The Last Layover Read Online Free PDF Page B

families back home that need us. Your son needs you, our wives and families need us. From what we know now, things aren't getting any better around here anytime soon and who knows what's going on out there where they are. We didn't make Glen go off on his own, and we have no possible way to find him, or to know where he is, or if he’s even alive. Besides, he is from Boston, so he may just try and head off that way and we would never even know it. I made an oath to my wife and you have a God given obligation to your son to make it back to him.”
    Evan spoke up and added, “Right now the streets are semi-safe during the daylight, but as we all heard last night after dark the scum have taken over. They know, with the power out, there are no security cameras to record their mayhem, and the blackout of streetlights gives them the perfect cover. It won't be long before they realize things have changed for the long term, and then they will be just as bold during the daylight too. If we are gonna get out of this urban nightmare before everything completely falls apart, we have to get moving. Damon's offer may be a good way to go.”
    “You're right,” she said. “But we don't even know what his plan is, do we?”
    “That's just good OPSEC, and I think he is showing wise judgment by not sharing the details until he knows who is on his team,” Evan said.
    “OPSEC?” she queried.
    “Oh yeah, Operational Security. It's keeping your plans, resources, strengths, and weaknesses low-key so that others can't use the information to their advantage if they mean you harm.”
    Peggy nodded in agreement. “Oh, that makes sense.”
    With that, the three silently agreed to get moving. Deep inside, they all hoped Glen was okay and that he would show up before they left, but there was a hollow, empty feeling that it wouldn’t be the case.
    As five o'clock approached, Evan, Jason, and Peggy went down to the tenth floor landing of the stairwell. Damon arrived right on time. He and Evan shook hands with a smile and Evan introduced everyone. After exchanging pleasantries, Damon said, “I'm sorry your friend didn't make it back, but I'm glad to have you all on board. I've got a way out of here, but I'd rather not have to do it alone. I'm no spring chicken and with a knee that's been blown out more than once, I'm entering uncharted waters trying to make it on foot. I'd much rather have a team than be a loner.”
    “So, where are we going?” asked Evan.
    “Well, my brother Jim has an older forty-thee foot Viking Yacht, from the late ‘80s I believe. It's down at the Rockaway Point Yacht Club down by Breezy Point. He lives in Delaware, but he had a guy out of there doing some post Hurricane Sandy repair work on the canvas top over the flybridge and the rear deck. Whether it's finished or not, it's in running condition and, considering the state of things, he'd be happy if we got it back home to him. It has two strong, running Detroit Diesels and all the gear we need to get it underway. You three help me get to it, get it going, and ride shotgun for me along the way, and once we get to the Delaware Bay I'll take you as far as I can. I should be able drop you off south of Philly. It's a straight shot over to Ohio from there.”
    “Ride shotgun?” Evan said with a raised eyebrow. “How did you know we were armed?”
    “You're armed?” Damon questioned with a smile. “Well heck, that's even better. I thought we'd be unarmed till we got to the boat. That's a bonus. Knowing my brother, I was just assuming he had something stashed like he usually does.”
    Evan and Jason looked at each other with a mutually satisfied look and a nod. Jason then turned to Damon and said, “So how do we get to the boat?”
    “Well, it's gonna be dark soon, so I think we should get a good nap in and head out first thing in the morning. That will give your friend a little more time to make it back, if he is in fact coming back. Our route, as I see it at this