Then Came War Read online

  Abby wanted to go to him, wrap her arms around him, but the child found solace in the embrace of the elderly man who had never left his side.

  He was probably better than Abby would ever be.

  Truth be known, Abby wasn’t in the right frame of mind.

  She questioned why she didn’t die in that crash. Why the little boy’s father had to go when Abby had no one to live for.

  Abby would have gladly traded places with the father.

  But for some cruel reason known only to fate, she was still alive and probably, aside from Foster, the least injured.

  After Tyler’s father had passed on, the boy’s sobs softened. Abby threw herself into work.

  No one else really wanted to except for Foster. He, too, wanted to stay busy.

  They had a mound of purses and backpacks and briefcases.

  They had found Ibuprofen and handed it out to those who needed it. They also passed out the water.

  Foster divided up any and all food items that he found, including things from the coffee café.

  Abby found herself following the teenage boy’s lead of passing out small amounts of food.

  She didn’t want to be a worker or a Florence Nightingale; Abby would have preferred to go to a corner and sit there like everyone else, waiting. But she couldn’t.

  She just couldn’t sit still.

  Maybe later she would.

  Time just seemed to drag.

  When she thought about that, she thought about time and Abby walked over to the huge pile of cell phones that she and Foster collected. She sat on the floor by them.

  What time was it? Surely a cell phone would tell her. There were so many.

  Anyone who came across a cell phone tossed it in the pile.

  A lot were broken but most were not.

  Abby picked up a phone and looked at it. She pressed buttons to get it to light up and when it did, the words on the screen simply said, ‘searching for a signal.’

  She grabbed another phone.

  It was the same.

  Every phone she lifted had nothing but a lit screen with those same words.

  No signal at all. No indication of the time of day.

  “Does anyone have the time?” Abby asked. “Is anyone wearing a watch?”

  Somebody, she didn’t know who, called out, ‘Seven fifteen.’

  Her mouth dropped open. “Seven fifteen?” She questioned softly then stood. Eyes focused ahead, Abby walked away from everyone. She moved past the coffee car, the smashed remains of cars five and six and stood by the last train car that blocked the other side of the tunnel.

  That train car formed a wall.

  “Is everything okay?” Foster asked.

  Abby gasped and grabbed her chest. “Yes, why?”

  “Well, you walked all the way over here like you saw something.”

  Abby shook her head ‘no.’

  “Then you’re fine.”

  “It’s seven-fifteen.”

  “I heard that.”

  “No. Listen.” She leaned against the train wreckage. “Just listen.”

  Foster did. “I don’t hear anything.”

  “Exactly. Nothing. Just quiet. No noise. No saws or jack hammers. No welding. Nothing. It’s seven fifteen. We crashed ten hours ago.” She turned and faced Foster with a look of deep concern. “Where are the rescue crews?”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The morning came but it was hard to tell. The tunnel was dark, and the emergency lighting had started to dim.

  Most slept and waited for help to arrive.

  It took Tyler most of the night to leave his father’s side. That was fine with Harry; he wasn’t rushing the boy, not at all.

  He and Tyler moved away from the body. Harry covered TJ as best as he could and then sat with the boy off to the side. Then Harry watched.

  Harry was a watcher.

  He watched people.

  The one woman, Abby, paced a lot, sat down and then paced again. But to Harry she looked indifferent. Almost as if she carried a huge burden and the train wreck was easy compared to what she had to face.

  The man, Ben, who had helped Harry with TJ stayed close to his wife.

  But to Harry, that teenage boy, Foster, had it the most together.

  He was thinking at an incredible rate. The fact that he mentioned ‘third foster’ father told Harry that he had to be fast on his feet. He had obviously moved around a lot.

  About four in the morning, Foster came from the south, the route that they had entered the tunnel. He informed Harry that it was completely blocked. He managed to slip through a six inch opening between a train and the wall, only to find more wreckage. He didn’t know how far it went back, but it was impossible to get through.

  So Foster went north.

  Harry looked at his watch. The teenager had been gone for nearly three hours, and Harry was getting worried.

  The coffee café worker, a boy not even out of college, had some good theories to ease people’s minds on why the rescue workers hadn’t arrived.

  There was a train behind theirs and, confirmed by Foster, that wrecked as well.

  Café guy also said there was one in front of the 141. They were in the middle of all that wreckage. No matter which side, north or south, rescue workers were going to take time.

  Each person had to ration water, and food would have to be rationed as well.

  Wait it out. That it could be days was the general consensus.

  But Harry kept going back to the fact that every phone had rung.

  They all rang at the same time.

  He recalled in his lifetime one other time that something like that happened.

  Harry had to head to the main headquarters in the city that day. He was actually on his way there, when he stopped to get a coffee and was running late. In the coffee shop, everyone’s phones started to ring at the same time. The phones rang, texted messages bleeped. That was September 11. What happened on that train with the phones reminded Harry of that day.

  There was also the triple boom that Abby swore she heard.

  Then again, that could have been more wreckage.

  Harry could sit there and think all he wanted, but there was nothing he could do about it until he knew if there was a way out.

  For that, he counted on Foster.

  Foster was gone a long while.

  He glanced down at Tyler who had finally fallen asleep on his lap and then Harry searched for Ben. In a whisper, so as not to disturb too many people, Harry called, “Ben. Ben.”

  It took Ben a few seconds and then he acknowledged Harry with a nod. He made his way over. “Everything ok?” Ben asked.

  “I’m worried about that Foster boy.”

  “Who?”

  “The young black kid,” Harry explained. “He went up that way …” Harry pointed. “And that was a while ago.”

  “Think he might be in trouble?” Ben asked.

  “I’m worried.”

  “Maybe he found a way out and is getting help.”

  “That’s a possibility too,” Harry said. “But he’s a kid, Ben.”

  Ben looked at his watch. “Okay.” He nodded. “Tell you what. We’ll give him until 7:30 and then I’ll go and look for him.”

  “Thank you.”

  Ben started to move back to his spot with his wife when it was evident he didn’t need to chase Foster.

  Foster had slipped through. Oddly enough, he had a smile on his face.

  Ben turned. “What’s going on? You okay?”

  “I’m fine. I’m fine.” Foster took a deep breath. “I found a way out.”

  ***

  “No. No. No. No. No.” A man named Leon, argued adamantly. “I say we stay right here. Stay put. We have cases of water, some food. We’re good. It won’t be much longer until they arrive to get us out.”

  “And what if they don’t?” a woman asked. “Then what?”

  Ben jumped in. “If we wait here and use up our supplies and then try to fin
d our way out, we won’t have water for the trek or food. According to Foster, it’s not a short jaunt. We have to go up and around the wreckage and then we’ll hit a clear area. We still don’t know if that will lead us anywhere. We may have to turn around and come back. But if it does, it’s still another mile or two until we hit something near Penn Station.”

  Foster added, “We’d have to take the old tunnels, the ones not used, once we get to the junction. We can’t take the chance of being on the tracks and having a train or sub coming. I know these tunnels well. I’ve run away down here enough times.”

  Leon held out his hand. “There you have it. Let’s listen to the runaway.”

  “At least…” Harry said, “he knows the tunnels and had the guts and motivation to find us a way out. And … damn it, he didn’t need to backtrack here. He could have kept going.

  “Why didn’t you?” Leon asked. “Why didn’t you keep going for help?”

  “I didn’t want to go out there alone. I didn’t know if people would take me seriously. I came back for him.” He pointed to Harry. “I was gonna drag him with me.”

  “Can I make that journey?” Harry asked. “The climbing and stuff?”

  “Yeah,” Foster nodded. “I’ll help you.”

  “I will too.” Abby stepped forward. “I’ll go too.”

  Leon raised his voice, “I say we stay. We have injured who won’t make it that far.”

  Ben said, “That’s a very valid point.”

  “How about this,” Harry spoke up. “You,” he indicated to Leon, “are obviously in good health and physical shape. You want to stay put. Coffee boy over there also doesn’t want to go anywhere. How about you two stay behind with the injured and of course anyone else who’d rather stay behind? And those of us who want to go can take just what we need and leave you guys the rest. We’ll go and we’ll get help. How’s that?”

  “That …That will work,” Leon said and nodded. “You’ll stay back with us, right?”

  “Oh, balls no.” Harry shook his head. “I’m going. I don’t think there is a rescue crew coming.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “Maybe I am,” Harry shrugged. “But I’m not gonna stick around to find out if I was right.” Harry winked and went off to find Tyler.

  He wasn’t going to make the boy go, but if he wanted to Harry would be happy to have him along.

  CHAPTER SIX

  It was more than likely going to be a hindrance, but Harry had to bring the box with him. It was more than just a gift he had to give to his friend. The box and its contents could not be replaced. In fact, it was important to generations, not just to an old navy buddy.

  So he brought it along.

  Ben had grabbed an emergency light and rigged it as best as he could. He explained that he didn’t know how long it would last, but hoped it would until they emerged.

  Ten of them left the group in search of a way out and help for the others.

  Hours perhaps at tops they would get to an area where they’d find someone, anyone to help them get out.

  Harry envisioned what he believed was waiting on them. Not that he didn’t think they’d find help for the others, they would, but he believed what had happened was on a lot larger scale.

  Maybe another building blew up, or a terror attack hit the city.

  He envisioned emergency workers everywhere. The train station stood a chance of being sealed off or closed down.

  They’d emerge, dirty and dusty, blankets would be wrapped around them, and they’d be given a once over for medical reasons.

  That was Harry’s vision.

  Of course, as they walked and climbed, Harry wondered why rescue workers couldn’t make it from that end. Something had to have happened up in the city.

  Harry trudged on.

  The next mound of twisted metal was about four feet high; parts of the train formed a semi stepping stone for him. He placed the box on top and stepped up.

  Harry had to pause. It was a strain and he started losing his breath. He didn’t realize how winded he was until that moment.

  His eyes lifted to the small dirty hand that extended to him.

  “You need some help, Harry?” Tyler asked.

  Harry smiled. “Tell you what. Take that box, will you? I’ll be fine.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Just taking a moment.”

  Harry didn’t want to take too long. The last thing he wanted was for the others to feel he was dragging them down or some old pain in the ass. After a brief break, Harry climbed up and over that portion of wreckage.

  Lana saw it. She was certain the others did too, but no one was saying anything.

  She was tired herself, not so tired that she couldn’t go on, but she knew that Harry needed to stop for a few minutes to rest.

  With a heavy exhale as she made it over the latest obstacle, Lana plopped down with her bag. “Let’s stop for a few minutes please.”

  Ben walked over to her and whispered, “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah.” She then nodded her head toward Harry.

  Ben looked. Foster led the way by a good ten feet, Abby and another woman were keeping up, but Harry and Tyler were far behind them.

  Ben hollered, “Foster! Hold up.”

  Foster stopped and turned round. “The other tunnel isn’t that far.”

  “Yeah, I know. But let’s break for a little,” Ben said. “None of us knows what’s beyond that last tunnel and we’re not gonna be any good if we’re worn out and have to face something unexpected.”

  Foster shrugged and turned around and led Abby and the other woman back to the group.

  It seemed most of them welcomed the break and chance to stop.

  Tyler plopped down next to Harry. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m glad we stopped.”

  “Me too,” Harry replied.

  “My legs hurt.”

  “Mine too.”

  Tyler pulled out his blue book bag. “I still have a peanut butter sandwich left.” He pulled the small plastic bag out. The sandwich was smashed and Tyler retrieved it from its plastic covering. He broke off a piece and handed it to Harry.

  “I’m good. You eat it.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes. Eat.”

  Tyler didn’t. He stood and walked over to Ben and Lana. His little hand extended a small piece to Lana.

  “Oh, honey, thank you. You eat it,” she said.

  “No one wants a piece of my sandwich. I don’t usually share.”

  Ben held out his hand. “I’ll take a piece, buddy, and thank you very much.”

  Tyler smiled as he placed the piece in the man’s hand. “Anyone else?” he called out.

  There were two other takers and Tyler felt better about eating the rest of the sandwich.

  Harry rubbed the boy’s head when he returned to sit next to him.

  “So, Ben,” Harry called over to him. “What do you do for a living?”

  “I’m a theater manager on Broadway.”

  “You don’t say.” Harry nodded, impressed. “How about you Ben’s wife?”

  “Lana,” she said. “I’m a fashion editor.”

  “Boy you look like one,” Harry said. “What about you, Foster? Got a job at McDonalds?”

  Foster laughed. “No, I actually work in theater, too.”

  Ben peered over at him. “Really?”

  “Yeah. The movie theater, that is. I was working weekends at the Plex.”

  Lana snapped her fingers. “I thought I recognized you. I go there all the time by myself.” She shot a look at Ben.

  Ben shrugged. “I don’t like movies.”

  Then Harry turned to Abby. “What about you?”

  “I don’t work,” Abby answered.

  “How long have you lived in America?” Harry questioned.

  “Not long. Not even a year.” Abby spoke softly and shifted uncomfortably over being the center of attention for the moment.

  Lana asked, “A
re you between jobs? Or are you a homemaker?”

  “Neither, right now.” Abby lowered her head. “I was a homemaker. Now I have no home to make.” She sniffed. “My husband and son were killed a few months ago. Now instead of working, I spend my days wanting to die.” She stood. “And here …” she held out her hand, “I was given a perfect opportunity and I missed it.”

  Her words drew an awkward silence from the others.

  Harry felt those words; he knew those words. With the help of Tyler he stood. “Well, it hurts like hell to lose a spouse. I know that. And there’s no pain greater than losing a child. I know that one, too.” He walked over to her and laid a hand on her arm. “I hope you find your peace one way or another.”

  His simple touch brought an abundance of feelings to her that she couldn’t sift through. She gripped his hand and whispered, “Thank you.”

  Harry nodded. “Well, Lana, you rested?”

  Lana rose. “Rested and ready.”

  “Good,” Harry said. “Let’s head on out. Foster?”

  “Yes, Mr. Hayward?”

  Harry winced. “Harry, call me Harry. What’s your estimate? What do you think?”

  “Not long. We should hit the abandoned tunnel soon enough. But that’s as far as I got.”

  “Then we’ll go even farther.” Harry noticed both Lana and Ben had their phones out. “Playing with those again, I see. Anything?” he asked.

  Ben shook his head. “No, we’ll check again in a little bit. Lana? Anything?”

  “Me neither.” She shut off her phone and put it in her bag.

  Ben powered down his, as well. “Doesn’t hurt to keep trying though.”

  “Good. But, uh…” Harry gave an up motion to his head. “Who you gonna call when you get a signal?”

  Ben laughed as he put his phone in his pocket. “I haven’t even thought of that. Why?”

  Harry shrugged. “Just wondering.”

  Waiting on Foster to take the lead again, Harry, box in one arm and a hand on Tyler, continued on with the rest of the group.

  And like the rest of the group, he was hopeful that it wouldn’t be long before they emerged.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  It started out with just one. Tyler chimed out an ‘ew’ to make the announcement that he saw the dead rat.