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danger?”
    “I think we’re in a lot more danger than you realize, but being safe is always the best course of action I think,” said John, as he made the turn over the cattle guard. The Suburban rattled noisily as the tires traversed the long steel rails. John slowed so as not to create a big dust trail behind him, but he also didn’t want Paul to create a dust trail. Depending on the weather, tall columns of dust could be seen for miles, and John knew the importance of discretion, especially when they were traveling in unknown areas.
    “It would be different if we were an armed military convoy, where intimidation could come into play, but we’re just a group of families. The last thing we want to do is attract attention. We’ll be careful and cautious for as long as we can,” finished John, as he looked for the next turn. He spotted Corbin and slowed further. Corbin saluted and waved John through a fence that connected a long driveway up to the abandoned farmhouse and barn.
    John rolled down the window and asked, “Want a lift?”
    “No sir, I was told to wait for the last vehicle,” replied Corbin.
    John nodded and drove on slowly. Bonnie chuckled and said, “He did it . . . he turned those boys into his private little army.”
    “And I’m glad for it,” replied John. “You know better than most what it’s like to be on the road, don’t ‘cha Bon?”
    “That I do,” replied Bonnie. “It’s just that . . . well, I don’t know. It’s just so sudden, and strange.”
    “The boys turning into soldiers?” asked Jenna.
    “Everything,” replied Bonnie. “It felt so normal at your place, even with the biker attack and all, but now that we’re moving again . . . it seems surreal.”
    John and Jenna nodded, but it was John who spoke first. “You’re right about that,” he said. “I’ve seen and done things I never imagined. But I have a strong feeling it’s only the beginning. We’re gonna see a lot of strange things before this is over. I think Pete’s doing the boys rightby keeping them organized and tight,” finished John, as he pulled into the spot directed by Pete.
    With the Suburban parked under a copse of spindly trees and thick cedar bushes, John set the parking brake and got out. “Nice find. How’d you manage?”
    Pete snorted and said, “Adam found it . . . said he had a feeling about it and we turned to take a look. I was surprised to see the barn and farmhouse. We checked it out, everything’s clear. Think we should make this our lunch break area?”
    John looked at his watch and saw that it was a little after eleven. “Sure. What do you think?” he asked Pete.
    “Let’s check with Paul,” replied Pete, and the two men walked over to the truck. “Hey Paul, what do you think about making this an early lunch rest stop?”
    Paul looked surprised to be considered for his opinion, but he quickly recovered and voiced his agreement. Marissa and Abby were already instructing the young boys on where to pee, and they themselves were looking for a suitable place to do likewise, but not against a tree.

    “Dad, can I look around?” asked Adam.
    “Are you on duty?” asked John.
    Adam looked at Pete sheepishly and said, “Suppose so.”
    “Well then, check with your commander,” replied John.
    “Pete, can I look around . . . I’ll take Corbin and Marcus with me.”
    “Corbin’s on watch,” said Pete, “but you can take Marcus. I don’t want you going in the house or the barn, not without me or your dad. Understood?”
    “Yes, sir,” replied Adam, and he walked off after grabbing Corbin by the arm.
    “Are they behaving?” asked Jenna, as she walked up to join in on the conversation.
    “Are you kidding me, they’re awesome. I couldn’t have asked for a better crew. If anything, they’re a little over eager, but that I can manage,” replied Pete.
    They talked a bit more about the things they saw on the way, like the smoke rising up from what had to be the direction