Hungry Independents

Grasshoppers have invaded Independents, and the crops are under attack. Hunter seeks out help from the kids in Cozad, but finds them served up like cold cuts at a deli to the emaciated horseman of the apocalypse known as Famine.

After Hunter meets the eye-appealing Barbara, who prefers to be called Barbie, he has to constantly remind her that he has a girlfriend. Sometimes he reminds himself. The distraction is only temporary as he risks his life to protect the children from Famine's hunger.

With Barbie fighting at his side to free the Cozad kids, Hunter discovers he is immune to physical harm, even though the pain from his brother's death remains heavy on his shoulders. He knows everything will be all right if he holds himself together long enough to make it back home to Molly, unless Famine and his swarm of insects arrive there ahead of him.