The Shanxi Virus: An epidemic survival story Read online

  She had begun to smile at his description of the night sky, but grew fearful again.

  "Fireflies! These woods are full of fireflies. They blink all night long. It's almost like watching slow motion fireworks. That doesn't sound so bad, now does it?" Mike asked.

  Kelly shook her head from side to side, smiling. She handed the cattail to him. A gift.

  "Thanks Kelly. I bet we'll find more of these tomorrow too."

  Jen mouthed a silent thank you.

  His stomach growling, he stood up and went to go get some food. As he shoveled the bland unheated can of pork and beans into his mouth, he looked around camp, watching the other's work. It was strange. A few months ago, he never could have imagined sitting here with any these people, the sheeple. They were something more now. Not family, but not strangers anymore. Almost friends. Maybe.

  He had to give them credit for one thing. These people had surprised him with their resilience and will to live. He had misjudged them on that account. Jen had taken control of the situation and crashed the truck, then shot Rich. Hardcore. She was a lot tougher than he would have given her credit for.

  He was sad about the loss of the cabin and all his keepsakes. He'd lost nearly everything. The photos, home movies, all of the memories the cabin held. He was sure that his parents would be proud of him for sacrificing the cabin in order to help the neighbors to escape the soldiers. Remembering the photo thrown clear of the cabin explosion, he reached into his pocket and removed the picture, running his finger along the singed edges.

  It was true that the neighbors hadn't been prepared for the Shanxi flu. Or the aftermath. They were a huge liability, and might still be a danger to him with their inexperience, but whatever happened Mike was resolved to see them through it. In his own weird way, he cared for them.

  He finished the last of the cold pork and beans, and then tossed the can into a trash bag. He was half asleep before he even finished unrolled his sleeping bag and laid down underneath the stars. He closed his eyes to the wonders of the night sky. He needed his rest. They were safe for now, and he could rest easy, but it paid to be prepared. You never knew what tomorrow would bring.

  Enjoy this book? Try some of my other works!

  The Journey Home: Book one of the EMP Aftermath Series

  This is the story of the Miller family, Jack, Amy, and their sons Kenny and Danny. Separated by half a continent after an EMP attack sends the United States back to the Stone Age, the Millers are desperate to reunite as they struggle to survive.

  Desperate Measures: Book two of the EMP Aftermath Series

  After the EMP brought America to it’s knees, the Miller family barely escaped Baltimore with their lives. Wyatt and the Millers made the trip to his West Virginia homestead, but without supplies they are unprepared to face a difficult winter. Jack is forced to go far from his home in search of food. He stumbles on a large cache of food - enough to feed his family for months. Another group claims the resource for their own, setting in motion a conflict that will spiral of control.

  Retribution: Book three of the EMP Aftermath Series

  Three years after the EMP attack brought America to its knees, the Miller family has finally put the worst of the disaster behind them. While modern conveniences like electricity, telephones, and running vehicles are a distant memory they have turned their West Virginia homestead into a productive and self-sustaining farm. Life is hard, but there is food on the table and they have hope for the future.

  Kenny Miller, soon to be eighteen, is ready to become a man in his own right. Engaged to Sarah, a beautiful young woman from a nearby farm, he plans on starting a family of his own next fall. Sarah and Kenny work hard, save their money, and make sacrifices so they can start off their life together right. Disaster strikes, and Sarah is placed in terrible danger far from Kenny. In a world with no law and order, justice is dispensed from the barrel of a gun. How far will Kenny go to get her back?

  Meanwhile, Chief Bud Howell is ready to hang his hat up and retire, but an old friend calls on him in his hour of need. A plot is uncovered that puts the future of everyone in West Virginia at stake. Can Chief Howell summon the strength to solve one last crime, perhaps the most important of his career?

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