If I thought for one miserable minute......
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
May y'all have a safe trip and good news from the docs! Thank you so much for this wonderful story!
I loved the last part about the children staring her awake. That is so sweet.
It reminded me of a story a friend told me about his nephew and his grandmother, who had fallen asleep in her chair. The little one crawled up in her lap and pulled open one of grandma's eye lids and asked, "Grandma are you in there?"
Thank you Pac for another great chapter and prayers that all will go well with your upcoming trip.
It reminded me of a story a friend told me about his nephew and his grandmother, who had fallen asleep in her chair. The little one crawled up in her lap and pulled open one of grandma's eye lids and asked, "Grandma are you in there?"
Thank you Pac for another great chapter and prayers that all will go well with your upcoming trip.
More plot twists and turns than the south side of Mt Rainier in this wonderful tale. I love it.
How is it that every child I have ever met knows this or the eyeball trick mentioned above? They aren't told, they just KNOW! Been the recipient of it many times - younger siblings, kids I babysat, my own children & grandchildren -- it can be a bit unsettling to wake to silently staring eyes.
sabretech2001
Contributing Member
Housecats know that one, too.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#53
Evie shut her eyes. A quick prayer went heavenward. Trey and Christy together. Dear Lord, give me strength, she thought. Opening her left eye, Evie winked rapidly at Christy. Opening her right eye, she winked at Trey. Both children dissolved into fresh giggles.
"Grandma, how do you do that?" Christy had her face contorted into a comic mask, trying to open one eye and keep the other closed.
"You do it." Christy challenged Trey. "Bet you can't do it as gooder as I can."
"Oh yes I can," Trey retorted with vigor. "Lot's gooder than you can." The two children squared off, hands on hips and faces wiggling and scrunching as they tried to out wink the other.
"Go look in the mirror," Evie urged the pair, trying not to laugh as they stampeded toward the bathroom.
"What's going on?" Sandy came from the kitchen in time to see the shoving match happening in the doorway.
"I sent them in to wink at each other in mirror," Evie chuckled at the commotion. "That ought to keep them busy for five seconds. How are you honey? What happened to Clora and Lainey? Things happen around here faster than I can keep track of." Evie shook her head.
"I have tea, come in for a cup and I will explain," Sandy invited. "Kids," she called, "How about a cookie and drink?" The thundering herd responded by galloping into the kitchen. Trey and Christy climbed into chairs and grabbed cookies from the plate.
"Easy cowboys," Sandy warned. "Please use your manners."
Evie expected Trey to smart mouth back, he had a quick and rude comeback for everything.
Instead, the sassy young boy demurely replied, "yes Ma'am."
If Evie hadn't been firmly planted in her chair, she would have fallen off for sure. Staring at Trey and then Sandy, she caught the quick wink Sandy sent her way. "Trey has very good manners," Sandy praised quietly. "He has been showing us all day how grown up he can be."
"Me too," Christy couldn't be left out. "I got's good manners. My momma says so."
"Yes you do," Sandy agreed, patting Christy on the hand and walking by to ruffle Trey's hair. Trey stopped chewing his cookie to stare adoringly at his aunt.
Evie caught the drift in a second. Hiding a smile, she beamed at the children. "Well, I certainly do appreciate when you both use good manners." she approved.
Jennings tried to catch Tammy's eye as she moved through the diner introducing herself and Davis to the assembled customers. It was no use, Tammy was the most charming woman in the world when she set her mind to it and she was charming everyone but him. He was standing outside his life looking in and it was going on without him.
J accepted a bowl of stew from the gal with the cast on her hand. He almost dropped it, when he realized that was Lainey, daughter of the reporter he was trying to avoid. He wasn't sure when his life had gone round the bend, but the train sure as the hell wasn't slowing down.
Jennings sat back down with his supper and turned to stare into the flames dancing behind the wood stove door. He spooned in the good tasting meal without thinking about it. Without the focus of his work to lend structure to his day's, J was at loose ends. How Alan had superseded his job at the force was puzzling. The lieutenant had called him in and basically said he was on leave and to report to Alan. Gears started turning in J's mind as he pondered the how and why of his enforced vacation.
Davis sat down next to his son. He didn't agree with the way Tammy used her abilities to jump into the cafe business without discussing it with Jennings. Davis stood up and waylaid his grand kids, pulling them back into the apartment area of the cafe so they could explore where they would be living.
Tammy finished her circuit of the diner and slowly worked her way to the table where J sat. He was so absorbed in thinking through his problems, that he didn't realize his wife had sat down.
"Jennings! Are you listening?" Tammy reached over and shook his arm. J jumped a foot as the bowl in his hand hit the floor and went spinning across the floor. "Just a minute," J stalled as he collected back his scattered thoughts and reached for the bowl.
The bell jingled when Kent Lawrence opened the door to the cafe and his foot hit the bowl. The crockery dish launched, hit the corner of the grill and exploded with a bang. J whipped around and pulled Tammy under his body for protection as he reached for his Glock at the small of his back.
Evie shut her eyes. A quick prayer went heavenward. Trey and Christy together. Dear Lord, give me strength, she thought. Opening her left eye, Evie winked rapidly at Christy. Opening her right eye, she winked at Trey. Both children dissolved into fresh giggles.
"Grandma, how do you do that?" Christy had her face contorted into a comic mask, trying to open one eye and keep the other closed.
"You do it." Christy challenged Trey. "Bet you can't do it as gooder as I can."
"Oh yes I can," Trey retorted with vigor. "Lot's gooder than you can." The two children squared off, hands on hips and faces wiggling and scrunching as they tried to out wink the other.
"Go look in the mirror," Evie urged the pair, trying not to laugh as they stampeded toward the bathroom.
"What's going on?" Sandy came from the kitchen in time to see the shoving match happening in the doorway.
"I sent them in to wink at each other in mirror," Evie chuckled at the commotion. "That ought to keep them busy for five seconds. How are you honey? What happened to Clora and Lainey? Things happen around here faster than I can keep track of." Evie shook her head.
"I have tea, come in for a cup and I will explain," Sandy invited. "Kids," she called, "How about a cookie and drink?" The thundering herd responded by galloping into the kitchen. Trey and Christy climbed into chairs and grabbed cookies from the plate.
"Easy cowboys," Sandy warned. "Please use your manners."
Evie expected Trey to smart mouth back, he had a quick and rude comeback for everything.
Instead, the sassy young boy demurely replied, "yes Ma'am."
If Evie hadn't been firmly planted in her chair, she would have fallen off for sure. Staring at Trey and then Sandy, she caught the quick wink Sandy sent her way. "Trey has very good manners," Sandy praised quietly. "He has been showing us all day how grown up he can be."
"Me too," Christy couldn't be left out. "I got's good manners. My momma says so."
"Yes you do," Sandy agreed, patting Christy on the hand and walking by to ruffle Trey's hair. Trey stopped chewing his cookie to stare adoringly at his aunt.
Evie caught the drift in a second. Hiding a smile, she beamed at the children. "Well, I certainly do appreciate when you both use good manners." she approved.
Jennings tried to catch Tammy's eye as she moved through the diner introducing herself and Davis to the assembled customers. It was no use, Tammy was the most charming woman in the world when she set her mind to it and she was charming everyone but him. He was standing outside his life looking in and it was going on without him.
J accepted a bowl of stew from the gal with the cast on her hand. He almost dropped it, when he realized that was Lainey, daughter of the reporter he was trying to avoid. He wasn't sure when his life had gone round the bend, but the train sure as the hell wasn't slowing down.
Jennings sat back down with his supper and turned to stare into the flames dancing behind the wood stove door. He spooned in the good tasting meal without thinking about it. Without the focus of his work to lend structure to his day's, J was at loose ends. How Alan had superseded his job at the force was puzzling. The lieutenant had called him in and basically said he was on leave and to report to Alan. Gears started turning in J's mind as he pondered the how and why of his enforced vacation.
Davis sat down next to his son. He didn't agree with the way Tammy used her abilities to jump into the cafe business without discussing it with Jennings. Davis stood up and waylaid his grand kids, pulling them back into the apartment area of the cafe so they could explore where they would be living.
Tammy finished her circuit of the diner and slowly worked her way to the table where J sat. He was so absorbed in thinking through his problems, that he didn't realize his wife had sat down.
"Jennings! Are you listening?" Tammy reached over and shook his arm. J jumped a foot as the bowl in his hand hit the floor and went spinning across the floor. "Just a minute," J stalled as he collected back his scattered thoughts and reached for the bowl.
The bell jingled when Kent Lawrence opened the door to the cafe and his foot hit the bowl. The crockery dish launched, hit the corner of the grill and exploded with a bang. J whipped around and pulled Tammy under his body for protection as he reached for his Glock at the small of his back.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Our medical news was not the best. But, it could have been worse, so we will work with what we have. More surgery is looming on the horizion, but I believe it needs to wait until Mr. Pac is stronger. Thank you for the good wishes.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Glad you at least got some news out of the med visit. Thank you so much for the chapter.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#54
The diner went instantly silent. J was crouched over Tammy as his gun hand held steady, his eyes cold and calculating as he swept the cafe for the source of terror. J was good at his craft, training muscle memory and instinct to back up his sharp shooter awards.
Whatever trouble he and Tammy were struggling with, was precluded by the fact she was in danger.
Davis heard the bowl explode, and with a hand motion he had his grandchildren on the floor while he eased over to the doorway. From his waistband holster came his Glock, and Davis was just as cold eyed and professional as his son.
The McCann men were responsible, and took that responsibility seriously. Davis had taught his son's well. He was a former man of international intrigue, savvy political astuteness and considerable physical training. Davis was like mild mannered Clark Kent, much much more than the outside package indicated. He preferred it that way.
Kent Lawrence stepped back from his unintended entrance into the diner. He was anticipating a bowl of something to eat, not a guns drawn welcome by the locals. He hadn't looked in the mirror lately, but he didn't think he looked that shifty-eyed and reprehensible.
Standing in the doorway staring at the slice of town represented in the diner, Kent hazarded a smile that he hoped would show his peaceful intentions. The gent on the floor hovering over a obviously frightened woman looked as dangerous as any two bit hood in a dark alley anywhere.
Always the interested bystander and inspector of human nature, Kent's nose began to itch with a news hounds prospective scent of a story. He considered the man's response to be unreasonable in view of the circumstances, and when that happened, there was always a reason. He liked reasons, they helped him delve into the human psyche. Kent almost rubbed his hands together in anticipation. He transformed before the customers into the consummate reporter looking for answers.
Jennings felt the cold hollow pit in his stomach like a the stab of a white hot poker. The man's insatiable interest had been awakened. They had a problem.
The diner went instantly silent. J was crouched over Tammy as his gun hand held steady, his eyes cold and calculating as he swept the cafe for the source of terror. J was good at his craft, training muscle memory and instinct to back up his sharp shooter awards.
Whatever trouble he and Tammy were struggling with, was precluded by the fact she was in danger.
Davis heard the bowl explode, and with a hand motion he had his grandchildren on the floor while he eased over to the doorway. From his waistband holster came his Glock, and Davis was just as cold eyed and professional as his son.
The McCann men were responsible, and took that responsibility seriously. Davis had taught his son's well. He was a former man of international intrigue, savvy political astuteness and considerable physical training. Davis was like mild mannered Clark Kent, much much more than the outside package indicated. He preferred it that way.
Kent Lawrence stepped back from his unintended entrance into the diner. He was anticipating a bowl of something to eat, not a guns drawn welcome by the locals. He hadn't looked in the mirror lately, but he didn't think he looked that shifty-eyed and reprehensible.
Standing in the doorway staring at the slice of town represented in the diner, Kent hazarded a smile that he hoped would show his peaceful intentions. The gent on the floor hovering over a obviously frightened woman looked as dangerous as any two bit hood in a dark alley anywhere.
Always the interested bystander and inspector of human nature, Kent's nose began to itch with a news hounds prospective scent of a story. He considered the man's response to be unreasonable in view of the circumstances, and when that happened, there was always a reason. He liked reasons, they helped him delve into the human psyche. Kent almost rubbed his hands together in anticipation. He transformed before the customers into the consummate reporter looking for answers.
Jennings felt the cold hollow pit in his stomach like a the stab of a white hot poker. The man's insatiable interest had been awakened. They had a problem.
Last edited:
bad_karma00
Underachiever
Oh those pesky reporters. Great chapter Pac!
Love what you're doing with this story! Great writing!
You and Mr Pac will be in my prayers.
You and Mr Pac will be in my prayers.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
All over a bowl breaking ee gads lol.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#55
Doc Phillips washed his hands and entered the clinic room where Cheryl was tucked in bed. Ev looked up instantly from his post beside her and stood up to shake hands with the medical man.
Doc shook his head no, holding his hands up to prevent contamination. "I need to talk to you both, and it isn't good. Cheryl, I am almost certain that you have a tubal pregnancy. I'm not equipped to handle a problem of this nature and I want to airlift you to a better equipped hospital."
"Oh wow," Cheryl said softly. "This couldn't get much more complicated. What other options do we have? Any chance we can save the baby?"
Ev reached for her hand, holding it as they faced the news they had expected, but didn't want to hear.
Doc shook his head no, but went on to qualify his decision. "I want an experienced Ob-GYN to check you out, perhaps there is an advancement I'm not aware of, or new procedures. We need to start on this now, it may take a while to get you moved. I've talked to Benny to see if he can get the helicopter that flew in here, but the Guard doesn't want to spare it for civilian work. We're trying to pull some strings, so stay strong."
Cheryl sagged back on the pillow. The pain in her belly increasing with each passing hour, so she was aware there was urgency in Doc's casual attitude. She kept a tight grip on Ev's hand, needing his strength. Cheryl was positive the pain and worry would be worse before it got better.
She also wanted Evie, needed her elder neighbor to be with her, needed that calm connection to God and the power of prayer. "Would you have Evie come visit me soon?" Cheryl asked hopefully.
Doc looked at Ev. Ev nodded his agreement, "I'll run out tonight, do you need anything from home?"
"Yes," Cheryl said with feeling. "I want my toothbrush, and my pj's. Ev get a piece of paper, I need a couple of things. What about Christy, can she visit. I miss her." the request was said with the pain of a mother missing her child.
Doc said 'yes," to Ev's unspoken question, and left the room for the Wilson's to work out the details.
Wayne was up out of bed when Doc passed his room. He shook his head and warned the bearded wonder about overdoing his fanatic drive for physical conditioning. Wayne grimaced at Doc because his jaw was clamped shut against the pain. Sweat beaded on his forehead and he felt sick and lightheaded. Dammed if he didn't feel as bad as he had after the beating from his uncle.
Wayne had vowed then, to never let anyone cause him the kind of pain he had experienced. The low down, lop eared, dirty dog that had knifed him had better be making tracks in rapid secession, cause if he ever caught him; and he had every intention of doing so, Wayne was going to even his score.
Benny had investigated the scene and reported back to Wayne that the perps were long gone. The 'bearded wonder' accepted his 'brother's' explanation, but privately doubted that the curs were indeed gone. It just didn't feel like they were gone; and Wayne put a lot of stock in his feelings.
Shaking off his weakness and steeling his resolve, Wayne worked toward hardening his physical condition to overcome his mind's tendency to wander from the subject.
Lainey looked up to see her Dad enter the cafe, kick the stew bowl Jennings had dropped and look aghast at J's reaction to the sound of the crockery explosion.
"Dad," she hollered, "Is everything OK with Mom?" Lainey went rushing over to grip her Dad's arm, deflecting his initial reaction away from J.
Kent shook his head as to clear the cobwebs of puzzlement. "You are working here?" he asked.
"Sure," Lainey responded happily, "Brett needed help tonight, so Clora and I came in to lend a hand. Hungry Dad?, the stew is really good tonight." she rambled on, pulling Kent over to an empty table. "Sit here, I'll be right back." Lainey ordered.
"Get off me, you lunk. I can't breathe," Tammy hissed in indignation, pushing ineffectively at J's bulk. When he showed no inclination to move, she reached up and pinched him. He moved.
Doc Phillips washed his hands and entered the clinic room where Cheryl was tucked in bed. Ev looked up instantly from his post beside her and stood up to shake hands with the medical man.
Doc shook his head no, holding his hands up to prevent contamination. "I need to talk to you both, and it isn't good. Cheryl, I am almost certain that you have a tubal pregnancy. I'm not equipped to handle a problem of this nature and I want to airlift you to a better equipped hospital."
"Oh wow," Cheryl said softly. "This couldn't get much more complicated. What other options do we have? Any chance we can save the baby?"
Ev reached for her hand, holding it as they faced the news they had expected, but didn't want to hear.
Doc shook his head no, but went on to qualify his decision. "I want an experienced Ob-GYN to check you out, perhaps there is an advancement I'm not aware of, or new procedures. We need to start on this now, it may take a while to get you moved. I've talked to Benny to see if he can get the helicopter that flew in here, but the Guard doesn't want to spare it for civilian work. We're trying to pull some strings, so stay strong."
Cheryl sagged back on the pillow. The pain in her belly increasing with each passing hour, so she was aware there was urgency in Doc's casual attitude. She kept a tight grip on Ev's hand, needing his strength. Cheryl was positive the pain and worry would be worse before it got better.
She also wanted Evie, needed her elder neighbor to be with her, needed that calm connection to God and the power of prayer. "Would you have Evie come visit me soon?" Cheryl asked hopefully.
Doc looked at Ev. Ev nodded his agreement, "I'll run out tonight, do you need anything from home?"
"Yes," Cheryl said with feeling. "I want my toothbrush, and my pj's. Ev get a piece of paper, I need a couple of things. What about Christy, can she visit. I miss her." the request was said with the pain of a mother missing her child.
Doc said 'yes," to Ev's unspoken question, and left the room for the Wilson's to work out the details.
Wayne was up out of bed when Doc passed his room. He shook his head and warned the bearded wonder about overdoing his fanatic drive for physical conditioning. Wayne grimaced at Doc because his jaw was clamped shut against the pain. Sweat beaded on his forehead and he felt sick and lightheaded. Dammed if he didn't feel as bad as he had after the beating from his uncle.
Wayne had vowed then, to never let anyone cause him the kind of pain he had experienced. The low down, lop eared, dirty dog that had knifed him had better be making tracks in rapid secession, cause if he ever caught him; and he had every intention of doing so, Wayne was going to even his score.
Benny had investigated the scene and reported back to Wayne that the perps were long gone. The 'bearded wonder' accepted his 'brother's' explanation, but privately doubted that the curs were indeed gone. It just didn't feel like they were gone; and Wayne put a lot of stock in his feelings.
Shaking off his weakness and steeling his resolve, Wayne worked toward hardening his physical condition to overcome his mind's tendency to wander from the subject.
Lainey looked up to see her Dad enter the cafe, kick the stew bowl Jennings had dropped and look aghast at J's reaction to the sound of the crockery explosion.
"Dad," she hollered, "Is everything OK with Mom?" Lainey went rushing over to grip her Dad's arm, deflecting his initial reaction away from J.
Kent shook his head as to clear the cobwebs of puzzlement. "You are working here?" he asked.
"Sure," Lainey responded happily, "Brett needed help tonight, so Clora and I came in to lend a hand. Hungry Dad?, the stew is really good tonight." she rambled on, pulling Kent over to an empty table. "Sit here, I'll be right back." Lainey ordered.
"Get off me, you lunk. I can't breathe," Tammy hissed in indignation, pushing ineffectively at J's bulk. When he showed no inclination to move, she reached up and pinched him. He moved.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
A big thank you.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#56
The man leaned against the fir trunk enjoying a smoke. He checked his knife, there was still a minor bloodstain on the blade and he spat on it and wiped it on his pants leg. He hadn't counted on the country folk being armed and such accurate shots. That huge sucker he had to knife had nearly caught him. He was going to have to be way more careful if he was to accomplish his goal.
Sandy left Trey and Christy with Evie while she ran over to Ev's to do the chores. Ruby was lonely and dogged her every step, in the way more than she was a help. Sandy was halfway done with the chores when Inky and Junior showed up. The three dogs went romping and playing all over the barnyard.
Junior nearly met his match when he ducked under the hog pen board and started to play with the piggies. He got a little rough with a porkers ear and the pig squealed. Mama sow took offense and came hustling over to defend her baby. Junior thought discretion was the better part of valor and scooted back out side the pen. Sandy came from the henhouse just in time to see a curious pink piggy nose wiggling under the fence.
Setting the bucket of eggs down, she went to the barn for a couple of cement blocks. She hated chasing piglets, and was going to plug the fence hole before disaster happened. Dropping the blocks against the fence, she turned when the bucket bail clanged.
Junior was learning about buckets and really strange smells. Picking up the broken eggs and shells, Sandy threw the gooey mess into the hog pen trough. Muttering under her breath, she picked up the bucket and walked over to the hydrant to wash her hands.
"Inky, go home," she ordered, fed up with all the help and nonsense. Inky, Junior and Ruby started for Evie's with Sandy bring up the rear. Half way home Junior played out, so Sandy picked up the squirming mass of puppy and tucked him under her arm.
Junior got so excited and happy to be interacting with Sandy, he let go with a little internal pressure, wetting the side of her jeans.
By the time Sandy got the assorted mutt's home, she was sick and tired of dogs and their foibles. Ruby marched right in the kitchen like she owned the place and lay down in Inky's favorite spot next to the stove. Junior curled up next to her, leaving Inky looking indignant that he had been ousted.
Evie chuckled as she stirred the pot of hamburger macaroni with tomatoes. "Dog drama," she said to Sandy as the youngster washed at the sink.
"Yeah, that little bugger got in the hog pen and the old sow was about to make a meal of him. Then he peed on me.," Sandy said disgustedly. "More trouble than he is worth."
"Well, not really," Evie smoothed over the troubles. "He will be good with the youngsters. How did things look over at Ev's?"
Sandy looked sideways to see where Christy and Trey were. She walked close to her Grandmother, before saying in a low voice, "someone has been in their house, took food and I don't know what else. Ev didn't lock the place, so I did. I think maybe the so and so's that knifed Wayne might have been in there. We've got to be careful, not let the kids out of our sight and be prepared for anything."
Evie nodded, took the pot off the stove and set it on a hotpad. "Kid's are you washed? Supper's ready."
Sandy casually locked the kitchen door on her way past, staring hard out the window into the encroaching night.
"Hurry up Auntie," Trey complained, "We got's to say grace and I'm hungry."
Sandy smiled at him and winked as she sat down. "Well, we'd better get cracking then. Are you ready to share hands?" She reached for Trey on one side and Christy on the other. Evie joined them and began the blessing.
Bedtime couldn't come quick enough for the full, sleepy kids, they were very agreeable to wash up and be tucked in. Sandy double checked the windows and front door, propping a straight backed chair under the door knob. She did the same with the back door.
Evie retrieved the shotgun from the pantry and laid it on the table. "Got the pistol?" Sandy questioned, and Evie patted her skirt pocket. "Me too," Sandy grinned. "We're a couple of pistol pack'in mamas," she snorted, amused but serious.
"I sure hope Wayne is better," Sandy said quietly. "I'm really worried Grandma, that was a pretty bad stab. Did I say thank you for the prayer's. That really meant a lot to both of us," Sandy swallowed hard.
Evie thought Sandy's sweet little face had way to many pain lines, so grown up for her age. Evie reached out and patted the thin arm resting on the table. "How are you feeling Honey? Any heart problems?"
Sandy didn't want to tell the truth and didn't want to lie, especially to Grandma. She also knew that the old lady was sharp enough to catch her in a fib. "Sometimes," she prevaricated. "I haven't been sleeping well, worrying about Wayne."
Evie let her get away with the non answer, this time. "I think you are loosing weight, and have you looked at the dark circles under your eyes. You need to balance more," she pressed lightly. "I worry about you," she smiled softly.
"I know Grandma, I appreciate it, I really do," Sandy replied with love. "I'm confused," she finally admitted. "I don't know what's going on between me and Wayne. Sometimes I think he likes me, and then the next day......." she sighed as she picked at a small scab on her arm. "They say girls are moody and changeable, but boy is he a revolving door."
"Would you like a couple of observations?" Evie asked with caution, not sure how the teen might react to her dishing out advise.
"Well, I guess so," Sandy agreed slowly.
Evie gingerly began. "Wayne has no manly example to learn from. The only man he was associated with was the most horrible person in the world. I tried to expose Wayne and Brett and Benny to men of character as they were growing up, but the lack of a responsible father is a huge roadblock for young men. Ev did a wonderful job, along with Will, but they have families they need to tend. If I could say anything, it would be go slow. Give him time to grow into his intentions, let Wayne come to his conclusions as he figures out what you already know," Evie crinkled her eyes as she smiled at Sandy.
To Evie's relief, Sandy giggled. "Grandma, how did you get so smart?"
Jennings rolled to the side as he gamely fought to keep his manly dignity. He couldn't believe Tammy's reaction to his well intentioned duck and cover protection. She knew the danger that was possible. She might not have like the way she found out, but it had happened and he had to go with the consequences.
The coldly efficient, well trained lawman had no experience being the enforcer of the law toward his own family. In a short hurry, he was finding out why people would react in certain ways. The main problem, he felt, was the fact his family gave him no respect.
Just like a lot of lawless people on the streets had no respect for the law and the men and women they hired to protect them; he was a stranger to his family in that matter. J was used to giving orders in tense situations and having them obeyed; not questioned and ignored by a person he loved and whom he hoped loved him.
J got to his feet and helped Tammy to hers. She said "thank you," in a dismissive way, and went to sit down at Brett's table. J seated himself at the same table and took a long drink of water.
"That was some move," Brett approved to the husband half of the new owners. "Will and Benny do things like that all the time, must be the training you guy's go through?"
Jennings said calmly, "we are trained to protect, especially those that mean the most to us."
Tammy had the grace to blush and look away, closing her mouth against the sharp retort that was forming.
Kent took the stew bowl from Lainey, the young woman serving him but sneaking quick peeks at Benny who was watching all the drama with cool precision. Benny felt the young woman's interest, looked up and smiled at her.
Lainey absently reached for the water pitcher and poured more than a glass full into her seated father's lap; all the while staring mesmerized at the handsome sheriff.
The diner erupted in amused laughter, the interest between the homegrown boy and the pretty newcomer well known and gossiped about.
Kent reached up and tilted the pitcher upright. Grimacing, he dropped his napkin in his lap and thought his daughter was a menace to society.
The man leaned against the fir trunk enjoying a smoke. He checked his knife, there was still a minor bloodstain on the blade and he spat on it and wiped it on his pants leg. He hadn't counted on the country folk being armed and such accurate shots. That huge sucker he had to knife had nearly caught him. He was going to have to be way more careful if he was to accomplish his goal.
Sandy left Trey and Christy with Evie while she ran over to Ev's to do the chores. Ruby was lonely and dogged her every step, in the way more than she was a help. Sandy was halfway done with the chores when Inky and Junior showed up. The three dogs went romping and playing all over the barnyard.
Junior nearly met his match when he ducked under the hog pen board and started to play with the piggies. He got a little rough with a porkers ear and the pig squealed. Mama sow took offense and came hustling over to defend her baby. Junior thought discretion was the better part of valor and scooted back out side the pen. Sandy came from the henhouse just in time to see a curious pink piggy nose wiggling under the fence.
Setting the bucket of eggs down, she went to the barn for a couple of cement blocks. She hated chasing piglets, and was going to plug the fence hole before disaster happened. Dropping the blocks against the fence, she turned when the bucket bail clanged.
Junior was learning about buckets and really strange smells. Picking up the broken eggs and shells, Sandy threw the gooey mess into the hog pen trough. Muttering under her breath, she picked up the bucket and walked over to the hydrant to wash her hands.
"Inky, go home," she ordered, fed up with all the help and nonsense. Inky, Junior and Ruby started for Evie's with Sandy bring up the rear. Half way home Junior played out, so Sandy picked up the squirming mass of puppy and tucked him under her arm.
Junior got so excited and happy to be interacting with Sandy, he let go with a little internal pressure, wetting the side of her jeans.
By the time Sandy got the assorted mutt's home, she was sick and tired of dogs and their foibles. Ruby marched right in the kitchen like she owned the place and lay down in Inky's favorite spot next to the stove. Junior curled up next to her, leaving Inky looking indignant that he had been ousted.
Evie chuckled as she stirred the pot of hamburger macaroni with tomatoes. "Dog drama," she said to Sandy as the youngster washed at the sink.
"Yeah, that little bugger got in the hog pen and the old sow was about to make a meal of him. Then he peed on me.," Sandy said disgustedly. "More trouble than he is worth."
"Well, not really," Evie smoothed over the troubles. "He will be good with the youngsters. How did things look over at Ev's?"
Sandy looked sideways to see where Christy and Trey were. She walked close to her Grandmother, before saying in a low voice, "someone has been in their house, took food and I don't know what else. Ev didn't lock the place, so I did. I think maybe the so and so's that knifed Wayne might have been in there. We've got to be careful, not let the kids out of our sight and be prepared for anything."
Evie nodded, took the pot off the stove and set it on a hotpad. "Kid's are you washed? Supper's ready."
Sandy casually locked the kitchen door on her way past, staring hard out the window into the encroaching night.
"Hurry up Auntie," Trey complained, "We got's to say grace and I'm hungry."
Sandy smiled at him and winked as she sat down. "Well, we'd better get cracking then. Are you ready to share hands?" She reached for Trey on one side and Christy on the other. Evie joined them and began the blessing.
Bedtime couldn't come quick enough for the full, sleepy kids, they were very agreeable to wash up and be tucked in. Sandy double checked the windows and front door, propping a straight backed chair under the door knob. She did the same with the back door.
Evie retrieved the shotgun from the pantry and laid it on the table. "Got the pistol?" Sandy questioned, and Evie patted her skirt pocket. "Me too," Sandy grinned. "We're a couple of pistol pack'in mamas," she snorted, amused but serious.
"I sure hope Wayne is better," Sandy said quietly. "I'm really worried Grandma, that was a pretty bad stab. Did I say thank you for the prayer's. That really meant a lot to both of us," Sandy swallowed hard.
Evie thought Sandy's sweet little face had way to many pain lines, so grown up for her age. Evie reached out and patted the thin arm resting on the table. "How are you feeling Honey? Any heart problems?"
Sandy didn't want to tell the truth and didn't want to lie, especially to Grandma. She also knew that the old lady was sharp enough to catch her in a fib. "Sometimes," she prevaricated. "I haven't been sleeping well, worrying about Wayne."
Evie let her get away with the non answer, this time. "I think you are loosing weight, and have you looked at the dark circles under your eyes. You need to balance more," she pressed lightly. "I worry about you," she smiled softly.
"I know Grandma, I appreciate it, I really do," Sandy replied with love. "I'm confused," she finally admitted. "I don't know what's going on between me and Wayne. Sometimes I think he likes me, and then the next day......." she sighed as she picked at a small scab on her arm. "They say girls are moody and changeable, but boy is he a revolving door."
"Would you like a couple of observations?" Evie asked with caution, not sure how the teen might react to her dishing out advise.
"Well, I guess so," Sandy agreed slowly.
Evie gingerly began. "Wayne has no manly example to learn from. The only man he was associated with was the most horrible person in the world. I tried to expose Wayne and Brett and Benny to men of character as they were growing up, but the lack of a responsible father is a huge roadblock for young men. Ev did a wonderful job, along with Will, but they have families they need to tend. If I could say anything, it would be go slow. Give him time to grow into his intentions, let Wayne come to his conclusions as he figures out what you already know," Evie crinkled her eyes as she smiled at Sandy.
To Evie's relief, Sandy giggled. "Grandma, how did you get so smart?"
Jennings rolled to the side as he gamely fought to keep his manly dignity. He couldn't believe Tammy's reaction to his well intentioned duck and cover protection. She knew the danger that was possible. She might not have like the way she found out, but it had happened and he had to go with the consequences.
The coldly efficient, well trained lawman had no experience being the enforcer of the law toward his own family. In a short hurry, he was finding out why people would react in certain ways. The main problem, he felt, was the fact his family gave him no respect.
Just like a lot of lawless people on the streets had no respect for the law and the men and women they hired to protect them; he was a stranger to his family in that matter. J was used to giving orders in tense situations and having them obeyed; not questioned and ignored by a person he loved and whom he hoped loved him.
J got to his feet and helped Tammy to hers. She said "thank you," in a dismissive way, and went to sit down at Brett's table. J seated himself at the same table and took a long drink of water.
"That was some move," Brett approved to the husband half of the new owners. "Will and Benny do things like that all the time, must be the training you guy's go through?"
Jennings said calmly, "we are trained to protect, especially those that mean the most to us."
Tammy had the grace to blush and look away, closing her mouth against the sharp retort that was forming.
Kent took the stew bowl from Lainey, the young woman serving him but sneaking quick peeks at Benny who was watching all the drama with cool precision. Benny felt the young woman's interest, looked up and smiled at her.
Lainey absently reached for the water pitcher and poured more than a glass full into her seated father's lap; all the while staring mesmerized at the handsome sheriff.
The diner erupted in amused laughter, the interest between the homegrown boy and the pretty newcomer well known and gossiped about.
Kent reached up and tilted the pitcher upright. Grimacing, he dropped his napkin in his lap and thought his daughter was a menace to society.
Phantom
Contributing Member
hehehehehe if everyone anyone in town didn't know before ..... by now they do!
including Daddy
the guy who Stuck Wayne should really run for it .....I'm not sure what Wayne will do if he catches him.
But it's got to be a less painful then if Sandy and Evie do.
Sic em Pinky....
good chapter
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Loved it as usual. Thank you. But we have another bad guy in the wings.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#57
"Dad! Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I...I... Here, let me mop that up." Lainey plopped the pitcher on the table and picked up the server's towel and advanced on her father, fully intending to make atonement for her mistake. Kent recoiled in horror, his life and limb were in grave, mortal danger.
Kent got her stopped just in the nick of time as Lainey bent over to dab at the water pooling in his lap. His iron grip on her right hand with the towel, startled Lainey so much that she overbalanced and brought up her left hand still encased in the cast, to smack her father solidly on the chin.
At that moment, Lainey came to her senses and realized where she intended to place the towel, where she had clobbered her father, and felt so mortified, she wanted to die.
Lainey simply put everything on the table and walked out of the diner without saying a word.
Benny watched that beautiful woman shrink inside herself while the tears pooled in her expressive blue eyes. There were a few snickers, but nobody laughed out loud, sparing her that humiliation. Lainey walked out into the dark, leaving the door open behind her.
Clora walked by and kicked Benny in the foot. "Are you that stupid?" she hissed. "Are you a man or a mouse?" Benny looked up with a blank look on his face until he got the drift and realization hit him hard.
"Aahh, I'll be right back," he excused himself, remembering to close the cafe door behind himself.
The night had cooled considerably and Benny had to look up and down the street before he spotted the hunched over figure of Lainey walking out towards Grandma's place. She had her arms folded around herself and looked like the saddest person he had ever seen. It didn't take him long to catch up with her. At a loss to know what to do or say, Benny placed his arm around her shoulders and they walked in silence.
Kent rubbed his chin, Lainey packed a wallop for sure; but it would have been very unseemly for him to allow her misguided attempts to clean up the mess. Kent looked around but nobody seemed to be paying him any attention, so he was grateful for the casual attitude. Had this incident happened back at home, he would have felt the censure of not only the first accident, but the lack of Lainey's ability to control herself in her surroundings.
Kent really wished Mary Lou were available to council Lainey on her disgraceful behavior. It was aggravating that she was sidelined by that pesky heart attack. Kent had pressing business at home and it was frustrating beyond belief to be cooling his heels in this one horse town. The doctor had not given him any news on when ML might be moved, and in fact had told Kent that he had a patient with higher priority than his wife.
Where Lainey had gone to, Kent didn't know but he needed to pay and get back to the clinic. He looked up when the big guy stopped by his table and said, "duck out through the kitchen, go right and the clinic is on the corner. Lainey sure is a great gal. She was really excited to see you come in. Don't worry about the bill, she worked it off by helping tonight." Brett stood as a shield between the wet newspaper man and the majority of the customers, as Kent moved back into the kitchen.
He nearly recoiled when he spotted the older man with the neatly trimmed beard lurking in the shadows, and he didn't miss the dark mass of gun held close to the gent's leg.
"What is it with all the guns and spooked people around here?" Kent questioned the massive man following him. "There's always someone lurking in the shadows, armed and ready to shoot."
"Well now, I've got to say we're pretty friendly around here; but we just had a mob move through that used force and tried to shoot some of the outlying folks. We don't go for that," Brett finished sternly.
"I can see that," Kent managed to say as his head was scanning back and forth inspecting the dark alley. "Say,has anyone said how a person might get out of this town, I need to get my wife to a better doctor and hospital."
Brett pursed his lips, this guy was a piece of work. Not once had he inquired about Lainey being out in the dangerous night, almost as if he had forgotten he had a daughter to care about.
"Yeah, there's a way now that the snow has melted. You have to go up into the mountains on the logging roads, and back down and come out at the river. The problem is, we are about out of fuel in town. We would have to make some arrangements for replenishing the gas, and we would have to use Ev's pickup and he would have to agree. It's gonna cost ya."
"Yeah, yeah," Kent brushed off the idea that he wouldn't pay. Of course he would pay, Mary Lou was priceless to him.
"Get ahold of this Ev guy and make a deal. I'll naturally make it worth your while if you will drive us and I'll pay a premium if we can leave by tomorrow."
"I'll walk over to the clinic with you," Brett shoved his hands in his pockets. He wasn't looking forward to spending time with this guy and his wife, but the idea of quick cash was appealing. He also took note that Benny was with Lainey and they were headed to Grandma's, not that her dad cared.
Ev was sitting next to the sleeping Cheryl, bent over with his head in his hands. Brett tapped lightly on the door, bringing the man to his feet in startled alarm. Brett beckoned his friend to the hall, and they walked to the waiting room. Brett explained the situation. "I'm gonna ask for new tires, drums of gas and a canopy," he finished. "Plus money," he added quickly. "Watcha think?"
Ev nodded, passing his hand over his face to chase the cobwebs away. "We have to fly out, see if this dude has enough money and pull to get us airlifted."
"For sure," Brett promised, rubbing his hands together in anticipation of the upcoming haggle between himself and Kent.
There was no hassle. Kent agreed instantly. They left at dawn the next morning. Equipped with a hastily put together camping outfit, and pillows to cushion the thin Mary Lou the journey commenced with Ev looking pinch faced as they drove away.
Benny tried the kitchen door and it wouldn't open. He ducked his head below the lacy thing Grandma insisted on hanging on the window and tapped loudly. The bore of the double barrel shotgun appeared on the other side of the glass level with his eyes, and Benny could hear the gun racked.
"Sandy, is that you? Open up, it's cold out here." Benny hollered through the door.
The chair scraped back and Sandy flipped the lock open. "Benny, and is that you Lainey? Get in here!" she ordered briskly, pulling them inside.
"Problems?" Benny looked around as he asked.
"Looters at Ev's. I went over there this afternoon to do chores and someone has been inside the house." Sandy accounted as she shoved the chair back under the door. "I'm sure glad you showed up. I wasn't sure how to get in touch with someone, as I didn't want to leave Grandma and the kids alone. Lainey you look cold, you want some tea?"
Benny thought 'bless your heart Sandy for treating her normal' and walked over to warm himself. "Come here," he invited Lainey. "come warm up."
Evie showed up, her hair in it's night braid and the famous nightgown making her look like a voluminous woman.
"Hi sweetie," she patted Lainey's arm and tugged lightly on Benny's ear. "Oh, you're cold, you must have walked from town? Let's have tea. Oh wonderful, Sandy, the kettle is already on. Get the tea, would you dear?"
They were sitting at the table savoring the cups of tea, when Inky and Ruby simultaneously growled deep and low.
"Dad! Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I...I... Here, let me mop that up." Lainey plopped the pitcher on the table and picked up the server's towel and advanced on her father, fully intending to make atonement for her mistake. Kent recoiled in horror, his life and limb were in grave, mortal danger.
Kent got her stopped just in the nick of time as Lainey bent over to dab at the water pooling in his lap. His iron grip on her right hand with the towel, startled Lainey so much that she overbalanced and brought up her left hand still encased in the cast, to smack her father solidly on the chin.
At that moment, Lainey came to her senses and realized where she intended to place the towel, where she had clobbered her father, and felt so mortified, she wanted to die.
Lainey simply put everything on the table and walked out of the diner without saying a word.
Benny watched that beautiful woman shrink inside herself while the tears pooled in her expressive blue eyes. There were a few snickers, but nobody laughed out loud, sparing her that humiliation. Lainey walked out into the dark, leaving the door open behind her.
Clora walked by and kicked Benny in the foot. "Are you that stupid?" she hissed. "Are you a man or a mouse?" Benny looked up with a blank look on his face until he got the drift and realization hit him hard.
"Aahh, I'll be right back," he excused himself, remembering to close the cafe door behind himself.
The night had cooled considerably and Benny had to look up and down the street before he spotted the hunched over figure of Lainey walking out towards Grandma's place. She had her arms folded around herself and looked like the saddest person he had ever seen. It didn't take him long to catch up with her. At a loss to know what to do or say, Benny placed his arm around her shoulders and they walked in silence.
Kent rubbed his chin, Lainey packed a wallop for sure; but it would have been very unseemly for him to allow her misguided attempts to clean up the mess. Kent looked around but nobody seemed to be paying him any attention, so he was grateful for the casual attitude. Had this incident happened back at home, he would have felt the censure of not only the first accident, but the lack of Lainey's ability to control herself in her surroundings.
Kent really wished Mary Lou were available to council Lainey on her disgraceful behavior. It was aggravating that she was sidelined by that pesky heart attack. Kent had pressing business at home and it was frustrating beyond belief to be cooling his heels in this one horse town. The doctor had not given him any news on when ML might be moved, and in fact had told Kent that he had a patient with higher priority than his wife.
Where Lainey had gone to, Kent didn't know but he needed to pay and get back to the clinic. He looked up when the big guy stopped by his table and said, "duck out through the kitchen, go right and the clinic is on the corner. Lainey sure is a great gal. She was really excited to see you come in. Don't worry about the bill, she worked it off by helping tonight." Brett stood as a shield between the wet newspaper man and the majority of the customers, as Kent moved back into the kitchen.
He nearly recoiled when he spotted the older man with the neatly trimmed beard lurking in the shadows, and he didn't miss the dark mass of gun held close to the gent's leg.
"What is it with all the guns and spooked people around here?" Kent questioned the massive man following him. "There's always someone lurking in the shadows, armed and ready to shoot."
"Well now, I've got to say we're pretty friendly around here; but we just had a mob move through that used force and tried to shoot some of the outlying folks. We don't go for that," Brett finished sternly.
"I can see that," Kent managed to say as his head was scanning back and forth inspecting the dark alley. "Say,has anyone said how a person might get out of this town, I need to get my wife to a better doctor and hospital."
Brett pursed his lips, this guy was a piece of work. Not once had he inquired about Lainey being out in the dangerous night, almost as if he had forgotten he had a daughter to care about.
"Yeah, there's a way now that the snow has melted. You have to go up into the mountains on the logging roads, and back down and come out at the river. The problem is, we are about out of fuel in town. We would have to make some arrangements for replenishing the gas, and we would have to use Ev's pickup and he would have to agree. It's gonna cost ya."
"Yeah, yeah," Kent brushed off the idea that he wouldn't pay. Of course he would pay, Mary Lou was priceless to him.
"Get ahold of this Ev guy and make a deal. I'll naturally make it worth your while if you will drive us and I'll pay a premium if we can leave by tomorrow."
"I'll walk over to the clinic with you," Brett shoved his hands in his pockets. He wasn't looking forward to spending time with this guy and his wife, but the idea of quick cash was appealing. He also took note that Benny was with Lainey and they were headed to Grandma's, not that her dad cared.
Ev was sitting next to the sleeping Cheryl, bent over with his head in his hands. Brett tapped lightly on the door, bringing the man to his feet in startled alarm. Brett beckoned his friend to the hall, and they walked to the waiting room. Brett explained the situation. "I'm gonna ask for new tires, drums of gas and a canopy," he finished. "Plus money," he added quickly. "Watcha think?"
Ev nodded, passing his hand over his face to chase the cobwebs away. "We have to fly out, see if this dude has enough money and pull to get us airlifted."
"For sure," Brett promised, rubbing his hands together in anticipation of the upcoming haggle between himself and Kent.
There was no hassle. Kent agreed instantly. They left at dawn the next morning. Equipped with a hastily put together camping outfit, and pillows to cushion the thin Mary Lou the journey commenced with Ev looking pinch faced as they drove away.
Benny tried the kitchen door and it wouldn't open. He ducked his head below the lacy thing Grandma insisted on hanging on the window and tapped loudly. The bore of the double barrel shotgun appeared on the other side of the glass level with his eyes, and Benny could hear the gun racked.
"Sandy, is that you? Open up, it's cold out here." Benny hollered through the door.
The chair scraped back and Sandy flipped the lock open. "Benny, and is that you Lainey? Get in here!" she ordered briskly, pulling them inside.
"Problems?" Benny looked around as he asked.
"Looters at Ev's. I went over there this afternoon to do chores and someone has been inside the house." Sandy accounted as she shoved the chair back under the door. "I'm sure glad you showed up. I wasn't sure how to get in touch with someone, as I didn't want to leave Grandma and the kids alone. Lainey you look cold, you want some tea?"
Benny thought 'bless your heart Sandy for treating her normal' and walked over to warm himself. "Come here," he invited Lainey. "come warm up."
Evie showed up, her hair in it's night braid and the famous nightgown making her look like a voluminous woman.
"Hi sweetie," she patted Lainey's arm and tugged lightly on Benny's ear. "Oh, you're cold, you must have walked from town? Let's have tea. Oh wonderful, Sandy, the kettle is already on. Get the tea, would you dear?"
They were sitting at the table savoring the cups of tea, when Inky and Ruby simultaneously growled deep and low.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
thanks for the chapter
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh Oh bad guy alert, great alarms they have there. Thank you 
.
.PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#58a
Benny did what any lawman would do,and as Jennings had done earlier in the afternoon. He swept his most valuable possession under him for protection as he prepared for trouble. Lainey was stunned. One moment she was sipping tea, the next moment she was under the table and Benny. He was half crouched over her, making sure his head was below the window line.
"Down," he whispered through clenched teeth at Evie and Sandra. They both slipped out of their chairs and huddled together under the far edge of the table. Sandy scooted the old shotgun along the floor until it was close enough to Benny, that he could pull it to him.
Inky and Ruby got up, hackles raised and growling again. They had almost reached the door when the coyote outside let loose with a blood chilling yodel. The older dogs started barking furiously and Junior started backing up until he was in between Sandy's kneeling legs. Once secure, he added excited puppy yips to the confusion, bravely protecting his people from the monster.
"Dogs," Benny snapped his order. "Quiet, go lay down." Inky and Ruby retreated to the warm spot by the stove, and Sandy had to restrain Junior by closing her hand around his muzzle. "No," she said gently giving him a baby shake. "No bark."
Junior looked affronted, walked over to nestle in with Inky and gave one last yip. A doggy reminder to the humans that he had one remaining bark to get rid of. Sandy snickered. "I guess that told us. Ahh, do you intend to let her up any time soon?" she ribbed Benny. Sandy and Evie smiled with evil amusement at the predicament of the other two.
Now it was Benny's turn to be deeply embarrassed. He grinned cheekily at Lainey and helped her scoot out from under him and the table. Lainey blushed deeper red than Benny and went to the sink to run cold water to splash on her face. Sandy must have really chucked wood in the stove, she thought. My goodness it was awful warm in here.
Sandy helped Evie up and refreshed her tea cup. "OK, dear brother. It's about time you told us what's going on around here. Now we may be country folk, but we're not stupid. Why the response to the dog warning? You are really going overboard."
Benny seated Lainey and sat beside her, playing with his mug. "It's long and complicated. I don't have 100 % confidence that all of it is true, and most of the information has come from a questionable source. It's two pronged and both are trouble. Here's what I know. Now this is going to affect you Lainey, in the fact that NONE of this can be mentioned to your father." Benny reached over and took Lainey's hand in his. "There are a lot of holes, in what I'm going to say. I simply don't know the whole scheme of things, but perhaps you can help me put it all together."
Benny did what any lawman would do,and as Jennings had done earlier in the afternoon. He swept his most valuable possession under him for protection as he prepared for trouble. Lainey was stunned. One moment she was sipping tea, the next moment she was under the table and Benny. He was half crouched over her, making sure his head was below the window line.
"Down," he whispered through clenched teeth at Evie and Sandra. They both slipped out of their chairs and huddled together under the far edge of the table. Sandy scooted the old shotgun along the floor until it was close enough to Benny, that he could pull it to him.
Inky and Ruby got up, hackles raised and growling again. They had almost reached the door when the coyote outside let loose with a blood chilling yodel. The older dogs started barking furiously and Junior started backing up until he was in between Sandy's kneeling legs. Once secure, he added excited puppy yips to the confusion, bravely protecting his people from the monster.
"Dogs," Benny snapped his order. "Quiet, go lay down." Inky and Ruby retreated to the warm spot by the stove, and Sandy had to restrain Junior by closing her hand around his muzzle. "No," she said gently giving him a baby shake. "No bark."
Junior looked affronted, walked over to nestle in with Inky and gave one last yip. A doggy reminder to the humans that he had one remaining bark to get rid of. Sandy snickered. "I guess that told us. Ahh, do you intend to let her up any time soon?" she ribbed Benny. Sandy and Evie smiled with evil amusement at the predicament of the other two.
Now it was Benny's turn to be deeply embarrassed. He grinned cheekily at Lainey and helped her scoot out from under him and the table. Lainey blushed deeper red than Benny and went to the sink to run cold water to splash on her face. Sandy must have really chucked wood in the stove, she thought. My goodness it was awful warm in here.
Sandy helped Evie up and refreshed her tea cup. "OK, dear brother. It's about time you told us what's going on around here. Now we may be country folk, but we're not stupid. Why the response to the dog warning? You are really going overboard."
Benny seated Lainey and sat beside her, playing with his mug. "It's long and complicated. I don't have 100 % confidence that all of it is true, and most of the information has come from a questionable source. It's two pronged and both are trouble. Here's what I know. Now this is going to affect you Lainey, in the fact that NONE of this can be mentioned to your father." Benny reached over and took Lainey's hand in his. "There are a lot of holes, in what I'm going to say. I simply don't know the whole scheme of things, but perhaps you can help me put it all together."
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
woo hoo another chapter.
Thank you so much! Great writing!
bad_karma00
Underachiever
Oh how I do love updates!
