Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#166
The bleak light in the almost demolished kitchen, grew dimmer and dimmer. "Make sure your behind us, backed up to the counter. When it gets totally dark, we men will fire straight ahead if we sense any thing in front of us." Gary ordered. "You don't want to be there," he stressed harshly.
"All three of us are here," Priss touched Gary's shoulder to reinforce where the ladies were standing.
"Good, stay there," he barked and went to twitch his shoulder as to throw her hand off. For some funny reason, the warm hand stayed on his shoulder and didn't dislodge. Gary used his mental powers to ignore the warmth. It was nothing to him.
The lamp went dimmer and dimmer, and finally went out. At the same moment, there was a low growl that rumbled through the silence. Andy shot, as he felt the sound was closest to him, perhaps 10 or 15 feet out into the total blackness.
The report of the rifle almost cancelled the sound of the snarl that occurred, but sensitive ears heard and understood that for all purposes, they were neatly trapped.
The long night wore on like a bad home movie that never gave up and was finished. Occasionally, shots were fired as humans strained their senses against the darkness, feeling more than seeing that the animal was near.
At each shot, there was low growl that served as a warning that the animal was still alive and had the upper hand in the situtation. Seconds were agonizing hours long; and Gary impatiently waited for daylight.
Slowly, the faint fingers of dawn started to show, and with the increasing light, the harassment growls faded away.
"Unbelievable," Andy's frustrated voice broke the cold silence. "I'd just like to get a shot at something I can see as a true target."
There was a round of agreements as off in the distance, a blood chilling animal scream sounded.
"Ok, that's gotta be a cat, nothing else in the world sounds like that." Gary gritted his teeth as Priss leaned her head against his back.
"I'm so tired," she whispered softly, "thank you for protecting us."
The trip down to the clinic was as rapid as they could manage, Wyatt and the bodies bouncing in the harsh, bumpy ride of the wagon. "easy Milo," Wyatt gasped with a strained white face, "this may do me in quicker than my wound."
Milo shot the man a cheeky grin, "all my passengers tell me that, but in reality, not a one of them has died; so I just ignore them."
"Wonderful" Wyatt groused and then went silent. He had to concentrate on controlling his pain. When they got to the clinic, Clora and Tess were hurrying down the lane with Tony, and Clora walked past the wagon and happened to glance in.
"Oh my," her pained voice reached Mark; "I had hoped this wasn't true."
The bleak light in the almost demolished kitchen, grew dimmer and dimmer. "Make sure your behind us, backed up to the counter. When it gets totally dark, we men will fire straight ahead if we sense any thing in front of us." Gary ordered. "You don't want to be there," he stressed harshly.
"All three of us are here," Priss touched Gary's shoulder to reinforce where the ladies were standing.
"Good, stay there," he barked and went to twitch his shoulder as to throw her hand off. For some funny reason, the warm hand stayed on his shoulder and didn't dislodge. Gary used his mental powers to ignore the warmth. It was nothing to him.
The lamp went dimmer and dimmer, and finally went out. At the same moment, there was a low growl that rumbled through the silence. Andy shot, as he felt the sound was closest to him, perhaps 10 or 15 feet out into the total blackness.
The report of the rifle almost cancelled the sound of the snarl that occurred, but sensitive ears heard and understood that for all purposes, they were neatly trapped.
The long night wore on like a bad home movie that never gave up and was finished. Occasionally, shots were fired as humans strained their senses against the darkness, feeling more than seeing that the animal was near.
At each shot, there was low growl that served as a warning that the animal was still alive and had the upper hand in the situtation. Seconds were agonizing hours long; and Gary impatiently waited for daylight.
Slowly, the faint fingers of dawn started to show, and with the increasing light, the harassment growls faded away.
"Unbelievable," Andy's frustrated voice broke the cold silence. "I'd just like to get a shot at something I can see as a true target."
There was a round of agreements as off in the distance, a blood chilling animal scream sounded.
"Ok, that's gotta be a cat, nothing else in the world sounds like that." Gary gritted his teeth as Priss leaned her head against his back.
"I'm so tired," she whispered softly, "thank you for protecting us."
The trip down to the clinic was as rapid as they could manage, Wyatt and the bodies bouncing in the harsh, bumpy ride of the wagon. "easy Milo," Wyatt gasped with a strained white face, "this may do me in quicker than my wound."
Milo shot the man a cheeky grin, "all my passengers tell me that, but in reality, not a one of them has died; so I just ignore them."
"Wonderful" Wyatt groused and then went silent. He had to concentrate on controlling his pain. When they got to the clinic, Clora and Tess were hurrying down the lane with Tony, and Clora walked past the wagon and happened to glance in.
"Oh my," her pained voice reached Mark; "I had hoped this wasn't true."
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you very much Pac.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Come now Sammy, you've met PAC's little buddy, Cliff before, no? If not, you better get acquainted now 'cause he's always hanging about.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Yes, I know. I just wanted to cause a fuss....just a little fuss.... Cliff's always need extra attention, ya know??
I thought maybe Clora was looking in the wagon and recognizing the "odd man" and was afraid that it wasn't true as to who he was. She sounded "pained," and that, to me, meant that it wasn't someone she wanted to see dead and gone. But who knows, maybe getting over the Cliff will show otherwise....
SquonkHunter
Geezer (ret.)
That "Cliff" guy again. 
Seems he is always turning up in the Linderman sagas.
Seems he is always turning up in the Linderman sagas.PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Folks, I had a super busy Thanksgiving, sorry for the delay. Pac.
#167
Mark could see the pain in Clora's eyes as she sorted out the bloodless faces of Ted's sons. "I didn't know about the dark haired one, but there's no doubt that he's a brother. Did Abby have any clue as to why?"
"Claims not, she said the little rat faced guy came in the Inn and tried to rob them. Wyatt came to the rescue, but Abby had already shot the guy. He vaguely seems familiar, but I can't place him. Wyatt got shot when he went back outside, and Abby got two of them."
Wyatt nodded, he was listening to keep his mind off the pain Doc Trish was causing. "You mean you know some of those men?" he demanded.
"I'm afraid I do," Mark admitted. "They are our grandson's from Milo's twin brother Ted. Didn't the hair color give you a clue?"
"Nope," Wyatt stopped talking to grit his teeth, sucking in a noisy rush of air.
Tess had been silent, but looked up sharply when Wyatt hissed. Her brow furrowed in concern, but she gave no indication she was upset. Her eyes told her that Wyatt's wound was at best, a through and through, and that it wasn't life-threatening. Her deep feelings told her that Wyatt would recover without any consequences. Tess was nodding slightly as she agreed with her insight, and she looked up to see Clora looking at her and behaving the same way.
Wyatt was watching Tess, as a way to keep his mind off the cleaning and probing that Trish was doing. His sharp eyes noted the silent communication between mother and daughter, and he wondered what was happening.
Trish slipped a little with her probe, and that got a groan from Wyatt, drawing Tess's attention once again. Tess walked over to hold Wyatt's free hand, her strength sending warm shivers at her touch.
Tess wouldn't look at him, and the cleansing process kept Wyatt concentrating on being brave.
The moment it was light enough to see your hand before your face, Gary had the rag tag moving company on the move. Horses harnessed and hooked to the wagons and they were off at a trot.
"Gary," Priss questioned, "it's a curious thing that the animal/growler/cat didn't go after the horses. I can't figure that out, unless it's a 'something' that is only hunting people." They were riding on the lead wagon seat, and Priss was holding the rifle.
"Yeah, I've already thought about that;" Gary scanned the canopy of trees, wishing they were out in the open. "Can you use that thing?"
"Yes I can." Pricilla didn't elaborate, and Gary didn't press the subject. They rode in silence, finally breaking out of the forest and onto the 'main' road. Gary stopped in front of the clinic where there was another wagon. Milo poked his head out the door, and waved.
#167
Mark could see the pain in Clora's eyes as she sorted out the bloodless faces of Ted's sons. "I didn't know about the dark haired one, but there's no doubt that he's a brother. Did Abby have any clue as to why?"
"Claims not, she said the little rat faced guy came in the Inn and tried to rob them. Wyatt came to the rescue, but Abby had already shot the guy. He vaguely seems familiar, but I can't place him. Wyatt got shot when he went back outside, and Abby got two of them."
Wyatt nodded, he was listening to keep his mind off the pain Doc Trish was causing. "You mean you know some of those men?" he demanded.
"I'm afraid I do," Mark admitted. "They are our grandson's from Milo's twin brother Ted. Didn't the hair color give you a clue?"
"Nope," Wyatt stopped talking to grit his teeth, sucking in a noisy rush of air.
Tess had been silent, but looked up sharply when Wyatt hissed. Her brow furrowed in concern, but she gave no indication she was upset. Her eyes told her that Wyatt's wound was at best, a through and through, and that it wasn't life-threatening. Her deep feelings told her that Wyatt would recover without any consequences. Tess was nodding slightly as she agreed with her insight, and she looked up to see Clora looking at her and behaving the same way.
Wyatt was watching Tess, as a way to keep his mind off the cleaning and probing that Trish was doing. His sharp eyes noted the silent communication between mother and daughter, and he wondered what was happening.
Trish slipped a little with her probe, and that got a groan from Wyatt, drawing Tess's attention once again. Tess walked over to hold Wyatt's free hand, her strength sending warm shivers at her touch.
Tess wouldn't look at him, and the cleansing process kept Wyatt concentrating on being brave.
The moment it was light enough to see your hand before your face, Gary had the rag tag moving company on the move. Horses harnessed and hooked to the wagons and they were off at a trot.
"Gary," Priss questioned, "it's a curious thing that the animal/growler/cat didn't go after the horses. I can't figure that out, unless it's a 'something' that is only hunting people." They were riding on the lead wagon seat, and Priss was holding the rifle.
"Yeah, I've already thought about that;" Gary scanned the canopy of trees, wishing they were out in the open. "Can you use that thing?"
"Yes I can." Pricilla didn't elaborate, and Gary didn't press the subject. They rode in silence, finally breaking out of the forest and onto the 'main' road. Gary stopped in front of the clinic where there was another wagon. Milo poked his head out the door, and waved.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Dancing with joy, at least in my head lol. Thank you Pac. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Ma'am absolutely no need to apologise for taking family time @ Thanksgiving; you deserve some time off.
Personally it gave me time to go back to my VIZIO & try to find some hints about this quartet of now-deceased attackers; no joy yet but I'm working on it .....
G.
Personally it gave me time to go back to my VIZIO & try to find some hints about this quartet of now-deceased attackers; no joy yet but I'm working on it .....
G.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#168
"What is this, old home week at the clinic," Gary grumbled, and then had to listen to Priss snicker. They were passing by the parked wagon bed, when Gary looked over to see the tell tale red hair that adorned the heap of bodies.
"What the hell," he growled, stopping Priss's short sounds of amusement. "Those are Ted's boys and I'm assuming they are dead. I wonder what happened?"
"Who's Ted?" Priss questioned, wondering about Gary's hostile attitude.
"Milo's twin brother, he's dead." Gary said with out elaborating.
"Oh, that's too bad, I didn't know that," Priss sympathized.
"Yeah, no; he deserved it." Gary was back to being his sweet, surly self. "Shit happens in this world, and that was some of it."
This time Pricilla nodded, without saying anything.
Gary woke from his absorption, and halted the team with a jerk. "You want out here?" he jerked his head in the direction of the clinic and Seamus's place, "or at your place."
"My place please."
"Ok, which one is it?"
"The second one past Dory's. I only need help with the dresser, if you have important things to do. I will unload as quick as I can, and if you would like, I'll help clean and brush the horses. I like this team, they are pretty honest workers." Priss reached in her pocket for the key, when Gary stopped.
Gary was going to come around and help the woman down, but Priss was already on the ground and headed for the cabin door. So much for his gentlemanly thoughts, he sourly sneered, and went back around to unlatch the wagon tailgate.
Dory pulled her team to a stop by her door, and Reva stopped at the clinic, Milo poked his head out at the sound of the stopping horses, and took one look at the blood stained shirt over Don's arm.
"Hey Toby, come give me a hand, we've got another that needs tending too." Together they got wobbly kneed Don down off the wagon and into the clinic.
"Hey Miss Dory, do you need help unloading?" Andy called out, and got a cheerful "yes" from the short woman. Although short in stature, Dory was strong and between the two of them, they got her wagon unloaded in a timely manner.
The two men declined the lady's help in unharnessing and brushing, telling the women that they had families that needed their help.
"Yeah, I'll go help Reva's family, I believe she's busy," Dory laughed as she walked toward the clinic. It felt so good to have her sparse belongings in her own house, and she was in a great mood.
Andy and Gary took the teams and wagons to their respective barns and worked to decommission the teams and wagons.
Andy walked his horse back to the clinic, hoping Judy had come down with Tess and Clora.
"Hello Andy," Clora greeted the young man, "Judy's not here; she's at our place supervising the triplets."
Andy grinned and thanked the sweet, white haired woman, striking out at a trot for the Linderman house.
Arriving almost unnoticed, the supply train headed by Corbin stopped at the general store.
"What is this, old home week at the clinic," Gary grumbled, and then had to listen to Priss snicker. They were passing by the parked wagon bed, when Gary looked over to see the tell tale red hair that adorned the heap of bodies.
"What the hell," he growled, stopping Priss's short sounds of amusement. "Those are Ted's boys and I'm assuming they are dead. I wonder what happened?"
"Who's Ted?" Priss questioned, wondering about Gary's hostile attitude.
"Milo's twin brother, he's dead." Gary said with out elaborating.
"Oh, that's too bad, I didn't know that," Priss sympathized.
"Yeah, no; he deserved it." Gary was back to being his sweet, surly self. "Shit happens in this world, and that was some of it."
This time Pricilla nodded, without saying anything.
Gary woke from his absorption, and halted the team with a jerk. "You want out here?" he jerked his head in the direction of the clinic and Seamus's place, "or at your place."
"My place please."
"Ok, which one is it?"
"The second one past Dory's. I only need help with the dresser, if you have important things to do. I will unload as quick as I can, and if you would like, I'll help clean and brush the horses. I like this team, they are pretty honest workers." Priss reached in her pocket for the key, when Gary stopped.
Gary was going to come around and help the woman down, but Priss was already on the ground and headed for the cabin door. So much for his gentlemanly thoughts, he sourly sneered, and went back around to unlatch the wagon tailgate.
Dory pulled her team to a stop by her door, and Reva stopped at the clinic, Milo poked his head out at the sound of the stopping horses, and took one look at the blood stained shirt over Don's arm.
"Hey Toby, come give me a hand, we've got another that needs tending too." Together they got wobbly kneed Don down off the wagon and into the clinic.
"Hey Miss Dory, do you need help unloading?" Andy called out, and got a cheerful "yes" from the short woman. Although short in stature, Dory was strong and between the two of them, they got her wagon unloaded in a timely manner.
The two men declined the lady's help in unharnessing and brushing, telling the women that they had families that needed their help.
"Yeah, I'll go help Reva's family, I believe she's busy," Dory laughed as she walked toward the clinic. It felt so good to have her sparse belongings in her own house, and she was in a great mood.
Andy and Gary took the teams and wagons to their respective barns and worked to decommission the teams and wagons.
Andy walked his horse back to the clinic, hoping Judy had come down with Tess and Clora.
"Hello Andy," Clora greeted the young man, "Judy's not here; she's at our place supervising the triplets."
Andy grinned and thanked the sweet, white haired woman, striking out at a trot for the Linderman house.
Arriving almost unnoticed, the supply train headed by Corbin stopped at the general store.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Big thank you, always a joy to read no matter what happens 
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Trish slipped a little with her probe, and that got a groan from Wyatt, drawing Tess's attention once again. Tess walked over to hold Wyatt's free hand, her strength sending warm shivers at her touch.
Tess wouldn't look at him, and the cleansing process kept Wyatt concentrating on being brave.
Yep, Wyatt is a goner.
Andy walked his horse back to the clinic, hoping Judy had come down with Tess and Clora.
"Hello Andy," Clora greeted the young man, "Judy's not here; she's at our place supervising the triplets."
How soon before Andy and Judy are a couple?
Thanks Pac.
God bless us.
Texican....
Tess wouldn't look at him, and the cleansing process kept Wyatt concentrating on being brave.
Yep, Wyatt is a goner.
Andy walked his horse back to the clinic, hoping Judy had come down with Tess and Clora.
"Hello Andy," Clora greeted the young man, "Judy's not here; she's at our place supervising the triplets."
How soon before Andy and Judy are a couple?
Thanks Pac.
God bless us.
Texican....
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PacNorWest
Veteran Member
folks, I just got in and am making supper. Today was the first day of Kansas rifle season. Mrs. Pac and her ancient but trusty 30-30 filled both her tags. LOL, now the fun is all over and the work begins.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Great hunt, good luck with all the work.
steamroller
Contributing Member
Congrats on your hunt and thanks for a great story.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Way to go Pac, but twice the work.
Hunting is good when you take a deer or two, but then the work really begins to gut and skin the deer and the quartering and boning (me) and packaging of the deer (the DW and I) strains even the most gung ho hunter. We have done one deer this year and age slowed the process.
The DW cooked a hind quarter which is good and being eaten. The DS used part of the hind quarter was cut up and cooked with spicy Indian sauce over Rice-A-Roni for supper last night. I mixed the spicy deer with bean soup for breakfast this morning. The DS had eggs and hash out of a can.
The hounds definitely enjoyed the gutting and preping work.
Hunting is only the beginning of the work.
God bless us all, America and President Trump.
Texican....
Hilblyswife
Contributing Member
Congrats, Pac. I know all about the work after the hunt. We process our own, as well.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#169
Millie was the first one to notice the supply wagons had arrived. Calling to George, they both went out to greet their friends.
"What's happening at the clinic?" Clara stayed by the front door, watching curiously at the hustle and bustle of people in and out.
"The last I heard,..." Millie joined Clara at the door. "There was some kinda shooting at the Inn that Abby works at. The dead men are Ted's sons, and the Sheriff got shot."
"Ted?" Clara was confused.
"I'm not sure of everything, but let me tell you what I know." Millie told Clara the latest news/gossip in a hushed tone.
"Was Abby hurt?" Clara asked in a normal tone, just as Jerry walked past. The young man almost dropped the packages he was carrying.
"Abby? ...was Abby hurt?" he thundered, stomping over to where the two lady's were standing.
"I don't think so," stammered Millie, concerned at the aggressive stance that the young man was displaying.
"I'm going to check on Abby," Jerry turned to rush out the door. "Tell Corbin for me, wouldya please."
"Yes," Clara called out and laughed a little. "Corbin said he was tired of that love sick puppy; and those are his exact words. It would be nice if those two could get their differences patched up and either get married or one of them go on a long trip."
Millie laughed this time. "I haven't heard much about Abby, but at one time I thought the Sheriff might have been sweet on her, but I do believe the Sheriff has his attention captured by another lady in the clan."
"Oh really? who?" Clara was interested.
"Tess," Millie whispered, as there was a line of men waking in behind them carrying boxes, crates and packages. She didn't want anyone to overhear and start a rumor that would displease Clora.
"You just watch and observe, and see if I'm not right." Millie chuckled.
"Oh really?" Clara snickered, "imagine that."
Millie was the first one to notice the supply wagons had arrived. Calling to George, they both went out to greet their friends.
"What's happening at the clinic?" Clara stayed by the front door, watching curiously at the hustle and bustle of people in and out.
"The last I heard,..." Millie joined Clara at the door. "There was some kinda shooting at the Inn that Abby works at. The dead men are Ted's sons, and the Sheriff got shot."
"Ted?" Clara was confused.
"I'm not sure of everything, but let me tell you what I know." Millie told Clara the latest news/gossip in a hushed tone.
"Was Abby hurt?" Clara asked in a normal tone, just as Jerry walked past. The young man almost dropped the packages he was carrying.
"Abby? ...was Abby hurt?" he thundered, stomping over to where the two lady's were standing.
"I don't think so," stammered Millie, concerned at the aggressive stance that the young man was displaying.
"I'm going to check on Abby," Jerry turned to rush out the door. "Tell Corbin for me, wouldya please."
"Yes," Clara called out and laughed a little. "Corbin said he was tired of that love sick puppy; and those are his exact words. It would be nice if those two could get their differences patched up and either get married or one of them go on a long trip."
Millie laughed this time. "I haven't heard much about Abby, but at one time I thought the Sheriff might have been sweet on her, but I do believe the Sheriff has his attention captured by another lady in the clan."
"Oh really? who?" Clara was interested.
"Tess," Millie whispered, as there was a line of men waking in behind them carrying boxes, crates and packages. She didn't want anyone to overhear and start a rumor that would displease Clora.
"You just watch and observe, and see if I'm not right." Millie chuckled.
"Oh really?" Clara snickered, "imagine that."
I almost filled 2 non-existent tags with my truck last night. Congratulations, Pac!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Nice, thank you.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Tonight will be the last chapter for a couple of days...or more. LOL, between the three of us, me, Mr. KC and Mr.KC #2 son, I have 5 to process. I tried, unsuccessfully, to put a lid on the hunting, until I get caught up; but no dice, as there are a couple more tags to fill.
There are people in our church that need a little extra, so none will go to waste.
#170
Jerry flew up the wagon track as fast as his pony could run. Skidding to a stop in front of the Inn, he raced up the stairs and caught Abby in the dining room, filling water glasses. He not so gently took the pitcher from her hand, gathered her up and kissed her soundly and then went to the kitchen to assist with the meal.
Washing his hands, Jerry listened to the bickering from the dining room that had momentarily stopped and then resumed.
Gathering up the heavy cast iron dutchie and a ladle, Jerry entered the dining room and stopped at the first table. "We have stew," he announced loudly. "If you're hungry, turn your bowl up on your plate and I'll be around."
Several childish voices could be heard, "I don't like stew; I want something else."
When Jerry got to the table with the petulant kids, he asked once again who wanted stew; and got the same whiney answers.
"Go hungry then," he loudly advised and moved on to the next table. It was a hard lesson, when the stew ran out before the picky children decided they hungry and would eat some of the stew.
"We can have oatmeal ready in about a half hour, no milk but we can dress it up with a little jam," He offered as the best and quickest substation the kitchen had to offer.
"I don't like that either," the little princess issued her edict, and her mother cringed.
"Good," Jerry smiled at the child. "That's just more for the other kids." and he turned back to the kitchen to start the oatmeal.
Princess turned her astonished eyes to her mother and her lower lip quivered and her beautiful blue eyes filled with tears. "I don't like him, I don't want oatmeal either. I won't eat it."
"I guess you're not hungry enough," the princesses daddy spoke up. "When you get hungry, do it before all the oatmeal is dished out, or you'll be out of luck again."
Princess got down from her chair and went to cry on her momma's shoulder. Whispering carefully, so her daddy didn't hear, she made sure her sympathetic momma knew how much she disliked oatmeal.
Daddy gave Momma a pained look, guessed what Princess was up to, and forestalled Momma's plea for some other kind of food.
Abby, suffering from shock, finally had to sit down when her emotions threatened to get the better of her. Pressed right into work, she hadn't an opportunity to process away the strain of killing two of her attackers. Not only that, but the sudden appearance of Jerry and the masterful way he took over the kitchen and settled the quarrelsome customers, was astonishing.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Inn is closing in two hours for the formal investigation of the attackers. If you would like to make a statement and sign it with witnesses, I have been instructed to offer you that opportunity. Otherwise it will be nightfall before the investigation could possibly be completed. You may settle up with me at the front desk, and I will handle your depositions, saving them for the sheriff." Jerry was masterful, in charge and not inclined to give anyone free room and board over the shooting incident.
There was some under the breath grumbling, but most travelers figured that they had weathered worse storms getting to this point of their lives, and paid their bills. The only one to balk was the princesses' daddy when Jerry forgot and charged him for the meal the princess couldn't or wouldn't eat.
"Oh that's right, well I hope she doesn't get to hungry, the next little town has a good grocery store, so you should be able to buy her something to eat there."
The Dad had a sour look on his face, but nodded and gave his entitled daughter a dark look. "Maybe," he temporized, "it depends on how much they want for the food. We like staying in Inn's such as this one as the room and board are all one package. Money is tight, and we have a long way to travel."
The family went to the stairs and walked down to the waiting wagon where the other guests were arranging themselves into packed circumstances.
"Interesting way to travel," Jerry called out, and was rewarded by the adults waving back, as the sight seeing wagon with it's load of people and gear, headed south.
Abby was sitting at a table covered with dishes and stared at the huge disorder with out seeing anything. Jerry gathered her up in his arms and just held her, while Abby shivered away her fright.
There are people in our church that need a little extra, so none will go to waste.
#170
Jerry flew up the wagon track as fast as his pony could run. Skidding to a stop in front of the Inn, he raced up the stairs and caught Abby in the dining room, filling water glasses. He not so gently took the pitcher from her hand, gathered her up and kissed her soundly and then went to the kitchen to assist with the meal.
Washing his hands, Jerry listened to the bickering from the dining room that had momentarily stopped and then resumed.
Gathering up the heavy cast iron dutchie and a ladle, Jerry entered the dining room and stopped at the first table. "We have stew," he announced loudly. "If you're hungry, turn your bowl up on your plate and I'll be around."
Several childish voices could be heard, "I don't like stew; I want something else."
When Jerry got to the table with the petulant kids, he asked once again who wanted stew; and got the same whiney answers.
"Go hungry then," he loudly advised and moved on to the next table. It was a hard lesson, when the stew ran out before the picky children decided they hungry and would eat some of the stew.
"We can have oatmeal ready in about a half hour, no milk but we can dress it up with a little jam," He offered as the best and quickest substation the kitchen had to offer.
"I don't like that either," the little princess issued her edict, and her mother cringed.
"Good," Jerry smiled at the child. "That's just more for the other kids." and he turned back to the kitchen to start the oatmeal.
Princess turned her astonished eyes to her mother and her lower lip quivered and her beautiful blue eyes filled with tears. "I don't like him, I don't want oatmeal either. I won't eat it."
"I guess you're not hungry enough," the princesses daddy spoke up. "When you get hungry, do it before all the oatmeal is dished out, or you'll be out of luck again."
Princess got down from her chair and went to cry on her momma's shoulder. Whispering carefully, so her daddy didn't hear, she made sure her sympathetic momma knew how much she disliked oatmeal.
Daddy gave Momma a pained look, guessed what Princess was up to, and forestalled Momma's plea for some other kind of food.
Abby, suffering from shock, finally had to sit down when her emotions threatened to get the better of her. Pressed right into work, she hadn't an opportunity to process away the strain of killing two of her attackers. Not only that, but the sudden appearance of Jerry and the masterful way he took over the kitchen and settled the quarrelsome customers, was astonishing.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Inn is closing in two hours for the formal investigation of the attackers. If you would like to make a statement and sign it with witnesses, I have been instructed to offer you that opportunity. Otherwise it will be nightfall before the investigation could possibly be completed. You may settle up with me at the front desk, and I will handle your depositions, saving them for the sheriff." Jerry was masterful, in charge and not inclined to give anyone free room and board over the shooting incident.
There was some under the breath grumbling, but most travelers figured that they had weathered worse storms getting to this point of their lives, and paid their bills. The only one to balk was the princesses' daddy when Jerry forgot and charged him for the meal the princess couldn't or wouldn't eat.
"Oh that's right, well I hope she doesn't get to hungry, the next little town has a good grocery store, so you should be able to buy her something to eat there."
The Dad had a sour look on his face, but nodded and gave his entitled daughter a dark look. "Maybe," he temporized, "it depends on how much they want for the food. We like staying in Inn's such as this one as the room and board are all one package. Money is tight, and we have a long way to travel."
The family went to the stairs and walked down to the waiting wagon where the other guests were arranging themselves into packed circumstances.
"Interesting way to travel," Jerry called out, and was rewarded by the adults waving back, as the sight seeing wagon with it's load of people and gear, headed south.
Abby was sitting at a table covered with dishes and stared at the huge disorder with out seeing anything. Jerry gathered her up in his arms and just held her, while Abby shivered away her fright.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Tonight will be the last chapter for a couple of days...or more. LOL, between the three of us, me, Mr. KC and Mr.KC #2 son, I have 5 to process. I tried, unsuccessfully, to put a lid on the hunting, until I get caught up; but no dice, as there are a couple more tags to fill.
There are people in our church that need a little extra, so none will go to waste.
Pac,
Hopefully you will have help with the deer. I cut up our deer and the DW prepared it for freezing. Team work helps with most work.
A new Jerry has arrived at the right time to help Abby and find a lifemate.
God bless us, America and President Trump.
Texican....
There are people in our church that need a little extra, so none will go to waste.
Pac,
Hopefully you will have help with the deer. I cut up our deer and the DW prepared it for freezing. Team work helps with most work.
A new Jerry has arrived at the right time to help Abby and find a lifemate.
God bless us, America and President Trump.
Texican....