EMP 1500 MILES FROM HOME Read Online Free PDF

of life on a ranch."
    "Maybe we will make a good team," I said.
    "I think we will," Julie said. "In fact, I know we will."
    We sat in silence in the faint light of the fire for a while. I had my back to the fire and watched for trouble.
    I hadn't heard a single vehicle since the world ended. Cap told me that most anything made in the 1950s or the early 1960s was EMP-proof. Sooner or later, someone would roll an old vehicle out of a shed and put it on the road. I thought about trying to find one, but right now a running car or truck would be an attention grabber; a real magnet for most everyone, including those with bad intentions. Cap and I had discussed this. He suggested the gray man approach, blending in on foot, unless a vehicle was really needed. Cap had four EMP-proof vehicles at his retreat. One of them was even armored.
    "I will stand first watch. Why don't you turn in?" I said.
    "Watch?" Julie asked. "Do you really think we need to have one of us awake out here away from everyone."
    "Yes I do. Cap taught me it is standard operating procedure. He said it only takes a single mistake to lose your life. I figure I have made two mistakes already, and I can't afford a third."
    "OK, when you were robbed might be considered a mistake. But what is the other one?"
    "When you got the drop on me."
    "But you're OK. I really wasn't going to shoot you."
    "But what if it had been someone else?"
    "Oh, I see what you mean." Julie paused. "So I guess we have a don't talk to strangers rule too?"
    "Unless we have them at gunpoint, that might not be a bad idea," I smiled.
    "Life as we knew it is over, isn't it?"
    "I am afraid so, at least for a long time."
    "No it is over. The effects of this will last the rest of our lives, even if the electricity comes on again." I nodded agreement. Julie was catching on quickly.
    Julie rolled up in her blanket. I kept watch with the shotgun in my lap and the .45 tucked under my belt. The Mosin lay beside Julie, along with the other two pistols. I was glad for the guns. They were comforting. However, I had no illusions. Guns are useful, sometimes even necessary, but it is the mind that is the most important; a sharp and focused mind. Distractions can get you killed, or so Cap taught me.
    As I watched, I listened. I listened for any change in sounds. Everything was quiet. I woke Julie at 3:00 AM.
    She awoke quickly as I touched her shoulder. "Did you sleep?" I asked.
    "Yes, much better than I thought I would."
    "Good. You are on watch now until daylight. If you get too sleepy to stay awake, wake me up."
    "OK."
    I took a few minutes and explained to Julie how to keep watch. She listened intently. Then I rolled up in my blanket and fell asleep more quickly than I thought possible.
     
    Julie
    I am still sleepy from being awakened in the wee hours. In between looking around, I study Wayne where he lies sleeping. I am attracted to this man so much it surprises me. He is big, big and tall, but I have been around horses most of my life and I do not feel uneasy in his presence, although he is the biggest man I ever met. I am five feet six and Wayne towers over me. The top of my head is well below his chin when we are standing.
    I am impressed by the fact that this stranger, who hardly knows me, and has given no sign he finds me attractive, stood most of the watch himself. He woke me at 3:00 AM leaving me with less than three hours to stand watch. I decided I would let him sleep as long as he needed.
     
    Wayne
    When I awoke, the sun was just beginning to erase the darkness. Julie was wide-awake and carefully keeping watch. She held the shotgun in ready position. I was pleased.
    "Anything stirring?" I asked.
    "I thought I heard a shot about 4:30, but it was a long way from us."
    "What direction?"
    Julie pointed toward Polvadera. "That way. Should we fix breakfast now?"
    "No, I think we should get moving. We can find a good spot in a couple of hours and fix something to eat then. I don't think we should stay in