"What are we looking for?"
Kenn stomped thick, reddish-brown earth from his boots as he looked over the endless lanes of wrecked, sideways, mud-splattered vehicles. "We need new wheels, but beans, bags, and blankets are on the list too."
The boy nodded, moving to a nearby car as Kenn checked a beaten-up Dodge truck for power. He registered bullet holes, and suitcases still shoved haphazardly into back seats, and his stored the information. Kenn found a lot of clothes and personal items, along with a six-pack of bottled water he was glad to have, but the rest of the search went badly.
It had been less than a month, and he hadn't expected car batteries to be dead out here too, but every one he checked was. There was gas… and useless keys in the ignitions of most. Doors left hanging open, as well as rusting bullet casings made him revise his theory. These people had left in a hurry.
"What about a dirt bike?" Charlie asked from a few vehicles away, voice echoing in the unnatural stillness.
Kenn moved his way. "Yes."
"It looks new."
The Honda's key was in the ignition - like someone had tried to take it, but didn't have time - and when the Marine turned the key backwards, the lights came on, gas gauge swinging to full.
Kenn grinned and pulled the keys out, sliding them into his pocket. "We won't be on foot come..."
He stopped, listening hard. Had he heard something?
Yes. Engines. Still a mile, maybe more, and the Marine inside seemed to know that they meant bad news. "Get back to the house!"
Kenn slammed the hatch and grabbed the boy's arm, keeping his grip tight, as they ran down the slick, muddy embankment. He wasn't being careful now, just moving.
They hurried across the yard to the porch, and as the boy began to step up, Kenn pulled him back roughly. "We're muddy. We'll leave prints."
He sat on the bottom step, fingers flying over the laces of his boots, and Charlie jerked his off as the sound of engines grew louder, closer.
"What's going on?"
Kenn shook his head distractedly as they moved inside and closed the door. "Stay below the windows and get your boots back on!"
The Marine was already doing his, and he frowned when the boy only stared at him questioningly.
"But, what's…"
"Now!"
It was an order and the Cadet did as he was told, eyes hardening.