Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#561

Just because he could, Gary noticed the pattern Ernie was using to produce his scratching of terror. The man was headed for the back windows and before he woke up Breezy, Gary stepped into the shadows and pressed the muzzle of his gun against the glass.

Ernie wet his pants when he got to the window and there was the large black bore hole pointed at his forehead, Ernie jerked back, and took off running.

Gary listened to the squeal of tires throwing gravel, as Ernie decided he had urgent business elsewhere. That started the neighborhood dogs to barking once again, and yelling from the mostly night shuttered houses.

Gary was fuming internally; he needed a silencer for his pistol, the best way to end Ernie's little show of force. Tomorrow, maybe they could spend the time to swing by the retreat. He needed a few things, if he was going to spend so much time away from home.



Clora finally got a chance to talk to Mark again, he was some better and more coherent. She had looked in his travel bag and discovered the empty plastic bag that held Mark's favorite brand of socks. Holding the sack carefully, Clora had the impression of how the poison had been administered. A syringe had been poked through the film and the bottoms of the socks had been liberally laced with the liquid.

Mark, with the faint lingering scent from the cave, fouling his nose, had not noticed the smell. Clora also knew precisely who had done the deed.

The pilot, in fear for his life for bungling the supposed helicopter crash, slipped in the shower house in the airport and poisoned her husband. The man that threatened the pilot, was himself under orders to create a death, and do it in a hurry.

Clora could also feel that both men were dead, taken out of the problem before they could slip up and make mention of their role.

Sitting in the waning afternoon light, Clora let her hand rest on Mark's arm. She was doing something she had promised not to do. But Mark was in danger, and this would not be the only attempt.

Clora was not surprised to find he was a participant of a very secret and hush hush agency. It seemed a natural reason to her that whoever 'they' were, they would want only the best and most accomplished of operatives.

There was no doubt in her mind that Mark was the best; and there was no way she would let some nameless and cowardly group of men decide her husband was past his prime and ready for permanent retirement.

Sitting with her eyes closed as the images flashed in her mind, Clora was so seep into the murky web of lies surrounding Mark, she was unaware her hand was gripping his arm, hard enough to wake him up.

Mark could see that Clora appeared in some sort of a trance. He could feel her racing through his mind. It felt like cool feeling butterfly flutters.

"Open your mind, you will get the conclusions I am finding," Clora's voice was calm and steady. " If you know about their attempts, you will be ready to counter act.

Mark tried hard to accept something he didn't believe in. Clora's admonition flooded his mind like throwing a bucket of water at a wall. The deluge of water hit the wall and then bounced back to cover himself.

"Whoa," he protested, "how can you stand so much coming at you all at once.?"

"I'm not sure, because I've never tried this before; but I believe since this is in your mind, you will be able to recall it." Clora leaned back in the chair and rotated her shoulders. They were tight with stress.

"I could feel you in my mind, it felt lie snow schussing in my face while skiing. "You've never done that before, have you?"

"No, I told you I wouldn't go into your mind unless yhere was grave danger. There is much danger; the pilot and the man that recruited him have both died in mysterious accidents."
 

john70

Veteran Member
FYI……………………...IMHO

AT POST # 3703

COFFEE WAS SPILLED ON THE KEYBOARD

CH #644 WAS LOST OVER THE SIDE, NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN(I DO NOT THINK WE ARE MISSING ANYTHING,,,LIFE WILL GO ON)

AT POST #3707

IT LOOKS LIKE EVERYTHING WENT OFF THE TRACKS

EVERYTHING WAS REPLACED WHERE IT SHOULD BE, I THINK

BUT, WE ALWAYS HAVE A BUT,

I THINK AI DROPPED 101 #’S

IT LOOKS LIKE , IT DID NOT LIKE THE # 645 OR MAYBE IT WAS #646 THAT DID IT

SO, AI, AFTER #645.WENT TO #545

AI SEEMS TO BE HAPPY IN THE 500”S


AND EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SWELL

JUST BEAR IN MIND, IF YOU ARE PAID BY THE CAR, THE COUNT IS LOW BY 101
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#562

Tess was doing a boat load of thinking. She wanted badly to go ask Clora if she would watch the triplets while she went off by herself to do quiet, private thinking. The trouble was, she knew in her heart that Ma would refuse, there would be no way she would leave Mark's side.

At the same time, she knew this was part of her problem. The boys were her children, and plenty of other couples and especially single mother's had 24/7 custody and care of their young ones. Here she did have a network of people to support her. But the key word was support, not take over and do her job.

Eventually, Tess got to the kitchen and was drinking coffee and doodling with a pencil on a piece of scrap paper. The boys were out playing on the patio where she could keep an eye on them.

Donny came wandering i in and immediately made a face when he discovered Tess was at the table.

"Donny, could I talk with you for a bit? Would you consider going with me tomorrow to look for a car? Dad's going to be out of commission for quite a while and I really need to get my act together and get on with life."

Donny looked at her suspiciously, like he suspected she might be setting a trap for him. "Ah yeah, I guess I could, when would you want to go?"

"How about tomorrow when you wake up? Would that give you enough time to sleep?"

"Yeah, how about 1pm. I need to talk to Dad and see about putting in an alarm system, some kinda lazar.light beam contraption. If we get it moveable, we can take it with us to the new place. I can't go to school and be up all night on guard duty." Donny sat down across the table from Tess with a glass of water.

"You look like crap," Tess said not unkindly, "You got problems??"

"Thanks a bunch," Donny said sarcastically, "kind of you to say so."

Tess flushed, "I'm sorry, I seem to manage to ruffle your feathers, no matter what I say. But I mean it, is there anything I can do to help you?"

Donny shook his head no. "No, I'm still having trouble with Sally's death and all her brother's and sisters. Sally was carrying my baby, and that's been a double whammy for me." Donny's voice was steady but low and full of pain.

"That's a load of problems for a guy your age; how old are you now?"

"I'll be twenty in a couple of months, I was just over 15 when Sally and I got married. I was such a dumb kid, I can't believe how smart I thought I was, and in reality, I was so stupid. But I still hurts, and will for a long time. It makes it hard to concentrate, and I'm scared I'll fail the GED."

Tess was sure that's the most she had ever heard Donny say. He was still a kid, a kid with a real big problems.




Gary spent another restless night, and it was rough listening to Breezy's gentle snores. She really did have to sleep with that funny little machine making noise. He didn't like it, it , it interfered with his hearing. But the way Ernie left, Gary was sure he wouldn't be back to cause any further trouble tonight.

They were up and ready to leave by seven the next morning. Breezy looked self assured and very well put together. A typical high powered,lady lawyer ready to take on the world.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#563

"Clora"

"Humm,"

"There's something that is puzzling me terribly about the last few years. For instance, before the 'big wind', there was a time when there were explosions all over the country and most of the government buildings and infrastructure were demolished. Then along came the wind and set us way back in time. And yet...now, there is no sign of the bombings anywhere. I don't understand it at all."

"I was wondering when someone was going to pick up on that fact. From what I've seen around Raliegh, it looks as prosperous and put together as when we first came here. What happened to the rest of the supposed destruction, I don't know. I have to tell you, that a lot of different scenarios have gone through my mind. At one time, I thought we had been given a peek into the future; then that translated over into the tribulation. I got all mixed up thinking that, because the people alive and those that have passed didn't fit my notion of the Rapture and then the Tribulation." Clora was sitting quietly, but wringing her hands in a stressed way.

"That's really something to think about," Mark reached up to scratch his chin; a sure sign he was as conflicted by the thought as much as she was. "In one way, we have been expecting the Rapture to happen, so many signs are pointing in that direction. The thought that it is so close upon us is kinda paralyzing." Mark finished his thought.

"Yes, I've thought of the Trib and then a wrinkle in time, sort of like a hole we fell into. No explanation has come to me, and I've decided we can't do any more than to trust God. The Rapture might happen tomorrow, but it will happen in God's timing, not ours."

"In the mean time, I have a pack of hounds after my life," Mark darkly muttered. "The slimily, cowardly cretins have no gentlemanly honor, won't identify themselves, and seem intent on seeing me die in a most horrific manner. Me....I don't mind, but when they threatened you in the helicopter crash, they crossed the line."

"I can't help but think about Wilson. He manufactured this sort of happening. I have no information," Clora held up her hand to stave off the questions Mark was ready to ask." Only that his name is squiggling some where in my mind, for a reason."

"That's good enough reason for me to hate him, all the much more," he growled, "I can't believe the man was so clever as to effect all these problems, so many years later. There just has to be some reason or a common thread that ties this all together. I rarely dream, but the other night I had a nightmare about Laura George. She hasn't crossed my mind in years, so why now? My subconscious picking up on some clue that I've otherwise overlooked?"

"She was such a monster," Clora tightened her lips at the thought of the woman that orchestrated so many deaths. "I wonder if there are any loose ends associated with her; like her son John, was he ever found? Maybe other children to carry on that massive amount of hate?"

Laura George was a blank slate to Clora, but the name John caused her to pause. "I'm getting a unsettled feeling about John George, let's keep him in mind."

"I would rather have him in my sights," Mark growled again.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#564

"I'm so tired, I think I'll sleep for a bit. Will you be here standing guard?" Mark asked as he held Clora's hand.

"Yes, I'll be right here, sleep as much as you can; we need to give you another vinegar soaking when you wake up."

"I already feel like a pickle," Mark complained, and then yawned loudly. The sound made Clora smile, and she felt drowsy herself. I'm not as young as I used to be," was her last thought before she also fell asleep.

The clan picked up the slack as Mark and Clora were out of commission. Donny made sure the retreat was buttoned up tight, and set the dogs on night guard.

Tess made adjustments to her boys night time routine and sent them to bed by themselves. "You boys are old enough to brush your teeth, get your pj's on and get in bed. I'll be in to hear prayers, but we have to do this new way, because soon I will be going to school and will depend on you guys to be grown up and ready for responsibility."

"Yes Ma," three voices said at the same time and they scampered for the bedroom.

Big was helping Tilly do the dishes, drying the reduced amount of service to give Tilly some time off.

"I have been thinking Big," Tilly spoke under her breath, "I like the idea of staying here, Will you be happy, it sounds like it could be boring a lot of the time."

Big nodded, "I would try, but I don't think I would be happy in town. If we had to go, I was thinking of moving on, but the wages the director offered to us, were excellent. I am willing to give it a try, what say you sweetheart?"

"I have thought a great deal about this, I appreciate what Mr. Mark and Miss Clora have done for us, but I have to say I am very comfortable here. Where ever you are Big, I'm happy to be there." Tilly gave Big such a look of adoration, he melted, and put an arm around his plump apple dumpling.

Donny broke the spell by coming in the door and announcing, "I've locked us in and set the dogs on guard. I'm going to bed, I'm tired," and he scratched his chest.

Tilly nodded, and they watched Donny go down the hall. "Have you seen his chest? He is covered with cougar scratches; Miss Clora has told me the story of how it happened. Did you know he was married to a very young girl with many brothers and sisters. They were all brutally killed; also Donny's brother and wife. Very bad time." Tilly whispered, shaking her head sadly.

Big had heard bits and pieces of the story, so he changed the subject. "I will tell Mr. Mark as soon as he is well enough to know our intentions." Tilly nodded and patted Big on the arm. "Many thanks for helping me, It is very fine of you to do this," Tilly mixed dough for a bread sponge, and looked around the spotless kitchen. "I am like Donny, I'm ready for bed." she announced.



Gary sat respectfully in court, his only moment was when the bailiff was announcing the name of the prosecutor, and then the defense attorney. "Beckett Collins for the defense," the man solemnly intoned.

"Beckett," Gary whispered to himself, "who's that?" and he looked around to see who the guy was. The problem was, there was no one else. It dawned on Gary that delightful Breezy was a nickname for Beckett. He smiled to himself, what a woman.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#565

Toby and Rennie sat in the office, looking at each other. "That was unexpected and horrifying." Rennie finally managed to say, "Crikey, what a bloke."

"That was your Dad?" Toby asked, "how did he get you on the phone. to make an appointment?

"He used a fake name." Rennie said disgustedly. "He knew I'd never let him in, so he hid his face coming up the walk. He was lambasting me for Abbi's death. Then Susan's death, and for kidnapping Barry. The man's deranged for certain. Now I'm really concerned for our kiddos."

"We're putting up a security fence right away, and I'm calling a security company for guards. Rather than have the kids in public school, there is a school here that specializes in 'high risk' children. We went to one of those schools in Oregon, and they are worth the expense." Toby was making notes,

"That's going to cost a lot of money, isn't it." Rennie said slowly. "Money that we wouldn't have to spend if we lived at the retreat. It has all that, doesn't it?"

Toby gave his dear wife a measured look. "Yes," he said way more calmly than he felt. "The money from Granddads law firm sale that we set aside to grow the kids college funds will be used and will have to be replenished. We need current protection and that's the only way to get it done immediately." Toby couldn't help but be a little curt, Rennie had chafed at the living conditions at the retreat, and had never appreciated the security and protection it afforded.

It finally dawned on Rennie that she had put them in a precarious position. They were going to pay good hard money for what she didn't want to have, living with the clan. Rennie gave a deep sigh and finally said, "I need to work harder, I can't help but feel this is my fault."

If she had expected Toby to rush to her defense and make assuring noises to her, it didn't happen. As far as Toby was concerned, he was a little resentful about the cost of securing the plantation. Rennie had gotten into the habit of blaming everything she felt was wrong, on the fact that she was forced to live where she didn't want to live. As much as Mark and Clora had done to keep them all alive and safe, Rennie ignored that part of the equation, and only focused on the enforced togetherness she detested. Toby was well aware of the attitude Rennie displayed when it came time to butcher and can, but she didn't mind eating the results. Well, here they were, finding their own solutions, he hoped Rennie could be happy with their independence.

Rennie was feeling the sting of remorse, and the expressions flitting across Toby's face was no reassurance. She could feel he was angry.




Woody had been in close contact with Milo, as they set up the curriculum for the new shooters academy. "We'll have to angle the underground gallery from the barn under the garden area. As far as I know, there are no underground problems there. Say, have Ma and Das told you about the tunnel under the house?"

"Um, ... no." came the response. "Could it be used for a gallery?"

"No, way too narrow, it's almost less than shoulder width to a grown man." Milo juggled the phone to his other ear. "We discovered it by accident, but it makes a great tornado shelter."

"Sounds like it would," Woody agreed. Pleased that he had another excuse to go inspect the property, and therefor meet up with Miss Tess again, Woody started making plans for a visit, doon.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#566

It was a test of impatient waiting for Tess. She felt like going to Donny's room and beating on his door. That twirp was deliberately staying in bed just to thwart her, pretending to be asleep all this time, Bah, she could see through his stalling.

Finally, Donny stumbled into the kitchen, bed head hair and yawning like there was no tomorrow. He focused in on coffee and grabbed a cup from the dish drainer and helped himself.

"I don't see how you can sleep so much," Tess thought she was stating a reasonable fact, but to Donny, it sounded like a snippy complaint. "School always starts at 8am," she reminded him. "You'd better get used to getting up earlier."

"I was up earlier," Donny stopped to take a sip of coffee. "Twice, as a matter of fact. I helped Ma soak Dad down with vinegar. I didn't see you there." Donny quickly put Tess in her place; he was sick and tired of her attitude;

"I didn't know Ma needed help," Tess tried to defend herself. "I would have helped if I knew I was needed."

"Give me twenty," Donny turned and ignored Tess's pathetic whine. He looked at Tess and three little boys all clean with hair combed neatly, and figured Tess was grumpy because she had been trying hard to keep the boys clean.

Tess and Donny finally drove out the gate, headed to town.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#567

Computers, bah, we don't need no stinkin computers. Well, yeah I do, but it helped me to let out a little frustration LOL.

Gary was really proud of Breezy. She was well prepared, just the right amount of aggressive, and won her case. There was a little trussell with the man she was defending, he wanted to send her a check for her work; and Breezy kindly reminded he had agreed to pay, either way. when the verdict was handed down.

The Judge was coming out of his chambers, and went to stand close to Breezy and lend his clout to the demand for payment.

Councilor Collins, Rudy, is there a problem?"

"No Sir," Breezy answered politely, "Mr. Wasserman was just getting ready to write me a check for my services." Her voice was low and steady, understanding that the Judge had most likely heard the waffling concerning the expected payment.

"You'd better pay her Rudy, you might need her again," The Judge chuckled at his own joke, but Rudy understood the Judge wasn't joking. The man sighed hard and dramatically, but withdrew his check book and sat down to write the amount on the invoice Breezy presented.

"Thank you," Breezy said as she looked at the Judge, but meant the defendant. He smiled sourly, and nodded. Clearing his throat, the man said "thank you," back to his lawyer.

Sitting in the back row, Gary was still until Breezy had packed up her papers and started down the aisle. Standing up, he went through the courtroom door to clear the way for Breezy to exit.

Walking with Breezy, the Judge inclined his head in Gary's direction, silently asking what was going on.

"Ernie," Breezy said sadly, "has threatened to kill me. That guy happens to think the rabid little squirrel means it. He has harassing me,and Gary is my protection." Breezy smiled.

The Judge smiled back, it had been a long time coming, Breezy was a favorite of his, even if he couldn't show it. Breezy's Mother had been a cousin of a cousin in the 'good old boy sense of the South' and it was beholden to take care of their own.

Gary carefully inspected the area and nodded to Breezy that she could come out. Gary was holding Breezy's arm, and who should come running up the steps but Toby.

"Hi," Toby panted, "can't stop, I'm almost late," and he want whizzing past.

"And that is?" Breezy inquired, forgetting she had met Toby out at the retreat.

"Brother Toby," Gary laughed, "the world's best......" Gary was going to say lawyer, but stopped just in time. There was no sense in ruffling Breezy's feathers, and she ruffled easily.

"I need to drive out to the retreat and get a few things, especially ammo and clothes." Gary mentioned as he drove out of the parking lot.

"What about the house?" the question was unsettled sounding.

"I'm paying two men to stay after the crews finish, if we aren't home by that time." Gary exuded confidence, he was on the way to pickup a pistol silencer, and that would make min feel better about the Ernie problem.


Donny drove the van, as it had the triplet's car seats already installed in the back seat. "What kinda money have ya got, it's gonna take three thousand at least," Donny glanced over at Tess, she was sitting in the front seat, trying to ignore him.

"If you don't want to be civil, I'd rather go home, I have work to do."

"It's just, I'm so far out of touch with anything that has to do with money. I'd like to have an automatic, a safe vehicle and the rest doesn't matter. I have five thousand." Tess said it all in a rush.
 
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