Pride Goeth Before A Fall

Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
On no! We can't lose Cheryl or the baby, and good dog Ruby. This story just keeps getting more and more exciting.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#94
Doc Phillips sat next to Wayne's bed, napping 15 winks at a time. Up for 38 hours or more, and it didn't matter as he slept until he relaxed enough to fall out of the chair. Nurse Donna hovered outside the room door, guarding 'her' doctor with fierce glare and wicked lash of tongue for those unlucky enough to come close.

Hospital insiders marveled that this was the first time they had ever seen Donna leave her desk unguarded. It was lucky for the sick and ill of Evergreen that nobody had the audacity to come to the hospital and need treatment during the two hours that Doc slept.

Doc finally woke out of the most disquieting dream he had ever had the privilege to dream. He had the overwhelming impression God had been speaking to him concerning Wayne. The details dissipated rapidly as he struggled toward wakefulness, but the residue was enough to make Oscar stare at his patient with new eyes.

Oscar Phillips had been raised in the bowel's of Detroit. He had seen humans beaten into unrecognizable lumps, some lived and some didn't. Why he was feeling the urgency to protect and save this particular child had been imparted to him by the dream. There was no understanding, his oath had him spending all possible effort possible to save every human that came into his contact. Wayne included.

Doc started another assessment of Wayne. Starting at his feet and moving up, the medical man touched and probed lightly. Sensitive hands skimmed over the child's skin, an electric current running through Doc's fingers as he felt guided by a force other than his own.

This wasn't the first time this had happened to Oscar, he was nothing but willing to simply let it happen. Again and again his fingers circled the child's stomach. The third time he ran for the room door and shouted for a nurse. Donna Pinrgee practically ran into Doc as she dashed to the room.

"Get this kid to x-ray, stat," he ordered. "GI and lower. Now!"

Donna was in motion, unhooking the saline bags from the tree and hanging them and the plasma on the bed. Kicking the bed brakes off she snapped at Phillips to help her maneuver the bed through the door. The nurse call cord snapped from the wall as she ignored the minor obstacles.

Oscar instantly obeyed, her tone of voice demanding his participation. "Hold that elevator," she yelled at the petrified Candy Striper as she exited with the water and ice cart. "Yes Ma'am," she stammered, her hand on the elevator door.

Wayne was in x-ray within minutes and the erie bone attached to bone pictures were hanging on the shadow box. Oscar studied the frames over and over, not seeing what he needed to find. Finally, in desperation he ran his fingers over the images and they kept drawing him to the stomach. Going over and over the black and white shadows he finally noticed the faint outline of a bone sliver protruding from the back side of the stomach. The second he came to the conclusion, a flood of sureness covered his mind.

All business, Doc Phillips operated once again. The risk from the prolonged use of the anesthetic, less than the leakage of stomach acid and peritonitis. With sure hands and a calm mind, Oscar finished the surgery and slumped in exhaustion. One thing, he thought dryly, there was no family conference to present after the fact.

Nurse Phillips ordered a cot for Wayne's room. This time, Doc was going to rest, or she would break all traditions and tear a strip from his hide for sure. A nurse with a mission is a formable threat, and Donna was no exception.



Ev almost ran into the porch, he was much closer than he thought to home. He slumped in the pickup, tired beyond words. The thought of Cheryl's cooking and sweet welcome spurred him into the house. The second he opened the door, disaster warning beeped loudly.

Dark, cold and heavy with the stench of burned food, his home was empty. Fumbling inside the darkness was futile. Ev went back to the pickup and backed up and repositioned the lights to shine inside. He was able to find the lamp and get it lit. Placing the lamp chimney back on the base, he went out to shut the old Ford off.

Cheryl's boots, coat and warm hat were gone, Ruby was missing, but the flashlights were still in their place. Ev changed into his chore coat and boots, jammed his heavy wool watch cap down securely and headed for the barn; the only logical place Cheryl could be.

Ev congratulated himself for marrying such a smart woman when he ran into Cheryl's rope to the barn. In the dark it was a life or death guide. The light from the flashlight's beam blown away before it was of any use in the curtain of snow. There was a reason the man door in the barn opened inward in the century old structure. The door was half blocked with a snow drift.

Once inside, Ev shown his light around. The cattle eyes gleaming with an erie greenness as they went about the business of eating. Cheryl had been here.

Ev yelled for Ruby, causing the cows to mill around, spooked by the loudness. Ev couldn't be sure he had heard Ruby answer him so he yelled again. This time he heard two barks in succession as Ruby welcomed her master. Pushing through the herd, Ev yelled at his dog once again to pinpoint her location.

This time Ruby set up a racket to bring Ev to her. Rushing to the dark form on the floor, Ev touched Cheryl tenderly and felt the live resistance of her skin. God she was cold. Swallowing hard, Ev played his flashlight over Cheryl's face. The enormous black and blue mark on her forehead told the story.

Panicked, Ev picked up his wife and called Ruby to keep the cows back. Together they worked themselves back to the door. Plunging into the snow with his burden, Ev tipped over into a drift, falling on Cheryl. Further in a panic, he lost track of the rope guide once and then twice as he bulled his way towards the house.

Later Ev thought how stupid he had been. The pickup was available, so was the tractor. He put Cheryl in more danger by manhandling her, in his blind terror.

Once inside the cabin, Ev laid Cheryl tenderly on the floor as he started the fire. The frigid air crept back from the kitchen area moving in a sluggish, reluctant way. Cheryl lay still and cold white. Jerking the quilt off the couch, Ev gently wrapped his wife.

Moving the damper to full open, Ev pulled the fire box door down and rammed more wood inside the black maw. As the charred remains in the granite pot started to smell, Ev yanked the pot off the heat with his bare fingers and burned his right hand in the process. Throwing the granite ware in the direction of the sink, Ev listened to it clank as it hit and split off a chunk of the glass fired coating.

Easing Cheryl out of her coat, Ev discovered how cold she really was. iF Cheryl hadn't been pregnant, he would have warmed her at home, but he was terrified for her and the baby. Putting his unresponsive wife back in her coat and the pickup, Ev drove like a man possessed to the hospital.

Donna summoned Will to get Ev back under control. "Lock him up if necessary, he's interfering with Doc's ability to treat Cheryl." she snapped.

Will had a hard time bringing Ev back to reality. The lanky farmer shaking with emotion as he paced the waiting room. Ten thousand recriminations streaked through his mind as he vowed to his God that he would never leave Cheryl alone again. Stomping and praying, the non believer asked for mercy for Cheryl and their baby.
 

kua

Veteran Member
One tends to forget these are fictional characters in a fictional setting. We get so caught up in their story and so worried about them! Its just like they are neighbors or family and it is easy to want to toss up a prayer! You are doing a super great job of getting us involved in their lives and emotions.
 

debralee

Senior Member
Oh my goodness. Please let her live and the baby also. Glad Ev made it home to her.
Poor Wayne, I hope the Dr. is able to help him and he makes a full recovery.
 

ejagno

Veteran Member
Kua, I've found myself wanting to pray for these characters as well. We just know prayers will help so we do it. LOL Thanks Pac. How's hubby doing? We ARE still praying for him. REALLY! LOL
 

bad_karma00

Underachiever
Poor Ev. He's done so much for everyone else, only to find he was needed at home. If anything happens, he'll always blame himself. He likely will anyway. On the other hand, if he's not a believer, and Cheryl and the ninio are okay, then he might change his mind.

Great story. I'm constantly looking for updates. Hope all is well with your family!
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#95
The jail was in an uproar. Deputy Kevin had his gun lying on the desk when Will got back from the hospital. Doc had come out long enough to tell Ev both mother and child were still alive. Ev sat down like he had been deflated. Will left him in good hands, Nurse Donna looked entirely capable of handling the dithering man.

Back on duty, Kevin had been suitably impressed with the quality and quantity of the prisoners Will had in the back. They were a bunch with surly attitudes and equally bad manners. Right now they were causing a ruckus over the institutional sandwiches served for lunch. Especially the big guy. He was hollering and yelling about being starved with cardboard. Kevin smirked, checked to make sure the center door was locked and watched the front door nervously. Visibly relieved when Will came through the door, he got up in a hurry so the Sheriff could have his own chair.

"I could hear them clear down the street," Will complained as he eased into his old oak swivel chair. "Any news from the state?" he asked. Will had sent word with the grader driver to have the state up here pronto. He had need of bigger guns than he had available.

"No," Kevin fingered the revolver he had slid in his holster. "Sheriff, who are those yahoo's?"

"My best guess, big city hired guns, why?" the Sheriff answered as he tapped a pencil on the blotter in front of him.

"Seems like a lot of loose ends around here, and I don't like the feeling left behind by them," Kevin said in a plain way." My hands have been itching ever since that Pete fellow got here in town. He came in with a hail of bullets, and left under the blackest cloud of suspicion. Since then, look at all the purely bad things that have been happening."

"Good deductions and reasonings Kevin," Will sighed with grudging admiration. Kevin was gaining experience and good instincts. He was a good man to have by his side.

A ground shaking rumble started vibrating the floor. The solid scraping noise growing louder and louder until the maintainer throttled back and stopped just past the Sheriff's office. Only seconds stopped and the cab already covered in snow, Will noted. Behind the grader, a parade of State Police vehicles.

Will stood as the men entered.

"Sheriff," the Captain acknowledged, stomping his feet . Snow clumped on the floor, making a slick, wet spot. "I understand you have some prisoners for us."

"Glad to have you here, I'm anxious for these people to be in your custody," Will went to unlock the door. "I've got to warn you, there are some surprises in there. Some that may make you a little spooked."

The captain arched an eyebrow, "do tell," he questioned.

"Another Sue Apperton," Will stated flatly. Beings that the Captain had been the one to haul the second Apperton woman out of the brush, he was glad the state man was here for the third.

Both eyebrows went as high as possible and Jennings McCann opened the inner door and walked down to the women's cell. Through the security window Cpt. McCann watched as Sue Apperton spit in his direction.

"Friendly as all the rest of them," he remarked as he flipped his hand cuffs on the desk, when he walked out into the office.

"I want three men to a prisoner as we transfer. Bring them out here one at a time and I want leg iron on them. Waist chains also. One prisoner to a vehicle. Any questions." he asked. There were none. The transfer went smoothly and they were out of sight following Caleb in the grader.

Jennings thought of the activity that had been happening in Evergreen. He had a fondness for Will, the man didn't try to run his county as a dictator and he asked for help when it was necessary. Some might think that a sign of weakness, but Jennings thought him a very astute lawman. If he ever went into politics, he'd look Will up as a person he wanted on his team.

Will was amazed at the relief he felt as the last vehicle disappeared into the snow curtain. He was pretty sure he had seen a wanted sheet on the big guy. A top level Mafia enforcer by the name of Big Ben. The fact that a hired gun of his caliber was here in Evergreen must have to do with Claude.

That damn Claude and damn Pete. Two unsavory people with evil ways. Will knew as soon as he ways walking home, that it wasn't over yet.

Cassy was cooking something that smelled mighty good. Oh yes it did. But, as he stooped to kiss her, boy howdy did she smell better than any supper. Taking an appreciative sniff, he stood behind her chair and closed his arms around her.

"Cassy,"

"Hummm," she purred, rubbing her cheek along Will's thickened, callused hand.

"Are you sure you want to marry me? I'm not an inside, fancy critter by any stretch of the imagination."

"Yes," was all she said. "Sunday."

Will smiled into her hair, their marriage license in his pocket. Hand delivered by Jennings with a knowing grin.



The good ladies of the cafe had a dilemma. The more they needed Brett to do things for them, the more the rascal ate. He was like fueling a tank. Unless carefully aimed, he tended to break, trample and simply trip over everything in his path. Patti had given up talking to him and Leta watched him like a hawk, acting like a GPS system for the jangly teen. Inga worked behind the grill, cooking food as the community needed it. Measuring carefully, she increased her portions by almost half and was rewarded with much appreciation from the hard working people she served.

John worked between his church and the cafe. Both needed about the same amount of attention. Hard work never hurt anyone, he kept telling himself as he ached and creaked as he swept, washed and painted. The humble country church started to shine in corners that hadn't been clean in years.

By one and twos, the people of Evergreen stopped in to greet and meet the new pastor, most of the time finding him on his knees scrubbing the floor. With every ready tea or coffee, he listened attentively to the realness of the hurt and misery the people were experiencing. John kept a list, with names and problems and the first time he was able, he spoke in confidence with Will.

Will still had the full control of the roadhouse money. What he hadn't already spent on the town, that was. He took John's list and sat with a paper and calculator. Figuring out a plan, Will now had a moral dilemma. He needed to use the money for the people, did he have the right to make people beholden to him or the town. Was free the proper way to do this business.

Will was John's last visitor. Anticipating a long session, Will brought two dinners from the cafe with him. The two men talked long into the night.


Ev sat beside Cheryl as she lay so quiet and still. Machines whirred, beeped and every half hour the blood pressure cuff automatically inflated. The bruise on Cheryl's forehead crept downward on either side of her nose, turning her eyes black and making her look like a raccoon. Ev stared at her flat stomach. Cheryl was the toughest, hardest working, no nonsense woman he had ever met.

Doc Phillips had torn a strip of hide off him, for letting Cheryl feed the cows by herself. He stood there and took the tongue lashing cause he didn't know how to reply. He didn't 'let' Cheryl do anything. Cheryl was her own woman, fully competent and totally in control of her life.

'Let her,' Ev shook his head in sadness. If his wife even suspicioned that another human was in a position to 'let her', there would be Tornado Cheryl tear through the place like a F5. It had been a long time since Everett Wilson just looked at his wife. There were wrinkles he hadn't noticed before, some grey hair at her temple and dark circles under her eyes that had nothing to do with the blow on her head. Strong and lithe, she was his perfect foil. They rest of him that he hadn't know he needed so desperately.

Helpless, he held her hand and spoke low. Urging Cheryl to gain consciousness, to come back to him, to help him get ready to be a father, cause he didn't know what to do.

For hours, Ev talked and somewhere deep in her consciousness, Cheryl heard.
 
Last edited:

Deena in GA

Administrator
_______________
It would be nice to think that we've seen the last of the bad guys, but probably not. It would also be nice to think that there are good, strong men and women, who truly think of what's best for those around them, in real life like there are in this story.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#96
Doc Phillips had Wayne moved 2 rooms down from Cheryl, that way, Phillips could sleep between the two of them. Isolating the accident victims from the rest of the flu like illnesses stacking up in the hallways of the hospital. Wayne didn't make the move well.

Alarms beeped, all kinds of shrill noises happened as the bed bumped the wall going into the new room. Doc wasn't happy, the heart monitor hooked up to Wayne flat lined twice and the settled back into the weak, thready pulse that was normal for the boy's condition.

Phillips watched Wayne with a eagle eye, waiting to see if there were other heart interruptions. Wayne's blood pressure dropped some, but didn't fluctuate further. The youngster was doing better as the last operation had stopped the risk of peritonitis. Donna had the cot transferred to the central room, and plumped the pillow with her special touch as she left the room.

Ev was asleep in the chair next to Cheryl, leaning so far over that he was about to topple onto her bed. Phillips let him be as Cheryl's vitals were OK, he suspected she would wake up when her body was ready.



Evie was stirring the lunch rice when she got a powerful urge to pray for Wayne. The overwhelming feeling so strong and gripping her heart with such tightness that she was compelled to pray out loud. Dropping to her knees beside the stove, Evie prayed the most powerful words that had ever moved her lips.

The children heard her, and kneeled on the floor beside their Grandmother adding young, pure of heart words of love for Wayne's healing and recovery. The band constricting her heart eased and then dissipated as she felt tears on her cheeks. The emotion Evie felt, she knew had to be proof of God's love for her and all people who care for others in His name.

The children had their arms around each other, heads touching in the tight circle. Clora was crying like her heart would break, Sandra sobbed and Benny sniffled and coughed like he was trying not to cry.

"Grandma, can we tell you something," Benny blew his nose with his red handkerchief.

"Yes," Evie whispered, still feeling the effects of her prayer, hardly able to speak.

"We used to hear you and Papa Hap praying out loud, we really wanted you to pray for us. 'Specially after Mom would get so wound up and mean. She used to beat us, like Wayne got beat up. It made my arms hurt when we saw Wayne, made my heart cry too.
Grandma, we love out Mom, but we don't want her to be our mother anymore." Benny spoke and Clora and Sandra nodded.

"Kids, you know your mother was killed." Evie spoke low and with hurt. "Sheriff Will said she had been killed in a gun accident."

"We saw her Grandma, at the cafe during the Thanksgiving meal. She was watching us but didn't say anything. We didn't know if we should tell or not."

"Oh kids, are you sure. There were so many people milling around." Evie protested.

"All of us saw her," Clora spoke softly.

"Let me dish up lunch," Evie asked, "then I need to tell you what is happening so far." Grandmother Evie scooped bowls of rice and tomatoes and passed them around. "Just move that material, we dont want to get food on it," she commented. Clora pushed the velvet and satin to the side, smiling at the softness she touched.

"This is what I know," Evie dipped her spoon in the soup. " I have applied to become your guardian, also Brett's. A Judge has to look at the papers, we have to be inspected by the state,....and that has been postponed by the weather....then a case worker has to be appointed and talk to all four of you. I then need to have a background check, prove that I am financially stable, and that I really do want you. And I do," Evie winked at the three. "Very much."

"OK," Benny the spokesman looked at his sisters and they nodded. "OK."

Outside the wind increased dramatically, a shrieking moan that sent shivers down the spine of all listening.

"Wow," Clora jumped like she was spooked. "That was scary."

The wind swung around from the north. The temperature started dropping and the beginnings of a true Artic blizzard blew onto the land.
 

debralee

Senior Member
You need to give a kleenex warning when you write such moving, touching chapters llike that. Its really hard to read when , as my granddaughters say, grandma your eyes are leaking. :bwl: Thank you.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#97

Evie filled the washing pot with snow to melt for dishes. They were down to the last 5 full water jugs. That was 25 gallons of water for drinking and cooking. All other water needed to come from the sky. The kids helped by bringing in pots of snow, with the pots they had available. It was real clear how the pans that Brett had left outside would have been a great addition in the struggle.

It was a struggle. It was cold, windy and hands froze in the short time it took to pack the snow into the pots. Evie tied a rope around Benny when he went to the shed for wood. All he had to do was tighten the slack to have a guide back to the house. He worked steadily all afternoon bringing in a grand supply of wood. He filled the wood box outside, stacked more along the house siding and brought as much inside as they had room for.

Clora and Sandra worked bring in snow, and near dusk, Benny asked if he could go to the barn and get food for Inky. Evie was fearful, but the woodshed was halfway to the barn and Benny was sharp enough to keep track of how to get where he wanted to go.

"I'll bring in the flashlight, and I think one of the pots is close to it," Benny laid out his trip.

"OK," Evie consented. "Do not under any circumstances unhook that rope. I can't stress enough that it will be the difference between life and death. If you can't find what you want, come right back."

"Yes Ma'am," Benny solemnly promised.

Benny got to the barn just fine. Brett had left one half of the door open and as Benny plunged though the drifts up to his waist, he fell down into the barn opening. There, staring at him hoping for hay and grain were 4 of Mr. Ev's yearling's. As Benny moved to the front corner of the barn for the flashlight and pot, the curious hungry cattle shadowed him closely and knocked the pot from his hand looking for grain."

"Stop that," he yelled bravely, swinging his hands in a 'get away' action. Filling the pot with dog food, Benny turned and the black baldy steer standing a hair's breath behind him banged his head into the pot and sent the dog food flying. The steers scrambled to check out the scattered bits and Benny scooped another pot ful and scampered out the door.


Benny shivered in the cold and the rapidly advancing darkness. Pulling on the rope to keep it tight, he blindly followed the tightness right into the kitchen door.

As Evie opened the door all the way to let Benny in, Inky gave a great barking roar and launched himself at the opening. There, about to butt his head in through the door frame, the baldy shoved his snow covered face into the kitchen. Backing up as fast as possible. the steer faced Inky's displeasure by mooing his annoyance and fading back out into the icy darkness.

Evie brushed her grandson off and parked him in front of the stove.

"What is going on out there," she demanded, still feeling surprised out of her wits by the appearance of a cow in her kitchen.

"Some of Mr. Ev's cattle are in our barn. They must have gotten out of his pasture."

"Well, there's no feed in there, but they are out of the storm. Nothing we can do until the storm lets up," Evie philosophized.

"They might be eating dog food," Benny said with a grin. "The one that followed me in here knocked a whole pot full of kibble out of my hand. He sure is a nosy one. Scared the jeepers out of me when Inky came at me, trying to get to the steer like that, I thought he was gonna bite me."

Inky, hearing his name, pushed his head against Benny's leg. Benny had been slowly growing stronger, and the massive dog no longer pushed him over when showing his affection. "Ha!" Benny scratched the Newfey behind the ear, "your a great mutt, even if you do try to land me on my butt."

Inky smiled. The great showman that he was, accepted the accolades he was due. Eyes half mast with contentment, he slurped his huge tongue in the direction of Benny's hand.

"Eewww Grandma, look at all that slobber," Sandra looked outraged at the mess on the kitchen floor.

"Floors will clean, Sandra. Friends like Inky are irreplaceable." the older woman sighed as she mopped once again.

The snow they had worked all afternoon to melt, totaled half a stock pot, maybe a couple of gallons at most. Evie measured out a saucepan full to heat for hand washing and supper dishes. Supper was venison chunks in gravy over the rice not used for lunch.

"Grandma, you said to tell you when we needed to do something different, we gotta cook more food for Brett. When he goes to bed, his stomach is growling hungry." Brett looked apprehensive for speaking out. Food was a precious commodity, and Grandma was really trying to do her best.

Evie nodded, "I was wondering. Brett said he didn't need more, but he is obviously putting on a growth spurt. Did you see what he ate at the Thanksgiving feast?"

While they ate supper, the family talked about how much food Brett inhaled . Stories about Brett filled the night.



Inga, Leta and Patti were talking about the massive amounts of food it took to satisfy Brett. The young man had walked up to the church to see John, for something to do and get out of the 'girl' atmosphere as he called it. Being at home with Grandma and Benny and the girls wasn't as gooey sweet syrupy as it was at the diner.

Brett enjoyed the change, it really was kinda boring at Grandma's. Benny was OK, but it sure was taking his brother a long time to catch on to reading and doing other school tasks. Brett wanted to ask John or Will if they thought it would be OK if he went to the library, and he wanted to go see Wayne.

John and Will were deep in discussion, but made room for Brett and his questions. "Yes to the library. Check out is on the honor system, and you need to find your own books." Will explained seriously. "The hospital, well I think we need to follow Doc's advise. If he say OK, then go for it."

"Did you hear about Wayne's uncle? He torched their cabin and got himself killed in a car accident. I really don't want you saying anything to the kid about that; if he asks I want you to say it has been fixed so that his uncle will never hurt him again." Will cleaned up the news he passed on to Brett.

"Save the library till tomorrow, I want you back to the diner before dark. No going out fooling around in this kind of weather after dark. I know" Will held up his hand to forstall the protest he could see forming in Brett's face, "Nothing could possibly happen to you, and I aim to keep it that way." Will smiled to reinforce his order. "Now get, your gonna miss supper."

Both men laughed as Brett loped away, nervous that they might start eating without him.
 
Last edited:

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#98
Ev woke up with the worst possible crick in his neck and back, hunched over Cheryl and her bed as he dozed. When he straighted up; bones snapped, crackled and popped. Wonderful, he thought. I'm a stinkin box of cereal. Standing up to walk around and shake down the pains, Ev happed to glance over at Cheryl. She was watching him with smile crinkles around her eyes.

"On honey, I'm so glad your awake. How do you feel?" Ev rushed to the bedside and connected with the safety rail, pushing the bed with a solid crash into the wall. The metal pole on wheels holding the drip bags teetered and crashed, the over bed tray was pushed into the wall with the bed and crashed.

Ev's boots slid in the spilled water from the pink plastic container on the overbed tray, the small box of Kleenex landed top down in the puddle, the nurse call button stretched as as Ev's body went between the bed and the wall where it was firmly attached. The clamped call button held securely to the pillow did not pull away, instead the plastic enclosed pillow shot out of the case dropping Cheryl's head to the bed. Moaning, Cheryl's hand instinctively went to protect her forehead, but the motion was a little to strong and she hit her bruise a resounding whack.

The pillow acted like a guided missile bulldozing into the breakfast tray that was resting on the sink counter. Coffee, milk, oatmeal and a breakfast burrito splattered against the mirror and dropped into the sink.

Unable to stop his forward motion, Ev slid like an ice skater on his knees, blasting into the bed and frame. There was an awful silence when the noise and the crashing stopped.

Doc Phillips jerked open the room door and the noise increased to an unbearable roar. Cheryl watched the whole thing through slow-motion eyes, and whimpered as her hand fell away. That hand was firmly tethered with the tubing from the lock system, and she smartly rapped the needle in the back of her hand against the bed rail.

Cheryl's cry out stopped all of the activity. Ev struggled to get up from the floor, Phillips stopped in time to miss the water puddling on the waxed floor, and Donna ran into Doc's back as she hurried full tilt into the emergency.

Donna pushed Doctor Inghram Phillips further into the room. Her foot slipped in the splashed water and she went down, tangling herself into Doc's legs. The good doctor wibbled, wobbled and fell down. Doc landed on Nurse Donna's cushiony softness, tempting him greatly as they tried to observe decorum and propriety and untangle themselves. The only other casualty was Doc's elbow that landed next to Ev's left eye.

Much later, when good feelings had been restored, the amazing tale of the 'crash' made the rounds of the hospital. Actually, it was talked about for years, but Ev chose to ignore that part.

All involved, came out mostly unscathed. Phillips had a slight sprain in his left hand, and nurse Donna was positive she had felt Doc kiss her as all of the confusion was going down, and Ev had a black eye that matched Cheryl's.

Onlookers flocked to the room to gawk at the carnage, and were sent on their way as Donna primly shook herself to rights and went to her desk, one finger held to her lips and a dreamy expression on her face.

"OUT!," Phillips thundered at Ev. "I want you to stand in the hall and not breathe, do you understand!!"

Meekly, Ev got up and walked dejectedly into the hall. A couple of interns were laughing silently but hysterically a couple of doors down, and people were shaking their heads as they scattered before Phillips came out of the room.
Not yet sure exactly what had happened, Ev stood like a misbehaving boy in time out.

Cheryl was mostly unhurt, just very thankful the baby hadn't been harmed. She had to laugh when Ev's hang dog expression peeked around the door frame and followed her every move.

Cheryl had the mother of all headaches; a thudding, pounding, light flashing kaleidescope of nausea and sensitivity. Doc flashed his penlight in her eyes and hummed as he inspected the IV in her hand.

"How do you feel?" the professional inquired tartly. "Other than being run over by your husband."

"Terrible headache, almost like a migraine." she whispered back' "It sure does hurt,"

"You have a concussion. Quiet, dark, total rest. No movement, and no husband unless he gets himself together. Ten minute visits only. Any questions?" Doc Phillips snapped at Ev, who was making faces at the doctor behind the man's back.

"No," Ev managed to clean the grimace off his face before Phillips got all the way turned around.

"Get totally out of my way," Phillips ordered roughly. "Don't come near me." White lab coat flapping, Phillips exited down the hall.
 

kua

Veteran Member
What a hoot! You sure can describe a calamity well! Now I gotta go read that bit to hubbby and get him to laughing with me.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#99
"You scroungy squirrel, get off my porch," Evie went out to fill the pot with snow and the yearling steer materialized out of the snow to moo his hate and discontent at the harsh treatment he was receiving at the hands of the neighbors. "Git," she shooed the calf.
"You really spooked me, you bugger. Go back to the barn!"

Evie took the last three pots of snow back inside. They hissed as the snow droplets hit the cook top, skittering across the surface.

"Ev's fence must be down in this storm. As soon as it quits, we'll go over and see what the problem is," Evie started buttoning up the house for the night. "Bedtime kids, it's been a long day."

After all his outside work, Benny was half asleep in his chair, drooping over his hot chocolate.

"Mnbphff," he mumbled and sleepily headed for the bedroom. Sandra giggled lightly, and she and Clora beat feet to their bed. The dark night cold and miserable, held back by the fragility of a 2x4 and insulation wall.



John lay in his bed listening to the blizzard outside the parsonage walls. He offered prayers, sought solace and brought his troubled heart before the Lord. The keening moan of the wind whistled around the chimney of the poorly insulated room and gleefully stole whatever heat it could entice to join it's free abandon.

He had felt so good when he brought the food to town. The disaster that followed had left him with a bitter, acid filled taste in his mouth. So many people; hurt, arrested, killed. John wrestled with his basic belief's. "Dear Father," he whispered. "I....need help Father. My pride is allowing me to fail in my life and in my pastoral duties."

John prayed long into the night. Why was it so hard for him, a minister, to admit he didn't have all the answers. John only wanted to help people that needed help, nothing more. It was humbling to realize this was a situation he couldn't control, didn't have control, and could only do as the Lord instructed.

Before he slept, John had the kernel of Sunday's sermon. A re-do of what he had previously outlined.



Cheryl slept with the headache in the back of her mind. Once or twice in her sleep she smiled, thinking of the disaster Ev had created.


The good ladies of the diner and Brett slept deeply. Only Leta was wakeful. She moved with slow deliberateness out to her chair. Trailing her quilt, she made it to the chair before collapsing. It was hard to breathe, her left arm and side hurt like shooting flames of misery. A cold icy finger touched her cheek, trailed it's touch down the side of her neck and over her collarbone. Another finger left it's mark along the inside of her arm turning the flesh into frozen numbness. Pain surrounded her heart in crushing waves, interfering with the ancient heart until it slowed and slowly the spark of life left Leta.

Sunday morning dawned clear. Sunshine peeked over the eastern mountains bringing light and clarity to the white covered scene below. Deep in clogging, stifling snow, the town of Evergreen stirred and prepared for Sunday services despite the icy grip of winter.
Word had gotten out about Will and Cassy being married after the service. Aware of the ban on gatherings, this was an event exempted in their minds by the majority of citizens.

Will tried to explain to Cassy that he and John, were considered public property. Everyone in town was his boss and jury. Cassy thought it was funny until she saw Will's face. They had another discussion, with Will questioning her at length about the strength of her resolve.

Cassy didn't have a white dress; but she did have a summery light blue one with for -get- me-nots embroidered on the neckline. Bundled up in a sweater and heavy coat, the bride to be sat in between her parents in the front row. On the other side Will sat with Kevin.

John wasn't certain if one single person heard the service. Songs were sung, but there was so much excitement in the air that people fairly vibrated in the pews. Using the smarts that God gave him, John skipped over the sermon he wanted to give and instead talked about marriage and how vows said before God and community were a sacred and an everlasting vow of union and commitment.

Coming down from the pulpit, John extended his hands to Will and Cassy, inviting them to come forward. He motioned to Cassy's parents to stand up with them.

John did something different from the modern service; he had Will and Cassy stand on either side of the Bible he held extended in front of him and place their hands on the Holy Word. His smooth voice began with the familiar words "Dearly Beloved..."

As he delivered the marriage vows John had an revelation about himself. It shocked him to think he wasn't a modern minister, he was an old-fashioned man of God's word. An old fashioned man with old fashioned ideas about the religion he represented.

He almost stumbled as he repeated the time honored words, but caught himself and finished with an especially emotional 'I pronounce you husband and wife.'

Cassy's mother started crying when Cassy and Will kissed. John had the newlyweds turn and face the congregation. "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. William Pendelton." The members of the small community church surged forward to congratulate the beaming couple.


"Coffee and Tea are served in the basement," John used his considerable voice to invite everyone to fellowship. Alongside the refreshments, a small pile of homemade gifts waited for Cassy's inspection, and more than a few men spoke quietly to Will about what they had for him , 'come spring.'

The gathering had disbanded when Brett came walking up to Will. The teen was red eyed and had a quiver in his voice. "Sheriff Will, Leta died last night."

On the sideline, John had wondered why Inga hadn't come to the service. He had wanted her to see the beauty of the marriage ceremony and how he could handle his profession. He stepped forward and put his arm around Brett and together they walked toward the cafe.
 

kua

Veteran Member
Awwwww...not unexpected but still sad. Sorry to have Leta go but at least she had a lot of happiness in her life, at the end anyhow. And what a lovely wedding for the Will and Cheryl. I like the idea of bringing the Bible to the centerpiece of a wedding.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#100

Kevin interrupted Wills preparation to take over Leta's death investigation. "I'd like to take this one Sheriff, it doesn't sound like foul play, and I'd like you and the misses to have sometime together." Will was going to object when he caught the look on Cassy's face.

"Thank you Kevin. Cassy and I appreciate the gift." Will felt anxious and jittery about abrogating his job to his deputy, but the feeling passed when his bride looked at him with love.



The cafe was crowded with happy church members turned mournful at the latest event. Inga worked her fingers to the bone with the suddenly increased crowd. She finally had to shanghai Brett and start him bussing tables and washing dishes.

John and Kevin wrapped Leta in the quilt and removed her body to the Sheriff's office. Stan and Jerry helped by opening doors and keeping the curious onlookers away. One by one Kevin took statements from the loose affiliated family. Patti was hysterical, crying and screaming, beating her fists against the wall, hyperventilating and throwing herself on the floor.

Kevin sent Stan to the hospital with a request that Doc Phillips come and 'do something' with the out of control girl. Phillips snorted and turned on his heel and left the room. "Don't let her hurt herself," he directed over his shoulder.

Stan hid a grin. That gal was sure tuning up a storm, but she was pretty careful not to do any damage to herself. Hobie asked if Stan thought Kevin might need help, and volunteered his expertise.

"I'm pretty sharp at getting to the truth," Hobie bragged to Stan. "Be more than happy to help if you need me."

"I'll tell Kevin," Stan edged away from the portly security guard, hoping to make a quick break away.

Stan returned to the cafe with the bad news for Kevin. Shrugging his shoulders, when Kevin cried "What!" he made a quicker get away when Jerry beckoned him over. Frowning, Stan listened to Jerry's whispered comment in his ear. "You sure," he questioned sharply.

"That's what they say," Jerry pointed to the three men standing just inside the diner door. "Damm," Jerry said and Stan agreed. "We gotta go get Will on this one."


Will and Cassy were sitting at the kitchen table making moon eyes at each other when Stan banged on the front door. Will was about to object to the interruption, when Stan pointed to the men he had brought with him and said, "There's a dead body in the roadhouse. They said it's stinkin to high heaven out there."

"Give me ten seconds," Will promised. "I need my uniform and tools. Be right back." Stan was left to stand awkwardly in the doorway as Cassy looked everywhere but at Stan.

Will loaded the three men in the SUV and sent Stan back to the cafe to fetch Kevin.


The men were correct. The smell coming from the roadhouse was of decomposing human. The big slab of wedding cake that Will had eaten, sat like a lead lump on his stomach. Feeling sicker and sicker, he dashed for the edge of the parking lot before he lost his stomach.

"Here Sheriff," one of the men offered a bottle of water he had picked up from inside.

Will took the unopened bottle but had to turn it away as the plastic smelled like the stink from the bar. The only way he could get inside was open all the doors and windows as he went.

Will wished mightily that Ev was here to help him. The rancher seemed to have a sixth sense about things; able to look beneath the surface and see events as they really were. But, Ev was taking care of things that needed to be under his control. Cheryl was rightly his first concern.

It took all night and into the wee hours, before Will finished his investigation. It was a carefully staged homicide made to look like a suicide. Will quirked his mouth, the tape recorder was a nice touch, but nobody clicks out one tape and inserts another when they are raving about killing themselves.

Will stopped at the diner on his way home. The lights were still on and Inga answered the door after carefully asking who was there. Unlocking the door, she poured coffee and put it on the table for the haggard looking Sheriff.

"Betty's been killed," Will said in a low voice so only Inga and John could hear him. "Out at the roadhouse, several days ago."

Inga raised her hands and let them fall back on the table. Frustration evident. "Just what we need." she sighed. "I'll tell them."

She was back shortly, a surprised and stunned look on her face. "They both said GOOD." Inga sat down and leaned into John's shoulder. "That's their mother," she said, scandalized at the response.

"Call me," Will thanked them for the coffee and headed for home, unsure of his welcome.
 

Deena in GA

Administrator
_______________
You are a truly gifted writer! The "accident scene" at the hospital was hilarious, and then you have us all mushy at the wedding and lastly the deaths - all described in such a way to make us feel we're there. Applause!
 

bad_karma00

Underachiever
I have to agree. The accident scene with Ev and Cheryl and the Doc, oh and Nurse Donna getting her a kiss, was probably the best scene of it's kind I've ever read. It's detailed so well, I could literally see it in my mind.

Love this story.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
Thank you for the kind words. I have lived a life that has included a lot of what I write about. Most people would or could only shake their heads if they only knew. Thank you all for reading and commenting, it means a lot.
 

No3buckshot

Deceased
PacNorWest,

Great read.

As long as you keep posting them I will keep reading them.

I don't post a lot to say this, but I AM reading it and loving it.

I am afraid if I post too much it will be seen as blowing smoke where it shouldn't go, no need for that with a story this good.

Buckshot
 

juco

Veteran Member
I'm with Buckshot...

As long as you keep writing, I'll keep reading. I love the humorous scenes that are woven into the story.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#101
Evie woke to glorious sunshine; the golden rays illuminating the stark white of their snowbound homestead. What a time to pray for the blessings given to her. A plea for Wayne, a blessing for Brett to be the best of his ability while in town, a prayer of gratitude that Benny, Clora and Sandra were growing and healing and lastly a thank you for her own health and ability to care for her charges.

Hearing Evie's voice in her bedroom, the kids looked at each other in curiosity. Who in the world was Grandma talking to? Bare feet walked quietly to the other side of the living room next to Evie's bedroom door.

"Oh, Grandma's praying," Clora whispered. "She's got God in there."

"Better here than during grace," Benny said honestly. "Grandma kinda gets carried away sometimes."

"Benny, that's an awful thing to say, nobody works harder than Grandma."

"Not when my suppers getti'n cold," Benny replied practically. The kids adjourned to the kitchen where they measured out coffee and started it cooking. Old hands at dealing with the curious temperament of the stove, they stoked the old insert for a quick, hot blaze.

Outside the sun shone fiercely on the snow, a blinding combination if you were silly enough to stare. Benny walked to the sink window to check out the back yard and the barn. Mr. Ev's calves were lined up in a row, heads poking out of the opening as they intently watched the house for signs of food.

Evie joined her grandkids, marveling at the sun and the weather situation. "I have forgotten what day it is, but it feels like a Sunday," she remarked. I wish we had a calendar, sometimes I feel lost."

"Grandma, in the book downstairs there is a purple-pet calendar we could copy." Benny spoke as he poured coffee into mugs and set them on the table.

"A purple-pet," she repeated as her mind raced to think what Benny might be talking about.

"You know," he persisted confidently, " a purple -pet-l calendar. We could copy the months on paper and mark them off." Benny carefully enunciated the vowels as he had been taught.

"Oh," Evie felt relieved to finally understand." A perpetual calendar. What an exceptional idea. Benny. Good thinking, kiddo. Yes. lets do that today."

Breakfast was pancakes, with homemade syrup and coffee milk. "We really need to be careful with the water," Evie reminded her crew. "now that the storm has ended, they may get the electricity back on. If not, we need to think about getting Ev to pull our in line pump and put the pitcher pump on the pipe stem."

"There looks like enough snow has melted so we can have a fast wash," Clora peered into the pot. "Benny needs to wash, especially after all his work yesterday."

"Since when did you get so delicate," Benny inquired heatedly. He sniffed the air, "Nope, no roses here." the sarcastic retort hung in the air.

"Please," Evie admonished the sparring youngsters, "not now, not today. I'm pretty sure today is Sunday and we need to think beyond ourselves and honor our Lord."

It was easy to want to please Grandma. She never asked for more than she would do right along side you, never yelling and never, ever hitting. The kids thought she was just about the best Grandma ever invented. Like now, she didn't get mad cause they were fighting, she just gave them something to do.

Taking individual bowls of water to their bedrooms, Evie had the kids wash up as best they could, always reminding them to clean their feet last.


Cheryl woke slowly, enjoying the quiet minutes before the business of the day. Ev slept on a cot squeezed into the small room, with a warning from Doc that if there was ever a repeat of yesterday's fiasco, he was banned from the hospital. Cheryl's lips curved into a wide smile. Ev was Ev. She felt blessed and privileged to love and be loved by him.

Stretched out on the cot, Ev's elbow bent as he supported his head, he stared at his wife. "Morning," his smooth voice and gaze were for her alone.

"Ev, did you sleep well," Cheryl's eyes never left his beloved face as she gladly gathered in all the familiar lines and wrinkles.

"No," he said tiredly, "this cot is too short and your not here."

"Don't be naughty," Cheryl teased, but sighed and agreed he was correct. "How are the stock handling all this snow?" she asked in a absent way, missing the stricken look instantly plastered on Ev's face.

"I have to feed this morning," he mumbled, acting like he hadn't forgotten completely about his responsibilities at home. Come to think of it, he couldn't accurately remember if he had shut the barn gate.

He hadn't.

When he finally made it home there was stock scattered and missing; Ruby was in the house guarding the open door and inches of snow on the floor. The chickens had broken several eggs and the meanest cow on the ranch had delivered the wildest calf to ever hit the barn floor.
 
Top