The Divided City: The Rocheport Saga, #3

By CW Hawes

Nearly everyone has died. For Bill Arthur and a handful of survivors, the question is — now what?

A closet prepper and armchair philosopher, Bill is best prepared to lead the community at Rocheport. But the Rev Jedediah Powers thinks otherwise, and when he gains a powerful new ally things begin to look very dim for Bill Arthur's survival and that of Rocheport's.

The Divided City is the third book in the exciting and thought-provoking post-apocalyptic series The Rocheport Saga by CW Hawes.

If you want to know what survival is really like, get in on this series today. It just may save your life.

Note: This book was formerly titled Love is Little.Nothing has changed in the text. Only the title and book cover have changed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CW Hawes
• Release date: May 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781942376156

CW Hawes

CW Hawes is a fiction writer and award winning poet. His interests are wide ranging and this is reflected in both the genres and the contents of his books. He writes in the post-apocalyptic, mystery, alternative history, and horror genres at present. His love of fine food, interesting locations, philosophy, music, art, books, and history can be seen in each of his tales. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota was his home for nearly 50 years. He now makes his home in Houston, Texas.

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The Second Year After That Day

June 3rd

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At ten in the morning, the walkie-talkie squawked. I’d just come back from the community dining room with a bit of cake. A morning snack for Sally and I. She’d made us mugs of mugi cha.

Bill. Bill, are you there? Over.

I’m here. Over.

This is Nathan. I’m at the east gate. I’ve stopped a wagon. A man with two women he says are his wives. Says he knows you. His name is Andy. What should I do? Over.

I damn near dropped the walkie-talkie.

I’ll be right there. Out.

Sally had been listening. You don’t think...?

I laughed. "Of course it’s our Andy and with two wives on top of it. Randy Andy."

Sally laughed. My goodness. Andy.

You feeling up to pedaling?

No. Not really.

Okay. We’ll drive.

Sally, holding little George, and I drove out to the east gate in a Ford Fiesta I’d found. When we got there, I burst out laughing  There was Nathan with a shotgun, Andy Wrodkowski sitting on a wagon seat, and two very pretty and very pregnant women sitting next to him. Four big horses were hitched to the wagon.

I got out of the car.

Hey Bill! Andy called out, giving me a wave.

I returned the wave, walked to the passenger side, and opened the door for Sally and George. She got out, carrying the little guy.

Whoa! You two got a bun outta the oven, Andy said.

A week ago, Sally replied.

Andy frowned. Is it the...

Sally shook her head. No, we lost that one.

Sorry to hear it, Sally. Real sorry.

Thanks Andy, Sally said, while she and I walked over to the wagon.

I took in the wagon and the stuff piled in it. Decided to come back, I see.

If you’ll have me and my wives. He turned to the women. Rain, Raine, this is Bill, the man I told you about. And that’s Sally. Bill, Sally, this is Rain and Raine. Andy pronounced his second wife’s name as Rye-neh.

His wives are gorgeous identical twins with creamy complexions and fiery red hair. I doffed my hat. Pleased to meet you, ladies. How do you spell your name, Raine?

She had a bashful smile and a pair of dimples. R-a-i-n-e. It’s German.

I nodded. Ah. Of course.

Please to meet you, sir, Rain said.

We’ve heard a lot about you, Raine added. And you, too, ma’am.

Please to meet you, Sally said. And this is George.

I laughed. I’m sure you’ve heard lots of things about us. I turned to Andy. Did you tell them anything nice about me?

C’mon, Bill. We had some differences, but I wouldn’t have come back if I didn’t think you ran a class act. Besides, Sally’s always been nice. Andy gave her a wink.

Sally smiled at Andy and held little George up for Rain and Raine to see him better.

Lots happened since you left. We’ve more people, too, I said.

May we stay? Andy asked.

It’s not up to me, you know.

What? You’re not the fearless leader?

I smiled. I am, for good or ill. But you know I prefer not to make unilateral decisions.

Not always, he shot back.

True enough, I replied.

So will you vouch for us or should we go on our way?

I looked at Sally. She nodded.

Sally and I will vouch for you.

Thanks, Bill. We’ve been traveling for thirty-three days. We’re tired. And these two are about ready to drop the watermelons. We’d like to find a home.

Nathan, show our guests the way to our place. We’re going on ahead.

Sure, Bill, Nathan replied.

Sally and I drove back to the house.

On the way, I said, One just never knows what a given day will bring.

Sally was smiling. He has two wives.

I looked at her. You are at least their equal.

Her smile grew larger, then she got a puzzled look on her face.

Is there a hidden meaning in there? She asked.

I just smiled and kept on driving.

***

Upon reaching home, we immediately began heating water knowing our guests would appreciate baths. When they arrived, Mert and I helped bring in their suitcases and boxes of clothes. Sally showed them to a spare room where they could change and rest. Mel and Helena were sent to the community kitchen to pick up our dinner and bring it home. I thought it best if we talked with Andy, Rain, and Raine before the community started talking to them. I’m sure by tonight everyone will know we have guests and want to know all about them.

We let them bathe, change clothes, and rest before dinner. I don’t think Rain and Raine got much rest. Andy, however, took a nap while the women were bathing. We kept the hot water coming, but Rain and Raine were quite frugal with the water. At the time, I didn’t know where they were from; their accents suggested someplace out west. I figured maybe water was scarce wherever it was they had called home. 

When they finally joined us in the dining room, we introduced the kids to Rain and Raine.  The others knew Andy. The dogs especially remembered him and all six let him know they remembered him. They were much friendlier to Rain and Raine. We sat down to rabbit stew, fresh baked bread, and a salad of spring greens. Nothing fancy. The food was all on the table and everyone helped themselves. Rain and Raine paused a moment to say what I assumed was a silent grace.

I said to Andy, Would you tell us how you met these lovely ladies?

Rain blushed. Raine, smiling, bowed her head slightly and kept her eyes on me.

Sure. Love to, Andy replied. After I left Rocheport, I spent the first two days trying to gather survival gear. I filled the Chevy with whatever I thought might be remotely useful.

Where did you look? Mert asked.

Windsor Place and some farms. When I had the Suburban full, I thought about where I might want to go. I had no clue. I just remember some guy saying, ‘Go West!’—

Horace Greeley, I said.

Huh? was Andy’s response.

Horace Greeley supposedly said, ‘Go west, young man’.

Oh. Okay. Anyway, I got on 70 and headed west. Eventually ended up in Moab, Utah.

Why there? Sally asked.

Car trouble, Andy replied.

The Suburban broke down? I asked.

Oh, that crapped out on me in Kansas City. Transferred my stuff to a Subaru and that got me to this side of Hays, Kansas when the transaxle went. Found a Toyota and transferred my stuff to it and continued west until the tranny went out by Burlington, Colorado. Found an Excursion and loaded it up with my gear and that got me to Moab. Hit a pothole and bent the rim. Would’ve had to find another vehicle, but the people there turned out friendly enough — Latter-Day Saints — so I stayed. My mechanical know-how was helpful. Met Rain and Raine and thought maybe I’d found heaven.

Rain smiled and Raine giggled.

So why are you here? Mert asked.

Found myself in a little bit of hot water with the bishop. We negotiated a more or less amicable departure, Andy replied.

Raine giggled again. I’d say ‘less’, sweetie. Her voice was sweet, clear, and melodious. I can see why Andy fell in love. 

Rain added, A lot less amicable. Her voice was identical.

Aw, c’mon. He did finally let us go, Andy protested.

That’s only because you didn’t give Daddy much choice. Rain’s look was stern, but merriment danced in her voice.

I rolled my eyes. Mert was shaking his head. Sally and Mel just had smiles on their faces. I said, Rain, Raine, thanks for returning to us the Andy we all know and love.

Everyone burst out laughing — even Andy.

Seems like you get in trouble a lot, Mel said. Kind of like it follows you around.

Well, young lady, I’m hoping to reverse that trend by settling down here in Rocheport.

I hope so, Andy, I said. More for the sake of your wives and children than anything else.

Alright, alright. Kick me around. I’m not looking for trouble, Bill. It just seems to find me. Maybe I can turn over a new leaf here. That’s why I came back twelve hundred miles. In a wagon nonetheless. I want a good home for Rain, Raine, and the kids. You have a good place here, run a tight ship. I want to call it home.

Andy, I’m okay with you coming back. I meant it when I said you didn’t have to leave and we could start over. I’ve always thought you were an asset for us. Still do. We’ll see what the others say. Sally and I, though, will vouch for you. In the meantime, you are our guests. Make yourselves at home.

Thanks, Bill, I appreciate it. I really do. I’m not sorry I left because if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have met Rain and Raine. They are the best thing to happen to me. Andy didn’t say any more and for once seemed speechless. 

Rain said, When things weren’t going so well with Daddy, all Andy would talk about was how you took him in and gave him a chance and he’d messed it up. He said things were good here, and he wanted to come back.

So we told him we’d go with him, Mr Arthur, Raine added.

And we’re glad you’re here, I said. And please, call me ‘Bill’.

Andy once more took control of the conversation. So Bill, what happened with those religious people you took in?

We updated him on the events between his departure and return. The three were appalled at the news of the war and the murder of one of Jed’s people after the war had ended which was still unsolved. Andy had to get in his digs that he told us they’d be trouble. Rain and Raine said things weren’t much different in Moab prior to Andy’s arrival. When we’d finished, I asked him about Kansas City.

Place is a mess, Andy told us. Lots of people about. It was easier the first time I went through. The second time got a bit testy. The wagon doesn’t go so fast, you know. Everyone is fighting everyone else. The freeway is something of a no man’s land. Only means everyone is free to take potshots at you or try to rob you blind.

That’s why I avoid big cities, I said. They’re trouble. You’re lucky you got through. One of these days, when there is absolutely no food left, those hoards are going to be on the move for greener pastures. And it isn’t going to be a pretty picture.

***

After supper, I called a special meeting to discuss citizenship for Andy and his wives. 

I introduced them, For those who haven’t met our guests and potential new citizens, I would like you all to meet Andy Wrodkowski and his wives, Rain and Raine.

There were a few eyebrows raised, looks exchanged, and comments whispered about.

I continued, Andy, Rain, and Raine would like to join our community. I believe they will be an asset. Andy is a mechanic and handyman, and superb at both.Those are valuable commodities which will stand us in good stead for the future, especially since we no longer have Sergeant Ickles or Harold Diesel with us. I wholeheartedly recommend they be given citizenship.  Andy, please tell us your story.

He stood up and more or less followed the script I’d given him. I had him leave off the Latter-Day Saint part of his story. I didn’t want to set Jed off. When Andy was finished, I asked if anyone had any questions.

Arnold Drake stood up. I knew we were in for a long night. Drake began, Two wives is a bit unusual, don’t cha think?

Maybe, Andy said. No law against it, is there?

Drake scowled. Maybe not a government law, but a God-fearin’ man would respect the Bible.

Arnold was assuming Andy even gave two hoots about God in the first place. I ran interference for Andy. Rhonda, Jed, where does it say in the Bible ‘Thou shalt not have more than one wife’?

Powers just looked at me. Obviously, he didn’t want to take my side. 

Rhonda said, "There isn’t one, Doctor Arthur, which you already know." She had a twinkle in her eye and a smirk on her lips when she said doctor.

Powers looked at Rhonda, his face saying, you should know this. If the Church is the Bride of Christ and the analogy is based on marriage, than a man can only have one wife — because there is only one Church.

Thank you, Rhonda and Jed. Jed opposes polygyny based on a theological construct and Rhonda sees no Biblical prohibition.  Rhonda, do you have any other objections?

"On theological grounds? No. As you pointed out, Doctor Arthur, monogamy is a theological construct. One I don’t think the Bible necessarily supports. Perhaps Jesus did, but then we have so few of his actual words—"

Jed was fuming and about to speak. I held up my hand to stop him. Rachel touched his arm and he settled down.

Rhonda continued, leaving the hot topic behind. Would I encourage polygamy? No. But that’s a different issue and we can discuss it some other time.

It is, I said. Does polygamy in any of its forms hurt anyone? Jed?

Powers looked at me, eyes wary. What do you mean?

Does Andy, Rain, and Raine’s marriage harm you?

I think it wrong.

I didn’t ask that. Does it harm you? Cause you any sense of hurt?

His answer came after a pause. I think it hurts the community.

How?

It’s against God’s law.

That’s not what I asked. You’re telling me their marriage offends your sense of right and wrong. I asked if it hurt you.

He sighed. No. It doesn’t hurt me.

Thank you. Arnold?

He shook his head.

I went on. The Bible does not explicitly prohibit or command polygamy. I think most examples of polygamy in the Bible are not favorable, but that is just how I read the text. Any other questions for Andy? Or Rain and Raine?

Bruce Glowatz asked, What was the precise nature of your disagreement with the bishop?

I thought to myself, here we go.

Well, I had to join the church to marry Rain and Raine. It was okay at first, even though I’m not a church guy. Then I started learning there were all kinds of rules I just couldn’t follow.  Crazy rules. Like no coffee or alcohol. And special underwear —

Jed yelled, Are you Mormons?

Andy looked at me and I gave him a slight nod.

He said, Well, it was a Latter-Day Saint church.

Powers thundered, They’re going to infect us all with their cult beliefs and behaviors.  They’re spawn of the Devil—

Look here, buddy, Andy shot back. You insulting my wives? ‘Cuz if you are, I’m goin’ to whup your ass.

Powers stood there looking at Andy and Andy stared him down. Slowly Powers sat down and didn’t say anymore.

Andy went on, I can’t say I make a good Saint or that I’d even call myself one. Rain and Raine understand. They’re happy they got to marry me. I love them and they love me and now we’re goin’ to have kids. They’re good people.

I stood up. "Look, Jed, and anyone else who’s inclined to pass judgement. In the old United States, we had freedom of religion. I think it was a good thing. The government couldn’t force a particular church down our throats and we were free to believe what we wanted to believe. I would like to think it is the same here in Rocheport. You can believe in God or not believe in God. And if you believe in a God, you have the freedom to worship that God in any manner you choose. Just so long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. You know, like human sacrifice.

I think it best if we leave the Wrodkowskis’ religion out of the discussion. We will be better served if we focus on them as people and ask ourselves if what they can contribute is something which will benefit us. Any questions along that line?

Rhonda stood. I have one.

I indicated she had the floor.

Andy, Rain, and Raine, my name is Rhonda Kinsey. You’ve met a bunch of people and I know keeping names straight can be difficult. Bill has designated me his second-in-command of our little community. I’ve noticed, Andy, you seem to have an issue with authority. Are you going to follow our rules and our leadership?

Pleased to meet you, ma’am, Andy said. I have no problem with Bill. Anything in the past is water under the bridge. We’ve resolved our differences. That’s why I’m here. And if Bill thinks you are good enough to be his number two, I’m okay with that. What rules do you have? I didn’t think Bill was too set on rules.

Harry answered, Bill and the community make the rules and we have very few actually. The main one is the Golden Rule: do to others as you would have them do to you. My name is Harry Wirtz, by the way. I’m married to the second-in-command.

Laughter