At Tommy’s recommendation, I told the group Duncan was going to be left in charge. Duncan brightened at this, and I thought I saw the smug smile on Pamela’s face replaced by a serious look when she made eye contact with Sarah. I made a mental note to once again ask Sarah what she had said to Pamela that one time.

Goodbyes were difficult and bittersweet, with a lot of ‘Good Luck’ on both sides. I took Duncan aside and gave him his standing orders.

“Nate pushed to the river and left behind a secured area. We pushed to the river and are leaving behind a secure area as well. Nate is coming up to join us in Leport and that will be our permanent home. We will stand there or not at all. We have access to farmland, roads, water and woodlands.” I walked Duncan out to the edge of the parking lot. “I need you to push north, clear the area to the canal, and then head east. Your job is to create a safe corridor for any possible survivors out there to find us. Get them to this road, McCarthy road, or the waterway. Keep the area clear. When you head east, always keep the way clear.”

Duncan nodded then offered his hand. I brushed it aside and wrapped him in a big hug. “Take care of yourself, brother. You’re welcome wherever I live,” I told him.

Duncan smiled. “We’ll see you in a while. And if there’s anyone out there, we’ll find them. Who knows?” he shrugged. “Besides, what could be worse than what we’ve been through?”

I grimaced. “Every time I hear that I feel Karma herself take a serious interest in the proceedings.”

“Ride easy.” Duncan said, slapping me on the shoulder.

We walked back to the vehicles and mounted up. Sarah, Jake and I took the tried and true CR-V, while Charlie and Rebecca followed in the pickup. The rest of the group was in various vehicles, but all of them capable of off-roading if needed. We had found additional vehicles to leave behind for Duncan and his crew, and we were leaving the snow plow with him as well. I had other ideas for Leport, and the snow plow wasn’t needed.