DISASTER: Too Late to Prep

  DISASTER

  By

  Terry McDonald

  Copyright

  By Terry McDonald

  DECEMBER 2016

  All rights reserved

  DISASTER

  Preparing for disaster is a smart decision. Prepping for a normal, short-term situation, power outage, or natural disaster is a no-brainer. A few days of supplies or simply going to a place where conditions are better will suffice.

  This story goes where preppers dread the most, a complete breakdown of society. Prepping for total chaos is almost impossible. The Henderson’s see what’s coming and scramble to get ready. Complete Disaster is steamrolling towards them.

  I hope you enjoy this story and take the time to leave a review.

  DISASTER

  CHAPTER ONE

  TOO LATE TO PREP

  January 2017. Vicinity, Atlanta, Georgia

  A middle-class suburb north of the city.

  Peeping through a window into a dining room

  The Henderson’s, before the disaster

  A family of four is at the table for their evening meal.

  Max, the father is thirty-eight years old, slightly plump in the middle and has a full head of conservatively cut, brown hair.

  He’s speaking past a mouthful of meatloaf to his wife, Dorrie.

  Dorrie is slim, a bit shorter, and younger than Max. She wears her medium length brown hair brushed back with bangs.

  She’s paying attention to Max, as is his daughter Kelly.

  Kelly is sixteen, rather plain with limp brown hair. She’s into nature and astronomy. Her classmates and friends think of her as a nerdy girl.

  Bobby is twelve and he could care less what the father is saying. He’s too involved pushing the buttons on his hand-held device.

  It’s time for us to leave our corporal state. We become impotent observers of the unavoidable disaster that is coming their way.

  A BAD EVENING FOR THE HENDERSONS’

  “I understand, but it just seems like you’re overreacting.”

  “Max, you know me better. I’ll show you the spreadsheet later, I’m not overreacting, but I am freaking out. The price freezes the President ordered because of the food riots aren’t holding. For the last nine months, our food budget has been creeping up a few percentage points.

  “The last three have been devastating. Three percent average increase each month. Even with the coupons, I’ve collected, this week our food bill will be five percent higher than last month. Believe me, there’s no stone I didn’t turn to keep costs down.”

  “That is a jump, but Christ, Dorrie. Five thousand dollars?”

  “We have to buy in bulk. We’ll spend the money anyway. Eating is a continuous function, you know. We save by spending now.”

  “Mom's right,” Kelly, their daughter said. “Things are getting worse. Since the last election, unemployment’s starting to get bigger. Higher gas prices, higher food prices. Even lunch at school is going up fifty cents next month.

  The West is still in severe drought. The drought broke in the Midwestern states. Now the farmers are saying the flooding from unusual amounts of rainfall is just as devastating to their crops and fields. The price of corn and soy will skyrocket and that means the price of everything else will too.”

  Max swallowed another mouthful of meatloaf and shook his head negatively. “I know prices are climbing, I paid five bucks sixty-seven at the pump this morning. That’s up six-cents from last week, but dipping into our savings is something we need to think about.

  “Dorrie, I’m worried. Commercial construction is bottoming out. Headley Corp hasn’t won a contract in over six months. The three projects underway are almost finished. James Butler, the company CEO and head of design, was pessimistic as hell at our Friday meeting. The developer’s finance fell through on the strip mall. We have only one potential job in the works, and it’s a small remodel on a church.

  “If the company doesn’t land something major in the near future, one of these Fridays’ Butler will hand me a pink slip. Rebecca in accounting told Larry, the guy I’m car-pooling with that the company is close to bankruptcy. I think we should hold off spending a large amount for now.”

  “We’ll talk about it.” Dorrie stood and gathered her empty plate and utensils and put them in the sink. “Bobby. Put the game to sleep and eat. You have homework, and you need to hit math extra hard. There’s no excuse for a C on a midterm. If it’s still there on the final, you’ll be back on restriction.”

  “Yeah, and it’s your turn to load the dishwasher, and you still haven’t taken out the trash. It stinks.” Kelly added.

  “It’s not my turn to do the dishes, smarty.”

  “If it’s Thursday it’s your day. Oh, my bad, it is Thursday.”

  Dorrie returned to her chair and reopened the issue of food. “Three months ago, a gallon of milk was five-sixty. This week it topped nine-bucks. Cheap burger is over eight dollars a pound. I’m making biscuits from scratch because bread is through the roof. When you see my spreadsheets for the past six months you’ll see the trend.”

  Max’s phone interrupted his reply. He stood and hurried to the coffee table in the living room to answer it.

  “Hello, this is Max.” There was a long pause. He paced the carpet while he listened and then spoke to end the call. “Yes Sir. I do understand, and I do appreciate your consideration. Thank you.”

  When he returned to the dining room, his face seemed to have aged five years.

  “Well, it’s not going to be some Friday. It’s now. I knew it was coming, but damn, I must have brought negative karma by talking about it. That was CEO Baker. He wanted to save me any embarrassment, but I’m terminated, fired.” Max used his hands and rubbed his tense face muscles. “He told me not to bother coming in tomorrow. He’ll meet me on Saturday so I can collect my personal belongings. They’re giving me two months severance which is generous of them.”

  No one at the table said anything. Even Bobby seemed stunned. Max looked around at his family. He spoke when his eyes met his wife. “We’re screwed.”

  “Yes we are, but we won’t solve this tonight. You and I can brainstorm tomorrow and then have a family meeting on Saturday after you pick up your stuff from Headley.” Dorrie stood. “I’m for the shower. Bobby… get on it, dishes and homework.”

  ***

  The alarm yanked Max into consciousness. Remnants of his troubled dreams caused a moment of confusion. The confusion faded, replaced by the awful truth that he didn’t have a job. That thought reminded him that he needed to call Larry so he wouldn’t waste time and gas coming to pick him up. He rolled over and kissed Dorrie’s cheek and then swung his legs off the bed and reached for his phone on the bedside table.

  “Good morning, Larry. Look, Something’s come up and I—. Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I thought with you being a supervisor, your job would be secured. I think we’re in the same—”

  Max saw he’d awakened Dorrie. “Larry hung up on me. The CEO called him last night. The company fired him too. From what he’s told me on our rides back and forth to work, he’s in terrible financial shape.”

  “So are we, but we have options.” Dorrie opened a drawer and removed fresh underwear and bra. “Wanna help your old lady with breakfast.”

  Max gave her a hug. “You’re not an old lady. We’ll get through this.”

  The usual good-natured banter was missing from the breakfast table that first morning after the loss of Max’s job. The kids were quiet, but more helpful than usual in getting breakfast. Bobby, whom Max considered somewhat slothful, was fully dressed and on time for a change.

  While at the table, eating biscuits and gravy, Max noticed that Kelly w
as thoughtful and subdued.

  “You don’t need to be the one worrying. Your mom and I will handle things.”

  Kelly drew a breath and let it out. “Dad, I love you to death, but you don’t have a clue. I am worried. I hope mom straightens you out. For your information, I was thinking about the school dance next month. I think Jarred Fleming is going to ask me to be his date, but I’m going to say no. We can’t afford to spend the money. I don’t like him that much anyway.”

  “I’m sure—”

  Dorrie interceded. “No, Max. She’s right. Kelly is willing to make a sacrifice for the family. Before this is over, we’ll all be making painful adjustments. Thank you Kelly for your strength and loyalty.”

  Max took a hint from the light shoe tap Dorrie gave his shin. He complimented and thanked Kelly too.

  “But, please believe me, I do have a clue.”

  “I hope so Dad. Pay attention to Mom and we’ll probably survive.” Admonishing Bobby to hurry, Kelly placed her used dish in the sink and gathered her backpack from the couch.

  “Come on Bobby. Get the lead out.”

  Max went to the kitchen and refilled his coffee cup, taking Dorrie’s with him. He added sugar to her’s and set it beside her as he resumed his seat.

  “I’m getting pissed at your and Kelly’s attitude. You act as though I’m incapable of coping.”

  Dorrie reached across the narrow table for his hand. “Be thankful she’s accepting this overturn in her life. Our little girl is growing up. Darling, you’ve provided for our family, but the truth is you’ve never been much for news, not on any outlet. Heck, all you read in the weekend delivery is the sports section.”

  She saw his glum expression. “It’s okay. You were content to work hard and keep this family firmly grounded. In normal times that would lead to success... Not saying you haven’t been successful so far,” she added in response to his even dourer look, “We’re better off than most of the population. We’re debt free, and we have savings.”

  “That is true, isn’t it? Max smiled for the first time that morning. “We have some padding, and there’s unemployment while I look for another job. I’m sure to find an employment agency that can locate a position fairly quick.”

  “Max, I’m going to speak for a minute. Please don’t interrupt me until I finish. As I said, you aren’t an information person. Kelly and I are news junkies. Besides that, we spend a lot of time on the web researching what we hear or read. The world economy is in a downward spiral.

  “You mentioned unemployment. The state legislature voted out unemployment compensation last year after the federal government did away with matching funds. The unemployment rate is at sixteen percent. It’s bound to reach twenty percent or higher within the next six months.

  “Max, honey, you’re not going to find another job of any kind. I haven’t told you, but I’ve been looking for a job for the past year and I can’t even get a position with a fast food joint. Nepotism and cronyism are in full swing. Whatever job becomes available, it’s filled before the previous employee hits the road.”

  Max thought about her words. “Yeah, with construction closing down, the market has to be swamped with design architects looking for work. You’re saying there’s nothing I can do to support and sustain our family.”

  “No, no, no! You’re not getting out of your responsibilities Mister. If anything, you’re going to have to work harder than you ever did in your life. We all are.”

  “It sounds like you and Kelly have been making plans while I’ve been doing nothing. If I can’t find work in my profession, I’m out of shape, but I’m not above physical labor. I’ll find something.”

  “Again, cool it. Max, you’re not a victim. If anything, you’re a hero. Your steadiness is what’s given us the means to survive as a family. We have money in the bank. Do you have any idea how much of the population is destitute and homeless? Over twenty percent. There’s a tent city not two miles from here. Max, our nation, our world as we know it, is about to collapse. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

  Max said, “I do have an inkling of what you’re saying, not the facts and figures you have, but I hear people at work talking about this stuff. You’re right. I do tend to tune out anything that doesn’t interest me. Looking at it now, keeping up with current events should have been a priority. I’m behind the learning curve, how about letting me in on your plans for our future.”

  “Our plans Max, we’re a family.”

  Max stood and reached for her hand, guiding her to her feet and into his embrace.

  “You got that right kiddo.” He hugged her closer before releasing her. “This is the first time I’ve been home with you on a weekday when I wasn’t out because I was sick. Let’s take a walk through the neighborhood and relax a few minutes. When we come back, you can tell me about our future.”

  ***

  The walk through the neighborhood was not a relaxing experience for Max. If anything, it added to his load of stress. When they returned, they filled glasses with water and carried them into the living room. He settled into his favorite armchair. Dorrie sat on the couch across from him.

  Max asked, “Where’d all our neighbors go? Almost a quarter of the houses are empty.”

  “Most of them were like us, doing okay. The last decade, the Bush and Obama years, wiped out those with over extended mortgages. The families that bought into our neighborhood afterwards could afford their homes, and they did until they lost their jobs. After that, it only took a few months for them to run through their savings and then back came the banks and out they went.” Dorrie stared at Max for a moment and burst out laughing.

  “What?” He asked.

  “I’m picturing you in coveralls with cow shit on your knees and a straw hat covering your sunburned face.” His puzzled expression made her laugh again. “I’m picturing you as a farmer.”

  “A farmer?”

  “Yes, a farmer. You remember the twenty-five acres in North Georgia I inherited when Granny died two years ago. That’s our future. We own this house free and clear. I say we sell it for the best price we can get. We paid a hundred-thirty-five, and I’m hoping we can get sixty-five for a quick sale. But we need to do it soon.”

  “Come on. Take a seventy-thousand loss?”

  “The housing market’s glutted with foreclosed homes. We’ll be lucky to sell at all. That’s why we’ll let it go cheap. Price it at seventy-five and let the agent take ten. We’ll need the money to equip the farm.”

  Max said, “We only made one trip to the farm after she died. The house and barn are pretty old. There’s no telling what condition it’s in after sitting empty for two years.”

  “Max, I’ve got a confession to make. I knew you’d eventually lose your job. The economy is in a tailspin. I didn’t say anything because there was no need to worry you. The truth is Kelly, and I decided it would be best to make plans without your involvement. Not because you couldn’t handle the stress, but because we love you.

  “Last month, when Headley sent you to North Carolina to bid on a loft conversion, I took the kids to the farm. During the two weeks you were gone, we did a lot of cleaning and repairing. I took an inventory too. There’s a surprising amount of equipment in the barn. A tractor with attachments for tilling and plowing and bush hogging. Hoes, shovels, just about everything we’ll need to plant a sizeable garden.

  “There’s city water, but there’s also a well we can use if we need to. A mechanic from Clarksville checked the tractor. He said it’s a John Deere and that it was in decent shape.

  “Granny ate mostly from the farm. The hen house and rabbit hutches are still there, but need cleaning and repairing.”

  Max smiled and said, “You have been busy. I wish Headley had gotten that contract you mentioned. It would have given me at least another few months with the company.”

  “Water under the bridge. But what do you think? Are you willing to be a farmer?

  “Darling, I know nothing about farmi
ng.”

  “I know you don’t, but I also know you can do anything you set your mind to. Max, we don’t have another option. At least this way we have a place to live and food to eat. Maybe somewhere down the line the economy improves, but until then we have to make do.”

  Max chuckled, “I can see why you laughed. I’m picturing you ringing a bell at dinner time, shouting, ‘Come, and get it’.”

  “Believe it or not, there is a bell outside the kitchen door. You’re meeting your boss tomorrow, but we should drive to the farm on Sunday so you can look it over again.”

  Max stood. “Sounds like a plan… Man it sure is quiet without the kids here.”

  “Yes it is.”

  Max went to the couch and offered her his hand. “We sure are alone here.”

  Dorrie took his hand. “Are you thinking naughty thoughts?”

  “Very naughty thoughts.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  The kids were barely home from school when Max received another call from the CEO of the company. Pocketing his phone, he joined family in the dining room.

  “Honey, I got the strangest call from Baker, the guy that called to tell me I was terminated. He seemed very distressed on the phone. I need to go to the office right now. He’s waiting for me there.”

  “That is strange. Maybe they fired him too and he needs a shoulder.”

  “Let’s hope not. I’m not into grown men crying. I’m leaving now. Shouldn’t be gone more than two hours.”

  The office consisted of a one-story brick building attached to a hulking metal-clad structure used to store the company’s heavy equipment and tools. Max pulled into a slot near the front door, next to a black, late model Lincoln. The lights in the reception area were off and the door locked. Wallace Baker, Headley Corp’s CEO, responded to him tapping the glass with his key ring. Max followed Baker past the reception counter to a door leading to the offices in back.

  Baker went to the end of the hall and ushered Mac into his office. The upper half of the walls was a bluish shade of gray; waist high, walnut wainscoting covered the rest. A huge, solid walnut desk dominated the room. Baker motioned Max to a comfortable armchair and took his seat behind the desk.