In the Blink of An Eye by Jerry Baggett (ebook reader for surface pro TXT) 📕

Marino pulled out a paper map. “There are several hundred acres of timber land just north of the farm, part of the trust, but controlled by some kind of timber growing operation. Right in the middle of that pine forest there’s an abandoned settlement with several old homes built around the time of the war between the states. The family trust pays to keep these original family home sites in near original condition, for some reason. I can’t imagine much has changed after so many years of expensive upkeep. People in that area and family called it the ‘old plantation’.”

Marino stood up to drop his wet cigar in the trash. “Hans, we’re going to take a little trip across country, to the farm. Plan on driving ten hours each day. My money says things don’t change that much where we’re going.”

Hans looked at the half-filled ash tray. “Boss, you been smoking again. You shouldn’t do that after all that trouble you had.”

“We’ve had a good run, old friend. I’ve a bad feeling about all this.” Marino threw his hand up to stop an interruption. “Prepare everything for a four a.m. departure. We need to get going before daylight tomorrow morning. I want you here a few minutes ahead of time. We have GPS on that vehicle, don’t we?”

At three forty-five, Marino looked at his watch. He should be here by now. He moved to a window. A black hearse sat in the moon-lit driveway with the engine running.

“Open up. I’d like a look at sleeping beauty,” Marino said. He waited while Hans slid the casket back and opened the lid. “She really is a beauty. Too bad it has to end this way. Is she going to survive the trip with the lid down tight?”

“Hell, boss, there’s a whole bunch of airholes under the skirt of that thing. She’s drugged out, but alive. We been moving them in this rig for twenty years, some dead, some alive. The best idea you ever had for taking the trash out.”

“This is different. I want her to survive the trip. We have to feed her and keep her hydrated. If she behaves, she’ll be up front most of the trip.”

“We been driving for three days, ain’t we getting close? I need a pee break and some coffee. How about you?” Hans said.

Marino looked at the GPS. “There should be a convenience store and gas station, about a mile ahead. Top off the gas and park out of sight, somewhere in back. Keep the motor running for the air conditioning. She’s been good, sleeping like a baby mostly. We’ve made it this far without problems, better put her to sleep and back in the casket before we stop this time. We’re both going to be inside for a while. If she starts waking up, the game’s over. Be very careful with potency, Hans. Another heavy injection could take her out.”

He stared at Hans. “She’s been lying about everything, but we don’t want her dying before we’re ready for that. Understand?”

Marino pulled the old paper map out again. “We need to stock up on supplies. If this place works out, we may be there for a while. I made a couple of calls last night. Our people on the farm said the place where we’re going is without electricity or running water. Only the buildings are maintained. A crew goes in to keep them in fairly good condition around May of each year. They usually spend thirty to sixty days making repairs and cleaning up under brush. They’ve come and gone for this year. We should have the place to ourselves for months.” He used a yellow marker to highlight a dirt service road around the farm and tossed the map on the dash.

“Damnit,” Marino said. “There’s a chain across the road leading through the pine forest. We’re going to need a chainsaw to clear our way around the end.”

“Nah! This bus has a tool box in with the spare tire,” Hans said. “There’s a hacksaw with the other stuff.” He attacked the lock. “This lock’s hardened steel. I’ll try the chain.”

Minutes later, he said, “Yeah, galvanized iron. It cuts like butter.” Hans straightened up and stared at Marino. “Maybe we ought to go back for a good meal before we get stuck out here in the woods. We can’t cook without a stove.”

“I heard you. Don’t sweat it yet. We may not stay long enough to miss a meal. Big men like you are always hungry.” Marino sat there and thought for a while. “You know we can’t be seen driving around in a hearse while we’re here. We’re going to look things over first, and check out the furnishings in some of those houses. After that, we’ll decide if it’s going to serve our purposes. If it looks OK, we’ll pick up a rental vehicle and everything else we’ll need for an extended visit.” He glanced at Hans. “Our young lady can do the chores while we’re here. She may be staying behind after that.”

“It’s starting to rain, boss. The red mud on this road may give us trouble. It looks to be unused for a very long time.” Hans stopped the car. “Look! There’s a damn stream flowing across the road. Are you sure we can cross?”

“I remember now. The water’s only a few inches deep. There’s concrete underneath. The old village is only a few hundred yards farther ahead.” He tapped Hans on the arm. “Take off your shoes and test that water. Make sure the concrete reaches all the way across.”

Hans scowled and got out of the car. Marino watched him wade into the stream, moving slowly. He walked across and returned more quickly, gathering red clay on his soaked shoes before reaching the car. Hans sat in the driver’s seat with the door open. He reached underneath his left arm, pulled