stated. “I know. Just don’t like the idea of us being left behind and y’all bringing in other chicks.” She replied. “Did you want us to just leave her out there?” I asked. “No. I know I would have been devastated if it was me out there and y’all left me.” She answered. “Well guys, I’m heading to bed and don’t bother putting your names on the list. We’ve done enough the last few days and could use some family time. Get a good night’s rest and then meet me out front in the morning and we’ll see what we can do.” I stated before taking myself and my family with me to our room. “I’m so glad you’re home.” Kris stated. I turned the knob of our door and made my way inside. “Me too.” I walked over and sat at the edge of my bed and looked over at Sidnie’s empty cot. Shianne walked over and joined me. I leaned over and gave her a hug. “I’m glad you’re okay.” She stated. “Hell, I’m glad that you’re okay and found us. I’ve thought the worst for the longest time.” I responded. “Well, I am my father’s daughter.” She replied with a smile. “That you are. Well let’s get some sleep and figure it out in the morning.” I suggested. “What’s the plan?” Kris questioned while getting ready for bed. “We’re going to dig.” I answered. “Dig?” She questioned. “Yeah, I’m going to dig a ditch around the fence line.” I replied. “But, we’ll have to move all the cars away from the fence.” She stated. “No, I’m going to dig a trench on the inside of the wall. If any of those fucks get through the fence, they’ll end up in the trench. We’ll have to find boards to keep it from collapsing, but we’ll make due.” I answered before letting my head find my pillow.
CHAPTER THREE THE MORNING came a lot faster than I anticipated. I squinted my eyes from the sun breaking the darkness which felt like laser beams shooting into my eyes from the window. I sat up and stretched. “Already?” Kris queried me getting up so early. “Got to get things back in order, we can’t keep people on roaming guard.” I responded. She brushed her hand down my back as I stood up and headed for the much needed shower. Steven was already standing next to my door by the time I got back. “So what’s the plan?” “We’re about to start some training. Make sure the rest of our crew is outside in five minutes. I’ll meet y’all out there.” I answered and walked into my room before any more questions set in. “I want to do something for Sidnie.” Kris stated. “I’ll take care of it honey.” I told her. I walked over and kissed Daltin and Shianne on the head before walking over to Kris who was already making some coffee for me. I took the mug from her and kissed her lips. “Give me a minute and I’ll come out with you.” She suggested. “You don’t have to, I’m going to do a quick training course on the backhoe and then get to work.” I informed her. “Well good, then I’ll know how to operate it and be able to help.” She quickly let me know. I decided not to argue and just took to my coffee. “Let’s go.” She stated once she was dressed. She followed me out of the door and out of the school where we could see everyone standing in a small circle awaiting our arrival. I could also see Karen headed our way. We met up with the group about the same time Karen did. Lisa started heading towards us as well. “What’s up?” I asked. “I want to put together a team and make a run to Means Hardware for some lumber.” Karen answered. “For what?” I asked. “I want to build an actual guard tower at the front gate.” She suggested about the time that Lisa made it to us. “That’s something I aim to do, but we’ve got a lot to do around here before making any runs. I can go next week if things go alright.” I responded. “I’m not asking you to go, I’m saying I’ll put together a