Helen didn’t even think about it.  “The foragers.  If it were me, I’d much rather have a trigger-happy psycho and his sexy sidekick approach me while I’m out moving around and alert, than have him approach my home base.”

Allistor snorted.  “I wouldn’t exactly call Fuzzy sexy…” He ducked as she swatted at his head. “But I agree about the foragers.  Let’s head their way.  Make plenty of noise when we get close, so as not to surprise them.   Maybe keep the ferocious bear out of sight at first.”

Back in the truck, they wound their way through the mostly clear city streets toward the neighborhood where the foragers were operating.  When Helen said they were within a few blocks, Allistor gave the truck’s horn a friendly double-toot to alert the nearby survivors of their presence.   He drove slowly, turning a corner to find the horse and cart about halfway down the block in front of them.  None of the people they’d seen before were in sight.

Allistor stopped the truck and turned off the engine.  Dropping the keys into his ring, he exited the vehicle.  His shotgun slung on his back, he held his hands high and motioned for Helen to do the same.   Stepping forward so that he could be clearly seen, he called out.  “Hey, guys!  I’m Allistor, and this is Helen.  We come in peace, and uhh… take me to your leader?”

Helen snorted at the awkward greeting.  “My hero.”

“You some kind of wise-ass, boy?” A deep voice echoed out from behind a building to their left.  Both heads turned in that direction.  A large man in a flannel shirt stepped out, rifle raised to his shoulder and pointed at Allistor.

Allistor kept his hands up, his pulse racing now as he had second thoughts about approaching these people.  “No, sir!  I was just trying to be friendly.  If it were me, I’d be suspicious of anyone who approached me like this.  Just trying to lighten the mood a bit.”

The man stared at him over the rifle’s sights, not saying a word.  Allistor’s mind noted there was no scope mounted on the weapon.  Likely the man was either a very good shot or didn’t know much about rifles.  “As I said, I’m Allistor.  What’s your name?”

After a moment of glaring, the man said, “Dean.”  His thick beard barely moved as he spoke.

Allistor waited several seconds for him to say more, but it seemed that was all the information forthcoming.   Helen actually chuckled at Allistor’s discomfort.

“Nice to meet you, Dean,” she called out.  “I’m Helen.  Park ranger up at Medicine Bow.  Allistor here found me and saved my life a few days ago.  He’s a good guy.”

Dean’s rifle barrel lowered slightly as he stood straighter.  He looked from Helen to Allistor.  “What do you want here?”