Hi, My Name is Tessee

I have had a really busy last 4-5 weeks. Great writing, Pac! I just got caught up and am now with the everyone in suspense and waiting for MOAR!

Congrats and best wishes on your move, Pac! It sounds like a great plan and I hope it bodes well for you and Mr. Pac. I know you had the feeling you would have to move, so I'm glad for your sake that this may be a great thing.

Now.......back to our regularly schedule whining for MOAR!!

We had a routine Dr's. appt turn into something more for Mr. June, so had to stay at the hospital for two days. Sorry I didn't have time to notify anyone, but will have a chapter by tonight. Pac.

#126

The two extra snipers were checked and their pockets cleaned of anything useful. They had the usual assortment of odds and ends; worthless pocket knives, small white handkerchief's that held identical small, white grains that looked like rice. A few coins, a small ring of keys and directions on how to find the valley.

Hired killers, Mark surmised, as he fingered the 'rice'. Hired but connected to the whole mystery by these small transmitters. Folded up, he secured the 'package' in his vest pocket. It was then he felt the large stone in his inside pocket start to warm and vibrate.

In ten seconds flat, he had all three of the items out of their hiding spot and laid carefully on the ground. Experimenting, he moved the 'rice' grains further and further away from the 'stone' until they lost the ability to communicate. That was out at least 10 or more feet. Mark kept them all apart, while he pondered the significance of what he had just discovered.

Toby and Willie were hunched together, chewing on jerky Clora had sent for them all. "Why did you stop me?" Willie questioned as they both watched Mark experiment with whatever he had in his hand.

"Didn't you watch his eyes?" Toby whispered. "He was a man, doing a man's work to keep his family safe. That the work was killing a man that tried to kill you, made no difference. He was ready to do whatever was necessary. I've seen that look before, and a kid doesn't get in the way. A smart kid," Toby emphasized the 'smart', "learns from watching."

"He's just always been 'Uncle Mark," Willie tried to excuse away his behavior. "Dad say's he's a computer nerd and kinda weird, but otherwise OK and he's good to Auntie Clora and the kids."

"Look beyond what somebody has told you," Toby wisely replied. "Nerds don't have the physical ability that Mark has, and be aware; he's very good at letting a person form an opinion about him, and then fostering that opinion. So, five different people are going to have five different opinions as to what Mark is. Clora maybe the only person who knows who the real Mark is, inside."

"What do you suppose he is doing?" Willie whispered back, looking at Mark in a different light. Now that was funny, he thought tiredly. A different light, he chuckled inwardly. The night was so pitch black that it was hard to see your hand in front of your own face. There wasn't much seeing going on, it was more like feeling or sensing where the other two were located.

The ash cloud continued to 'rain' gritty pumice and finally they resorted to using their handkerchief's over their noses. "See," Toby said low, "if we hadn't trained with Mark, what are the chances we would have these in our pockets right now?"

"Slim to none," Willie said honestly, "I've got everything he told us to carry, how about you?"

"Yup," Toby said with a yawn.

Mark was listening to the conversation, his acute hearing telling him that the young teens needed to sleep. "Boy's," he said quietly, "I need you both to sleep for now, and then take over watch so I can grab a few winks."

"Yes Sir," they both replied respectfully, as they laid down, back to back.

Wow on the vibrating gem, thanks Pac.

Thanks Pac an interesting development wonder the what this will reveal.
Wayne

Thanks Pac.

Wow, thank you Pac. I always wonder when you are away from us for a while, and try to send along good thoughts for you and yours.

Thank you everyone for the prayers and good wishes. We are slowly settling in. June is home with a nurse's aide, which gives her the care she needs. She is up walking, and feeling much better.

Our Mister's are doing well. They enjoy each other's company and help keep one another entertained. They play cards, swap stories, lies and 100 year old jokes. I get to play drill Sargent, chief cook and bottle washer, and chauffeur.

June's hubby is doing well after being transitioned over to Mr. Pac's doctor. The care has improved for him, and he is responding. We finally got the house alarms wired in, so we can sleep at night and not be worried about the guy's getting up and wandering outside. We have transponders in the medical bracelets they wear, so they can be traced if they do happen to get lost.

That's where I got the idea for the rice grains in the story, there is a host of personal locator's that can be attached to people, so they are a God send for those of us that need to keep track of loved ones.

We consulted a lawyer and drew up power's of attorney in health care and personal matters. We are pretty well attuned to each other's wishes and have directives written down. I think we have covered most of our bases, and June's daughter is very relieved. She is the woman that the mean and nasty woman in the story is modeled after. So I don't have to say any more.

Life is different, changed from what I imagined it would be, but it not bad or difficult. I can see the mountains, so for me, that is a calming view.

The real mystery has been this story, it has evolved into something I never expected. So here we are, along for the ride, the slide and over the deep divide. Eeeehaw!!

So many major changes in your life recently! I'm glad things seem to be smoothing out and also glad to hear that your friend June is doing better. All that you have been through and are still going through and you continue to bring us this wonderful story, and it is fantastic. Thanks for it Pac.

Pac good to know that everything is going well and that everyone is settling into the new accommodations. Thank you for this story and the time you give freely to us, I have come to think of your story as the Never Ending Story always there and always changing directions. You and yours are forever in my and I am sure many others prayers. Again thank for this wonderful story.
Wayne

And Pac, we are right here with ya'!!!!!!!


WAB

Pac, I enjoyed your post of yesterday nearly as much as your posts to the story. It is very reassuring to know you are all getting along well and that the two gents are enjoying each other's company and conversation. Must give you some relief as well. Glad to hear June is improving. Do hope you take care of you as well. Thank you so much for the update, and thank you for sharing your lively imagination in the story you write to entertain us all.

#127

Clora had been busy thinking about the night's sleeping situation, as she supervised the children eating their supper. The baked potato's tasted good, and Clora finely chopped a couple of slices of jerky for topping. The roast Lainey had been cooking at the house, continued to cook slowly. Amy used a metal cup and gently cut small slices of meat in the broth and fed them to Will. The meat and broth was good to promote red blood cells, iron and amino acids. It was constipation inducing however, unless a form of roughage was included.

All Clora had found was watercress and cattail tubers, so she cooked them in another cup dividing the bounty between Will and Ev. Finally, she put Will and Ev on the mattress in the back of the pickup with Amy and Cheryl on the outside to help keep the men warm. They covered themselves with coats and shivered for their lack of foresight. Neither Cheryl or Amy had a bug out bag to grab, so they suffered in silence for their lack of common sense.

The three youngsters huddled together in the front seat of the crew cab, and Clora, Christy and Lainey sat close together in the back seat. Ben walked a beat, wishing he knew where in the heck Wayne was hiding himself, he sure could use the brother's help.

Thank you Pac

#127b

Wayne, and Elmer and Emory set a slow but sure pace up the hogback, just below the ridge line to prevent being noticed as they followed below the deer trail. The faint trail took them up past the road into Evergreen, smelling woodsmoke they paused in the woods to reconnoiter the unexpected encounter with people.

Thanks again, I had wondered what happened to them .

#128

Wayne watched the unknown camp for a long time. There were women, children and a lot of crying and fussing filled the air. The camp was making no effort to contain their noise or presence. Poor security, as far as he was concerned. The brothers stayed well hidden until one of their dogs got adventurous and picked a fight with a mangy camp mongrel.

The dogfight raised a ruckus and before Emory could blow his silent dog whistle, a armed man stepped from the trees on the opposite side of camp and shot the hound.

Emory's face got mottled red and he puffed up with indignation. "I'm gonna kill that SOB for shooting Tiger," he hissed.

Wayne and Elmer looked at each other, and finally Elmer yielded to Wayne's unspoken pressure. "Keep them dogs under control," he ordered. "We'uns don't need to be found out right yet. They didn't do nuth'in we'uns wouldn't do iffen it were us in the camp."

It took a long time of considering for Emory to finally agree, and his hounds lay down when he motioned for them to stay down.

Wayne finally spotted four men guarding the camp, each man well hidden in the thick brush.

"Trap?" Wayne asked Elmer quietly. "A deliberate sacrifice of the women and children to lure in potential victims?"

Elmer was nodding slightly, he looked the camp over once again and then looked at Emory. He sighed heavily, and then spoke.

"We knowed them men. They's from a couple of hollow's over from us'ens. Mean suckers, they is. Our cousins of sorts." he finished wryly. "Won't bother us'ens, but they aint above calculating to rob us."

"The clan will be in the valley below here," Wayne jerked his head in the direction of the burned out homesteads. "I ain't look'in to start no gafrakus, but I don't want them ambushing us. You want to go talk to them?"

"Possible," Emory allowed, "possible."

"I say leav'em be," Elmer interjected. "Missy Sue is in there and I don't want no shootin."

"Let's us'ens get down to your place and we can make sure they's all right, then me and Elmer will get in touch with the boy's." Emory temporized. "It's gonna be better iffen we's are do'in it."

Wayne nodded his agreement, understanding that relatives often got further than strangers. The trio melted back into the brush and headed for the valley.

The small enclave was still bedded down when the three men got to the valley. Wayne whistled and finally got a reply from behind them. He couldn't help but smile, Ben was watching them as it had been his reply Wayne had heard.. Emory and Elmer seemed surprised that they had been compromised so quickly and quietly, but Wayne felt confident. His side of the clan was as competent as the other.

"Hey Deputy," Emory acknowledged the lanky bother as he raised his rifle away from the trio. "Ben," Wayne spoke quietly, "everyone OK?"

"Yeah, Gertie is out here running wild, I don't know how harmless she is, so beware. Mark and the teen's are down at the mouth of the valley, securing the area." Ben relayed the information. He greeted the brothers, keeping a wary eye on the two. Ben didn't take lightly to being shot at, and it made no difference if the men were the Sheriff's kin or not.

"Com'on down, Clora will have coffee ready. I think we're short on rations, but you know Clora; she always has coffee." Ben invited. The thought of a bracing cup of hot coffee sounded real appealing in the cool, misty morning air.

Clora heard them, and finally Ben signaled that they were incoming friendly. Indeed the coffee was ready, and it was as strong as they needed.

Another great chapter .

Thanks Pac. We really appreciate your time and talents that you share so freely. We keep you guys in our prayers. We also keep checking for MOAR. lol

Excellent update. Thanks Pac.

Thank you Pac.

Grate chapters Pac. I see you have added more people to the story, to replace the one that have met there end at the hands of the family while trying to survive. Lover this story.
Wayne

Thank you for the updates Pac. Fine reading, as always!

I'm just praying they aren't hitting any snags in the PNW.

Rabbit said:

I'm just praying they aren't hitting any snags in the PNW.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I've been thinking about her too and praying she is just taking some time to get settled in.

I'm having computer problems. Something to to with the alarms and the electricity for the cable.net?

Any way, the old [circa '94] laptop died, the newer laptop [circa '04] is coughing it's last, and I'm dealing with the busted hose on the dishwasher that emptied the hot water tank all over the upstairs and downstairs floors. There have been a few other assorted problems, but we can deal as those get solved. So I'm here, but not really with it enough to write. If that makes sense?

Give me about 3 more days to get my wits together, and we'll go from there. Thanks, Pac and clan.

Thanks for letting us know how you and the clan are faring.

May you be able to get some rest and stay safe.

Only three days, my goodness you are a strong woman. lol prayers going up.

Thanky you for the update. May the Lord bless you and yours with peace of mind and body as you meet and overcome these "little" challenges. Thank you for the opportunity to practice patience while we wait. Keep smiling.............

Pac thanks for the update on how things are going for you, sorry for your problems. Praying for things to straighten out for you soon and that you and yours stay healthy.
Wayne

#129

Clora rubbed her hand over her face, trying to cover her dismay and frustration. The two brothers and Wayne looked hungry; just as hungry as the rest of them. And what to feed them, was the problem.

Suddenly Clora was angry. Will and Amy and Ev and Cheryl had family to care and protect, yet they had not brought bug out bags with personal items or food. Clora felt close to tears, she was no magician and yet there were 11 adults, 3 teens and 3 smalls to feed. It was overwhelming.

The two brothers and Wayne passed around a blue speckled cup full of scalding hot coffee between them, Ev and Will sharing the other available mug. Wayne looked puzzled, trying to catch Clora's eye to urge her to start cooking breakfast. It took a while, but he finally caught on to the fact there was nothing to eat but a small piece of well cooked meat.

His dawning awareness was almost comical to watch, Wayne's mouth hung open and then snapped shut with a snap. He was about to say something when 2 shots sounded down by the valley mouth. All men present gripped their weapons tighter and faded out to the trees.


Mark and the boys watched the small band of wild turkeys come strutting across the road, headed to water from the creek. He held up 1 finger and pointed to himself, two fingers and he motioned to Toby, number three went to Willie. On three, he motioned again by holding up three fingers.

Mark's silenced rifle made a little pffft noise, but the boy's weapons sounded up close and large. Three turkey's dropped and the other five flew fast and furious. When Willie made to stand up and run and grab his turkey, Mark had to trip him to keep him in the cover of the brush.

"Willie," he hissed; "For God's sake, use your brain!" Mark had grabbed the rifle barrel and pointed it upwards, in case Willie's finger was still on the trigger. It wasn't, but only because he had tripped and his hand slipped.

Toby didn't say anything, but slightly shook his head. Willie was acting like this was practice instead of a deadly serious life situation. He remembered the two goons that tried to ambush them last night, along with the killing of Jennings. This was growing up in the fast lane and suddenly he understood the quiet competence and confidence Mark used. His mentor was giving them the benefit of many years of the finest training available and a smart boy paid attention. Willie's head must be screwed on back wards for the mush he was using to think with.

Mark listened to the sounds of the early morning. After the concussions of the shots, the forest was slowly regaining it's morning symphony. The noise told Mark that there wasn't anyone near. Motioning to the boy's to stay hidden, Mark eased out of the brush cover and swiftly gathered up the three birds and was back in the greenery before the first ferns stopped waving.

Toby heard running feet and tapped Mark on the leg at the same time that a whistle sounded in the distance. Mark answered with a tone that Toby filed away in his mind. Pretty neat, he thought, a way to communicate. A short one tone sound is more difficult to pin point than a voice, he reasoned as he watched and learned.

There was another tone, closer. Mark returned the sound and deliberately waved a fern frond to guide his brother's in arms into their hideout. Ben and Wayne slipped into the small opening like a feet first slide into homeplate. Ben accidentally put his hand down on the turkey Mark had just killed, pulling his hand away covered with fresh blood.

Ben hissed, and flipped his fingers to shake off the sticky goo, flinging the blood spatters all over Willie who bumbled into the scene.

Toby had to snicker quietly, Willie was turning into a clown and was likely to get hurt, killed, or get them killed.

OH Yea!!!

Great chapter and welcomed food .

A good education can be quite painful. Thanks for the reminder. Great job Pac. A little time off hasn't dulled your pencil....lol

Good chapter Pac and I'm glad you are back. I was beginning to get the withdrawal hebbie jeebies. Hope all the situations that needed your attention have been settled.

Thank you! Thank you! Hope you and MR. Pac are doing well this beautiful Sabbath Morning!

Thanks for the chapter Pac it's good to here from you I hope you have gotten your computer problems straitened out, along with everything else.
Wayne

#130

Mark walked into camp followed by the boy's with the turkey's slung on a pole between their shoulders. Ben and Wayne followed, bringing up the rear cautiously as they covered their tracks.

One quick glance at Clora's thunderous face, gave him the chills. Something was seriously wrong and obviously needed to be fixed doubletime fast.

Members of the camp came rushing up to exclaim over the wild fowl bounty and to praise the young men for their shooting prowess. The brothers that followed smiled and held back so the young men could have a moment of glory. In the confusion Milo and Teddy came running up to greet their Daddy, creating an opportunity for Mark to raise his eyebrow and silently ask Clora what the problem was.

Clora reached up to give him a hug, and whispered in his ear. "No food, no help, hungry people, starving strangers and people that should have brains but let them leak out."

"That's quite a list, but Honey it's gonna get worse. We have a deep problem that I need to bring up and it may split the camp." Mark said low and private.

Clora nodded and squeezed his hand. "I've got your back," she whispered back, "no matter what." she said with conviction.

"Hold that thought," Mark said ominously.

"Clan," Mark said loudly, gathering attention from the rest of the family as he disengaged Milo and Teddy from his body. "We need a quick family meeting as we have a bad problem." The seriousness in his tone stopped the jovial relief at the sight of the food.

The members gathered close to the fire pit, waiting expectantly for the large man's explanation.

"I had to shoot and kill Jennings as he attempted to knife Willie in the back," Mark said solemnly. All the people present stood shock still; all but Will who whipped around and produced a gun he held on Mark, as Mark smoothly drew his own weapon to stare down the former cop.

OH nooooooooooo not Will to. Thanks Pac.

Now I have to wonder if Will is "really Will" or someone who has had plastic surgery to look like him.... or if Willie is really Will's kid

I like "invasion of the body snatchers" idea..... LOL!

but someone said something about another "Conner"????? am I remembering right? And I could see him having surgery and replacing Will.... Will WAS GONE for a LONG time!

oh my mind is spinning with the possibles!!!!