Count your blessings

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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#38

"I said NO!" Brett shouted as he ducked and then let loose with another swing at Ben. "Mind your own business will ya, and keep your stinkin nose outta mine."

"If this was my county, I'd arrest your butt quicker than the blood spurting outta your nose. Trey's Grandparents are frantic with worry, and it surely wouldn't hurt to be decent to them." Ben had to stop talking as Brett bull dozed him with a tackle around the middle.

Brett was taller and outweighed Ben by 50 or more pounds, but Ben was like holding onto an electric eel.

Evie could see that they weren't trying to really hurt each other, just dominate. Many times she had watched young bulls in the pasture play push and shove, and this wasn't any different.

"What should we do?" Clora asked from the back seat, leaning forward to get a better view.

"Nothing," Evie answered in the short way.

"Good call," Borg approved the old lady's actions. "If they don't settle it now, it will carry on later. Trust me," he laughed in remembrance, "I have two brothers and a sister and we used to settle our differences that way. My sister could beat the snot out of all of us. No body messed with her."

Evie didn't like the fighting, but this had been brewing for a long time and better settled sooner than later. Ben had a habit of always being right and none to tactful when he reminded the others they were on the loosing side.

Brett on the other hand was quick to judge and quicker to take offense as to what he perceived to be a slight or snub.

She shrugged her shoulders. It was bound to happen some day and although she didn't like the display in front of company, she surely wasn't gonna wade in the mêlée and try and stop it.

Slyly she watched the women for their reactions, and looked around for Wayne. He was missing in action once again.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#39
Whack, Brett took a punch to the nose again. "You're a dirty #%&@&%#," Brett shouted, more angry than ever. He was punching blindly, flailing his arms and presenting himself as a better target each time he lurched at Ben.

"Simmer down, would ya. You're wrong and you know it. Stop acting like our Dad." Ben huffed out the ultimate insult.

A roaring bellow erupted out of Brett and he charged Ben. "That's it, you're a jerk and I don't care who knows it. If all you can do is lie and spit insults, we're finished. We're not brothers any more." Brett stood up and stomped back over toward the diner. The wizened up old woman that owned the place stood in the doorway watching the fracas. Never good, she thought, never good.

Lainey to her credit, didn't fuss at Ben. She wet a towel and handed it to her new husband. What an introduction into married life. They had come back to the camp to get their things and seconds later the two brothers were fighting.

Lainey raised her hand and gave Evie and the girls a half hearted wave as they exited the huge old Mercury. Borg's town car seemed as large as a football field and almost as wide. Using her cane with Clora and Sandy pacing themselves carefully beside her, Evie walked the short distance to the picnic table.

Surprised to be so wrung out by such a simple act, Evie was pretty wobbly by the time she sat down. Clora and Sandy had joined hands behind Grandma's back as they walked, preparing to support her if she needed it. Clora asked if she needed anything and Evie desperately needed a drink of water.

Ben ducked into his tent and came out with a paper sack with his meager belongings. Lainey was wearing the sum of her riches and had her money secured deep in her skirt pocket. Evie invited them to sit with her a minute, wanting to quickly question them about their future plans.

"Grandma," Clora whispered, "have a heart, they just got married."

Evie nodded impatiently, "this will just take a minute," she whispered back.
"We need to be working on a place while they honeymoon."

"Grandma, what can we do for you," her adult Grandson was polite but very impatient to be away from the area. His mind was busy with other thoughts, from the way Lainey was blushing.

"If we find a place, are you interested in being a part of the farm?" Evie asked quickly.

Ben looked at Lainey and they silently communicated. "Might as well," Ben allowed. "Both Brett and Wayne have jumped ship on the detective idea, Will and I have to reconsider what we're going to do. Tomorrow," he said firmly and grabbed Lainey's hand and walked out of camp.

"Look's like they want to be alone, do you suppose we should allow that?" Sandy sat on the end of the table swinging her feet in a lazy rhythm, smirking and pleased with herself.


"Yes," Evie said as firmly as Ben had. "No fol de rol from you young lady, leave them alone."

"Ladies, are you up to a car trip tomorrow? We could take a drive and look at the farm you are interested in." Borg offered interested in finding out where they might buy.

Sitting at the other end of the table, Ev perked up his ears. He was already bored and itching to have something to do. Farming was his passion and he was ready to get his hands dirty.

Evie glanced his way, amused at the nervous energy vibrating Ev. It was probably the last thing she wanted to do tomorrow, but she agreed. "Sure, what time?"

"How about 9. I have a van I can bring so everyone can go." Borg sized up the number of people and thought perhaps he could take Mark out on a day trip. It would be a surprise, if he could get it done.

Cassy was shaking her head no, she wasn't interested and hoped her attitude would sway Will. It didn't, Will and Willie signed up to go. Cassy had a backache from carrying around their monster baby and frankly thought it was a wonderful idea that her men leave, even if it was to go look at a a farm. Shrugging with the futility of it all, she turned around and went back into the tent.
 
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debralee

Senior Member
Seems to me that Borg might be getting sweet on Evie. Wonder how Davis will react to that?
This story is always making me think. Then I wonder how Pac's mind is working on it. Wondering if I'm close or way off track here. Guess I will have to wait for MORE story time and see how it goes. Thank you Pac for giving us more.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#40

Wayne shadowed the man he saw come out of Inga's room. Relying on his instinct and feeling the malfeasance given off by the tall, blonde man; Wayne used all of his considerable skill to track the 'supposed' electrician. The man changed clothes twice and then donned a greasy looking black ponytail wig to blend into the downtown bus traffic.

More intrigued than ever at the elaborate ruse, Wayne eased on the bus and turned his head so that he kept the man in sight through the corner of his eye. Wayne took off his coat and carried it under his arm during the second bus transfer, hoping to appear different than his initial appearance.

Using his fingers to feel the change in his pocket, Wayne figured his surveillance was up with one more transfer. He had a couple of hundred dollars with him, but scant change. It would call too much attention to himself to flaunt a large bill, so he came up short when the man transferred a third time.

Reluctantly, Wayne stayed on the bus and watched under hooded eyes as the man sauntered down Burnside, toward the next bus stop. He rode the loop as far as the bus route went back toward the camp. It was the walk back home that created the biggest problem. Wayne was mugged from behind and the man growled "Didn't you learn anything boy? I hate knifing people twice."



Ben and Lainey walked into Camas where the Aloha Motel flashed an alluring hula girl waving them in. They didn't care how the place looked, they couldn't see beyond each other. Once inside, Ben locked the door while Lainey drew the window curtain. They didn't bother turning on a light.

Evie checked the dutch oven resting to the side of the camp stove, the stew smelled so wonderful she could hardly wait for supper. So hungry that her stomach growled, she looked guilty as the sound rumbled.

Borg threw back his head and really laughed. He didn't know what it was about this family that made him feel so good about himself and life in general. He bet he had laughed more in the short time that little old woman had been in his acquaintance, it was just as Davis said.

It was easy to see Davis was pretty sweet on the old gal, and Borg understood why. How one woman could make you feel so good about yourself so effortlessly, he didn't understand, but he liked it.

The Granddaughter had the same presence and dignity as Evie, so it was easy to see why Mark was so smitten. The way Mark had improved when Clora visited, gave Borg hope that his son would find his cure.

Supper was stew and camp toast and water to drink. It was a meal fit for a king, and the pot was practically licked clean. Borg left dragging his feet, not wanting to leave the easy pleasure he was experiencing; but Evie was tired and the pain lines were furrowing her brow. She needed to go to bed.
 
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Deena in GA

Administrator
_______________
Oh no! Poor Wayne! Please let him find some way out of the situation!

Its always great to see a new chapter, Pac!
 
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Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Pac wrote that Wayne was mugged from behind not stabbed from behind, maybe Wayne has a fighting chance. I sure hope so. I hope we get to meet Mark again soon too. Love this story.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#41

feeling the man come up behind him, Wayne dropped his jacket and palmed his fixed blade. He had carefully kept the weapon hidden all day during the wild goose chase on the bus. He had once got close enough to the man to smell him, and that smell had triggered bad memories of a previous tussle when Wayne had been knifed. A murderous rage inflamed his senses and sharpened his response.

When the man hissed about cutting him twice, Wayne whirled around and drove his homemade knife deep in the man's gut, jerking upward to inflict the most damage. The man gave a harsh grunt as the weapon tore into his stomach and the fetid air whooshed out.

The assailant's knife arm fell cutting a huge slice of empty air. The guttural curse he spat out as he doubled over was in a language Wayne didn't know.

Wayne put his foot on the man's hand and ground the attacker's own knife into the palm and fingers. "You dirty SOB, I hope you bleed to death. What is your connection to Inga?" There were a couple of slurred words and the man gurgled and died.

The dark street Wayne had purposely chosen to travel through, remained silent and dark. No movement, no one stirring, hopefully no witnesses and no accusations. Wayne bent over and pulled the man's wallet from his pocket. He thumbed through the interior and pulled the International ID card out and a driver's license. Carefully he replaced the wallet, and turned around and walked to the side walk. In the storm drain opening he stripped off the gloves he had been wearing and folded them into themselves and tossed them in.

Crossing two streets over to the park, he waded in the trickle of water that meandered in the deserted green and walked away following the stream out of the park. When the small creek flowed into a larger stream, Wayne sat in the water and washed himself carefully.

The water carried away the vomit as the young man purged his stomach. The acrid smell of adrenalin was subsiding, and he used his hands to scrub his hair and face. Slowly his heart stopped racing and the fright melted away. In the darkness, he walked as far up the stream as possible. Stopped by a barrier of chain link fence, Wayne eased out of the water and used the fence for support as he clambered up the slight bank and found himself next to a sewage treatment plant.

That brought a fresh round of heaving, as Wayne realized the predicament he could be in. Shrugging away his fears, he concentrated on finding his location and delighted in the knowledge that he was well out of town headed in the direction he needed to travel.

Wayne spoke softly to Inky and Junior before he climbed in the back of the pickup. They wiggled and whuffed at him sniffing at the strange smells on his person. Wayne spoke to Grandma's God, thanking him for saving his life and asking pardon for the life he had to take. It started to rain, gentle at first and then a downpour as befitted the weather affected by the Pacific Ocean. As he huddled with the dogs, Wayne fell into a fitful sleep.


Borg was late the next morning by almost an hour, but when Mark stepped out of the van, Clora rushed over beaming with joy.

Evie stifled the smart retort itching her lips, and forgave Borg as the happiness Clora and Mark wore was worth more than setting the pompous old windbag straight. Barely, she thought, barely.


The morning was cool, cloudy and windy, Evie put on her sweater and wished she had a coat. Coffee perked on the camp stove, and eventually Cheryl talked Ev into starting a fire in the fire pit. Like moths to a flame, the chilled adults gathered around the fire and sipped hot coffee.

Wayne sat up, pushing Junior away as the pup smelled like wet dog. Cuddled up under his chin with paws on either side of Wayne's neck, Junior happily slobbered and lavished his doggy breath on the sleepy man.

"Unca Wayne, Unca Wayne, get up, get up," Christy was jumping up and down next to the pickup, trying to bounce high enough to see what Wayne was doing.

"Hey princess, you jump like Gerald McBoing-Boing," Wayne teased, easing over the side. "Is that coffee I smell? Oh and a fire, wonderful. Move over sweetie so I can get down."

"Lordy you smell," Sandy was her usual undiplomatic self, "What did you do, fall in a outhouse?" She sniffed and made a face.

"Not that I'm aware of, that's eau de Junior." Wayne said calmly, crossing his fingers behind his back. "He was my blanket last night. I didn't want to disturb Ben, so I slept in the pickup."

"You are wet," Willie observed from his safe area next to Will. Everyone laughed except Clora and Mark. They were busy looking deep into each other's eyes, content to hold hands and drift into their own world.

"Gag," Sandy had a dark scowl on her face. "I can't believe them."

"Relax," Wayne advised, "some day you will be just as sappy as they are."

"Well what about you?" Ev challenged. "When is some princess going to come riding over the hill in search of her prince charming?"

"Well it won't be until he takes a shower," Sandy said tartly, bringing a fresh round of laughter from the family.

The sound of a vehicle approaching broke up the Wayne bashing session. Davis drove into the campground lot in an old Chrysler convertible. Top down, he was bundled in a coat, hat and scarf and visibly shivering. It was chilly driving, but he couldn't remember how to put the top up. The car was a cranky old gal, and she required a pampered hand.

The men gathered around, happily discussing the merits and demerits of the car.

Cheryl walked by Evie and said in a low voice, "Whatta you gonna do if they start fighting?"

Evie looked up with a blank expression on her face, and then slowly the comprehension dawned. "Don't be silly." she said and then promptly ruined her innocent prostestation by blushing.
 
Sammy55

Sammy55

Veteran Member
Thanks, Pac, for the new exciting chapter!

Thank you for not killing off Wayne...... The family really doesn't need any more deaths. Thank you!

Now the questions remain: What WILL Evie do? Who will win Evie's hand? What will happen to the families?
 
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Deena in GA

Administrator
_______________
Thanks, Pac! Sounds like Wayne was expecting to be attacked and made his plans accordingly.

Have to admit, I never expected Evie to have two beaus. ;)
 
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debralee

Senior Member
Wonderful chapter. Thank you. Goes to show you, just cause Grandma is an "older lady" she's still got it when it comes to men. Those girls should be taking lessons from her.
 
K

kaijafon

Veteran Member
ugh! now i will have that song in my head FOREVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Thank you for the story! (can you hear me over the music?)
 
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Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Sounds like there is going to be some canoodling going on pretty soon.

I didn't click on the link for that song but this is worse, whenever I read or hear "that song will be stuck in my head forever", my eye starts twitching and my hands start shaking and I remember that stupid Purple Barney song. "I love you, you love me, we're a happy famileeeeee" Ack!!! GAG!!! Thanks Nancy98 you just had to bring music into it.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#42

The family divided up between Borg's and Davis' cars. Davis lost out on his chance to transport Evie because he had the top down and the poor woman had only a sweater to wear. The men would up going with Davis and the rest went with Borg. The only sign of Davis's annoyance was a tight little line that tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Wayne hunched down in the back seat and nearly froze to death with the chill wind rushing by. He was surprised to learn that Ben and Lainey hadn't been at home in the tent; and here he had been congratulating himself for being so astute and sensitive concerning the newlyweds. That piece of news brought a quirk to his mouth, so much for sleeping in the chilling rain. Ben and Lainey had come running into camp at the last minute, choosing to sit together in the van.

Davis raced to keep up with Borg who had chosen to use the freeway to reach the prospective ranch.

Davis grumped that Borg was driving like a maniac, and he sure hoped the ladies would reach the place in a safe and sane manner. Borg had the GPS on his smart phone that directed then with pinpoint accuracy to the Real Estate showing.

The more Evie looked at the immaculately kept ranch with the white fences and paved driveway, the more her heart sank. This was a gentleman's farm, created and held together for show by copious amounts of money and a fleet of handymen.

The tenant houses started by the main gate and one by one became progressively more elaborate as they drove to the top of the hill.
The main house was a wonder of Colonial design, but built for a modern life. There was no wood burning cook stove, no room in the kitchen for a huge table, and no interest by Evie.

The family completed a perfunctory walk through, but all came to the separate conclusion that this was a house, not a home.

Clora especially was downhearted by the sterile conditions and she could tell Grandma didn't think much of the place, while Wayne and Davis worked hard to get the blasted top up on the car, while everyone else tromped through the house. Evie was all done with the place when the Real Estate agent suggested they all remove their shoes before walking through.

Evie called a halt to the inspection right then and there, and out of the house they filed like little ducklings following the leader. The RE agent heaved a sigh of relief, thankful that she didn't have to bird dog the entire group to keep them from pocketing items. The mob looked like a band of itinerant gypsies that might have sticky fingers.
 
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Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Poor Real Estate agent, she must think the world has left Evie and her clan behind when actually it is they who have left the world behind. Thank you for the new chapter Pac, I've been checking regularly.
 
juco

juco

Veteran Member
This was a gentleman's farm, created and held together for show by copious amounts of money and a fleet of handymen.

There's a couple of those around these parts that out-of-towners have bought.
We call them money pits.

Thanks for the new chapter Pac.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#43

"I'm so disappointed," Clora sadly mentioned the difference between their ideal place and the farm that was just shown to them. Evie thanked the Real Estate person for her time and effort and gave the woman a clearer criteria of what she, [they], she amended desired. The woman shook her head no, she had no listings of that nature but she would keep their requirements in mind. Her Range Rover fairly lept away from the driveway and she didn't look back.

Hobbling out of Borg's van when they got back to camp, Evie needed coffee. She was exhausted by the ride, tired of the tension between Borg and Davis, amused by Ben and Lainey, perturbed by the interaction between Will and Cassy, concerned by the strange way Wayne was acting and just plain out of patience with the whole world.

To top the whole situation off, she had waves of phantom pain in her missing toe. The problem was, there was no comfortable way to elevate her foot to help keep the swelling down. The bandaged foot in it's protective boot was a magnet for every child and dog in camp to bump into.

More than once, Junior, that perpetrator of all things evil had delightedly rubbed against the boot when Evie dozed off. It was a sorry sight that Mark the nurse saw when he drove into the parking lot. It looked like a circus. Kids were chasing each other, then the dogs; grownup's were shouting, coffee was perking over on the fire, the flight path into the airport had changed to route the incoming planes right over camp and some woman was fighting with her husband in a not so private tent war.

Mark spotted his patient right away. The only calm in a maelstrom of activity and noise, he could tell she was in a great deal of pain.

"Mrs. Hanson? you forgot your medication. The pharmacy was slow to bring it up, and you had already gone when it arrived. Good thing I paid attention when you described where you were staying." he grinned at Evie, but his eyes were following Sandy as she moved about camp.

She might be old and in pain, but Evie was no fool. A quirk at the corner of her mouth was the only indication she was aware of his interest.

"Say," he drawled, "do you remember me telling you about a friend of my uncles that had a place that could possibly be for sale? Well, the old guy really needs a hand and sounds like he would be willing to do an owner contract with a clause for the right to stay and be cared for until he passes away."

Mark let his interest be caught by Sandy once again, as she grabbed Willie firmly by the arm to keep him away from the fire. "Now his place isn't very fancy and he's been a widower for some time, so it needs a lot of TLC. Would you be interested?"

"Yes," Evie answered for the group without a moment's hesitation, "let's have a look at it tomorrow." Ev caught her eye and nodded his agreement , as did Ben and Wayne. Cassy and Will were still involved in their unquiet 'discussion' so Evie shrugged when she looked at their tent. Cassy's dislike of the Hanson's was becoming plain to see.

Evie made arrangements with Mark, Borg and Davis to transport the group to the next prospective farm.
 
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Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac. I can't wait until they see the next place. Unfortunately, the closer they get to home the closer we get to the end of this wonderful story, and I am not looking forward to that at all.
 
juco

juco

Veteran Member
Yep, I'm also looking forward to seeing them settled in a suitable new place. But like Rabbit, I don't want this story to end.

Not ever Pac! I could read about the Hanson clan every day for the rest of my life and it still wouldn't be long enough.
 
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debralee

Senior Member
I agree juco, I can't get enough of this family either. With all the love interests coming on the scene, unless I miss my guess, I don't see this family's story ending anytime soon. Will the man at the farm they go to tomorrow be another Evie admirer? Is Sandy going to start going all doey eyed pretty soon? Love it all and waiting for more. Thanks so much for this story Pac.
 
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kua

Veteran Member
I haven't said it lately, but it is a real 'pick-me-up' when I find another episode to read. Our hot weather is really dragging my spirits down. Iowa can handle some heat and humidity but not ad infinitum. We need some days break to do some baking or garden weeding or whatever. Have to do my laundry in two days now as I can't handle being out in the heat that much in one day to get it all done! Have to hang in the cool of the morning instead of all day long and one line empties and then gets hung full again. Ah me, at least I still have the home place to stay on unlike Evie and her tribe who are seeking another homeplace. Looking forward to the next installment. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful imagination with us.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#43b

Mark and Mark, Clora and Sandy were the only functioning adults in camp. Evie was in her tent sleeping away the pain medication. Will and Cassy had stormed out of their tent going in opposite directions, Wayne was fading into the trees, distancing himself from the crash and clamor and Ben and Lainey sat so close together speaking in such low tones no one could hear what they were saying.

Borg and Davis were circling camp in a not very friendly imitation of search and destroy the enemy.

"Sorry guy's," Mark apologized for his Dad' behavior. "I can't imagine what's the matter with that old coot. He and Davis have been friends since the war."

Clora took pity on the clueless son and whispered in his ear. "No way," he protested. "You can't be serious."

"Believe it," Sandy said in her direct way. "They've been having a stare down contest all morning. I expect to hear them growling at each other soon."

Brett came out the back door of the diner and ambled over. He sat down with his back to Ben and Lainey, pointedly ignoring them.

"Hey, where'd you guys all take off to this morning?" he asked Clora; noting that his sister was holding hands with the soldier guy under the table.

"We went to look at a farm," Sandy said a touch defensively. "Didn't like it, a mighty swanky place for the like of us'ens hillbillies." she imitated the nasal twang of the saleswoman perfectly.

Mark the nurse repeated his spiel about his Uncle's friend. "The old boy has cancer and is dying. No insurance, needs care and hospice type nursing possibly in exchange for easy terms and such. We are having the gentlemen take us there tomorrow to have a look."

Brett nodded, "I've got to go get Trey, Ben?" he turned around to face his brother. "Do you want to get word to Trey's Grandparents that he's OK and that maybe they could come visit?"

Ben nodded in Brett's direction, knowing that was as close to saying I'm sorry as Brett would get on the subject.

"Yes," he agreed, "I can get ahold of them this afternoon." the one brother settled matters with the tone of his voice.

They all watched as Brett shuffled back to the diner, dejected and unhappy at the turn of events.

Sandy recounted the story to MN, the name she started to call Mark the nurse. "we are a real group of diversified people," she spoke aloud but her words were a warning to MN. "We're not like anyone you are ever likely to meet. Some of us are family and some are not, but when we are together the bonds run strong and deep."

"Just the way I like it," MN countered easily. "Well folks, I have to run, I have swing shift tonight. I'll see you at 10 tomorrow morning and we'll run out to Walter's place." he looked at Sandy and she smiled sweetly back at him.

Clora and her Mark, sat next to the fire talking softly. "I think Dad wants to leave," he mentioned as the burly attorney circled the camp for the fifttyish time. "I know he has to have me back at a certain time. This has been a slice of normal that I so deeply appreciate, just doing something that everyday people do. Would you have me tomorrow?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes, please come." Clora said calmly as she took his hand and rubbed it on her cheek. Not bold enough to kiss him in public, she gave him a special smile that curled both of their toes.

This time Sandy was avidly watching MN walk to his car and she forgot to make her usual acerbic comment about the sappiness Clora and Mark were showing.

Ev and Cheryl grabbed hands and walked towards the diner with Christy in tow. Camp was getting awfully sticky with romance in the air. For everyone but Will and Cassy, it seemed. Husband and wife discussed the situation as they ordered coffee and a roll. Brett grinned as he brought them large mugs of normal brew.

"Grandma's coffee sure ain't natural," he commented. "I can't drink it anymore."

Ev looked around as he said forcefully. "That's for sure."

Cheryl said "Bless her heart, she is so used to it but I'm a weak woman." she took an appreciative sniff of the brew in her cup.

Christy said "thank you Unca Brett for the milk and cookie. I didn't get to really taste it, do you suppose I could have another?"

Christy sounded so much like Ev that all the adults laughed.

"That apple is pretty close to the tree," Brett snorted with amusement.

"That's a damm fine thing you are doing," Ev spoke his piece, telling Brett he approved of the young man's change of heart concerning Trey.

"Yeah, well I ain't doing it for me, it's for Trey." Brett nearly growled and then got ahold of his emotions. To cover up the tightness in his voice, he got up to get Christy another cookie.

"Ahem," Ev cleared this throat noisily, alerting Brett that he needed a cookie also.

Brett shrugged and filled a plateful and set it on the table. Hands appeared from everywhere as cookies were practically inhaled.

"These are good," Ev said around his mouthful. "Evie's recipe?" he questioned.

"Yeah, Grandma has shared a lot with me. Ya know, she's a pretty good old gal." Brett smiled as he ate another cookie.



Wayne faded off into the woods thicket behind the diner. The blackberry mounds were two stories high in places and he slipped in between two of them to a secret, private area.

Carefully he unbuttoned his pocket and took out the cards he had lifted from his assliant mugger. He read the name and looked at the face. Gunnar it read, as the last name was obliterated by being wet and smudged. Auntie Inga's boyfriend had been Gunnar, he remembered. So what was the SOB doing killing her. It's not like she had the power to hurt him. More and more Wayne suspected that the tall blond man had been the person who had beaten Inga, but the why would probably never be known.

Wayne sat in the cloudy, windy afternoon and mediated on the facts as he knew them. Where did the injectable transponders come from, then the drawings in obviously Oriental writing of some kind. Why hadn't they heard from Jennings about the origin of the papers and who the heck wished them such ill will that they would set a forest fire to burn their homes.

Wayne flicked his thumbnail against the match head and carefully burned the two cardboard ID's, forever casting the knife attacker's fate to the missing person's file. The greyish ashes were carefully ground into the dirt until they were pulverlsed and oblitered.
Lying on his back looking at the grey scudding clouds that promised more rain, Wayne grew sleepy and dozed off.


The knife attacker's body had been found, but there was nothing to identify the man. His thrift store clothes yielded no clue, and his stilled voice with it's heavy German accent was deathly quiet.
 
K

kaijafon

Veteran Member
Each time I read a new chapter, I feel that special warmness that is "family". This is something I never had in "real" life, so it's double-ly wonderful to read your story. Thank you.
 
AlaskaSue

AlaskaSue

North to the Future
I don't say it often enough, but I sure am enjoying this saga. Thank you for your excellent writing, it's much appreciated Pac!
Bless you~
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#43c

Supper was a mix of hamburger and rice to fill tortillas, there was plenty and tummy's were full when the dogs started growling.
Inky, Junior and Ruby were shoulder to shoulder staring off into the fast falling darkness, hackles up and teeth bared.

"Hey there my man, what's cooking?" the lead youth called out, chortling at his own cleverness. They had a group of hillbillies ripe for the picking. He had already called dibs on the skinny young blonde girl, even though she looked dumpy in that long skirt she wore.

The gang swaggered into the edge of the firelight and let their presence be known. They were used to creating fear by their very appearance, and used it to the best of red kerchief ability. The grin the leader wore was that of a cowardly man backed up by a passel of hyenas.

"Whacha say dude, how bout's sendin over the chick real nice and slow. We's checkin youse out, understand?"

The guns appeared , and the glint of metal increased the leader's wolfish grin. He fell into the fire with his smile intact, the homemade knife buried deep in his back. The gang members swiveled as rotated by a spit and fired into the darkness. Another member fell, Will's sharp Kbar endinding his life.

Every member of the Hanson group raised a gun from pockets, holsters and shoulder holsters. Will spoke from beyond the darkness and the remaining gang placed their guns on the ground. The Hanson men took the group off into the night and returned many minutes later with a armful of jeans and shoes. The women drug the hapless leader from the fire and into the night. The fire blazed mightly as it consumed the new fuel, the pants burning first.

Wayne retrieved his knife and wiped it on the leader's jeans. Will did the same and the men melted back into the darkness. Their duty was to shadow the gang members back into town, and they kept the barefoot men at a trot by tossing rocks at the stragglers.

Ben was stricken with guilt, he had been so focused on Lainey that he put the whole group in danger by not being alert. Ev pulled him out into the darkness to help with disposing of the two dead assialiants. It was a somber group that assembeled later.

"You understand they will be back," Will said unnecessarily. "Not tonight, but very soon." The entire group nodded. The expensive burning tennis shoes sending smoke swirling upward with the freshing breeze. "Two men tonight on duty, sleep in your clothes with the women and kids all in one tent." No one questioned his authority to make such decisions. His experience very much evident in his orders. Ben was so relieved. He had enough experience, but yielded to Will gladly.

Evie shoved the vial of pain pills deep in her pocket, she wanted no interference in her ability to be sharp.
 
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