Macey nodded, “Pie is good.”
Miniya looked at him curiously, “I’ve heard of it but never had any.”
He looked down at the other two who barely seemed to hear him.
“Mae, June, pie sound good?” He asked.
June just shrugged.
“I guess so.” Mae replied quietly.
He just shook his head again, “You two are a lot of fun… Well, come on an’ grab a seat before someone else shows up.”
He led them over to the vendor’s booth and they sat down, Zoey, Macey, and Miniya on one side, and the other two on the other side of him. As he looked at the menu a half-canine wessen looking woman, approximately in her 30’s walked up to the counter. She had long brown hair, soft brown eyes, and a warm smile. Her ample bosoms nearly spilled out from the low-cut dress and apron she had on, but it seemed as if it was not to show herself off to the customers, but more so because standing over the stove was hot, as perspiration was visible on her forehead and chest.
“Welcome to Mr. Fry and Missy’s pies and more! I’m Missy and that is Mr. Fry.” She said in a cheerful tone, as she pointed at an older man with white hair, who looked to be in his 60’s, though fairly fit for his age. “What can I get for you all, today?”
“Ladies?” He asked as he looked between them all.
Miniya squinted at the menu and tried to sound out the words quietly to herself, though she was obviously struggling.
“You have something with chocolate?” Zoey asked.
“We have a chocolate pudding pie,” She replied.
“I’ll have one of those!” Zoey exclaimed happily.
“One Chocolate, and for you, miss?” She asked Macey.
“Uhm, hmm… does that say p.peanut butter?” Macey asked, her head cocked a bit as she used her limited reading ability to try to understand a few of the names.
“It says peanut butter cup. It’s a mix of peanut butter and chocolate pudding.” The woman replied.
Macey nodded, “That sounds good.”
“And one peanut butter cup… And for you miss?” she asked Miniya.
“Uhm… I’m uh, I’m not sure.” Miniya said hesitantly.
“Can you read them alright?” Hondo asked.
Miniya blushed and looked down in embarrassment, “I, uh… I know my letters and some sounds but.. but I can’t really read.”
“That’s alright Sweetie. I couldn’t either for a long time until Mr. Fry taught me. What do you like? Sweeter pudding or cream flavors, or maybe fruit?” Missy asked.
“Honestly, I’m not sure of that either… I.. I’ve never had one before. Was a slave until I was saved recently by his friend and made one of his medical team, though I don’t know a lot yet. Was just a distraction girl, so all I know how to do is show people my body, try to keep them occupied, and spread my legs… Guess I’m pretty useless right now, but I’m trying to learn.” She said quietly, with a hint of shame to her voice.
Hondo looked at her curiously. He knew they came to an understanding, and he knew she felt vulnerable coming to town, but for some reason she let her guard down. He almost felt it was because of their understand, that she felt safe with him somehow and able to let her guard down to others when with him. Why, he did not know. He knew what she said about being Fernando’s and that she owed him and would stay with him, but he still appreciated her being real around him and it made him want to help her more.
“She’s smart an’ doin’ well despite her past. Some don’t have a choice in how they start life, so just glad we can help her now be someone she can be proud to be.” He said, to which she looked up and smiled softly at his complimenting her, though she did not feel she deserved it.
“Oh Sweetie, that’s nothing to be ashamed about! I was a slave for a long time to a real rotten man who used to abuse me and only let me eat table scraps. I just cleaned, cooked, and tended the garden for him, and occasionally had to spread my legs for him too, usually out in the barn or in the orchard behind the house when his wife wasn’t around. One day he brought me to town to haul his groceries for him and I tripped and dropped a couple bags, so he took off his belt, tore my dress off, and started beating me in front of everyone! This was before those men came and put an end to slavery in our town, so he could pretty much do whatever he wanted to me. I thought I was going to die right in the street, not far from where we are now… Then he stopped beating me and cussed, so I looked up and Mr. Fry had grabbed his arm and stopped him from beating me. My master screamed at Mr. Fry and told him he had no right to interfere. The law even stepped in and threatened to fine Mr. Fry for interfering with a man and his property, but Mr. Fry wouldn’t back down as he said I should be treated better. He said that only a coward would beat such a helpless creature like me, and challenged my master to fight for my ownership. My master chose swords and a fight to the death, as he fancied himself a swordsman, but he did not know that Mr. Fry’s father had taught swordsmanship before the happening and that Mr. Fry had worked as a privateer on the Mississippi inland sea after the happening for a while, back when the world was completely wild. Mr. Fry won quickly and I was awarded to him. He took me in and taught me to read, write, do numbers, and cook pies. He also treated me real kind, more like a mate than a slave. When the treaty was signed he offered to give me some money and let me do what I wanted, but I fell in love with him a long time before and pledged myself to be his servant. He wouldn’t take that though, but he offered to marry me and make me his business partner. We got married not even 48 hours after the treaty was signed, during the big party, and probably the first mixed couple married under the treaty! I would never have imagined being so happy back under my old master, especially not when he’d strip me bare, try to breed me, then leave me without my clothes in the orchard to have to shamefully walk back and face my mistress to ask for more, having to lie that I was washing in the river and they were stolen, or I was raped by bandits and barely escaped... I.. I thought of ending my life several times back then. I felt so hopeless, so empty, so stupid, but Mr. Fry changed all that for me!” Missy said, seeming happy to tell her story.
Miniya gave her a smile in return and nodded, “That’s a good story. I hope mine turns out just as good.”
Missy patted her hand and gave her a smile, “I’m sure it will.”
The old man wiped off his hands and came up beside her.
“You aren’t boring the customers with that story again, are you?” He said trying to sound all gruff, but the twinkle in his eyes gave it away that he was proud of her and of what he did for her.
“I’m not boring them, just inspiring someone who had a rough go of it like I did and needs some encouragement that things will get better!” She replied as she placed a hand lovingly on his arm.
“It wasn’t that big of a deal. I just saw you were good, strong, and smart, and I could make better use of you than that slimy bastard. That’s all there was to it.” He replied, trying to hid a wry smile from her and failing to do so.
She shook her head at him, “He tries to down play it, but what he did meant the world to me and more. I couldn’t think of a better life.”
“Frying pies and making coffee is paradise? I’d hate to see hell then! … Speaking of pies did you get their orders yet?” He asked.
“A chocolate and a peanut butter cup so far.” Missy replied pointing to Zoey and Macey as she said the pies, before then pointing at Miniya. “This one never had a pie before so she is unsure.”
“Never had one, eh? Then I’d suggest something simple, like an apple, raspberry, or blackberry.” Mr. Fry said.
“Apple sounds good.” Miniya replied with a smile.
“What about these two young ladies here?” He asked pointing at Mae and June.
“A cherry pie, please.” Mae said quietly.
“Same for me.” June said, equally as quiet.
Mr. Fry nodded, “That’s a customer favorite, and for you sir?”
“I see rhubarb raisin on there, an’ not had one in ages, so I think I’ll do that.” Hondo replied.
“Oh! Now that’s one we don’t get asked for often. I’ll get started on them. Missy, see if they want any drinks.” Mr. Fry replied as he wiped his hands again on his apron and turned back to the stove and prep counter to start filling hand-pie crusts and placing them in hot oil to fry.
“You need anything to drink?” Missy asked.
“I’ll take a black coffee, an’ these two will probably do hot chocolate.” Hondo said pointing at Zoey and Macey.
“What’s that?” Zoey asked.
“It’s hot, creamy an’ chocolate flavored. I think you two will like it.” Hondo replied.
Macey cocked her head at him, “They make such a thing?”
Hondo and Missy both chuckled.
“That they do, sweetie.” Missy replied. “And for the rest?”
Mae and June looked up and then at Hondo.
“Uhm, maybe we could try that hot chocolate drink too?” Mae asked quietly, to which June nodded at.
Hondo nodded, “Of course! ... Miniya? What you thinkin’?”
Miniya shrugged, “I really don’t know. Maybe some milk or something?”
“You mind if I make a suggestion?” Missy asked her.
Miniya shook her head, “Not at all.”
“We have some mulled cider. It tastes like apples and spices with a hint of caramel, and goes really good with apple pie.” Missy replied.
Miniya nodded, “That sounds good… yeah, I’ll try that.”
Missy smiled and nodded, “Alright, four hot chocolates, a mulled cider, and a black coffee! I’ll have them ready in a jiff!”
As Missy went to work, Miniya went between watching people and watching Missy work while the two younger girls whispered and giggled about something and the other two sat quietly whispering to each other. Hondo tried to listen but only caught part of it.
“You can’t!” June whispered.
Mae sighed “I have too. I’m was responsible for *incoherent*”
“But I thought you wanted to be with Fernando?” June asked.
“I do, but *incherent* … You understand, right?” Mae replied.
June shook her head, “Not really. I mean, all that for them? Scarlett is nice but Bella? Mr. Fernando will like her more than us, I just know it.”
“I have to try… I’m not sure I can go back to him feeling so guilty. And if Kiah finds out that something happened to Billie, Mary-Jean, or Luna and we did nothing… she might never talk to us again.” Mae said.
“I miss Luna.” June said with a sigh.
Mae sighed again, “*sigh* … She was sweet… You understand why I *incoherent*”
June shrugged, “I guess but… I don’t know.”
Mae cocked her head a bit, “You don’t feel guilty about *incoherent*”
“A little but… but.. I’m too scared to think about it… I can’t be taken… I can’t go back.” June said, her voice breaking as she tried not to cry.
Though he missed some of their talk due to the noise around them and their hushed voices, Hondo heard enough and decided to interrupt.
“Sounds like you ladies are troubled.” He said turning to them.
Mae’s face turned red, “You heard what we said?!?”
“Only a little, not everything.” He replied.
She looked down, “What did you hear?”
“Seems like June here is terrified of bein’ taken an’ you’re feelin’ guilty an’ want to do somethin’, though I don’t know what.” He said, leaving off the bits he heard about them and Fernando and their worries there, though he knew he was missing something.
Mae nodded, “Yeah, we both are terrified, but I have to do something… can, can we talk alone?”
Hondo frowned and looked around, “You’ll hafta wait until we are done here, as I’m not leavin’ Miniya an’ my girls alone. It’s not safe enough for that.”
Mae looked past him and saw that Zoey and Macey were not paying them any mind, and though Miniya glanced their way occasionally, she was the furthest away and seemed to focus on nothing for long.
Mae sighed and looked at June who shook her head.
“This is on me, you don’t have to be a part of it.” Mae told her softly.
June looked down and sniffled a bit, “I’m sorry…. “
Mae swallowed hard then looked up at Hondo, “I’ll give myself to you if you try to save those girls.”
Hondo raised his eyebrow at her, “First off, who says I want you?”
Mae gave him a confused look, “I.. I guess I just thought… you know that, well… You don’t think I’m cute or anything?”
Hondo shrugged, “I guess you both are, but can’t say I’ve thought ‘bout it much. Even thinkin’ ‘bout it, it’s not that it wouldn’t be fun but I have a woman I love an’ others I’m dealin’ with an’ don’t see your offer as anythin’ worth takin’.”
Mae looked at him then at June then down at the counter, “Oh… I … I … well, uhm..”
She stammered for a bit, finding herself at a loss for words. Ever since she saw that list and heard the rabbit wessen sister had just been taken she had thought about what to do. While she had seen some of what Fernando could do and only heard about Hondo, the fact that he made them appear in camp that day then appear here in a bright flash of light made her think he was at least close to Fernando’s abilities, so popping in and rescuing a few other girls should be easy enough for him. That had come to her before they even left Clyborn’s, but the hard part was how to get him to do this for her. She had thought of ways to pay him, but she had nothing but herself. She wanted to give herself to Fernando, though he had seemed to baulk at her subtle hits and delayed her completing that desire, but after much troubled thoughts, she decided that selling herself to Hondo for the chance at saving some of the others was the right thing to do. Besides, she told herself if she did not try to save others like Fernando had, she would not have been worthy of him anyway, and if she gave herself to Hondo and somehow told Fernando before he bedded her, maybe Fernando would buy her debt from Hondo somehow. Though it had many holes in the logic, in her young, broken, inexperienced brain it somehow worked; that was until Hondo shot her down cold over her only means of payment.
She sighed and stared at the counter for a moment before looking back up at him, trying not to cry, though her eyes had moistened from tears, from a mix of feeling guilty, lost, afraid, and rejected all at the same time.
“P.please, I have nothing else to offer!” She said in a broken voice.
Hondo shook his head at her, “Why most women think their pussies are somehow worth gold to every man is beyond me! … Listen, despite what you think, or what you’ve heard, or even of mistakes I’ve made, I trade nothin’ for sex. The women I have in my life are there because I chose them to be, or they gave of themselves to me when I was in need without askin’ for anythin’ back other than care an’ respect.”
“But, you asked us to go with you, so I thought …” Mae started to say but he cut her off.
“What? You thought I wanted you to go to town with me an’ the others to get into your panties?” HE asked disgustedly.
“I mean… Why did you ask us then?” She asked.
He frowned, “Well, I thought you could help maybe, I figured you might want a chance to get out, I try tog et to know everyone I’m helpin’ protect an’ not had much a chance to with you two yet, an’ I wanted to ask you a couple questions ‘bout April!”
“Wait, April?” Mae asked, cocking her head at him.
He nodded, “Yeah. I owe her an’ Kiah a favor for stoppin’ Val from killin’ herself last night an’ April asked to be my apprentice an’ assistant. Kiah swears she’s smart an’ good with electronics an’ mechanical things, has a knack for makin’ stuff work though she doesn’t even know what the pieces are call nor the science behind it. If that’s true I might give her a shot. If its not, well… let’s say she just isn’t built for a lot of what I do an’ I have others that are willin’ an’ more suited physically, though I have to start from the ground up with teachin’ them.”
Mae stared at him blankly as her mind had gone a different direction with why he asked them along, then switch direction when he said April and she immediately drew the wrong conclusions again to only have him force her to switch gears, mentally again. At this point she was not sure if she was stuck in two gears or if she was over-revving in neutral as her brain seemed to refuse to work at the moment and she no longer knew what to think about the large cowboy in front of her. She knew she had been wrong, but that alone was hard enough to swallow without dealing with everything else. Her thoughts raced as she tried to think of something to say, but thankfully June bought her some time.
“April is smart and sweet, but she’s also hard on herself… I know she is small like I am, but she tries awfully hard and really wants to learn more.” June said softly, glancing at him shyly before looking away as making eye contact was hard for her.
Hondo nodded, “Thanks. I appreciate you tellin’ me your thoughts on her.”
June just blushed and looked away, not being used to being complemented like that.
Mae finally pulled herself out of it and got her brain into gear, though it was a low gear.
“Uhm, yeah… what she said… I mean, April is cute and sweet, and definitely the smartest of us. I’ve never met another girl that seemed to understand how things work like she does, Gadgets and stuff, I mean. She never had words to describe stuff and that always bothers her. She talks and sometimes forgets words, so she often doesn’t say a lot because she gets embarrassed. She knows how to read some but struggles, especially with reading out loud and her handwriting is really bad. She can’t remember her little ‘b’s from her little ‘d’s and she never remembers her right from her left, but give her something electronic or even mechanical and she can figure it out, usually.” Mae replied, hesitantly at first, though she started to talk faster as her brain caught up.
“Does she have problems pronouncin’ words sometimes or even jumbles words, or maybe issues with the numbers six an’ nine? Maybe stutters a bit when tired or sick?” He asked.
Mae’s eyes widened a bit in surprise, “How did you know?!”
“I just do. Sounds like dyslexia to me.” He replied
“Dyslexia?” Mae asked.
“Some call it a learnin’ disability. In reality it just means a person’s brain doesn’t work like others. They learn things differently, some things more slowly, an’ some things like words an’ direction could plague them forever.” He replied.
“Well, maybe she has this, but she’s still smart and worth your time!” Mae said defensively.
He grinned a bit at her reply, “I like that… Well, I still have to think on it an’ talk to her again, but that did help. Thanks.”
Mae gave him a bit of a confused look again, as she did not expect his reply, in fact he was not really what she expected at all.
“Now, ‘bout those girls…” He said, pulling her from her thoughts.
“Uhm.. Oh! Yes! I mean, would you try to save them and what do I owe you for trying?” She asked.
He frowned at her, “First off you aren’t understandin’ that you owe me nothin’ for tryin’ to save someone. Second, I’m not sure that is so easy an’ I have a lot I have to do today still before we leave.”
“But, what about them and their lives! Aren’t they more important?? Even if we had to stay another day?!” Mae protested.
Hondo gave her a hard look, “Listen, there was a reason Fernando gave you a time limit to get back with others, an’ that is that we can’t save everyone, an’ those who don’t want to be saved aren’t always worth your time, especially when there are others who want to be saved! Now, I’m not sayin’ your friends don’t want to be saved, but in order to help as many as we can, with what we have an’ the time we have available while keepin’ everyone we saved so far safe, is findin’ those who want to be saved, take us seriously, an’ give us a measure of trust right off the bat, though h we’ve not had the time to build a relationship of trust with them. You trusted him an’ took his time frame seriously. Your friends did not. Now, I know you are worried ‘bout them, but I’m responsible for you all so I can’t take you all with me an’ leavin’ you hear is not the best idea, Fight Town is a mess so goin’ in alone is extremely dangerous an’ time consumin’, an’ not knowin’ where to look for them would mean a lot of time we don’t have.”
“Can’t you try?” Mae begged.
Hondo turned to look at June, “You’ve not said a lot about it. You want me to try to find your friends?”
June frowned and stared at the counter, “I.. I don’t know.”
“They aren’t your friends?” He asked.
June shrugged, “I guess so but… If Bella comes Mr. Fernando will like her more than us.”
Hondo frowned, “That’s pretty selfish of you, isn’t it?”
June looked up at him with tear filled eyes and nodded, “I know, and I know I’m a bad girl for thinking like that but…”
She looked back down and laid her head in her arms. She felt guilty for feeling that way, but she felt so useless, incapable, and unwanted. She knew she did not deserve to be with someone like Fernando, though she wanted to be, but she felt that he was the only one that could keep her from going back to her former life, a life she would rather die than go back to. Though she wanted the others to be safe, Bella had been everyone’s favorite, as she had been so sweet, kind, easy going, and though rarely dressed, she had an innocence about it all, despite how she was used and abused. June’s one fear was if Bella came that she would be lost in the shuffle. A small, uninteresting, unlearned girl left to be ran over and eventually thrown back to the wolves. Though she felt so guilty, the thought of it all terrified her more than she had ever been terrified before. To see paradise and then to be thrown back into the fire was something she was sure she could not survive.
Hondo shook his head at her and turned back to Mae, “Listen, we have to grab a few more things I need, and some that Jefe an’ I talked ‘bout. After I’ll talk with Jerry an’ see if he can point me to someone who might know where they took your friends. If I find out maybe I’ll see what I can do, otherwise there’s not much I can do but talk to Jefe an’ see if we can maybe go together, though he might saw no too, since we have so little to go on.”
“Who’s Jefe?” Mae asked, cocking her head at him a bit.
“Fernando. It’s what I call him.” Hondo replied.
“Oh… okay.. Well, just try, please.” Mae said softly.
Hondo nodded, “I’ll do what I can without riskin’ anyone.”
About then their drinks were placed in front of them and the pies soon followed. The younger two girls were enthralled with the hot chocolate and they nearly squealed with delight when they tried their pies. Miniya closed her eyes and moaned softly at trying hers, swearing she never had tasted anything so good in her life. Mae and June played with theirs for a bit before actually trying them or their drinks, but when they finally did, even their mood was lightened a bit and they thanked Hondo for them, saying that they not only tasted great, but made them feel a little better somehow.
Once done eating, Hondo Thanked Missy and Mr. Fry for the food and service and bid them good bye. As they started to Walk off, Missy grabbed Miniya’s hand to stop her, gave her a warm smile and a few parting words of encouragement, before letting her go, to which Miniya thank her before trotting off to catch up with the others. As she trotted up beside them Hondo did not miss her sigh of contentment nor that she was smiling softly now. He knew it could not just be the pie, as that was the look of hope that she wore, making him wonder if pie was not the best thing that they had got from that booth. As they walked he heard Miniya hum to herself a tune, one he did not recognize, but he could say that it was the first time since she arrived that he ever saw her actually happy.
They walked on, stopping at a few booths, gathering a few things Hondo and Fernando needed, a couple medical kits and some extra supplies to beef them up to go in the mechanic’s jeeps, and some sundries Hondo wanted, like more beer, a couple cases of whiskey, a greenish looking bottle of liquid that he stated Fernando would like, a couple boxes of matches, some cigarillos, and some sealed tobacco and large rolling papers for if he ran out. After he had finished and they made their last trip back to the jeep Hondo looked at the money he had on him and frowned. He had more in the camper and some in the bronco, but he wanted to make another withdrawal before moving on, if possible, which made him wonder if going to fight town was really what he was supposed to do, though he really did not want the headache. With everything loaded, some in the girls laps at this point, He climbed in, started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, heading back to Jerry’s shop.
At Jerry’s shop everyone carefully got out and Hondo surveyed the area. The other jeep was there and had much of the list of stuff in the back, minus the snuggies, so he figured they had gone back after them and should be back shortly. He then headed to the shop’s office, with the girls following close to him. At the office they found a woman who was there doing jerry’s book keeping for him, who told them that Jerry had gone to the market for something and would be back in a bit. Hondo nodded and told her that they would wait outside for him, and they headed back to the jeeps. As they headed back out Patricia, Maggie, and Madison came into sight, with Patricia waving at them when she saw them.
“Get everythin’?” Hondo asked as they approached.
“Almost everything. Had to substitute a couple items, but both Patty and Maggie seemed to think they would work.” Madison said.
Hondo nodded, “I’m sure its fine.”
He then turned to Maggie, “How did it go?”
She shrugged, “I.. I didn’t freak out.”
“She was a help and we had a rather nasty man, who looked part wessen, question us about the wanted girls and she kept her cool while we dealt with him.” Patricia said.
“Bounty hunter?” Hondo asked
Madison nodded, “Yeah, rather sleezy looking one too. He was not taking, ‘we don’t know them’ as an answer. I guess he saw us here earlier and saw those two,” He pointed at Mae and June, “And assumed they were them and we knew something.”
Hondo frowned, “We’ll sorry you had to lie, but thanks.”
Madison shrugged, “Who lied? We don’t really know them. All we know is that you guys saved a few girls and brought them into camp. Doesn’t mean we know them.”
Hondo chuckled and shook his head, “Heh! The technicalities… Well, I appreciate it just the same. Probably a good thing we are movin’ on soon. That shit will hit Flight Town before long, so the further we distance ourselves from the area the better…. So, you need to go back for anythin’ else?”
Patricia shook her head, “Nope. You?”
“Well, Molly needs some more clothes, but rather have her with me, so will hafta do that shoppin’ at the next town, I reckon. Thought ‘bout getting’ some soda-pop for a treat for the girls.” He said.
“Anything else we need?” Madison asked.
Hondo shook his head, “Not really. Need to talk to Jerry ‘bout somethin’ before the trailer is done, an’ we have better than an hour on that still, I reckon, an’ Jerry’s at the market getting’ somethin’, we were told.”
“Well, if you want to get those soda’s we can watch everything here. I saw some the next street over. You can cut through that alley by the church there and you’ll come out right in front of it.” Madison told him.
Hondo nodded, “Maybe I will, but want you all to stay close, an’ if anyone comes ‘round, take the girls into the office an’ tell the gal there that Jerry said they could stay in there for safety.”
Mae and June Both grabbed onto him.
“Please don’t leave us!” Mae exclaimed
“Please no!” June said at almost the same time.
“I won’t be far an’ they will protect ya both.” Hondo said as he tried to gently pull away from them.
“No, please, at least take us with you! We.. we’re scared of them taking us!” Mae pleaded.
“Please! I’m so scared!” June begged but more timidly.
Hondo sighed, “Damn, alright, but it’s probably safer here, you know.”
“It’s safer wherever you are!” Mae replied, to which June nodded in agreement.
He sighed again and nodded, “A’right, but stay close an’ do exactly what I say, when I say it without question! Understand?!”
They both nodded in agreement.
“Fine… Madison, Maggie, Patty, you three keep an eye on things. Zoey, Macey, you stay with Maggie an’ listen to her.” He said to the others.
(To Be Continued ... (Didn't all fit on this post))
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After Chaos (Read 151066 times)
