Sunburn (Book 1, The Events Trilogy) Read Online Free Page A

built into the hillside. There seemed to be years’ worth of supplies in the various pantries. There was a large short wave radio and a small TV.
    “The storm may not fry my radio and TV in here but it won’t matter if nobody is able to broadcast a signal,” he said. We’ll be pretty much out of touch.”
    “We might be able to get something on the short wave,” she said. “My Dad had one when I was little and we used to hear things from countries very far away. Maybe something electric will survive, somewhere—“
    She had said “we!”
    “So, you will—“
    “I believe you’re a good man, Will. We’ve only been out a few times but I thought that from the beginning. I like you but I thought you weren’t going to ask me out again.”
    “I’m kind of shy, sometimes,” he confessed. “I should say more what I feel but it’s hard for me.”
    “Well, I’m glad you did this time and I accept your offer of shelter from this storm. I need to home and pack some things.”
    “Sure, sure! I’ll drive you back.”

 
    5.
     
    Hours passed and Samuel Fischer had not returned. Fred had had a lot of coffee, called home several times, looked at all the furniture in the model rooms, and was sitting in front with yet another coffee, when Samuel’s buggy appeared down the road. It took several minutes for him to actually arrive while Fred finished his coffee. Samuel tied his horse and put a feed bag over his head.
    “Time for dinner,” he said as he went in, but his serious expression belied the feeble joke. They sat and he began immediately:
    “If we agree, what might you bring with you tomorrow, besides your family?”
    Fred caught his meaning.
    “Well, among my personal items I have a hunting rifle, an old Remington 30-30. But I could buy more long guns the same day in Maryland if I need to. Do the Amish believe in firearms?”
    “We have had our own hunting guns for many years. We hunt deer and other animals for food, and kill foxes and such that prey on our farm animals. The ideas of “plain and simple” is important to our way of life. We have simple double-barreled 12 gauge shotguns, plain bolt action hunting weapons like your own, and some older Winchester and Spencer lever action rifles, which are also good for hunting. No pistols, no automatic weapons, nothing made to kill people.”
    “I understand. I will buy and bring as many plain long guns as I can buy tomorrow.”
    “We will not charge you rent for the farm and buildings. They are old but in good repair. The house has not been lived in for years but we will come and clean it tonight and make it ready for you. You must work as we do on your own land and on our communal projects. You are not required to attend our church but you must respect our customs. Do you agree to this?”
    “Yes, Yes. Thank you!”
    There was a pause before Fred said:
    “It seems God has given your way of life over ours a big vote of support. In a few days the world as I know it may vanish, perhaps forever, but your world will survive intact, at least for now. I thank you for saving my family and me. We will try not to disappoint you.”
    Samuel sat in his rocker and watched Fred’s Toyota sedan leave on the way back to Maryland. The meeting of the Elders had been long and contentious. What would they do with other English that came later? There were only two other vacant Amish farms in all of Lancaster County that they knew of—
    Samuel knew the C ommunity would need help to survive this Event.
    “We are fifty miles from Harrisburg and even more from Philadelphia,” some Elders had argued. How will the English get here with no autos? They will not have many horses either. Will they walk so far?”
    “Starving people will go a long way to eat,” Samuel had argued. “And they have bicycles.”
    “The Bible says ‘Thou shalt not kill,’ they argued. “Can we shoot the English like foxes when they invade our land?”
    Samuel had taken a deep breath. “Actually,