Total pages in book: 163
Estimated words: 150878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 754(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 150878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 754(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
Layne nodded, a jerky movement. “Leon helped Freddie and some others get there, which is how Leon knew about me. He’s been rescuing the people he can.”
“Wait, the San Diego thing,” Emily said, obviously as unclear as me about what was there. “What do you mean a ‘safety zone’?”
“It was actually organized years ago, luckily enough. There’s a community up in the hills above the ocean that has been running a co-op. A group of rich retirees who own these McMansions with huge yards got together and decided one would grow grapes, the other vegetables, another would keep chickens. They had a farmers market just among themselves every weekend and are self-sufficient if they want to be. I mean, these people are rich enough that they don’t even do any of the work themselves unless they want to. They have staff who live on-site now and take care of most of the labor. And there are pools in the majority of the backyards. They have water for years.”
Ah, a group of crunchy Californians with time on their hands, money burning a hole in their pockets, and a desire to feel like they were living off the land. Well, God bless them because it sounded like they were ahead of the curve. “Leon’s father was war buddies with one of the residents so that’s how he has an in. It’s grown a lot in the last couple of weeks as they’ve invited outsiders in. Leon made contact with a few strong men he knows who didn’t have a place to go. He offered them a spot in the community in exchange for guarding the gates. So now they have security. There are a couple of doctors among the residents, which is obviously important. And they love that Leon has brought in some artists and entertainers too. They know how important the arts will be going forward.”
Going forward.
“Oh,” Emily said. “I see.” She looked over at me, and for the first time in weeks, I realized I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. I felt hollow inside. I knew there was a wedge between us, and most of me hated it more than anything I’d ever hated, and part of me clung to it because I knew it’d be necessary for my survival when we parted. And the fact that history was repeating itself didn’t escape me either, which only added to my despair.
“How are you traveling there safely?” I asked. “There are barricades everywhere. Whatever path Leon took might already be closed.” Things were unwinding rapidly. Nothing could be counted on. Even if San Diego was less than two hours away by car.
“Yes. There are four blockades set up that are allowing people passage as long as they don’t stay. Guides will walk you through. They’re not bad people. They’re just trying to protect their own. Like I said, Leon’s traveled the route a few times, so they know and trust him.”
The door to one of the recording booths opened, and a man walked through looking sleep-mussed, his eyes widening when he saw Emily and me. “Emily? Holy shit. How the hell are you here?”
“Leon!” She practically ran over to him, and they hugged.
“My God,” he said after they’d let go. “Did you just randomly find your way here?”
She laughed and wiped a tear from her eye. “We came here for the food and water,” she said. And I had to admit the relief in finding these two people, even if I didn’t know them. They were part of Emily’s life, and damn, but it was good to know that decent people were still fighting through this. And even more than that, it was a relief to hear that whole zones were being formed, even now, to keep people safe.
Like Layne had said, that couldn’t last, but for now, some who could, were making room rather than casting out.
Emily introduced me to the man who had once been her manager and I shook his hand. He looked between us. “You came to the right place. I’m so glad you remembered this studio, Emily. Did Layne tell you about the safe zone?”
Emily nodded.
“You should come with us,” Leon said. “This will be my final trip.”
Emily glanced over at me quickly and then away. “We… I can’t. We’re heading to my parents in the San Fernando Valley.”
“San Fernando?” He shook his head and frowned. “Oh…damn. There were massive fires there when the event first happened. From what I’ve heard, the people there are living in makeshift camps and it’s pretty desperate.”
More fucking fires. Shit. My heart dropped and Emily’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, but hopefully their community came together, and your parents are okay.” He looked back and forth between the two of us. “Hey, listen, this safe zone in San Diego, I could make sure that they allow you a few family members too. Each resident was given a number of guest allotments. My father’s old friend Merrick Winchester doesn’t have family nearby and so he gave me his allotments and I’ve been trying to find as many as I can to fill those spaces. As long as we get there tomorrow, they’ll hold spaces for your family to follow later.” He glanced from me back to Emily. “There will come a point, and it’s probably fast approaching, where all the spaces will be filled and they won’t be able to feed or house anyone else, but for now, they have room and they’re gathering a diverse community of people who have something to offer. Come with us, both of you.”