Book excerpt: Amanda Hardy and Chris Chandler have been living comfortably at the Double H Ranch where they took sanctuary after the EMP. Deciding it was time to head to Austin, where they both have relatives, they leave the safety of the ranch to embark on a journey filled with unknown perils. They have meticulously planned for the trip, carrying extra food, ammo, and water, and they think they are prepared for every possible contingency, except for one. Amanda hasn't been completely truthful with Chandler about her past -- a past that will have tragic consequences.