Story So that your love may be complete.
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
A very big thank you Pac.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Great chapter Pac, thank you for another chapter.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#250b
"Clora, would you do me a favor and take your shirt off, I would like to look at your back," that was a puzzling request from Mark, but she was going to get ready for bed anyway, so Clora wasn't concerned.
Shirt and chemise were folded neatly and placed on the dresser. Mark turned her around until Clora's back was to the mirror, he then picked up a mirror from his dresser and told her to take a look at her back.
Clora had backbone, ribs and shoulder blades sticking out all over the place. "Sweet heart, from the back you look like a concentration camp refugee. Have you taken your clothes off lately and looked at yourself?"
Rather than continue talking, Mark unbuttoned the top button of Clora's skirt and it slid down over her hips in a hurry. There was nothing holding the material but a button Clora kept moving over.
"Wellllll, I didn't think I was quite this thin," Clora stalled, she could see Mark was very much upset.
"This is not healthy. Are you sick, do you have pain, what is wrong?" Mark wanted Clora better immediately. "We have to do something about this right now."
"I seem OK, tired and it has been hard to sleep with this cast on. It really pains me when I lay down and my leg is stretched out. It's been so hot that I haven't had much of an appetite, but no aches and pains other than my ankle. I drink a lot, but then I sweat a lot." Clora shrugged casually. "I don't feel like anything is wrong."
Mark came over to give her a hug. "I want to make a Doctor's appointment for you, Honey I wonder if you don't have Diabetes. Remember how Cheryl got to looking? You look that way and sometimes worse."
"I suppose it's possible," Clora said into the front of his shirt. "Who knows what kind of a medical history I might have. Probably the next thing, I will get hooga booga disease or something."
Mark was running his fingers up and down her ribs and it tickled. "What does Hooga booga disease look like?" Mark whispered in her ear.
"I don't know," Clora seemed distracted, "I haven't had it yet." she whispered back.
"I know a cure," Mark generously offered.
"Hummm," Clora said and they turned out the lights.
The next morning they studied the list of available couples, and selected several to contact. Mark did that from the privacy of the office, unwilling to involve Helga in the process. He also made a Doctor's appointment for Clora, as he was absolutely sure she would forget on purpose.
Mark had decided Clora was going to start taking better care of herself, and he was going to be right there to make it happen. A dropped hint to Helga had the dreaded egg custard showing up, along with egg nog and double strength beef broth.
Clora gave the 'look' to both Helga and Mark and got laughed at for her troubles.
"You muches eats, noes backtalks," Helga reprimanded as she set the table. "You hass young bebes, needs to bees strong Mamas for them."
Wonder of all wonders, John loved egg custard and Clora was so excited to find something that would capture his interest, that she fed him her whole portion. Another bowl was put on the table as Helga picked up the finished one.
"You noes bees naughtys, you eat." she ordered Clora. It was one spoonful for Ma, then one for John. The taste captivated the boy, and Clora was amazed. John sat on her lap, a perfect gentleman, even when Luke and Liz had to have a taste. They were definitely not interested.
Mandy wandered over from her place, looking highly emotional. "Mom says I have to go to Raleigh," she glumly reported. "Lemmie says I need to honor her and do as she asks, I don't think it's fair."
"We agree with Lemmie," Mark said loudly as he came in the kitchen, speaking before Clora could say anything. "What just happened here could have had a very different ending, Mandy; Meg is right, you need to be under her protection."
"I didn't think you would rat out on me," Mandy was angry. "I won't be able to study when I have to take care of kids all the time."
"Perhaps Toby and your Mom can work out a plan where you can have the study time you need. You need to ask them, they care about your welfare." Mark refused to fight with the teen.
"Mandy, tell me about Claire, how is she doing? You were there for six months solid, is she progressing like she should?" Clora was interested in Mandy's opinion.
"Claire, yeah she's OK. She has a little trouble keeping her mind on track and she acts a little flighty at times, why?"
"How about TJ? How is he doing?" Clora went to the next child in line.
"He was doing OK and then he got all whiney and clingly when Toby left. He's pretty good most of the time, A lot better than that brat Eric. They have spoiled that kid until he stinks. Toby gives him anything he wants, and Mom isn't any better."
"Was TJ better when he was here with Benny? The reason I'm asking, Benny misses him a lot." Clora was busy sorting out the clues Mandy was telling them.
"Yeah, I think he was. Mom got real upset when John and Eric were hitting each other, but she never said anything about TJ."
"I was just wondering," Clora sighed, "I don't get to keep track of the children like I should." Nothing more was said, Clora had as much information as she needed. There had to be another reason Toby and Meg were getting ready to oust TJ from the family.
Mark had listened to Clora's gentle probing, understanding right away where she was going. Clora must have a premonition concerning TJ and she was looking for a way to confirm it.
Mandy was a very unhappy teen, but Mark didn't want to take on a moody, petulant child that needed to be with her mother. The memory of Mary and Adoree fresh in his mind, Mark had already sent Mandy back to her mother for safekeeping.
The evening was here, and the boys weren't home from their adventure. Clora worried a little, fretting about her decision to let them go camping by themselves.
"I'll go tomorrow if they're not back," Mark promised. "Are you picking up any distress feelings?"
"No,"
"I would guess they shot a deer close to dark tonight, and will be in in the morning." Mark winked at Clora to make her feel better. "I'm hungry for deer sausage, I hope they get two so we can grind one of them."
Clora just nodded, she wouldn't mind sausage herself.
"Clora, would you do me a favor and take your shirt off, I would like to look at your back," that was a puzzling request from Mark, but she was going to get ready for bed anyway, so Clora wasn't concerned.
Shirt and chemise were folded neatly and placed on the dresser. Mark turned her around until Clora's back was to the mirror, he then picked up a mirror from his dresser and told her to take a look at her back.
Clora had backbone, ribs and shoulder blades sticking out all over the place. "Sweet heart, from the back you look like a concentration camp refugee. Have you taken your clothes off lately and looked at yourself?"
Rather than continue talking, Mark unbuttoned the top button of Clora's skirt and it slid down over her hips in a hurry. There was nothing holding the material but a button Clora kept moving over.
"Wellllll, I didn't think I was quite this thin," Clora stalled, she could see Mark was very much upset.
"This is not healthy. Are you sick, do you have pain, what is wrong?" Mark wanted Clora better immediately. "We have to do something about this right now."
"I seem OK, tired and it has been hard to sleep with this cast on. It really pains me when I lay down and my leg is stretched out. It's been so hot that I haven't had much of an appetite, but no aches and pains other than my ankle. I drink a lot, but then I sweat a lot." Clora shrugged casually. "I don't feel like anything is wrong."
Mark came over to give her a hug. "I want to make a Doctor's appointment for you, Honey I wonder if you don't have Diabetes. Remember how Cheryl got to looking? You look that way and sometimes worse."
"I suppose it's possible," Clora said into the front of his shirt. "Who knows what kind of a medical history I might have. Probably the next thing, I will get hooga booga disease or something."
Mark was running his fingers up and down her ribs and it tickled. "What does Hooga booga disease look like?" Mark whispered in her ear.
"I don't know," Clora seemed distracted, "I haven't had it yet." she whispered back.
"I know a cure," Mark generously offered.
"Hummm," Clora said and they turned out the lights.
The next morning they studied the list of available couples, and selected several to contact. Mark did that from the privacy of the office, unwilling to involve Helga in the process. He also made a Doctor's appointment for Clora, as he was absolutely sure she would forget on purpose.
Mark had decided Clora was going to start taking better care of herself, and he was going to be right there to make it happen. A dropped hint to Helga had the dreaded egg custard showing up, along with egg nog and double strength beef broth.
Clora gave the 'look' to both Helga and Mark and got laughed at for her troubles.
"You muches eats, noes backtalks," Helga reprimanded as she set the table. "You hass young bebes, needs to bees strong Mamas for them."
Wonder of all wonders, John loved egg custard and Clora was so excited to find something that would capture his interest, that she fed him her whole portion. Another bowl was put on the table as Helga picked up the finished one.
"You noes bees naughtys, you eat." she ordered Clora. It was one spoonful for Ma, then one for John. The taste captivated the boy, and Clora was amazed. John sat on her lap, a perfect gentleman, even when Luke and Liz had to have a taste. They were definitely not interested.
Mandy wandered over from her place, looking highly emotional. "Mom says I have to go to Raleigh," she glumly reported. "Lemmie says I need to honor her and do as she asks, I don't think it's fair."
"We agree with Lemmie," Mark said loudly as he came in the kitchen, speaking before Clora could say anything. "What just happened here could have had a very different ending, Mandy; Meg is right, you need to be under her protection."
"I didn't think you would rat out on me," Mandy was angry. "I won't be able to study when I have to take care of kids all the time."
"Perhaps Toby and your Mom can work out a plan where you can have the study time you need. You need to ask them, they care about your welfare." Mark refused to fight with the teen.
"Mandy, tell me about Claire, how is she doing? You were there for six months solid, is she progressing like she should?" Clora was interested in Mandy's opinion.
"Claire, yeah she's OK. She has a little trouble keeping her mind on track and she acts a little flighty at times, why?"
"How about TJ? How is he doing?" Clora went to the next child in line.
"He was doing OK and then he got all whiney and clingly when Toby left. He's pretty good most of the time, A lot better than that brat Eric. They have spoiled that kid until he stinks. Toby gives him anything he wants, and Mom isn't any better."
"Was TJ better when he was here with Benny? The reason I'm asking, Benny misses him a lot." Clora was busy sorting out the clues Mandy was telling them.
"Yeah, I think he was. Mom got real upset when John and Eric were hitting each other, but she never said anything about TJ."
"I was just wondering," Clora sighed, "I don't get to keep track of the children like I should." Nothing more was said, Clora had as much information as she needed. There had to be another reason Toby and Meg were getting ready to oust TJ from the family.
Mark had listened to Clora's gentle probing, understanding right away where she was going. Clora must have a premonition concerning TJ and she was looking for a way to confirm it.
Mandy was a very unhappy teen, but Mark didn't want to take on a moody, petulant child that needed to be with her mother. The memory of Mary and Adoree fresh in his mind, Mark had already sent Mandy back to her mother for safekeeping.
The evening was here, and the boys weren't home from their adventure. Clora worried a little, fretting about her decision to let them go camping by themselves.
"I'll go tomorrow if they're not back," Mark promised. "Are you picking up any distress feelings?"
"No,"
"I would guess they shot a deer close to dark tonight, and will be in in the morning." Mark winked at Clora to make her feel better. "I'm hungry for deer sausage, I hope they get two so we can grind one of them."
Clora just nodded, she wouldn't mind sausage herself.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thank You Pac.
Wayne
Wayne
Tckaija
One generation behind...
Oh, oh!
Why do I get the feeling he should have waited two days to Resign from the Marshal's Service.....
PAC: 'Keep on building this story and WE will keep coming back for more!
Mr Bill
Veteran Member
I just had a money making brain storm (no it didn't hurt) about Mark making money. They bought all that land and it appears to be just sitting there. How about hiring someone to farm it for them. That would get the land ready to use later and bring them in money and they could even get some share of the crops to add to their food stores. Just a thought.
Thanks for all your hard work PAC
Thanks for all your hard work PAC
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#250c
The boys were back the next morning empty handed. "There are so many hunters out in the woods, the deer are gone. We saw a couple of hogs, but they were harvested right in front of us. You'd have to pay money to see a squirrel, and the rabbits looked awful poor. I thought some guy was gonna shoot Lady, he said she looked better than anything he's seen all morning. We had to draw down on him to make him leave us alone." Milo scattered the news as all the boys had to have a cookie before they could put the camping gear away.
At the mention of Lady in some hunter's sights, Karl had to hustle out and check her over. Benny had been driving, and he was backing the cart in the shed. Karl noted that Lady didn't have any lather or had worked up a sweat, even though the day was already warm.
Clucking to the mare, Benny walked her to the barn where the harness was removed and hung over the fence to dry. Benny struggled with the weight of the leather, but Karl understood it was a mark of pride for Benny to finish the job himself. Lady was groomed, her feed and water checked and then, Benny went to the house.
"Muches goot jobs," Karl approved. "You vill bees goot teamster."
"Thanks Mr. Karl, she's a good horse to work with." Benny smiled with satisfaction. The rest of the boys were airing out the camping gear, cleaning it and rolling it tightly for storage.
Mark was inside watching and he felt a Father's pride that his boys did a better job than most men. He hooked his thumbs in his jeans pocket and was pleased to think there were going to be some damn fine Linderman men turned loose on the world.
Clora walked by and said, "you're busting your buttons," in a teasing tone.
"We deserve it," Mark was certain sure.
Mark had worked with the Rhodium, pulling out close to two hundred thousand, he estimated, for the prince. While he was handling the bars, he happened to think about Warren and the fact that Warren had the most total ounces of the metal, followed by Borg and then Wilson. The three men must have continued to buy Rhodium, even after Pete was exposed as a cheat. Why?
And Davis McCann, his name hadn't been on the list anywhere, yet he had been in the war with the group. Mark got that itchy feeling on the back of his neck, like he was overlooking something important.
Mark decided right then, he needed to exchange more of the metal than he had originally decided. If the Prince had the money, Mark was willing to cut him a deal. Mark also wanted the Saudi Doctor to look at Clora's ankle.
Walking back into the office, Mark sat at his desk and let his mind wander over the problem; critical thinking was what he needed and he couldn't get his mind to cooperate.
The three Hanson kids had split Pete's share, and it hadn't been all that much. Why, hadn't there been more? The records kept by Stillman indicated Pete had kept a share of every transaction, so a thinking man could only conclude that Pete had to have buried his share somewhere else. What ever the con man had skimmed, was still hidden.
Mark was angry at himself. Why hadn't he realized that back when he had distributed the metal. He had been so elated to find the Rhodium, he hadn't looked further.
Maybe the balance of the fancy metal wasn't in the cave where the suitcase was discovered, maybe it was in the cave where the old man had died.
The boys were back the next morning empty handed. "There are so many hunters out in the woods, the deer are gone. We saw a couple of hogs, but they were harvested right in front of us. You'd have to pay money to see a squirrel, and the rabbits looked awful poor. I thought some guy was gonna shoot Lady, he said she looked better than anything he's seen all morning. We had to draw down on him to make him leave us alone." Milo scattered the news as all the boys had to have a cookie before they could put the camping gear away.
At the mention of Lady in some hunter's sights, Karl had to hustle out and check her over. Benny had been driving, and he was backing the cart in the shed. Karl noted that Lady didn't have any lather or had worked up a sweat, even though the day was already warm.
Clucking to the mare, Benny walked her to the barn where the harness was removed and hung over the fence to dry. Benny struggled with the weight of the leather, but Karl understood it was a mark of pride for Benny to finish the job himself. Lady was groomed, her feed and water checked and then, Benny went to the house.
"Muches goot jobs," Karl approved. "You vill bees goot teamster."
"Thanks Mr. Karl, she's a good horse to work with." Benny smiled with satisfaction. The rest of the boys were airing out the camping gear, cleaning it and rolling it tightly for storage.
Mark was inside watching and he felt a Father's pride that his boys did a better job than most men. He hooked his thumbs in his jeans pocket and was pleased to think there were going to be some damn fine Linderman men turned loose on the world.
Clora walked by and said, "you're busting your buttons," in a teasing tone.
"We deserve it," Mark was certain sure.
Mark had worked with the Rhodium, pulling out close to two hundred thousand, he estimated, for the prince. While he was handling the bars, he happened to think about Warren and the fact that Warren had the most total ounces of the metal, followed by Borg and then Wilson. The three men must have continued to buy Rhodium, even after Pete was exposed as a cheat. Why?
And Davis McCann, his name hadn't been on the list anywhere, yet he had been in the war with the group. Mark got that itchy feeling on the back of his neck, like he was overlooking something important.
Mark decided right then, he needed to exchange more of the metal than he had originally decided. If the Prince had the money, Mark was willing to cut him a deal. Mark also wanted the Saudi Doctor to look at Clora's ankle.
Walking back into the office, Mark sat at his desk and let his mind wander over the problem; critical thinking was what he needed and he couldn't get his mind to cooperate.
The three Hanson kids had split Pete's share, and it hadn't been all that much. Why, hadn't there been more? The records kept by Stillman indicated Pete had kept a share of every transaction, so a thinking man could only conclude that Pete had to have buried his share somewhere else. What ever the con man had skimmed, was still hidden.
Mark was angry at himself. Why hadn't he realized that back when he had distributed the metal. He had been so elated to find the Rhodium, he hadn't looked further.
Maybe the balance of the fancy metal wasn't in the cave where the suitcase was discovered, maybe it was in the cave where the old man had died.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
More questions wow. Thank you Pac.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
.
The world turns on money and turns faster and better for those that have money....
With bunches of kiddos in the house and mama bear ill, Mark will need lots of money to pay for food, utilities, taxes and medical care especially after resigning from the the fed.gov....
Oh, Pac....
Will Mark be going back to the west coast looking for more Rhodium????
You keep your readers jumping from plot to plot....
Thanks,
Texican....
The world turns on money and turns faster and better for those that have money....
With bunches of kiddos in the house and mama bear ill, Mark will need lots of money to pay for food, utilities, taxes and medical care especially after resigning from the the fed.gov....
Oh, Pac....
Will Mark be going back to the west coast looking for more Rhodium????
You keep your readers jumping from plot to plot....
Thanks,
Texican....
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thank you Pac great chapter, you keep us on the edge of our seats with every paragraph. I have to wonder how safe it is in the west with the attacks going on there.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#251
Mark also realized he had sold the valley to the Prince, and he'd be classified a trespasser if he went back there and was caught snooping. He made up his mind, he was going to buy the valley back from the prince, or trade the Saudi, Walter's farm. Mark figured he'd deal with Wayne and Ben when it came time for disclosure.
When he had gone to apprehend the low life slacker for the Marshall's Service, Mark had seen what the valley looked like from the air. The land coated with brown slime, oozing stink and rotting vegetation; baked by the sun and strewn with flotsam. Mark still wanted it.
Right before supper, the Prince called; Mark walked to the bedroom to take the call.
"American, peace be to your tents," The Saudi seemed in high spirits.
"Your Highness, peace unto your tents. Did your Secretary tell you the reason I called?"
"Yes I am interested in the deal. Do you wish to sell a good quantity?"
"Yes, but I also have two more parts to the transaction. I wish to buy back the valley I sold you, and I have need of your Doctor for my wife." Mark didn't have the patience tonight to beat around the bush and obliquely allude to what he wanted to do. This was Clora he was talking about, and he wanted action.
"I see," the Saudi paused, drawing out the tension snapping silence. "It would be possible," he finally said. "Is this a large transaction?"
"Half a million." Mark enjoyed the cat and mouse game, but not tonight.
"Is this the big wife that sees things?"
"Yes it is, she has a broken ankle and she is getting heavy to carry around." Mark made a small joke.
"Be wiser the next time you choose a wife," the Prince joked back. "I have a week's worth of obligations and cannot visit until then. Will that be satisfactory?"
"Yes it will." Mark replied.
"I'm afraid I must go," the Prince said regretfully. "Allah be with you."
"And with you." Mark returned as he hung up.
The clan spent the next week harvesting the garden, getting ready for school and on Sunday, during the service; Toby and Meg showed up to trade Mandy and TJ.
Clora looked over her oldest with calm, wise eyes and smiled faintly. Toby handed her a folder full of paperwork and Clora accepted it with a soft thank you. Toby wouldn't look his mother in the eye, nor Mark.
Mandy wasn't ready to go, they hadn't let anyone know they were coming and the teen was plenty put out at the inconvenient rush Meg was pushing her with.
TJ and Benny bonded right together, and Clora didn't think TJ even noticed Toby and Meg leaving.
Toby and Meg were gone in twenty minutes and Ben took up the Bible reading and changed it to Exodus 15:2.
'The Lord is my strength and song, He is become my salvation, He is my God.'
Clora heard the words with a heavy heart, striving to live in her Lord's peace and accept His will.
After church, the clan was invited to Wayne and Millie's for the noon dinner. It was simple, tacos with a huge garden salad and yellow cake for dessert.
Clora was thrilled down to her toes that Millie was carrying on the clan's traditions. Wayne walked around carrying Joe, the four month old calm and observant as he looked over his gathered family.
Ben and Twila came, and Ben was called to a accident about ten minutes after he got there. For the first time, Twila didn't make excuses and leave with Ben, but stayed and made a effort to participate with the clan. Warmly welcomed, she was enjoying the afternoon get together.
Eventually, as it always did, the conversation got around to politics and the state of the economy. There were as many opinions as there were people and the talk allowed everyone to express their unique take on the subject.
The older boys were resting in the shade with the little ones content to nap wherever they stopped to collapse. Clora had her foot propped up, and she apologized for the hundredth time she wasn't able to help.
"Dear sister in law," Millie teased, "that's why God had paper plates and cups invented." and Clora had to smile and laugh. The ladies all drank tea or lemonade, and sat and did nothing but talk for two hours. Wayne and Mark were talking, sleeping in their chairs and resting.
Two hours of down time, once a week wasn't enough time to completely recharge, but it helped tremendously.
"We've been here almost a year," Millie was looking at Joseph asleep on Milo. It was a wonderful moment and everyone treasured the symbolism, the oldest and the youngest, a family in unity.
"So much has happened," Twila said what they were all thinking. "The end of last summer seems a million miles away, this has been quite a journey of faith we have been on."
"I'm pleased, this is a good place we are in." Millie was positive and upbeat. "I'm sorry we had to leave so much behind, but it was worth it to land here. Last summer I wasn't invited into the clan as of yet, and look at us now. All of us are happy and thriving, all due to God's blessings."
Clora had to say a quick prayer of thanksgiving, "I agree. I am so thankful for the both of you. Millie you are exactly what Wayne needed, as you Twila compliment Ben. We are blessed."
Clora glanced over toward Mark and found him watching her with love, and she smiled at him.
Mark also realized he had sold the valley to the Prince, and he'd be classified a trespasser if he went back there and was caught snooping. He made up his mind, he was going to buy the valley back from the prince, or trade the Saudi, Walter's farm. Mark figured he'd deal with Wayne and Ben when it came time for disclosure.
When he had gone to apprehend the low life slacker for the Marshall's Service, Mark had seen what the valley looked like from the air. The land coated with brown slime, oozing stink and rotting vegetation; baked by the sun and strewn with flotsam. Mark still wanted it.
Right before supper, the Prince called; Mark walked to the bedroom to take the call.
"American, peace be to your tents," The Saudi seemed in high spirits.
"Your Highness, peace unto your tents. Did your Secretary tell you the reason I called?"
"Yes I am interested in the deal. Do you wish to sell a good quantity?"
"Yes, but I also have two more parts to the transaction. I wish to buy back the valley I sold you, and I have need of your Doctor for my wife." Mark didn't have the patience tonight to beat around the bush and obliquely allude to what he wanted to do. This was Clora he was talking about, and he wanted action.
"I see," the Saudi paused, drawing out the tension snapping silence. "It would be possible," he finally said. "Is this a large transaction?"
"Half a million." Mark enjoyed the cat and mouse game, but not tonight.
"Is this the big wife that sees things?"
"Yes it is, she has a broken ankle and she is getting heavy to carry around." Mark made a small joke.
"Be wiser the next time you choose a wife," the Prince joked back. "I have a week's worth of obligations and cannot visit until then. Will that be satisfactory?"
"Yes it will." Mark replied.
"I'm afraid I must go," the Prince said regretfully. "Allah be with you."
"And with you." Mark returned as he hung up.
The clan spent the next week harvesting the garden, getting ready for school and on Sunday, during the service; Toby and Meg showed up to trade Mandy and TJ.
Clora looked over her oldest with calm, wise eyes and smiled faintly. Toby handed her a folder full of paperwork and Clora accepted it with a soft thank you. Toby wouldn't look his mother in the eye, nor Mark.
Mandy wasn't ready to go, they hadn't let anyone know they were coming and the teen was plenty put out at the inconvenient rush Meg was pushing her with.
TJ and Benny bonded right together, and Clora didn't think TJ even noticed Toby and Meg leaving.
Toby and Meg were gone in twenty minutes and Ben took up the Bible reading and changed it to Exodus 15:2.
'The Lord is my strength and song, He is become my salvation, He is my God.'
Clora heard the words with a heavy heart, striving to live in her Lord's peace and accept His will.
After church, the clan was invited to Wayne and Millie's for the noon dinner. It was simple, tacos with a huge garden salad and yellow cake for dessert.
Clora was thrilled down to her toes that Millie was carrying on the clan's traditions. Wayne walked around carrying Joe, the four month old calm and observant as he looked over his gathered family.
Ben and Twila came, and Ben was called to a accident about ten minutes after he got there. For the first time, Twila didn't make excuses and leave with Ben, but stayed and made a effort to participate with the clan. Warmly welcomed, she was enjoying the afternoon get together.
Eventually, as it always did, the conversation got around to politics and the state of the economy. There were as many opinions as there were people and the talk allowed everyone to express their unique take on the subject.
The older boys were resting in the shade with the little ones content to nap wherever they stopped to collapse. Clora had her foot propped up, and she apologized for the hundredth time she wasn't able to help.
"Dear sister in law," Millie teased, "that's why God had paper plates and cups invented." and Clora had to smile and laugh. The ladies all drank tea or lemonade, and sat and did nothing but talk for two hours. Wayne and Mark were talking, sleeping in their chairs and resting.
Two hours of down time, once a week wasn't enough time to completely recharge, but it helped tremendously.
"We've been here almost a year," Millie was looking at Joseph asleep on Milo. It was a wonderful moment and everyone treasured the symbolism, the oldest and the youngest, a family in unity.
"So much has happened," Twila said what they were all thinking. "The end of last summer seems a million miles away, this has been quite a journey of faith we have been on."
"I'm pleased, this is a good place we are in." Millie was positive and upbeat. "I'm sorry we had to leave so much behind, but it was worth it to land here. Last summer I wasn't invited into the clan as of yet, and look at us now. All of us are happy and thriving, all due to God's blessings."
Clora had to say a quick prayer of thanksgiving, "I agree. I am so thankful for the both of you. Millie you are exactly what Wayne needed, as you Twila compliment Ben. We are blessed."
Clora glanced over toward Mark and found him watching her with love, and she smiled at him.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac great story, ever changing.
Wayne
Wayne
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
AH now that's so good, we all need a few moments like that in our lives.
jimmycthemd
Member
Or yet another adventure for the clan :-)
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#251b
Charles Clayton arrived in Ashville right at dusk. The motel was old, slightly dusty and the room cold. He turned on the heat and went to find a café. After supper that was tolerable and that's all, Charles went driving around town. He felt annoyed the city was bigger than he supposed it would be, but he was patient, methodical and goal oriented.
He would find those Hansons and kill every last one of them.
Monday morning, the first day of school. It was the usual bustle to get lunches, backpacks and kids out the door in reasonable time to walk and be there on time. Mark was the parent that had done all the enrolling, and now he had TJ in tow for kindergarten.
It took forever in the confusion of the first day, but eventually all the Linderman/Thompson kids were settled in class.
Mark hustled back to the store, they had a big order to fill first thing and he was needed to help. Lemmie was filling Millie in on what she felt about Mandy's parents and she was fairly worked up. It made no difference to Lemmie that those jerks were Mark and Clora's kids, she disapproved of what they had done and she wasn't shy about expressing her opinion.
Mark listened as he came in from the lumber yard, turned around and went out to check the fluids in the forklift. He certainly had a lot he could do, or find to do, rather than go inside.
At home, Clora and Helga were expressing their thoughts about TJ. "I don't think there's anything wrong with that child," Clora was sitting at the table with her egg custard. "I think he has separation anxiety, but I think we can work him through that."
Helga was nodding. "Him needs the growings powder like Benny drinks, muches goot for small vons."
TJ was a little nervous about the big noisy household, but as long as he could be near Benny, he seemed capable of handling himself. Clora sure wished Toby had clued her in on what they told TJ about coming to live with them. As the days went by and Clora coaxed the boy to talk, it sounded like they hadn't told TJ a thing. Toby and Meg brought the boy in and dumped him without saying goodbye.
Clora, the longer she was close to TJ, began to get a feel for the scope of Toby and Meg's problem.
TJ's behavior wasn't the problem, it was who he was.
Toby and Meg had gone online and purchased subscriptions to a DNA testing website. All was cool, until they got the results. TJ was listed as Toby's son at a 99% possibility.
Toby protested that he hadn't been unfaithful, he had minded his own business and kept himself clean. Meg couldn't get past the test and it sat like a blinking neon sign between Toby and Meg.
Clora had touched TJ that first night as she gave him a bath. She didn't feel TJ was Toby's son, she felt he was his brother. Late that night, Mark and Clora had discussed the possibility, and came to the conclusion that TJ needed to stay with them and have loving stability in his life.
Clora also wondered if that was the reason Benny and TJ were so close, they had an instinctive pull to one another.
Mark had wondered if they should talk to Toby about the situation, and Clora shook her head no. "Not right now, maybe later," she had suggested. Mark had learned to read the words Clora didn't say, as much as he heard the ones she did say. He nodded and agreed, and TJ became the tenth boy in the Linderman family.
To keep his word, Mark sent an order in to his suppliers; buying the industrial sized cans of vegetables and fruit. He got most, but not all of the varieties he had ordered. Next, came the beef and a large freezer. Then it was, the pork and a medium sized freezer, and a medium sized freezer for the chicken and turkey.
As the food was brought in and put in the basement, Helga got to slyly suggesting that she and Karl could most likely manage to still be cook and handyman, because so much of the work had already been done. Helga telling Clora they could easily handle what there was to do.
Nothing interrupted the status quo, on account that Mark had not been able to interest a replacement couple to even come out and interview. Helga had her fingers crossed they never would.
When the week was up, the Prince called to say he was sorry he couldn't make it to the States, he had urgent business elsewhere. Mark accepted the excuse and went to find a gold broker in his area.
Charles Clayton arrived in Ashville right at dusk. The motel was old, slightly dusty and the room cold. He turned on the heat and went to find a café. After supper that was tolerable and that's all, Charles went driving around town. He felt annoyed the city was bigger than he supposed it would be, but he was patient, methodical and goal oriented.
He would find those Hansons and kill every last one of them.
Monday morning, the first day of school. It was the usual bustle to get lunches, backpacks and kids out the door in reasonable time to walk and be there on time. Mark was the parent that had done all the enrolling, and now he had TJ in tow for kindergarten.
It took forever in the confusion of the first day, but eventually all the Linderman/Thompson kids were settled in class.
Mark hustled back to the store, they had a big order to fill first thing and he was needed to help. Lemmie was filling Millie in on what she felt about Mandy's parents and she was fairly worked up. It made no difference to Lemmie that those jerks were Mark and Clora's kids, she disapproved of what they had done and she wasn't shy about expressing her opinion.
Mark listened as he came in from the lumber yard, turned around and went out to check the fluids in the forklift. He certainly had a lot he could do, or find to do, rather than go inside.
At home, Clora and Helga were expressing their thoughts about TJ. "I don't think there's anything wrong with that child," Clora was sitting at the table with her egg custard. "I think he has separation anxiety, but I think we can work him through that."
Helga was nodding. "Him needs the growings powder like Benny drinks, muches goot for small vons."
TJ was a little nervous about the big noisy household, but as long as he could be near Benny, he seemed capable of handling himself. Clora sure wished Toby had clued her in on what they told TJ about coming to live with them. As the days went by and Clora coaxed the boy to talk, it sounded like they hadn't told TJ a thing. Toby and Meg brought the boy in and dumped him without saying goodbye.
Clora, the longer she was close to TJ, began to get a feel for the scope of Toby and Meg's problem.
TJ's behavior wasn't the problem, it was who he was.
Toby and Meg had gone online and purchased subscriptions to a DNA testing website. All was cool, until they got the results. TJ was listed as Toby's son at a 99% possibility.
Toby protested that he hadn't been unfaithful, he had minded his own business and kept himself clean. Meg couldn't get past the test and it sat like a blinking neon sign between Toby and Meg.
Clora had touched TJ that first night as she gave him a bath. She didn't feel TJ was Toby's son, she felt he was his brother. Late that night, Mark and Clora had discussed the possibility, and came to the conclusion that TJ needed to stay with them and have loving stability in his life.
Clora also wondered if that was the reason Benny and TJ were so close, they had an instinctive pull to one another.
Mark had wondered if they should talk to Toby about the situation, and Clora shook her head no. "Not right now, maybe later," she had suggested. Mark had learned to read the words Clora didn't say, as much as he heard the ones she did say. He nodded and agreed, and TJ became the tenth boy in the Linderman family.
To keep his word, Mark sent an order in to his suppliers; buying the industrial sized cans of vegetables and fruit. He got most, but not all of the varieties he had ordered. Next, came the beef and a large freezer. Then it was, the pork and a medium sized freezer, and a medium sized freezer for the chicken and turkey.
As the food was brought in and put in the basement, Helga got to slyly suggesting that she and Karl could most likely manage to still be cook and handyman, because so much of the work had already been done. Helga telling Clora they could easily handle what there was to do.
Nothing interrupted the status quo, on account that Mark had not been able to interest a replacement couple to even come out and interview. Helga had her fingers crossed they never would.
When the week was up, the Prince called to say he was sorry he couldn't make it to the States, he had urgent business elsewhere. Mark accepted the excuse and went to find a gold broker in his area.
Dosadi
Brown Coat
Thank you Mrs. PAC
Hope Mark also manages to get Clora the medical attention she needs. As for the Rhodium, I'd just let that lie for now I suppose. Eventually either they will get it or Mark can trade that knowledge for some advantage even if it is just a maybe.
DNA testing is going to cause a lot of real life problems for folks as it becomes cheap to do. A lot of beta males that think the kid is theirs but have always wondered are gonna have problems when they find out the child is some alpha one night stand's kid, and they were just the handy support for the kid. I worry for the kids. I think TJ is better off with Mark and Clora for now, but then again I think most kids would be better off with them or their kind.
Thanks again
Dosadi
Hope Mark also manages to get Clora the medical attention she needs. As for the Rhodium, I'd just let that lie for now I suppose. Eventually either they will get it or Mark can trade that knowledge for some advantage even if it is just a maybe.
DNA testing is going to cause a lot of real life problems for folks as it becomes cheap to do. A lot of beta males that think the kid is theirs but have always wondered are gonna have problems when they find out the child is some alpha one night stand's kid, and they were just the handy support for the kid. I worry for the kids. I think TJ is better off with Mark and Clora for now, but then again I think most kids would be better off with them or their kind.
Thanks again
Dosadi
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks for more of the never ending web that you share with us Pac. Fantastic story and fantastic chapter. I see that cliff is lurking in the background never knowing he doesn't have long to live.
Wayne
Wayne
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac, we're off to the old hot valley to go to a friends wedding soon, Take care.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#251c
It was a fantastic fall. The first week in September cooling enough during the day so the kids weren't miserable in school. The nights cooled even further, allowing for some of the best sleep ever. School kids had the usual settling in squabbles, but by the end of the second week, most every one was getting along.
Tuesday of the third week was the day Clora had her Doctor's appointment; the one she had wanted to forget about. The Internist did a fasting A1c and found no evidence of high blood sugar for the previous three months. He wasn't pleased with the state of her ankle and cut the cast off. Carefully wrapped and in a two piece fiberglass cast that buckled on and was twenty pounds lighter, Clora was much happier.
Mark and Clora went for brunch at a small café near the hospital. They had several stops they needed to make while in town, the urge to be stocked up for the winter the motivating factor.
Mark had stopped the Rangers from roaming so far a field, and there was to be no hunting. The State had rescinded all hunting permits, so many hunters had decimated the game population.
Without the immediate press of canning marathons, Clora rested and healed, and so did Helga.
Mark had spoken with Karl about the fact there was no messages from the old country concerning Legh and whoever the rat kidnapper was. Karl said they had never mentioned the men were dead, and no one inquired about them.
Another undone loose end, Mark supposed, one that may never be tied up. Slowly the days, the work and the people settled into a routine. It was easier when everyone knew what they were supposed to do, when it needed to be done, and then how it was to be done.
The last week in September, Milo suffered a vicious bite from the love bug. In the tenth grade, he took one look at a tiny blonde with huge blue eyes, the sweetest smile this side of heaven and he was a goner. Verna was a true southern belle, a pedigree from the time the South was settled and a Mama and Daddy that had plans for Verna's future.
Verna and her parents moved back into the Pisgah Estate and immediately became the social force in town. Milo was one lovesick puppy, much to the amusement of his brothers.
Clora and Mark stood in the background, watching and hoping Milo wouldn't crash and burn. If Milo had been the only boy so entranced, he might have had a chance; but there were five other young gentlemen in the running. Sadly, Milo's bright flame of romance fizzled out due to the lack of fuel from the young lady.
The night Milo had come home dejected and mopey, Helga passed him a cookie and he went to the barn to talk to Lady.
During the turbulent teen years, Lady got to hear a lot of things better left untold to brothers., and definitely not to parents.
Clora and Mark hugged each other that night and wondered how they were going to make it through nine more boys and two girls.
Ben got through the dog days of summer without many incidents, the heat keeping people home and close to the shade. It was when the weather cooled off that the problems started.
The wild game was almost nonexistent, and fights and feuds started when four hunters claimed the same spike that had the misfortune to wander into range. When Ben got there, the four men were shooting at each other as the spike lay in the heat.
It didn't end well; two of the men and Ben were wounded, and the other two cooled off in jail.
Wayne was promoted to Under Sheriff and sent to keep law and order.
In the background, Lucretia Tibbs started a campaign to discredit Wayne from being the mayor while he was subbing for the Sheriff, Small town politics was running hot and furious.
During the time all the turmoil was happening, Charles Clayton rolled into town.
It was a fantastic fall. The first week in September cooling enough during the day so the kids weren't miserable in school. The nights cooled even further, allowing for some of the best sleep ever. School kids had the usual settling in squabbles, but by the end of the second week, most every one was getting along.
Tuesday of the third week was the day Clora had her Doctor's appointment; the one she had wanted to forget about. The Internist did a fasting A1c and found no evidence of high blood sugar for the previous three months. He wasn't pleased with the state of her ankle and cut the cast off. Carefully wrapped and in a two piece fiberglass cast that buckled on and was twenty pounds lighter, Clora was much happier.
Mark and Clora went for brunch at a small café near the hospital. They had several stops they needed to make while in town, the urge to be stocked up for the winter the motivating factor.
Mark had stopped the Rangers from roaming so far a field, and there was to be no hunting. The State had rescinded all hunting permits, so many hunters had decimated the game population.
Without the immediate press of canning marathons, Clora rested and healed, and so did Helga.
Mark had spoken with Karl about the fact there was no messages from the old country concerning Legh and whoever the rat kidnapper was. Karl said they had never mentioned the men were dead, and no one inquired about them.
Another undone loose end, Mark supposed, one that may never be tied up. Slowly the days, the work and the people settled into a routine. It was easier when everyone knew what they were supposed to do, when it needed to be done, and then how it was to be done.
The last week in September, Milo suffered a vicious bite from the love bug. In the tenth grade, he took one look at a tiny blonde with huge blue eyes, the sweetest smile this side of heaven and he was a goner. Verna was a true southern belle, a pedigree from the time the South was settled and a Mama and Daddy that had plans for Verna's future.
Verna and her parents moved back into the Pisgah Estate and immediately became the social force in town. Milo was one lovesick puppy, much to the amusement of his brothers.
Clora and Mark stood in the background, watching and hoping Milo wouldn't crash and burn. If Milo had been the only boy so entranced, he might have had a chance; but there were five other young gentlemen in the running. Sadly, Milo's bright flame of romance fizzled out due to the lack of fuel from the young lady.
The night Milo had come home dejected and mopey, Helga passed him a cookie and he went to the barn to talk to Lady.
During the turbulent teen years, Lady got to hear a lot of things better left untold to brothers., and definitely not to parents.
Clora and Mark hugged each other that night and wondered how they were going to make it through nine more boys and two girls.
Ben got through the dog days of summer without many incidents, the heat keeping people home and close to the shade. It was when the weather cooled off that the problems started.
The wild game was almost nonexistent, and fights and feuds started when four hunters claimed the same spike that had the misfortune to wander into range. When Ben got there, the four men were shooting at each other as the spike lay in the heat.
It didn't end well; two of the men and Ben were wounded, and the other two cooled off in jail.
Wayne was promoted to Under Sheriff and sent to keep law and order.
In the background, Lucretia Tibbs started a campaign to discredit Wayne from being the mayor while he was subbing for the Sheriff, Small town politics was running hot and furious.
During the time all the turmoil was happening, Charles Clayton rolled into town.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Lol Ted, thank you Pac.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Now who is Charles Clayton????
Now who was Toby's father????
The surprises never stop....
Thanks Pac....
Texican....
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks for more of your great story Pac.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#252
Charles looked over the town and found the perfect job. He started as a clerk for Lucretia Tibbs in the grocery store. What a handier way to check out the members of the town, he couldn't think of.
Charles had been on the trail of the Hansons for four years. For a large family, they moved frequently and often vanished with out a trace, only to pop up somewhere around Evergreen, and then spirit away again.
By the best stroke of luck he had ever had, Charles had thumbed a ride from a moving van driver that was talking about some of the more unusual loads he had hauled.
Top of the list was a crazy family he had moved from Oregon to North Carolina. A large family that moved everything with several tractors and vans. They had more kids than a person could count, dogs, cows, horses, chickens. A crazy mess of cultch to move.
Charles knew in an instant this was his incredibly fortunate break. Feeding the driver casual, offhand questions, gave Charles the information he needed. He had bought the driver lunch when they stopped, the driver appreciative for the gesture, Charles grinning with excitement.
What were the odds, the medium sized, sandy haired man thought, to get a hitch with a driver that had moved the Hansons. Was this his lucky day or what?
Charles hitchhiked across the country saving money, then bought a second hand junker to drive in Atlanta and headed for Ashville. He purposely was the quintessential 'grey man', so unremarkable nobody remembered him for three seconds.
At the grocery, he was even more forgettable, blending in with the woodwork so to speak. Slowly he gathered information and faces to recognize as the Hansons.
Charles was in no hurry, the anticipation of killing was as exciting as the deed.
Ben was healing from the wound he got from the shootout. His left leg had been creased across the thigh and his overall poor health had prevented rapid healing. Twila had been concerned as he languished around on the couch, losing the hard won physical conditioning he had slowly acquired. Twila gently suggested strolls around the neighborhood, isometric exercises, anything that might tweak Ben's interest.
"I think that I'm done as Sheriff," Ben had finally come to the obvious conclusion. "I've lost the heart for it." The couple talked about what they might do to create money, and not many ideas came to the front.
"Being a Minister is soul fulfilling, but not enough money to support us, as no congregation can afford a full time Cleric." Ben was thinking aloud. "Mark and Lucretia have the hardware and grocery business taken care of, so whats left? The town needs a repair shop or a small café, do you have any other ideas?" Ben asked as Twila mixed up an adult version of Ovaltine for him to drink.
The poor man's version of vitamin booster drinks, Ben drank the powdered milk and chocolate flavored concoction and had to take his mind elsewhere as he swallowed. Personally, he thought that anyone desperate enough to drink the mixture, would likely drink bathwater.
"I'm not much of a mechanic, I can change oil and do more of the simple types of work, but the rest of it takes a hefty investment in equipment to work on the electronics in cars. So that leaves a small café. I don't know, what do you think?" Ben finished his large glass of improvement milk and reached for the glass of water.
"Ben," Twila was soft and gentle. "There is money in the account for your use. We have no children so what do you propose we do with the money, leave it in the bank, or do something as we should."
Ben didn't say a word.
"As a minister, have you ever asked God, what plans He has for that money? Maybe it is not for you to decide, but follow a plan that's God's will. Perhaps every job and profession you have tried and are dissatisfied with, is due to the fact you are not walking the path."
"You sound like Clora," Ben was crabby.
"What else can I conclude; you lack direction, focus and enthusiasm." Twila patted Ben's hand as it clenched on the table. "You also have a tremendous load of survivor's guilt, and only you and God can fix that one. How many times have your teachers told you that you have to forgive yourself and then ask God for forgiveness and then accept that forgiveness."
"I think the wrong one of us finished the degree," Ben looked at Twila with understanding dawning in his eyes.
"No," Twila refused the idea. "I would not be a good minister." She put her hand over his. "God has given me that knowledge. I have been asked to help you in whatever endeavor you receive from God." Twila was so calm and sure, Ben had to stop and really look at her.
Ben had to mumble and cough. "I need to pray for guidance," he acknowledged. "I am still lost."
Charles looked over the town and found the perfect job. He started as a clerk for Lucretia Tibbs in the grocery store. What a handier way to check out the members of the town, he couldn't think of.
Charles had been on the trail of the Hansons for four years. For a large family, they moved frequently and often vanished with out a trace, only to pop up somewhere around Evergreen, and then spirit away again.
By the best stroke of luck he had ever had, Charles had thumbed a ride from a moving van driver that was talking about some of the more unusual loads he had hauled.
Top of the list was a crazy family he had moved from Oregon to North Carolina. A large family that moved everything with several tractors and vans. They had more kids than a person could count, dogs, cows, horses, chickens. A crazy mess of cultch to move.
Charles knew in an instant this was his incredibly fortunate break. Feeding the driver casual, offhand questions, gave Charles the information he needed. He had bought the driver lunch when they stopped, the driver appreciative for the gesture, Charles grinning with excitement.
What were the odds, the medium sized, sandy haired man thought, to get a hitch with a driver that had moved the Hansons. Was this his lucky day or what?
Charles hitchhiked across the country saving money, then bought a second hand junker to drive in Atlanta and headed for Ashville. He purposely was the quintessential 'grey man', so unremarkable nobody remembered him for three seconds.
At the grocery, he was even more forgettable, blending in with the woodwork so to speak. Slowly he gathered information and faces to recognize as the Hansons.
Charles was in no hurry, the anticipation of killing was as exciting as the deed.
Ben was healing from the wound he got from the shootout. His left leg had been creased across the thigh and his overall poor health had prevented rapid healing. Twila had been concerned as he languished around on the couch, losing the hard won physical conditioning he had slowly acquired. Twila gently suggested strolls around the neighborhood, isometric exercises, anything that might tweak Ben's interest.
"I think that I'm done as Sheriff," Ben had finally come to the obvious conclusion. "I've lost the heart for it." The couple talked about what they might do to create money, and not many ideas came to the front.
"Being a Minister is soul fulfilling, but not enough money to support us, as no congregation can afford a full time Cleric." Ben was thinking aloud. "Mark and Lucretia have the hardware and grocery business taken care of, so whats left? The town needs a repair shop or a small café, do you have any other ideas?" Ben asked as Twila mixed up an adult version of Ovaltine for him to drink.
The poor man's version of vitamin booster drinks, Ben drank the powdered milk and chocolate flavored concoction and had to take his mind elsewhere as he swallowed. Personally, he thought that anyone desperate enough to drink the mixture, would likely drink bathwater.
"I'm not much of a mechanic, I can change oil and do more of the simple types of work, but the rest of it takes a hefty investment in equipment to work on the electronics in cars. So that leaves a small café. I don't know, what do you think?" Ben finished his large glass of improvement milk and reached for the glass of water.
"Ben," Twila was soft and gentle. "There is money in the account for your use. We have no children so what do you propose we do with the money, leave it in the bank, or do something as we should."
Ben didn't say a word.
"As a minister, have you ever asked God, what plans He has for that money? Maybe it is not for you to decide, but follow a plan that's God's will. Perhaps every job and profession you have tried and are dissatisfied with, is due to the fact you are not walking the path."
"You sound like Clora," Ben was crabby.
"What else can I conclude; you lack direction, focus and enthusiasm." Twila patted Ben's hand as it clenched on the table. "You also have a tremendous load of survivor's guilt, and only you and God can fix that one. How many times have your teachers told you that you have to forgive yourself and then ask God for forgiveness and then accept that forgiveness."
"I think the wrong one of us finished the degree," Ben looked at Twila with understanding dawning in his eyes.
"No," Twila refused the idea. "I would not be a good minister." She put her hand over his. "God has given me that knowledge. I have been asked to help you in whatever endeavor you receive from God." Twila was so calm and sure, Ben had to stop and really look at her.
Ben had to mumble and cough. "I need to pray for guidance," he acknowledged. "I am still lost."