I'm sorry the update has been so long in the making. I'm trying to get better about this. Thank you for your support and reviews!
Chapter 3 - 'I'm Gonna Get Through This World"
Kate and Hank left quietly in the morning, saying their good-byes to the people of their small community over a breakfast of warm mulled wine, biscuits, and smoked meat. When people asked why they were leaving, and so suddenly, Hank only assured them that it would be a quick trip to check on someone Kate had left behind. Hank left notes and journals - all of which he had started in the 'beginning' of his new life - so that no one would feel left in the dark if something were to happen to him. A few of the other men at Mount Vernon had become accustomed to the animals, which is why Hank felt comfortable leaving.
They walked together down to the dock, a few people trailing behind to see them off. Waiting for Hank and Kate was a small canoe, and placing a basket of supplies on to it was Elizabeth. She stood, floppy straw hat on her head, her hair on her hips, waiting for the pair.
"Well, don't die out there." Elizabeth half smiled, fighting the tears in her eyes. She hugged Hank tight, and then turned to Kate. There was a look on Elizabeth's face that sent a chill down Kate's spine. Kate knew that Elizabeth wasn't pleased with any of what was happening.
"I don't know what to say, Elizabeth." Kate looked to the boat, then down at her shoes.
"Just don't do anything foolish. Stay alive. Stay safe. Come back to us as soon as you can. Now, get in the boat. You don't want to waste any daylight."
Kate and Hank climbed carefully into the canoe, and waiving goodbye, set off down the river.
They didn't speak much on their journey, for multiple reasons. They didn't want to attract any unwanted attention, whether it be from walkers or from any living stragglers along the banks. The scenery offered little; abandoned cars, boats, and homes. The wildlife had become overgrown and seemingly taking back the river. They still heard birds in the distance, and even passed a doe drinking from the water's edge. Kate started to raise her rifle to take a shot, but Hank shook his head no. She knew that he was right; even if she killed it, where would they put it? They didn't have room in the boat, and to leave it would be a sin. So, they admired the animal and kept paddling.
"I'm looking at the map that you drew, and I think we might be getting close. Does this marina look familiar to you?" Hank was looking at the rough sketch that Kate had made before they left.
"Yes. I remember that yellow boat, and those oil drums. I'm almost certain that this is where I got on the river."
They paddled to a smaller dock and tied the boat to the landing. Hank climbed to shore first, wanting to gauge the immediate area for any threats. Finding none, he helped Kate tether and hide the canoe under the dock, as they loaded the packs and weapons on their backs. Kate drew her knife as a precaution, as they weaved a path between two fishing boats. Carefully they made their way to the gate, where they had a better look of the area. No walkers, no people. They were both pleased.
"I'm gonna see if I can start one of these cars." Hank stated. The small parking lot had several cars littered about, and if one of them could start, it would make it easier to cover more ground.
Kate kept watch while he worked. After the fourth dud, she was giving up the fantasy of not having to walk all afternoon. However, when she heard an engine rev to life, she went straight to work finding anything she could to syphon gas out of the other cars. After the better part of an hour, they had enough gallon jugs filled, as well as the gas tank of the dusty, foul smelling pick-up truck.
"Okay. I know you cut through the forest a bit. But from what you described, I think that they Sanctuary is actually this old factory." Hank was looking at a map that he had brought with him from Mount Vernon. It was an agricultural survey map of the greater part of the state. He had it folded over and over, just in order to read in on his lap.
Kate agreed, recognizing some of the names and route numbers that she read on the map.
A game plan together, the two sped off down the road in search of a place to haul up for the night. They were on the road for almost an hour when Kate fell asleep against the passenger side door. The drive lulled her to sleep. She felt both scared and hopeful as she closed her eyes, and let herself enjoy a few minutes of peace. She was terrified, not for her own life, but for Hank's. For Simon's. She had no idea what she was going to find.
Kate wasn't sure how long she had been asleep when she felt Hank shaking her shoulder.
"Kate, wake up. We have a problem." In front of them, stretching as far as they could see, was the largest walker hoard either of them had ever seen.