Kiamichi Refuge Read Online Free PDF Page B

pals like to hang out near the courthouse, I guess to thumb their noses at the justice system. Every one of those guys has done time.”
    Erin swallowed hard. “Oh. My uncle mentioned that there were some unsavory characters in town. I guess that was them.”
    “He was smart to warn you.”
    A perky young waitress approached. “Would you prefer a table or a booth?”
    “Booth,” the man answered.
    Erin glanced up at him with a question in her eyes. He shrugged, then grinned. “To be convincing, we need to stay in here for a while. We might as well eat. Come on, I’ll buy your lunch.”
    Once they were seated and their drink orders had been taken. Erin extended her hand. “Hi. I’m Erin,” she smiled.
    “Tanner. I’m glad to finally meet you. I heard about you for years from Ernie. When I saw you leaving the courthouse, I recognized you immediately. Ernie always had a picture of you on his desk. I’m sorry that I missed the service. I was out of state on business. Everyone who knew Ernie will miss him.”
    “Did everyone in town know my uncle? They must have, since all I have to do is say my name and people know who I am. It’s kinda nice, I think.”
    “Ernie was well liked and deeply respected by the townspeople. He got along with just about everyone, except the scumbags like you just met. Are you living in his house? Are you planning on staying in Kanichi Springs?”
    “No, I’m living out at the lodge, and yes, I’m staying. I like the town and the peacefulness of the woods. Have you lived here long?”
    “All my life, except for when I left for college. I went to OU, but I always knew I would come back here.”
    The two chatted through lunch, then Tanner walked her back to her SUV, subtly glancing around in search of the thugs. She used the button on her key to unlock the door, and Tanner opened it for her, leaning down to whisper, “I guess they crawled back under their rock. You need to stay aware of your surroundings, Erin. Be safe. I hope to see you again soon.”
    Erin nodded, thanked him again, and drove away.

Chapter 4
    Early May
     
    Over the next few weeks, Erin made a conscious effort to pay attention to the news on TV and the Internet. She began to understand that there was much more going on than she had previously realized, and that most newscasts were not telling the whole story.
    Tensions were high in several regions of the world and small acts of terrorism occurred so often that they had become commonplace. Scandals abounded in political circles and corruption had become routine at all levels of government.
    On the economic front, the news was disturbing. There were food riots in parts of Europe and unemployment rates were high in most of the world. A few large banks failed in Europe, and one failed in the US. Congress seemed paralyzed, doing little to solve the problems of rising debt and declining revenue
    Erin selected a few of the books from one of the tubs in the cave, and started to educate herself on survival in a changing world. One of the first books she read was about situational awareness and how to defend herself. She knew that she needed to take some classes on that to really learn it, and made a mental note to check into what was available.
    She ordered a plunger-like device for washing clothes, then went to McAlester and purchased several long garden hoses and three galvanized tubs that would work for baths, plus four smaller round tubs. The idea she had was to lay the hoses out in the sun and let the water in them get hot, then use that water to bathe or wash clothes or dishes. The idea should work for most of the year. She was new to prepping, except for what she had read and, and she wanted to use Uncle Ernie’s money for something that he believed in. He seemed to have thought of everything that would keep her alive, but she wanted to thrive, whatever happened.
    As soon as the weather warmed up sufficiently, Erin filled most of the pots on the deck with potting