SurviRal Read Free

Just a severe strain of regular flu I think. The death count exploded over the weekend. They say it’s even worse in Europe. The CDC is trying to put new restrictions in airports so you can’t leave the terminals on layovers, among other things.”
    “Are healthy people dying?” Clint asked.
    “No. Only those with the flu.”
    Clint stared back at Harold, who made a motion with his free hand like he was playing the drums.
    “Bada boom. Sorry. Poor taste, I know. I’m pretty sure the deaths are mainly with the elderly, infants, and those weak from other health problems. Still, everyone should get vaccinated.”
    “We both did last November.”
    “I think you need to get the shot for this specific strain.”
    The patio sliding door opened. Jenny appeared in the doorway and stepped outside. She pulled her shoulder-length brown hair away from one side to better hold the phone against her face.
    “Yes—hold on a second, Jake.” She covered the mouthpiece and whispered loudly to Clint. “It’s your brother, calling from the road. Been listening to the news on his car radio.”
    Clint ran a finger across his throat, shook his head, and mouthed words that included, “Not here.”
    “Sorry Jake, I was wrong. Looks like he’s still outside talking to one of the neighbors. Do you want me to have him call you?”
    After a pause she said, “Yes, we know about the flu outbreak.”
    Another pause. “No, I didn’t realize it was that bad. You know that’s why Clint doesn’t let you watch the news when you’re here.” Jenny stepped back in the house but left the door open.
    Harold chuckled and crumpled his empty beer can. “Thanks for the cold one. Don’t forget poker at my house Friday.” He stood to leave.
    “I never forget poker.” Clint stood up as well. “Jenny’s even making a special appetizer I’ll be bringing.”
    Harold left. Jenny was now leaning over the dining room table, still on the phone, her pink sweats stretching nicely across her gym-hewn bottom. She glared at Clint before placing her forehead in her hand. Clint was sorry to do that to her, but better her than Clint. She could probably get rid of him faster.
    “No,” Jenny groaned into the phone. “I haven’t heard about any dead ferrets.”
     
    * * *
     
    “Three jacks,” Roy said turning his cards up.
    “Damn!” Tom flicked his cards with his fingernail and flashed kings and queens before tossing them in the muck. “Take it.”
    “Let’s play hold’em,” Clint said.
    “Your turn in a minute. I won the deal, too.” Roy scooped the pot into a pile, turned his baseball cap around backwards, and started gathering the cards. “Hey Clint, what’s in those taquitos? They’re really good.”
    “Venison,” Clint said. “I thawed some out for the occasion. Summer’s on its way and I’ll be going down to the cabin to hopefully replenish my supply, so need the room in my freezer.”
    “Venison, huh? Is it from that guy?” Roy motioned towards the buck’s head mounted above Harold’s fireplace.
    “No, not that one. Sure glad Harold’s house is in the rotation, though, so I can visit him.”
    “Your wife doesn’t like dead animal heads,” one of the guys said. But it was an old joking topic and they all knew the story already.
    “Hey Harold, how come you don’t shoot your own deer?” Roy asked as he started to deal five-card draw again. “Or even a polar bear, with the high-caliber weapons you have.”
    “He just likes shooting at targets,” Clint said. “Come on, deal faster.”
    “Targets and burglars,” Harold said. “If I could ever get a damned burglar to visit me.”
    Everyone laughed. The guys were in a good mood tonight. The game continued and the deal made its way around the table. Clint found himself winning three hands in a row.
    “No wonder you wanted to play hold’em,” Roy said. “Well I’m dealing five card draw again. Can’t let a computer programmer win all the money. Unless Oracle’s