223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks, Pac! Surprise..., surprise!
Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac, for another great chapter.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#573
Gary and Donny held a was council in the house, as they moved the furniture that was on Breezy's list. "I have totally misjudged our friend Ernie. He has a silencer, I heard it when he shot at me, So, he has upped the stakes considerably, that fact changes my response. If you don't mind, I'm going to send you home with this load of 'stuff.' Ernie certainly surprised me by coming back for a third time today., so I'm going to stay and hopefully catch him in the act."
Gary shook his head no, when Donny gestured toward the couch. "I plan to use that as cover later on tonight. If you will be available when I call, I think we can wrap this up in a short hurry."
"Yeah, I guess so, how late are you thinking?."
"Don't know, when ever that slime ball shows up again. I borrowed Dad's special equipment, so the neighbors shouldn't be disturbed. I'm tired of dealing with him.
Donny chuckled as they loaded the kitchen table and chairs. "She really doesn't have a lot of stuff. I thought you said she and her mother and possibly grandmother lived here."
"It's all upstairs, and I ain't going there to move a box. It's a wonder this place doesn't tip top side down, with as much as is stored up there. Keep your eyes open, there's some way that pointy nosed rat gets in the house, and not through the doors like a reasonable person." Gary and Donny loaded all the furniture and boxes the van ans trailer could hold.
"Maybe Big can help you unload. That guy is big as an ox, so Ma and Dad should get some work for the food they have invested in him."
Donny laughed again, "I don't know, my appetite seems to have exploded here lately. I guess it's the thoughts of going back to school. It makes me nervous as all get out. Tess is coaching me, and boy is she a terror, when she gets a little authority."
"So I've noticed, I hope that Woody fella has a strong constitution." Gary laughed at his own joke and it made Donny smile.
"Get gone, and hopefully we can bring this to an end tonight." Gary went immediately back into the house, letting Donny rope down the awkward load.
It was boring as all get out, as the afternoon slipped into the dark of night, playing the cat and mouse game of waiting for the action to begin. Gary was still, and shook himself out of his stupor when he realized that Ernie was back in the house.
The creaking floor board betrayed the intruder, telling Gary that Ernie was coming from the kitchen area.
The little man's dark shape materialized in the kitchen doorway. The Contender with it's Infra red and silencer responded to Gary's trigger pull. Ernie crumpled over, his weapon clattering to the floor.
Gary kicked the gun out of arm's reach, and then for good measure kicked Ernie. There was no response. Gary's aim was true.
That instant of the kick, was the same instant that Gary' smelled smoke and heard the fire starting to crackle.
Gary and Donny held a was council in the house, as they moved the furniture that was on Breezy's list. "I have totally misjudged our friend Ernie. He has a silencer, I heard it when he shot at me, So, he has upped the stakes considerably, that fact changes my response. If you don't mind, I'm going to send you home with this load of 'stuff.' Ernie certainly surprised me by coming back for a third time today., so I'm going to stay and hopefully catch him in the act."
Gary shook his head no, when Donny gestured toward the couch. "I plan to use that as cover later on tonight. If you will be available when I call, I think we can wrap this up in a short hurry."
"Yeah, I guess so, how late are you thinking?."
"Don't know, when ever that slime ball shows up again. I borrowed Dad's special equipment, so the neighbors shouldn't be disturbed. I'm tired of dealing with him.
Donny chuckled as they loaded the kitchen table and chairs. "She really doesn't have a lot of stuff. I thought you said she and her mother and possibly grandmother lived here."
"It's all upstairs, and I ain't going there to move a box. It's a wonder this place doesn't tip top side down, with as much as is stored up there. Keep your eyes open, there's some way that pointy nosed rat gets in the house, and not through the doors like a reasonable person." Gary and Donny loaded all the furniture and boxes the van ans trailer could hold.
"Maybe Big can help you unload. That guy is big as an ox, so Ma and Dad should get some work for the food they have invested in him."
Donny laughed again, "I don't know, my appetite seems to have exploded here lately. I guess it's the thoughts of going back to school. It makes me nervous as all get out. Tess is coaching me, and boy is she a terror, when she gets a little authority."
"So I've noticed, I hope that Woody fella has a strong constitution." Gary laughed at his own joke and it made Donny smile.
"Get gone, and hopefully we can bring this to an end tonight." Gary went immediately back into the house, letting Donny rope down the awkward load.
It was boring as all get out, as the afternoon slipped into the dark of night, playing the cat and mouse game of waiting for the action to begin. Gary was still, and shook himself out of his stupor when he realized that Ernie was back in the house.
The creaking floor board betrayed the intruder, telling Gary that Ernie was coming from the kitchen area.
The little man's dark shape materialized in the kitchen doorway. The Contender with it's Infra red and silencer responded to Gary's trigger pull. Ernie crumpled over, his weapon clattering to the floor.
Gary kicked the gun out of arm's reach, and then for good measure kicked Ernie. There was no response. Gary's aim was true.
That instant of the kick, was the same instant that Gary' smelled smoke and heard the fire starting to crackle.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks, Pac! Fire covers many sins!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac, oh man yes hope Gray has covered his tracks well.
larry_minn
Contributing Member
In most states deadly force is justified in att3mpt to prevent arson of a occupied building?
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#574
Gary felt in his pocket for his flashlight. Flicking it on, he looked emotionless at the man he had just killed. It was Ernie, but yet it wasn't Ernie. Gary walked out the back door just in time to see Ernie's green car pull away from it's hiding place behind the back fence.
Walking down the alley behind the receding taillights, Gary got his bearings and went for Toby's place. Calling Tom, Gary looked at the time. 11pm. and all was not well.
Gary explained that he needed a place to stay for the night, and Tom invited him in.
"Shore is a good thing you called first; Mr. Toby, Miss Rennie or myself would have sure enough shot you iffen you had come pounding on the door."
"Really? What's happening?" Gary asked as he downed a glass of water. He needed to quench the taste of bile in his throat.
"Oh, Miss Rennie has a Dad that has been pestering her somethin awful. It's high alert for the possibility that the kids might be kidnapped."
"Really, it looks like I got here just in time." Gary sat down, acting totally composed. "I'd be happy to do guard duty tonight, for the privilege of a couple of your good meals," he schmoozed Tom.
"How about a ham sandwich to start duty off on the right foot?" Tom was no fool. Having been afoul of the law and the military for so many years, he could tell adrenalin when he smelled it; and Gary reeked.
Tom made a meal for Gary, and during the silence, they could hear faint sirens in the distance. "I'd better get you a shirt to cover up that monstrosity in that holster your wearing. What the heck did you get ahold of?"
"This is Dad's," Gary explained between bites. "To be guarded with my life, which wouldn't be worth a plug nickel if something happened to it."
Tom nodded wisely, if Gary had borrowed it from Mark, something serious must have been in the works. Mark wouldn't have loaned out his weapon unless dire straits were involved.
"I don't need to tell you not to let the kids or Miss Rennie see it; they's good people, but kinda spooked by guns." Tom cleaned the kitchen and shut off most of the lights. "You kin tell me tomorrow," he advised Gary, "we need to have matching stories."
Gary was glad to stand up and work off some of the nervousness and fright he felt. Letting himself outside, he patrolled the grounds, using up all the pent up angst that had flooded him.
Whomever he had killed wasn't Ernie but close enough to be a brother or close relative. That meant that the problem hadn't been solved. There was also the matter of the security cameras that most likely captured the shooting, Gary had the sinking sensation of being up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
Gary felt in his pocket for his flashlight. Flicking it on, he looked emotionless at the man he had just killed. It was Ernie, but yet it wasn't Ernie. Gary walked out the back door just in time to see Ernie's green car pull away from it's hiding place behind the back fence.
Walking down the alley behind the receding taillights, Gary got his bearings and went for Toby's place. Calling Tom, Gary looked at the time. 11pm. and all was not well.
Gary explained that he needed a place to stay for the night, and Tom invited him in.
"Shore is a good thing you called first; Mr. Toby, Miss Rennie or myself would have sure enough shot you iffen you had come pounding on the door."
"Really? What's happening?" Gary asked as he downed a glass of water. He needed to quench the taste of bile in his throat.
"Oh, Miss Rennie has a Dad that has been pestering her somethin awful. It's high alert for the possibility that the kids might be kidnapped."
"Really, it looks like I got here just in time." Gary sat down, acting totally composed. "I'd be happy to do guard duty tonight, for the privilege of a couple of your good meals," he schmoozed Tom.
"How about a ham sandwich to start duty off on the right foot?" Tom was no fool. Having been afoul of the law and the military for so many years, he could tell adrenalin when he smelled it; and Gary reeked.
Tom made a meal for Gary, and during the silence, they could hear faint sirens in the distance. "I'd better get you a shirt to cover up that monstrosity in that holster your wearing. What the heck did you get ahold of?"
"This is Dad's," Gary explained between bites. "To be guarded with my life, which wouldn't be worth a plug nickel if something happened to it."
Tom nodded wisely, if Gary had borrowed it from Mark, something serious must have been in the works. Mark wouldn't have loaned out his weapon unless dire straits were involved.
"I don't need to tell you not to let the kids or Miss Rennie see it; they's good people, but kinda spooked by guns." Tom cleaned the kitchen and shut off most of the lights. "You kin tell me tomorrow," he advised Gary, "we need to have matching stories."
Gary was glad to stand up and work off some of the nervousness and fright he felt. Letting himself outside, he patrolled the grounds, using up all the pent up angst that had flooded him.
Whomever he had killed wasn't Ernie but close enough to be a brother or close relative. That meant that the problem hadn't been solved. There was also the matter of the security cameras that most likely captured the shooting, Gary had the sinking sensation of being up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Whomever he had killed wasn't Ernie but close enough to be a brother or close relative. That meant that the problem hadn't been solved. There was also the matter of the security cameras that most likely captured the shooting, Gary had the sinking sensation of being up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
Didn't see this curve. Way to go Pac.
Time to talk to mom or Tess to see how many are out there and maybe where they are?
Texican....
Didn't see this curve. Way to go Pac.
Time to talk to mom or Tess to see how many are out there and maybe where they are?
Texican....
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Triplets or twins raise their unruly heads again! Thanks, Pac!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#574b
It was during Gary's third trip around the premises, that a very annoyed and growly voice said, "what the hell are you doing, you sound like a herd of buffalo." Toby was awake and none the happy for it.
"I'm relieving Tom on guard duty, I needed to have a place to stay tonight, and you were handy." Gary thought that was enough of an explanation, the only one he was going to give Toby, anyhow.
"You about got shot," Toby snarled. "Rennie heard your heavy footsteps and knew they didn't belong to Tom. Is there a chance you could sit and guard and nor scare the beejeepers out of my family?"
"Yeah, I suppose. Tom filled me in on what's happening."
"Why are you here?" Toby demanded unkindly.
"I owed Tom a couple of favors, and I didn't want to stay at Breezys."
"She is a snarly witch," Toby acted like he sympathized with Gary over the abrasive personality of Miss Breezy. "Don't blame you on that one; just be quiet will ya, I've got court tomorrow and need to sleep."
"Consider it done," Gary spoke in a chastised voice, as Toby went back inside. He was looking over toward the Northwest, where a rosy red glow filled the night sky. He supposed that was Breezy's house, and Gary felt a pang that he wasn't able to save her house, especially after they had put so much money into it.
Gary had smelled the accelerant when he walked outside of the house, so either the brother or Ernie had 'helped' the house to burn. Still, it was a shame, since Breezy had set such a store by the ragged old colonial.
During his now quieter rounds, Gary heard more sirens, proving that the old house was burning well. He supposed that it was now a 'save the neighbors' situtation, rather than controlling the house fire.
Over at the fire, the city was having a rough time controlling the blazing inferno. The majestic old trees that had shaded the house, burned with unusual intensity, as flames laddered their way up the old, dried bark.
The nosy neighbor to the right, mentioned to the fire control chief that he had seen men moving the woman's belongings out and packing them on a trailer. The code enforcement officer was there, angry that no permits had been obtained for the remodel of the house, the representee from the historical society was there, angry that their office had not been notified of building improvements that needed approval before being accomplished. The security company was there with blank tapes excuses, the handy dandy slick little rat Ernie had cut the wires to the camera central, so there was nothing recorded. And, nobody knew where Breezy might be.
The police had records that Ernie had threatened to burn the place down, that bit of info had been delivered to a group of workmen, so that was how Ernie became a wanted man. Now more dangerous, than previously expected.
It was during Gary's third trip around the premises, that a very annoyed and growly voice said, "what the hell are you doing, you sound like a herd of buffalo." Toby was awake and none the happy for it.
"I'm relieving Tom on guard duty, I needed to have a place to stay tonight, and you were handy." Gary thought that was enough of an explanation, the only one he was going to give Toby, anyhow.
"You about got shot," Toby snarled. "Rennie heard your heavy footsteps and knew they didn't belong to Tom. Is there a chance you could sit and guard and nor scare the beejeepers out of my family?"
"Yeah, I suppose. Tom filled me in on what's happening."
"Why are you here?" Toby demanded unkindly.
"I owed Tom a couple of favors, and I didn't want to stay at Breezys."
"She is a snarly witch," Toby acted like he sympathized with Gary over the abrasive personality of Miss Breezy. "Don't blame you on that one; just be quiet will ya, I've got court tomorrow and need to sleep."
"Consider it done," Gary spoke in a chastised voice, as Toby went back inside. He was looking over toward the Northwest, where a rosy red glow filled the night sky. He supposed that was Breezy's house, and Gary felt a pang that he wasn't able to save her house, especially after they had put so much money into it.
Gary had smelled the accelerant when he walked outside of the house, so either the brother or Ernie had 'helped' the house to burn. Still, it was a shame, since Breezy had set such a store by the ragged old colonial.
During his now quieter rounds, Gary heard more sirens, proving that the old house was burning well. He supposed that it was now a 'save the neighbors' situtation, rather than controlling the house fire.
Over at the fire, the city was having a rough time controlling the blazing inferno. The majestic old trees that had shaded the house, burned with unusual intensity, as flames laddered their way up the old, dried bark.
The nosy neighbor to the right, mentioned to the fire control chief that he had seen men moving the woman's belongings out and packing them on a trailer. The code enforcement officer was there, angry that no permits had been obtained for the remodel of the house, the representee from the historical society was there, angry that their office had not been notified of building improvements that needed approval before being accomplished. The security company was there with blank tapes excuses, the handy dandy slick little rat Ernie had cut the wires to the camera central, so there was nothing recorded. And, nobody knew where Breezy might be.
The police had records that Ernie had threatened to burn the place down, that bit of info had been delivered to a group of workmen, so that was how Ernie became a wanted man. Now more dangerous, than previously expected.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks, Pac!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Many thanks Pac. Blank tapes, good.
feralferret
Veteran Member
No cameras! Yea! Gary dodged that one.
Thanks Pac.
Thanks Pac.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#574c
Back at the retreat, Donny and Big unloaded the furniture and boxes, both of them beefing up their appetites to take advantage of the pork carnitas that Tilly promised for supper. It was a way to use up quarts of the canned pork, but as she started supper, Tilly loked outside to see the hard work going on, and filled another pan.Tess was frying tortilla chips and Clora was mixing salsa.
The triplets were washed and setting the table. As soon as Breezy was done directing boxes, she hurried over to be of help.
"I'm warning you, I listened to those two stomach's growl, I hope you have enough to get them filled up. I'm not sure Gary will be home for supper, he acted like he had something very important to do, but he didn't tell any specifics."
Tess laughed, "We've learned not to expect Gary until we see him, he's one independent gent, for sure."
Breezy nodded, there was no denying what Tess said was true. However she was interested in Gary, and she was sure Gary was interested in her; so..... there had to be consideration on both sides.
Mark came to the dining room for supper and looked marginally better. Each time he slept, he recuperated faster. One thing about it, he really didn't remember giving Gary permission to move in a single female, but he supposed Gary had asked and probably had good reasons.
It was well into the night, when Breezy got a phone call. She answered and listened to Gary's mournful voice tell her that her beloved house had burned to the ground.
"Ernie?"
"Yes Ernie or a brother, I don't know for sure. It seems there were two of them that appeared the same." Gary felt safe giving her that much information.
"You don't suppose they know where I am, do you?" Breezy started to panic.
"No, I don't think so. He knows my last name, and I suppose he could track me down, but no one knows you are there. We took precautions hauling your stuff, so I believe you are 88 percent safe. It's up to you to not be stupid. Pay attention to the world outside the door."
" I'm going to recommend you put an app on your phone that alerts you to air tags, take the GPS off your phone and computer, don't answer the phone, especially numbers you are unsure of. I want to stress that you need to be ultra cautious with your Uncle that called. Something about the questions he was asking you, doesn't ring right. Now thats just my gut feeling, but humor me on this. I understand you need to conduct business, and when you need to go to the court house, I'll be there to take you. Be strong, be smart, I'm thinking about you and very glad you are away from your house." Gary was sincere, and Breezy could tell by the timber of his voice.
"I'm missing you," Breezy seemed surprised she would say such a thing, especially out loud and right to Gary, no less.
"Where are you?" Breezy asked.
"At brother Toby's, helping him with a problem. I'll be home tomorrow."
"That's where that smart jerk lives, isn't it. The one that thinks he knows everything.?" Breezy sniped about the treatment she had suffered at Tom's sayso.
"Yes," Gary was amused, and his voice showed it. "Probably a good thing you are where you are, Tom pretty much rules the roost around here. But he has good instincts Breezy, I trust him with my life."
"Humph." came the disgruntled answer."I'm glad you feel that way."
"I do," Gary said firmly. "You have plenty to do tomorrow, please disable your GPS first thing after I hang up, and install the air tag app. Be safe Babe," and he hung up.
Breezy was thinking that the 'Babe' had a nice ring to it.
Back at the retreat, Donny and Big unloaded the furniture and boxes, both of them beefing up their appetites to take advantage of the pork carnitas that Tilly promised for supper. It was a way to use up quarts of the canned pork, but as she started supper, Tilly loked outside to see the hard work going on, and filled another pan.Tess was frying tortilla chips and Clora was mixing salsa.
The triplets were washed and setting the table. As soon as Breezy was done directing boxes, she hurried over to be of help.
"I'm warning you, I listened to those two stomach's growl, I hope you have enough to get them filled up. I'm not sure Gary will be home for supper, he acted like he had something very important to do, but he didn't tell any specifics."
Tess laughed, "We've learned not to expect Gary until we see him, he's one independent gent, for sure."
Breezy nodded, there was no denying what Tess said was true. However she was interested in Gary, and she was sure Gary was interested in her; so..... there had to be consideration on both sides.
Mark came to the dining room for supper and looked marginally better. Each time he slept, he recuperated faster. One thing about it, he really didn't remember giving Gary permission to move in a single female, but he supposed Gary had asked and probably had good reasons.
It was well into the night, when Breezy got a phone call. She answered and listened to Gary's mournful voice tell her that her beloved house had burned to the ground.
"Ernie?"
"Yes Ernie or a brother, I don't know for sure. It seems there were two of them that appeared the same." Gary felt safe giving her that much information.
"You don't suppose they know where I am, do you?" Breezy started to panic.
"No, I don't think so. He knows my last name, and I suppose he could track me down, but no one knows you are there. We took precautions hauling your stuff, so I believe you are 88 percent safe. It's up to you to not be stupid. Pay attention to the world outside the door."
" I'm going to recommend you put an app on your phone that alerts you to air tags, take the GPS off your phone and computer, don't answer the phone, especially numbers you are unsure of. I want to stress that you need to be ultra cautious with your Uncle that called. Something about the questions he was asking you, doesn't ring right. Now thats just my gut feeling, but humor me on this. I understand you need to conduct business, and when you need to go to the court house, I'll be there to take you. Be strong, be smart, I'm thinking about you and very glad you are away from your house." Gary was sincere, and Breezy could tell by the timber of his voice.
"I'm missing you," Breezy seemed surprised she would say such a thing, especially out loud and right to Gary, no less.
"Where are you?" Breezy asked.
"At brother Toby's, helping him with a problem. I'll be home tomorrow."
"That's where that smart jerk lives, isn't it. The one that thinks he knows everything.?" Breezy sniped about the treatment she had suffered at Tom's sayso.
"Yes," Gary was amused, and his voice showed it. "Probably a good thing you are where you are, Tom pretty much rules the roost around here. But he has good instincts Breezy, I trust him with my life."
"Humph." came the disgruntled answer."I'm glad you feel that way."
"I do," Gary said firmly. "You have plenty to do tomorrow, please disable your GPS first thing after I hang up, and install the air tag app. Be safe Babe," and he hung up.
Breezy was thinking that the 'Babe' had a nice ring to it.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks, Pac!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#575
Donny was a little slow getting up the next morning, and the rest of the clan was following his lead. Donny was deep into a stack of pancakes, when there was an incessant honking at the gate.
"That sounds like the damn prince," Donny grumbled; "they always think they are so special."
It wasn't the prince, but a appraisal company hired to do his work. They were more modern in their approach. They unloaded two drones with Blue tooth digital cameras. Unrolling gridded maps, they went to work exploring the property from the comfort of the central driveway They were done in two hours, packed up and gone in two and a half.
No one from the house went out to chat, and the mappers didn't come to the door. Donny reported that they hadn't checked out the house, barn or secondary houses.
Mark had been at the table during the drone inspection, and now he looked ready to make the trek down the hall ."I'm guessing they had instructions to bypass the more expensive improvements and concentrate on the undeveloped land.. Won't he be surprised when he finds out the Marshal's Service right next door." Mark leaned heavily on his cane and headed down the hall.
Breezy did what Gary asked, finding two air tags attached to files she had brought with her. It gave her great pleasure to beat the plastic lump to smithereens with a heavy saucepan, and then she flushed them.
She had forgotten to ask Gary how to destroy the tags if and when she found one; but she did her best. Breezy didn't budge from the house, as long as the strangers were there, she was trying very hard to follow Gary's suggestions.
Breezy might have been working hard to put items away, but she also had one ear tuned to any vehicles that might drive in the yard. If her precious house had burned, she might be living at this place for a while..That was a sadness she couldn't help. when she thought about the years and treasured memories that had happened there. Especially memories of her mother. Grace Beckett Cooper Collins.
Breezy, officially known as Beckett Grace Collins, named for her mother, had lived all her life in the genteel old southern colonial. Raised a southern woman with heavy emphasis charm and manners, Breezy rejected her father and siblings as they scraped the bottom of the morality barrel in the lawyer business. Finally, her father abandoned Breezy and her mother and took the business to San Diego.
It was true that in the last years of her life, Grace had relied heavily on the restorative powers of rum in her afternoon tea.\, a blissful lapse into the yesteryears of her mind. Tea started stretching earlier and later, until Grace was a non functioning person. That happened before Breezy knew of her mother's cancer pain, and by then the rum was essential to her mother's life.
Breezy missed her mother, and had nothing but contempt and loathing for the rest of the family . They had fittingly been wiped out in the tsunami, and Grace had died with only Breezy and the maid in attendance. Then, the maid left and Breezy was a victim of classic genteel poverty. She had her proud family name, and now with the burning of the house, nothing else.
But, nostalgia aside, there was work to do, and she needed a cup of tea. Breezy had poured the rum down the drain when her mother passed, and she depended on the wide variety of tea she drank for soothing moments.
Gary hitched a ride with Milo out to the retreat. They had driven past Breezy's house, with the lone fire truck still on duty. It was a smoldering, stinky mess, and Gary just shook his head in disgust.
"That looks awful final, maybe that's good and maybe not." Milo opinioned in his lanky, red headed way.
"For a while anyway, until she makes Dad mad, and you know how he feels about single ladies."
"Want some advice, just don't get caught leaving her room." Milo laughed uproariously, explaining what had happened between himself and Honey, and Mark. "I've still got tooth marks in my behinder where he chewed me out."
"I don't remember that."
"You were gone in the Marines, and had your own problems." Milo laughed again, "it's been tough on us kids growing up. I think we're all late bloomers So what's happening between you and little Miss Spitfire?"
"Starting fires, we've been seeing how far we can get from water." Gary smiled.
Donny was a little slow getting up the next morning, and the rest of the clan was following his lead. Donny was deep into a stack of pancakes, when there was an incessant honking at the gate.
"That sounds like the damn prince," Donny grumbled; "they always think they are so special."
It wasn't the prince, but a appraisal company hired to do his work. They were more modern in their approach. They unloaded two drones with Blue tooth digital cameras. Unrolling gridded maps, they went to work exploring the property from the comfort of the central driveway They were done in two hours, packed up and gone in two and a half.
No one from the house went out to chat, and the mappers didn't come to the door. Donny reported that they hadn't checked out the house, barn or secondary houses.
Mark had been at the table during the drone inspection, and now he looked ready to make the trek down the hall ."I'm guessing they had instructions to bypass the more expensive improvements and concentrate on the undeveloped land.. Won't he be surprised when he finds out the Marshal's Service right next door." Mark leaned heavily on his cane and headed down the hall.
Breezy did what Gary asked, finding two air tags attached to files she had brought with her. It gave her great pleasure to beat the plastic lump to smithereens with a heavy saucepan, and then she flushed them.
She had forgotten to ask Gary how to destroy the tags if and when she found one; but she did her best. Breezy didn't budge from the house, as long as the strangers were there, she was trying very hard to follow Gary's suggestions.
Breezy might have been working hard to put items away, but she also had one ear tuned to any vehicles that might drive in the yard. If her precious house had burned, she might be living at this place for a while..That was a sadness she couldn't help. when she thought about the years and treasured memories that had happened there. Especially memories of her mother. Grace Beckett Cooper Collins.
Breezy, officially known as Beckett Grace Collins, named for her mother, had lived all her life in the genteel old southern colonial. Raised a southern woman with heavy emphasis charm and manners, Breezy rejected her father and siblings as they scraped the bottom of the morality barrel in the lawyer business. Finally, her father abandoned Breezy and her mother and took the business to San Diego.
It was true that in the last years of her life, Grace had relied heavily on the restorative powers of rum in her afternoon tea.\, a blissful lapse into the yesteryears of her mind. Tea started stretching earlier and later, until Grace was a non functioning person. That happened before Breezy knew of her mother's cancer pain, and by then the rum was essential to her mother's life.
Breezy missed her mother, and had nothing but contempt and loathing for the rest of the family . They had fittingly been wiped out in the tsunami, and Grace had died with only Breezy and the maid in attendance. Then, the maid left and Breezy was a victim of classic genteel poverty. She had her proud family name, and now with the burning of the house, nothing else.
But, nostalgia aside, there was work to do, and she needed a cup of tea. Breezy had poured the rum down the drain when her mother passed, and she depended on the wide variety of tea she drank for soothing moments.
Gary hitched a ride with Milo out to the retreat. They had driven past Breezy's house, with the lone fire truck still on duty. It was a smoldering, stinky mess, and Gary just shook his head in disgust.
"That looks awful final, maybe that's good and maybe not." Milo opinioned in his lanky, red headed way.
"For a while anyway, until she makes Dad mad, and you know how he feels about single ladies."
"Want some advice, just don't get caught leaving her room." Milo laughed uproariously, explaining what had happened between himself and Honey, and Mark. "I've still got tooth marks in my behinder where he chewed me out."
"I don't remember that."
"You were gone in the Marines, and had your own problems." Milo laughed again, "it's been tough on us kids growing up. I think we're all late bloomers So what's happening between you and little Miss Spitfire?"
"Starting fires, we've been seeing how far we can get from water." Gary smiled.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#576
"Well, well welll." Milo turned appraising eyes on his brother; "I didn't know you had that in you."
"You're the one that said we were late bloomers, what are you trying to do now, backtrack?" Gary was smiling to himself. "She's interested; I'm interested, that's all I need to know."
"Right on," Milo approved, "go for it."
Ever vigilant, Milo swung off on a side street and quietly sped down to the corner and into an apartment complex parking lot full of cars.
"I believe we picked up a tail," he remarked. "you expecting any irate husbands or jealous boyfriends?"
"No but if it's a dark green Volvo wagon, it's the law clerk out to get Breezy. I borrowed Dad's eliminator to settle the problem, and I think I got the brother. That was a rotten piece of luck, the creep has a silencer and tried to use it on me. Too bad we are in such a public place."
"We can fix that," Milo looked at Gary, "depends on how deep you want to take this."
"Not as far as I'd like to. I go for Marshal's training in a week. I don't want to screw up my chances."
"Good thinking, it might be awkward with the director hanging around our sister. Some things can be so embarrassing to explain," Milo dead panned.
Gary nodded his asscent. "Yeah, look there, the creep has been following us. He's been Breezy's law clerk, he unfortunately sent two of his pals to rob Breezy when she brought Ben's inheritance money out here. They are safely out of the picture," he added as an after thought.
"He's no fool, actually seems pretty smart for a walk on the dark side. He's turning left at the corner, go now, he's behind the next complex."
Milo eased out into traffic, going back the way they had come in. "That was fun, ut's been a long time with no cloak and dagger.."
"Your sense of humor amazes me," Gary was cryptic. "However, it's not your lady thats in the line of fire."
"True, true, but are you really far enough into this thing to call her your lady?"
"Yup," Gary was firm, "and she really takes issue with Tom, they fight like tomcats. It's like old times at the homestead."
Milo just shook his head. "I have trouble believing how young and stupid we kids were, and how stressed Ma and Dad must have been trying to keep us fed and alive. I look at my two and wonder how they did/do it."
Suddenly. as they entered the beltway headed for the retreat, the dark green Volvo pulled up beside Milo and the rageful, contorted face of Ernie grotesquely spewed hate and anger as he leveled a pistol at Milo.
"Well, well welll." Milo turned appraising eyes on his brother; "I didn't know you had that in you."
"You're the one that said we were late bloomers, what are you trying to do now, backtrack?" Gary was smiling to himself. "She's interested; I'm interested, that's all I need to know."
"Right on," Milo approved, "go for it."
Ever vigilant, Milo swung off on a side street and quietly sped down to the corner and into an apartment complex parking lot full of cars.
"I believe we picked up a tail," he remarked. "you expecting any irate husbands or jealous boyfriends?"
"No but if it's a dark green Volvo wagon, it's the law clerk out to get Breezy. I borrowed Dad's eliminator to settle the problem, and I think I got the brother. That was a rotten piece of luck, the creep has a silencer and tried to use it on me. Too bad we are in such a public place."
"We can fix that," Milo looked at Gary, "depends on how deep you want to take this."
"Not as far as I'd like to. I go for Marshal's training in a week. I don't want to screw up my chances."
"Good thinking, it might be awkward with the director hanging around our sister. Some things can be so embarrassing to explain," Milo dead panned.
Gary nodded his asscent. "Yeah, look there, the creep has been following us. He's been Breezy's law clerk, he unfortunately sent two of his pals to rob Breezy when she brought Ben's inheritance money out here. They are safely out of the picture," he added as an after thought.
"He's no fool, actually seems pretty smart for a walk on the dark side. He's turning left at the corner, go now, he's behind the next complex."
Milo eased out into traffic, going back the way they had come in. "That was fun, ut's been a long time with no cloak and dagger.."
"Your sense of humor amazes me," Gary was cryptic. "However, it's not your lady thats in the line of fire."
"True, true, but are you really far enough into this thing to call her your lady?"
"Yup," Gary was firm, "and she really takes issue with Tom, they fight like tomcats. It's like old times at the homestead."
Milo just shook his head. "I have trouble believing how young and stupid we kids were, and how stressed Ma and Dad must have been trying to keep us fed and alive. I look at my two and wonder how they did/do it."
Suddenly. as they entered the beltway headed for the retreat, the dark green Volvo pulled up beside Milo and the rageful, contorted face of Ernie grotesquely spewed hate and anger as he leveled a pistol at Milo.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
LOl another cliff, but you are very good at them 
Thank you.
Thank you.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Suddenly. as they entered the beltway headed for the retreat, the dark green Volvo pulled up beside Milo and the rageful, contorted face of Ernie grotesquely spewed hate and anger as he leveled a pistol at Milo.
Well the fireworks are fixing to start. Another chapter will determine how intense the fireworks will be.
Thank Pac.
Texican....
Well the fireworks are fixing to start. Another chapter will determine how intense the fireworks will be.
Thank Pac.
Texican....
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#576b
"Hang on!" Milo shouted, and stomped the brakes hard. His pickup slowed tremendously, breaking loose in the back end and fishtailing.
Ernie, because he had cranked the wheels of the Volvo hard to the right, intending to run Milo and Gary off the road; went shooting past them,, across the right lane and came to rest in the median, crashing into a concrete abutment attached to a culvert.
"Call 911," Milo ordered, "I'm going down the road out of pistol range, I don't fancy that jerk shooting at us. Too many people saw what was happening, for us to drive off. Besides it's the Marshal thing." and Gary agreed.
Gary unstrapped the Contender and put it in the back seat ,carefully covered with a pink and white crocheted baby blanket, next to Mila car seat. "Hopefully, that will take care of suspicions, if not, we're in trouble. That unwieldy thing is almost more trouble than it's worth. Sure does a nice job, however. I keep meaning to ask Dad where he got ahold of it, I appreciate the IR and the silencer."
When all was said and finished, the attending officer supposed it was some sort of retaliation because Milo was a Marshal. Neither man denied that thought, and although Ernie was still alive, he was unconscious from hitting his head on the steering wheel.
"I don't know him, and I intend to press full charges, the man acts like a lunatic, and I intend to protect me and mine by keeping him in jail." Milo was agitated and talking fast, the officer nodding and trying to keep up with an obviously superior officer.
"Don't worry Sir, he's in for road rage, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and driving without a seat belt and expired plates. It will take him a while to untangle all these charges." The Deputy announced with a grin. He was happy Milo had stopped, rather than having to hunt the other party down. Already his day was 100 percent better.
"You may go Sir, thank you again for stopping. Five different people called in your tag number, so we would have caught up with you sooner or later." The Deputy wanted the pickup driver and his passenger to know that he appreciated their stopping, but that the law would have rousted them out eventually. "I'll need you to sign the complaints, they'll be ready in 24 hours in the downtown County Complex."
"Will do," Milo promised. "gladly."
Milo drove into the retreat driveway, and the place looked almost deserted. "Who's White Jeep?"
"Probably Tess's. She and Donny were going car shopping the other day, looks like they connected. I see the backs of three car seats in the back row. Pretty good deductive reasoning, wouldn't ya say?"
"Oh yes, Swami, very good reasoning." Milo teased, "I sure hope they have cookies. I need a couple to settle my nerves after that Ernie thing."
"Don't say anything about this to Breezy, she's already highly stressed about everything that's happened." Gary asked with a big sigh,
"Hang on!" Milo shouted, and stomped the brakes hard. His pickup slowed tremendously, breaking loose in the back end and fishtailing.
Ernie, because he had cranked the wheels of the Volvo hard to the right, intending to run Milo and Gary off the road; went shooting past them,, across the right lane and came to rest in the median, crashing into a concrete abutment attached to a culvert.
"Call 911," Milo ordered, "I'm going down the road out of pistol range, I don't fancy that jerk shooting at us. Too many people saw what was happening, for us to drive off. Besides it's the Marshal thing." and Gary agreed.
Gary unstrapped the Contender and put it in the back seat ,carefully covered with a pink and white crocheted baby blanket, next to Mila car seat. "Hopefully, that will take care of suspicions, if not, we're in trouble. That unwieldy thing is almost more trouble than it's worth. Sure does a nice job, however. I keep meaning to ask Dad where he got ahold of it, I appreciate the IR and the silencer."
When all was said and finished, the attending officer supposed it was some sort of retaliation because Milo was a Marshal. Neither man denied that thought, and although Ernie was still alive, he was unconscious from hitting his head on the steering wheel.
"I don't know him, and I intend to press full charges, the man acts like a lunatic, and I intend to protect me and mine by keeping him in jail." Milo was agitated and talking fast, the officer nodding and trying to keep up with an obviously superior officer.
"Don't worry Sir, he's in for road rage, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and driving without a seat belt and expired plates. It will take him a while to untangle all these charges." The Deputy announced with a grin. He was happy Milo had stopped, rather than having to hunt the other party down. Already his day was 100 percent better.
"You may go Sir, thank you again for stopping. Five different people called in your tag number, so we would have caught up with you sooner or later." The Deputy wanted the pickup driver and his passenger to know that he appreciated their stopping, but that the law would have rousted them out eventually. "I'll need you to sign the complaints, they'll be ready in 24 hours in the downtown County Complex."
"Will do," Milo promised. "gladly."
Milo drove into the retreat driveway, and the place looked almost deserted. "Who's White Jeep?"
"Probably Tess's. She and Donny were going car shopping the other day, looks like they connected. I see the backs of three car seats in the back row. Pretty good deductive reasoning, wouldn't ya say?"
"Oh yes, Swami, very good reasoning." Milo teased, "I sure hope they have cookies. I need a couple to settle my nerves after that Ernie thing."
"Don't say anything about this to Breezy, she's already highly stressed about everything that's happened." Gary asked with a big sigh,
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac,
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks, Pac!
larry_minn
Contributing Member
Rather dumb not to tell Breezy.
feralferret
Veteran Member
What will Ernie manage to pull off while in the hospital?
Thanks for the chapters, Pac!
Thanks for the chapters, Pac!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#577
Milo and Gary barely got in the house before a 18 wheeler horn sounded in the confusion.
"Dad, there's several trucks out there, are they here for the horses?" Donny was looking out the window.
"Horses?" Big almost hollered, "what do you mean horses, not the work animals?"
"Yes, the bulk of the work animals." Mark was firm, "we have to go forward with our plans. "You need to take your saddle horse and I'm offering you a pulling horse to keep here to help with the work."
Big stood up and pushed away from the table in anger. He was muttering under his breath, obviously very unhappy. "I do not understand, where are the horses going?"
"There is a big Amish auction in a week, the horses will be used for what they are intended,." Mark tried to be sympathetic, but, but they had to start somewhere, and the number of horses they were feeding in pasture and dry lot were no inconsequential matter.
"Go choose your work horse and take it and Rueben out away from here". Big gave Mark a hard stare and gathered himself up and stomped out the door.
Tilly looked like she was going to cry, wringing her hands and looking helplessly between the retreating figure of Big and the group gathered in the dining room.
"I thought Big understood what had to happen," Mark said to Tilly, and all she could do was nod her head. "I think he does, it's just that he loves them all," she managed to whisper.
"I understand, I love horses myself, and they have been a part of my life ever since Clora and I have been married. It's just time Tilly, I can't justify what we need to do, any more than that. I feel for Big, but one horse is all we can do. If he would prefer not to have a second horse here, we can ship it out with the rest."
"Noes, noes, he will choose and do as you say; he is just walking around with a heavy heart." Tilly had to wipe her eyes with the corner of her apron. "Thank you for the gift of the second horse. "Will they be taking the harness and equipment?"
"Harness, yes. I forgot to tell Big to get the set the horse he choses like to wear."
"I'll do it," Gary volunteered, "I'm headed that way anyway."
Mark nodded, Gary went out the door, Milo grabbed a coffee cup and a handful of cookies. "Phew," he remarked, "These are really good cookies. You should see that gal's place," he jerked his thumb in Breezy's direction. "Burned right to the ground. A real stinkin mess, and then the creep that set the fire tried to ambush us on the freeway. It's no wonder that gal is afraid of him, he's a real piece of work/"
Gary went to the barn to tell Big, and got the pleasure of hauling the harness to a stall that Big put the two horses in, hung the harness and locked the stall door.
Gary nodded, stood back as the first batch of horses were loaded in the van, and then hustled over to Breezy's as they were moving the second truck into place.
"Gary, I'm so glad you came. I didn't want to go outside with all the strange people here. I found two air tags, destroyed them and did as you suggested for my phone. Are you OK? No problems?" In her nervousness, Breezy was rattling, and hated that she was doing it. She stomped her foot, to bring herself to time.
"I'm sorry, I feel like a school girl." She shook her head and sat down in a kitchen chair. "Can you stay a while, how about a glass of tea?"
"I can stay, I'm here as a guard while you work, and I'd very much enjoy a glass of tea."
"Tell me about the house, is it totally gone?"
"It is, Ernie used some sort of accelerant, he even burned the trees in front." Gary was carefully monitoring Breezy's reactions, he was still unsure of how she would take the news.
Breezy had to sit down at the table, she looked defeated and lost. "The house was the last thing that I had that connected me to my mother. I guess that makes me an orphan."
"Join the club," Gary spoke kindly, "all of us here, except for Tess are orphans. And no, I'm not going to explain right now, some day when we have more time. Breezy, we need to call your insurance agent, get a copy of the fire report and see what it will take to get you healed up from this."
"I didn't even think of that," Breezy marveled at herself for being so slow on the uptake. "This isn't like me, to be so foggy brained, do you suppose I'm in shock? Maybe I need a hug, do you suppose that might fix me up?"
Gary stood up, "I believe we should give it a try, it might take more than one, so we should get started."
Milo and Gary barely got in the house before a 18 wheeler horn sounded in the confusion.
"Dad, there's several trucks out there, are they here for the horses?" Donny was looking out the window.
"Horses?" Big almost hollered, "what do you mean horses, not the work animals?"
"Yes, the bulk of the work animals." Mark was firm, "we have to go forward with our plans. "You need to take your saddle horse and I'm offering you a pulling horse to keep here to help with the work."
Big stood up and pushed away from the table in anger. He was muttering under his breath, obviously very unhappy. "I do not understand, where are the horses going?"
"There is a big Amish auction in a week, the horses will be used for what they are intended,." Mark tried to be sympathetic, but, but they had to start somewhere, and the number of horses they were feeding in pasture and dry lot were no inconsequential matter.
"Go choose your work horse and take it and Rueben out away from here". Big gave Mark a hard stare and gathered himself up and stomped out the door.
Tilly looked like she was going to cry, wringing her hands and looking helplessly between the retreating figure of Big and the group gathered in the dining room.
"I thought Big understood what had to happen," Mark said to Tilly, and all she could do was nod her head. "I think he does, it's just that he loves them all," she managed to whisper.
"I understand, I love horses myself, and they have been a part of my life ever since Clora and I have been married. It's just time Tilly, I can't justify what we need to do, any more than that. I feel for Big, but one horse is all we can do. If he would prefer not to have a second horse here, we can ship it out with the rest."
"Noes, noes, he will choose and do as you say; he is just walking around with a heavy heart." Tilly had to wipe her eyes with the corner of her apron. "Thank you for the gift of the second horse. "Will they be taking the harness and equipment?"
"Harness, yes. I forgot to tell Big to get the set the horse he choses like to wear."
"I'll do it," Gary volunteered, "I'm headed that way anyway."
Mark nodded, Gary went out the door, Milo grabbed a coffee cup and a handful of cookies. "Phew," he remarked, "These are really good cookies. You should see that gal's place," he jerked his thumb in Breezy's direction. "Burned right to the ground. A real stinkin mess, and then the creep that set the fire tried to ambush us on the freeway. It's no wonder that gal is afraid of him, he's a real piece of work/"
Gary went to the barn to tell Big, and got the pleasure of hauling the harness to a stall that Big put the two horses in, hung the harness and locked the stall door.
Gary nodded, stood back as the first batch of horses were loaded in the van, and then hustled over to Breezy's as they were moving the second truck into place.
"Gary, I'm so glad you came. I didn't want to go outside with all the strange people here. I found two air tags, destroyed them and did as you suggested for my phone. Are you OK? No problems?" In her nervousness, Breezy was rattling, and hated that she was doing it. She stomped her foot, to bring herself to time.
"I'm sorry, I feel like a school girl." She shook her head and sat down in a kitchen chair. "Can you stay a while, how about a glass of tea?"
"I can stay, I'm here as a guard while you work, and I'd very much enjoy a glass of tea."
"Tell me about the house, is it totally gone?"
"It is, Ernie used some sort of accelerant, he even burned the trees in front." Gary was carefully monitoring Breezy's reactions, he was still unsure of how she would take the news.
Breezy had to sit down at the table, she looked defeated and lost. "The house was the last thing that I had that connected me to my mother. I guess that makes me an orphan."
"Join the club," Gary spoke kindly, "all of us here, except for Tess are orphans. And no, I'm not going to explain right now, some day when we have more time. Breezy, we need to call your insurance agent, get a copy of the fire report and see what it will take to get you healed up from this."
"I didn't even think of that," Breezy marveled at herself for being so slow on the uptake. "This isn't like me, to be so foggy brained, do you suppose I'm in shock? Maybe I need a hug, do you suppose that might fix me up?"
Gary stood up, "I believe we should give it a try, it might take more than one, so we should get started."
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you and yeshe needs to tell her that Ernie was going to jail.
larry_minn
Contributing Member
Some people that is not enough. (Of course I am talking Prison). As jail in short time.
Cedar Lake
Connecticut Yankee
With ''some people such as Ernie, that is not enough''.
Gary still needs to complete his time with Ernie.
Finalize his project to ensure that there are no come-backs ever.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I just thought it would give her a few days to calm down for the time being.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#578
Gary felt like purring. This hugging thing actually felt pretty good. He never wanted to hug Janie. She always was talking or whining about one thing or another. Breezy did talk, but she didn't whine, and that made a world of difference.
It just seemed natural that his arms snugged her in closer, and Breezy didn't object, Gary was thinking that this was the best guard duty he had ever had. He might look into this as a regular line of work.
Breezy was thinking the same thing, this sure beat standing in a courtroom trying to convince people that her client wasn't guilty.
Slowly, Breezy's arms came up and encircled Gary. There were no words spoken, it was such a private, precious time, neither one wanted to break the spell. They were still unsure of one another, and busy, hurried lives rarely accommodated a quiet, unhurried moment.
It didn't last long, Breezy's phone rang with her work number. She made no movement to go answer it, letting the call go to voicemail. It was Breezy's 'uncle' asking where she was, that it was in the papers that her house burned.
Gary didn't loosen his embracing grip, and Breezy didn't pull away. Bu the time her uncle finished with his speech; he was demanding that she tell him where she was in no uncertain terms.
"That's rude," Gary finally said, "Who does he think he is, to order you around that way.\?"
"Money," Breezy's voice was muffled up against Gary's chest. "He thinks money trumps everything, and he has a lot of it. Flys all over the world plying his craft."
"What does he do?" Gary's voice rumbled in Breezy's ear.
"I really don't know," Breezy confessed, "whatever makes money, I guess."
"Humm."
"I hadn't talked to him in twenty plus years, until he called a week or so ago. I actually forgot I told him I'd look into the papers against him. That was rude of him to be so demanding, I don't care for his tone or demands."
"That's good, I don't like him at all. He was darn close to threatening you Breezy, and I don't stand for anyone threatening my lady."
Breezy had trouble breathing. "Am I your lady?" came out in a whisper.
"Yes," was the strong, assured reply. "My lady."
Big selected the strong, willing mare as his working horse. He knew she was in foal, so it was a sneaky way to get a two in one package. Mark had given him his pick, and Blondie it was. Besides, he already knew that she would work with Rueben, and they got along well.
He watched sorrowfully as the work horses were loaded, and then had a surprise as the saddle horses went in the final truck. A flatbed with a crane loaded all the duplicate horse drawn equipment, and then the harness.
The two old cows came into the barn to see what was happening, wondering if they had missed an opportunity for extra grain. Big fed them grain, mainly for something to do to ease his aching heart.
He cleaned the barn, slowly erasing the signs of the former occupants, using the time to let his heart heal.
The chicken house was next. They had been culling the hens as the spent ones were identified. The barn cats and the dogs moped along with him, as he shoveled, raked and re-strawed.
Big was so absorbed in working off his angst, he worked right through dinner time. Back in the house, Tilly set back a plate, understanding that Big had to work the funk out of his system.
Mark paid no attention to Big and his dramatic display of emotions, it had to happen. He Mark, didn't care for the sale of the horses, but it was becoming a severe money drain. But not only money, but time and energy. Slowly but surely, they were establishing children in permanent jobs, relationships and independence. Gary was the only holdout, and Mark was hoping he'd get in gear and get his act together. Donny was still to young, he had growing and studying to do, and Clora seemed to think Tess was on the right track. Thak was good. That's what they were tasked to do as parents. Grow their children to stand and work in the world...prepared to meet all demands.
Mark was smiling as he walked down the hall toward his study. He felt good enough to sit at his desk and catch up on work.
Clora and Tess did a inventory of the pantry, feeling blessed by the amount of food on hand. Since early times in their marriage, she had used inventories as a way to keep check on food, housekeepers and future security. Now was no different.
Clora hadn't yet mentioned to Mark that when they moved, she wasn't thinking of having a cook' There would only be four adults and three kids on a regular basis, and Clora felt energized enough to handle the crowd. It may not fly, but she was going to give it a try.
Tilly finished the dinner dishes and went out to be with Big for a bit. Nobody cared that Gary and Breezy didn't make it to dinner. If their feet weren't under the table at noon, then they did without.
Actually, Gary was putting things away in the kitchen while Breezy worked on the requirements for her next case. They were mostly silent as they worked, and it was a comforting time for both of them.
Donny had to go for a walk down through the empty pastures toward the river. He felt out of sorts, a soul misplaced. He was reviewing his life in a slow motion movie. He had mostly grown up after the great wind; the 1800's existence was all he was familiar with, until the last wind dumped him in the current year.
Donny was grateful to Tess for helping him study, and he was reading all the newspapers he could get his hands on, and listening to the radio, and using his natural curiosity to fill the void he had to fill.
The trouble was, Donny wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his life. He'd be Twenty one in a month, and had already had so much more life under his belt, compared to the superficial existence that his peers seemed to acknowledge.
Donny did happen to think of one thing he might like to do. He was curious about where his parents used to live, and if there were any relatives around and about. He needed a vehicle, money and time, He had none of each.
Well, maybe Gary would loan him his Jeep; Dad might float him a loan and he had four weeks until he had to start school. Maybe, just maybe he could do it, Donny went looking for Mark and his advise.
Tess and Clora got ready to go look at the first house they circled on the magazine. Tess drove and Clora marveled how much simpler it was to drive an automatic, rather than a shift. Privately, she was thinking to herself, that she might be able to handle a vehicle if she didn't have to go through all that clutching and shifting.
Tess glanced at her mother and had a quirky smile playing around her lips. "Maybe mot so bad?" she teased, and got a grumpy sounding 'HURRUMPH' in return.
They were about ten minutes early for the appointment, and sat looking at the outside of the house., "Looks Ok," was the consensus. "Not much yard or room for a garden, has a garage and what appears to be a small shop.It would be better if it had a fence, but the road doesn't seem to be heavily traveled."
It was a very nice mediocre type four bedroom three bath house and fit most of the requirements they were looking for. Clora hated it.
Clora had great difficulty explaining to the agent what her idea of a 'good' house would be, and because they all had the time, they 'looked' at three more places. All nice, and very unimpressive to Clora.
"I do have one more place, it's just coming on the market, and the occupants have it in a terrible mess as they try to move. The husband has been transferred out of state and the woman is not the least motivated to leave." the agent rolled her eyes at the thought of the house the last time she had been there. It was a pig stye at best.
Clora loved it.
Tess nodded her agreement, boy was that place going to take some work. She knew that Clora had taken one look at the old three burner wood stove that stood as decoration and counter space in the kitchen, and her mother's mind was made up. That was the place.
The agent shook her head, not understanding the fatal attraction Clora had for the old three story house with a basement. Clora fished around in her pocket and produced several hundred dollars as a retainer to hold the house for twenty four hours.
They made arrangements to meet at ten the next morning, Mark had to have the final sayso.
Gary felt like purring. This hugging thing actually felt pretty good. He never wanted to hug Janie. She always was talking or whining about one thing or another. Breezy did talk, but she didn't whine, and that made a world of difference.
It just seemed natural that his arms snugged her in closer, and Breezy didn't object, Gary was thinking that this was the best guard duty he had ever had. He might look into this as a regular line of work.
Breezy was thinking the same thing, this sure beat standing in a courtroom trying to convince people that her client wasn't guilty.
Slowly, Breezy's arms came up and encircled Gary. There were no words spoken, it was such a private, precious time, neither one wanted to break the spell. They were still unsure of one another, and busy, hurried lives rarely accommodated a quiet, unhurried moment.
It didn't last long, Breezy's phone rang with her work number. She made no movement to go answer it, letting the call go to voicemail. It was Breezy's 'uncle' asking where she was, that it was in the papers that her house burned.
Gary didn't loosen his embracing grip, and Breezy didn't pull away. Bu the time her uncle finished with his speech; he was demanding that she tell him where she was in no uncertain terms.
"That's rude," Gary finally said, "Who does he think he is, to order you around that way.\?"
"Money," Breezy's voice was muffled up against Gary's chest. "He thinks money trumps everything, and he has a lot of it. Flys all over the world plying his craft."
"What does he do?" Gary's voice rumbled in Breezy's ear.
"I really don't know," Breezy confessed, "whatever makes money, I guess."
"Humm."
"I hadn't talked to him in twenty plus years, until he called a week or so ago. I actually forgot I told him I'd look into the papers against him. That was rude of him to be so demanding, I don't care for his tone or demands."
"That's good, I don't like him at all. He was darn close to threatening you Breezy, and I don't stand for anyone threatening my lady."
Breezy had trouble breathing. "Am I your lady?" came out in a whisper.
"Yes," was the strong, assured reply. "My lady."
Big selected the strong, willing mare as his working horse. He knew she was in foal, so it was a sneaky way to get a two in one package. Mark had given him his pick, and Blondie it was. Besides, he already knew that she would work with Rueben, and they got along well.
He watched sorrowfully as the work horses were loaded, and then had a surprise as the saddle horses went in the final truck. A flatbed with a crane loaded all the duplicate horse drawn equipment, and then the harness.
The two old cows came into the barn to see what was happening, wondering if they had missed an opportunity for extra grain. Big fed them grain, mainly for something to do to ease his aching heart.
He cleaned the barn, slowly erasing the signs of the former occupants, using the time to let his heart heal.
The chicken house was next. They had been culling the hens as the spent ones were identified. The barn cats and the dogs moped along with him, as he shoveled, raked and re-strawed.
Big was so absorbed in working off his angst, he worked right through dinner time. Back in the house, Tilly set back a plate, understanding that Big had to work the funk out of his system.
Mark paid no attention to Big and his dramatic display of emotions, it had to happen. He Mark, didn't care for the sale of the horses, but it was becoming a severe money drain. But not only money, but time and energy. Slowly but surely, they were establishing children in permanent jobs, relationships and independence. Gary was the only holdout, and Mark was hoping he'd get in gear and get his act together. Donny was still to young, he had growing and studying to do, and Clora seemed to think Tess was on the right track. Thak was good. That's what they were tasked to do as parents. Grow their children to stand and work in the world...prepared to meet all demands.
Mark was smiling as he walked down the hall toward his study. He felt good enough to sit at his desk and catch up on work.
Clora and Tess did a inventory of the pantry, feeling blessed by the amount of food on hand. Since early times in their marriage, she had used inventories as a way to keep check on food, housekeepers and future security. Now was no different.
Clora hadn't yet mentioned to Mark that when they moved, she wasn't thinking of having a cook' There would only be four adults and three kids on a regular basis, and Clora felt energized enough to handle the crowd. It may not fly, but she was going to give it a try.
Tilly finished the dinner dishes and went out to be with Big for a bit. Nobody cared that Gary and Breezy didn't make it to dinner. If their feet weren't under the table at noon, then they did without.
Actually, Gary was putting things away in the kitchen while Breezy worked on the requirements for her next case. They were mostly silent as they worked, and it was a comforting time for both of them.
Donny had to go for a walk down through the empty pastures toward the river. He felt out of sorts, a soul misplaced. He was reviewing his life in a slow motion movie. He had mostly grown up after the great wind; the 1800's existence was all he was familiar with, until the last wind dumped him in the current year.
Donny was grateful to Tess for helping him study, and he was reading all the newspapers he could get his hands on, and listening to the radio, and using his natural curiosity to fill the void he had to fill.
The trouble was, Donny wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his life. He'd be Twenty one in a month, and had already had so much more life under his belt, compared to the superficial existence that his peers seemed to acknowledge.
Donny did happen to think of one thing he might like to do. He was curious about where his parents used to live, and if there were any relatives around and about. He needed a vehicle, money and time, He had none of each.
Well, maybe Gary would loan him his Jeep; Dad might float him a loan and he had four weeks until he had to start school. Maybe, just maybe he could do it, Donny went looking for Mark and his advise.
Tess and Clora got ready to go look at the first house they circled on the magazine. Tess drove and Clora marveled how much simpler it was to drive an automatic, rather than a shift. Privately, she was thinking to herself, that she might be able to handle a vehicle if she didn't have to go through all that clutching and shifting.
Tess glanced at her mother and had a quirky smile playing around her lips. "Maybe mot so bad?" she teased, and got a grumpy sounding 'HURRUMPH' in return.
They were about ten minutes early for the appointment, and sat looking at the outside of the house., "Looks Ok," was the consensus. "Not much yard or room for a garden, has a garage and what appears to be a small shop.It would be better if it had a fence, but the road doesn't seem to be heavily traveled."
It was a very nice mediocre type four bedroom three bath house and fit most of the requirements they were looking for. Clora hated it.
Clora had great difficulty explaining to the agent what her idea of a 'good' house would be, and because they all had the time, they 'looked' at three more places. All nice, and very unimpressive to Clora.
"I do have one more place, it's just coming on the market, and the occupants have it in a terrible mess as they try to move. The husband has been transferred out of state and the woman is not the least motivated to leave." the agent rolled her eyes at the thought of the house the last time she had been there. It was a pig stye at best.
Clora loved it.
Tess nodded her agreement, boy was that place going to take some work. She knew that Clora had taken one look at the old three burner wood stove that stood as decoration and counter space in the kitchen, and her mother's mind was made up. That was the place.
The agent shook her head, not understanding the fatal attraction Clora had for the old three story house with a basement. Clora fished around in her pocket and produced several hundred dollars as a retainer to hold the house for twenty four hours.
They made arrangements to meet at ten the next morning, Mark had to have the final sayso.