Inflicting Mayhem: Dakota Destruction Book 3 | America's New Apocalypse by Millie Copper

Author:Millie Copper [Copper, Millie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-25T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Katie

“Hello, Opal!” I wave and call out as the wagon approaches. “I didn’t expect you to be the one to pick us up.”

“Good morning, Katie and Leo.” She gives us both a wide smile. “Are ya kidding? I love drivin’ the wagon. Mind riding in the back? Pearl will want to sit on the bench.”

“No problem.”

“Look at your little dog. He’s finally living up to his name. Hello, Geronimo.”

Gerry wags his tail and gives her a doggy grin, then promptly trips over his large paws as he steps toward the wagon. One of the horses reacts to Gerry’s sudden movement, causing both my dog and my husband to move in the opposite direction.

“That was close,” Leo mutters.

Opal chuckles. “See you’re still not a fan, Leo. Don’t worry. They can’t hurt you none while you’re in the wagon . . . as long as I don’t try and run ’em.” She laughs again.

I lift Gerry and set him on the wagon. Leo motions for me to go ahead. Even with his arm in a sling, getting into the wagon is easy for him and his long legs. It’s more challenging for me, but I manage.

Pillows, cushions, and blankets are arranged along the bed of the wagon. Gerry wastes no time finding a spot, spinning around to get comfortable. I nestle in next to him, and he puts his head on my lap, allowing me to cover us both with the blanket. He lets out a contented sigh.

I lean back against the front of the wagon, close enough to Opal for conversation if needed. Like Gerry, I let out my own contented sigh. A day away is exactly what I need. I even managed to get two hours of sleep after finishing my shift this morning at 0600 before Opal picked us up. With the entire day off, I’m almost ecstatic. Leo reaches for my hand, indicating we’re ready.

With an “ayup,” Opal gets the horses moving, and we pick up Merissa and her mother-in-law Pearl at their house down the block.

Merissa rides in the back with us. She pulls a blanket up to her chin. “I thought you were going to bring your dog?”

Leo laughs and gestures toward the lump under the blanket as I pull it back to show her. Gerry lifts his head, then readjusts his position.

“Aww! He’s adorable.”

“He knows it too.” I cover us both with the blanket again. It’s cold today, a departure from the warm and comfortable winter days we’ve experienced recently. A fresh layer of snow has graced the landscape overnight, painting everything in a pristine and picturesque manner—a fitting start to the new year.

As Gerry snuggles closer to me, I can’t help but wonder what this year holds in store. My prayers are for peace and a return to normalcy; although, I must admit that I no longer grasp the concept of “normal.” People talk about a new normal, but considering how things have changed, that phrase seems inadequate.

I let out a slow breath and try to calm my thoughts amidst the chaos of uncertainty.

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