Hi, My Name is Tessee
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks for another great chapter Pac.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#276
Wayne was exceedingly happy to see Mark. Sas was acting like a spoiled brat telling her brother Ev just how mean and horrible Wayne treated her. The Wilson's listened carefully and as the litany of Wayne's sins grew longer, Cheryl got more disgusted.
"Really now!" Cheryl finally snapped. "Who forced you to share Wayne's bed?"
Sas was in the middle of a long drawn out, detailed list of Wayne's problems and looking like she was relishing the telling. When she was interrupted by Cheryl, Sas looked very pained at the break in her intimate discussion, but looked around and decided she had lost her audience.
Ev looked at his sister, trying to discover what her reason was for the tirade they were being forced to listen too. "Sas," he said sternly, "we have lived with this young man since he was 10 years old and I don't believe I intend to listen to any more of your ranting and raving." Ev turned his chair to look his sister full in the face.
"No one forced you to take up with Wayne, if anything I believe you deliberately traded your feminine favors for a dalliance that you expected to pay handsome dividends. When it didn't benefit you as much as you expected, you're ready to move on. I find that a rotten, disgusting way to conduct your life."
Ev had dropped his folksy, backwoods way of talking and used his best authoritative manner. Secretly, Cheryl was very proud of her husband for standing up for Wayne and the process of honest and upright living. Placing her hand on Ev's shoulder, she gave her support to his stand.
Sas looked every bit the backwoods woman she was, and suddenly her demeanor changed. Whining for emotional effect she begged Ev to just listen to her plight and help her escape the terrible mess she was in. "I need to get away from here and Wayne, please help me."
Mark, who had been listening, offered her ten bucks and a free trip to the Gospel Mission or the YWCA. Sas turned on him quicker than a hound after a bone. "You think you are so high and mighty, well let me tell you you are dirt. Just dirt, and not worth my contempt." Out of her mouth came a tirade that the assembled family hadn't heard in a long time.
It was Wade that finally called a halt to the screaming banshee fit Sas was subjecting them too. "Leave, or you will be forcibly removed. You are not welcome here and I consider you to be trespassing," he said the magic words.
"Mark will you remove her please, NOW!" Wade ordered.
When Mark made the move to evict Sas, she went on her own, including the lawyer in her vitriolic rant.
"My offer still stands," he told Sas, "ten bucks and a lift to services you might need, take it or leave it right now." Sas took it, and elected to ride in the back of the canopy when she discovered Wayne was going also.
The three of them headed for the town center and stopped in front of the YWCA, Sas didn't even let the pickup come to a complete halt before she jumped out.
Wayne was exceedingly happy to see Mark. Sas was acting like a spoiled brat telling her brother Ev just how mean and horrible Wayne treated her. The Wilson's listened carefully and as the litany of Wayne's sins grew longer, Cheryl got more disgusted.
"Really now!" Cheryl finally snapped. "Who forced you to share Wayne's bed?"
Sas was in the middle of a long drawn out, detailed list of Wayne's problems and looking like she was relishing the telling. When she was interrupted by Cheryl, Sas looked very pained at the break in her intimate discussion, but looked around and decided she had lost her audience.
Ev looked at his sister, trying to discover what her reason was for the tirade they were being forced to listen too. "Sas," he said sternly, "we have lived with this young man since he was 10 years old and I don't believe I intend to listen to any more of your ranting and raving." Ev turned his chair to look his sister full in the face.
"No one forced you to take up with Wayne, if anything I believe you deliberately traded your feminine favors for a dalliance that you expected to pay handsome dividends. When it didn't benefit you as much as you expected, you're ready to move on. I find that a rotten, disgusting way to conduct your life."
Ev had dropped his folksy, backwoods way of talking and used his best authoritative manner. Secretly, Cheryl was very proud of her husband for standing up for Wayne and the process of honest and upright living. Placing her hand on Ev's shoulder, she gave her support to his stand.
Sas looked every bit the backwoods woman she was, and suddenly her demeanor changed. Whining for emotional effect she begged Ev to just listen to her plight and help her escape the terrible mess she was in. "I need to get away from here and Wayne, please help me."
Mark, who had been listening, offered her ten bucks and a free trip to the Gospel Mission or the YWCA. Sas turned on him quicker than a hound after a bone. "You think you are so high and mighty, well let me tell you you are dirt. Just dirt, and not worth my contempt." Out of her mouth came a tirade that the assembled family hadn't heard in a long time.
It was Wade that finally called a halt to the screaming banshee fit Sas was subjecting them too. "Leave, or you will be forcibly removed. You are not welcome here and I consider you to be trespassing," he said the magic words.
"Mark will you remove her please, NOW!" Wade ordered.
When Mark made the move to evict Sas, she went on her own, including the lawyer in her vitriolic rant.
"My offer still stands," he told Sas, "ten bucks and a lift to services you might need, take it or leave it right now." Sas took it, and elected to ride in the back of the canopy when she discovered Wayne was going also.
The three of them headed for the town center and stopped in front of the YWCA, Sas didn't even let the pickup come to a complete halt before she jumped out.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
sounds like Sas needs meds.
Hmmm...I'm still wondering about the store owner who showed up at the bank. Makes me think that someone saw Mark put the bag of jewels in the box and alerted him.
Thanks for the new chapters!
Thanks for the new chapters!
It made me think that there might be a transmitter in there.
I'm also wondering if maybe Sas, and therefore Ev, might be related to Gertie... That brand of crazy doesn't have to come with family, but it doesn't rule it out either.
Old Gray Mare
TB Fanatic
Anyone else wondering if Sas is pregnant?
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Pac thanks for the great chapter it sounds like Wayne escaped a life of torment and hart brake.
Wayne
Wayne
If she was Ev's sister... would she still be able to have kids? I was wondering why wayne got with her since TO ME, she was way older than him....
Old Gray Mare
TB Fanatic
There could be twenty years between Ev and Sas if he was first born and she was a change of life surprise. Its been known to happen.
Vtshooter
Veteran Member
Now there is a scary thought.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Sas was much older than Wayne, not pregnant because she was beyond the age of even surprises.. Wayne admired her independent, self sufficient nature.............in the beginning. Then Sas changed. Did she have a chip, her behavior suggests she might......as does her vague and obtuse story of how she got to Evergreen from the deep South, and the mystery man who used to visit her Father.
Sas might be out of the picture for a while. She didn't seem to be as interesting a character as I thought she might become. So as a writer, I get to put her in cold storage until I need her.
We have a sad situation happening. Health wise I keep a tight rein on Mr. Pac's health, I simply do not let others interfere with his regime. But I have written about Mr. June and his daughter who fiddled with his medicine during his last visit. Mr. June has deteriorated to the point he could not be kept at home. He is in a nursing home dedicated to Dementia patients. He lays in bed, not responding to anything or anyone; until he feels good and ready to be interested.
June is having a 'strange to me' reaction to all of this. Personally I would be moving heaven and earth if he were my husband, but she is placidly waiting for him to die. She refuses however to have DNR paper posted, and if she prays for discernment, she doesn't say.
Her reaction has it's proponents, but so does my theories about the situation. Personally, we have DNR's ourselves, but that is our reaction to our health care. We also have all the power of attorney's necessary between us and our family and our wishes are spelled out.
June and Mr. June do not even have a will. That's why I demanded the legal situation be so cut and dried between us about the house and grounds. She simply refuses to think about the trouble she is going to be in when the first one of them passes away. The barracuda daughter will strip her bones.
Sas might be out of the picture for a while. She didn't seem to be as interesting a character as I thought she might become. So as a writer, I get to put her in cold storage until I need her.
We have a sad situation happening. Health wise I keep a tight rein on Mr. Pac's health, I simply do not let others interfere with his regime. But I have written about Mr. June and his daughter who fiddled with his medicine during his last visit. Mr. June has deteriorated to the point he could not be kept at home. He is in a nursing home dedicated to Dementia patients. He lays in bed, not responding to anything or anyone; until he feels good and ready to be interested.
June is having a 'strange to me' reaction to all of this. Personally I would be moving heaven and earth if he were my husband, but she is placidly waiting for him to die. She refuses however to have DNR paper posted, and if she prays for discernment, she doesn't say.
Her reaction has it's proponents, but so does my theories about the situation. Personally, we have DNR's ourselves, but that is our reaction to our health care. We also have all the power of attorney's necessary between us and our family and our wishes are spelled out.
June and Mr. June do not even have a will. That's why I demanded the legal situation be so cut and dried between us about the house and grounds. She simply refuses to think about the trouble she is going to be in when the first one of them passes away. The barracuda daughter will strip her bones.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Pac thanks for the information on Sas in the story. I am sorry to hear that Mr. June is doing poorly and that his wife is in denial of the ramifications that will befall her in the near future if she dose not change her way of thinking. Will be praying for you and Mr Pac and for the Mr. & Mrs. June. May God Bless you, and keep ever strong in his grace.
Wayne
Wayne
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Lake Lili
Veteran Member
Pac - My mother is in the final/end stage of Alzheimer's. She has been in a nursing home for 8-yrs now as we were unable to safely care for her at home. My father lives with me three Provinces away. A DNR was one of the first things we had done - in fact my mother had signed it herself when she was first diagnosed. As a nurse sadly she knew only too well what was in store. We have seen the type of inertia Mrs June is exhibiting all too often and the barricades make nothing easier. We continue to pray for you all.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Sure makes one cringe about her daughter. Our son in laws parents are great people but her sister did that to her dad. Dad had to go in the hospital and when he was going down hill she sweet talked him into power of attorney and she stripped him dry. He got better and had nothing, he has passed now. She shared nothing with the rest of the family.
this is why it is good to be poor.... and rich in family.... I have people like this in my family also.... so sad. My own dad was like that when his dad died. He took a bunch of stuff from his own mother...
I'll bet a lot of folks have people like the barracuda in their families. We do and she is visiting us right now. She seems to have changed in demeanor since her parents died and my DH was called all kinds of names because we lived in the same town as his parents and barracuda did not. At that point she still ripped their house apart looking for 'things'. 25 yrs have passed and we have forgiven but I find it hard to forget for my DH's sake.
I am sorry for Mr. June but death might be the kindest 'out' he has at this moment. Mrs. June will be in a very sorry state when he is gone. Sounds like they do not want to acknowledge that death comes to us all. Glad you, PAC and Mr. PAC, are in good shape now.
And thanks for the new chapter as well.
I am sorry for Mr. June but death might be the kindest 'out' he has at this moment. Mrs. June will be in a very sorry state when he is gone. Sounds like they do not want to acknowledge that death comes to us all. Glad you, PAC and Mr. PAC, are in good shape now.
And thanks for the new chapter as well.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#277
Mark and Wayne drove off without a backward glance. "Man I was lucky she went that quietly, it was building up to be a real nightmare." Wayne sighed with relief. "I think I need to leave the women alone," he remarked drolly.
He wasn't going to get any argument from Mark. He and Clora had speculated about Wayne's dismal failures finding a responsible woman, and they had no answer to the problem.
Down to the South side of Portland and beyond to the farms to buy produce. Apples only in the fruit line, pumpkins and squash, potatoes and a few turnips were the only foods that the people would sell. They bought what was available. Mark stopped at one of the big box grocery stores and bought rice, beans and numerous flats of vegetables and fruits. They bought more food than the pickup could carry.
Mark hoofed it down the street and stopped at the nearest car lot. The only thing available that was enough of a runner to make it back to Evergreen was a old Dodge diesel that smoked just a little and had no muffler. Babying the red and white 4x4 so the missing muffler wouldn't draw unwanted attention, he eased into the parking lot and pulled up beside his crewcab.
Wayne had been watching from inside the store and pushed one and pulled the other buggy out the door. An employee did the same with the final two. They loaded the food and tarped the mound against the weather and prying eyes. Wayne drove the crewcab and Mark eased the Dodge through town to Wade's place. Backing the Dodge up into the driveway and up against the garage door and motioning Wayne to park the crewcab crosswise of it, he protected the vulnerable load as much as possible.
Cheryl had a huge pot of ham and beans ready for supper, and it was much appreciated by the hungry mob that flooded into the kitchen to eat. Mark looked Toby and Christy over well. They wore simple gold bands and big smiles. Willie helped Cheryl with the meal and Wade sat at the table with a big smile as he and Ev chatted.
Christy was back in school, immersed in her studies and stopping only long enough to rapidly eat her supper. Toby and Willie told about their upcoming GED exam in three weeks. They both ate and excused themselves to study.
"We are going to stay in town and do the cooking and housekeeping here, so the kids can concentrate on studying," Cheryl picked up Mark and Wayne's bowls and asked if they wanted another serving. They did, Cheryl also made a darn good biscuit and Wayne felt obliged to taste a few more.
Mark helped Cheryl with the dishes as the other three visited around the table. The coffee was hot and the company enjoyable as they hashed out the world's problems. Ben had told the town family of the new child brought into the fold, and then had left to continue his patrol.
Cheryl asked Mark in a low voice if Sas was well and truly gone. Mark nodded, explaining how he had used evasive tactics and backtracked several times to confuse Sas and hopefully she would be unable to return. Cheryl approved and gave a heart full, "Thank God she is gone."
"I think I will subscribe Wayne to a matchmaking service so he stops making such horrendous mistakes," Cheryl said half in jest, half in serious intent. "I don't think we can stand another repeat of this type of situation. In other matters, things are going smoothly. The boys are studying, Toby and Christy are married, and Wade's eyesight is really going bad in a hurry. Did you know that?"
"Yes, I am aware." Mark said quietly. "He say's there is nothing that can be done to stop the progression of the disease."
"We, Ev and myself are doing so much better staying in town, I am not pushing a quick return to Evergreen. We got there, and I think that's all he needed to settle his heart's longings. The cold about did Ev in, and it's only now turning cold enough to be considered fall. I don't think he would last the winter if we stayed out there."
Mark agreed with her evaluation. "Do you mind if we put Wayne in your cabin, rather than try to build him another?"
"Go right ahead," Cheryl gave her consent, "just throw the rest of our cultch in a corner, or give it to Ben to bring in the next time he comes to town."
"I can bring it in tomorrow," Mark promised, "we didn't have room for everything, so need to come back. In the morning we are going to pick up a couple of propane tanks to take with us, so it may be the next day before we are back. But sometime this week" he assured the older lady.
"Stop by for eats," Cheryl invited.
Mark joined the men at the table while Cheryl went around making sure the house was secure for the night. Wade asked about Tessee, the boys and Clora, laughing at the youngsters antics and smiling benevolently at Clora and Lainey's care of the new addition.
Mark stood guard over their full pick ups during the night and was happy nothing happened. The propane tanks were paid for and hitched behind the vehicles, the trip to Evergreen was slow due to the heavy loads, but they got there in time for supper.
The next day the loads were moved into the van trailer and the pickups readied for another trip into town. Mark asked Clora to consider if Milo and Teddy could go with him, giving them and her a different day. Wayne asked Lainey and Ben what they thought about Anne riding in with him and spending the night at Wade's.
It was agreed that the youngsters could go to town, but the kids weren't told about it until the next morning. They went crazy with excitement, almost causing Clora and Lainey to reconsider their permissions.
After they left, Clora sat with Tessee and remarked to Lainey that this was the first time their children had gone with out them.
"I don't want to be a clingy, overprotective Mama," Lainey said, "but this was way hard to do. This is the first time we have let Anne go with someone else."
The second trip was supposed to be the door trip, so it was going to be short and sweet, in and out of town in a hurry.
Mark and Wayne drove off without a backward glance. "Man I was lucky she went that quietly, it was building up to be a real nightmare." Wayne sighed with relief. "I think I need to leave the women alone," he remarked drolly.
He wasn't going to get any argument from Mark. He and Clora had speculated about Wayne's dismal failures finding a responsible woman, and they had no answer to the problem.
Down to the South side of Portland and beyond to the farms to buy produce. Apples only in the fruit line, pumpkins and squash, potatoes and a few turnips were the only foods that the people would sell. They bought what was available. Mark stopped at one of the big box grocery stores and bought rice, beans and numerous flats of vegetables and fruits. They bought more food than the pickup could carry.
Mark hoofed it down the street and stopped at the nearest car lot. The only thing available that was enough of a runner to make it back to Evergreen was a old Dodge diesel that smoked just a little and had no muffler. Babying the red and white 4x4 so the missing muffler wouldn't draw unwanted attention, he eased into the parking lot and pulled up beside his crewcab.
Wayne had been watching from inside the store and pushed one and pulled the other buggy out the door. An employee did the same with the final two. They loaded the food and tarped the mound against the weather and prying eyes. Wayne drove the crewcab and Mark eased the Dodge through town to Wade's place. Backing the Dodge up into the driveway and up against the garage door and motioning Wayne to park the crewcab crosswise of it, he protected the vulnerable load as much as possible.
Cheryl had a huge pot of ham and beans ready for supper, and it was much appreciated by the hungry mob that flooded into the kitchen to eat. Mark looked Toby and Christy over well. They wore simple gold bands and big smiles. Willie helped Cheryl with the meal and Wade sat at the table with a big smile as he and Ev chatted.
Christy was back in school, immersed in her studies and stopping only long enough to rapidly eat her supper. Toby and Willie told about their upcoming GED exam in three weeks. They both ate and excused themselves to study.
"We are going to stay in town and do the cooking and housekeeping here, so the kids can concentrate on studying," Cheryl picked up Mark and Wayne's bowls and asked if they wanted another serving. They did, Cheryl also made a darn good biscuit and Wayne felt obliged to taste a few more.
Mark helped Cheryl with the dishes as the other three visited around the table. The coffee was hot and the company enjoyable as they hashed out the world's problems. Ben had told the town family of the new child brought into the fold, and then had left to continue his patrol.
Cheryl asked Mark in a low voice if Sas was well and truly gone. Mark nodded, explaining how he had used evasive tactics and backtracked several times to confuse Sas and hopefully she would be unable to return. Cheryl approved and gave a heart full, "Thank God she is gone."
"I think I will subscribe Wayne to a matchmaking service so he stops making such horrendous mistakes," Cheryl said half in jest, half in serious intent. "I don't think we can stand another repeat of this type of situation. In other matters, things are going smoothly. The boys are studying, Toby and Christy are married, and Wade's eyesight is really going bad in a hurry. Did you know that?"
"Yes, I am aware." Mark said quietly. "He say's there is nothing that can be done to stop the progression of the disease."
"We, Ev and myself are doing so much better staying in town, I am not pushing a quick return to Evergreen. We got there, and I think that's all he needed to settle his heart's longings. The cold about did Ev in, and it's only now turning cold enough to be considered fall. I don't think he would last the winter if we stayed out there."
Mark agreed with her evaluation. "Do you mind if we put Wayne in your cabin, rather than try to build him another?"
"Go right ahead," Cheryl gave her consent, "just throw the rest of our cultch in a corner, or give it to Ben to bring in the next time he comes to town."
"I can bring it in tomorrow," Mark promised, "we didn't have room for everything, so need to come back. In the morning we are going to pick up a couple of propane tanks to take with us, so it may be the next day before we are back. But sometime this week" he assured the older lady.
"Stop by for eats," Cheryl invited.
Mark joined the men at the table while Cheryl went around making sure the house was secure for the night. Wade asked about Tessee, the boys and Clora, laughing at the youngsters antics and smiling benevolently at Clora and Lainey's care of the new addition.
Mark stood guard over their full pick ups during the night and was happy nothing happened. The propane tanks were paid for and hitched behind the vehicles, the trip to Evergreen was slow due to the heavy loads, but they got there in time for supper.
The next day the loads were moved into the van trailer and the pickups readied for another trip into town. Mark asked Clora to consider if Milo and Teddy could go with him, giving them and her a different day. Wayne asked Lainey and Ben what they thought about Anne riding in with him and spending the night at Wade's.
It was agreed that the youngsters could go to town, but the kids weren't told about it until the next morning. They went crazy with excitement, almost causing Clora and Lainey to reconsider their permissions.
After they left, Clora sat with Tessee and remarked to Lainey that this was the first time their children had gone with out them.
"I don't want to be a clingy, overprotective Mama," Lainey said, "but this was way hard to do. This is the first time we have let Anne go with someone else."
The second trip was supposed to be the door trip, so it was going to be short and sweet, in and out of town in a hurry.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
We have/had a barracuda in our family, too. Our father died 30 years ago and our mother remarried over 26 years ago. Our df left our dm in very good shape, financially and house-wise. When dm remarried, she married a guy who had nothing...literally...except a falling down, rotting out trailer house and a bad job as manager that he was abusing. We suspect that he was raiding the till and dm paid mega bucks to keep the "business running" that he told her he "owned" but that he only managed badly.
Anyway, through the years, they sold and bought houses, each a step down. They started with a huge house worth lots of money and ended up in a trailer house. I went through the public records at the county. He made about $150,000 over the years from the buys and sells, but he always told our dm that they just barely made enough from the recent sale to pay for the current home.
The a**hole bled my dm of all of the investments our df left for her. He bled her of everything until, at the end of her life (last year), she couldn't even afford her medicine. And he wouldn't pay for it.
We kids helped her when we could but sometimes wondered how much of the "help" he took from her. Even the money that was sent for her to write a will. She died without the will. She did write a paper that she told everyone about that lists what things of hers that she wanted to go to which of her children. But "he" claimed that he never found any papers that she wrote and would never let any of us into the house to look.
We got nothing from him of our mom's except junk stuff. A couple of us got something of vaule but we had to buy it and paid a dear price for it. But yet he called Goodwill to come and empty the garage of all of the stuff in there. A lot of it was our mom's stuff.
Plus, he and our mom owed a couple of siblings money. They are trying to keep a relationship with him in hopes that they get paid back as he's trying to sell the house. I doubt they are going to get paid back. They'll find one day that the "for sale" sign is gone, the house is sold, and the a**hole has disappeared without any forwarding address and with the money (us kid's inheritance from our parents).
He was considered to be a "good Christian."
I hope he rots in hell and pays FOREVER for his crimes!!
Moral of the story? Get your will made and get a copy put in a safe place for your kids. Stand up to those who are milking you and your estate.
Anyway, through the years, they sold and bought houses, each a step down. They started with a huge house worth lots of money and ended up in a trailer house. I went through the public records at the county. He made about $150,000 over the years from the buys and sells, but he always told our dm that they just barely made enough from the recent sale to pay for the current home.
The a**hole bled my dm of all of the investments our df left for her. He bled her of everything until, at the end of her life (last year), she couldn't even afford her medicine. And he wouldn't pay for it.
We kids helped her when we could but sometimes wondered how much of the "help" he took from her. Even the money that was sent for her to write a will. She died without the will. She did write a paper that she told everyone about that lists what things of hers that she wanted to go to which of her children. But "he" claimed that he never found any papers that she wrote and would never let any of us into the house to look.
We got nothing from him of our mom's except junk stuff. A couple of us got something of vaule but we had to buy it and paid a dear price for it. But yet he called Goodwill to come and empty the garage of all of the stuff in there. A lot of it was our mom's stuff.
Plus, he and our mom owed a couple of siblings money. They are trying to keep a relationship with him in hopes that they get paid back as he's trying to sell the house. I doubt they are going to get paid back. They'll find one day that the "for sale" sign is gone, the house is sold, and the a**hole has disappeared without any forwarding address and with the money (us kid's inheritance from our parents).
He was considered to be a "good Christian."
I hope he rots in hell and pays FOREVER for his crimes!!
Moral of the story? Get your will made and get a copy put in a safe place for your kids. Stand up to those who are milking you and your estate.
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stjwelding
Veteran Member
Psc thanks for the chapter, sure hope all goes well with the children going to town. Thanks for all of your time.
Wayne
Wayne
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Naw.........he isn't worth the chance of getting caught. The devil can use him in a bonfire down there. LOLOLOL
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
It was/ and always will be amazing how "the lure" of supposed money brings out the very worst in people. Normally sane people turn on parents, siblings and any other innocent bystander, to gain "something free."
The "free" aspect turns people into raging monsters; brings out all the hidden slights and hurts of childhood to a festering boil, whether real or imagined actually makes no difference. It is the "chance" to get even and "get your share" before the brother/sister who got more in childhood discovers it is available.
It is apparent that the daughter of Mr. and Mrs June has decided she knows better than the doctors as to how her father should be treated. This is a spoiled child that has gone headlong through life demanding her own way and not one person along the way has said no, or opposed her.
I am not looking forward to what is going to happen when Mr. June passes. I am not an easy person to push, but I don't go looking for trouble, so we shall see what the future brings.
We have legally tied our agreement with all the correct crossed T's and dotted I's, but that won't prevent her from trying.
The "free" aspect turns people into raging monsters; brings out all the hidden slights and hurts of childhood to a festering boil, whether real or imagined actually makes no difference. It is the "chance" to get even and "get your share" before the brother/sister who got more in childhood discovers it is available.
It is apparent that the daughter of Mr. and Mrs June has decided she knows better than the doctors as to how her father should be treated. This is a spoiled child that has gone headlong through life demanding her own way and not one person along the way has said no, or opposed her.
I am not looking forward to what is going to happen when Mr. June passes. I am not an easy person to push, but I don't go looking for trouble, so we shall see what the future brings.
We have legally tied our agreement with all the correct crossed T's and dotted I's, but that won't prevent her from trying.
To be able to head off trouble before it starts.PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#278
Milo and Teddy jabbered with excitement as the pickup threaded it's way up the grade. It was a rare treat to go to town, and even rarer treat to go with Dad. They had promised within an inch of their life to be good and mind. "Dad, are we gonna have time to eat in town?" seemed to be the major topic.
"If you help by not causing me problems I think we can arrange a hamburger and fries." Mark looked in the rear view mirror to see the effects of his announcement. Both boys were beaming in their car seats, whispering between themselves, wiggling in excitement.
Behind them in the newly acquired Dodge, Wayne was having a similar conversation with Anne. The poor child had outgrown the car seat that Ben and Lainey had for her, and was very uncomfortable, but held her complaining to a minimum. Anne was nearly beside herself to be going to town. Her mother had packed her to go bag, and Wayne figured they could stay for 3 months should the world end while they gone.
"Can we get some French fries?" Anne didn't care one way or the other about hamburgers, but she adored French fries, 'cause they never got to have any at home.
"I think so," Uncle Wayne remembered how he treasured the fries of his childhood. "Sounds good, doesn't it?"
There was a hamburger joint close to the door store, and the going to town crew had their fill of the potato sticks. They had milkshakes also and that was an over the top treat.
The doors were bought while the kids stayed lined up on the trolley that Wayne pushed. The next stop was the outdoor outfitters. Mark had the idea to buy a huge tent and install a outfitter's stove to be used as a mess tent. Very soon the outdoor setup they were using would be inadequate because of the weather.
The huge wood stove made the Dodge squat down on it's springs, and was so securely roped and chained in that it couldn't move an inch. The Dodge was left at a muffler shop for a new exhaust system. Mark said "Make it as quiet as possible, I don't want people hearing us pass."
The mechanic grumbled about having to deal with the heavy load on his lift, but Mark paid half up front, and that seemed to stop the muttering.
They all went to Wade's for a visit, the kids suffering through the hugs from Aunt Cheryl, but her cookies made up for the smothering.
They were invited to spend the night, but Mark ruefully acknowledged that the nervous Mama's at home wouldn't be able to handle an overnighter for the first time the kidlets were out of their sight.
Toby came in on the last of his statement, and laughed, "for sure, Clora wasn't sure I should be let loose by myself to come to town to get married." He shook hands with Milo and Teddy, thrilling the boy's with the grownup, manly gesture. He offered to shake hands with Anne, but she shyly ducked behind Wayne.
The muffler mechanic called an hour later and the gang left to pickup the Dodge. They rolled out of town without problems and picked up the waiting Ben at the freeway interchange. He followed them, shaking his head at the sight of his daughter stuffed into the small car seat. Like it or not, his inadequate salary was going to have to stretch far enough for another seat.
Wayne and Anne sang all kinds of nonsense songs to pass the time of day, until Wayne happened to notice cars spaced along side the road seemingly abandoned. During a narrow length of the road, he stopped and ran back to confer with Mark and Ben. Anne was transferred to Mark's pickup and the kids were put on the floor.
Wayne continued in front as he was the slowest vehicle, Mark with the children and then Ben in the Sheriff's SUV. Another 10 miles down the road Ben picked up the shadows of following cars. They were in trouble, a rotten time to have children with them. They were close to the cutoff road when Ben flashed his lights and stopped the convoy.
This time they put the kids in Wayne's pickup and then he and Mark lagged back to give Wayne time to pull away and head into Evergreen.
They made it look like Ben had stopped Mark's pickup for a traffic infraction, as they lay in wait for the following cars to reach them. The line of 3 cars stopped a good half mile away when they spotted the revolving light indicating a traffic stop. Mark and Ben were already behind the stopped cars, having run at full speed through the concealing brush.
Mark wasn't sure if they were dealing with gang members, idiots or hired assassins, but the gun battle was short and violent. The occupants refused to stand out and be inspected by a officer of the law, drew first and fired.
Inside the cars, they were trapped by their own foolishness and inexperience, and died learning the folly of their ways. The clansmen took the weapons and left the cars full of holes and dead assailants right in the middle of the road. Mark sent Ben into Evergreen and down the grader road to the old town of Longview. He was to be driving into the station from that area, so as to be away from the suspicious activity.
Mark called on his training and hard learned clandestine obscurity to erase his tracks and that of his brothers. Brush was placed to cover the road entrance, and rocks rolled onto the track. A little further in, he pulled a tree over in just the right place to stop any wheeled vehicles from using the road. Mark worked all afternoon using every trick he knew to make the road look unused and abandoned. During a rest break, he heard the sound of a vehicle coming from the opposite direction of the stalled thugs.
Almost immediately there was the sound of a vehicle reversing and squealing tires as whomever was driving, accelerated rapidly away. Mark smiled. He was fully aware it would take the car at least 7 miles before they could make a call to report what they had found.
The crew cab drove quietly into camp, where the members had concealed them selves until the incoming rig could be identified. Questions were held to a minimum until the necessary work could finished. The tent was put up and the family all pitched in to use log rollers to move the stove in place. All evidence of newness was silently eliminated, no reason to teach the children to lie by telling them one thing and then forbidding them to talk about it.
The stove pipe was installed, tested for draw and immediately fired up. All the clan picked a task and worked silently, moving tables, benches and food prep items into the huge cabin style tent. Quickly, the tent became cozy, homey and the smell of frying steaks and onions perfumed the air. The scent of perking coffee and baking bread added to the normalcy of the scene.
Helmer stopped long enough to go milk, and Milo, Anne and Teddy were sent to the chicken house to collect the eggs. The kids were encouraged to talk about every little thing that happened in town, until they were talked out. Without a nap, the kids were tired, and supper was over and done with and the children put to bed. Clora patted Mark's arm as he escorted Lainey and Anne and Benny to their cabin.
He fitted the door in it's casing and toe nailed the closure in, giving the small family a measure of security as they used a rope to hold the door shut. Ben's SUV could be heard grinding up the grader road, so he was coming in from patrol.
Wayne pulled guard duty first, using his woods skills to remain hidden in the transition area between the meadow and the tree line near the back road into Evergreen.
Milo and Teddy jabbered with excitement as the pickup threaded it's way up the grade. It was a rare treat to go to town, and even rarer treat to go with Dad. They had promised within an inch of their life to be good and mind. "Dad, are we gonna have time to eat in town?" seemed to be the major topic.
"If you help by not causing me problems I think we can arrange a hamburger and fries." Mark looked in the rear view mirror to see the effects of his announcement. Both boys were beaming in their car seats, whispering between themselves, wiggling in excitement.
Behind them in the newly acquired Dodge, Wayne was having a similar conversation with Anne. The poor child had outgrown the car seat that Ben and Lainey had for her, and was very uncomfortable, but held her complaining to a minimum. Anne was nearly beside herself to be going to town. Her mother had packed her to go bag, and Wayne figured they could stay for 3 months should the world end while they gone.
"Can we get some French fries?" Anne didn't care one way or the other about hamburgers, but she adored French fries, 'cause they never got to have any at home.
"I think so," Uncle Wayne remembered how he treasured the fries of his childhood. "Sounds good, doesn't it?"
There was a hamburger joint close to the door store, and the going to town crew had their fill of the potato sticks. They had milkshakes also and that was an over the top treat.
The doors were bought while the kids stayed lined up on the trolley that Wayne pushed. The next stop was the outdoor outfitters. Mark had the idea to buy a huge tent and install a outfitter's stove to be used as a mess tent. Very soon the outdoor setup they were using would be inadequate because of the weather.
The huge wood stove made the Dodge squat down on it's springs, and was so securely roped and chained in that it couldn't move an inch. The Dodge was left at a muffler shop for a new exhaust system. Mark said "Make it as quiet as possible, I don't want people hearing us pass."
The mechanic grumbled about having to deal with the heavy load on his lift, but Mark paid half up front, and that seemed to stop the muttering.
They all went to Wade's for a visit, the kids suffering through the hugs from Aunt Cheryl, but her cookies made up for the smothering.
They were invited to spend the night, but Mark ruefully acknowledged that the nervous Mama's at home wouldn't be able to handle an overnighter for the first time the kidlets were out of their sight.
Toby came in on the last of his statement, and laughed, "for sure, Clora wasn't sure I should be let loose by myself to come to town to get married." He shook hands with Milo and Teddy, thrilling the boy's with the grownup, manly gesture. He offered to shake hands with Anne, but she shyly ducked behind Wayne.
The muffler mechanic called an hour later and the gang left to pickup the Dodge. They rolled out of town without problems and picked up the waiting Ben at the freeway interchange. He followed them, shaking his head at the sight of his daughter stuffed into the small car seat. Like it or not, his inadequate salary was going to have to stretch far enough for another seat.
Wayne and Anne sang all kinds of nonsense songs to pass the time of day, until Wayne happened to notice cars spaced along side the road seemingly abandoned. During a narrow length of the road, he stopped and ran back to confer with Mark and Ben. Anne was transferred to Mark's pickup and the kids were put on the floor.
Wayne continued in front as he was the slowest vehicle, Mark with the children and then Ben in the Sheriff's SUV. Another 10 miles down the road Ben picked up the shadows of following cars. They were in trouble, a rotten time to have children with them. They were close to the cutoff road when Ben flashed his lights and stopped the convoy.
This time they put the kids in Wayne's pickup and then he and Mark lagged back to give Wayne time to pull away and head into Evergreen.
They made it look like Ben had stopped Mark's pickup for a traffic infraction, as they lay in wait for the following cars to reach them. The line of 3 cars stopped a good half mile away when they spotted the revolving light indicating a traffic stop. Mark and Ben were already behind the stopped cars, having run at full speed through the concealing brush.
Mark wasn't sure if they were dealing with gang members, idiots or hired assassins, but the gun battle was short and violent. The occupants refused to stand out and be inspected by a officer of the law, drew first and fired.
Inside the cars, they were trapped by their own foolishness and inexperience, and died learning the folly of their ways. The clansmen took the weapons and left the cars full of holes and dead assailants right in the middle of the road. Mark sent Ben into Evergreen and down the grader road to the old town of Longview. He was to be driving into the station from that area, so as to be away from the suspicious activity.
Mark called on his training and hard learned clandestine obscurity to erase his tracks and that of his brothers. Brush was placed to cover the road entrance, and rocks rolled onto the track. A little further in, he pulled a tree over in just the right place to stop any wheeled vehicles from using the road. Mark worked all afternoon using every trick he knew to make the road look unused and abandoned. During a rest break, he heard the sound of a vehicle coming from the opposite direction of the stalled thugs.
Almost immediately there was the sound of a vehicle reversing and squealing tires as whomever was driving, accelerated rapidly away. Mark smiled. He was fully aware it would take the car at least 7 miles before they could make a call to report what they had found.
The crew cab drove quietly into camp, where the members had concealed them selves until the incoming rig could be identified. Questions were held to a minimum until the necessary work could finished. The tent was put up and the family all pitched in to use log rollers to move the stove in place. All evidence of newness was silently eliminated, no reason to teach the children to lie by telling them one thing and then forbidding them to talk about it.
The stove pipe was installed, tested for draw and immediately fired up. All the clan picked a task and worked silently, moving tables, benches and food prep items into the huge cabin style tent. Quickly, the tent became cozy, homey and the smell of frying steaks and onions perfumed the air. The scent of perking coffee and baking bread added to the normalcy of the scene.
Helmer stopped long enough to go milk, and Milo, Anne and Teddy were sent to the chicken house to collect the eggs. The kids were encouraged to talk about every little thing that happened in town, until they were talked out. Without a nap, the kids were tired, and supper was over and done with and the children put to bed. Clora patted Mark's arm as he escorted Lainey and Anne and Benny to their cabin.
He fitted the door in it's casing and toe nailed the closure in, giving the small family a measure of security as they used a rope to hold the door shut. Ben's SUV could be heard grinding up the grader road, so he was coming in from patrol.
Wayne pulled guard duty first, using his woods skills to remain hidden in the transition area between the meadow and the tree line near the back road into Evergreen.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Pac, there is never a dull moment in the family's lives. Great lesson on why it is important to be ever vigilant to our surroundings and not take for granted that things are really as they appear. Thanks for the new post and all of your story's that provide a brief release for us form the stresses of having to deal with life.
Wayne
Wayne
Sneaker 11
RECONDO
Pac, thanks for the chapters I was able to catch up on as we just returned from vacation. I never tire of your writing.
Sneaker 11
Sneaker 11
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Great chapter thank you.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#279
Mark finished the door before Ben was finished with his supper, and joined the lawman in the mess tent. "I think we need to have a private talk," he said down low. Ben nodded, as his mouth was full of the crispy hot, elk steak. Helga walked over with the coffee pot and a generous slice of gingerbread with whipped cream.
"Mark, vould you like a slice? If yous eats one and takes one to Mr. Vane, I cans make another tomorrow." Mark accepted another large chunk smothered in the sweetened white topping and Helga poured him coffee. "Thank yous for the vonderful stove. It cooks good and fast." she gave her cook's approval to the huge sheepherder's wood burning stove.
From somewhere in the many boxes stacked against the far wall of the tent, Helga rummaged around and came up with a good sized plastic bowl that she filled with the remaining dessert. A piece of well used tin foil and a spoon completed her care package to Wayne.
Leaving the two men, the cook and Helmer retired for the night to their tent. Mark shouldered his rifle, picked up the bowl and carried two over sized mugs of coffee with the other hand. Ben grabbed his rifle and coffee and they stepped out side of the warm tent and let their eyes adjust to the total darkness.
The moon was waxing, just a sliver of light and the largeness of the star ceiling brought a peace to their wounded hearts. Ben stepped out, mostly remembering the layout of the area, and whistled. In the distance, Wayne returned the sound and the two men headed his way.
Wayne took the coffee mug and sweet and the three of them walked toward the former town site. Mark backtracked their movements to see if they had been followed, and came back to the meeting to express his current distrust of Helga and Helmer.
"I can't put my finger on the reason, but there is an aura of suspicion they walk around in. I've been around Clora long enough, that her feelings are rubbing off on me. Some times I catch Helmer glaring at me out of the corner of my eye. He's quick enough to look else where if I turn toward him, but I don't trust him." Mark said flatly.
"For as much as Helga spoils us with extra helpings and such, I have to agree that he is standoffish and unreadable." Wayne said between bites.
""If we didn't have Helga cooking, our women would be worn to a frazzle caring for the children and doing the work they do, and cooking on top of it all. And now Lainey has gone bonkers over the boy. I think it is almost an unhealthy obsession, but the child needs caring for, so I haven't said anything." Ben was tired, and his voice trailed off.
"Let me start the unpleasant reason we came out here tonight," Mark spoke low, not wanting his deep voice to carry on the night air. "I have the back road in here shut off, camouflaged and obstructed for vehicles. Wayne, could you top dress the grader road so we can use that in case of emergency, and Ben can come and go in any weather?"
"Sure, tomorrow as soon as the frost leaves the ground," Wayne agreed.
"Ben, how was the shooting called in?"
"I was almost to the station when the dispatcher hollered at me that the mess had been discovered. I gassed up and took off, but that's a hour's drive going around that way. There was quite a traffic jam happening by the time I got there. A newspaper reporter was busy snapping pictures and it was decided by all there, that it looked like a gang shooting. I kinda agreed, but made no commitment."
"The thing is guy's, I can't handle the stress and strain of being involved with this type of shoot outs. Both mentally, physically, emotionally and morally, I get sick to my stomach and can't sleep. The fact that we decided not to report any more of these happenings, is stressing me further. Too me it feels like wanton killings," he finally managed to say.
"It is," and Mark stressed the 'is', "self defense in it's purest form. It was kill or watch our children be killed and probably ourselves."
That was a harsh and stark assessment, but a true one concerning the situation. "I agree," Wayne jumped in before Ben could protest, "think about how the earth would be if one of the kids had been killed. I tell ya, I had the best time singing silly songs wit Anne, I couldn't stand to think about her being shot."
"I'm wrestling with my conscience constantly," Ben said dispiritedly.
"Well Ben," Mark said with a growl, "I'd say you are in the wrong profession if you aren't willing to use your weapon when necessary."
"I didn't say THAT," Ben protested; "it's the lying by omission that crushes me."
"Well confess to God, but leave mortal man out of the equitation," Mark snapped back. "Look, I don't have all the answers, all I know is what I read in the Bible; and that says that a husband is to lead and protect his family. Look at all the examples in the Old Testament where force was needed and applied after prayer."
"He's right Ben," Wayne interjected softly. "That's precisely what the Bible says. And there's a good reason God wants it that way. That's to prevent killing, slavery and all manner of brutal atrocities upon innocent people."
"OK, for the sake of getting some badly needed sleep, I'll agree for tonight. I don't think any of my colleagues suspect any thing different than the gang connotation, so I'll leave it at that." Ben yawned. "Thanks for putting up the door, I heard the hammering when I came in."
"How about I take over watch?" Mark asked Wayne. "Ben you sleep on through, we need you to be rested and sharp tomorrow to deal with the aftermath of the shooting. Is little Benny sleeping through the night?"
Ben said "yeah, as long as he is close to Lainey, he does. Com'on Wayne, let's make tracks. Thanks man, I owe ya one." he told Mark.
Mark waited until they were gone before he moved silently to another position. The night was velvet dark and alive with the chirping of crickets and the croaking of frogs. Way off in the distance there was a faint coyote howl and then an answer from further away. The night noise fell silent as Wayne and Ben passed by, giving Mark their location all the way back to the camp.
Mark struggled to stay awake through the night and right then, he decided his age was his main deterrent to staying awake all day and then all night. He was good and ready to make his way to the mess tent when the early morning wind wafted the smell of woodsmoke and coffee his way.
Standing next to the stove to thaw his cold old bones, Mark gulped the scalding hot coffee and ate one of the first pancakes off the grill slathered with butter.
"You vere outs there, all nights?" Helga was disapproving, thinking the man needed to be home vith his family's.
"Yes I was, and we have Blackie on guard at the cabin," he accurately read the cook's thoughts.
"OKay's," she relented and buttered up the second flapjack and rolled it up, offering it to Mark. "Iss good's you keeps us safe, now eats more, you are gettings skinny. Vorks too muches, all you men's do."
Helmer came in the tent with a steaming, foamy pail of milk. He waited momentarily as Helga seated the strainer in the gallon jar and held it steady for him to pour the milk. Mark reached over and flipped the closest done hotcakes on the waiting plate and had them buttered and covered with syrup before Helga could turn around.
"Ja, eats good, in moments the sausage vill be dones. More coffee's?" she moved efficiently around her domain, handing Helmer coffee with two spoons of sugar and five drips of cream. "Sit's, sit's," she ordered and bustled getting Helmer his plateful.
Clora was the next one in the tent, her eyes instantly found Mark's and she smiled just for him. It was easy to see she was taking inventory, making sure he was alright after his night of guard duty. Mark appreciated her concern, and scooted over so she could set next to him.
Clora poured herself coffee and sat close. "The kids are still sleeping soundly, Blackie is on guard. I'm sure glad he found us, he is worth his dog food."
"I have the pickup full of food and stock feed," Mark said aloud, "but I think I will take a quick nap before I start in."
"I'll help unload," Wayne came in and headed straight for the stove. "I sure hated to roust out this morning, it's cold."
"What's the latest Helga? When's the next storm coming in?"
"Tomorrow's," she replied. "Muches rain."
"Well that settles what I'm doing today, the road needs fixed so Ben can come and go without problems. I think I will cut a trench away from the cook tent to drain this low area. Anyone know of any other problems?" Wayne started his breakfast with gusto.
"The cow's pen," Helmer said after some thought. "Ve need to drains the water froms the trough avay froms the horse pens. Bads for the horse's feets."
"Helga and Helmer, how about we move you into Ev and Cheryl's cabin?" Wayne asked, generously offering his space to the older couple.
They looked at each other and Helga declined. "Noes thanks you, ve prefer to be here, nears the cook tent. Is muches handy for us."
Ben, Lainey and Benny were the next in. Lainey gave Benny a small chunk of pancake to hold while she got their plates ready. He looked at it, and it went straight to his mouth. Clora and Mark were watching and smiled at the boy.
"He knows what to do with the grub," Mark approved, as the child reached for more pancake.
"It's our cabin's turn today," Mark passed the plate of cakes and sausage to Ben. "Window's and the door. Helga says we are going to have rain tomorrow, so we need everyone dried in and secure. Let me know if you have any needs." he yawned and looked up in gratitude as his kids came stomping in the tent. "Oh, now I can go get some sleep. See everyone later." and he was out the tent flap.
Momma's helped children with breakfast, Ben finished his meal and left for work, Wayne lounged back and enjoyed a leisurely second cup of coffee and Helga and Helmer finally sat down to eat.
Morning at Wade's was pretty much the same, only accomplished easier with modern utensils. Christy protested once again that she could easily get herself to school, but Toby would hear none of it. He remembered Mark's admonition that he protect his darling morning and night; so he finished his oatmeal and grabbed his coat. "No grousing," he said softly as they pulled out of the driveway, "this is the only time we have to ourselves, don't deprive me, please."
Of course Christy couldn't refuse such a pretty plea, especially from her strong, handsome husband, and she told him so.
Wade and Willie were headed into Wade's office for another cleanup of his old files, and Ev and Cheryl had a standing appointment for physical therapy at the hospital and the van would be by soon to pick them up.
Toby stopped at the library and with some detective work on the computer found several sites that listed some of the more common questions for the GED. He filled a note book full of the questions and answers, and suddenly felt good about his studying. He knew every answer. The library also had the daily paper, and Toby discovered he liked to keep up with current events.
Toby thought about the pressure he was getting from Wade to become a lawyer. The idea was appealing, he liked the study and had started reading some of Wade's first year law books. He read quietly in the bedroom, while Christy studied hard at her desk. Occasionally she used him for a 'patient' and at first it was bandages, then the rest of the study.
It was always hard for Toby to go back to reading after such activity, but he let Christy set the pace.
When Wade and Willie got to Wade's office, there were signs of a break in. Willie dialed 911 and handed the phone to Wade while he went to investigate. Whomever had broken in, was still there, and Willie got a bonk on the head and a punch in the gut for not being careful. Wade got a bullet in his shoulder.
Mark finished the door before Ben was finished with his supper, and joined the lawman in the mess tent. "I think we need to have a private talk," he said down low. Ben nodded, as his mouth was full of the crispy hot, elk steak. Helga walked over with the coffee pot and a generous slice of gingerbread with whipped cream.
"Mark, vould you like a slice? If yous eats one and takes one to Mr. Vane, I cans make another tomorrow." Mark accepted another large chunk smothered in the sweetened white topping and Helga poured him coffee. "Thank yous for the vonderful stove. It cooks good and fast." she gave her cook's approval to the huge sheepherder's wood burning stove.
From somewhere in the many boxes stacked against the far wall of the tent, Helga rummaged around and came up with a good sized plastic bowl that she filled with the remaining dessert. A piece of well used tin foil and a spoon completed her care package to Wayne.
Leaving the two men, the cook and Helmer retired for the night to their tent. Mark shouldered his rifle, picked up the bowl and carried two over sized mugs of coffee with the other hand. Ben grabbed his rifle and coffee and they stepped out side of the warm tent and let their eyes adjust to the total darkness.
The moon was waxing, just a sliver of light and the largeness of the star ceiling brought a peace to their wounded hearts. Ben stepped out, mostly remembering the layout of the area, and whistled. In the distance, Wayne returned the sound and the two men headed his way.
Wayne took the coffee mug and sweet and the three of them walked toward the former town site. Mark backtracked their movements to see if they had been followed, and came back to the meeting to express his current distrust of Helga and Helmer.
"I can't put my finger on the reason, but there is an aura of suspicion they walk around in. I've been around Clora long enough, that her feelings are rubbing off on me. Some times I catch Helmer glaring at me out of the corner of my eye. He's quick enough to look else where if I turn toward him, but I don't trust him." Mark said flatly.
"For as much as Helga spoils us with extra helpings and such, I have to agree that he is standoffish and unreadable." Wayne said between bites.
""If we didn't have Helga cooking, our women would be worn to a frazzle caring for the children and doing the work they do, and cooking on top of it all. And now Lainey has gone bonkers over the boy. I think it is almost an unhealthy obsession, but the child needs caring for, so I haven't said anything." Ben was tired, and his voice trailed off.
"Let me start the unpleasant reason we came out here tonight," Mark spoke low, not wanting his deep voice to carry on the night air. "I have the back road in here shut off, camouflaged and obstructed for vehicles. Wayne, could you top dress the grader road so we can use that in case of emergency, and Ben can come and go in any weather?"
"Sure, tomorrow as soon as the frost leaves the ground," Wayne agreed.
"Ben, how was the shooting called in?"
"I was almost to the station when the dispatcher hollered at me that the mess had been discovered. I gassed up and took off, but that's a hour's drive going around that way. There was quite a traffic jam happening by the time I got there. A newspaper reporter was busy snapping pictures and it was decided by all there, that it looked like a gang shooting. I kinda agreed, but made no commitment."
"The thing is guy's, I can't handle the stress and strain of being involved with this type of shoot outs. Both mentally, physically, emotionally and morally, I get sick to my stomach and can't sleep. The fact that we decided not to report any more of these happenings, is stressing me further. Too me it feels like wanton killings," he finally managed to say.
"It is," and Mark stressed the 'is', "self defense in it's purest form. It was kill or watch our children be killed and probably ourselves."
That was a harsh and stark assessment, but a true one concerning the situation. "I agree," Wayne jumped in before Ben could protest, "think about how the earth would be if one of the kids had been killed. I tell ya, I had the best time singing silly songs wit Anne, I couldn't stand to think about her being shot."
"I'm wrestling with my conscience constantly," Ben said dispiritedly.
"Well Ben," Mark said with a growl, "I'd say you are in the wrong profession if you aren't willing to use your weapon when necessary."
"I didn't say THAT," Ben protested; "it's the lying by omission that crushes me."
"Well confess to God, but leave mortal man out of the equitation," Mark snapped back. "Look, I don't have all the answers, all I know is what I read in the Bible; and that says that a husband is to lead and protect his family. Look at all the examples in the Old Testament where force was needed and applied after prayer."
"He's right Ben," Wayne interjected softly. "That's precisely what the Bible says. And there's a good reason God wants it that way. That's to prevent killing, slavery and all manner of brutal atrocities upon innocent people."
"OK, for the sake of getting some badly needed sleep, I'll agree for tonight. I don't think any of my colleagues suspect any thing different than the gang connotation, so I'll leave it at that." Ben yawned. "Thanks for putting up the door, I heard the hammering when I came in."
"How about I take over watch?" Mark asked Wayne. "Ben you sleep on through, we need you to be rested and sharp tomorrow to deal with the aftermath of the shooting. Is little Benny sleeping through the night?"
Ben said "yeah, as long as he is close to Lainey, he does. Com'on Wayne, let's make tracks. Thanks man, I owe ya one." he told Mark.
Mark waited until they were gone before he moved silently to another position. The night was velvet dark and alive with the chirping of crickets and the croaking of frogs. Way off in the distance there was a faint coyote howl and then an answer from further away. The night noise fell silent as Wayne and Ben passed by, giving Mark their location all the way back to the camp.
Mark struggled to stay awake through the night and right then, he decided his age was his main deterrent to staying awake all day and then all night. He was good and ready to make his way to the mess tent when the early morning wind wafted the smell of woodsmoke and coffee his way.
Standing next to the stove to thaw his cold old bones, Mark gulped the scalding hot coffee and ate one of the first pancakes off the grill slathered with butter.
"You vere outs there, all nights?" Helga was disapproving, thinking the man needed to be home vith his family's.
"Yes I was, and we have Blackie on guard at the cabin," he accurately read the cook's thoughts.
"OKay's," she relented and buttered up the second flapjack and rolled it up, offering it to Mark. "Iss good's you keeps us safe, now eats more, you are gettings skinny. Vorks too muches, all you men's do."
Helmer came in the tent with a steaming, foamy pail of milk. He waited momentarily as Helga seated the strainer in the gallon jar and held it steady for him to pour the milk. Mark reached over and flipped the closest done hotcakes on the waiting plate and had them buttered and covered with syrup before Helga could turn around.
"Ja, eats good, in moments the sausage vill be dones. More coffee's?" she moved efficiently around her domain, handing Helmer coffee with two spoons of sugar and five drips of cream. "Sit's, sit's," she ordered and bustled getting Helmer his plateful.
Clora was the next one in the tent, her eyes instantly found Mark's and she smiled just for him. It was easy to see she was taking inventory, making sure he was alright after his night of guard duty. Mark appreciated her concern, and scooted over so she could set next to him.
Clora poured herself coffee and sat close. "The kids are still sleeping soundly, Blackie is on guard. I'm sure glad he found us, he is worth his dog food."
"I have the pickup full of food and stock feed," Mark said aloud, "but I think I will take a quick nap before I start in."
"I'll help unload," Wayne came in and headed straight for the stove. "I sure hated to roust out this morning, it's cold."
"What's the latest Helga? When's the next storm coming in?"
"Tomorrow's," she replied. "Muches rain."
"Well that settles what I'm doing today, the road needs fixed so Ben can come and go without problems. I think I will cut a trench away from the cook tent to drain this low area. Anyone know of any other problems?" Wayne started his breakfast with gusto.
"The cow's pen," Helmer said after some thought. "Ve need to drains the water froms the trough avay froms the horse pens. Bads for the horse's feets."
"Helga and Helmer, how about we move you into Ev and Cheryl's cabin?" Wayne asked, generously offering his space to the older couple.
They looked at each other and Helga declined. "Noes thanks you, ve prefer to be here, nears the cook tent. Is muches handy for us."
Ben, Lainey and Benny were the next in. Lainey gave Benny a small chunk of pancake to hold while she got their plates ready. He looked at it, and it went straight to his mouth. Clora and Mark were watching and smiled at the boy.
"He knows what to do with the grub," Mark approved, as the child reached for more pancake.
"It's our cabin's turn today," Mark passed the plate of cakes and sausage to Ben. "Window's and the door. Helga says we are going to have rain tomorrow, so we need everyone dried in and secure. Let me know if you have any needs." he yawned and looked up in gratitude as his kids came stomping in the tent. "Oh, now I can go get some sleep. See everyone later." and he was out the tent flap.
Momma's helped children with breakfast, Ben finished his meal and left for work, Wayne lounged back and enjoyed a leisurely second cup of coffee and Helga and Helmer finally sat down to eat.
Morning at Wade's was pretty much the same, only accomplished easier with modern utensils. Christy protested once again that she could easily get herself to school, but Toby would hear none of it. He remembered Mark's admonition that he protect his darling morning and night; so he finished his oatmeal and grabbed his coat. "No grousing," he said softly as they pulled out of the driveway, "this is the only time we have to ourselves, don't deprive me, please."
Of course Christy couldn't refuse such a pretty plea, especially from her strong, handsome husband, and she told him so.
Wade and Willie were headed into Wade's office for another cleanup of his old files, and Ev and Cheryl had a standing appointment for physical therapy at the hospital and the van would be by soon to pick them up.
Toby stopped at the library and with some detective work on the computer found several sites that listed some of the more common questions for the GED. He filled a note book full of the questions and answers, and suddenly felt good about his studying. He knew every answer. The library also had the daily paper, and Toby discovered he liked to keep up with current events.
Toby thought about the pressure he was getting from Wade to become a lawyer. The idea was appealing, he liked the study and had started reading some of Wade's first year law books. He read quietly in the bedroom, while Christy studied hard at her desk. Occasionally she used him for a 'patient' and at first it was bandages, then the rest of the study.
It was always hard for Toby to go back to reading after such activity, but he let Christy set the pace.
When Wade and Willie got to Wade's office, there were signs of a break in. Willie dialed 911 and handed the phone to Wade while he went to investigate. Whomever had broken in, was still there, and Willie got a bonk on the head and a punch in the gut for not being careful. Wade got a bullet in his shoulder.
Ack!!! Moar please?
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac it's a good morning when I find a new post from you.
Wayne
Wayne