We woke up the next morning to a beautiful sunrise, made breakfast and took the dogs for a little exercise as we cycled around the park taking pictures.

  We packed up the R/V and headed north. We just crossed into Wyoming and noticed something wrong with the R/V. We stopped and found one of the four trailer tires was flat. Since we never changed a trailer tire before, it took about an hour. We stopped at a gas station for fuel and Jillian got some necessities, local maps and an old phone book.

  “There is a farm implement supply store about seven miles that way or a tire store, right down the street that way.” Jillian said pointing in two different directions.

  We stopped at the tire store and did not find a match, so we headed toward the farm implement store for a replacement. The store was huge and looked promising as we pulled up and parked the R/V. I was ready to breech the door when a wind gust made it move. Upon closer inspection I noticed footprints in the dirt, that extended into the dust in the store.

  “Someone has been here recently.” I said inspecting the footprints as the dogs sniffed them.

  “Worn work boots, about size eleven.” I said looking at the crisp edges.

  “Only one set of prints, the same boots anyway. These are only a couple of days old.” I added pointing. The fresh foot prints split at plumbing and electrical.

  “Take Pete and follow that path, radio’s open, safety’s on, okay.” I said to Jillian as she inspected her purple .38.

  We were pretty deep in the store, moving slow when we heard the rattle of the front door in the complete silence followed by a “Hello!” Male voice; older. Ginger started growling as her nose and ears twitched trying to pick up more information. I could hear Pete growling through the radio.

  “I’ll approach from behind, you monitor, okay?” I asked quietly in the radio, followed by Jillian’s confirmation.

  “Easy Ginger.” I said as I knelt down and made eye contact with her; “Easy.” I repeated to her.

  “I know you have two big dogs. I mean you no harm.” Came the voice, sounding as if he remained in the same location near the front of the store.

  “I’d like to talk! It’s been a while since I talked to anyone, ‘sides myself.” The man said. I approached silently from behind him.

  “Howdy.” I said as he slowly turned around and looked at my AA-12 pointing at the ground and then looked at Ginger.

  “Isn’t she a beauty!” He said with conviction.

  “She’s only about three years old!” He said with a big toothy smile. The man looked at me with a very friendly smile that was confirmed in his eyes. Ginger’s tail started to wag a little.

  “My name is Greg; and this is Jillian.” I said gesturing just behind him and to the left. He turned to see Jillian smiling and holstering her .38. He immediately looked at Pete sitting like a statue.

  “Goodness gracious!!” His face contorted in joy.

  “A brother and a sister!! And look at the head on him!!” The man laughed out loud and tears came to his eyes as he sat on the floor, overcome with emotion. Pete’s tail began to wag leaving half circles on the dusty floor.

  “Dogs feel more comfortable when you’re at eye level with them.” The man said holding his hands out in front of him. Ginger and Pete were eager to greet the friendly man and their eyes darted between the two of us, waiting for my command.

  “Good discipline, but the female is going to pee in a minute.” The man said smiling.

  “Okay.” I said and they both quickly approached the man and sniffed and licked him, knocking him backwards. Jillian and I shared in his joy as he laughed out loud and cried tears of happiness as Ginger tinkled on him a little.

  “GINGER!” Jillian said out loud laughing.

  “It’s okay, I haven’t been to church in a while, it’s a second baptism!” The man said as his glasses skidded across the floor.

  “Ginger! Pete! Come!” I said. They both reluctantly withdrew their greetings as I put down the AA-12 and held out my hand to help the man to his feet. Jillian handed him his filthy glasses as he wiped his tears from his face with his sleeve and put his glasses on.

  “Thank you! Names’ Roy, you can call me Scotty.” He said shaking and squeezing my hand with his rough and calloused hand.

  “Pleasure meeting you.” Jillian said as Scotty shook her petite hand.

  “Ginger and Pete huh?” Scotty said. “Rottie and a chocolate; great combination! Just great!” He added.

  “I was eating lunch and you drove right by my house!” Scotty said looking at and inspecting Jillian and I.

  “I could not believe my eyes, so I ran to my truck and followed the dust cloud and tire tracks. Where you from?” Scotty asked.

  “I’m from Ohio.” I said.

  “I’m from Minnesota.” Jillian said.

  “How did you two…, I’m talking too much, I apologize. I’m just tickled our paths crossed.” Scotty said admiring all four of us.

  “I’m looking for a spare tire for my trailer.” I said.

  “Okay. Follow me. You know, when we're done here, I’d like to have you come to my house. I’ve got something I’d like to share with you that I’m sure you have not had in a while.” Scotty proposed with a smile.

  “And I have something special for Ginger and Pete as well!” He added. The dogs ran to his side hearing their names as he patted their heads. Scotty stopped.

  “Just look at that muscle tone!” Scotty said momentarily inspecting Pete’s head.

  “I wouldn’t want to be on the business end of that when he’s mad!” Scotty said looking at me over the top of his glasses.

  “He broke a Brigadier Generals arm.” I said flatly.

  “Now that’s a story I need to hear at least twice!” Scotty said congratulating Pete, who returned the affection.

  “Here ya go.” Scotty said, handing me two wheels.

  “How do you know these will fit?” I asked.

  “Son, I’m a farmer, I could tell the weight limit of your trailer, how much weight you had on it, and the tire pressure in each; as you drove by my window.” Scotty said proudly.

  “Fair enough.” I said as we all walked to the front of the store. Jillian placed some items in the dog’s backpacks and Scotty commented on what a great idea it was. He grabbed a couple of small items and put a few in each of the dog’s packs, and thanked them with a pat on the rump. “Dogs live to give.” He said.

  “We would love to have dinner with you, and we have something I’m pretty sure you have not had in a while.” Jillian said with a wink to me. I knew she was referring to the steaks. We had plenty and sharing with Scotty was just the right thing to do.

  “You aren’t in a hurry, are you?” Scotty asked.

  “These days, being in a hurry doesn’t really make sense.” I said.

  “Unless you eat an entire jar of bad olives!” Jillian said.

  “They tasted fine!” I protested.

  “I told him they were bad, but he kept on eating them.” Jillian said just shaking her head.

  “You didn’t make it to the john, I take it?” Scotty asked with a smirk.

  “I didn’t make it past the zipper.” I said hanging my head in shame.

  “Did the dogs eat ‘em? Scotty asked.

  “No. I don’t think they like olives.” I said.

  Scotty laughed, “Always trust a woman’s nose, and if a hungry dog won’t eat them; well... follow me.” Scotty said as he started his truck and we followed him back down the road.

  We arrived at Scotty’s house and the dogs ran around and sniffed the ground and relieved themselves everywhere.

  “They probably smell my dogs, I had three. They are buried over there, next to my wife.” Scotty pointed to a large tree with four crosses.

  “She loved them dogs as much as I did.” Scotty said with a heavy heart.

  “I’m so sorry.” Jillian said touching his back, as he held back his tears.

  “We all lost everyone we loved.” I said. “Any children?” I asked Scotty.

  “No, 'fraid not; we tried like hell though!” Scotty said half laughing.

  “Doctors said… well… doctors. We had an endless string of dogs, few cats, some livestock. What about you?” Scotty asked with sincerity.

  “Mother, father, brother, nephew wife, two children, and a dog.” I said with a sigh.

  “Damn!” Scotty said shaking his head and giving me a hug. He turned toward Jillian.

  “Mom, dad, four grandparents.” Jillian said quietly. Scotty gave her a hug and I joined in; the dogs were confused at our emotional state.

  “I could use a drink.” I said wiping my tears.

  “Make mine a double.” Jillian added.

  “I knew I liked the two of you the moment we met!” Scotty said rubbing his hands together as we walked past an outdoor grill on our way to Scotty’s backyard patio with one chair and a table.

  “Does that work?” I asked Scotty, pointing toward the grill.

  “Haven’t used that in a long while! Probably, why?” Scotty asked and gave me a suspicious look.

  “Oh! I’m a…grill inspector, I need to verify that all outdoor grills in this state are operational.” I said in an official tone. Jillian held back her smile and pretended to be official as well, as Scotty looked to her for information. Scotty squinted his eyes as he looked at me and walked over to the grill, turned on the gas and hit the igniter. The grill snapped to life.

  “Could I trouble you for three plates, three forks, three knives and something to drink.” Jillian asked with a serious tone. Scotty looked to me. I said nothing. Scotty got down on one knee and Ginger and Pete approached him.

  “They’re up to something, aren’t they?” Scotty whispered to the dogs.

  “Tell me what it is?” Scotty asked the dogs. He put his head down as if to hear a response from the dogs. They just licked his face as he stood up smiling.

  “They told me a couple of secrets!” Scotty said with a big smile.

  “I’ll be right back.” Jillian said as she went to the R/V and Scotty went into the house. I, in fact inspected the well-seasoned grill and cleaned off the iron grate with a rusty wire brush hanging from the side.

  “I don’t entertain much these days, these are a little dusty.” Scotty said bringing out two chairs from the garage and placing them around the patio table.

  “Be right back.” Scotty said.

  Scotty returned with a round tray that contained three complete table settings, three glasses, one unmarked bottle of brown liquid and a jar of pickles. He was all smiles. Jillian returned with a small cooler and two dog bowls and the dogs excited at her heels. She placed the cooler on the table.

  “Go ahead!” Jillian said to Scotty as he anxiously awaited to know the contents of the cooler. He opened it slowly, looked in, and closed it quickly, and sat down. Tears rolled down his cheeks and into his scruffy beard.

  “Where did you find… how did you…” Scotty was overcome by emotion as the dogs went over and licked his hands as he pulled out a faded red handkerchief from his pants pocket. Jillian started to cry as she went over to comfort him.

  “Why do I deserve this? Why would you share, such a treasure like this with me?” Scotty asked.

  “Because we are neighbors!” I said cleaning the grill.

  “Neighbors?” He questioned.

  “Since you are only the second, well fourth, person we have encountered in two years, anyone within a six-state radius, is a neighbor.”

  “My gifts don’t hold a candle to yours. But here is my best Bourbon.” Scotty said opening the bottle and pouring a small amount in each glass. “I’ve been making Bourbon since I was a young man, I’m damn proud of it. Cheers!” Scotty said holding up his glass after handing Jillian and I each a glass.

  We drank down the homemade spirits as the grill began to smoke. Jillian poured her homemade salsa into a bowl and opened a relatively fresh bag of corn chips.

  “This is all from our garden.” Jillian said as Scotty sampled the salsa, enjoying the fresh flavors. Jillian and I hardly ever argue, except when it comes to spicy food. I like it hot; not so hot it melts your face off, but hot enough to actually enjoy all the flavors. Jillian likes it mild, so she brought me a separate bottle of Tabasco.

  Scotty opened the jar of pickles. “Folks say these are the best and I agree. I make eight different types. I hope you like garlic!” Scotty asked.

  “We consider garlic a food group.” Jillian said as Scotty laughed. The pickles were just fabulous. “Now that’s a pickle!” I said. I finished off my Bourbon and poured some of the pickle brine into my glass and drank it down. Jillian looked at me very surprised with her mouth half open and Scotty was just as surprised, except for different reasons.

  “I thought I was the only one that did that.” Scotty said astonished. He finished off his Bourbon and poured some pickle brine into his glass and was going to drink; but stopped short and looked towards Jillian. Jillian rolled her eyes and drank down her Bourbon as he poured pickle brine into her glass.

  It’ll cure what ails ya!” Scotty said pouring more into my glass. We all toasted with Pickle brine. Scotty and I watched the reaction on Jillian’s face.

  “That tastes better than I thought it would.” Jillian said unconvincingly.

  We sat around the table while the steaks defrosted. I asked Scotty why my corn failed and almost every answer to his question resulted in a ‘no’. Jillian brought out two photo albums that chronicled significant events of our time together. I knew she took a lot of pictures but, again I had no idea to the extent, detail and time she spent on this project.

  “…and this is where we are headed.” Jillian said to Scotty opening the “Summer Home” album.

  “Maybe I should upgrade.” Scotty said, looking through the pictures and then looking around.

  “Naw, I’ll just visit, it looks like you got some extra space.” He said with a wink.

  The steaks were sufficiently defrosted as I removed them from the cooler filled with water and removed the plastic wrap. I handed the plate to Scotty.

  “Damn! That looks good!” he said inspecting the stack of meat as the dogs drooled sitting in between us.

  “How do you like em?” Scotty asked smiling.

  “Medium rare, please.” Jillian said as she and I started cleaning off the table. As the steaks sizzled on the grill the aroma was beautifully barbaric.

  “If anything can smell within ten miles, we can expect visitors.” I said.

  “The only critters I’ve seen was a falcon; two days ago, a mouse near the barn, something that looked like a ‘possum about a month ago, along that fence line.” Scotty said pointing with his barbecue tongs. “And I swore I heard a wolf howling last week.” he added.

  Scotty placed the plate of steaks on the table and held out his hands for prayer. Jillian nor I were very religious, but we accepted his hand and held each other’s. Scotty looked at Jillian, then to me, then to the dogs and said; “Thank You.” As a small tear appeared on his cheek. We savored each bite as no words were spoken, just grunts and groans of culinary ecstasy. Jillian and I cut up tiny pieces for the dogs that we mixed in with their dog food and only let them eat when we were finished.

  “If I eat one more bite I just might explode.” Scotty said loosening his belt and filling his tobacco pipe.

  “I’m sorry, do you mind?” he politely asked.

  “It’s your house, hell, you’re the mayor and state representative!” Jillian said as she got up and started collecting the dishes and silverware. I pulled a small cigar from my gold case and asked Scotty for a light.

  “Tell me the steak story.” Scotty asked issuing a puff of smoke and leaning back in his chair. Jillian and I detailed our method of using drones to locate solar panels and how Jillian just happened to see a solar panel on top of the Men’s store/club and the rooms inside.

  “Want to see the pictures?” Jillian asked with the hopes he would.

  “Hell yes!” Scotty replied with enthusiasm. Jillian smiled and walked to the R/V, typically the dogs would follow but they just watched lying on the deck.

  “She has a lot of energy. You able to keep up?” Scotty asked with a short smile.

  “For the most part, yes.” I said with confidence.

  “She trusts you.” Scotty said looking directly at me.

  “And I trust her. But trust isn’t enough for survival. Intuition, resourcefulness, and knowing the expectations all play important roles these days.” I said. I held out my arm showing Scotty the three-inch white line.

  “See this; she stitched this up. First one ever, while reading from a first-aid book. She didn’t flinch, get grossed out or nervous. It was like she was reading from a cookbook.”

  “That’s some fine work.” Scotty said examining my arm as Jillian returned with four albums.

  “You boys sharing scar stories?” Jillian asked.

  “No, just showing off your sewing skills.” I said to her. Jillian smiled and moved her chair in between Scotty and I and opened the album of the men’s store.

  “Who’s that guy?” Scotty asked, looking at the picture of ‘mister charity’ with his hands up in the air.

  “He was stealing from us.” Jillian said.

  “Why would he steal from you?” Scotty questioned.

  “He was going through our truck eating Jillian’s granola and drinking our water.” I said. Scotty just shook his head.

  “This looks like a private club.” Scotty said looking at the pictures of the sitting room.

  “So, you use drones to look for solar panels with the hopes it is supplying power to a freezer.” Scotty said with admiration.

  “We have two of them, we can show you how to use it. It’s actually really fun.” Jillian said. I looked at Scotty with the hopes he was interested.

  “Boys and their toys!” Scotty said smiling as I got up to get the drones from the trailer. He picked up the controls rather quickly and was amazed how everything looked.

  “If you have a computer, we can upload the video.” Jillian said to Scotty.

  “I’m just gonna have to get me one of these.” Scotty said, zooming in and out and surveying his property.

  “Typically, gated communities will have the best results, but you can try commercial areas. Usually we don’t drive at night, but a lot of times we would see a light in a residential area that is just solar landscape lighting. I can’t tell you how many of those we investigated only to be disappointed.” I said. It was getting dark as I packed up the drones and Jillian and Scotty finished cleaning up.

  “I’ll get some lights on.” Scotty said going to the side of the house. We heard a generator fire up and one by one, he turned on some lights inside his house. The dogs sniffed everything in the house and they each picked out a spot for relaxing.

  “Who’s this young man in his birthday suit?” Scotty asked in reference to Tom running around naked across the front lawn and playing tag with the dogs.

  “There’s a lot of pictures of his posterior.” Scotty said, not looking at anyone. “He’s Military.” he added.

  “Like we said before; we usually don’t drive at night, but one night, Jillian spotted a light and just as I looked at it, it went off. We investigated the next day and there were two men in a bunker next to this… house. This man, Tom, and another. They were wearing hazmat suits and secure for the most part. The virus was only supposed to last two weeks, but, according to his information, it will be another six to seven years before it is safe. Tom decided that he did not want to live in a bunker anymore and took off his hazmat suit.” I said.

  “He probably made that decision long before you arrived, he just needed a good reason.” Scotty said.

  “That’s when the other man; Brigadier General “ass-cake” got angry and agitated, and when I told him to settle down, he poked me in the chest with his finger. Pete responded.” I said.

  “Good boy Pete!” Scotty said as Pete heard his name, got up, and came over to him. “You too Ginger”, he added. Both dogs adored Scotty, or maybe they were just happy the pack had an additional member, either way, everyone was in good spirits.

  “So, this house is also a Military bunker?” Scotty asked.

  “We have a ton of pictures showing every detail of the house; the bunker, how it works and how to maintain it.” I said.

  “You might want to be careful, if they were dug in, others might be as well. As soon as their provisions run out, they will probably get careless; if they haven’t gone crazy living in solitary. I’ve often thought about that. How many people knew this was going to happen, where would they all go? The top officials, I mean. What do you suppose their plan was?” Scotty asked.

  “Why were WE not affected?” Jillian asked.

  “Are we lucky, or just cursed? I asked.

  “Lucky… I think.” Scotty said not really sure of his response. “I think, it has been a long time since there is actual ‘peace on earth.’ He said in deep thought.

  “Not as long as there are people in Military uniforms.” I added.

  “You two, sorry; you four, are welcome to stay here as long as you want. The spare rooms need to be cleaned – I bet your R/V is cleaner – Like I said before, I don’t entertain much these days.” Scotty said.

  Just then, a loud crash came from outside; backyard, patio. Both dogs woke up and started barking. We all got up as Scotty turned on the outside lights. A large black and brown wolf looked into the light near the overturned grill and started trotting off, not fast, but not slow either.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Ginger and Pete were going absolutely nuts. They knocked over a table and lamp that broke into pieces. They were barking so loud I could not compete yelling at the top of my voice. Ginger showed more restraint than Pete. His eyes did not reflect his normally balanced disposition and behavior. Scotty started laughing as Pete settled down enough for us to communicate. Scotty started singing; “I’m in the mood for LOVE!” Followed by a howl.

  “That was a one-hundred forty-pound female! Did you notice the tail flick, and the way she was not that concerned with…” Scotty was interrupted by a long howl outside that sounded not too far off in the distance.

  Both dogs stopped barking and stood still and listened, with ears twitching. They both responded with howls that were not only very loud, but the tone and offset semi-tones rippled over our ear drums to the point we had to cover our ears.

  The sound of their ancient DNA being triggered was chilling. We heard a loud crash and looked down at Ginger, and Pete was gone; he blasted through the front door screen and Ginger looked like she wanted to follow through the large tear in the screen, but didn’t. I frantically yelled and whistled for Pete.

  “What should we do?” Jillian asked Scotty, confused and holding onto Ginger. We both looked toward Scotty, who did not seem as concerned as Jillian and I.

  “I wouldn’t worry too much, Pete’s a big dog and there’s only two things that will make him come back:

  One…well, when he’s finished, and two, when he’s hungry. I used to come home after both boxes were checked off.” Scotty said giggling. “Oh, not to worry!” he said with a slap on my back. “I’m guessing she’s alone, if there were others; ALL of them would be investigating the grill.” Scotty said confidently.

  “I’m going to wait outside tonight.” I said.

  “Me too.” Jillian said comforting Ginger who was excited but content.

  “I’ll make some coffee.” Scotty said walking into the kitchen, giggling and singing; “I’m in the mood for LOVE!”

  Jillian was taking pictures of the front door screen, overturned table and what was left of the lamp that Pete left in his wake of destruction.

  “We need to fix this tomorrow and replace the table and lamp.” Jillian said looking toward me. Scotty returned to the living room with a broom and a small garbage can, smiling. “This is the most fun I have had in a very long time; I’ve always hated that lamp.”

  “I’m really sorry about this, we will go shopping tomorrow and get a new door.” I said to Scotty.

  “Nooo! The screen just needs to be replaced. I have some in the basement. Now that you mention it, a new door would be nice. This one is a little drafty in the winter and hanging a door is easier with two people.”

  We heard the coffee maker sputter in the kitchen as we cleaned up and Scotty repaired the screen with duct tape. “I’ll get it.” Jillian said walking toward the kitchen.

  “Duct tape and gasoline! The only two things you need to fix any problem!” Scotty said.

  We all sat outside on the patio drinking coffee. Ginger sat next to Scotty as he patted her head and her nose sweeping the air for any hint of Pete. Ginger was nervous and concerned being apart from her brother. She kept looking toward me for information, ready in a moment’s notice to lead the search party.

  Jillian made a list of things we needed for shopping tomorrow. Scotty got up, and stood the grill upright and turned off the patio lights. The night air was cool and still.

  “You two worry too much.” Scotty said responding to our obvious uneasiness. “Mother Nature has her way of dealing with things. I’m guessing she could not be happier knowing the ‘herd’ has been thinned of this parasite called humanity.” he said. We talked and laughed for what I guessed was an hour or two and Scotty got up.

  “See you in the morning, when Pete shows up, don’t wake me. I need my beauty sleep.” Scotty said. We said good night and Jillian came over to me and sat in my lap. Ginger laid on my foot to make sure if I got up, she would know. Jillian was in deep thought, she said nothing for a long time and her constant sighs kept me from dozing off.

  “I’ll be right back.” Jillian said as she got up and started walking toward the R/V. “Ginger, come.” Jillian said as Ginger got up, stretched and glanced toward me.

  I lit a cigar and acting on Ginger’s display, stood up and stretched as well. Everything seemed extra quiet. I was amazed how loud the coal on the end of the cigar was as I drew, and my hair scraping the collar of my shirt as I turned my head looking toward the R/V.

  Jillian came out of the R/V with three bowls of dog food and placed them next to each other on the grass just off the patio. Ginger sniffed each bowl making sure each one did not have something different and sampled the one on the end. Jillian then brought out a large bowl, filled it with water and placed it near the three bowls of dog food.

  “You already have a name for her, don’t you?!” I asked Jillian.

  “Stop reading my mind and yes, it’s Rosie!” Jillian said slightly embarrassed and agitated that I knew her thoughts.

  “Rosie. I like it. You know, we may never see her again.” I said.

  “You don’t know that! Scotty said that Mother Nature has her way; MOTHER Nature… a female, not like… FATHER time, a male.” Jillian said in a slightly frantic tone. I did not really see the connection, but Jillian was focused and determined with hope, I did not push the issue.

  “We need to do some research, just in case.” Jillian said.

  “Okay.” I said smiling at her. “Human interaction with wolves, domestic canine encounters, the Internet would be handy, maybe a trip to the library tomorrow.” I said as I felt Ginger’s cold nose on my hand. “It’s okay Ginger, Pete will come back soon.” We all fell asleep outside waiting for Pete.

  Ginger woke us up before taking off across the backyard. We could barely see in the pale morning light, but a silhouette of two dogs was evident as Ginger approached Pete and smelled him up and down as he walked towards us. His head was hung low as he came up to me. I inspected him for injuries and only seen a small area of fur that was stressed. His apprehension was giving way to his normal disposition as I finished the inspection and gave him a pat on the head. He licked my hand as Jillian got up and perform her inspection. Pete loved all the attention as Jillian looked in his ears and Ginger continued to sniff his backside.

  Jillian told Pete to lay down, and he did. Jillian rolled him over and she checked his chest, stomach and each paw. Pete laid with his big head upside down on the patio deck, looking at me, panting with his tongue hanging out as Jillian continued the inspection. He was living a dog’s dream.

  Ginger caught a scent and turned around and started to growl quietly. Pete got up and sniffed the morning air with her and was not concerned. We could just barely make out the profile of Rosie at the edge of the tall grass as Ginger trotted slowly toward her, fur raised.

  “Fuck Me!” Jillian said as the two females sized each other up. Pete slowly looked in their direction and resumed his previous position on the deck with a sigh.

  Ginger approached Rosie, who did not move, and allowed Ginger to smell her. Rosie was significantly larger than Ginger but this encounter appeared to be more of an intelligence gathering mission. After a few tense moments, Rosie laid down and submitted to Ginger. After a thorough examination, Ginger turned toward us on the Patio and started panting and tail wagging. Rosie stood up and her tail was wagging as well.

  “Looks like we're all friends now.” Scotty said quietly, placing a tray on the patio table with yesterday’s leftovers. Upon seeing Scotty, Ginger ran to greet him. Rosie followed slowly behind sniffing the air and taking in all kinds of new and different aromas. Rosie stopped about half way.

  “Come on Rosie. It’s okay.” Jillian said softly to Rosie as she was very apprehensive and curious.

  Ginger and Pete greeted Scotty as if it has been a month since they have seen him. He returned the affection. Jillian continued to call to Rosie, who was reluctant. Jillian grabbed one of the bowls of dog food and slowly approached Rosie.

  “You know, that’s a wild animal and she probably weighs more than you.” I said sitting down at the table. That thought made Jillian stop short and set the dog food bowl down and walk backwards toward the patio, making sure not to turn her back to Rosie.

  We all ate breakfast watching Rosie in the tall grass; her tail wagging making the grass move. She paced, sat, paced again then sat and slowly inching her way toward the dog food bowl Jillian left. Rosie sniffed it, looked at us and ate it all up quickly. She looked at the other two bowls and inched toward them. Rosie was about fifteen yards from us and Scotty showed us a very large hand gun in a holster.

  “I hope to hell I don’t have to use it.” Scotty said quietly with eyes closed.

  “Everyone, relax, no sudden movements or sounds…and no smiling, Jillian.” Scotty said.

  “I can’t help it; she is just beautiful!” Jillian said. The dogs were more interested in food than Rosie. All three were calm and they just exchanged glances.

  “Ginger. Sit.” Jillian said pointing her thumb towards the ground. Ginger approached Jillian and sat down in front of her and took the food in her open hand.

  “Pete. Sit.” Jillian said to Pete, again, pointing her thumb towards the ground and Pete approached, sat and received food from her open hand.

  “Rosie. Sit.” Jillian said looking towards Rosie. Rosie did not move. Jillian tossed a piece of meat toward Rosie. Head down, eyes fixed on all of us, Rosie inched up to the piece of meat. She really was a beautiful animal and her size was intimidating and was making me a little nervous. Rosie ate the piece of meat and looked towards us for more.

  “Rosie. Sit.” Jillian said pointing her thumb down. Ginger and Pete both sat, hearing and seeing the command, knowing it resulted in receiving food. Jillian gently tossed the meat toward Rosie, making it land only about fifteen feet from all of us as she continued to give Ginger and Pete small pieces. Watching Rosie only a couple of yards away, she looked very thin, even for her size.

  Ginger and Pete were sitting patiently waiting with tails wagging as Jillian said: “Paw.” With her hand held out, palm up. Ginger presented her left paw to Jillian. Jillian softly squeezed her paw and released it and gave Ginger some food. Jillian turned to Pete and said: “Paw.” He presented his paw and received some food.

  “Look at that!” Scotty whispered as Rosie lifted her paw watching Ginger and Pete.

  “Good girl Rosie.” Jillian said softly, and tossed her a piece of meat as she gulped it down.

  “The transition appears complete. The wild beast sacrifices its dignity to live alongside man.” Scotty said.

  Jillian turned toward Ginger. “Ginger. Speak.” Jillian said as Ginger expelled a playful bark. Then Jillian held her index finger to her lips and said: “Shhh.” Ginger issued a small woof and received her reward.

  Pete could not contain himself and barked playfully toward Jillian wagging his tail, proud that he anticipated the command that was not issued. Jillian said: “Pete. Sit.” Using her thumb. Pete immediately sat down. “Pete. Speak.” Pete’s bark echoed and he received his reward.

  Pete did not yet fully understand the “Shhh.” Command and hand gesture, and Jillian did not include it in this round of training and observation by Rosie, who was paying very close attention knowing that it was her turn and standing with both front paws on the patio edge. Rosie was excited, happy and nervous absorbing all this interaction and food. Rosie towered over Ginger and Pete who could not have been happier sharing food with Rosie and exchanging glances.

  Rosie had a black and dark brown coat with a little white on her paws. Jillian told Scotty and I to break up some of the meat with our hands. “Don’t use silverware.” She added.

  I repeated the commands and hand gestures and Rosie followed along and smelled the food I tossed for her and she gulped it down as she slowly took her place next to Pete. I could feel and smell her breath as she sat next to Pete panting and waiting her turn.

  “Ginger. Pete. Rosie.” Scotty said with authority. Ginger and Pete adjusted their position in front of Scotty. Rosie looked confused and uncertain and sat down next to me, as Scotty repeated the commands and gestures laughing slightly at my position as Rosie turned her head in my direction panting and wagging her tail.

  Sitting in the chair her head was in exact alignment with mine. I briefly and unconsciously sniffed the air; she did the same to my hand on the arm rest and looked at me for a split second before focusing on food and Scotty, looking happy and content. Jillian was taking pictures the entire time with tears in her eyes on this beautiful, sunny summer morning in Wyoming.

  Rosie kept her distance when it was not time to eat. Jillian filled a large bucket Scotty gave her with dog food next to a similar bucket filled with water. It was amusing seeing the large bucket for Rosie and the two smaller bowls of food for Ginger and Pete. We were getting ready to leave to go shopping and Rosie was very interested in smelling the dog backpacks Jillian put on Ginger and Pete. They always get excited wearing the backpacks knowing that we are going exploring. Scotty started up his truck and it spooked Rosie and she ran into the woods.

  Scotty let us drive his other truck; ‘The fancy one’ he called it. We stopped at a home improvement store and picked out a nice oak front door, screen door and a couple of solar panels. Jillian picked out a table and lamp per Scotty’s request of: “Give it a Woman’s touch, that matches everything else.”

  We stopped at a library and picked up a couple of books, but Jillian insisted we stop at a vet’s office.

  “You might want to stay out here with the dogs.” I said to Scotty as Jillian and I suited up, using the last 2 hazmat suits near the entrance in the parking lot.

  “Are these really necessary?” Scotty asked.

  “Go on in… you first, and tell us how it smells.” I said putting on my respirator.

  “I’ll just wait out here with the dogs.” Scotty said reconsidering. Jillian handed Scotty the box with the drone and controller she brought along.

  “Find us some…Pork chops or a couple of chickens for a barbecue tonight!”

  “I’ll do my best.” Scotty said grinning and giving Jillian a military salute. The dogs avoided us whenever we put on the hazmat suits. It confuses them; I guess.

  This vet was similar to all the other one’s we have visited; maybe even smaller. The single server computer had the login and passwords for all 5 employees taped to the top. I just unplugged it and took the whole thing. Jillian grabbed all the dog treats, assembled a small box with medications and pointed to a stack of fifty-pound dog food bags. We loaded up the truck and Scotty was having a blast with the drone.

  “Watch this!” Scotty said as he pulled off some impressive moves.

  “I got one house; three streets over.” Scotty said landing the drone flawlessly, and the dogs sniffing the stack of dog food bags and treats. We followed Scotty to the house three streets over. The dog’s got out and sniffed the area and we waited for them to return.

  “Is it me, or is this really creepy?” Scotty whispered in the silence looking around.

  “It’s really creepy.” Jillian and I said in unison as I prepared the AA-12.

  “Stand back.” I said.

  “Freeze Motherfucker!” I said as I blasted the front door completely off its frame. The shots echoed through the neighborhood as Ginger and Pete approached the breached opening sniffing the air. I heard Jillian explaining to Scotty the reasoning behind my warning to an inanimate object. Scotty shook his head, understanding as I entered the house with the dogs.

  “Smells, clean, no one was home.” I said looking around the kitchen.

  “Lookie here!” Scotty said excited as he found a chest freezer and a side-by side humming with the power lights on in the otherwise empty garage. Scotty lifted the lid, standing off to one side using a crowbar.

  “If I was a teenager I’d be in heaven. Frozen pizza, all different kinds, tater tots, fish sticks, garlic bread, chicken wings…tons of those!” Scotty said sifting through the contents and closing the lid.

  Scotty opened the side by side: “Ice cream, popsicles, cool-whip… this family prob’y weighed three hundred pounds each, wait… what’s this…butter!” Scotty said looking toward us.

  “Nice!” Jillian said.

  “Looks like; 6 pounds!” Scotty said smiling.

  “Let’s get the coolers!” Jillian said as I unlatched the emergency handle on the garage door and opened it.

  “That’s a whole different level of commitment!” Scotty said astonished.

  “What do you mean?” I asked looking around the garage.

  “To go through all the trouble and expense for ‘processed food’ in case the power goes out.” Scotty said.

  We packed up all the butter and selected one gallon of ice cream each. Scotty took three large bags of chicken wings, a couple of the pizzas and the garlic bread and we drove back to Scotty’s house.

  The dogs were excited as we pulled in the driveway and saw Rosie way in the backyard sit up.

  “Awww, she was waiting for us!” Jillian said warmly. The dogs jumped from the bed of the pick up as I lowered the tail gate and ran across the backyard. Rosie's tail was wagging, smelled both of them and Ginger took off as Rosie and Pete chased her through the tall grass. We unloaded the trucks and upon my return from Scotty’s kitchen, across the patio, Jillian stood in front of a man, holding a knife to her throat.

  “Hand’s up! Tell the old man to come out so’s I can see him!” The man said.

  The man was about thirty years old, long greasy hair, pale, very thin. A muscle in his cheek twitched as his bloodshot eyes darted as if he was looking for something.

  “PETE!” I yelled loudly as I glanced toward the backyard and not seeing any sign of Ginger, Pete or Rosie.

  “What’s going on!” Scotty said hearing me call for Pete in an unfamiliar tone. Scotty emerged from the garage.

  “Who the hell are you!” Scotty said with disgust.

  “Freeze old man! Hands up! Don’t even think about going for your gun!” The man said looking at Scotty’s 357 in his holster.

  “Where’s them dogs?” The man said looking around.

  “I just put them back in their cages.” Scotty said hanging his head in failure.

  “Good!” I’ll be taking that gun, some water, all your food, this here truck, and this pretty lady!” He said smiling as he squeezed her breast showing us his teeth that have not seen a toothbrush in years.

  Jillian was crying and very emotional, even for her, as the man yelled “SHUT THE FUCK UP!”

  “You may want to reconsider your position.” I said calmly with my hands still raised, using only my eyes to point just to the left of where he was standing. Pete, sitting like a statue, issuing a low sock dropping growl that could be felt. The man gasped and quickly turned toward me. I used my eyes again to point to his right; Ginger. Fur standing on end and showing her teeth, snarling as a drop of saliva dripped to the ground and her right front leg quivering. The man gasped again and slowly moved backward and to the left a little, just enough for me to see Rosie; head down and eyes piercing. Her fur was also standing on end and it made her look gargantuan in size as she closed in slowly and silently.

  “You sir, are in a world of shit.” I said calmly. Even though I was more scared by the sheer size of Rosie and not really knowing what she is capable of.

  “Release her slowly and drop the knife.” I said to the man as I tried to maintain my composure and keep from pissing myself. The man was shaking in fear as his eyes did not know who to look at, as he pushed Jillian hard to the ground and started running. Rosie was on him in an instant as she took him down by his throat. Ginger advanced, but she somehow knew not to intervene. Pete just watched motionless as the man struggled.

  “What do we do?” Jillian said sitting on the ground as we watched Rosie snap his arm like a twig as he tried to protect his face and she continued with a brutal display of aggression.

  The man’s struggle was over in under a minute as blood jetted, then poured from his gaping neck wound. Rosie was still in ‘kill mode’ as we tried not to make eye contact with her. Ginger comforted and inspected Jillian sitting on the ground.

  “I’m okay, thank you.” Jillian said to Ginger as she petted her head. I knelt down next to Pete who was sniffing the air as I held on to him. Rosie was settling down and looked toward us for information. I was not sure how to react, and Jillian felt the same way.

  “That’s justice in my book!” Scotty said walking slowly toward the lifeless man. Rosie backed away a few feet as Scotty got down on one knee and inspected the body, looking in his pockets – he found nothing.

  Rosie slowly stepped up, right next to Scotty and started sniffing him. He turned to look at Rosie. “I hope I smell better than him.” Scotty said to Rosie just inches from his face. Rosie’s dilated eyes, fur and breathing returning to normal.

  “Good girl Rosie!” Scotty said as she sat next to him wagging her tail and panting. Her blood-stained teeth and proud disposition were very unsettling. Jillian stood up and thanked the dogs (and Rosie) for being brave. “I have some special treats for all of you!” Jillian said walking toward the house. Scotty and I put the man in the trunk of the car he drove in, parked near the road, we looked through it and found nothing.

  “Maybe we can follow the tire tracks to see where he came from.” Scotty proposed. Jillian came down the driveway and handed me a shovel. “No more dumpsters, okay?” Jillian said.

  “What’s that all about?” Scotty asked quietly.

  “When we found Brigadier General shit head in the bunker, I put him in a body bag, then tossed him in a dumpster.” I said coldly.

  “I suppose we should investigate how our paths crossed. I’ll follow you.” I said to Scotty as I started the man’s car and Rosie took off running. Jillian, Ginger and Pete got in Scotty’s truck as we followed the tracks.

  We located a house a few streets over from where we investigated the processed food bonanza. It appears that this was not his house, and that he moved in recently. The pictures of the people on the wall were Asian, he was not.

  “He must have just gone nuts.” Jillian said looking at the multiple games of unfinished solitaire on most of the flat surfaces.

  “He must have heard the shot gun blasts when you breached the door.” Scotty said looking at all the empty liquor bottles that littered the floor.

  “Shallow grave; near the woods.” I said to Jillian and Scotty. They both turned to look at me.

  “Worms, insects and buzzards got to eat.” I said as a matter of fact.

  “What’s a buzzard? I’ve heard that before.” Inquired Scotty.

  “A carrion bird, scavenger.” I said. Scotty walked up to Jillian and put his arm around her.

  “Did we ever mention how much we like you?” Scotty said with a fake smile as Jillian just rolled her eyes.

  “It’s nothing personal; it’s recycling.” I said. Scotty hesitated, then nodded his head slightly in agreement.

  We returned to Scotty’s house after the shallow grave task and washed up for dinner. Over the next two days we installed the front doors and hooked up some solar panels to provide power to his septic tank and water pumps. The information from the computer server from the vet and the library books yielded quite a bit of information.

  “Based on what I found, Rosie is the exception to most of the rules.” Jillian said as we sat down after dinner with some ice cream that tasted stale and crystalline.

  “Mother nature has specific rules and guidelines, she decides when and which ones can be bent, or broken.” Scotty said philosophically using his spoon for emphasis. Jillian placed some ice cream in three bowls for the dogs, about a tablespoon each. Rosie approached the bowl slowly as Ginger reluctantly licked her bowl. Pete absolutely loved it and was looking for more, eyeing Ginger’s unfinished bowl. Rosie slowly licked her bowl clean and approached the table and sat between Jillian and Scotty.

  “Well! Hello Rosie!” Jillian said, as this was the closest Rosie had ever come to her. Pete was sitting next to me and waiting for more, or to lick my bowl clean. I adjusted my position and said to Pete; “Paw”, and held out my open hand. He immediately placed his paw in my hand and pulled it away as I placed my unfinished bowl on the ground for him.

  Rosie keenly observed this transaction and looked at Jillian’s bowl then Scotty’s. She lifted her paw in the air for Scotty because his bowl had more ice cream in it. Rosie’s happy panting and swinging tail was just beautiful to watch. Scotty slowly adjusted his chair and addressed Rosie.

  “Rosie. Paw.” Scotty said, and slowly held out his hand. Rosie placed her massive paw in his hand and Jillian gasped slightly as she was recording on her camera.

  “Good girl Rosie!” Scotty said as he placed his bowl on the ground and looked to us with a tear in his eye.

  “Superman has kryptonite, Rosie has ice cream. We all have weaknesses” he said gently stroking Rosie’s back and her tail wagging.

  Jillian and I discussed our short-term plans one night lying in bed, listening to a gentle summer shower and thought it would be best if we stayed here in Wyoming, and spend only a few months in our Canadian home. Maybe inviting Scotty to assist in mechanical issues and other unforeseen problems that would suit his particular skill set.

  “Rosie is terrified of engines; you see how she reacts when a vehicle starts.” Jillian said. I did not respond.

  “Rosie is young, pregnant and relies on us for food…” Jillian said as I interrupted her.

  “You don’t know she is pregnant.” I said.

  “Every time I turnaround Pete is mounting her!” Jillian said laughing a little. Lightening blinked and the crack of thunder woke up Ginger and Pete, who jumped in bed with us.

  “So much for getting lucky tonight.” Jillian said under her breath as she pushed Ginger off her leg.

  “I don’t think the dogs would mind.” I said kissing her neck. After a particularly close lightning strike; a long howl was heard from outside; Rosie.

  Ginger and Pete jumped from the bed and ran to the door. Ginger barked once to go outside. I got up and let the dogs out and they ran to the backyard. I stood naked in the doorway looking toward the backyard hoping for a lightening flash to illuminate the area and only a small flicker was offered, I did not see anything. Jillian approached me from behind, rubbed my rain-soaked chest and worked her way down.

  We woke the next morning and did not see the dogs in the R/V. (we installed a secondary doggy door that allowed the dogs to come and go). Scotty was already sitting on the patio with his morning coffee and tinkering with a condenser and copper coil. I walked over to him with my towel and shaving kit.

  “Good morning!” I said cheerfully.

  “Good morning!” Scotty said looking up from his project.

  “Can I help?” I asked.

  “What do you know about makin Moonshine?” Scotty asked.

  “Nothing, other than it tastes like shit.” I said.

  “That’s true. But gasoline will be going bad in about 9 or 10 months. I have some older gas cans that already turned to jelly and we will need a substitute. I’m building a small still to try to make such a substitute. If I can get 160 or 190 proof, it just might run an engine, don’t know the long-term effects, but, gotta start somewhere.

  “I have a small plot of corn this season using part of the neighbors land, once I get it just right, I’ll scale up the still.” Scotty said.

  “Just let us know how we can help.” I said with a smile.

  “Plenty of hot water, help yourself.” Scotty said.

  “Oh, by the way, have you seen the dogs?” I asked.

  “Not yet, but they will be around for breakfast I’m sure, Scotty said.

  “Good morning!” Jillian said carrying a box of food out of the R/V.

  “I’ll have breakfast ready in twenty minutes.” Jillian said in good spirits. Scotty stood up.

  “I got this, just keep doing whatever it is your doing.” Jillian said inspecting the contraption on the table. Scotty just smiled and resumed his tinkering. After my shower I walked downstairs to the lovely smell of cornbread.

  “Can you please set the table?” Jillian asked.

  “No problem.” I said looking over her shoulder observing a beautiful stew simmering on the stove.

  “That looks good enough to eat!” I said kissing her neck and peaking down the front of her shirt. Jillian smiled then blushed and said. “Just set the table.” Scotty walked into the kitchen drying off his hands.

  “Them dogs will be here anytime now. Mmmm that smells gooood.” Scotty exclaimed looking at the stove.

  “Tell me about the gas thing, exactly how long does gas last? And what happens when it goes bad?” Jillian asked sampling the stew.

  “Yep! Turns to jelly, diesel lasts a little bit longer, but not much. If you plan on going to Minneapolis and Canada you will probably be okay, but you may have a problem getting back to California in October. I wouldn’t wait any longer than that, or you might get snowbound. Then you are talking April or May, that’s almost three years. You’ll be taking a big risk of being stranded. Your R/V is diesel, that will buy you a couple of months… maybe. Transportation is not going to be easy like it has been, roads already have plants and trees growing in the cracks and after every winter it will get worse. Mother Nature WILL reclaim her property. Bridges will become compromised, flooding, landslides, erosion, it’s just a matter of time.” Scotty concluded his speech of misery.

  “You’re not painting a pretty picture for us on this beautiful morning.” Jillian said.

  “I’ve been thinking about that, and now that you said it, our summer home in Canada is not the most practical.” I said.

  “Then, let’s go there, take what we need and drive back to Malibu.” Jillian said. “Scotty, you are welcome to go with us and take whatever you want.” Jillian proposed.

  “One of those military generators might be nice, but moving it and transporting it here will be… difficult. I also had my eye on that Bentley!” Scotty said with a smile and a wink. “I think I’ll pass on this road trip. I have everything I need here, besides Rosie depends on us… I mean, me, and she might need help once her pups are born.” Scotty said with conviction.

  “Here they come now!” Jillian said looking out the kitchen window. Jillian started laughing.

  “Don’t let them in the house.” Jillian said as Scotty and I got up to see why. They all were covered in mud and briers and could not have been happier running through the yard chasing each other. Ginger and Pete barked standing at the sliding glass door and Rosie sat on the patio trying to pull off a brier on her back leg.

  We finished breakfast and fed the dogs the leftovers mixed with dog food. Scotty appeared with a garden hose, a wire wrasp, comb and scissors.

  “This is gonna be fun. My dogs hated being hosed down and I have never met a dog that liked scissors. We had to do this at least twice a year. Who’s first?” Scotty asked. Jillian grabbed Ginger and told her to sit and asked me to get a box of dog treats. “Bribery.” Hope it works.” Scotty said.

  Ginger struggled at first, but I held on to her as Jillian worked the cold water through her coat. She used the comb to isolate the briers and cut them off. Pete and Rosie eventually walked away uninterested and nosed around the yard. When Ginger was done, she looked like she was fighting with a fan and lost. The dog treats seemed to help.

  Ginger was clean and brier free. Pete and Rosie inspected her thoroughly as I called for Pete. Pete came over and laid down and did not protest in the least, he actually enjoyed it. Ginger and Rosie inspected Pete upon completion and he too looked like he lost the battle with the fan. Ginger's score was seven treats, Pete’s score was three, just because he did not protest.

  “Maybe I’ll ask Rosie, what do you two think?” Scotty proposed. Rosie had a large tangle on her neck and chest.

  “Rosie. Come.” Scotty said, shaking the box of treats as Rosie looked up from inspecting Pete. Scotty sat down on the ground and held out his hands and the comb for Rosie to inspect. She sniffed the air and slowly walked up to him.

  Rosie sniffed the comb and drank from the hose a little then looked at Ginger and Pete who were receiving treats and praise from Jillian. She then looked at me as I sat next to Scotty and patted the ground in front of us and said; “It’s okay Rosie. Come.” Rosie approached me and sniffed the air. Her size was still intimidating to me, towering above us as we sat on the ground. She dropped her head and stuck her nose in my front shirt pocket that had 3 treats.

  “Oh! I see! Rosie. Sit.” I said using the thumb gesture. As she sat, I pulled the treats out as Scotty gently combed her back letting her get used to the process.

  “What a good girl.” Jillian said as Rosie looked toward her panting and tail wagging.

  “I hope we don’t run out of treats.” Scotty said quietly as he gently cut off the briers.

  “We still have ice cream.” Jillian said as Rosie’s ears twitched.

  Rosie submitted to us, but was reluctant and keenly observed the process. We moved slow and cautious. Ginger and Pete were being brushed by Jillian and they were relaxed and calm laying in the sun. Once Scotty removed the thick tangle on her neck and chest, she started to get restless and she walked away.

  “I guess were done.” Scotty said as Jillian brought out a small portion of ice cream for the dogs and Rosie. Rosie still had some briers on her but we were not going to push our luck.

  “When are you planning to leave?” Scotty asked in a solemn tone.

  “Tomorrow. We are going to stop in Minneapolis and then Canada. We should arrive on Friday. We will pack up what we can, and stop here to drop off whatever you need and half of the frozen food.” Jillian said looking through her note pad.

  “Did you look through all the photos and videos? Anything you need?” I asked Scotty.

  “I’ll take another look later.” Scotty said a little sad.

  “You know; you are welcome to come to Malibu with us. There are plenty of beautiful homes to choose from and the weather is just perfect.” Jillian said. I nodded my head in agreement.

  “My place is here, everything I need or want, is here. Thanks just the same.” Scotty said sincerely.

  “I’d like to double check your R/V and trailer, make sure everything is working and safe… okay?” Scotty said walking toward the R/V.

  The next morning, we all had breakfast on the patio as Scotty pulled pictures of what interested him from the ‘Summer Home 2’ album as Jillian reviewed the stack of road maps with different color highlighted routes.

  “I have one request.” Scotty said as he looked through the album titled; “Scotty and Rosie”. “I’ll hold on to this one till you return.” He said with a tear in his eye.

  “No problem.” Jillian said. Scotty handed me a legal pad of checklist items of trouble-shooting and warning signs.

  “I hope you don’t have to use it – but just in case.” Scotty said giving me a hug then turning to Jillian and hugging her. He bent down to say goodbye to Ginger and Pete who were confused and just licked his face as Rosie stood on the Patio deck. We approached Rosie and she appeared to sense our sadness and laid down as we said goodbye.