Premonitions
- Thread starter PacNorWest
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PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#78b
"I didn't know that bothered you so much, Honey you need to speak up. I can see a lot of what is going on in your mind, but when ever you have problems we have to communicate." Mark got up to stand next to Clora. "Tell me, what else is bothering you? What can I do for you, on account you do so much for us."
"I hate for you to use all your free time doing 'honey do's," Clora said plaintively, "you work so hard and have so little free time, I would like you to have time that you could go for a walk if you wanted."
"If I have time to go for a walk, I wouldn't want to go unless you would go with me." Mark touched her cheek. "Do you understand why?"
Clora nodded, "you know I feel the same way. But, if we are not walking... could you look at the sink" she said impishly. For her teasing, she got a kiss on her cheek and her 6'6" husband bent down to try and look under the cast iron, chipped porcelain behemoth. The long, farm type sink was leaking in the connection, dripping into a coffee can placed strategically under the J trap.
Mark went to the junk drawer and got paper, pencil and fished his tape measure from his pocket. "I'll measure, would you write the measurements as I call them out." They went to work on the basement door, then the list of plumbing parts needs. Putting on their coats, they went out the front door and measured the length of rail needed to repair the wobbly baluster.
"Watcha doing?" Milo was bursting with curiosity as he peeked out the door.
"Fixing things, want to help?" Mark pretended to be busy to let Milo make up his mind.
"Sure," Milo was definite as he shoved his hands in his pockets. "I like helpin."
"We're getting ready to go to the store, did you get your thinking done so you can go with us?" Mark questioned as he folded the paper and put it in his shirt pocket. When Clora went inside to get ready to go, Mark bent down and whispered in Milo's ear.
Milo nodded his head up and down so hard his eyes almost crossed. "Yeah," he agreed in barely disguised glee, 'let's go."
Clora made a sour face at the Jeep as she climbed in. Milo was chattering like a squirrel on espresso as they made the trip into the hardware store. The Meadowville store was almost empty, and the owner helped them himself. Mark struck up a easy conversation with Archie, and spent an hour gabbing about hardware things, sports and more hardware talk. Clora and Milo sat with glazed over eyes and complete boredom until Milo had the brilliant idea that he needed to use the restroom.
"I gotta go potty," Milo whined and Clora pointed to Mark. The request had to be repeated twice before Mark got the message.
Another whine about being hungry and they finally paid and made arrangements to pick up door on the way home. Mark drove through the streets with efficiency as they made their way to a hamburger joint. They had huge burgers, curly fries and chocolate milkshakes. "Happy Birthday," Milo yelled on Mark's cue, as they sat stuffed, drinking the last of their shakes.
"Thank You," Clora replied, "This is a very nice treat."
"We're gonna take you to the fabric shop for your birthday," Milo spoke with the importance of knowing the plan.
They went around the corner to the small shopping center and turned Clora loose in the fabric depot. Mark and Milo snuck next door to the video game arcade and spent a blissful couple of hours as Clora shopped.
Clora spent her time well, gathering baby material and denim for skirts. She went through the thread section, bought a new set of scissors she intended to hide from the guys, and bought some suiting wool. It was great to loose herself in the moment, the cares of the farm put aside for a little while.
Back in the Jeep, they drove further in the opposite direction of the farm. "We're goin to supper on account of your birthday," Milo announced happily, "it's gonna be special. Uncle Mark has a surprise for you and I can hardly wait."
"Milo," Mark warned, "don't spill the beans dude." and Milo quited down fast.
The spaghetti restaurant was quaint, warm and intimate, and smelled heavenly of wonderful sauce and brisk garlic bread. Two meals out in one day was a treat so rare, Clora ate slowly and enjoyed the mess Milo made of his face and shirt.
"I didn't know that bothered you so much, Honey you need to speak up. I can see a lot of what is going on in your mind, but when ever you have problems we have to communicate." Mark got up to stand next to Clora. "Tell me, what else is bothering you? What can I do for you, on account you do so much for us."
"I hate for you to use all your free time doing 'honey do's," Clora said plaintively, "you work so hard and have so little free time, I would like you to have time that you could go for a walk if you wanted."
"If I have time to go for a walk, I wouldn't want to go unless you would go with me." Mark touched her cheek. "Do you understand why?"
Clora nodded, "you know I feel the same way. But, if we are not walking... could you look at the sink" she said impishly. For her teasing, she got a kiss on her cheek and her 6'6" husband bent down to try and look under the cast iron, chipped porcelain behemoth. The long, farm type sink was leaking in the connection, dripping into a coffee can placed strategically under the J trap.
Mark went to the junk drawer and got paper, pencil and fished his tape measure from his pocket. "I'll measure, would you write the measurements as I call them out." They went to work on the basement door, then the list of plumbing parts needs. Putting on their coats, they went out the front door and measured the length of rail needed to repair the wobbly baluster.
"Watcha doing?" Milo was bursting with curiosity as he peeked out the door.
"Fixing things, want to help?" Mark pretended to be busy to let Milo make up his mind.
"Sure," Milo was definite as he shoved his hands in his pockets. "I like helpin."
"We're getting ready to go to the store, did you get your thinking done so you can go with us?" Mark questioned as he folded the paper and put it in his shirt pocket. When Clora went inside to get ready to go, Mark bent down and whispered in Milo's ear.
Milo nodded his head up and down so hard his eyes almost crossed. "Yeah," he agreed in barely disguised glee, 'let's go."
Clora made a sour face at the Jeep as she climbed in. Milo was chattering like a squirrel on espresso as they made the trip into the hardware store. The Meadowville store was almost empty, and the owner helped them himself. Mark struck up a easy conversation with Archie, and spent an hour gabbing about hardware things, sports and more hardware talk. Clora and Milo sat with glazed over eyes and complete boredom until Milo had the brilliant idea that he needed to use the restroom.
"I gotta go potty," Milo whined and Clora pointed to Mark. The request had to be repeated twice before Mark got the message.
Another whine about being hungry and they finally paid and made arrangements to pick up door on the way home. Mark drove through the streets with efficiency as they made their way to a hamburger joint. They had huge burgers, curly fries and chocolate milkshakes. "Happy Birthday," Milo yelled on Mark's cue, as they sat stuffed, drinking the last of their shakes.
"Thank You," Clora replied, "This is a very nice treat."
"We're gonna take you to the fabric shop for your birthday," Milo spoke with the importance of knowing the plan.
They went around the corner to the small shopping center and turned Clora loose in the fabric depot. Mark and Milo snuck next door to the video game arcade and spent a blissful couple of hours as Clora shopped.
Clora spent her time well, gathering baby material and denim for skirts. She went through the thread section, bought a new set of scissors she intended to hide from the guys, and bought some suiting wool. It was great to loose herself in the moment, the cares of the farm put aside for a little while.
Back in the Jeep, they drove further in the opposite direction of the farm. "We're goin to supper on account of your birthday," Milo announced happily, "it's gonna be special. Uncle Mark has a surprise for you and I can hardly wait."
"Milo," Mark warned, "don't spill the beans dude." and Milo quited down fast.
The spaghetti restaurant was quaint, warm and intimate, and smelled heavenly of wonderful sauce and brisk garlic bread. Two meals out in one day was a treat so rare, Clora ate slowly and enjoyed the mess Milo made of his face and shirt.
bad_karma00
Underachiever
Can't help wonder what the heavy thinking is about. I wonder if Milo is concerned about the coming baby? Poor little fella.
Thanks for the new chapters Pac.
Bad
Thanks for the new chapters Pac.
Bad
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#79
"Can I tell her, Uncle Mark, can I, can I?" Milo pestered as they got back in the cranky old Jeep and drove to the hardware store.
"Hold on Milo, you're rushing things a little, let's get the door and then you can tell Clora," Mark temporized as he drove into the lumberyard 20 minutes before closing time. After the door was securely tied to the roof rack, Mark disappeared into the store and came back with a piece of paper in his hand. It was a receipt for the use of a loader and packer for a day. Mark's present was the means to seal up the tunnel and sunken tube leading to it.
Clora was thrilled; declaring it the best present ever. "We gots a guy coming to throw mud," Milo told confidently Clora, "he's gonna,....he's gonna...what's that called Uncle Mark?"
"Replaster the wall and seal it up," Mark clarified, chuckling as he drove home.
"Guy's, this is just the best," Clora was a little teary and sniffed as her emotions roiled. "Thank you so very much, I can't tell you how much this means to me."
"Auntie Clora," Milo said very carefully, "if I'm real good and don't cause no problems, can I stay with you and Unca Mark when the baby comes?"
"Milo, is this what you've been worrying about?" Clora asked with a fresh wave of emotion as she tried to turn around and hug Milo. As both were belted in, it was difficult.
"Milo, remember when we talked about the laws and how we will want you as long as we can?" Mark spoke with his deep, warm voice. "Clora and I want you to stay with us forever. You are our first kid, and we love you just like you had been born to us."
There was silence for a long time from the back seat, and finally Milo said "OK," and then was silent again.
Clora was full, warm and sleepy by the time they got back to the farm. It had been a happy family outing, a treasured break in the daily routine. Mark was aware but did not remark about the car that had been shadowing them all day. He recognized Borg's car, and at times would catch glimpses of the older man driving to avoid passing them on the roads.
Mark wasn't sure if he was happy or sad about Borg, but he had considered the man to be his father for most of his life, so there was that to ponder. Mark had deliberately not spent much time worrying about Borg, his ability to land on his feet was legendary among his peers. One thing was for sure, Borg was tied up in the 'princess thing' as Mark referred to it, up to his ears in intrigue.
There would have to be a day of reckoning, but Mark was not pushing the issue. It would happen soon enough.
The dark farm looked the same as when they left and Mark and Milo untied the door and brought it in, the youngster 'helped' by bringing in the door lock set. Clora secretively tucked her packages in between the folds of the new material, and rushed the bags into the bedroom to her side of the closet. Smiling at the renew of her good nature, Clora got out milk and cookies for a late snack.
They were just finishing up when Will came in loaded with packages. "Bad news," he said with dispirited enthusiasm. "The Captain won't let me take time off until after New Year's, so the guy's will have to go without me." he grabbed a cookie and sat down.
"Well, go when your shifts are over," Clora said reasonably. "They won't have more that 2 day's lead on you."
"Can I tell her, Uncle Mark, can I, can I?" Milo pestered as they got back in the cranky old Jeep and drove to the hardware store.
"Hold on Milo, you're rushing things a little, let's get the door and then you can tell Clora," Mark temporized as he drove into the lumberyard 20 minutes before closing time. After the door was securely tied to the roof rack, Mark disappeared into the store and came back with a piece of paper in his hand. It was a receipt for the use of a loader and packer for a day. Mark's present was the means to seal up the tunnel and sunken tube leading to it.
Clora was thrilled; declaring it the best present ever. "We gots a guy coming to throw mud," Milo told confidently Clora, "he's gonna,....he's gonna...what's that called Uncle Mark?"
"Replaster the wall and seal it up," Mark clarified, chuckling as he drove home.
"Guy's, this is just the best," Clora was a little teary and sniffed as her emotions roiled. "Thank you so very much, I can't tell you how much this means to me."
"Auntie Clora," Milo said very carefully, "if I'm real good and don't cause no problems, can I stay with you and Unca Mark when the baby comes?"
"Milo, is this what you've been worrying about?" Clora asked with a fresh wave of emotion as she tried to turn around and hug Milo. As both were belted in, it was difficult.
"Milo, remember when we talked about the laws and how we will want you as long as we can?" Mark spoke with his deep, warm voice. "Clora and I want you to stay with us forever. You are our first kid, and we love you just like you had been born to us."
There was silence for a long time from the back seat, and finally Milo said "OK," and then was silent again.
Clora was full, warm and sleepy by the time they got back to the farm. It had been a happy family outing, a treasured break in the daily routine. Mark was aware but did not remark about the car that had been shadowing them all day. He recognized Borg's car, and at times would catch glimpses of the older man driving to avoid passing them on the roads.
Mark wasn't sure if he was happy or sad about Borg, but he had considered the man to be his father for most of his life, so there was that to ponder. Mark had deliberately not spent much time worrying about Borg, his ability to land on his feet was legendary among his peers. One thing was for sure, Borg was tied up in the 'princess thing' as Mark referred to it, up to his ears in intrigue.
There would have to be a day of reckoning, but Mark was not pushing the issue. It would happen soon enough.
The dark farm looked the same as when they left and Mark and Milo untied the door and brought it in, the youngster 'helped' by bringing in the door lock set. Clora secretively tucked her packages in between the folds of the new material, and rushed the bags into the bedroom to her side of the closet. Smiling at the renew of her good nature, Clora got out milk and cookies for a late snack.
They were just finishing up when Will came in loaded with packages. "Bad news," he said with dispirited enthusiasm. "The Captain won't let me take time off until after New Year's, so the guy's will have to go without me." he grabbed a cookie and sat down.
"Well, go when your shifts are over," Clora said reasonably. "They won't have more that 2 day's lead on you."
bad_karma00
Underachiever
Aw, Milo wants to stay and was worried about having to leave. He's turned into a great little kid.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#79b
"Well I guess I could," Will allowed, thinking about the adventure that had seemed so far out of reach, now suddenly the apple within plucking range once again.
"Where ya going Uncle Will?" Milo talked around his cookie, and earned himself a frown from Clora who automatically said,"don't talk with your mouthful, please."
"The guy's and myself are going back to look at where we used to live, it's a town called Evergreen and it's up over the mountain from here." Will smiled at Milo.
"Why?"
"Best I can tell you, cause we want to. It's a grownup's way of going out to play," Will teased the youngster. "Besides, the ladies don't want to go along during the winter."
"Why?"
"It's cold, wet and hard to get around in the snow, that I suppose is the main reason." Will poured a cup of coffee. "Clora, did you wash the coffee pot, it tastes different tonight."
"Why?" Milo asked again, a puzzled look on his face.
Will looked hard at Milo, trying to gauge if the kid was yanking his chain or not. "Well, sometimes we adults need to go play, and you'll just have to take my word for it," Will quickly shut down any more "why's, forestalling any more questions.
"Milo," Clora warned, "that's enough. Time to get ready for bed please. Don't forget to brush your teeth."
"Auntie Clora, will you tuck me in tonight?"
"Be very happy to do so Milo, give a holler when you're ready and I'll come in." Clora was wiping the tabletop, cookie crumbs and milk dribbles swallowed up by her capable hands.
"Will, do you guy's want some cookies to take with you? How about any other food's?" Clora asked as she rinsed the dish cloth.
Mark quickly said, "Clora you're surely not going to give away all my cookies, especially not to a batch of elderly teenagers out on a lark." he protested, getting ready to joke with Will once again.
"Auntieee Cloraaa, I'm readddddy." Milo used all the power he had to yell down the hall and around the corner into the kitchen, "can you hear meee."
"Oh my goodness," Clora hurried to take care of her young charge. "Milo I'm right here, don't yell so loud." she smoothed the covers back and helped him slide in.
"Auntie Clora, do you love me?" Milo asked out of the blue.
"Yes Milo, I really do. I think you are a very loveable, special young man and Mark and I are happy and proud to have you in our family. I don't want you to be worried about us not loving and wanting you, we do, very very much. If you would let me, I would give you a kiss on the cheek.?"
Milo put his arms up and around Clora's neck and nodded shyly. Clora kissed his cheek and then again for good measure.
"You smell like flowers Auntie C., real good. When do you think I can start shaving ?"
Clora sniffed back her laughter, but some spilled out any way. Clora gathered up Milo in a special hug and said,"I think it will be about ten or so more years, but I think Uncle Mark would share some shaving lotion with you to help your whiskers grow faster."
"Cool," Milo yawned, "I gotta get some tomorrow. Will you tell Uncle Mark?"
"I sure will, you go to sleep now." Clora murmured as she brought the quilt up over his shoulders. "Good night."
Will was working on a list of foodstuff's, he and Mark deep in conversation when there was a crack and the house went dark immediately. "Now what," Mark groused as he put his coffee cup down on Will's fingers and got hot coffee splashed on his own for the effort.
"Clora, where are you, stay down, that was a rifle shot. It sounds like someone hit the transformer, blasted idiots!" Will barked as the sound of his chair scraped along the floor.
"I'm by the back door with Grandma's shotgun," Clora's low voice was a cool rush of water.
"Stay there. Mark you come with me, we're going to crawl into the living room and see what we can see.
The farm was dark all over; not a speck of a light anywhere. There was silence thick and deep as the frozen slush firming up outside in the freezing cold. In the taut depth of the black night, there was a faint whistle sound, as Ben and Ev and then Wayne communicated with each other. Mark eased the door open and blasted his note of well being. In the distance there was a off tune sound of a mocking tone followed by a maniacal spew of laughter.
"Well I guess I could," Will allowed, thinking about the adventure that had seemed so far out of reach, now suddenly the apple within plucking range once again.
"Where ya going Uncle Will?" Milo talked around his cookie, and earned himself a frown from Clora who automatically said,"don't talk with your mouthful, please."
"The guy's and myself are going back to look at where we used to live, it's a town called Evergreen and it's up over the mountain from here." Will smiled at Milo.
"Why?"
"Best I can tell you, cause we want to. It's a grownup's way of going out to play," Will teased the youngster. "Besides, the ladies don't want to go along during the winter."
"Why?"
"It's cold, wet and hard to get around in the snow, that I suppose is the main reason." Will poured a cup of coffee. "Clora, did you wash the coffee pot, it tastes different tonight."
"Why?" Milo asked again, a puzzled look on his face.
Will looked hard at Milo, trying to gauge if the kid was yanking his chain or not. "Well, sometimes we adults need to go play, and you'll just have to take my word for it," Will quickly shut down any more "why's, forestalling any more questions.
"Milo," Clora warned, "that's enough. Time to get ready for bed please. Don't forget to brush your teeth."
"Auntie Clora, will you tuck me in tonight?"
"Be very happy to do so Milo, give a holler when you're ready and I'll come in." Clora was wiping the tabletop, cookie crumbs and milk dribbles swallowed up by her capable hands.
"Will, do you guy's want some cookies to take with you? How about any other food's?" Clora asked as she rinsed the dish cloth.
Mark quickly said, "Clora you're surely not going to give away all my cookies, especially not to a batch of elderly teenagers out on a lark." he protested, getting ready to joke with Will once again.
"Auntieee Cloraaa, I'm readddddy." Milo used all the power he had to yell down the hall and around the corner into the kitchen, "can you hear meee."
"Oh my goodness," Clora hurried to take care of her young charge. "Milo I'm right here, don't yell so loud." she smoothed the covers back and helped him slide in.
"Auntie Clora, do you love me?" Milo asked out of the blue.
"Yes Milo, I really do. I think you are a very loveable, special young man and Mark and I are happy and proud to have you in our family. I don't want you to be worried about us not loving and wanting you, we do, very very much. If you would let me, I would give you a kiss on the cheek.?"
Milo put his arms up and around Clora's neck and nodded shyly. Clora kissed his cheek and then again for good measure.
"You smell like flowers Auntie C., real good. When do you think I can start shaving ?"
Clora sniffed back her laughter, but some spilled out any way. Clora gathered up Milo in a special hug and said,"I think it will be about ten or so more years, but I think Uncle Mark would share some shaving lotion with you to help your whiskers grow faster."
"Cool," Milo yawned, "I gotta get some tomorrow. Will you tell Uncle Mark?"
"I sure will, you go to sleep now." Clora murmured as she brought the quilt up over his shoulders. "Good night."
Will was working on a list of foodstuff's, he and Mark deep in conversation when there was a crack and the house went dark immediately. "Now what," Mark groused as he put his coffee cup down on Will's fingers and got hot coffee splashed on his own for the effort.
"Clora, where are you, stay down, that was a rifle shot. It sounds like someone hit the transformer, blasted idiots!" Will barked as the sound of his chair scraped along the floor.
"I'm by the back door with Grandma's shotgun," Clora's low voice was a cool rush of water.
"Stay there. Mark you come with me, we're going to crawl into the living room and see what we can see.
The farm was dark all over; not a speck of a light anywhere. There was silence thick and deep as the frozen slush firming up outside in the freezing cold. In the taut depth of the black night, there was a faint whistle sound, as Ben and Ev and then Wayne communicated with each other. Mark eased the door open and blasted his note of well being. In the distance there was a off tune sound of a mocking tone followed by a maniacal spew of laughter.
bad_karma00
Underachiever
Good grief. What now!
Pac, you constantly surprise us, having those quiet little domestic moments, then shattering them with taunt action.
You really should see about getting these published. Seriously. This series would make really good television.
Bad
Pac, you constantly surprise us, having those quiet little domestic moments, then shattering them with taunt action.
You really should see about getting these published. Seriously. This series would make really good television.
Bad
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Just caught up again great chapters and I have to agree with Bad K that you have the family going in more direction than I can keep track of. Thanks for the story and for taking the time to share it with us.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#80
"Listen to that!" Mark and Will strained to catch the direction the unholy glee was coming from.
"Two of them," Will hissed, "one up behind the cafe building and one on the other side of the barn." Just at that moment there was a ferocious barking from the barn and a blood curdling scream. Mama dog had connected with a live body. There was another scream and then the weak beam of a flashlight moved rapidly down the pasture toward the road.
The roar of an engine starting could be heard, and the flashlight bobbed up and down as the human tried to cross the barb wire fence. There was a final yell as the guard dog connected again and the flashlight sailed in an arc in the dark night. The sound of the car door closing was loud in the silence, and as the car lights came on, one of the clan put a round into the center of the two rapidly disappearing taillights.
The boom was very satisfying to hear, and the resulting bright flash told the whole story. Will whispered to Mark, "I bet that was Ben, he's really accurate at long range shots. Way better than he ever let's on. What do you say we look for our other gentleman."
Will keyed the mike on his shoulder and called for backup and a firetruck to put down a vehicle fire. Five sharp whistle blasts later and the Farm went into lock down. Outwardly nothing appeared changed, but the adults inside the darkened houses were protected.
"Will," Mark heaved a deep sigh and said softly, "It has occurred to me that we need to change the whistle codes, there are people out there that know what they mean." in a not to subtle reference to Brett.
"I agree, there are far too many peculiar happenings for there not to be a tie in some where along the line." Will reflected. "On second thought, let's fire up the generators and turn on the flood lights all at once. How about you staying here and guarding Clora and Milo while I set up the operation with the guys."
Mark stared at him hard, daring Will to say he was still incapacitated over the ribs and his accident, the pneumonia be hanged, and then a coughing fit proved Will's caution. All Mark could do was nod and then Will faded from sight, which was all of 8 inches away in the encompassing dark. The fire down below providing a faint glow to illume the houses as Will went down the drive collecting the family.
"On the count of three," and the mega watt flood lights blinked on, startling the men as they lowered their lids in defense. Will and Wayne could be heard running toward the top side of the ranch, Mama dog loping beside them.
They were greeted by the sound of a starting auto, somewhere off on the far side of the tree plantation. "Hold up," Will spit out, "he's gone." Wayne agreed listening to the sound of the machine to see if he could distinguish the sound later. The vehicle was well kept and almost silent as it purred away into the night.
Wayne said something low down, dark and dirty, anger giving the normally agreeable man a hard edge. "I feel it in my bones," he said to Will. "Brett is involved in this up past his ears."
"I'd say it looks that way," Will agreed. "That plus Mark's dad seems like a good fit to be involved. There is something about that guy that rubs me the wrong way, I just can't shake that feeling."
Walking back down around the ex cafe, the men conversed in low tones, discussing Brett and Borg. They had just reached the main house when Mark stuck his head out the front door and yelled, "FIRE!"
"Listen to that!" Mark and Will strained to catch the direction the unholy glee was coming from.
"Two of them," Will hissed, "one up behind the cafe building and one on the other side of the barn." Just at that moment there was a ferocious barking from the barn and a blood curdling scream. Mama dog had connected with a live body. There was another scream and then the weak beam of a flashlight moved rapidly down the pasture toward the road.
The roar of an engine starting could be heard, and the flashlight bobbed up and down as the human tried to cross the barb wire fence. There was a final yell as the guard dog connected again and the flashlight sailed in an arc in the dark night. The sound of the car door closing was loud in the silence, and as the car lights came on, one of the clan put a round into the center of the two rapidly disappearing taillights.
The boom was very satisfying to hear, and the resulting bright flash told the whole story. Will whispered to Mark, "I bet that was Ben, he's really accurate at long range shots. Way better than he ever let's on. What do you say we look for our other gentleman."
Will keyed the mike on his shoulder and called for backup and a firetruck to put down a vehicle fire. Five sharp whistle blasts later and the Farm went into lock down. Outwardly nothing appeared changed, but the adults inside the darkened houses were protected.
"Will," Mark heaved a deep sigh and said softly, "It has occurred to me that we need to change the whistle codes, there are people out there that know what they mean." in a not to subtle reference to Brett.
"I agree, there are far too many peculiar happenings for there not to be a tie in some where along the line." Will reflected. "On second thought, let's fire up the generators and turn on the flood lights all at once. How about you staying here and guarding Clora and Milo while I set up the operation with the guys."
Mark stared at him hard, daring Will to say he was still incapacitated over the ribs and his accident, the pneumonia be hanged, and then a coughing fit proved Will's caution. All Mark could do was nod and then Will faded from sight, which was all of 8 inches away in the encompassing dark. The fire down below providing a faint glow to illume the houses as Will went down the drive collecting the family.
"On the count of three," and the mega watt flood lights blinked on, startling the men as they lowered their lids in defense. Will and Wayne could be heard running toward the top side of the ranch, Mama dog loping beside them.
They were greeted by the sound of a starting auto, somewhere off on the far side of the tree plantation. "Hold up," Will spit out, "he's gone." Wayne agreed listening to the sound of the machine to see if he could distinguish the sound later. The vehicle was well kept and almost silent as it purred away into the night.
Wayne said something low down, dark and dirty, anger giving the normally agreeable man a hard edge. "I feel it in my bones," he said to Will. "Brett is involved in this up past his ears."
"I'd say it looks that way," Will agreed. "That plus Mark's dad seems like a good fit to be involved. There is something about that guy that rubs me the wrong way, I just can't shake that feeling."
Walking back down around the ex cafe, the men conversed in low tones, discussing Brett and Borg. They had just reached the main house when Mark stuck his head out the front door and yelled, "FIRE!"
Excellent chapters, Pac! I'm worried about the strange taste of the coffee though. What's up with that?
Sammy55
Veteran Member
I caught that, too, but nothing further was said. I wonder where the bad coffee and the great story will go next..........
Thanks for the new chapters, Pac! I hope and pray that your life is becoming easier and more peaceful!
juco
Veteran Member
Yes, she did. And you're right, the coffee never tastes quite right for the first few times after the pot has been scoured good.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
I don't drink coffee so I don't know personally. But my husband yells when I wash his coffee pot.
He says it ruins the taste. 
So I thought the same thing at first - washing the coffee pot did it.
But Pac always makes little comments woven into the story that you don't think about at the time, and then later it blows up and you remember her little comment. Good writer! I can spot these things in books, TV, movies, etc., most of the time.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
hee hee hee. I love red herrings and obscure comments.
juco
Veteran Member
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
We are home and those were some great chapters.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#81
"Fire!...Fire!" Mark couldn't whistle loud enough, so Clora gave three blasts and then ducked back inside.
"Stay inside and hide yourself," Mark ordered. "This smells to me like a diversion, so stay sharp. I'll go to the barn and see what's happening."
The men came running from all parts of the farm, headed for the burning barn. Ev jerked the barn door open, slamming the wooden boards with such force that the door splintered off it's hinges. The Highlanders were twirling restlessly in the corral, threatening to trample the calf in their terror.
Ev kicked the gate to their pen open, allowing them to run outside and away from the conflagration. Mark headed to the horse shed side of the barn to make sure the mares and colts were safely out in the big pasture. Wayne accounted for Mama dog and small Otis, taking them to his house, opening the front door and shoving them inside.
"Stay inside and be alert," he shouted. "We're under attack."
Ben changed the running generators over to the well circuit and then ran to start a hose. Wayne charged over to the work shop and grabbed the hose from inside the main room and attached it to the hydrant just outside the door. Wetting the building front as quick at it evaporated, Wayne worked tirelessly to save the shop building full of solvents, oxygen and acetylene bottles.
Ev ran through the edge of the fire and drove the tractor out the door, foolishly risking his life for the hunk of machinery. The men worked their hearts out saving what ever small items they could drag out and stack near the shop, Wayne would sweep the hose over the growing pile, keeping it wet.
Mark was on duty, keeping guard in the shop shadows. There was an explosion in the barn that blew the back wall out into the pasture. The reverberating sound was punctuated by shotgun blasts coming from the houses. Mark used his night vision scope to track black hooded figures carrying screaming youngsters.
There was a blood curdling ninja yell and Cheryl aimed for the feet of the black costumed figure that had broken the back door, run in and scooped up Ronnie. The blast practically blew the feet and legs off the hoodlum, he dropped the youngster and Cheryl tore out the door and picked up the screaming child.
The second man broke the door into Lainey's house, shining his flashlight around and grabbing Teddy from his bed. Lainey peppered his backside, the force blowing the man out the splintered door. Teddy kicking and screaming in terror, the masked man dropped the squirming bundle of youth and ran out into the dark.
Clora caught the third man before he got three feet inside the door. He took the blast to the chest and fell backward, dead on the spot.
Milo came rushing down the hall and Clora scrambled like a jet fighter to keep him from seeing the body. Grabbing up a blanket she wrapped the boy in it's warmth and they sat huddled in the dark, keeping watch on the open door. Hidden in the shadows of the pantry, Clora kept stuffing Milo with cookies until the child couldn't eat any more.
Once the men had stabilized the barn and the volunteer firemen came screaming up the drive, followed closely by the closest unit from the Sheriff's department, the men tore away to rush to their homes.
The scene at each individual house was a child's worst nightmare, the babies rocked in tight grips by their surrogate mothers to help calm the children as much as the women.
Ben jerked his front door open, shouting Lainey's name as he rushed in. In the dark he almost stepped on her, as she was huddled next to the doorway with Anne and Teddy tightly wrapped in her wool shawl, the shotgun propped and reloaded, aimed at the back door.
Ben shined the flashlight around in a panic, almost missing the well camouflaged woman and their small family. They were engulfed immediately by his strong arms as they hugged together. Lainey was sobbing but determined to protect the children at all costs, and it tore Ben's heart to hear her crying.
Ev came busting into his house and at the last possible moment remembered to shout Cheryl's name so he didn't meet the same fate as the man who's feet he could see in the wobbling beam of his mag light. "Honey, Christy, where are you?" he was shouting. Two shotgun muzzles poked around the door frame, as Cheryl came into view. Standoffish Ronnie was glued to her in a bear hug grip, his head buried so tightly in her shoulder that she had to hold the shotgun in her left hand. Gathering up his loved ones in a tight circle, Ev said a prayer under his breath. Christy was crying, and Cheryl's eyes were damp and her smile strained, but they were so beautiful to Ev.
Mark used the rifle night scope to find the body mostly outside the back door. A soft whistle and he let Clora know he was incoming. Stepping over the riddled body, he used his light to find his strong and courageous wife and Milo. Tenderly he helped her up and then engulfed her in a bone crunching bear hug until Milo yelled out he was being squished.
Tender words were exchanged as he checked them out, Clora shaking like a leaf but not saying a word, and Milo jabbering so fast that Mark couldn't understand a word. They were safe and that's all that mattered. He started shaking, the emotion and stress bringing on flash backs of his PTSD. Clora felt the change and held on tight, speaking a soft and soothing cadence until he started to relax,
Will stood directing the scene, his old partner the responding officer standing with him as the volunteers sprayed the smoldering remains.
It was Wayne that found the bodies of his house guests, each shot in their beds. Mama dog was dead in the living room and Otis barely alive in the kitchen. It was a flood of horrific memories that crowded in like screaming banshees in his mind. Wayne dropped to the floor sobbing like he had been beaten once again. Will found him rocking back and forth on his knees, inconsolable in pain.
The farm was a smoldering stench in the light of first morning. The pall of the grey weather hanging like fog in the drizzly weather. People, animals and spirits were wounded almost beyond repair.
"Fire!...Fire!" Mark couldn't whistle loud enough, so Clora gave three blasts and then ducked back inside.
"Stay inside and hide yourself," Mark ordered. "This smells to me like a diversion, so stay sharp. I'll go to the barn and see what's happening."
The men came running from all parts of the farm, headed for the burning barn. Ev jerked the barn door open, slamming the wooden boards with such force that the door splintered off it's hinges. The Highlanders were twirling restlessly in the corral, threatening to trample the calf in their terror.
Ev kicked the gate to their pen open, allowing them to run outside and away from the conflagration. Mark headed to the horse shed side of the barn to make sure the mares and colts were safely out in the big pasture. Wayne accounted for Mama dog and small Otis, taking them to his house, opening the front door and shoving them inside.
"Stay inside and be alert," he shouted. "We're under attack."
Ben changed the running generators over to the well circuit and then ran to start a hose. Wayne charged over to the work shop and grabbed the hose from inside the main room and attached it to the hydrant just outside the door. Wetting the building front as quick at it evaporated, Wayne worked tirelessly to save the shop building full of solvents, oxygen and acetylene bottles.
Ev ran through the edge of the fire and drove the tractor out the door, foolishly risking his life for the hunk of machinery. The men worked their hearts out saving what ever small items they could drag out and stack near the shop, Wayne would sweep the hose over the growing pile, keeping it wet.
Mark was on duty, keeping guard in the shop shadows. There was an explosion in the barn that blew the back wall out into the pasture. The reverberating sound was punctuated by shotgun blasts coming from the houses. Mark used his night vision scope to track black hooded figures carrying screaming youngsters.
There was a blood curdling ninja yell and Cheryl aimed for the feet of the black costumed figure that had broken the back door, run in and scooped up Ronnie. The blast practically blew the feet and legs off the hoodlum, he dropped the youngster and Cheryl tore out the door and picked up the screaming child.
The second man broke the door into Lainey's house, shining his flashlight around and grabbing Teddy from his bed. Lainey peppered his backside, the force blowing the man out the splintered door. Teddy kicking and screaming in terror, the masked man dropped the squirming bundle of youth and ran out into the dark.
Clora caught the third man before he got three feet inside the door. He took the blast to the chest and fell backward, dead on the spot.
Milo came rushing down the hall and Clora scrambled like a jet fighter to keep him from seeing the body. Grabbing up a blanket she wrapped the boy in it's warmth and they sat huddled in the dark, keeping watch on the open door. Hidden in the shadows of the pantry, Clora kept stuffing Milo with cookies until the child couldn't eat any more.
Once the men had stabilized the barn and the volunteer firemen came screaming up the drive, followed closely by the closest unit from the Sheriff's department, the men tore away to rush to their homes.
The scene at each individual house was a child's worst nightmare, the babies rocked in tight grips by their surrogate mothers to help calm the children as much as the women.
Ben jerked his front door open, shouting Lainey's name as he rushed in. In the dark he almost stepped on her, as she was huddled next to the doorway with Anne and Teddy tightly wrapped in her wool shawl, the shotgun propped and reloaded, aimed at the back door.
Ben shined the flashlight around in a panic, almost missing the well camouflaged woman and their small family. They were engulfed immediately by his strong arms as they hugged together. Lainey was sobbing but determined to protect the children at all costs, and it tore Ben's heart to hear her crying.
Ev came busting into his house and at the last possible moment remembered to shout Cheryl's name so he didn't meet the same fate as the man who's feet he could see in the wobbling beam of his mag light. "Honey, Christy, where are you?" he was shouting. Two shotgun muzzles poked around the door frame, as Cheryl came into view. Standoffish Ronnie was glued to her in a bear hug grip, his head buried so tightly in her shoulder that she had to hold the shotgun in her left hand. Gathering up his loved ones in a tight circle, Ev said a prayer under his breath. Christy was crying, and Cheryl's eyes were damp and her smile strained, but they were so beautiful to Ev.
Mark used the rifle night scope to find the body mostly outside the back door. A soft whistle and he let Clora know he was incoming. Stepping over the riddled body, he used his light to find his strong and courageous wife and Milo. Tenderly he helped her up and then engulfed her in a bone crunching bear hug until Milo yelled out he was being squished.
Tender words were exchanged as he checked them out, Clora shaking like a leaf but not saying a word, and Milo jabbering so fast that Mark couldn't understand a word. They were safe and that's all that mattered. He started shaking, the emotion and stress bringing on flash backs of his PTSD. Clora felt the change and held on tight, speaking a soft and soothing cadence until he started to relax,
Will stood directing the scene, his old partner the responding officer standing with him as the volunteers sprayed the smoldering remains.
It was Wayne that found the bodies of his house guests, each shot in their beds. Mama dog was dead in the living room and Otis barely alive in the kitchen. It was a flood of horrific memories that crowded in like screaming banshees in his mind. Wayne dropped to the floor sobbing like he had been beaten once again. Will found him rocking back and forth on his knees, inconsolable in pain.
The farm was a smoldering stench in the light of first morning. The pall of the grey weather hanging like fog in the drizzly weather. People, animals and spirits were wounded almost beyond repair.
Shotgun Willy
Contributing Member
At a guess, they'd have probably killed everyone and everything, except the boys, before they were done.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Pac you have out done yourself in the last two chapters, I didn't think that you could top the suspense and intrigue of your previous chapters but I was wrong. You are a truly gifted writer, to be able to continue to surpass your previous writing. Thanks for sharing with us.
Wayne
Wayne
bad_karma00
Underachiever
Wow. What a chapter. The family is near the edge, that's for sure. They can't seem to catch a break of any kind. Too bad about Lilly and the girls.
The Hanson clan just seems to attract mean people. Maybe it's time they went on the offensive.
Thanks Pac for a breathtaking update.
Bad
The Hanson clan just seems to attract mean people. Maybe it's time they went on the offensive.
Thanks Pac for a breathtaking update.
Bad
223shootersc
Veteran Member
very intense, Wayne can't catch a break
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#82
The clan gathered in the main house, groups of hurting people trying to comfort each other. Through out the long night of intense questioning and relentless probing by law enforcement officials, the truthful stories were the same. In the dreary light of day it became certain that some entity was out to destroy the clan.
Ben was the first member to say out loud what everyone else was thinking. "We have a hard choice," the singed and grime coated whipcord lean man said from his seat at the huge dining room table. "Someone or some body wants to eliminate us, or one of us is the target, or take this land away from us. At this point I'm not sure it makes any difference. The question is...do we stay or go?" He rubbed his hand over his tired eyes. "Do we go together, or scatter so we are less of a group? I feel we need a consensus on this tonight, so I am calling for a family meeting here tonight at supper. Each of us needs to bring a dish so Clora isn't responsible for us all. Come prepared to move if it is the majority wish."
Mark and Clora were standing together in the doorway, leaning on each other for support. "I second that," Mark exclaimed. "I've got to go milk, catch a nap and then Clora and I will sit down together and talk." Clora nodded wearily, the energy Milo was exhibiting as he finished breakfast already seem insurmountable for what she was feeling. The children clustered in the kitchen, lavishing attention and love on poor Otis as the puppy struggled with kicked in ribs and possible internal injuries.
Wayne was wrapped in a blanket huddled in a chair off to the side of the table. He hadn't said a word after the law had finished questioning, just stared out of unseeing eyes and shivered constantly. They all knew that look. Wayne was close to jumping into his tortured mind and pulling the hole closed after himself.
For some reason, Ronnie wanted to be close to Wayne. First standing close until the ashen, furrowed face of the devastated man turned to him; then climbing gently in his lap and squirming carefully in between the blanket folds to share warmth and comfort. Soon, the both of them were asleep amid the clamor and bustle of the large gathering.
A round of hugs were given and the family's went to their houses, only to find yellow crime scene tape barring entrance to them. Family by family they trooped back up to the main house, thinking how fortunate it was that Clora had killed her intruder outside so that they still had a house they could gather in, out of the elements.
Mark called Bossie in by banging the bail on the feed bucket. The poor cow was still spooked by goings on of the previous night and the pail was hardly half full as she jumped and started at every little noise. Mark opened up the shop area and dumped plenty of grain in the feed pan to keep the old gal occupied as he milked. The stanchion was gone, so who knew what they would have to devise, but it needed done soon.
He joined the reverse trek back to the house, as the clan slowly and with measured steps climbed the stairs to the main house. The milk was strained and set to chill in the pantry near the open window. "Today is New Year's Eve," he remarked to no one in particular. "I can't believe what a year this has been." There were numb nods from the mentally, physically and emotional drained clan.
Lainey was crying, looking around frantically every time Teddy got out of sight; Anne wrapped so tightly to her, the child was protesting. Cheryl and Christy had gone to bed in one of the upstairs bedrooms and Ben helped Lainey up the stairs, supporting her and carrying a sleepy Teddy.
Milo wanted to sit in Mark's lap the second he got back in the house, so Mark got the notebook and pencil and sat in his easy chair holding the child. Ben, Ev and Will gathered with mugs of coffee and cookies and the men started talking.
Ben stated his dilemma succinctly, " Clora and I will abide by the group's decision as I know she doesn't want to be parted from the clan, but....here is the problem. I have a new job to start day after tomorrow, a job that will allow me to support my family." and he left the rest of the sentence unfinished.
The clan gathered in the main house, groups of hurting people trying to comfort each other. Through out the long night of intense questioning and relentless probing by law enforcement officials, the truthful stories were the same. In the dreary light of day it became certain that some entity was out to destroy the clan.
Ben was the first member to say out loud what everyone else was thinking. "We have a hard choice," the singed and grime coated whipcord lean man said from his seat at the huge dining room table. "Someone or some body wants to eliminate us, or one of us is the target, or take this land away from us. At this point I'm not sure it makes any difference. The question is...do we stay or go?" He rubbed his hand over his tired eyes. "Do we go together, or scatter so we are less of a group? I feel we need a consensus on this tonight, so I am calling for a family meeting here tonight at supper. Each of us needs to bring a dish so Clora isn't responsible for us all. Come prepared to move if it is the majority wish."
Mark and Clora were standing together in the doorway, leaning on each other for support. "I second that," Mark exclaimed. "I've got to go milk, catch a nap and then Clora and I will sit down together and talk." Clora nodded wearily, the energy Milo was exhibiting as he finished breakfast already seem insurmountable for what she was feeling. The children clustered in the kitchen, lavishing attention and love on poor Otis as the puppy struggled with kicked in ribs and possible internal injuries.
Wayne was wrapped in a blanket huddled in a chair off to the side of the table. He hadn't said a word after the law had finished questioning, just stared out of unseeing eyes and shivered constantly. They all knew that look. Wayne was close to jumping into his tortured mind and pulling the hole closed after himself.
For some reason, Ronnie wanted to be close to Wayne. First standing close until the ashen, furrowed face of the devastated man turned to him; then climbing gently in his lap and squirming carefully in between the blanket folds to share warmth and comfort. Soon, the both of them were asleep amid the clamor and bustle of the large gathering.
A round of hugs were given and the family's went to their houses, only to find yellow crime scene tape barring entrance to them. Family by family they trooped back up to the main house, thinking how fortunate it was that Clora had killed her intruder outside so that they still had a house they could gather in, out of the elements.
Mark called Bossie in by banging the bail on the feed bucket. The poor cow was still spooked by goings on of the previous night and the pail was hardly half full as she jumped and started at every little noise. Mark opened up the shop area and dumped plenty of grain in the feed pan to keep the old gal occupied as he milked. The stanchion was gone, so who knew what they would have to devise, but it needed done soon.
He joined the reverse trek back to the house, as the clan slowly and with measured steps climbed the stairs to the main house. The milk was strained and set to chill in the pantry near the open window. "Today is New Year's Eve," he remarked to no one in particular. "I can't believe what a year this has been." There were numb nods from the mentally, physically and emotional drained clan.
Lainey was crying, looking around frantically every time Teddy got out of sight; Anne wrapped so tightly to her, the child was protesting. Cheryl and Christy had gone to bed in one of the upstairs bedrooms and Ben helped Lainey up the stairs, supporting her and carrying a sleepy Teddy.
Milo wanted to sit in Mark's lap the second he got back in the house, so Mark got the notebook and pencil and sat in his easy chair holding the child. Ben, Ev and Will gathered with mugs of coffee and cookies and the men started talking.
Ben stated his dilemma succinctly, " Clora and I will abide by the group's decision as I know she doesn't want to be parted from the clan, but....here is the problem. I have a new job to start day after tomorrow, a job that will allow me to support my family." and he left the rest of the sentence unfinished.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
yes it would be hard, but they need each other for protection.
I'll tell you, If it was me I would go on the offensive!! I would catch those so called "Prime Minister" or what ever they are, including Brett and Borg and when I got thru I would know what the deal is!! I can guarantee you there wouldnt be much left when I got thru!!!!! But I would know the truth!
WAB
WAB
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#82b
"This is a bunch of garbage," Ben was so angry he had to get up and pace the floor. "We mind our own business, try to be Christian and all we get in return is slapped in the face by every Tom, Dick and Harry that wants to take a potshot at us." There were nods all around the room and murmurs of assent.
"I'm not inclined to be bluffed off this place, not inclined to turn tail and run and getting pretty stinking angry at the whole mess." Ben continued, his voice raising and his face getting red. "I finally have to agree with Will, this place needs to be fortified and we need to swallow the expense and just get it done. These jerks are getting on the property undetected, coming up and 'slapping' the bull and then skipping off at their leisure."
"Guy's, I have every reason to believe if our wives weren't strong women and not afraid to pull the trigger, we'd all be dead. I however, do not agree that our women should have to be a part of killing to survive. Tell me, am I off on the wrong track here?" Ben was sputtering as the words came tumbling out of his mouth.
Mark took a deep breath and said "yes. Look at it this way, it's going to take all of us to survive, and if our ladies need to shoot to protect, then so be it." he looked around the room and noted Ben's scowl and Ev's apparent agreement. Wayne interrupted and surprised them all. They thought he was deep asleep.
"The women of this clan are probably the strongest minded and capable ladies to be found. That's the wrong problem to be chewing on. It has to do with securing this farm like a medieval fortress and protecting what is rightfully ours. I for one say this had better not ever happen again. You know don't you, that Will thinks the men were a gang recruited by the boy's F a t h e r,"
and he spelled out the word.
There were sour looks all around, and more mutters of "should have figured that one out,"
"We need to keep focused on the security problem, it's not going to go away and will only get worse. Every lowlife in town will hear about the breech in our defenses and be out here for easy pickings. We'll have to have around the clock security, can't be without it now." Ev spoke up.
"Every man here knows I was ready to leave and build my own place back in Evergreen," he continued. "Actually, that was a lot of pie in the sky dreaming. It was easy to get over that fact last night, I don't think I have ever been so coldly furious in my whole life. My family means more to me than tramping around scratching an itch. That little fella means a lot also." It was a long speech for Ev, but the sentiment was well felt by all present.
"First thing we need a guard rotation," Mark suggested falling back on his military training. "Then we need hay for the stock, a stanchion for the cow and gates for the driveway. It's better if we keep the families here in one spot, this house is large enough for us all to survive living together for a while. Will had better get back here with information on who the assailants were, we need to know our enemy." he finished.
"Do you gentlemen want to choose the times you stand watch? Any best times for some reason?" Mark offered the notebook and pencil to Ev who was the closest.
"I'm more of a night owl," Ev said and wrote down night shift.
"Wayne, can you work on the gates right away? I'll stand day guard, " Mark offered. "I need to get my hours in before I go to work. Ben, would you take on finding hay and what ever is needed in emergency supplies? All the shops will be closed at noon today and all tomorrow."
"Mark, don't forget to call the utility, we need the electric working again. We used half our gas supplies last night running the generators to pump the water." Ben called as Mark headed for the kitchen. Mark conferred with Clora and she got out the phone book for the number.
"Wayne," Mark pushed the man to respond. "Do you have all the supplies you need to fabricate the gates? Does Ben need to get anything in town?" Wayne acted a little sluggish and Mark got a touch impatient. "Hey man, we gotta get on this, we need to protect the clan above individual grieving. Sorry to be so blunt, but we have to secure the farm."
"Well, ...I guess I have most of what I need. Maybe a good sets of locks, brass on account of all the rain, keyed or combination it don't make no difference to me." he slurred his words but got up and carefully deposited sleeping Ronnie back in the chair. Shuffling to the door, he opened it and went outside without a backward look.
"Hey, we have to be a little gentle with him," Ben protested. "He's got a fragile grip on life."
"I'm aware," Mark acknowledged, "but working is better than moping around thinking about tragedy 24/7"
Clora came into the room and said "the electric repair crew will be out this afternoon. Lunch will be ready soon, eat and then go do your chores," she suggested.
"Fine with me," Mark was always hungry.
"This is a bunch of garbage," Ben was so angry he had to get up and pace the floor. "We mind our own business, try to be Christian and all we get in return is slapped in the face by every Tom, Dick and Harry that wants to take a potshot at us." There were nods all around the room and murmurs of assent.
"I'm not inclined to be bluffed off this place, not inclined to turn tail and run and getting pretty stinking angry at the whole mess." Ben continued, his voice raising and his face getting red. "I finally have to agree with Will, this place needs to be fortified and we need to swallow the expense and just get it done. These jerks are getting on the property undetected, coming up and 'slapping' the bull and then skipping off at their leisure."
"Guy's, I have every reason to believe if our wives weren't strong women and not afraid to pull the trigger, we'd all be dead. I however, do not agree that our women should have to be a part of killing to survive. Tell me, am I off on the wrong track here?" Ben was sputtering as the words came tumbling out of his mouth.
Mark took a deep breath and said "yes. Look at it this way, it's going to take all of us to survive, and if our ladies need to shoot to protect, then so be it." he looked around the room and noted Ben's scowl and Ev's apparent agreement. Wayne interrupted and surprised them all. They thought he was deep asleep.
"The women of this clan are probably the strongest minded and capable ladies to be found. That's the wrong problem to be chewing on. It has to do with securing this farm like a medieval fortress and protecting what is rightfully ours. I for one say this had better not ever happen again. You know don't you, that Will thinks the men were a gang recruited by the boy's F a t h e r,"
and he spelled out the word.
There were sour looks all around, and more mutters of "should have figured that one out,"
"We need to keep focused on the security problem, it's not going to go away and will only get worse. Every lowlife in town will hear about the breech in our defenses and be out here for easy pickings. We'll have to have around the clock security, can't be without it now." Ev spoke up.
"Every man here knows I was ready to leave and build my own place back in Evergreen," he continued. "Actually, that was a lot of pie in the sky dreaming. It was easy to get over that fact last night, I don't think I have ever been so coldly furious in my whole life. My family means more to me than tramping around scratching an itch. That little fella means a lot also." It was a long speech for Ev, but the sentiment was well felt by all present.
"First thing we need a guard rotation," Mark suggested falling back on his military training. "Then we need hay for the stock, a stanchion for the cow and gates for the driveway. It's better if we keep the families here in one spot, this house is large enough for us all to survive living together for a while. Will had better get back here with information on who the assailants were, we need to know our enemy." he finished.
"Do you gentlemen want to choose the times you stand watch? Any best times for some reason?" Mark offered the notebook and pencil to Ev who was the closest.
"I'm more of a night owl," Ev said and wrote down night shift.
"Wayne, can you work on the gates right away? I'll stand day guard, " Mark offered. "I need to get my hours in before I go to work. Ben, would you take on finding hay and what ever is needed in emergency supplies? All the shops will be closed at noon today and all tomorrow."
"Mark, don't forget to call the utility, we need the electric working again. We used half our gas supplies last night running the generators to pump the water." Ben called as Mark headed for the kitchen. Mark conferred with Clora and she got out the phone book for the number.
"Wayne," Mark pushed the man to respond. "Do you have all the supplies you need to fabricate the gates? Does Ben need to get anything in town?" Wayne acted a little sluggish and Mark got a touch impatient. "Hey man, we gotta get on this, we need to protect the clan above individual grieving. Sorry to be so blunt, but we have to secure the farm."
"Well, ...I guess I have most of what I need. Maybe a good sets of locks, brass on account of all the rain, keyed or combination it don't make no difference to me." he slurred his words but got up and carefully deposited sleeping Ronnie back in the chair. Shuffling to the door, he opened it and went outside without a backward look.
"Hey, we have to be a little gentle with him," Ben protested. "He's got a fragile grip on life."
"I'm aware," Mark acknowledged, "but working is better than moping around thinking about tragedy 24/7"
Clora came into the room and said "the electric repair crew will be out this afternoon. Lunch will be ready soon, eat and then go do your chores," she suggested.
"Fine with me," Mark was always hungry.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
thanks for the segment