text: Oh, you’re here already.’ ‘You took your time, I’ve been here nearly an hour.’ ‘Sorry Abe, I got distracted playing with the little ones, they are so into fighting with each other that I have to make it a game otherwise it might get nasty.’ ‘Yeah, tell me about it! Anyway, let's just go over the plan, okay?’ ‘Sure, sorry again.’ Chip surveyed the compound. ‘What do you think our chances are tonight?’ Abe was scanning the buildings. ‘Okay so far, I’ve been scrutinising the whole place since I got here and there’s been no activity at all. I’ve a feeling tonight may be our night.’ ‘Gosh I sure hope so, the little ones are only just about surviving as it is, and herself won’t let up “More food, more food” is all I seem to hear these days.’ Chip flicked his eyes up and sighed. ‘The Plan! Chip; The Plan! Focus!’ ‘Yeah, yeah, okay.’ Chip tilted his head and looked at Abe who was concentrating on the buildings inside the compound. ‘Sure does not seem right to get shot for stealing a bit of food to feed your family, does it?’ Chip didn’t expect a reply but Abe was never one to let a question hang about waiting. ‘That’s the way it is now I’m afraid. Ever since the new regime came in it’s zero tolerance with any law breakers. If they don’t catch you in the act, they will try and hunt you down.’ Abe shook his head. ‘Makes for an easy life for those that have, and a tough one for the rest of us.’ Abe paused and looked thoughtfully through the fence. ‘Anyway, time’s getting on, let’s get down to business.’ Abe nodded towards a secreted gap under the fence, ‘I’ll sneak in through there and you stay here and as soon as you see a light, either go on or off, you holler as loud as you can to let me know.’ ‘Sure Abe, I might need to cough to clear my throat, is that okay?’ ‘Don’t you dare. We have to be as quiet as the growing grass until we get clear. You got that?’ ‘Okay, got it. I’ll not take my eyes off the windows and doors and if I see any changes at all, they’ll hear me in the next town over.’ Abe continued, ‘I’ll be using the first three buildings as cover to get to the foodstore, so I should get through without any problems. The foodstore has a grill at the side which has a gap between it and the floor and that’s my way in. Once I get the goods I’m back out the gap and straight to the hole under the fence, no hiding or staying in the shadows. As soon as I’m through the fence, we belt it for home. You got all that Chip?’ ‘Yeah, I got it. Slow and stealthy on the way in and fast and furious on the way back.’ Abe stared into Chip’s eyes, ‘Look, I know you were the lookout for Brad when he copped it but I’m trusting you learned your lesson that night, right Chip?’ Chip looked away and then despondently down at the ground. ‘I couldn’t help it Abe, I was frozen with fear. It seemed the whole place just lit up and next thing there were bullets flying everywhere. I never even got a chance to warn Brad, it was like they were waiting for him.’ He looked droopy eyed at Abe, ‘But I know the drill now Abe; the instant the windows or doors lights change, that's the signal for me to sound the alarm, not a second later. You can trust me Abe, I’ve got your back.’ ‘I don’t blame you for Brad, Chip, it was early days back then and we really didn’t know the consequences of getting things wrong. So let’s just stick to the plan and we can all eat heartily tonight. Okay?’ Chip nodded, ‘I won’t let you down Abe and I appreciate everything you are doing for me and my family, I really do.’ ‘We all have mouths to feed Chip, let’s make sure we can feed them tonight, okay?’ ‘Sure Abe, I’ll be on my toes, no problem’ ‘Okay, wish me luck then.’ ‘Good luck Abe, I’ve got your back.