Small Lunatics

By Greg Jolley

On the road to start a new life in northern Florida, Wiki and her six year old daughter, SeaBee are separated when a twister tears their world apart.

Finding herself alone, SeaBee is forced to survive by her own instincts and wit. Making her way to the ugly backstreets of a coastal town, she finds it filled with street urchins

• Language: English
• Publisher: Épouvantail Books, LLC
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798868991547

Greg Jolley

Greg Jolley earned a Master of Arts in Writing from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the suspense novels about the fictional Danser family. He lives in the Very Small town of Ormond Beach, Florida.

Book preview

Chapter One

Twister

Do alligators eat beavers? six-year-old SeaBee asked her momma.

Yes, but they won’t get yours, Wiki playfully mussed her daughter’s hair, keeping an eye on the road.

Good. Wanna play some more?

I’m game. What do you see?

SeaBee leaned forward for a clear view of the sky. Looking out through the windshield and up to their right, she studied the fast-roaming storm clouds. She had her very best friend in her lap, her pet beaver named Beaver, who was chewing on the birch limb in her little hand.

A bouncing puppy, she pointed. He’s jumping.

Wiki looked, seeing towering clouds, all angry and menacing gray. Making out another unhinged and deadly alligator, she decided not to mention it.

Your turn, Momma, SeaBee said.

Wiki saw a second alligator in pursuit, chasing and diving for their rental U-Haul van.

Three scoops of ice cream, she told her daughter.

Looking up the road, she watched the ugly dark clouds consume the sun.

I think this is called being dead tired, Wiki said absently. Each passing hour felt like a day long, but that’s because she was the adult. Her daughter had been a delight, content with the view and playing with Beaver. They were on the last leg of their two-day journey, the final twenty-five miles of their eleven-hundred-mile escape from Dent, Michigan, to Ormond Beach, Florida.

What? Don’t die, Momma.

I promise, Wiki slowed for the exit off southbound Highway 95. A few minutes later, they were on Highbridge Road heading for A1A. After two days on the road, they were minutes from the Florida beaches and ocean, something neither had seen before.

So much for sunbaked Florida, she turned on the wipers, the rains coming on fast from behind. A wind was also up, buffeting the van, shoving it forward and side to side.

A half-mile along the snaking two-lane, the clouds opened, releasing a torrent of hard rain. They were under a canopy of massive oaks draped with Spanish moss. Exiting the beautiful green tunnel, the canals and wetlands to their sides were erased in the onslaught. She caught a glimpse of a draw bridge up ahead, and then it was gone.

Wiki turned the radio on and heard three scorching bursts of an electric horn, followed by The National Weather Service has issued…

The broadcast died in a wave of electric static.

The rain was striking the windshield like thousands of nails, sending off a relentless, loud clattering. She cranked the wipers to high.

Momma?

Wiki shut off the radio.

Yes, love?

That’s unusual, SeaBee pointed to her side-view mirror.

What’s that, darling?

I see flying Christmas trees.

Looking into her mirror, Wiki saw a gray spinning arm, its hand crushing and flinging everything it touched in a spiraling cloud of debris. The view was terrifying and also compelling in the sickest of ways. She mashed her foot down on the accelerator.

The rains went sideways, slamming the van and tilting it like a blast from a fire hose. Hoping the road ran straight, no longer able to see more than a few yards out, she fought with the steering wheel.

Duck down! Cover your head! she yelled to SeaBee, stealing a second frightened glance in her side-view mirror.

Seconds later, the U-Haul van lifted off the road and turned onto its side. Wiki was spinning the wheel, both feet hard on the brakes for all the good it did. SeaBee was screaming as the van was picked up like a little kid’s toy and thrown off the road.

Striking a tree as it flew through the air, their world turned upside down. The blow was to the cargo area, tearing it open.

Launching herself over her daughter, Wiki clenched her close, pushing her low. The air was filled with roaring winds. Thirty yards from the pavement, the van smashed into something solid, sending it into a tailspin and tipping it.

The windshield blew in and debris stabbed at them like daggers. Wiki was thrown against her door and window, her head and arm cracking against the glass. Something black and wet crashed into her from over the steering wheel.

When the van finally dropped, it sent up an explosion of water, landing in a shallow canal.

Its right side being hit and slammed by everything the winds carried, it somehow remained upright on its wheels.

Momma? SeaBee raised her head and yelled.

Wind-torn rain was pouring in. Getting no response, she looked to her left. Wiki was slumped in her seat, head down, blood streaming from a gash on her head, a fence post smashed into her upper left body, the rest extending out over the hood.

Momma! SeaBee unbuckled her seat belt and climbed up onto the seat.

Wiki didn’t move. Shaking her shoulder, SeaBee called out her name again, looking for any sign of life, needing her momma to open her eyes to rescue them. As the winds started to back off, she saw bloody bubbles forming on her momma’s lips. Hoping that was a good thing, she turned away.

I gotta go get her help, she looked down, speaking to Beaver. In the chaos, he had disappeared from her lap.

No, no, she cried out.

In front of her was a nightmare of destruction. Tall oaks and pines were sheared-off, others upended. The sky was dark gray and turbulent, the clouds in a vicious battle. Keeping her head down, she climbed out through the windshield.

Beaver! she yelled. Momma’s hurt bad.

Sliding off into a foot of brown muck water, she scanned the embankments for any sign of her pet. Not seeing him, she stared at the ruined rental van and the spray of their belongings. It showed the path they had taken from the road. Wiping rain from her eyes, she struggled to spot any hint of the pavement. Not seeing it, she guessed at its location. Before starting out, she sloshed to the rear door.

It was bashed open and rolled halfway up. Boxes and tubs lay in the foul-smelling water as well as the crate containing her momma’s work files. Climbing up inside, she opened the wood box holding Beaver’s food. Moving around behind it, she pushed and shoved until the box rested on the edge of the doorway, where Beaver could get to it easily.

Jumping down with a splash, she called his name one last time.

Are you okay? she yelled, turning full circle. She gave him a minute to appear, and when he didn’t, she turned from the van. The road was out there somewhere and she had to get to it. Get a car to stop. Ask for help. Get her momma an ambulance.

Wadding through the waters and climbing an embankment, she started out, head down, determined, and very sad.

Chapter Two

Twanger

Twanger was driving a sputtering beat-up Kia, stolen the night before from the parking lot of the Hanky Panky Saloon in Ormond Beach. A fat drunk had dropped her keys while climbing out for another night of useless hopes and worse music. Watching from over the handlebars of his bicycle for an opportunity just like this, he had pedaled across the parking lot, snatched up the keys, threw his bike in the trunk and drove away.

Heading south on A1A, he wasn’t curious about the recent twister, only what treasures could be had from destroyed houses and cars. While its path had carved mostly through the wetlands, there were several big homes back in the oaks along Highbridge Road. He drove through what resembled a war zone under sunny blue skies, like what had happened was some kind of joke.

Crossing the drawbridge, fifteen-year-old Twanger ignored the destruction from the twister two hours earlier. Off to his right was a pasture bordered by pine trees, half of them torn out and thrown who knew where. He rolled the Kia to a stop. Fifty yards away, a pickup truck was on its roof, with its underbelly looking like a flipped turtle. A cattle trailer was hitched to the rear and lay on its side in four feet of canal water.

Climbing out, he walked to a gravel berm halfway out before wading to the truck. He heard the panicked cattle kicking the hell out of the trailer, their hooves crashing against the steel floor and bashing the aluminum siding.

He pried the driver’s door open and pulled it back through the water. The driver hung upside down, drowned, still wearing his seat belt, his large ass to the heavens, as was the wallet in his back pocket. A .22 squirrel rifle had fallen off the rear window gun rack.

You’re screwed, moo moos, he said and headed back to the road, going through the wallet with the rifle on his shoulder.

The Kia started after a third twist of the key. He drove further west, recalling a large white two-story house two miles away. With any luck, no one had been home when the twister hit, and he’d be free to do his shopping casually. Rounding a tight bend, a new opportunity appeared.

Lookie here, he slowed up, the tires carving wakes in six inches of brown high water.

A little girl was walking his way, looking like she had taken a ride in a blender filled with mud and swamp muck. Stopping the car beside her, he dropped his window and pasted on a worried and friendly smile.

Looks like you need help? he offered.

Her eyes rose. She appeared to be lost and perhaps confused. He hoped so.

My momma’s hurt, SeaBee said.

Want a ride into town? We can get help.

Her expression changed. She eyed him warily.

Are you a creep? she asked, studying him. Momma says to always ask.

No, I’m not. Just a farm boy hoping my momma’s okay, too, he lied, smooth as glass.

She took a step back to look the Kia over. It was hardly farm-like.

Jump in, he leaned over and popped the passenger door open. We can be in town in ten minutes, find a policeman and have him call for an ambulance.

She got in slowly, closed the door, and leaned against it.

What’s your name? he asked, putting the car in gear.

SeaBee.

Really? That’s cute. You from around here?

No, but we’re moving here.

Everyone is, he made a slow U-turn through the water. Where are you and your momma planning to live?

It’s a place where some of our family is.

Know the address?

No, but it’s called Maison de Danse. Have you heard of it?

Afraid not, he lied. In truth, he knew it well. It was one of several pretentious family compounds in Ormond Beach. He and a few pals had scaled its walls during the last hurricane season, hoping its owners were off hiding somewhere. They were both home and well-armed, some chick firing buckshot at them from the front stairs.

Ever been in a movie? he asked, shaking off the frightening memory.

"I was in one… Rascals – The Donner Party. Did you see it?"

Are you joshing me? He leaned forward, looking surprised.

Don’t know what that means.

Like kidding, joking.

No, I’m not joshing. I played Frau Graves. She ate dead kids in the movie. I like your voice.

You do? Why’s that?

When we stopped in Georgia, we heard others who sounded like you. Momma says it’s twangy.

That’s funny.

It is?

That’s my nickname.

What is?

Twanger.

After backtracking over the drawbridge, they accelerated up A1A, the little car rattling and struggling to find speed.

We’ll head into Flagler. It’s closer, Twanger explained.

Can you call 9-1-1 on that? SeaBee pointed to the portable CB radio on the dash.

I wish, but no, he shook his head. In fact, he could, but that wasn’t gonna happen.

It looks like a telephone.

It is, sort of. Keep an eye out for a sheriff’s truck. Bet we can flag one down before we get to town.

SeaBee sat up as far as possible to see more of the two-lane running along the coast. They cruised north a few miles, passing where the wetlands ended and the first hints of Flagler Beach appeared—restaurants and motels with scenic ocean views.

Excuse me, Twanger took the mic from the CB radio and switched it on. I want to see if anyone’s seen my momma.

SeaBee nodded, studying the shapes of two approaching vehicles. Neither had roof top lights.

Dude, Twanger said when the call was picked up.

Dude, another teenager replied, sounding sleepy or bored.

SeaBee was looking to both sides, hoping to spot a policeman. The beach was on one side of the road and shops, bars, and ice cream stands were on the other.

I found a fresh one, Twanger said.

SeaBee turned to listen, the comment strange.

How old are you? Twanger turned and asked her.

Six. And you? she added hesitantly but still minding her manners.

Instead of answering, he spoke to the other boy.

How much for a six?

Five hundred, came back, the words surrounded by a scratchy echo.

SeaBee’s eyes narrowed and she turned away. While not understanding what they were talking about, it had nothing to do with saving Twanger’s momma or her own. She heard alarms beginning to clang in her mind as she studied the door handle.

Twanger? she asked.

What?

I’m gonna barf.

Not in my car.

He slowed and pulled over.

Do it out the window, he scolded, unlocking them.

Her tiny fingers buttoned the glass down as far as it would go.

Unlatching her seat belt, she clambered fast, not even thinking about looking back. Instead of spewing breakfast, she fired an elbow as he grabbed for her arm.

He missed and out the window she went.

Chapter Three

7-Eleven and Sally’s

Hitting the pavement hard, SeaBee rolled before finding her feet. Ignoring the scrapes and cuts, she ran up the road away from Twanger and his car. Hearing his car door creak open, she ran all the faster.

SeaBee! Just a misunderstanding! he yelled after her. Let me help you call an ambulance for your momma!

She raced out into the road, navigating around a minivan. The car behind it screeched to a stop to avoid hitting her. Flinching to the left, she fell, gathered herself up, and ran for the opposite sidewalk. Across the road was a 7-Eleven, all lit up in strong green and red colors, the inside looking clean and safe.

Halfway across the parking lot, a girl shouted, running straight at her.

Wait! You’re safer with us.

SeaBee glanced at her, not slowing up.

You go in there, he’ll get you, the other girl warned.

That stopped her. She spun around, fearing she would see Twanger running after her. There was no sign of him, only his little car driving away. He was shouting into the microphone and waving his free arm.

Who are you? the other girl asked. She was older, perhaps even a teenager. Her hair, swimsuit, and boots were black.

I’m SeaBee. Do you have a phone? My momma’s hurt bad.

Yes. Hold on a second, the girl swung her backpack around and opened it.

I’m Feeb, the girl got her phone out and dialed 9-1-1.

I need to report an accident, she said when the call was answered.

Where’s your momma? Feeb asked SeaBee, her hand over the mouthpiece.

It’s about fifteen minutes away.

Know the name of the street?

No, we were near a draw bridge.

Had you crossed it yet?

No.

Car wreck? In the twister?

Yes.

How is she hurt?

Her head and arm. She’s really bleeding.

What kind of car?

It’s a van. It’s white and orange.

Like for moving?

Yes.

It’s a U-Haul van on the west side of Highbridge Road, Feeb told the dispatcher, along with the other details.

Please hurry, she added before ending the call and looking at SeaBee.

They’re on their way. She’ll be fine.

Promise? SeaBee asked.

Yes, I think, Feeb watched SeaBee lower her gaze. She touched her shoulder.

Hey, girlie, you look like you got hit by a lawn mower, Feeb smiled kindly. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Banana, but Momma and I can never find any.

Let’s give Sally’s a try.

Sally?

She owns the ice cream store. It’s right up the street. We can take the back road.

What if that boy sees me?

Who, Twanger?

You know his name?

Oh, I recognized him all right. That spineless boner.

Two boys walked up and stood beside Feeb.

’Sup? the taller one asked. He looked a couple of years younger than Feeb and was deeply tan, with a wave of black hair falling over his left eye.

I’m Slurp, who are you? he asked, looking at SeaBee like he couldn’t care less but was trying out his manners.

I’m SeaBee, she said before adding, Are you a creep?

Can be. But right now, no.

The second boy was smaller, about SeaBee’s height and age. He kept one step back, ignoring the conversation, staring up at the clouds with a beaming smile.

What are you two up to? Slurp looked to Feeb.

Twanger tried to get his hooks into her.

That spit wad, Slurp was trying to sound like a tough guy, looking into Feeb’s lovely eyes.

We can’t hang around here, Feeb said. He’s gonna find the other idiots and come back for her.

SeaBee turned away, fear in her eyes, looking at the younger boy.

He’s Berry, Feeb said.

I’m ear-tarded, the red-headed boy said. He was wearing a striped shirt, floral shorts, gray wool socks, and beat-up tennis