The Vanishing (The End of Time Chronicles Book 1) Page 18

  Shiloh shielded his eyes from the sun, as he scanned the sky for the plane that had dropped it. He could barely make out three cargo planes in the distance. He also saw several more green parachutes clearly, each with a crate attached. Shiloh quickly climbed down off of the roof and jumped into his truck. He started the engine and drove out of the valley, chasing after the closest parachute. It landed a few miles away, and Shiloh arrived before the dust had even settled. He quickly radioed Alfonso, “Alfonso, did you see the crates? Over.”

  “Si Señor, I did see them. Do you need me? Over.” Replied Alfonso, as if he was waiting by the radio.

  “Meet me by the crate that fell to the Northwest of your position. Over.”

  “Si Señor, I’m coming. Over and out.”

  While waiting for help to arrive, Shiloh walked around the crate, examining the markings on it. It had red lettering on the side but he couldn’t decipher what it said because it was in a foreign language.

  Using a crowbar from his truck, Shiloh cracked open the crate and found that it was full of food and blankets. Alfonso arrived on the scene about thirty minutes later and between the two of them, they were able to get the crate into the bed of his truck.

  “What do we do now Señor?”

  “We take it into town,” answered Shiloh. “I saw quite a few of them falling from the sky. Other folks are bound to have seen them too. Come on, let’s get going.”

  Sharing is Caring

  The Vanishing – Day 10

  Clearview, Nevada

  Shiloh drove his truck into town, the crate secured in the back, while Alfonso followed in the station wagon. Parking on Main Street, they were greeted by Ian, Rupert and Savannah, as they emerged from the library.

  Glancing around, Shiloh was impressed by the amount of work that had been done since he’d left. Everyone seemed more organized and confident, like they each had a purpose. Some people were working on rebuilding a few of the buildings and some were cleaning laundry in large buckets, while others were working on repairing vehicles out in front of the hardware store.

  “How’s it going?” called Ian, as he descended the steps of the library.

  “Good,” answered Shiloh, “we brought back your station wagon.”

  “I see that. Your truck seems to have survived the ordeal.”

  “Yeah, I’ve had a little luck lately,” smiled Shiloh. “This crate landed on my land a few miles from the house. I thought you might want to take charge of the food distribution. Has anyone else returned with anymore?”

  “Awesome,” grinned Ian. “Yeah we saw a whole bunch of them falling from the sky. I sent out several teams of men to gather them up and bring them back to town, but you’re the first to arrive with one. So is it just food inside then, no medical supplies or anything?”

  “This one is full of food and blankets, from what I could see,” answered Shiloh.

  “Hey Alfonso,” greeted Ian, “good to see you’re okay. How did the ranch fare?”

  “Not too bad,” reported Shiloh. “By the time I got back, Alfonso had already finished most of the repairs. Overall, it really wasn’t that bad.”

  “We’re so glad to hear that,” said Rupert. “We’ve been praying for you.”

  “Thanks,” replied Shiloh. “How are things going here? They seem great from where I stand.”

  “Well we finished fortifying the town; just in case we need to defend ourselves and the town militia has really taken to their training. I’m impressed with everyone. Savannah is quite the marksman,” added Ian, as he playfully nudged her in the side. “Oh, and Rupert has started a church.”

  “That’s right,” agreed Rupert, with a huge proud grin on his face, “and although it’s still a small congregation, it’s growing every day. Now that you’re back in town, perhaps you’ll attend service? Both Ian and Savannah are members, and so are Jessie and July.”

  “He does a great job of explaining things and he really knows his stuff,” commented Savannah, patting Rupert on the arm.

  “He does seem to have it all figured out,” agreed Ian, with less enthusiasm.

  “Only God has it all figured out,” corrected Rupert. “I’m just a man who likes to read. I’ve studied many different books, the Bible being only one of them. I’ve recently felt a calling from God to share my knowledge with others.”

  “If you know so much about the Bible,” asked Shiloh, “and you say that all of the believers vanished in that storm, then why are you still here?”

  “Because I didn’t believe,” answered Rupert, with a sad look on his face. “I didn’t find God nor did I see the truth, until after it was too late. Reading the Bible and knowing its message isn’t enough. Belief in Jesus Christ and repentance for our sins are required.”

  “Why does it all have to be about faith?” asked Shiloh.

  “The Bible explains that only a small amount of faith is needed,” answered Rupert. “With God’s help, all you need is faith the size of a mustard seed. When we’re born, we all know to look for God, He made us that way. That’s why we want to find out where we came from and what our purpose is here on this Earth. God made us intelligent and gave us free will for a reason. He loves us and wants us to search for the truth.

  Every day, science proves the existence of God more and more, if we just look for ourselves. I truly believe that God simply desires for us to believe in Him, and love Him, as He does us. By believing Jesus Christ was the son of God and that He died for our sins, we’re granted forgiveness and eternal salvation.”

  “Well, I have to admit,” smiled Shiloh, “you do make a compelling argument, but if there’s scientific proof why didn’t we hear about any of this in school?”

  “I’m not sure why they hide the truth from us in school,” answered Rupert. “I’ve heard it said that they believe we’re not smart enough for all the facts. However, I personally believe they’re doing it on purpose, in an attempt to dumb down the population. It’s easier to control people when they don’t realize that their rights were given to them by God and that no man can take them away.

  The Russian dictator, Joseph Stalin, believed adamantly that the teaching of evolution would turn people away from God and once God was removed, the people would become committed to the state. I say, trust your brothers and sisters in Christ for the best information,” added Rupert. “At least they believe that it’s a sin to lie.”

  “Let me know when your next service is and I’ll try to attend,” said Shiloh, interested and realizing that he wanted to know more. He wished the pastor of the church, which his family used to attend, had talked more like this. He could never answer any of these questions and always seemed guarded on what he could and couldn’t say.

  “Wonderful,” Rupert clapped his hands together. “I’m so happy to hear that!”

  “By the way,” continued Shiloh, “has Sam returned with the scouting party?”

  “No not yet,” Ian looked worried. “There’s been no word from them and folks are starting to get scared. After all, it’s been over a week now. I don’t want to send more men out without knowing what happened to the others. What do you think we should do?”

  “Come on inside boys, ya must be hungry,” offered Savannah, with a smile that almost looked like a warning. “You can continue the conversation inside while I fix ya a proper meal. We don’t want to alarm anyone.”

  The small group followed her into the library, where she’d taken up residence since her arrival. With Ian and Rupert’s help, she’d brought the place back to its former glory. The shelves were covered in books and there were tables and chairs set up for people to sit and read. The sleeping quarters in the back room had a cot in the corner and a small bathroom, complete with shower. It was not much, but it seemed cozy.

  “This is also where we’ve been holding service,” said Savannah, as they entered the building.

  “That way if we have any questions, we have the answers we need close at hand,” added Rupert, indicating the nume
rous books.

  “I like what you did,” said Alfonso, looking around the room.

  About ten minutes later, the group was joined by Jessie and her Uncle July. Jessie immediately began to help Savannah with the cooking, while July joined the men in their discussion of current events, although nothing was really resolved. They’d just finished eating dinner, when they heard a loud commotion coming from outside. Shiloh and Ian were the first two out the door, with their shotguns in hand and rifles slung over their shoulders. Rupert and the rest of the group followed at a distance.

  It had gotten dark out and there was a cool breeze rolling down from the nearby mountains. The gentle wind carried with it the sweet scent of pine trees and fresh mountain air. In the center of town, they could just make out a large group of people gathered together arguing. The teams Ian sent out had returned, and in the middle of the street sat thirty or so crates.

  “What’s going on?” Ian asked of the group, with a loud commanding voice. Everyone turned to look at him and he immediately noticed the worry in their eyes.

  “The Mayor of Yerington has arrived with a group of armed men!” shouted someone from the back of the group.

  “What do they want?” asked Ian, calm as ever, while Shiloh scanned the horizon with the scope on his rifle.

  “They’re demanding that we give them half of the crates!”

  “So what’s the problem?” asked Rupert, almost as a father would to two children fighting over a toy.

  “Luke Slater, along with a group of armed men, has surrounded Yerington’s Mayor and his men,” answered the same voice from the crowd. “Luke is refusing to share any of the crates and most of the town is backing him!”

  “But surely there’s plenty to go around,” replied July.

  “I agree,” offered Jessie, “why don’t we share?”

  “The crates are for everyone,” added Savannah.

  “Let’s check it out,” whispered Shiloh to Ian, who nodded in agreement.

  “Perhaps you ladies should wait here,” suggested Ian.

  “I agree,” said July, with a worried look on his face.

  “Like hell,” snapped Jessie. “I’m going!”

  “Me too!” agreed Savannah.

  Ian looked at Shiloh, who simply shrugged his shoulders and said, “Let them come if they want.” Shiloh had noticed a difference in Ian since his arrival. Not only was he sober and focused, but he was also more confident.

  “Well alright, but stay back behind us, just in case there’s trouble. That includes you too doc,” added Ian. “We can’t afford for either of our doctors to get shot!”

  The small group pushed and shoved their way through to the center of the crowd, where they found Luke and the Mayor of Yerington.

  “The answer is no and that’s final,” hissed Luke. “Finders keepers and we found it! We aren’t scared of you or your guns and we won’t give in to your demands. We have guns too ya know!”

  “This food was obviously intended for everyone,” complained the Mayor of Yerington, a tall skinny man, with brown, short cropped hair. “It was meant to be shared and you’re being selfish!”

  “How can you presume to know what the intentions were?” asked Luke. “I say survival of the fittest! Now if you don’t leave immediately, I’ll have you and your men shot dead where you stand!”

  “That sounds like a declaration of war,” spat Yerington’s Mayor. “If that’s how you feel about it I’ll leave, but I’ll return and with more men and more guns!”

  “Good,” challenged Luke, “we’ll be waiting for you!” The clicking sound of several rifles being cocked echoed throughout the cool night air.

  “Excuse me gentlemen,” shouted Shiloh, “there’s no need for blood shed! My name is Shiloh Evan’s and one of the crates landed on my ranch north of town. It’s here in the back of my truck and you can have it,” he added, looking directly at the Mayor of Yerington.

  “You can’t do that,” screamed Luke. His broken arm, compliments of Shiloh, was cradled in a shoulder sling.

  “The hell I can’t,” said Shiloh, calm as ever. “It’s mine to do with as I please! Don’t make me break your other arm!” He turned his attention back to Yerington’s Mayor. “Do you have a truck or some way of transporting the crate?”

  “Yes, yes we do Mr. Evans. By the way, my name is Spencer Hollenbrook, but my friends call me Spence.”

  “Nice to meet you Spence, you can call me Shiloh,” he replied, shaking the Mayor’s hand. “Where are your vehicles located?”

  “Just outside of town,” answered Spence.

  “I said no,” shouted Luke, as he clumsily reached for the gun strapped to his hip. Before he had a chance to draw his weapon, Ian stepped in front of him and backhanded him so hard, that Luke fell to the ground with a bloodied, split lip. He started to rise, but Ian put his foot on his chest and shoved him back down.

  “Stay where you’re at,” instructed Ian, “or I’ll put you down permanently.”

  “What’s going on here?” barked Sheriff Garrett, as he and Rollin Hicks, armed with shotguns, forced their way through the crowd.

  “Stop them,” cried Luke, from the ground where he lay. “They’re trying to give away some of our food! We need it all!”

  “Well that doesn’t sound right,” agreed the Sheriff. “I’m gonna have to agree with Mr. Slater on this one, the crates stay here.”

  “When don’t you agree with Slater,” retorted Ian.

  “Have you stopped to consider,” asked Shiloh, “why these were sent to us or where they came from? Are we even sure they’re safe to eat?”

  “They’re from Syria,” offered Rupert. “The flag on the side of the crate is Syrian.”

  “There you go,” continued Shiloh, “since when are the Syrians our allies? Has it occurred to you that the food could be poisoned or maybe even something worse?”

  “Why would they do that?” asked Luke, as he clumsily stood up, dusting himself off.

  “Why did the British give blankets infected with small pox to the Native Americans?” countered Rupert.

  “That’s preposterous,” laughed Luke.

  “Well, that’s for each and every one of you to decide for yourselves,” said Shiloh. “I would recommend feeding some of the food to an animal first, before eating it yourself.”

  “Shut up,” hissed Rollin, enjoying this temporary moment of power. “Let their town fend for themselves! What have they ever done for us, nothing!”

  “That’s right!” From the crowd came shouts of agreement. “I agree! To hell with them!”

  Suddenly a shot rang out and everyone grew silent. Alfonso was standing in the bed of Shiloh’s truck, holding a rifle aimed directly at Luke Slater. Shiloh could see sweat break out on Luke’s face, as his eye’s found Alfonso and then focused in on the end of the old Mexican’s rifle barrel.

  “Everyone shut up!” Shiloh shouted at the crowd, as he produced a six shooter aimed at Rollin’s head.

  Rollin was caught off guard by Alfonso’s shot and had lowered his shotgun. He regretfully realized that he couldn’t raise it now without getting shot. Ian immediately responded by snatching the pump-action shotgun out of the Sheriff’s hands and turning it back on him.

  “The crate is mine to give,” continued Shiloh. “Anyone who has a problem with that, speak now or forever hold your peace!” The angry mob grew silent. “Good, then everyone clear out of here! Go home to your families and don’t eat any of this food until it’s been tested!”

  The group began to slowly disperse; with Luke, Rollin and Sheriff Garrett the only three lingering. “You won’t get away with this,” hissed the Sheriff, in disgust. “I’m in charge here and what I say goes!”

  “Then I relieve you of your command,” replied Shiloh, plucking the Sheriff’s silver star from his shirt and tossing it to Ian. “Now go home!”

  The three troublemakers turned in unison and walked off together toward the jail house. As they left, Jessie noticed Ro
llin cast a glaring look at Shiloh.

  “What’s the deal with those two?” she asked Rupert, who was standing next to her.

  “Shiloh was married with two children,” explained Rupert in a whisper. “Awhile back, he lost his whole family in a car accident. Rollin Hicks was the drunk driver of the car that plowed head-on into them. Shiloh was home on his ranch working when the accident happened and his entire family was dead by the time he arrived on the scene. Ever since then, the two men have hated each other with a passion.”

  “Why isn’t Rollin in prison?”

  Rupert sighed before explaining. “Rollin and Garrett are cousins and the corrupt Sheriff helped to get him off the hook.”

  “Wow, so that’s why Shiloh keeps to himself,” replied Jessie, as she watched the men transfer the crate from Shiloh’s truck to Spencer’s truck.

  “It’s sad,” said Rupert, shaking his head.

  When the crate was loaded, Spencer shook Shiloh’s hand once again and thanked him. “I owe you and I’ll not forget what you’ve done for us tonight.”

  “I just did the right thing,” smiled Shiloh.

  “It was the only Christian thing to do,” added Rupert.

  “Christian you say…do you have a preacher here?” asked Spencer. “Ours disappeared with the rest of the people that vanished.”

  “I’ve just recently taken on that role myself,” answered Rupert.

  “We have some Christians living in our town, but no preacher,” continued Spencer. “Do you think that we could maybe come and attend services some time?”

  “Absolutely,” replied Rupert, stepping forward and extending his hand with a big grin on his face. “The more the merrier! Please feel free to come anytime and bring as many as you like. Everyone is welcome!”

  “Thanks again,” said Spencer, before climbing into his truck. He drove off to the south, with the men of Yerington following in several more vehicles. As Shiloh watched them drive away, he had a feeling that it wouldn’t be long before they saw each other again.