The rain pounded on the roof, but only the odd icy splotch managed to penetrate the roof to annoy Rachel and Barry. They had both seen much worse. Suddenly a motor rumbled outside of the warehouse. It was almost like an earthquake. The piece of sheet metal lazily rigged on the hinges swung away.
The motor and vibration turned out to be a semi, one of the delivery trucks which were supposedly common before the Fall. It was usually referred to as an eighteen wheeler. Rachel held her breath. Would the driver leave it, or was there another purpose for the visit?
"It's raining cats and dogs out there, Carl! I wish we could drive home."
"I'm always at your service, my dearest brother. However I value my head more than your comfort. I think I will just have to learn how to live with your disappointment." said another man, in a joking tone of voice.
"Well there is that. The Predas would have both of our heads if they found out we didn't leave it here. Let's hide the key. If we get jumped on the way home I don't want to explain the loss. Yes we can hotwire it, but we would still be out of a job, or worse."
Placing the key under a mangled tire, they slid the sheet metal back into place before leaving.
Once they were sure the coast was clear, the spies turned bandits quickly and quietly left the Oil Baron's city far behind. The rain was still coming down in sheets, and they had the road to themselves.
"I wonder what's in the back..." mused Barry. He knew from painful experience that no delivery truck ever returned home empty.
"Let's have a quick look." suggested Rachel.
She stopped the truck, and they ventured into the downpour. Opening the back, she gasped.
"This entire semi is packed with pepperoni! I wonder if it's good quality?"
"There's only one way to find out." grinned Barry, grabbing the claw hammer and prying a case open.
"This is delicious, Barry. I wonder where it came from? And what did the Predas do to get it?"
" I don't know, but we better get this to Danny fast." Grabbing a sample for breakfast, they arrived at the keep before the sun rose.
"Hello Otto, is Danny awake?" asked Rachel.
"He will be. I was given explicit orders to wake him no matter the hour when you return. He is anxiously awaiting your report."
"Thank you, it's good to be home." smiled Rachel. She just wanted to make her report, she had been gone way too long. And had too much valuable information.
"I'll admit that I was growing impatient with you two. But I am glad you stayed. Everything you learned will help me to protect our people. Well done! And Barry, your escape attempt was truly daring. I don't know if I would have had the courage to swallow those pills one after another. You might have never opened your eyes again."
"I am sure you would have done what was necessary. It was a desperate measure for desperate times."
"Yes, well it was still brave - as well as genius! I want you and Rachel to take at least a week to rest. Barry, have that ankle looked at. I know you said it's better but humor me?"
"Of course, Danny. Thank you for your concern."
"Now off with both of you, you have had a long night. Eat, sleep, and recharge!"
Both master spies thanked the powerful Pizza Baron, then excused themselves.
Not that Barry wanted to sleep again any time soon. Instead he enjoyed some fresh pizza. Then he went for a stroll, reveling in just being free to move about without being watched every second.
Rachel slept most of the day, then awoke hungry. After a delicious sausage pizza, she too went for a walk. The hot sun was still shining. After enduring the filth of the Predas land, the green fields called to her.
As she walked across a lush green pasture, she saw a large riderless horse loping easily down a gently rolling hill. When it got closer, she smiled. Her dear friend somehow knew that she no longer needed him to wait for her, and had come home.
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery