Resurgent by Horton Franklin

Author:Horton, Franklin [Horton, Franklin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B09HMLDL8W
Goodreads: 59465126
Published: 2021-10-28T07:00:00+00:00

22

Pete and Randi were having a good morning at the market. They'd traded off some baby clothes, some .243 rifle rounds, a knife, a backpack, and two sleeping bags. In exchange for those items, they took in some samples of toothpaste and dental floss from a hygienist, some .22 rounds, tea bags, and a ginseng root the size of Randi's palm. They also got a five-pack of shotgun slugs, two meat rabbits, some cloth diapers, and a gallon baggie of hotel-sized soap bars.

A lot of people had given up on personal hygiene. It was evident in the state of their clothes, the smell of their bodies, and the condition of their skin. They suffered from rashes, lice, and were covered in infected scratches that would leave permanent scars. Folks in the valley still insisted on staying on top of all those things. Neglecting their teeth and cleanliness only increased the chance of infections, disease, and other medical problems. There was no sense in suffering from conditions that were avoidable. Plus, it was generally a lot more pleasant to socialize with people who didn't reek like a carcass.

Just before noon, Randi dug into her pocket and counted the .22 shells she carried for making purchases.

"You going to get you one of those cat kebabs?" Pete teased.

Randi frowned. "No smartass. I'm needing some medicine for my nerves."

"What kind of medicine? We have nearly everything you need back in the valley. Don't waste your shells here."

"It's not that kind of medicine. This whole situation with Charlie has me twisted up in knots. I'm going to go down there and buy me a tiny bag of weed from one of those vendors."

Pete's jaw dropped. "You're going to do what? Drugs are illegal."

Randi cocked her head at him. "Hell, Pete, murder is illegal and look how your dad rolls. He'd give the grim reaper a run for his money. Nothing is really illegal now. They're selling weed right there in the open and all kinds of people are buying it. I'm about to be one of them. And like I told you, it's for medicinal purposes."

Pete looked doubtful. "I don't know what Dad is going to think about that."

"Jim Powell can kiss my ass," she snapped. "I ain't his to raise. I'm a grown-assed woman and I can do whatever the hell I want to do, whenever the hell I want to do it."

Pete was used to her tone so he didn't take offense. In fact, she'd bawled him out like this just yesterday. He pointed from their pavilion toward the weed vendors down in the parking lot. "Knock yourself out."

She bobbed her head and got to her feet. "I think I will."

When she was nearly out of earshot, he mumbled, "Batty old pothead."

She turned around and put her hands on her hips, glaring at him. "Don't think I can't take you, boy. You keep running that mouth and you'll get your ass spanked in front of all these people."

The vendors within earshot hooted with delight.

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