sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Lainey would be a real help in a bad situation NOT. THank you.
If I thought for one miserable minute......
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#21
Benny was the closest person to Laney. J shouted a warning and Benny looked up to see the woman slump and gain speed coming straight at him. He got an armful of Lainey as she slid not so gracefully into a heap with Benny pinned underneath. .
There was an "ommmph," and Benny was silent. An explosion of arms, feet and legs happened all at once and Benny's hands wound up in a most compromising hold on the voluptuous lady in his arms. Benny blushed neon red, the kind of color that pulsated with embarrassment from the very center of his being.
"Ahh,....Ahh,...Ahh," he gurgled throatily. "A little help, please." About that time Lainey stirred, creating another situation Benny would have been happy to avoid. As she struggled to free herself from the terrorist holding her captive, Lainey smacked Benny in the eye and started fighting like a cornered wildcat.
"Lainey, Lainey," Clora shouted; "it's OK, that's my brother. Don't hit him.!" Alan laid his hand on the reins, and stroked Patton on the nose. The gelding blew, and then inhaled the sent of the tall man in front of him.
J went to help Benny untangle himself from the comely lady sprawled over his scrawny frame. Benny was thinking a rapid 'humm this doesn't feel half bad,' and Lainey was thinking just as rapidly, that she was in a bad position for a proper young lady.
Clora tried to swing her leg over the saddle to dismount, and found her muscles frozen. She managed to kick her feet from the stirrups and swing herself down like an novice rider. Clinging to the saddle horn she managed to stay up right, but felt so foolish to show such weakness in front of a stranger.
Alan put his hand across the back of the swaying woman as she looked like she was going to fall. He wasn't so old that he couldn't appreciate the ripple of feminine muscle under his palm, but it was so dark, he couldn't make out her features. She obviously knew Benny, so he'd find out from him who she might be.
Evie tucked Christy in bed with a story and a kiss. "I'm glad your my Granny," Christy's arms locked around Evie's neck. "I like it here."
"I'm very happy you are here, honey. It sounds like your Mama will be home tomorrow, but you are welcome to come over anytime," Evie took Christy's sweet little face between her hands and kissed the child on the forehead, "sleep tight," she whispered.
Sandy was finishing up the dishes as Evie came back into the kitchen. "Thank you dear," she praised, "I am plumb tired out tonight. I played hard today," she joked softly.
"What do you think about me working for Mizz Cheryl?" Sandy asked while staring out the window. The night a blackout curtain falling outside the sill; the Hanson household all buttoned up for the night.
"I'm sorry I didn't ask before I told Mizz Cheryl that I would help, but she wanted to come home real bad. And,...she had to have somebody there before Doc would let her go home."
"It's fine Sandy. It's going to be hard work, but I'm here and will help in anyway I can," Evie promised. "Have you thought about how it's going to affect you seeing Wayne so much?" Evie probed gently.
Sandy thought, trust Grandma to get right to the heart of the problem. "If I am going to prove how grown up I am, I will have to deal with it," Sandy chewed on her lip, turning around to look at her Grandmother.
"Yes, that in itself is a grown up response. I approve of the maturity you are showing. I don't have anything against Wayne, but I think you are acting more grown up." Evie reached for Sandy's hand and squeezed it briefly. "You are going to be a great kid. This weather," she thumped her knuckles on the table, "is going to be terrible to deal with. Do you still have the necessary items in your pocket?"
"Yes, and a couple more. Wayne wants me to carry a striking rod for starting fires, and a coiled up wire saw. He also favors a fixed blade," Sandy curled back a corner of her shirt to show the small straight blade in a handmade sheath. He made me a carrier, he's really handy." Sandy bragged a little on Wayne. Evie just nodded. There wasn't anyway she could or would say anything to ruin the moment.
Benny was the closest person to Laney. J shouted a warning and Benny looked up to see the woman slump and gain speed coming straight at him. He got an armful of Lainey as she slid not so gracefully into a heap with Benny pinned underneath. .
There was an "ommmph," and Benny was silent. An explosion of arms, feet and legs happened all at once and Benny's hands wound up in a most compromising hold on the voluptuous lady in his arms. Benny blushed neon red, the kind of color that pulsated with embarrassment from the very center of his being.
"Ahh,....Ahh,...Ahh," he gurgled throatily. "A little help, please." About that time Lainey stirred, creating another situation Benny would have been happy to avoid. As she struggled to free herself from the terrorist holding her captive, Lainey smacked Benny in the eye and started fighting like a cornered wildcat.
"Lainey, Lainey," Clora shouted; "it's OK, that's my brother. Don't hit him.!" Alan laid his hand on the reins, and stroked Patton on the nose. The gelding blew, and then inhaled the sent of the tall man in front of him.
J went to help Benny untangle himself from the comely lady sprawled over his scrawny frame. Benny was thinking a rapid 'humm this doesn't feel half bad,' and Lainey was thinking just as rapidly, that she was in a bad position for a proper young lady.
Clora tried to swing her leg over the saddle to dismount, and found her muscles frozen. She managed to kick her feet from the stirrups and swing herself down like an novice rider. Clinging to the saddle horn she managed to stay up right, but felt so foolish to show such weakness in front of a stranger.
Alan put his hand across the back of the swaying woman as she looked like she was going to fall. He wasn't so old that he couldn't appreciate the ripple of feminine muscle under his palm, but it was so dark, he couldn't make out her features. She obviously knew Benny, so he'd find out from him who she might be.
Evie tucked Christy in bed with a story and a kiss. "I'm glad your my Granny," Christy's arms locked around Evie's neck. "I like it here."
"I'm very happy you are here, honey. It sounds like your Mama will be home tomorrow, but you are welcome to come over anytime," Evie took Christy's sweet little face between her hands and kissed the child on the forehead, "sleep tight," she whispered.
Sandy was finishing up the dishes as Evie came back into the kitchen. "Thank you dear," she praised, "I am plumb tired out tonight. I played hard today," she joked softly.
"What do you think about me working for Mizz Cheryl?" Sandy asked while staring out the window. The night a blackout curtain falling outside the sill; the Hanson household all buttoned up for the night.
"I'm sorry I didn't ask before I told Mizz Cheryl that I would help, but she wanted to come home real bad. And,...she had to have somebody there before Doc would let her go home."
"It's fine Sandy. It's going to be hard work, but I'm here and will help in anyway I can," Evie promised. "Have you thought about how it's going to affect you seeing Wayne so much?" Evie probed gently.
Sandy thought, trust Grandma to get right to the heart of the problem. "If I am going to prove how grown up I am, I will have to deal with it," Sandy chewed on her lip, turning around to look at her Grandmother.
"Yes, that in itself is a grown up response. I approve of the maturity you are showing. I don't have anything against Wayne, but I think you are acting more grown up." Evie reached for Sandy's hand and squeezed it briefly. "You are going to be a great kid. This weather," she thumped her knuckles on the table, "is going to be terrible to deal with. Do you still have the necessary items in your pocket?"
"Yes, and a couple more. Wayne wants me to carry a striking rod for starting fires, and a coiled up wire saw. He also favors a fixed blade," Sandy curled back a corner of her shirt to show the small straight blade in a handmade sheath. He made me a carrier, he's really handy." Sandy bragged a little on Wayne. Evie just nodded. There wasn't anyway she could or would say anything to ruin the moment.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
AH a a love interest for Benny 
.
.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#22
J wanted so badly to tease Benny; the young man far too uptight and serious in his job, not to mention his non-existent social life. But, he had discovered Benny was lacking a sense of humor concerning most things and delightful looking young ladies seemed to be at the head of the list.
The women were brought in and bedded down in the jail. Lainey only complained once about the accommodations, and Clora ignored her. Benny and J listened intently to the news the ladies brought, while Alan lounged casually against the file cabinet. He carefully examined the girls as they spoke, categorizing facial expressions, eye movements and looking hard for deceitful mannerisms.
Alan had the two pigeonholed as young, naive and no threat. His training had kicked in without his realization, but the scowl etched on his hard face was intimidating. The fact he said nothing, just stood watching herself and Lainey kinda rankled Clora. She was getting ready to say something, when Benny caught her eye and made a slight negative movement with his head.
Both J and Alan caught the wordless communication between brother and sister, but, if they hadn't been trained professionals they would have missed it.
Of all the Apperton kids, Clora and Benny had the best of their almost telepathic ability. Grandma had it also, but they didn't know to what degree. She was real careful and cagey with her aptitude. They had tested her, thinking hard on an item, and she had only smiled and walked away from their busy, over calculating mischief.
It looked like Auntie Inga and Grandma could do the same thing, but they kept cool about it. Now Sandra seemed to not have any of the ability at all. She never showed a sign of understanding and got upset when they used it. In fact, the 'thinking' could always make Sandy flare with temper, if she caught them exercising the ability.
Lainey was staring in open adoration at Alan. Clora could see the wheels turning in her mind as soft laughter trickled from her lips, and small fluttery hand movements called attention to herself. What a bunch of hooey, Clora thought, giving an inelegant snort through her nose. What a sickening display from a person who should know better.
Clora could feel the danger radiating from Alan. It was easy to understand that he wasn't a man in her league. This was a 'big dog'
as far as hounds go. Clora felt a sense of agreement from Benny and bobbed her head yes. The unconscious exchange between the brother and sister totally missed by Lainey, but not the other two.
Clora went to check on the horses the next morning. The geldings standing stiff and cranky from overuse. Clora talked to them, running her hands over their legs looking for hot spots and evidence of tying up. She was well aware she was shadowed by Alan, as she went about her business. Whatever he was; he was down right annoying, sneaking around as he was doing.
Clora had met Lainey in September when they both started new teaching jobs. The school was in the district that enrolled the students from Evergreen, so she got to see Sandy on a regular basis. It helped with the beginning homesickness she felt. Grandma had given them such a good homeschooling basis in their education, both she and Benny had challenged and aced the college SAT's.
They had been weak in chemistry and calculus, but had good study habits and their curiosity to learn was rewarded by hard work.
Clora used a shop towel to groom Patton and Sherman, the old unused woodshed behind the Sheriff's office the nearest thing to a barn.
J wanted so badly to tease Benny; the young man far too uptight and serious in his job, not to mention his non-existent social life. But, he had discovered Benny was lacking a sense of humor concerning most things and delightful looking young ladies seemed to be at the head of the list.
The women were brought in and bedded down in the jail. Lainey only complained once about the accommodations, and Clora ignored her. Benny and J listened intently to the news the ladies brought, while Alan lounged casually against the file cabinet. He carefully examined the girls as they spoke, categorizing facial expressions, eye movements and looking hard for deceitful mannerisms.
Alan had the two pigeonholed as young, naive and no threat. His training had kicked in without his realization, but the scowl etched on his hard face was intimidating. The fact he said nothing, just stood watching herself and Lainey kinda rankled Clora. She was getting ready to say something, when Benny caught her eye and made a slight negative movement with his head.
Both J and Alan caught the wordless communication between brother and sister, but, if they hadn't been trained professionals they would have missed it.
Of all the Apperton kids, Clora and Benny had the best of their almost telepathic ability. Grandma had it also, but they didn't know to what degree. She was real careful and cagey with her aptitude. They had tested her, thinking hard on an item, and she had only smiled and walked away from their busy, over calculating mischief.
It looked like Auntie Inga and Grandma could do the same thing, but they kept cool about it. Now Sandra seemed to not have any of the ability at all. She never showed a sign of understanding and got upset when they used it. In fact, the 'thinking' could always make Sandy flare with temper, if she caught them exercising the ability.
Lainey was staring in open adoration at Alan. Clora could see the wheels turning in her mind as soft laughter trickled from her lips, and small fluttery hand movements called attention to herself. What a bunch of hooey, Clora thought, giving an inelegant snort through her nose. What a sickening display from a person who should know better.
Clora could feel the danger radiating from Alan. It was easy to understand that he wasn't a man in her league. This was a 'big dog'
as far as hounds go. Clora felt a sense of agreement from Benny and bobbed her head yes. The unconscious exchange between the brother and sister totally missed by Lainey, but not the other two.
Clora went to check on the horses the next morning. The geldings standing stiff and cranky from overuse. Clora talked to them, running her hands over their legs looking for hot spots and evidence of tying up. She was well aware she was shadowed by Alan, as she went about her business. Whatever he was; he was down right annoying, sneaking around as he was doing.
Clora had met Lainey in September when they both started new teaching jobs. The school was in the district that enrolled the students from Evergreen, so she got to see Sandy on a regular basis. It helped with the beginning homesickness she felt. Grandma had given them such a good homeschooling basis in their education, both she and Benny had challenged and aced the college SAT's.
They had been weak in chemistry and calculus, but had good study habits and their curiosity to learn was rewarded by hard work.
Clora used a shop towel to groom Patton and Sherman, the old unused woodshed behind the Sheriff's office the nearest thing to a barn.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you , now its back to work I go.
Ooooh, I like the "thinking". We call it "knowing".
Dad & I had an intense version of it. He said it was hereditary but never elaborated. The connection could be eerie at times & was frequently annoying (to me) in my wild & woolly youth. That it existed still irritates my mother, even though Dad died in '97.
None of the rest of my siblings have it although one sister can smell when a known relative's death (no matter the cause) is imminent if she's near me within a week of it happening. She says I "stink" of roses.
My twins have it.
None of my other children have it.
DD#2's (my oldest twin) twins have it.
&
my oldest grandson (we believe it was my Dad's dying gift to his newborn first great-grandson) & I have it ---
To our knowledge, none of my other grandchildren have it. At least, not yet.
Dad & I had an intense version of it. He said it was hereditary but never elaborated. The connection could be eerie at times & was frequently annoying (to me) in my wild & woolly youth. That it existed still irritates my mother, even though Dad died in '97.
None of the rest of my siblings have it although one sister can smell when a known relative's death (no matter the cause) is imminent if she's near me within a week of it happening. She says I "stink" of roses.
My twins have it.
None of my other children have it.
DD#2's (my oldest twin) twins have it.
&
my oldest grandson (we believe it was my Dad's dying gift to his newborn first great-grandson) & I have it ---
To our knowledge, none of my other grandchildren have it. At least, not yet.
It's nice to be able to come back and have a few good chapters to read. You're doing it again, Pac, reeling us in until we're begging for more. 
Please!
Please!PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#23
Clora ignored the men as she finished her inspection of the horses. Lainey appeared ready to travel, and Benny handed a note to Clora to take to their Grandmother. "Watch for crazy Ev," he cautioned. "He's taking Cheryl home this morning, she's been sick with something."
Clora nodded, favored Benny with a smile, turned her back and swung up on Patton. "Thank you for the room," she laughed and settled in the saddle.
"Come anytime," Benny invited. Lainey had a small problem with her stirrup that required help from both Benny and Alan; but the men resolved the undone buckle and helped the eyelash fluttering blonde into the saddle. Sitting down with an ear splitting shriek, she stood in the stirrups just as rapidly. "Oh, I hurt," Lainey used her most pathetic voice, artfully trailing her sentence off into a small whimper.
Clora could see Benny bite his lower lip, and brush his hand over his face to hide his amused smile. Alan looked annoyed but walked toward Clora. Clora clamped her leg into Patton, forcing the gelding into sidepassing around and pivoting to land on the other side of Lainey. "Thanks," she called out in a cheery voice, "see ya all later."
Clora urged Patton into a fast walk, Sherman trotting to catch up. Lainey bounced in the saddle, her plumpness a aching cushion between her bones and the smooth leather. Lainey had a bit of trouble gathering her reins, to get a grip on Sherm but she flailed her arms around and grabbed leather.
"For heaven's sake," she fussed loudly; "what are you doing.?"
Clora turned around in the saddle and said in a falsely sweet voice,"why I'm in a terrible hurry to see Grandmother, I've been worried about her with all the earthquake problems."
Beyond the bouncing Lainey, the three men stood with spread feet and folded arms. One happy man that his sister had arrived safely; two unhappy gentleman that they had no information.
Clora ignored the men as she finished her inspection of the horses. Lainey appeared ready to travel, and Benny handed a note to Clora to take to their Grandmother. "Watch for crazy Ev," he cautioned. "He's taking Cheryl home this morning, she's been sick with something."
Clora nodded, favored Benny with a smile, turned her back and swung up on Patton. "Thank you for the room," she laughed and settled in the saddle.
"Come anytime," Benny invited. Lainey had a small problem with her stirrup that required help from both Benny and Alan; but the men resolved the undone buckle and helped the eyelash fluttering blonde into the saddle. Sitting down with an ear splitting shriek, she stood in the stirrups just as rapidly. "Oh, I hurt," Lainey used her most pathetic voice, artfully trailing her sentence off into a small whimper.
Clora could see Benny bite his lower lip, and brush his hand over his face to hide his amused smile. Alan looked annoyed but walked toward Clora. Clora clamped her leg into Patton, forcing the gelding into sidepassing around and pivoting to land on the other side of Lainey. "Thanks," she called out in a cheery voice, "see ya all later."
Clora urged Patton into a fast walk, Sherman trotting to catch up. Lainey bounced in the saddle, her plumpness a aching cushion between her bones and the smooth leather. Lainey had a bit of trouble gathering her reins, to get a grip on Sherm but she flailed her arms around and grabbed leather.
"For heaven's sake," she fussed loudly; "what are you doing.?"
Clora turned around in the saddle and said in a falsely sweet voice,"why I'm in a terrible hurry to see Grandmother, I've been worried about her with all the earthquake problems."
Beyond the bouncing Lainey, the three men stood with spread feet and folded arms. One happy man that his sister had arrived safely; two unhappy gentleman that they had no information.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Sorry that I have been disjointed; Mr. Pac has been causing problems. He is a mite spoiled; and now has had to be transferred to a nursing home for further care and physical therapy. I usually have all the time in the world to attend to his needs; and the poor ladies at the nursing home are swamped with work.
LOL, he has come up against a lady [the charge nurse] he refers to as 'the she dragon." She doesn't scare, she can't be bluffed and she has laid down the law. Dear hubby has has to revise all his operating procedures. If I can't keep my humor, I would be lost.
The foundation for the addition is now poured. We have rain that is practually floating the concrete, but the guys are working anyway. They are a blessing.
When I was a kid, I had a horse named 'Trigger' and I taught that smart horse to open gates, count, and kneel. He taught me to come get him [when he opened the gate], to shoe his right front foot [when he wore out the shoe by counting,] and to jump off gracefully, [when he decided to kneel at inopportune times]. I like horses and have a pair of Patton's and Sherman's in the pasture.
Thanks for reading, it make's my day to have people comment.
LOL, he has come up against a lady [the charge nurse] he refers to as 'the she dragon." She doesn't scare, she can't be bluffed and she has laid down the law. Dear hubby has has to revise all his operating procedures. If I can't keep my humor, I would be lost.
The foundation for the addition is now poured. We have rain that is practually floating the concrete, but the guys are working anyway. They are a blessing.
When I was a kid, I had a horse named 'Trigger' and I taught that smart horse to open gates, count, and kneel. He taught me to come get him [when he opened the gate], to shoe his right front foot [when he wore out the shoe by counting,] and to jump off gracefully, [when he decided to kneel at inopportune times]. I like horses and have a pair of Patton's and Sherman's in the pasture.
Thanks for reading, it make's my day to have people comment.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Hope your dh gets to copeing well with his stay there. I love horses to, had one off and on when I was young.
I am loving this story, I look for new additions first thing when I come to TB2K. I really like your writing style and I can't wait for Evie to pull out her cabbage stomper again. I will admit that I had to Google cabbage stomper 'cause I had no idea what it was, but now I want one. Its like an old lady baseball bat. lol
When my mom went into the care home she met her "dragon Lady". They did end up being friends after my mom came to gripes with the notion that her wants didn't make the rest of the work stop turning.
When my mom went into the care home she met her "dragon Lady". They did end up being friends after my mom came to gripes with the notion that her wants didn't make the rest of the work stop turning.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#24
Evie smothered Clora with a bone cracking hug. Clora held her Grandmother at arm's length so the dear, sweet old lady wouldn't permanently damage her neck. Tears glistening in her eyes and spilling emotion thick in her voice, Evie looked Clora over twice to be sure she was truly OK.
"Grandma, this is Lainey. Lainey this is my Grandma Evie. She answers to any form of Grandma, and usually can't hear anything else." Clora teased as she opened her arms to bring Sandy into the hug.
"Look at you," Clora admonished Sandra. "Goodness how you have grown, and you too Christy. How old are you now?"
Christy felt a little shy, but allowed herself to be drawn into the circle. "Is this girl power?" she wanted to know.
"Yes," Clora said firmly. "The best people make the finest power." she turned to ask Evie, "Grandma, is there any coffee? Benny had the weakest liquid I've ever had. I need the real thing!" Laughing, Clora tickled Christy and put her arm around Sandy and grabbed Lainey with the other. "Oh, it smells so good in here, have you been making cookies?" she pulled them all into the house.
"Inky," she enthused, "You old mutt, how are you?" Inky got up and leaned into Clora's hand, the stroking motion causing him to smile showing all of his fearsome teeth.
Lainey reacted by scampering around the end of the table, putting distance between herself and that monster sized dog. Inky opened one lazy eye and fixed his gaze on Lainey, dismissing her as a forgettable entity, as he luxuriated in Clora's attention.
Evie poured coffee for everyone, cookies piled on a plate slid on the table. Lainey raised her brow at the mug of coffee Evie doctored for Christy as they all sat down. Taking a healthy swig of the glistening black brew, Lainey choked as the strength of the liquid slammed into her mouth. Coughing and sputtering, she set the mug down abruptly and hot coffee sloshed on her hand. The stinging, blistering heat caused her to jerk her hand away, upsetting the mug on the table and splashing the near espresso strength liquid all over the cookie plate.
When it was all sopped up and quiet restored, Inky and Ruby both smiled thanks to Lainey for the soggy cookies they inhaled. Sharply drawing in her breath, startled by the duo showing such huge teeth, Lainey started to complain to Clora about there being such savage animals loose in the house.
A horn tooted in the driveway, causing more commotion. "Mommy, Daddy, they're here. Ruby, Ruby, let's go!" Christy was shouting as she pushed back from the table. Ruby was streaking under the table, a straight line the closest way to get to the door and her beloved master.
Lainey moved her chair back and started to get to her feet to see what was happening, when all 45 pounds of Ruby hit her with the force of a rolling boulder. Buckling the plump woman's feet in a slow motion roll, Lainey hit the floor with a sickening snap of her left wrist. Ruby didn't slow down, Lainey was only an inconvenience to go through or around to get to Ev.
Ev opened the kitchen door in time to see and hear Lainey break her wrist, and be hit with the full force of his dog jumping on him.
Once again coffee spilled, splashing across the table to drip it's fresh scalding hotness on helpless Lainey, moaning in pain on the floor.
Inky thought it was all disgusting, but went looking for the milky coffee from Christy's cup. He slurped and lapped up the sweet goodness, all the while inching closer to Lainey. His plumy tail sailing majestically back and forth, touched Lainey on the side of her face. Lainey fainted in fright.
Ev took the hit from Ruby staggering back wards, slamming into the kitchen door, splintering the top hinge from the frame. The door knob dug deep into Ev's back muscles, and he slid down the rough, weather beaten wood to smack his head on the edge of the sill.
From the cab of the pickup, it looked to Cheryl like Ev had been brutally attacked the instant he entered the kitchen. Grabbing her glock from the glove box, she jerked open the pickup door and went storming into the fray. Her husband and child were in that house.
Evie smothered Clora with a bone cracking hug. Clora held her Grandmother at arm's length so the dear, sweet old lady wouldn't permanently damage her neck. Tears glistening in her eyes and spilling emotion thick in her voice, Evie looked Clora over twice to be sure she was truly OK.
"Grandma, this is Lainey. Lainey this is my Grandma Evie. She answers to any form of Grandma, and usually can't hear anything else." Clora teased as she opened her arms to bring Sandy into the hug.
"Look at you," Clora admonished Sandra. "Goodness how you have grown, and you too Christy. How old are you now?"
Christy felt a little shy, but allowed herself to be drawn into the circle. "Is this girl power?" she wanted to know.
"Yes," Clora said firmly. "The best people make the finest power." she turned to ask Evie, "Grandma, is there any coffee? Benny had the weakest liquid I've ever had. I need the real thing!" Laughing, Clora tickled Christy and put her arm around Sandy and grabbed Lainey with the other. "Oh, it smells so good in here, have you been making cookies?" she pulled them all into the house.
"Inky," she enthused, "You old mutt, how are you?" Inky got up and leaned into Clora's hand, the stroking motion causing him to smile showing all of his fearsome teeth.
Lainey reacted by scampering around the end of the table, putting distance between herself and that monster sized dog. Inky opened one lazy eye and fixed his gaze on Lainey, dismissing her as a forgettable entity, as he luxuriated in Clora's attention.
Evie poured coffee for everyone, cookies piled on a plate slid on the table. Lainey raised her brow at the mug of coffee Evie doctored for Christy as they all sat down. Taking a healthy swig of the glistening black brew, Lainey choked as the strength of the liquid slammed into her mouth. Coughing and sputtering, she set the mug down abruptly and hot coffee sloshed on her hand. The stinging, blistering heat caused her to jerk her hand away, upsetting the mug on the table and splashing the near espresso strength liquid all over the cookie plate.
When it was all sopped up and quiet restored, Inky and Ruby both smiled thanks to Lainey for the soggy cookies they inhaled. Sharply drawing in her breath, startled by the duo showing such huge teeth, Lainey started to complain to Clora about there being such savage animals loose in the house.
A horn tooted in the driveway, causing more commotion. "Mommy, Daddy, they're here. Ruby, Ruby, let's go!" Christy was shouting as she pushed back from the table. Ruby was streaking under the table, a straight line the closest way to get to the door and her beloved master.
Lainey moved her chair back and started to get to her feet to see what was happening, when all 45 pounds of Ruby hit her with the force of a rolling boulder. Buckling the plump woman's feet in a slow motion roll, Lainey hit the floor with a sickening snap of her left wrist. Ruby didn't slow down, Lainey was only an inconvenience to go through or around to get to Ev.
Ev opened the kitchen door in time to see and hear Lainey break her wrist, and be hit with the full force of his dog jumping on him.
Once again coffee spilled, splashing across the table to drip it's fresh scalding hotness on helpless Lainey, moaning in pain on the floor.
Inky thought it was all disgusting, but went looking for the milky coffee from Christy's cup. He slurped and lapped up the sweet goodness, all the while inching closer to Lainey. His plumy tail sailing majestically back and forth, touched Lainey on the side of her face. Lainey fainted in fright.
Ev took the hit from Ruby staggering back wards, slamming into the kitchen door, splintering the top hinge from the frame. The door knob dug deep into Ev's back muscles, and he slid down the rough, weather beaten wood to smack his head on the edge of the sill.
From the cab of the pickup, it looked to Cheryl like Ev had been brutally attacked the instant he entered the kitchen. Grabbing her glock from the glove box, she jerked open the pickup door and went storming into the fray. Her husband and child were in that house.
No3buckshot
Deceased
PacNorWest,
Great story. Matter of fact, a great trio of stories.
You are one of the writers I followed over here from the arboreal rodent site.
Keep em coming, PLEASE?
Buckshot
Great story. Matter of fact, a great trio of stories.
You are one of the writers I followed over here from the arboreal rodent site.
Keep em coming, PLEASE?
Buckshot
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
What a comedy of errors or accidents ack.
SheWoff
Southern by choice
LOLOL...what a comedy of errors! Pac, I do like your writing so much! And I think why is because I can see this all happening at my own home so very easily. Between my own kids, foster kids now grown, grands, etc...& the dogs lol. Sometimes I don't wonder if you haven't peeked in on my life in a few places. It's so nice to read a story that makes ya smile, wish you grew up to be the main character, got attached to them all and on and on.
My "adopted" dad is in the same situation as your hubby right now. He met his "dragon lady" too lol. But he's managed to smooth things over finally after a month. Maybe we will get him home next month before he turns the place the rest of the way upsidedown lol. As it stands now, most of the aides he's got wrapped around his little finger! Hope all works out just as well with your hubby!
She
My "adopted" dad is in the same situation as your hubby right now. He met his "dragon lady" too lol. But he's managed to smooth things over finally after a month. Maybe we will get him home next month before he turns the place the rest of the way upsidedown lol. As it stands now, most of the aides he's got wrapped around his little finger! Hope all works out just as well with your hubby!
She
Whoo boy! Those physical therapy nursing homes are all business. They seem to be the new one, two, three step to get out of the hospital these days. I know two people who went that route and the care they got was excellent. It certainly wasn't a cake walk but the results were good. Poor Mr. Pac. I am praying that from here on out things will smooth out for ya'll.
I really appreciate that you are posting new chapters. I am enjoying this story so much, and I never knew that a coffee and cookie affair could be so dangerous. lol Poor Lainey. Think something good will happen with her? Maybe with Benny, was it love at first flop?
I really appreciate that you are posting new chapters. I am enjoying this story so much, and I never knew that a coffee and cookie affair could be so dangerous. lol Poor Lainey. Think something good will happen with her? Maybe with Benny, was it love at first flop?
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
I think they will be doggone good and lucky if three events are the limit!
{Hint} the majority of trouble happens when the dogs get involved. Together, Ruby and Inky are a terrible twosome, perhaps joined by a stray? to make a three dog event?
{Hint} the majority of trouble happens when the dogs get involved. Together, Ruby and Inky are a terrible twosome, perhaps joined by a stray? to make a three dog event?
SheWoff
Southern by choice
Hummm, maybe one that got ran inland when the tsunami hit? Inky might not like that though...but then again, he would have someone around all the time to get into mischief with lol.
She
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#25
Lainey came back to consciousness with a berserk woman standing over her waving a gun and shouting hysterically. Christy was shrieking and screaming that somebody had killed her daddy, Ruby was barking nonstop, Cheryl was ranting and raving that she was going to blow Lainey to smithereens, and Lainey was crying in terror.
The only blessedly silent person was Ev, he was out like a light.
Evie took Christy by the hand and drug the inconsolable child to the living room, where it took all her skills to calm the child.
Clora had to grip Cheryl's gun hand and force it up, so no one would be accidentally shot. Cheryl had lost her grip on reality, and Clora wound up smacking her in the face to stop the explosive tirade.
Looking at Ruby, Clora shouted "OUT", and the racket diminished 90 percent. Ruby had to swipe Ev's face with her tongue, and the wet slurp brought him back around to the present.
Lainey crawled back under the table to prevent being stepped on; her wrist swelling rapidly. Holding her hand in a tight grip close to her chest, she sobbed in a pitiful, moaning way.
Inky had retreated to his spot behind the stove. He was mildly interested in all the goings on, but couldn't imagine all those women having such problems.
Clora let go of Cheryl, shaking her slightly to reinforce her spoken demand that she put the gun away. Cheryl was hard to convince that Ev was OK, if she would only go check him.
Twenty minutes later Clora had Cheryl home with Christy, Ruby and Sandy; Ev and Lainey in the pickup headed into town to see Doc.
Lainey got a splint and Ev got a rib wrap and a handful of muscle relaxants to stop the back spasms. Benny came hustling over to see what the problem was, alarmed that Ev's pickup was back in town so soon.
"What a hoot!" he laughed until he doubled over. "I can just see all that happening. What did Grandma think about the whole thing?"
"She looked so relieved that we were leaving, she waved with a big smile on her face." Clora chuckled. Brother and sister helped Ev and the pale and unusually subdued Lainey back into the pickup for the trip home.
Benny was already looking ahead to the workday that Ev was going to miss. "I think I can get Alan to run the hoe, is Wayne still going to run a shovel and grade the ditches?" he asked Ev, as he folded the lanky man into the passenger's seat and shut the door.
"Haven't seen him," Ev mumbled around the effects of the first pain capsule. "I think he's up at the house."
"I'll get a hold of him," Clora promised, "and have him drop by."
Benny nodded and went to find Alan.
Ev got stiffly out of his pickup, holding his upper torso straight as a ramrod. Drawing a deep breath, he cautiously moved into the house to lay down. Ruby curled in a tight ball, wishing to be unnoticed. Cheryl was already cozied on the couch, Christy playing on the floor with her dolls. Sandy moved around the kitchen, putting together a canned stew with biscuits.
Clora had stopped at the former Apperton house to alert Wayne, he wasn't there,so she left a note. Reaching the Hanson homestead, she gently handed Lainey into the house, bringing in the medical papers and medicine.
Evie had set her house to rights while the group had scattered. She welcomed Lainey in and settled the pale girl on the couch with warm tea and a snug quilt.
Clora went out to check on the horses and make sure they had water and feed. The ash continued to sprinkle down, and she shut one of the barn doors. Ev's pickup, was acting like the air filter was plugged, and Clora thought it probably was.
Clora let Evie know she was going over to Ev's. She wasn't sure Ev would remember to clear his filter, and she didn't want his pickup ruined. She popped the hood on the old Ford and removed the old ring filter. Tapping it gently over and over, she shook out a cupful or more of ash. It wasn't the best way to handle the problem, but would do until Ev could take over.
The evening was spreading slowly. The day birds singing their last notes, while the night noises rose in volume to take over. The frogs near the creek were croaking, and several loons called their haunting notes. The overcast sky was still leaking ash, but there was a peacefulness in the late spring air.
Suddenly Clora took off running like the hounds of hell were after her. She wrenched open the kitchen door and slammed the bolt home. Tersely she called to Evie, "Cut the lights. There are robbers out there."
Lainey came back to consciousness with a berserk woman standing over her waving a gun and shouting hysterically. Christy was shrieking and screaming that somebody had killed her daddy, Ruby was barking nonstop, Cheryl was ranting and raving that she was going to blow Lainey to smithereens, and Lainey was crying in terror.
The only blessedly silent person was Ev, he was out like a light.
Evie took Christy by the hand and drug the inconsolable child to the living room, where it took all her skills to calm the child.
Clora had to grip Cheryl's gun hand and force it up, so no one would be accidentally shot. Cheryl had lost her grip on reality, and Clora wound up smacking her in the face to stop the explosive tirade.
Looking at Ruby, Clora shouted "OUT", and the racket diminished 90 percent. Ruby had to swipe Ev's face with her tongue, and the wet slurp brought him back around to the present.
Lainey crawled back under the table to prevent being stepped on; her wrist swelling rapidly. Holding her hand in a tight grip close to her chest, she sobbed in a pitiful, moaning way.
Inky had retreated to his spot behind the stove. He was mildly interested in all the goings on, but couldn't imagine all those women having such problems.
Clora let go of Cheryl, shaking her slightly to reinforce her spoken demand that she put the gun away. Cheryl was hard to convince that Ev was OK, if she would only go check him.
Twenty minutes later Clora had Cheryl home with Christy, Ruby and Sandy; Ev and Lainey in the pickup headed into town to see Doc.
Lainey got a splint and Ev got a rib wrap and a handful of muscle relaxants to stop the back spasms. Benny came hustling over to see what the problem was, alarmed that Ev's pickup was back in town so soon.
"What a hoot!" he laughed until he doubled over. "I can just see all that happening. What did Grandma think about the whole thing?"
"She looked so relieved that we were leaving, she waved with a big smile on her face." Clora chuckled. Brother and sister helped Ev and the pale and unusually subdued Lainey back into the pickup for the trip home.
Benny was already looking ahead to the workday that Ev was going to miss. "I think I can get Alan to run the hoe, is Wayne still going to run a shovel and grade the ditches?" he asked Ev, as he folded the lanky man into the passenger's seat and shut the door.
"Haven't seen him," Ev mumbled around the effects of the first pain capsule. "I think he's up at the house."
"I'll get a hold of him," Clora promised, "and have him drop by."
Benny nodded and went to find Alan.
Ev got stiffly out of his pickup, holding his upper torso straight as a ramrod. Drawing a deep breath, he cautiously moved into the house to lay down. Ruby curled in a tight ball, wishing to be unnoticed. Cheryl was already cozied on the couch, Christy playing on the floor with her dolls. Sandy moved around the kitchen, putting together a canned stew with biscuits.
Clora had stopped at the former Apperton house to alert Wayne, he wasn't there,so she left a note. Reaching the Hanson homestead, she gently handed Lainey into the house, bringing in the medical papers and medicine.
Evie had set her house to rights while the group had scattered. She welcomed Lainey in and settled the pale girl on the couch with warm tea and a snug quilt.
Clora went out to check on the horses and make sure they had water and feed. The ash continued to sprinkle down, and she shut one of the barn doors. Ev's pickup, was acting like the air filter was plugged, and Clora thought it probably was.
Clora let Evie know she was going over to Ev's. She wasn't sure Ev would remember to clear his filter, and she didn't want his pickup ruined. She popped the hood on the old Ford and removed the old ring filter. Tapping it gently over and over, she shook out a cupful or more of ash. It wasn't the best way to handle the problem, but would do until Ev could take over.
The evening was spreading slowly. The day birds singing their last notes, while the night noises rose in volume to take over. The frogs near the creek were croaking, and several loons called their haunting notes. The overcast sky was still leaking ash, but there was a peacefulness in the late spring air.
Suddenly Clora took off running like the hounds of hell were after her. She wrenched open the kitchen door and slammed the bolt home. Tersely she called to Evie, "Cut the lights. There are robbers out there."
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#26
"Grandma, where's the rifle," Clora gasped as she cupped her hand around the oil lamp chimney and blew hard, extinguishing the flame. Damm, she burned her fingers, in her hurry. In the living room, Evie was instructing Lainey to get on the floor, against the interior wall.
In the darkness Clora could hear the shuffle of Grandma's slippers as she crossed the floor and came around the end of the table.
"Here," Evie whispered. "What's out there?"
"At least three men in the tree line behind the barn. Non military, looked real raggle-taggle, but rifles are rifles." she said flatly." I'm going to shoot three shots to alert Ev and Cheryl, I sure wish Wayne were home. I wonder where he's off too?"
Clora opened the door and ran off three shots. Carefully closing the door, she kept her eyes on the faint lights over at Ev's. Abruptly they went out, and three reports were heard. "Good," she told Evie, "they are on alert."
Not too much later as they sat in the dark, there were three more shots heard in the distance. "Wayne," Clora said to no one in particular. Years ago all the kids had decided that three shots, the universal distress sign, would be their signal to each other that there was trouble.
Clora concentrated on Benny, thinking that he needed to come home. Suddenly there was a calmness that eased her tension, she knew that Benny knew.
Lainey made a muffled noise, a plea for Clora to come to the living room. There in a silhouette, a body was trying to peer through the curtain covered window.
Clora crawled on her stomach behind the couch. "Be still," she warned Lainey, when the woman made shuffling noises. Outside, the man tried the window, pushing and shaking the frame. Clora followed his progress as he walked around the house. Silently she wiggled her way back into the kitchen, the dark shape visible through the door window. The splintered door hinge flexed and and cracked in an ominous way.
Clora heard the man grunt as he pushed his shoulder hard into the door. Inky growled the deepest, most menacing sound Clora had ever heard him make. In the silence following Inky's little show of force, Evie racked a shell into the old Mossberg. The snick and thrust of the shell was an enormous noise in the quiet room. Clora held her breath, hoping the display had been enough.
The man jerked away from the door and faded into the night. "Thank you Grandma," Clora let her breath out. "You and Inky have saved the day." Clora grinned weakly, but nobody could see in the darkness. Her heart slowly started to fade away from the loud hammering it had been thumping. Her knees felt wobbly and her legs rubbery, so she sat down.
"I forgot you had the shotgun," she told Evie, "but I'm sure glad you did. Is your little gun still in your pocket?"
"No," Evie said in a whisper, "Lainey has it, she needed to have a weapon."
Clora tightened her lips in annoyance, Lainey was not a sensible person to be in charge of a gun, especially the way she had been acting lately. Rather than cause hard feelings and create a scene, Clora said nothing. For a little bit, she'd give Lainey the benefit of the doubt, but Grandma believed the best of everyone, hence the sharing of the 38.
There was a rolling noise, and Clora hissed "what was that?"
Evie giggled for a second, "the cabbage stomper."
"Grandma," Clora reproved, "what in the world did you expect to do with that?"
"It's my backup plan," Evie explained simply, as if that covered it all.
They spent the night in the dark, but Inky growled no more. Clora helped Lainey into her bed, and she took the couch.
Early in the morning there was a quick three knock rap on the kitchen door. Clora moved stealthily to the door and knocked three times. There was a following three sound return. She unbolted the door and motioned to Evie to hold the shotgun on the visitor.
"Clora, Grandma, it's Benny." he spoke low. "we have two, how many were there?"
Clora let him in. Benny grinned when he saw his diminutive Grandmother resting the ancient Mossberg on the table trained toward the door. "Good work ladies," he praised. "Glad you are all safe."
"I saw three," sister told brother, "The one at the window was kinda bulky, and not very tall."
Benny jerked his thumb in the direction of their old house, "that's the one Wayne got a hold of. Trussed him up like a chicken ready for the grill. He thought Sandy was here, didn't realize she was at Ev's." he chuckled. "It rankled he couldn't play hero. Where he had been, Lord knows." Benny finished lamely, knowing that Grandma didn't hold with that kind of talk.
Evie shot him a look, but didn't say anything. Benny felt it however, and shivered theatrically. Clora grinned at her sibling, as she went to fill the coffee pot. If ever a morning called for a good stout cup of coffee, this was one.
Benny went to the door and whistled a piercing shrill note. There was an answering sound from over Ev's way. Wayne stood on the porch and waved. The world seemed more secure in the daylight.
"Grandma, where's the rifle," Clora gasped as she cupped her hand around the oil lamp chimney and blew hard, extinguishing the flame. Damm, she burned her fingers, in her hurry. In the living room, Evie was instructing Lainey to get on the floor, against the interior wall.
In the darkness Clora could hear the shuffle of Grandma's slippers as she crossed the floor and came around the end of the table.
"Here," Evie whispered. "What's out there?"
"At least three men in the tree line behind the barn. Non military, looked real raggle-taggle, but rifles are rifles." she said flatly." I'm going to shoot three shots to alert Ev and Cheryl, I sure wish Wayne were home. I wonder where he's off too?"
Clora opened the door and ran off three shots. Carefully closing the door, she kept her eyes on the faint lights over at Ev's. Abruptly they went out, and three reports were heard. "Good," she told Evie, "they are on alert."
Not too much later as they sat in the dark, there were three more shots heard in the distance. "Wayne," Clora said to no one in particular. Years ago all the kids had decided that three shots, the universal distress sign, would be their signal to each other that there was trouble.
Clora concentrated on Benny, thinking that he needed to come home. Suddenly there was a calmness that eased her tension, she knew that Benny knew.
Lainey made a muffled noise, a plea for Clora to come to the living room. There in a silhouette, a body was trying to peer through the curtain covered window.
Clora crawled on her stomach behind the couch. "Be still," she warned Lainey, when the woman made shuffling noises. Outside, the man tried the window, pushing and shaking the frame. Clora followed his progress as he walked around the house. Silently she wiggled her way back into the kitchen, the dark shape visible through the door window. The splintered door hinge flexed and and cracked in an ominous way.
Clora heard the man grunt as he pushed his shoulder hard into the door. Inky growled the deepest, most menacing sound Clora had ever heard him make. In the silence following Inky's little show of force, Evie racked a shell into the old Mossberg. The snick and thrust of the shell was an enormous noise in the quiet room. Clora held her breath, hoping the display had been enough.
The man jerked away from the door and faded into the night. "Thank you Grandma," Clora let her breath out. "You and Inky have saved the day." Clora grinned weakly, but nobody could see in the darkness. Her heart slowly started to fade away from the loud hammering it had been thumping. Her knees felt wobbly and her legs rubbery, so she sat down.
"I forgot you had the shotgun," she told Evie, "but I'm sure glad you did. Is your little gun still in your pocket?"
"No," Evie said in a whisper, "Lainey has it, she needed to have a weapon."
Clora tightened her lips in annoyance, Lainey was not a sensible person to be in charge of a gun, especially the way she had been acting lately. Rather than cause hard feelings and create a scene, Clora said nothing. For a little bit, she'd give Lainey the benefit of the doubt, but Grandma believed the best of everyone, hence the sharing of the 38.
There was a rolling noise, and Clora hissed "what was that?"
Evie giggled for a second, "the cabbage stomper."
"Grandma," Clora reproved, "what in the world did you expect to do with that?"
"It's my backup plan," Evie explained simply, as if that covered it all.
They spent the night in the dark, but Inky growled no more. Clora helped Lainey into her bed, and she took the couch.
Early in the morning there was a quick three knock rap on the kitchen door. Clora moved stealthily to the door and knocked three times. There was a following three sound return. She unbolted the door and motioned to Evie to hold the shotgun on the visitor.
"Clora, Grandma, it's Benny." he spoke low. "we have two, how many were there?"
Clora let him in. Benny grinned when he saw his diminutive Grandmother resting the ancient Mossberg on the table trained toward the door. "Good work ladies," he praised. "Glad you are all safe."
"I saw three," sister told brother, "The one at the window was kinda bulky, and not very tall."
Benny jerked his thumb in the direction of their old house, "that's the one Wayne got a hold of. Trussed him up like a chicken ready for the grill. He thought Sandy was here, didn't realize she was at Ev's." he chuckled. "It rankled he couldn't play hero. Where he had been, Lord knows." Benny finished lamely, knowing that Grandma didn't hold with that kind of talk.
Evie shot him a look, but didn't say anything. Benny felt it however, and shivered theatrically. Clora grinned at her sibling, as she went to fill the coffee pot. If ever a morning called for a good stout cup of coffee, this was one.
Benny went to the door and whistled a piercing shrill note. There was an answering sound from over Ev's way. Wayne stood on the porch and waved. The world seemed more secure in the daylight.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#27
Benny reported the prowlers were the men Clora and Lainey had avoided on the way home. They had correctly supposed that there was a town and people that would have food, water and shelter. "They probably would have just taken what they wanted, maybe at gunpoint, but I don't think they are dangerous. It's really bad down there," he paused to reflect on the news the men had brought with them.
"We need to have a solution for what just happened here." Benny tiredly stretched his arms over his head and twisted his torso one way and then the other, a routine he did often without thinking. Evie and Clora ignored his exercise , but from the living room, Lainey stared with fascination as the shirt tightened around a manly set of muscles. It was a very nice display indeed.
"We have part of a way for more protection." Benny accepted a cup of coffee from Clora. "Jenning's Dad, Davis McCann is going to live in our old house, either that or stay here; we haven't finalized the whole plan as of yet,"
There was a distinct thump, as Evie's old, stained coffee mug rapped itself smartly against the table top. "No," she said with a definite ring of finality. "Not here."
"Grandma, this is for your own protection. Go easy on us, will ya? We don't have the man power or resources to prevent another happening like last night." Benny sighed and finished his coffee. "We are getting ideas, but nothing concrete.
Lainey made her way into the kitchen. "Good morning," she greeted the family. Dressed in one of Evie's old night gowns Lainey looked like the quintessential lost waif, hurt arm finishing the picture.
Benny looked. In a purely professional way, he told himself. He had to make sure she was recuperating on schedule.
Benny reported the prowlers were the men Clora and Lainey had avoided on the way home. They had correctly supposed that there was a town and people that would have food, water and shelter. "They probably would have just taken what they wanted, maybe at gunpoint, but I don't think they are dangerous. It's really bad down there," he paused to reflect on the news the men had brought with them.
"We need to have a solution for what just happened here." Benny tiredly stretched his arms over his head and twisted his torso one way and then the other, a routine he did often without thinking. Evie and Clora ignored his exercise , but from the living room, Lainey stared with fascination as the shirt tightened around a manly set of muscles. It was a very nice display indeed.
"We have part of a way for more protection." Benny accepted a cup of coffee from Clora. "Jenning's Dad, Davis McCann is going to live in our old house, either that or stay here; we haven't finalized the whole plan as of yet,"
There was a distinct thump, as Evie's old, stained coffee mug rapped itself smartly against the table top. "No," she said with a definite ring of finality. "Not here."
"Grandma, this is for your own protection. Go easy on us, will ya? We don't have the man power or resources to prevent another happening like last night." Benny sighed and finished his coffee. "We are getting ideas, but nothing concrete.
Lainey made her way into the kitchen. "Good morning," she greeted the family. Dressed in one of Evie's old night gowns Lainey looked like the quintessential lost waif, hurt arm finishing the picture.
Benny looked. In a purely professional way, he told himself. He had to make sure she was recuperating on schedule.
Last edited:
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yeah sure Benny sureeee, lol. Thank you.
No3buckshot
Deceased
PacNorWest,
Looks like a minor glitch there, you have the last two BOTH labeled as #26.
I am guessing the second is really #27?
Good story.
Buckshot
Looks like a minor glitch there, you have the last two BOTH labeled as #26.
I am guessing the second is really #27?
Good story.
Buckshot
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#28
The bullet came through the door window narrowly missing Benny, as he reached for his mug of coffee. Glass sprayed into the kitchen interior, covering Benny and Lainey. Clora grabbed the shotgun and stepped back away from the sink window, staying in the shadows.
"Grandma, get the light," this time it was Benny that snapped the order. "Put your head down on the table Lainey, otherwise don't move, you'll be cut." Benny ducked and flattened himself against the wall. He shook himself like a dog to loosen and fling the glass off his person.
It was still dark enough outside that it was impossible to see beyond the barn, Benny gaged the angle of the shot to have come from that direction. The back door was then in danger, the front door on the opposite side of the house was the the way out.
Benny crouched and used a scrabbling walk to reach the living room and the door. Benny opened the door and pushed a couch cushion out with a broom handle. The cushion was about half way out when another shot thudded heavily into the stuffed rose colored tweed.
"Wayne's signaling," Clora sang out, "he heard the shots."
Wayne melted out Ev's front door, leaving the disabled man in charge of his household. In his cammo fatigues, the wild looking bushman blended into the darkness. The only time he was exposed was when the light colored ash snow reflected his moving form. Wayne went straight to the woods, zigging back and forth like a bloodhound. He had to cross the creek down behind the cemetery, but came up well behind the shooter.
A flip with his homemade knife put the man out of commission just as he was ready to take another shot, the knife buried deep in the man's back. His rifle fell to the side, as the man toppled over. Preferring to remove his enemies silently, Wayne retrieved his knife and took the rifle with him.
Once again with unnatural speed and quietness, he ran a ragged pattern toward the back of the barn. The day was lightening with dawn, the light an enemy to the stealth the young man needed.
Wayne heard the front door shot as he lay flattened against the ground. Taking a chance, he sprinted back into the woods with the barn as his cover. He moved as far to the East as he could go with cover and then wiggled himself through the short brush and grass toward the front of the house. It took Wayne a long time to spot the shooter, the man wedged between two old growth cedar stumps. Using the rifle of the shooter's companion, he plugged the man in the torso. The weapon went flying out of the man's hand, to fall between the stumps and the house.
The man had fallen backward, and Wayne couldn't see if he was dead, or wounded. Wayne hooted three times, telling Ben the situation was still dangerous.
An answering three hoots told Wayne that Benny understood. Hunkering down to wait, Wayne focused his attention on the area around the stumps. He was a patient man, he could bide his time. His patience was well rewarded. Little by little the ambusher pushed himself backward, to exit the area. As soon as he exposed a sufficient amount of his body, Wayne administered the killing shot.
Wayne hooted three sounds, followed by three more.
Benny returned one. That told Wayne he wasn't sure the area was secure. Wayne wasn't sure either, so he hooted once. These fellas were playing for keeps, but Wayne had a deep excitement he hadn't felt in a long time. He melted back into the brush and then the trees.
More alive than he had been, all his senses were on full alert. It was his nose that detected the smoker. He could smell the smoke and acrid sweat on the man, so the person was upwind of him. Sticking his tongue out, Wayne detected the wind direction, much like a snake .
He moved sinuously and silently, twisting to the side in a violent explosion when the hairs on the back of his neck stood up in warning, as a knife thrust bumped along his rib cage.
The bullet came through the door window narrowly missing Benny, as he reached for his mug of coffee. Glass sprayed into the kitchen interior, covering Benny and Lainey. Clora grabbed the shotgun and stepped back away from the sink window, staying in the shadows.
"Grandma, get the light," this time it was Benny that snapped the order. "Put your head down on the table Lainey, otherwise don't move, you'll be cut." Benny ducked and flattened himself against the wall. He shook himself like a dog to loosen and fling the glass off his person.
It was still dark enough outside that it was impossible to see beyond the barn, Benny gaged the angle of the shot to have come from that direction. The back door was then in danger, the front door on the opposite side of the house was the the way out.
Benny crouched and used a scrabbling walk to reach the living room and the door. Benny opened the door and pushed a couch cushion out with a broom handle. The cushion was about half way out when another shot thudded heavily into the stuffed rose colored tweed.
"Wayne's signaling," Clora sang out, "he heard the shots."
Wayne melted out Ev's front door, leaving the disabled man in charge of his household. In his cammo fatigues, the wild looking bushman blended into the darkness. The only time he was exposed was when the light colored ash snow reflected his moving form. Wayne went straight to the woods, zigging back and forth like a bloodhound. He had to cross the creek down behind the cemetery, but came up well behind the shooter.
A flip with his homemade knife put the man out of commission just as he was ready to take another shot, the knife buried deep in the man's back. His rifle fell to the side, as the man toppled over. Preferring to remove his enemies silently, Wayne retrieved his knife and took the rifle with him.
Once again with unnatural speed and quietness, he ran a ragged pattern toward the back of the barn. The day was lightening with dawn, the light an enemy to the stealth the young man needed.
Wayne heard the front door shot as he lay flattened against the ground. Taking a chance, he sprinted back into the woods with the barn as his cover. He moved as far to the East as he could go with cover and then wiggled himself through the short brush and grass toward the front of the house. It took Wayne a long time to spot the shooter, the man wedged between two old growth cedar stumps. Using the rifle of the shooter's companion, he plugged the man in the torso. The weapon went flying out of the man's hand, to fall between the stumps and the house.
The man had fallen backward, and Wayne couldn't see if he was dead, or wounded. Wayne hooted three times, telling Ben the situation was still dangerous.
An answering three hoots told Wayne that Benny understood. Hunkering down to wait, Wayne focused his attention on the area around the stumps. He was a patient man, he could bide his time. His patience was well rewarded. Little by little the ambusher pushed himself backward, to exit the area. As soon as he exposed a sufficient amount of his body, Wayne administered the killing shot.
Wayne hooted three sounds, followed by three more.
Benny returned one. That told Wayne he wasn't sure the area was secure. Wayne wasn't sure either, so he hooted once. These fellas were playing for keeps, but Wayne had a deep excitement he hadn't felt in a long time. He melted back into the brush and then the trees.
More alive than he had been, all his senses were on full alert. It was his nose that detected the smoker. He could smell the smoke and acrid sweat on the man, so the person was upwind of him. Sticking his tongue out, Wayne detected the wind direction, much like a snake .
He moved sinuously and silently, twisting to the side in a violent explosion when the hairs on the back of his neck stood up in warning, as a knife thrust bumped along his rib cage.
Oh no, one of the bad guys got the drop on Wayne. A glancing blow off his ribs, but still, ouch. I love their hoot system of signals. Do they have one for "I'm hit"? This story is really cool and action packed. Thanks for the new chapter and I hope the next one comes quickly. Thank you PNW.