Chapter 47 "Now and always."

John woke at six, like always, his bed empty. The first tradition of the day. Rosie spent the night next door. He took a long shower and ate a light breakfast. He knew the morning would be busy, yet he didn’t really know what to expect in the afternoon. He caught sight of Robco and went out to help.

“Today’s the big day.” Robco led them to one of the outbuildings. “You nervous?”

“No, well maybe a bit.” John wondered how Rosie felt.

“If you’re going to call it off, you’re on your own.” Robco joked. “I ain’t getting on the wrong side of Lou today.”

Robco opened the door to the butcher’s shed. A freshly gutted and drained pig on the stone table. “Get a grip on that.” Robco took a long metal spike from the wall. John put his weight on the pig while Robco skewered it.

“On three.” Robco counted down and they heaved the pig onto their shoulders. Even John found it a strain. They hurried the few metres to the unlit fire, hanging the pig above it. “Never should’ve let Rosie choose the pig.” Robco panted, his hand on his back.

John spent the next few hours helping out where he could. He went round getting chairs from every house, placing them in neat rows in the centre of the Rest. He helped Mike carry crates of vegetables from the stores. And a dozen other little things that had to be done.

“Ronin, Styx. At the rv. How copy?” Styx came over the comm.

“Solid copy. Sit tight, coming in from the north.” John went and found Robco, basting the hog turning over the fire. “First guests have arrived, can we take the truck and get them?” John asked.

“John, this is a fine art, delicate work.” The fire hissed as grease dripped down. “Keys are in it, you go.” Robco tried to hide his smile.

“Seriously?” John had never driven the truck alone before.

“Forward to go forward, back to go back. It ain’t complicated, not like hog roasting.” Robco waved him away.

Half an hour later, John trundled down to the road. A sharp whistle brought him to a stop.

“She’s a beauty!” Styx appeared from cover, inspecting the truck. Carol and Roxy followed, laden with bags. And behind them, Virgil and Suzette. John felt surprised by how happy it made him that they’d come. He helped load the supplies and passengers, finding Styx riding shotgun.

“Are we forgetting someone?” John asked playfully. “I seem to remember hiring both of you.”

“And I seem to remember giving you a serious discount.” Styx had demanded a single cap in payment. Eager to make inroads with the best arms dealer in town. He broke squelch twice on his radio and pointed backwards without looking. John turned and saw a figure up the hill, scoped rifle in hand. He realised Acheron had him covered the instant he’d left the Rest.

“Show off.” John turned the truck and headed up.

John stopped next to Acheron. “I ain’t riding on that thing.” He seemed oddly distrustful of the truck.

The gates swung open, John brought the truck to a stop. “Where’s the kitchen?” Carol asked as soon as Acheron helped her down.

“Carol.” Roxy said sternly as Acheron helped her next.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“I know, fun. I just want to make a start.” She grabbed two bags and John pointed her to Mike’s.

“And the bride to be?” Suzette asked, piling garment bags onto Roxy’s arms. He nodded to Robco’s. “We’ll dress the ladies first.” She strode off at a determined pace.

“What’s an old man gotta do to get a drink around here?” Virgil complained, ignoring Acheron’s offer of help as he hopped down. Robco walked over to greet the guests.

“These are my friends, Sam and Cliff. This is our host, Robco.” John made the introductions. Styx shook Robco’s hand. He held up his free hand, flicking his wrist to make a business card appear from nowhere. “The Brother’s Hood. At your service.” Styx turned on the charm. Acheron gave a nod.

“How did you do that?” Wallace piped up, impressed with the trick.

“My grandson Wallace.” Robco gave him a stern look. “Who forgets his manners.”

“My name’s Wallace, it’s nice to meet you sir.” Wallace corrected himself, standing tall and shaking hands.

“Styx. And the trick is a trade secret my lad.” Styx paused, as if weighing up Wallace. “But I tell you what, you find two mugs of hot coffee and I’ll teach you.”

“Deal!” Wallace made it three steps before turning back. “Milk and sugar?”

“One with both and one with neither.” Styx answered, making John laugh.

“How bout a real drink?” Robco nodded to John and he walked them to the still.

“Tell me Robco,” Styx launched into his spiel. “What’s the number one thing a place like this needs?”

“Well,” Robco tried to answer before Styx cut him off.

“That’s right, security. And we have got some top notch…” Styx trailed off as he saw two Assaultrons. One watering the crops, the other feeding the pigs. “Plumbing supplies.” Styx didn’t miss a beat, getting a laugh from even Virgil.

They found Grimm waiting. Acheron laid a piece of firewood on the still, gaining respect from Robco. He poured the strong Private Reserve into mugs and tin cups and handed them out.

“Gentlemen.” Acheron spoke up first, uncommonly so. “I’d like to thank our host. We appreciate it’s no small thing to have people you don’t know here. Thank you.”

“Well, you’re welcome. John here, he’s a good man and I trust him with my life.” Robco clinked his cup.

“As do we, Brother.” Styx did the same and they drank.

“Were you ever married Virgil? Before Suzette I mean.” Styx asked, trying to make conversation.

“Once or twice.” Virgil tried to deflect.

“Once or twice?” Styx questioned with an amused look. Robco let out a snigger.

“Five times.” Virgil lit a cigarette. “Six including Suze, but we’re not actually married. I’m a romantic.” That brought a laugh that eased the tension.

“Any advice?” John asked.

“You’re asking me?” Virgil’s response brought another laugh. He sat back smoking, his gaze far away. “Those first four times, too young, too poor, too busy, too rich. But Clara and I, your...we liked the same things. She’d have loved this, I can tell you that.” A look of warm remembrance crossed his ravaged face.

“Suzette and I don’t agree on anything.” Virgil continued. “Music, books, food, bars. Not a damn thing. We’ve been together eighty years, longer than most folk live.” He sounded shocked by own longevity. “She still surprises me.” Virgil took a long drag on his cigarette, smoke escaping as he half grinned. “Nothing worth having comes easy. Shit, I don’t need to tell you that. Make the time kid, no matter what.” Virgil’s black eyes locked with his. “That and pick up after yourself.”

“John?” Anne’s voice came over the comm. “I think your friends are here.” She sounded unnerved.

“Coming Anne, it’s alright.” John got up, getting a look from Grimm. “Recon.”

“Cocky sons of bitches.” Grimm shook his head, amused.

John stood with Robco as the gate opened. Four figures approached, clad in black and well armed. A radstag with a single arrow left in it, carried on a branch between Paul and Matt.

“Robco, this is Brandon, Rosie’s…” John didn’t know what to say.

“Family.” Brandon shook Robco’s hand. “My Second Charlie, and her husband Paul. The young fellow is my ward, Matthew.” Brandon made introductions. Matt rolled his eyes. “My men brought this down on the way here, for the feast.” He extended his arm without looking and Charlie passed him a dusty bottle of pre war whisky. “And for our host. Thank you for the invitation, we are at your service.”

“Well If I’d known you’d bring this you could have come sooner.” Robco stepped aside, inviting them in. “Welcome to the Rest.”