Chatterton Place The Legend

By Patricia C Garlitz

In the midst of a polar shift that has dropped California into the ocean, breathed life into extinct volcano's, and has pushed the earth off it axis, Emma Chase Mason has giving birth to the child; local's want to believe will be the legendary person to lead the world into a new beginning.
Is it possible that the world really stopped it's shaking the moment she gave birth, or could it have been the discovery of the lost magical stone of Old Johnny's tales? Before Emma can understand, what the world holds in wait for her little band of survivors, she must figure out Old Johnny's legend and assist Jim in rebuilding their world. But what happens if she is no able to figure the riddle out in time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patricia C Garlitz
• Release date: May 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311827074

Patricia C Garlitz

Nearly twenty years ago I fell in love with a dream. When I transferred it into the written state; it was like giving birth. I wanted it published in a E-Book form the minute it was completed ... and a rough draft was but never the completed version ... UNTILL now.I hope you enjoy the revised Chatterton Place saga.I will be adding additional books in the nears future, check back for coming soon announcements.

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CHATTERTON PLACE

THE LEGEND

BOOK THREE

By Patricia Carol Garlitz

Copyright 2009 by Patricia Carol Garlitz

Smashwords Edition

The Chatterton Place Series,

Characters, names, and related

Indicia are trademarks ©

of Patricia Carol Garlitz

All rights Reserved.

CHAPTER ONE

Two days after the Earthquake

The back of his hand had no sooner clipped Emma’s right cheek than Mike had him by the arm whirling him to meet his fist. A few more blows and they suddenly realized she hadn’t moved, had not risen from the frozen ground. Beyond Michael Chase’s tormented face, Jim Mason spotted the arrival of Doctor Todd Richards, and Wes Harris in a snow cat from the ski resort, but he knows that Todd’s hands are only half the magic needed to deliver his child. While Emma and Mike share four children, all were born caesarian, and surgical instruments are not commonly carried in a doctor’s bag, so even if Todd had his bag, Jim knew a trip to town was still a requirement … if there is still a town he thought.

The ground had started its erratic twisting two days earlier, nearly crushing him and Emma beneath the second floor in the old dining room of the main house. Destiny had stretched its mighty hand and allowed them the time to crawl beneath the massive table before dropping the ceiling on them. Remarkably, no one was hurt there in the Chatterton Valley. What was taking place in the rest of the world was just a guess, but somewhere out there, he knew had to have the needed instruments to deliver his child. So as Mike crumpled to the ground at her side, Jim knew what he had to do. Wes Harris’s deep voice became the most audible sound in his ears, as he turned and raced for the next peek that lay between he and the little town, twelve miles away. Stick to the river.

Stick to the river he did and as Wes had indicated the journey was not as hindered as he had anticipated but it was cold. When the sun went down … never to return, he was perhaps half way. The massive destruction he had opportunity to view was beyond his worst nightmare. The road had totally disappeared and with it most of the time a large section of the mountain had fallen away. Rocks had toppled from their homes of centuries. Trees that had stood since his childhood lay like a child’s game of pick-up sticks. Most frightening was the seen that lay before him as he looked to the western horizon. Land that had once offered a wet land for ducks, then a brush land for rabbits, now lay broken and pushed up in a ridge of new mountains, and beyond it the black sky. It rolled at him like the unforgiving death Mike had predicted the legend would hold.

Although the air seemed heavy, the blackness had not made it hard to breathe. It did add to the winter harshness biting at his toes. Mostly that pain was from the left over water he and Emma had slipped in while Alex made his valiant attempt at climbing the snowcapped ridges with his simple four wheel drive. She had been so determined to make it to town today, not tomorrow, or the next. It had to be today. What is there about a mother’s instinctive ability to see what the rest of the world ignores? Even he had not understood her desperation until she pulled him aside and whispered that when they made it to town she felt she had better stay there until the baby was born. How did she know she was so close? She had been talking about having weeks left to go before the great shaking had occurred, but he knew her dates were based upon the first time she recalled them being together. Just longer then it would take to have been Wes’s child. She had never spoken of the real first time, obviously the pain medication had blocked it from her mind but he knew it was close, and that made his decision to stop while there was still light to build a shelter more troublesome. He had to reach the hospital and that meant he had to rest or risk never achieving it.

Carefully finding a swell in the snow he found a flat rock and dug sideways into it until he had created a cave. Inside he quickly slid his naked hands across the walls melting them solid, and then he hollowed out a spot to build a small fire. One twig at a time would have to do. A candle would have been adequate, and easier to maintain but it wasn’t in his back pocket.

Once he felt the structure he had built was sound enough to protect him from the whistling winds of the night, he removed his boots and socks, and laid them near the small fire to dry. While he wouldn’t have called it warm, he eventually was able to remove and roll his coat into a pillow for his head, which he placed near the opening just in case the unthinkable happen.

When he again opened his eyes, he found it just as dark as before. Finding the lighter he again started the small fire and pulled his pocket watch from his pants. When it read eight am, he thought it had stopped working and decided he could lie there until the sun rose or at least a bit longer. Within minutes, he heard it coming like thunder rolling his way. Pulling his socks in place, he rushed the boots and grabbed his coat before throwing himself towards the opening in hopes that the avalanche would not be too deep to dig free. Popping from his small enclosure, he stood to discover that it was not an avalanche hurdling at him but rather Wes Harris on a snowmobile.

Caught in the headlights, he felt like a deer, Shit! Wes exclaimed twisting to miss him by the smallest measure. Christ! His voice was frustrated, as he brought the beast to a stop. Jim. That sounded different, Jim, God … I thought I should have caught up with you an hour ago.

Men don’t hug; they slap each other around and if those arms make it to the others back, as in this case they appear to be burping the other person with a great smack on the back. In addition, Jim found himself being lifted from the ground as well this time, and embraced in a giant bear hug. It appeared Wes was trying to throw him off the path.

Whoa! Wes … damn it, put me down.

Shit! Jim, what in the hell were you thinking? Jim suddenly realized Wes’s mustache was frozen across his top lip, as he pulled free from his old friend’s arms, mumbling the words around it. Wes grabbed his goggles and slid them up to better see him.

She was hysterical; I only meant to stop her from …

For Christ sake. He continued his demand for information, as he searched the saddle bag for another snowsuit. Turning to hand it to Jim, he smacked him on the shoulder, to get his attention. She’s going to be fine. You didn’t need to run.

I didn’t run. He couldn’t believe they thought he had run away for the situation. Fudge, Wes! She can’t have that baby like everyone else. He looked into Wes’s face to emphasize his next words. She will die and so will that baby if I don’t get the surgical instruments from the hospital. Wes didn’t seem to understand what he was talking about, but then he got a look of fear on his face.

She has to have an operation, He grabbed Jim’s arm as he attempted to pull the bulky snow suit over his clothing, to get the baby out?

Yes. Jim remarked finally clearing his boot and pulled the heavy thing up.

Shit! That’s what my ingenious son was trying to tell me when he said you had probably gone for help.

Looking at his stunned face, Jim changed the subject. What time you got. My watch if frosted.

Dude, Wes, remarked and Jim thought he had been on the hills with those ski junkies to long. It’s nearly nine, where in the hell’s the sun.

Looking to his watch Jim decided he had best put it back in his pocket, before he accidently loses the working item. Shaking his head, he flipped his right leg over the back of the snowmobile and hung on for dear life.

Hey … hey … there? Wes squirmed around, It’s only four more mile to the damn town. Believe me if you fall off I’ll come back for ya.

Jim was chuckling so hard he nearly fell off just to test the theory, as Wes pulled the machine to the top of the bank and shot for town. Wisely, they were traveling slow and stuck to the road area, because nothing beyond the headlight was visible, nothing … absolutely nothing was visible. Jim kept telling himself that the sun would eventually pop its constant head through the overcast, but it didn’t. They didn’t even know they had reached town until they hit the asphalt road.

Wes knew better than to run on anything but snow, so they pulled it to the side and started the tour of town by foot. Gus from the drug store spotted them before they had traveled too far. Shouts of joy erupted as if Jim was somehow going to be able to help the situation. Even being Mayor allotted him no special powers to pull from his hat. Gus look, Emma’s in labor.

Wes jerked him round to look into his face, She is?

Okay, I only think she is. Jim corrected his statement, but it was too late … Gus had already trumpeted the news down the street. So everyone was asking how they, could help him get back to her. Since turning off the headlight of the snowmobile, Jim’s eye started to adjust and he noticed he could see clearer and a much further without the light.

Gus I need your truck. He pulled the grey hair man back to look at him Gus I’ve got to get to the hospital in Cedar.

Jimmy, Dang it boy! Don’t knock this old man over. Gus struggled to keep his balance, as if the darkness had stripped his equilibrium. Catching hold of his arm, Jim led him toward what he thought to be his home. Jimmy where we going boy?

Jim wasn’t sure if he disliked being called, Jimmy or boy more but the combination was wearing thin on his nerves. Gus. I need your truck.

Boy, I don’t have a truck. He looked confused to Jim. The house. He looked to the home that lay before them still intact and then back to Jim. This isn’t my house. He nodded his head to the far side of the street. There sat a roof atop a pile of rubble.

God Gus, Jim let go of his arm. Are you okay? Do you need to sit down?

Gus. Wes took hold of his other arm. Gus can you hear us.

Of course I can, He slapped at Wes’s hand. Dang it boy I’m not losing my hearing. He turned to look back at Jim. I’ve lost my wife, I can’t get in … I was at the store when it happen Jimmy.

The tiny tear rolling down his cheek, tore at Jim’s heart. Looking to Wes the decision was made before the words broke the air. Leaving Gus standing there, they raced for the toppled home. He was correct in his statement that there was no way of getting in but the shouting met to their raised voices, said the person under it, and was intact just trapped. Climbing atop the roof, Jim shouts for Wes to get him a saw, but the response was not what he wanted to hear. From where, Jimbo? Have you looked around yourself? There’s no power.

Standing he did as suggested. So grab an axe. He responded, jumping from the edge of the shingles. They met at the intact shed, when they found it locked and it didn’t look as if Gus had managed to cross the street yet, a mighty kick and the door hinges gave way. Back atop the roof he again shouted for the captive, she responded that she could see the ceiling but was not sure where in the house she was. After every swing of the axe, Jim paused to listen for discomfort. His shoulder soon ached, and with a single look, had Wes wheeling the slicing iron. Once through the shingled layer the open attic expanded before them. When Wes flipped him a flashlight, Jim heard him declare Let there be light. Crawling about he soon found the trap door and pulled it open. Below remarkably was clear although he didn’t know where in the house he was and he had to continue crawling. Gus’s fine wife continued chattering until he found her pinned beneath box springs. Freeing her legs, she lead the way back to the trap door and then on to the top of the roof.

Sally! Gus exclaimed from the front walk. Oh, Sally. His voice had again quivered, as Jim and Wes assisted her down the edge of the roof.

Gus, Jim again took him by the hand. Your truck, I need your truck.

Take it. The elderly man declared pulling his hand free to stroke his beloved wife’s face. Anything Jimmy, take it.

But Gus where is it? Stunned by the question, Gus turned to look him in the eye. Parked behind the store of course. He responded before turning back to his wife. Then he suddenly turned back to grab Jim by the hand. The key … you’re going to need the key.

Da. Wes whispered at his backside but only Jim heard it. As Gus fumbled with his pockets. When he looked up all disoriented, he half whispered, It’s still in the money box.

Jim felt Wes’s eyes roll in his head but it didn’t matter, they had managed to work together long enough, to pull the old woman out, and that had to count for something. They used to do everything together, before Viet Nam got in the way, then they grew old in their own minds, and they allowed the legend they had struggled their whole life’s to ignore … to take them captive too.

Turning he looked to Wes for the next move. Recognizing Jim’s prompt, Wes pushed the ski cap from his head and declared. Let’s get-er-done. But when they turned to face town, the faces of town were there, old and young alike. It was their lack of expression, which first grabbed Jim’s heart. Several of the school children held to a sliver of their mothers clothing, as she pushed forward to speak. Mayor, Josh never came home.

It was the way she clutched an infant in her arms, that caused Wes to react and he started to run; shouting back over his shoulder, Jaycee! Jim I got to go to Jaycee.

He had taken Jaycee as his fourth wife nearly two years earlier, just before Emma arrived. Would he have changed that decision, knowing what he knew now? Jim pondered the thought, but he knew where he was headed, his youngest son was just an infant. Suddenly Jim though his youngest son, could be about to be born but not without his help.

Damn it! He curseed under his breath, looking back to the group that had gathered. Toward the back of the crowd, he spotted Dusty. Working his way through the group, he tried to touch every one along the way. But when he got to Dusty, he jerked him against himself and he squeezed. Damn it old man it’s good to see ya. But Dusty didn’t respond. He merely hung his head. Momma’s gone, Jimbo … Momma’s gone.

The first prong of loss hit him. His mouth filled with the taste of blood. Jerking Dusty back to his chest he whispered I’m sorry bro, I’m sorry. Soft sobs drifted to meet his ears and the crowd cried with them. A moment to catch his breath and he pushed him into someone else arms, smacking him on the cheek he asked, Are you sure? Dusty’s head just bobbed in acknowledgement.

There’s more dead on the main street. A woman about the age of his own daughter remarked. And out on the interstate. The guy next to her added. Looking into their face’s he saw a light, and recalled his original journey. Look, He laid a hand on each of their shoulders, when he knew he had their attention he continued. Take these people to the church.

The steeple has fallen; you can’t get in the front door. A man off to his side responded.

Okay, He was thinking on his toes, the way the crisis classes said too but they were nearly frozen again so the thoughts were coming slow. The high school … get them to the high school but not in the gym. Stay in the hallways. That was something Emma had taught him. The hallway was better supported. Gather the hurt and take them too. Turning Jim shouted for all to hear. Listen! I’m going to Cedar for help, Follow… He looked down in hopes that kid would tell him his name. Jeremy. Patting him on the shoulder, he again raised his voice, Follow Jeremy to the high school. If you know where it is, help them gather the injured and take them there too.

The sun. The girl spoke again touching his chest gently, Where’s the sun?

Looking back at her, Jim shook his head indicating his lack of knowledge. It’s there. I’m sure of that. If it weren’t we wouldn’t be here. We just can’t see it.

How long will it last? Someone behind her asked. And again, Jim shook his head.

Once he had the crowd moving in the right direction, he went looking for Wes. Together they may be able to get to Cedar City and then back to Emma. Oh, Girl. His heart throbbed with a dull ache. He had been so sure he would never see her after he supplied Mike with her address that he had locked his heart up. Sure, he had married Julie and they had two children, but it wasn’t the same kind of love … it was as if the old tales were true, it was an old love, a love that stretched beyond their bodies. A passion that couldn’t be turned back once ignited. As God as his witness he had never felt anything like it before. He had to find Wes, and get to the hospital.

As he jogged the empty streets of the town he called home, he found it hard to believe he wasn’t sure, what direction he was moving sometimes. It was as if he felt off balance or out of sync with his surroundings. The same thing he had seen in Gus’s face when they first started talking. He was mentally aware of what he was doing but keeping his thoughts straight and on track was difficult. When he finally found Jaycee’s house he was happy to discover it mostly undamaged. The patio cover had fallen across the back door but the home itself was fine. Inside was much the same story, books and pictures lay everywhere, but the structure was sound. She had captured the toddler into an old playpen, which sat in the bedroom corner, and as far away from a window as possible. There she had him playing with hot wheels cars. Her blond hair and fair complexion was typical of Wes’s tastes, yet he went crazy in the presences of a woman with black eyes, as Emma’s.

What about a radio? Jaycee seemed to be preparing a list of items that she would perhaps like. Hun, if they aren’t broadcasting there is nothing I can do.

They need to tell us. She fought back with logic. Where should we go … whose got heat? Shit! She grabbed for the counter to steady herself, Where has the damned sun gone?

Jim wondered if she was accusing the sun’s disappearance for her loss of equilibrium. Everyone seemed to be feeling it. It was as if the world was not turning as fast as it had a few hours earlier. As he struggled with that thought, he determined it probably was something more to do with the Blacken sky, than the earth itself. You know, Maybe we should cover our mouths with cloth or something. I don’t know about you but I’m feeling dizzy.

Cloth! Wes smacked his friend on the back.

They teach us to put on gas masks in those darn classes but they never suggested that the air could be so heavy that you wouldn’t realize you’re being poisoned.

Poisoned? Jaycee shouted. Poisoned!

Hold on there kid. Wes grabbed her about the waist as if she were about to start running.

FA … James Mason, Wes’s face grew red hot as he struggled not to swear.

Nooo. Jim shouted back, No he repeated lowering his voice. I don’t mean poison. I just mean it’s the air being so heavy that’s making us dizzy. We are not getting as much air as we need.

We’re suffocating? Wes looked scared now, as he clutched his young bride to his chest.

Will you two stop changing my words? Jim snapped back, although he had to admit, that was what he was talking about, it just sounded so much more menacing coming from their tongue. Damn it, where’s the bathroom.

Watch the swearing. Jaycee commanded as she pointed down the hall. It doesn’t work, but I’ve keep putting snow in it to make it go down.

While she had several candles in the main room she had but one in there and by the time he was finished he was glad. Rejoining them under a bit less pressure. He was in a better mood, but she wasn’t looking to good. I told her we’re going to Cedar, and she wanted to go.

No. Jim responded immediately. It safer here.

I told her so. But she thinks the car will give them a few minutes to warm up. Wes remarked.

It’s not going to be safe. Even taking the car we don’t know when the road will run out or break up. Then it’s not going to be warm, Jaycee. I don’t want to have that baby out there, where … well … for God Sake Wes, help me here.

She’s not going and she knows it. I just wanted you to tell her the same thing I did, so she didn’t think I was off screwing around or something.

So where is the car? Jim was already moving toward the front door.

Within minute, Wes had the car rolling toward the interstate, but not before doing a slow drive down the main street. At first glance, it appeared to be deserted, but then Jim saw a few people still looking for loved ones rummaging the crumpled buildings. His office had sat atop Bill’s tavern, longer than he could recall. The old overhanging front top had long worried him but with little earthquake activity in the area, it had given him a false security. Had he been there, it may have been his family still looking. Feeling his own vulnerability, his hands began to shake.

Wes was no less touched. Looking to his old friend he asked, What did you do with the people?

What? Jim had not recognized his question.

The people on the street. What did you tell them? He readdressed his request, as he slowed and rolled beneath the interstate overpass, before heading up the on-ramp.

To go to the high school. Jim suddenly recalled Dusty standing there. Dusty lost his wife.

Fuck! Wes slammed his hand down on the wheel, releasing the pent up aggravation he was feeling. That’s not fair, God Damn it! That’s just not fair. They both knew Dusty had just spent over a year undergoing chemotherapy with her breast cancer. It had taken its toll on her immune system, and she hadn’t been able to visit with friend or even family for months. They had walked through hell and back to have her taken from him, in a blink of God’s eye.

The tremors in Jim’s hand continued, as Wes raced down the freeway. Suddenly it became obvious that the upcoming overpass had failed, by the half-visible eighteen-wheeler that lay before them. Jim grabbed for the dash, as Wes applied the brakes with a healthy helping of swear words and both feet. The car fishtailed then hit the median, coming to a stop, just feet short of the absent overpass. Perhaps we shouldn’t travel so fast. Jim offered his opinion, even as Wes offered his thanks.

Cupping his face with both hands, Jim expelled a deep breath, and looked to Wes, who was wiping something from his eye. Do you want me to drive?

Yeah sure, like you would have known that was coming. Wes smacked the stirring wheel again. Fuck you. He threw it into reverse and pulled back on the pavement. When he stopped and looked back at Jim, his anger had been drawn under control. Okay, so we take the back roads.

It took them a few minute to cut the wire fence running adjacent to the road, before they were again heading towards Cedar. The darkness that gripped there corner of the world was all encompassing, making Jim feel cocooned enough to finally ask, Do you think it’s the legend?

When the response didn’t come rapidly, Jim wondered if Wes was sleeping with his eyes open. He allowed a few more seconds to pass before clearing his throat to ask it again.

I’m thinking. Wes remarked. If I answer yes, you’re going to reprimand me for thinking it had something to do with the stupid thing, and if I answer No, you going to ask what in the hell else could it be?

Jim smacked his own leg because he was afraid to distract Wes, Damn it man, you know me to well.

You might say that. Wes’s voice was hoarse and needed to be cleared. I knew … shit.

What? Jim responded as if there was something in front of them and there was but nothing to worry about.

Look Jim, I’m not out to start no firkin fight here. But maybe if it had been mi ...

Stop, right there. Jim let him now those were fighting words. That child was not conceived to pay homage to some flippen Legend. That child was conceived with love. He stopped and shook his head. You have no idea how special that child is. Before Emma would agree to marry me, she insisted on telling me she couldn’t have any more children, because she thought that was what I was out for too. Well at least partially, she thought I was doing it for the baby.

But she is. Wes sounded confused.

Yeah she is, because when it came to having her tubes tied, the Doctors chickened out since She and Mike had nearly lost the baby she had just given birth to.

Why didn’t they tell her?

They told Mike, and he took care of it, his way. He didn’t want her to give up the ability to have that special child in the first place, but he figured it was her decision. When the doctor came to him with all the troubles they had encountered, he told them to skip it. Emma was so mad at the Doctor that she never spoke to him again, and Mike was clipped.

How come she said she didn’t know about the legend, he did? Wes asked slowing again to pull around another truck lying on its side. Again, they looked for movement but found no one.

She didn’t … Doesn’t. He corrected his answer. She knows what the silly thing, has to say on the mixing of blood. He looked down at his hands and wondered what had possessed him to start the conversation in the first place. I think her Grandmother had to have told her the story when she was really young because she thinks she has this strange belief that no one else does. One of the first things she said to me was, which Adam?

Wes looked bewildered, Which Adam? Why in the hell were you talking about Adam in the first place?

She was frightened of going in the house that first day, Jim snapped back as if Wes should have known it. I said she didn’t know me from Adam, and her response was, which Adam?

So she has to know.

Like I said she knows some of it and some of it, I finally convinced Mom to tell her.

You had to convince Jesse to tell someone the story. Sure, I believe you. Wes was sarcastic.

Remarkably, she never said a word, until I told her to tell the girl, then she argued with me about doing it, because she said she should have heard it from her Father.

She lost her Father when she was terribly young. Wes responded as if it were yesterday.

I never met her Father. Jim remarked looking for the beginning of town.

Sure you did. Wes slowed again to go around something lying in the middle of the road.

Nah, remember you lived across the street, I only got there every now and then. Jim argued.

You have to remember him, don’t you remember the day we broke the window out in that old Chevy with a football.

Jim shook his head, I’ll be damned, I do remember him. He should have skinned us but he put us to work cleaning up the mess, then taught us how to put a window back in. He really had remembered the guy. She told me once, that he was a great guy that everyone just loved, and know I’ll have to agree.

Wes didn’t respond as quickly has he had been, and then when he did it wasn’t what Jim had anticipated, Is that a man?

Jim pushed himself up to have a better look. The thing lying in the middle of the road certainly looked like a man. Yeah. He barked, then hit the handle the moment Wes drew the car to a stop. He wasn’t a young man, and from the way he wore his graying hair braided on both sides Jim assumed he was Indian. He didn’t appear to have been injured, and his heart was still beating quite fast, when he bent to lay his finger to his neck. What had him lying in the middle of the road had the guys shaking their heads about. A minute later when he sprung to his feet, nearly toppling Jim over in the thrust … as if he hadn’t been lying there at all, they weren’t so ready to accept his apology. In fact, Jim’s first impression was that he was going to take the car, since they had both jumped out without shutting it off or taking the keys.

Harry Whitefeather, He bowed before them.

Mr. White feather. Jim’s voice cracked.

Harry. He barked before Jim could say anything else. Call me Harry.

Harry or not, what in the hell were you doing in the middle of the road? Wes wasn’t mincing words.

Getting you to stop.

We could have run over you.

The last guy nearly did, but he still didn’t stop. Harry’s eyes were a shiny black and his teeth were stained yellow, but his humor was refreshing.

Since you haven’t taken the car already, I assume you only want a ride. Jim responded still a bit skeptical, of the short man, with a broad face.

What way you going? He teased popping his eye brows up and down.

Obviously, toward Cedar City. Jim remarked following him to the car.

Oh you don’t want to go there. He remarked opening the back door.

Oh but we do. Wes responded moving to the driver’s door.

No. he stopped his inward progress. You really don’t. There is many dead.

We have to go to the hospital, and get medicine for the people back home. Jim remarked opening his door, less concerned about him taking the car.

Maybe I’ll wait here. Harry closed the door and stepped back from the car.

For what? Jim looked to him before closing his door.

You. You’ll be back. He responded moving to the edge of the road.

Whatever. Wes remarked putting the car in gear, but Jim’s door was still open. The look on the old man’s face said he knew they would be back, and he would go with them then.

Closing his door Jim uttered, Now you have to admit that was strange.

It certainly changed the subject.

The old man was accurate in his description, there were many dead and many more hurt. The hospital was visible from outside the city; it was the only place with lights. Even if they didn’t know where to go that would have been their destination, but getting there was another thing. Like smaller cities, construction was a mix of old and new. Some buildings were totally destroyed, while next to it stood a building untouched. Few vehicles were moving, mainly because they seemed to have no place to go, they appeared to have been abandoned where they sat when the earthquake hit two days earlier. People were collected in groups, either assisting or being assisted by others. Panic, while obvious in their faces, was not destructive.

A few blocks from their destination, they came to an intersection clogged with too many vehicles to get through, and it became obvious they would have to walk. Like the rest, they simply shut it off and locked it up there. They had walked just a few hundred feet when a small girl ran to them from what appeared to have been a restaurant, throwing her arms around Wes’s leg, she wailed, Daddy, Daddy I knew you would come back.

Hun, Jim attempted to scoop her from the ground, but she arched her back and screamed NO! Daddy don’t let them take me. Daddy help me. Help me.

She kept it up until Wes picked her up in his arms, then she through her arms around his neck and hung on for dear life. Half whispering, Wes asked, Baby it’s okay where is Mommy? But she didn’t respond, just shook her head.

Looking about for someone who appeared to know the child, they found only blank stares. Baby, tell Daddy where Mommy is. Wes again tried to play the part, by stroking her back as if he was petting a cat. She again shook her head and continued to sob into his neck. When he looked to Jim with a panicked look on his face, Jim stepped close enough to touch her back and gently drew little circles as he spoke softly next to her face. Sweet heart, did your Daddy go for help? When she didn’t respond, he tried again, Are you waiting for him with Mommy? Slowly she nodded her head. Daddy can’t find Mommy if you don’t help him, sweet heart. When she raised her head and looked into Jim’s eyes, he instantly fell in love but with it came a dull ache. Her little face was scratched and he could tell her clothing had been torn nearly from her shoulder. Raising his hand, he gently rubbed the dust from her cheek. Where’s Mommy sweetheart?

Releasing Wes’s shoulder enough to turn back to where she had run from she pointed down a small alley that sat next to the devastated food emporium. Over there. But she stopped crying, and I can’t get her to look at me.

Jim swallowed hard and then with a deep sigh knew what he had to do. I’ll be back baby, you just wait here okay? When she clutched Wes’s neck, again he felt he had his answer.

The poor woman was buried from the waist down beneath a cement slab the size of a small car. Her red hair covered her face, but when he knelt and pushed it back from her face, he saw what the girl was talking about. Her crystal blue eyes were as lifeless as the cloth doll she held in her hand. A few feet away was a cloth hand bag. After whispering a prayer, he closed her eyes and snatched the doll from her hand, then the handbag from the ground. He may have thrown up but he hadn’t eaten, so his empty stomach simply churned, as he walked back to Wes’s side. A little nod was the only answer to Wes’s silent question. Turning, they again started for the hospital. About a block away, the girl looked up and signaled for her doll. Jim forced a smile and handed it to her. Mommy said you would want it.

When it appeared the extra weight was getting to Wes, Jim asked her if she wanted him to carry her for a few minutes but she didn’t answer, just clutched Wes tighter. It’s okay Baby, Daddy’s got ya. Wes whispered shifting her weight to allow her to wrap her legs around his waist. Jim couldn’t recall ever seeing the look that filled Wes’s face, but on the same hand, he couldn’t identify it. Joy and anguish mingled alternately depending on his footing.

By the time they reached the block the hospital sat on, it had become obvious that there were more hurt than not, and not enough hands to go around. Some bodies appeared to have been abandoned, while others still had the living clinging to it. The sound of sobs, low and troubled filled the air, with an occasional scream or moan. The closer they got the more difficult it was to weave themselves between the people. A city of fifty thousand appeared to have been dropped into that one block, Jim thought, wondering where his people were. Had they made it too the high school? Who was there leading them? He struggled with the guilt of knowing he wasn’t there but they had to understand he was on a mission.

Several tents had been erected on the lawn surrounding the large white building, but when they reached the first one, they discovered only additionally injured people. If there was a doctor among the group, he wasn’t apparent from his clothing. Tortured eyes that cut to his soul watched their every move. Cuts of every description battered their bodies, blood still flowed from some wounds, but most had been brought under control.

Near the entrance brightly marked emergency, sat a woman holding a lifeless infant, and the urgency of his mission was drawn back to the forefront. Pushing the large door that would normally open by its self, he held it while Wes passed. Then stepping over an older woman holding her arm obviously broken nears her chest, they moved into sight of the frantic nurse’s desk. As they passed a guy on a stretcher, with a section of rebar perturbing from his stomach, Wes grabbed him by the upper arm. Turning Jim found a look he had never seen on a human face. Like a cornered critter, a frenzied panic filled his face, as he attempted to push the child at him. No Daddy, No please, I’ll be good. She shouted as she clutched his neck.

It’s worse than Nam. Wes shouted ripping her fingers free from his shirt. I can’t! I’ve got to get out of here. Jim secured her waist but she wasn’t letting go. No. She screamed causing all the eyes with life still in them to focus on them. No Daddy. She ran her free had down his cheek, and then she scooped his face to look at her, like a much older woman. I’ll be good, I promise. Gently she moved her hand to his chest and stroked it as his breathing smoothed. Don’t leave me. Tears rolled down his cheek and he clutched her to him once more. In breaths that came in gulps, he released Jim shoulder and patted her on the back. It’s okay baby. I won’t let you go… I got ya. Pinching his eyes closed, He whispered, It’s okay, go to the nurse’s station.

I’ll be right back. Jim patted him on the back as he moved around the woman sitting on the floor before them, staring up at him. Before arriving at his destination, he had passed an older woman laying over a younger man’s lap, a small child that appeared to have lost one of his eyes, and a black woman rocking back and forth with a piece of a child’s shirt in her hand. The frantic woman behind the desk didn’t even see him when he spoke; she pushed a paper his way and turned away. Wait … Wait a minute. But she just continued her steady progression toward another person that had made her way to the desk. I don’t want a doctor. He declared louder than the child standing at his side crying, I have one, we just… Suddenly she turned and looked at him in a different light. Are you a doctor?

He had her attention; he just needed to keep it. Help us. We have a doctor, but not the things he… He had taken too long, she again was back to handing out pieces of paper. Looking back over his shoulder, Jim noted that Wes had found a small alcove with a picture he seemed to be talking to the child about. Scanning the rest of the room, he realized that people seemed to be coming and going through one particular door. When it swung open, he could see that there were people in white coats moving about in there and decided that was where he needed to be.

Pushing beyond the door, he was struck by the scent of death, and his empty stomach no longer cared there was nothing except acid to rebound. Gripping the door to steady himself, he hunted for a bucket but once the fluids broke loose and flooded his mouth there was no going back. A hamper filled with dirty linens suddenly became dirtier. Reaching for a cloth draped across its edge to wipe his face, his hand was quickly smacked, and accompanied with the strained words. Use your sleeve, it cleaner. Looking up Jim felt the face familiar but couldn’t put a name to it. Then he turned and strutted away, as if he hadn’t the time, Jim spoke in hopes of stopping him. Help me.

When he paused then turned and looked back at him Jim finished his plea. Doctor Harris …

Sudden the guy looked over his shoulder as if Jim had seen someone he hadn’t seen; when he looked back, it was with a question. Todd, you know Todd. Jim only nodded, because the stomach acid had burned his throat, making speaking difficult. Where is he? We need his help.

So does the small town built around his clinic, but we don’t have surgical equipment. We need surgical equipment.

You and everyone else. He snapped turning around and moving a bit faster this time.

No you don’t get it. She can’t have the baby normal, he has to take it.

Stopping next to the nurse’s station, the kid looked back at him.

We can’t get them here; we have to take it to him. He needs the instruments or she’s going to die. The kid didn’t move, didn’t speak. Jim swallowed a bit harder hoping the taste would go away, as he strolled to join him at the desk. For a moment the madness, taking place around them didn’t exist. He can do it; he just needs the right tools.

He’s the only doctor down that way isn’t he?

Jim nodded, And the only thing standing between them and death.

Fuck, The kid slammed his hand down on the desk then turned and walked into a small room off to the left side of the station, but before he disappeared from sight he looked back for Jim to follow.

As Jim hurried to his side, he passed a clock that read 2:10 and he thought they had made good time getting there. Then it hit him it could be AM. When is the fed’s getting here? He asked standing in the door.

Fed’s? The blue eyes of the kid cut to his soul. Fed’s aren’t coming.

How about the State, they have to have the military… The look in the kid’s eye shut his mouth.

No one’s coming. They can’t help themselves, so they can’t help us.

Obviously, Jim’s dumbfounded look posed the next question. Cali’s an Island, and no one has been able to get in touch with DC. Again, Jim didn’t need to reply. I got this ham friend. Jim thought he must have miss heard him. He’s been on that thing since it happened. He paused to shake his head, but he continued to fill a black case marked Trauma, he had pulled from the bottom shelf.

What about the sky? Jim knew he had phrased it wrong, I mean.

I know, He closed the case and latched it. Then he turned and grabbed a bag of white masks from the shelf. Wear them. He insisted thrusting them his way. It’s ash from the volcanos off the coast. As he lifted the case from the counter and turned to hand it to him as well, he paused and grabbed an orange jacket from a hook next to the door. Wear this too. They’ll think you’re going to the incinerator with more body parts. Just the description nearly brought his stomach up again. Go out this back door. He pushed him out of the office.

I got a child out front, we found.

Keep it. The kid barked. It’s dead here.

No… Oh, shit! I mean, what about her father, her mother. Jim couldn’t bring himself to say it.

The doctor hung his head as if he were so tired he no longer could hold it up, looking up slowly he whispered, They made a place to leave messages up at the front door, but if you go that way I won’t be responsible.

Here, Jim sat the case on the floor and grabbed a card from his wallet, then going through the young woman’s hand bag he had carried all along, he pulled a picture of the child out and handed them to him. Shaking his head, he acknowledged he understood Jim’s suggestion as he ran his eyes over the name and picture. Can I go out that door? Jim pointed to the door he had come in.

It’s risky, Suddenly he got a strange look on his face. Stay here. He commanded as he turned and hurrying toward the door Jim had indicated. When it swung open again, he had Wes by the arm pulling him in as fast as he could. Standing back at Jim’s side, he again repeated his command of earlier. Keep her with you. When Jim laid his hand on his shoulder in thanks, he said And tell Todd, Bucky’s got his back.

Wes re-adjusted the girl so her face was against his chin, then Jim pulled the heavy door open and allowed the two of them to go first. When Wes hesitated, Jim stepped around him to find the cement ledges lined with bodies. Reaching back for his friends arm, he whispered almost reverently. Close your eyes. I got ya.

The ugly orange jacket did the trick, they made it pass the huddled masses, and to the open road, where he removed the jacket and swung it over the case … before starting the walk back to the car.

Securing the case in the trunk, Wes whispered, Jimbo.

Forget it Wes.

No … You don’t understand.

I understand if Nam looked anything like that, I’d never want to see it again. Jim moved to the driver’s side of the car and Wes gave him a strange look. Well, He responded waving to the child attached to his side. Unless you thing you can get her in the back seat. Shaking his head, he flipped Jim the keys and opened the passenger side door.

Weaving his way out, the way Wes had come in, they were moving away from the City before either of them spoke again. What did you have to tell him, to get the stuff?

Todd’s name. I told him he’s got his hands full and since we couldn’t bring the injured to him taking the tools to them was probably a better idea.

He couldn’t have argued with that. I mean they’ll get help before…

There isn’t any coming.

What? Impossible the gov…

There isn’t any. Jim repeated his words.

No what? No help? Or No Gov…

There’s not much left out there, according to Bucky’s ham friend. he paused to let the information sink in, before he continued. He said California’s an Island, surrounded by Volcano’s

But what about the Government? The military? Jim had decided to let him finish his question. He hated being cut off all the time.

The guy has not been able to get a hold of anyone that has heard from DC.

The god damned military knows what to do without the ass hole anyway, where are they?

Well, Jim struggled to come up with an answer. When the sky clears I guess we’ll have to go find out. The road had just started a vertical climb with switchbacks, when Jim saw him sitting at the side of the road with a brightly colored blanket wrapped around him. Damn! Was all Jim could say.

Wes peeked over the hood of the car to see what had them rolling to a stop, but before he could speak or the car come to a stop, the ground began to lunge up and down. Then the car rattled and swayed back and forth a bit longer. When the old Indian open the back door, he remarked I was a wake you didn’t need to shake me.

Funny. Wes remarked, as the old guy closed the door and Jim realized the hospitals steady glow in the valley below, had gone out. Suddenly he wondered what the shake had done to the Chatterton Valley, and again felt empowered to move on.

So where you going? He asked his new passenger.

Same place you are. His insistence made Jim look over the seat at him, just to make sure that had been a suggestion and not an armed demand. When he felt Jim give him the once over, he continued, The Gap is where you’re going isn’t it.

Flipping around to stare the old man in the face Wes asked, How did you know that?

And why did you stop us there? Jim responded gingerly moving the car between large boulders that had just fallen there, as he made the top of the first switch back.

Both have obvious answers, don’t they?

Looking to Wes, Jim was ready to let it lay, but not Wes. No. Why did you stop us there?

Seems to me the earthquake stopped you there, not me.

No we stopped to pick you up, but you were on the other side further down the last time.

So I crossed the road and climbed the hill, but I was afraid to go any further because people may not see me alongside these switch backs. And as for the Gap, it seems to me that anyone going north would have to at least pass by it, from this point. The freeway goes within five miles of the place doesn’t it? His argument was sound, although they saw him as mystical. I see that your journey for the child was successful, and my heart rejoices with you.

We don’t even know her name. Wes responded, but Jim recalled the writing on the back of the picture. It’s Sue. Oh, shoot it was on the back of her picture I left with the doctor to find her Father. Suzette I think.

She’s not yours. The old voice came from the back. I saw you and an infant girl, I was sure that was your undertaking.

Maybe it was. Wes spoke in a different tone. Maybe we were sent there for just that reason. He paused and stroked the red hair from her face. But mainly we had to get medical supplies from the hospital for the clinic to take care of the people there.

Doctor Todd is okay? He asked from the back seat and Jim figured that he had to be part of the town. He’s fine. Jim remarked.

Good. The Indian responded. Pete speaks highly of him.

Pete Whistler, Wes imposed, You know Pete.

Didn’t I just say that? He and I have been measuring the gap for nearly twelve years now. I’m so anxious to see what this has done to it that I feel like a father. Jim wanted nothing to do with telling him his child had crumbled, and a new mountain range taken its place. Pete, do you know about Pete?

Jim shook his head, No. We don’t know much, I got the people going to the high school, and we went for supplies.

But your journey is not done. Harry spoke from the back seat as he pulled himself forward to become more involved with the conversation. Jim didn’t question his sight. Like Emma, he may see many things, but perhaps his vision was clearer than hers. When Mike insisted the world would be destroyed, she had doubled over in vomit, and then collapsed to the ground as if she were dead. While he, beat Mike within an inch of his life. If she had not jumped to Mike’s defense screaming for him to stop, he would have killed him. She had assured them that it would not be as bad as Mike was predicting. But it is, he thought, its worse. More than anything he wanted to stop the car and allow the man to hear the whole story, but Wes was there, and if he admitted to Emma being the chosen one … then he may go after her again, or the child. The only thing they seemed to have going for themselves, right then was the fact, that if the legendary Chatterton stone was still there, it was hidden. He didn’t understand what it was meant to do but hundreds of years of fighting over it, said it must be something magnificent, empowering, even life changing.

My wife is about to give birth, and the surgical instruments are needed to make it happen.

Caesarian. Wes added, so Harry wasn’t confused.

Jim swallowed the emotion building at the back of his throat. We have them now we need to get them to her, in the mountains.

Is the doctor with her? Harry asked laying his hand on Jim’s shoulder.

Yes. Doctor Rich…

Toady’s there?

Jim about drove off the road, the only person who called him Toady was Sara his half-sister and Jim’s daughter. You know Sara? Jim demanded information.

And Kit, they came to me on Second mesa, when she wanted to walk.

You made her walk? Jim remarked, adjusting to look back at him.

She could walk; she just needed to tell her grandmother she wanted to change what happen.

You mean the accident. Jim responded straightening the car out to go forward again.

So you talk to the dead. Jim remarked sarcastically.

She thought I did. And she’s now walking … wasn’t that what she was looking for? Jim looked almost angry, as he threw him a glance of disbelief. Think what you like ... She was able to move on and that’s what counted. Harry remarked, moving back against the seat. She needed to have someone she felt could talk to the other side, and Todd chose me. He had tried and many other doctors had told her she could walk but she didn’t think her grandmother would be happy if she did. I simply told her the same things everyone else was, but I didn’t know her, and I didn’t talk in medical terms.

As he adjusted himself so he could fold his legs under him, he continued his explanation. Sometimes we all need to hear it from someone that doesn’t know us, to make it acceptable. Jim just shook his head, he was pleased that she was walking again, but the thought that she had gone to a Shaman to achieve it bothered him. Look no matter how many times you tell your wife she is beautiful, she doesn’t believe it but the minute she hears it from another person who doesn’t know her, she will suddenly feel it.

The old man’s wisdom had won; Jim was ready to call, uncle. I concede. It’s just not traditional.

Oh but it is. Medical people look only to cover the problem, a symptom at a time. Traditionally we were taught to look for the cause, and sometimes it had nothing to do with the body.

Okay, okay. I’m just not one to look to…

Foolish stuff. Harry cut him off.

And Wes chuckled, before speaking. Exactly, what he’s thinking.

You don’t understand. Jim argued his point. We’ve been raised with… When his voice fell silent, Wes immediately understood. Discussing the legend with one another was one thing but it never had been meant for the public.

We’re fifth generation Mormon’s. Wes finished his statement, with a belief he could recognize.

And the Great Great Grandchildren, of Jonathan Chatterton. The old man replied.

So what? Jim sounded convinced that the old man know something he didn’t. He brought his bride here, took three more, and raised four dozen kids. Everyone is related to him.

Boy if that ain’t true. The old guy remarked. Do you know that from that forty children or so, there is now close to 20000 of his descendants running around.

Wow Jim couldn’t believe how quickly he had figured it out.

And that’s only if each had five or less children each. Some of them carried the polygamy forward another generation, before laying it aside.

You sound like an expert, on the subject. Wes asked his question without making it clear.

"No, I study Indian relics. But I live in