Jason had given me one other big piece of advice. It always struck me as silly, but it was easy to do, so I did it any way. He said you must have a bug out bag. Not truly a bag, but a set of things you will need when on the run. I remember joking that I’d include whatever I need for the zombie apocalypse as well.
To this day I have no idea what to make of his expression when I said that. Was he offended? Seriously considering the need for zombie apocalypse prep? I may never know. After a taxi ride to Family Coast Self storage. I prepped myself for whatever came next.
In my small storage unit, I had a collection of cash, about fifty thousand dollars, a few changes of clothes, a backpack and some disposable phones. I could kick myself for not adding things for Ash here. Although, the last time I updated this stuff was over a year ago, and there was no guarantee we would still be together now.
After the kiss with Tricia, there may be no future still. I hope I am wrong. I write a quick note to have a bike messenger deliver to her and start getting along with my plan. My latest look is that of a backpacker making my way cross country. Fortunately here on the left coast an in LA in particular, you stand out more by not being a little weird, so I am not worried about being recognized.
I stop at a wig shop to get a wig to add to my care package. Next I get a purse and divide out a portion of cash and place it in the purse.
The final stop on my prepper course is to Levitt’s Bike Messengers where I drop off the package and provide strict instructions.
I get in a taxi and pay the driver handsomely to take me to the (insert other airport name here) airport and tip generously for him to kindly forget he ever saw me.
On the way I send a text to Ashley exactly 31 minutes into our trip. I then toss the phone out of the window of the moving vehicle and close my eyes hoping that the frantic energy of the last few hours will give way to a little rest at least until I reach my destination. I hope my Ash will meet me.
The Collected Works of D. Alex Rhue 