Wish Reg were here

We're still trying to get a fix on the Coals. Sadly, there's a dearth of black members in our little movement. And the few we do have, don't stack up to Reggie Barkwell.

For a long time he was the oldest member of our outfit. He's the only man I've ever met who actually remembered the Before Times. Not only did he have a working knowledge of how the old people thought, he grew up here in Las Vegas, so he knew more about the landscape than anyone I've ever met.

Also, he was a survivor. The doors shut shortly after he got out of high school, and he found us when he was in his early 60's. He never liked to talk about his time alone on the road, but you could tell, he'd seen things no one else had ever seen.

He died three years ago, and it broke my parents' hearts. Mine too. He was like an uncle to me. I can't remember a time when he wasn't around. He always knew what to do, or what to say. He's the one who convinced my parents I should be out there scouting, not sitting at home.

I think we've settled on two of our darker compatriots to act as liaison between us and the Coals, or to act as spies if they won't cooperate. And I've got confidence in them, they're both competent.

But I'd rest easier if it were Reg.