The Starting Over Series (Book 1): Starting Over by O'Rourke Kathy

Author:O'Rourke, Kathy [O'Rourke, Kathy]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Tags: Post-Apocalyptic | Dystopian | Romance
Publisher: KCO Publishing
Published: 2018-01-22T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Hank

Even with us peddling hard, Adolph still manages a two-block lead. It’s fine, as long as we can see him, but when he runs between cars or through front yards, I get a bit frantic. He’s smart though, he always doubles back making sure we’re still following him. He’s amazing.

He’s leading us out toward the western edge of the valley, up against the Santa Susana mountains. Along the way, we’ve seen no signs of other people. We did spot several stray dogs, but luck was on our side, they were afraid of us and ran away.

We’ve probably traveled close to twelve miles when Adolph stops in the middle of the road, barks and paws the ground. We’re in a swanky neighborhood where the houses are worth well into the millions.

I signal at Gus. He pulls over, parks and joins us on foot. “What’s happening?”

Adolph is now hopping up and down like a baby goat and turning in circles.

“He’s trying to tell us something.” Michael says as he dismounts his bike.

“I think so, too.”

Michael kneels next to Adolph. “Guter hund,” and pats him on the head.

Both Gus and I follow suit. We pat Adolph and give him some “Good boys.”

“Leo must be close by, but where?” I ask as I look around. I don’t see his bike or any outward signs of people. I whisper in Michael’s ear, “Give him another command. Let’s see where he takes us.”

“Not yet.” Michael gets a stern concentrating look on his face. “He gets a treat and water first, then I’ll get him going again.”

Gus and I stand watch while Michael opens his backpack, pulls out a plastic dish, and pours water in it. Adolph wags his tail and laps it up.

“See, he was thirsty.” Michael says as he throws him a dog treat. Adolph catches it in mid-air and snaps it right up.

Michael smiles and announces, “Okay, he’s ready to go now.”

“Let’s do this.” Gus says as he keeps watch behind us.

Kneeling, Michael gives Adolph his next command. “Such.” Find Leo for us, please.”

Adolph lets out a happy sounding huff, springs to his feet and crosses the street. He enters the yard of a large Mediterranean type home. It’s the typical Californian mansion; classic beige stucco that sets off its red tile roof. He runs up on the porch, stops at the grand double door entryway where he starts to scratch and whine.

“I guess Leo’s in there. I wonder why?” Gus asks.

My alarm bells go off. “Something seems off about this.”

Gus pulls his rifle out of its sling. “Let’s be careful.”

I turn to Michael. “Listen, we don’t know if there are bad guys in there or what. I want you to take the bikes behind the van and wait for us there.”

Michael rolls his eyes and kicks at the ground. “But, what if you need to give Adolph some more commands?”

No way am I letting this kid get hurt. I growl at him. “Not this time. I want you to stay safe. Now do what you’re told.

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