The Road to Emmaus XI

"All I've got is rumors," Hal Kermin said, "Some people escaped Virginia." They sat together in a crowded coffee bar inside the King of Prussia Mall.

"I've got access to a press," Evan Gherrity said, "There's five, maybe six guys willing to start around two. If we trickled in during the day, maybe." He crossed is legs. "I don't know."

"No," Hal said, "I'm watched. You got a deck of cards at home?"

"Somewhere," Evan answered.

"Grab our stuff and throw it away," Hal said, "Pocket what's under my napkin. Stick it in the deck of cards. Tell your guys to be ready. Pick the smartest one of the bunch, one good with numbers. Get the cards to him without meeting. Never say anything on the phone."

Evan looked down at his cup.

"You'll figure something out," Hal said, "Do what I say and sit back down. We'll make some small talk, then go run two quick errands. Go home, load the deck and figure it out."

Evan inhaled. Hal stared. Evan got up, grabbed the trash and walked to the bin. Under Hal's napkin was a business card. Without looking, he wiped his hands on the napkin, reached into his pocket and took out his keys. The business card dropped in his pocket. He fiddled with his keys. He walked back to the table and sat.

"You won't hear from me until this is all over," Hal said. "Still planning that evacuation to Denver?" Evan nodded. He thought of his wife and kids. He knew Hal well enough to take his word on this. "Yeah," Hal said, "Probably best. Smart. Everyone needs to be smart to stay safe. I just don't feel safe here anymore. Neither should you. Denver will be safer, but the whole world's gone nuts. You know what I do when things get nuts?" Hal asked.

"What?" Evan asked.

"I go somewhere nice, like Denver. I take a break from the wife and kids and go camping. I don't even bring a phone." Hal said. "Come to think of it, I know a guy out there who can work on your house while you get away for a while. You're wife can relax. He's a good guy. I'd trust him to work on my house. My kids liked him too."

Evan stood up. "Let him know the house needs work. It's good to have contractors you know."

"Don't shake hands," Hal said, "Go run your errands. I'll have my handy man check out the house even before you get there."

"Thanks," Evan said. Hal watched him walk away. They hadn't fooled anyone, he knew, but there was a chance the truth would get out of Pennsylvania. One good thing about rumors, he thought, is that they spread like a virus.