#5
Evie's mind was going a mile a minute. One couldn't be too careful when hearing gunshots. It might be someone hunting, or it might be trouble. She bustled into the living room, giving orders to Clora as she came. "Be aware," Evie admonished the child. "Keep close track of your brother and sisters, and be ready to head to the basement when I give the word."

Clora looked like she wanted to argue, but another set of gunshots sounded; seemingly closer, had her reluctantly agreeing. "Better head there now," Evie ordered. "I've got to see to the fire." Wonder of wonders, the child obeyed. Slowly she gathered her siblings and the went to the basement.

Thankfully, the fire had gone completely out while Evie and Hap had their talk in the garden, so there was no telltale smoke from the chimney. Evie added a cup of rice to the pot of luke warm water. Hopefully there was enough heat to soften the rice, if they had to be fireless for several hours. Something to chew, is better than being hungry, Evie said to herself. She knew the children disliked rice, but there again, there was no choice. The larder was almost empty; down to a rock and a hard spot place.

Evie had prayed and prayed hard; asking God for a way to feed the children. When Zander had led her to the hidden food, she had said a prayer of thanks. Her unshakeable faith rewarded. But now, well things were going to have to sort themselves out in a hurry.

Clora had the kids wrapped in blankets sitting on the floor, it was chilly in the below ground cellar. Evie placed the rice pot on a small table, away from the children. Jane leaned against Sandra and closed her eyes. Clora propped Zander against them on the other side, and his eyes closed as well. The coolish darkness jnvited them to sleep, and they did. It was a bonus relief to Clora and Evie.

Upstairs, Evie sent Clora next door to get Benny. "He's got to come, the shots are getting closer, and he needs to be safe." There was no argueing with Evie's tone of voice. "Tell him NOW, and we can sort the rest of this out later." Clora nodded, and slipped out the kitchen door for their place.

Evie gathered up the last of the rice and beans. Using a screwdriver, she pried open the kickboard under the sink cabinet, and shoved the food inside and replaced the board in an instant. Hap appeared in the doorway, holding his chest. Evie took one look at him and pointed to the basement. As rascable as he could be, this time Hap didn't fight her. She grabbed the afgan from the couch arm and sent him downward. "Go and sit," she ordered.

More shots could be heard, closer than ever. Evie's heart sank. Where were the oldest two. That Ben! Evie decided if she ever got her hands on him again, she was gonna give that kid a lickin for his disobedience.

Scared, she reached for the door, just as it opened and the two children tumbled in. "There's some guy in a car shootin at things," Benny gasped. "He's a'comin this way."