The Valley of Dry Bones by Jerry B. Jenkins

Author:Jerry B. Jenkins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Worthy Publishing
Published: 2016-08-28T04:00:00+00:00

Zeke went to bed at ten and set his alarm for 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, asking to be awakened only if Cristelle or Jennie took a turn for the worse or Raoul and Danley returned earlier than expected.

He slept the slumber of the sleep-deprived and found it difficult to fully rouse himself when his alarm sounded. He hadn’t planned on showering, but having heard nothing of Raoul and Danley, he rushed through a cold one to ensure he would be fully engaged. A change of clothes would refresh him too, but Zeke was surprised when he didn’t feel right about slipping into his usual loose-fitting attire for padding about the compound after midnight.

Pawing through his closet and drawers, he kept feeling drawn to his outside getup, the black outfit from boots to hat. It made no sense, but he didn’t feel comfortable even considering anything else.

He was pleased to find Elaine Meeks on northeast scope duty, the direction from which the supply runners would come. If he could count on anything from her, it was encouragement.

“Nothing yet?”

“No,” she said, “but they should return in separate vehicles if all went well. I’ll be eager to see what they come back with for Dr. Xavier’s family. Well, look at you. Going somewhere?”

“Ah, never know.” He checked his watch. “I would have expected some sign of them by now, wouldn’t you?”

“Want the next look?” she said, switching places.

They traded off this way for the next thirty minutes until he grew deeply worried. He didn’t hide that from Mrs. Meeks, but when Benita showed up looking for news of Raoul, he quickly affected nonchalance. She was clearly on the verge of tears.

“It’s almost one, Zeke. They have never been this late before. What’s going on?”

“Oh, no, Benita, look, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re not back till three or even a little after.”

“Katashi said midnight!”

“I know, but he shouldn’t have. He forgot they got away a little late, had to take a longer route, and all they’ve got to do this time. You should try to sleep, because—”

“Sleep! There’ll be no sleeping! I been prayin’, and there was clouds on the horizon this morning, and—”

“Oh, we would have heard if that had come to anything. Don’t worry about that. No, remember, Doc is looking for some different medicine for both Cristelle and Jennie, and they had to shop for another vehicle. Then they’re driving back separately but they want to stay close enough to keep track of each other without attracting attention, all that. It’s way too early to be concerned, okay?”

“What’re you doin’ down here then?”

“Just keeping an old lady company,” Elaine said. “You know how boring this can get this time of night.”

“Go back and get some rest,” Zeke said. “If I don’t have him to you by three, come and check on me again, okay? I don’t really expect it will be before that. This is a much more complicated run. That’s why I chose Raoul as my main man for it.”

“Now you’re just teasing me.

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