An Apocalypse Family (Book 1): Family Reunion by P. Mark DeBryan

Parker was our older brother. He lived a short distance from the Canadian border and kept a bunch of stuff we could stand to have, especially his local knowledge. He and his wife, Rhonda, were mother-earth kind of folks. She was retired now, and Parker worked for the state fish and game department. He got the job because of his extensive knowledge of the peregrine falcons in the area, and all other manner of bird species. His love of falcons was second only to his love for his wife, although she debated that.
    Max wanted to go to the ferry also, but then head directly for Meg’s house in eastern Washington to hook up with her and Sarah and the kids. Lisa didn’t really care either way, but tended to side with Max just because. There were other things to take into consideration.
    I’d one or two concerns. “Max, who was still trying to make it to the reunion? Is there a chance anyone got all the way to the island? Or maybe someone who might still be stuck at the airport?”
    He rubbed his temples and thought for a minute. “Well, everyone from San Diego was going to drive up. Jake and Carla were going to bring Lauren and Steve and stop in Portland to pick up Conner, and…”
    I’d been holding up my hand since he got to the part about Jake and Carla. I choked up a bit and took a deep breath.
    “Jake died from the flu. I don’t know what Carla was planning, but I doubt they left San Diego.”
    Max knew how that had to have affected me, and just said, “Aw shit, sorry man.”
    I waved my hand in a circle indicating he should continue.
    “Well,” he said, “that means Barb and all of her clan probably didn’t head out either.” Barb was our oldest sister and her clan was composed of about twenty other nieces, cousins, and assorted family.
    “I don’t know,” I said. “What about Maddie, wasn’t she flying up from Texas?”
    Max gave a quick shake of the head. “No, she and her husband were borrowing a friend’s RV and driving. Jean was flying to Colorado to hook up with Lynn, and they were going to drive to Meg’s before heading out to the coast.”
    So, that accounted for all of our immediate family, as Jean and Lynn were our other sisters. There were still more cousins and our one surviving aunt, but neither Max nor I knew their travel plans.
    “What about Trish?” I didn’t want to ask because Trish was his daughter from his first marriage. I knew it was a touchy subject, but I touched it anyway.
    Max got a faraway look in his eyes, as if remembering a long ago time when life was just getting started.
    “She’s at her mom’s place with Frank. They were going to come over for a day, but with what happened, they are probably going to hole up at the farm.”
    He grimaced, then said, “Damn place is way the hell out in the boonies, so they’re good for now.”
    I put both hands on my knees and sighed. “I would feel better if we at least did a drive-by at Parker’s before heading to Meg’s, but I will go along with whatever you guys decide.”
    Max looked over at Lisa. “What do you think?”
    She pursed her lips. “Look, Uncle Parker can take care of himself, and he may even think to come here. I think we should leave a message for him, telling him our plans and asking him to check the island to see if anyone got there. Then we should go get the stuff from the ferry and head to Meg’s.”
    I must have done a double take, because she just looked at me and said, “What?”
    I laughed and stood. “Lisa, that is probably the most cogent, well-spoken idea that has been put forth at our little meeting; I second that, let’s go!”
    Max grinned. “That’s my girl! Let’s do it!”

Chapter 3
     

Family
 
Maddie & Harry
South of Raymondville, Texas
One Week Before Outbreak
     
     
    At sixty, cousin Maddie was still beautiful. She had to fight to keep ol’ man time from getting the best of her, but she was active and physically fit. She would go down someday, she knew, but it would be