It Was 2052, High Haven by J. Richardson

answered. Where some mysteries were solved, so many
more questions were created.
    Three sets of eyes stared upward at
two tall wind turbines that stretched into the sky above. The thick
stems topped with whirring blades dwarfed the travelers. The hum
that had increased in volume during the day was now a loud whir.
Beyond the weathered wind machines, a small city huddled, clinging to
the side of the mountain, it seemed to be breathing with life.
Taylor looked at Cissy with amazement, “Oh my god!”
    She couldn't help but laugh, “We
might be hallucinating. What'cha think?”
    They moved forward a few yards and
Taylor motioned for Peaches to heel. “I don't see any walls or
fences, no guards.” Another few yards and to their surprise
they just walked right into the town.
    A wide street, a rough and bumpy rock
bed that continued to rise was flanked on both sides by building
after building, with boardwalks fronting them. The buildings were
weathered but nearly all displayed neat signs that identified; The
Secret Cafe, Secret General Store, Secret City Bank and a big white
painting of a tooth, Dentist, Molly's Hats-Shoes-Etc., a Clinic and
Barber with a striped pole. Cissy had not been away from her small
community for years, she was fascinated and kept having to remember
to shut her open mouth.
    A wildly careening motorized vehicle
caused them to jump up on the boardwalk. The stoney street was
crowded with two wheel, three wheel and four wheel rumbling and
gyrating machines. Some had what appeared to be handmade bodies of
various materials, some were just a motor and a frame. There were
wooden bodies, mixtures of old car body parts such as fenders or
hoods and tin and metal. Many were boldly painted or---not. Horns
honked and if there were any lights, they were tied or wired on.
    Other than a few curious stares from
children, a nod and a hello, no one had questioned or seemed
surprised to see the two strangers and extra large dog in their
“Secret” city. Cissy noticed even the young children
that freely populated the walks and street, looked armed; B-B guns or
pellet guns at their waists or strapped on their backs. Every single
resident had a visible weapon. Perhaps this was the reason they
didn't seem concerned about visitors.
    They had moved along through the
pedestrians and noisy traffic and reached the end of one side of the
main part of the town. Numerous cabins and houses scattered beyond,
trees were sparser as this unusual city did spread on the edge of the
mountain tree line. The elevation was high here and the air cool,
most of the residents wore long sleeves, even though it was nearly
the end of summer, some had on light jackets. Cissy was thinking
about getting the windbreaker from her pack, this side of the street
was shaded and she felt a slight shiver.
    They looked for a break in the crazy
car parade so they could cross to the other side of the street. A
short stocky man who had no resemblance to an old cowboy sheriff
stepped out from a doorway, “Hey folks, don't think I've had
the pleasure,” he stuck out his chunky hand. A tin star was
pinned to his faded overalls and he wore a floppy wide brimmed hat
that drooped over unruly gray hair. A red flannel shirt was buttoned
all the way to the collar and a toothpick rested nervously on his
lip.
    Taylor extended his hand and Cissy
nodded. They offered their names, she said, “We're from a
community on the other side of the mountains. Just came to do a
little exploring.”
    The sheriff patted the dog's head and
joked, “Did you ride this fella up or is he for protection?
I'm Henry, the sheriff of Secret. You're welcome here, long as ya'
don't cause no trouble.”
    Taylor said, “Got quite a few
questions, Henry. Could you....”
    “ Listen, don't mean to be rude
but I got to get to the jail. Why don't you go on over to the Cafe
across the street and up a block or so, always someone there to visit
with. Gettin' near supper, the mayor might even be there.