CHAPTER 14 - "Where Would You Go If..."
George embarks on a plan to let the people of Twin Pines know that if something bad happens, their children could be safe at his ranch.
Mark Bethea
Mark BetheaYA Fiction, YA Literature, apocalypse, Idaho, Northern California, Sheriff, Deputy, DUIComment
CHAPTER 2 - Welcome to Twin Pines
When Stanley did finally leave, he got into his car and drove straight through to Northern California. He didn’t even stop at his apartment to gather his belongings.
CHAPTER 9 - "Could It Be Any Easier?"
The entire project had been coming together for George so easily that he ceased being surprised at his good fortune. From finding Ernie to buying the cement depo to investing in the company that made their wind turbines, everything had seemed like it was destined to be.
CHAPTER 11 - "We Were Never Friends, Dude"
As his life pumped out of his body through his multiple wounds, Get-It Petit was grateful to have enough energy to ask a single question of Grant, as he stood over him. “Why? I thought we were friends…”
And, as the last 30 seconds of his life ticked by, he smiled at Grant’s response. “We were never friends, dude. It was always just business.”
CHAPTER 13 - Finishing Touches
George and The Chief stood on the promontory and surveyed the ranch. It had taken the better part of 15 years, but it was finally complete. George counted the 20 individual bunkers, and he mentally traced the paths of the underground tunnels. Then he looked at the various structures, all constructed with reinforced concrete slabs covered with false facades that mimicked typical farm housing, sheds, storage and utility buildings. He felt a tremendous sense of pride and the satisfaction that comes from a long, hard-fought journey that has come to a successful end. He looked at Ernie and smiled, extending his hand.
“I think we’re done, Ernie.”
CHAPTER 15 - Countdown
Things were pretty much the same for most of Jake’s first year at college. Izzy made the rounds, cared for her horses and continued to amaze both George and Ernie. George obsessively amassed supplies and provisions at auctions, closeout sales and through his contacts. And Ernie oversaw the operations at the ranch. George counted the days, reviewed his research and waited. They all waited. Meanwhile, outside the walls of the ranch, life went on.