AFTER THE DUST SETTLED (Countdown to Armageddon Book 2) by Darrell Maloney Read Free Book Online Page B

changed much over the years.
         “You’ll have a dedicated wire inside the wiring bundle that goes from the battery to the steering column. It’s probably red, but I don’t know if that’s industry standard so don’t count on it. It should be easy to spot because it’ll have an in-line fuse. Find that wire and replace the fuse.
         “Now take that good old fashioned ignition switch. It used to bolt under the hood on the fender well closest to the battery. It normally mounts with two bolts, but I know you can’t drill any new holes so just do the best you can. Mount it someplace where it’s stable, and make sure it’s grounded.
         “Then wire that to the solenoid. The new solenoid, after you take the starter off and replace it. And don’t throw the old solenoid away. The copper will be fried on the inside of it, but any good machine shop technician can rebuild it for one of your other cars.
         “Replace all of your fuses and you should be good to go. You’ll bypass a lot of the sensors and other junk you don’t need anyway. But the car should run. Don’t forget to check your generator to make sure it’s charging the battery, though, or you’ll only get a few starts out of it.”
         Scott and Tom couldn’t see them, but John was looking expectantly at his friend Paul. Paul shook his head yes, meaning that, in his opinion, it sounded like a good plan. He thought it would work.
         John got back on.
         “Thanks, fellas. You can officially consider yourself heroes. If we all survive this and things ever get back to normal, I’ll make sure the city of San Antonio throws a parade in your honor.
         Scott replied, “Hey, we’re just glad we can help. Once you get your cars running again, don’t forget to help spread the word to other departments.”
         “We’ll do that, Scott. Thanks again, and keep in touch.”
         “Okay. Will do. K57B59 out.”
         Another voice came on.
         “Hey, K57B59, this is BR671K14. We took notes too down here in Orlando. Hope you don’t mind.”
         Scott laughed.
         “Don’t mind at all, Orlando. Spread the word, will you?”
         “Roger. Gonna do that now.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    -10 -
     
        In the weeks after their arrival at the compound, the dust finally began to settle and the group developed a routine of sorts.
         Everyone had chores to do, and there were plenty to go around. They were able to relax a little now, knowing that their compound was not only very well hidden, it was also almost impenetrable.
         They still took turns at the security console, of course. Just in case. They switched off every four hours, around the clock. Even Zachary and Sara took their turns. The short four hour shifts kept anyone from becoming too bored, and since there were six of them, it enabled each of them to pull security duty at the same time each day.
         And that enabled their body clocks to stabilize.
         Outside, there was plenty of work to do. The livestock had to be fed and cared for. The eggs had to be gathered, and someone had to milk old Bessie every morning.
         The garden that Joyce and Linda planted required a lot of care. So did the acre of corn. But everyone pitched in to pull weeds, water and fertilize the plants. There wasn’t a single slacker in the group.
         The rabbits had dug their way out of their pen and now had free run of the yard. Scott was okay with that as long as the dogs didn’t bother them too much. But when they found a dead rabbit and several half-eaten heads of cabbage, he had to rethink things.
         His solution was to take six sheets of plywood and build the rabbits a new pen in the back corner of the compound. He buried each sheet of plywood a foot deep into the ground to keep them from digging out again, and he thought he was finished with them for awhile.
         It