........With my Heart
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
So much for getting information from Tammy, and that leaves another bad guy in the area. Thanks pac.
Hickory7
Senior Member
^^^ This. Thank You, Pac for more story.
Please don't leave us hanging too long!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#18
The shadowy figure looked over his handiwork. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he silently congratulated himself on a shot well placed. The silencer and scope had performed well. Bending over the misshapen form that used to a a very useful member of the team; the figure removed the sharp little penknife from his pocket and sliced a sure cut along the tendons of the woman's left hand.
The slight lump he felt for and then removed was the only tie in she contained to his director's organization. He rolled the slightly bloody kernel on the woman's pants to clean it. Removing a small mint tin from his pocket, he dropped the tiny transceiver in among the other off white oblong mints. Snapping open his phone, he canceled the program that had tracked the woman to within 5 feet of her location.
The wind and rain beat and howled against the figure as he patted her pockets for information. The gun was there, he decided to leave it. It would confound and confuse the searchers that were coming for her. The figure policed the area to remove evidence of his presence and moved with an agility and control that belied his mission.
The figure moved down the trail, walking on the side grass to prevent leaving sign. Soon he was trotting, treading lightly as he traveled quickly and surely away from the death scene. More than a mile away, he veered off to the left and continued to a brush concealed trail bike. Specially modified with a electric motor, he silently glided away, his work finished.
Lainey had watched the copters come in, braving the storm's velocity as they settled on the ball field ground. More official types she decided, as she looked for any sign that her father might be coming to visit. There had been no word from either parent since the time they left. Lainey guessed that if you had no hopes and expectations, then there was no hurt when they didn't materialize.
There was no disappointment in Ben. Of all the problems in her life, Ben and his family had welcomed her like she belonged to and with them. Clora had teased her often, saying that she had a handsome brother that she, Lainey, needed to meet.
Lainey had hesitated, not wanting to mess up the friendship she had with Clora in case the brother had turned out to be a nothing. Ben was the most wonderful something she had ever encountered. He didn't even seem to care that she wore the same dress day after day. He might not mind, but Lainey was ever so thankful to have the dress, but sick of it.
There was no way she could fit in any of Inga's clothes, and she didn't want to share Clora's particular notion of fashion. Which wasn't any notion at all. Clora favored those huge skirts that contained yards and yards of fabric and could sail the Queen Mary if necessary.
"Inga, would there be any ladies around here about my size? Anyone that would be willing to sell me some clothes? I need to wash this dress more often, I'm ashamed to wear it in the cafe as grungy as it is getting."
"I think so," Inga said as she chewed on her lip. "There was an old gal that was the banker's wife, she had some pretty nice clothes and the way they left, I don't think she had the room to take all her clothes. Let's go over there now. We're between the meal rushes, I'm ready for a little excitement."
Lainey was ready.
Banker Brockman's house was smelly with old sewage sludge and creaky unstable floors. Carefully, the two women searched the house, staying out of the basement where the sludge was nearly to the top of the stairs. Lainey walked into the kitchen and snagged two dish towels to hold over their noses. There was an astonishing amount of kitchen gear left in place.
"A person could start housekeeping with what's left here," Lainey said in amazement.
"Or a newly married couple," Inga teased.
"Cough, Cough," Lainey teased back. "Things really stink in here. I'm not sure clothes will be worth getting."
"Vinegar," Inga said absentmindedly as she rooted through the kitchen. "Let's get up stairs before I loose my mind in here, I can't believe they would leave so much food and not say anything. That's criminal. Nobody has been in here either, there is money in the dishtowel drawer." they eased into the hallway and hit the master bedroom. The remodeled room had one wall of closet full of clothes.
Lainey sighed with pleasure, the dresses were her size. Now to find some that fit her mind. Mildred Brockman didn't wear jeans, but she had some '50's type pedal pushers for working in the garden. They would do. There were underthings and skirts and blouses. Most of the shoes were too large, and a disappointment to Lainey who was still wearing her western boots.
The second bedroom was the treasure trove As she grew more plump and stout, Mildred had carefully kept the better pieces and stored them away for the time she got skinny and lean. Lainey was in heaven. They each gathered up a armful of clothes and eased back outside.
The storm had changed from blustery to solid rain. The ladies walked back to the clinic, arranging the clothes on the back fence to soak and release the smell from the house.
Laughing and flinging water from their dripping hair, Lainey and Inga walked in the clinic and stopped dead still. Inghram was sitting at the table drinking coffee and eating the last of the rhubarb cake.
The shadowy figure looked over his handiwork. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he silently congratulated himself on a shot well placed. The silencer and scope had performed well. Bending over the misshapen form that used to a a very useful member of the team; the figure removed the sharp little penknife from his pocket and sliced a sure cut along the tendons of the woman's left hand.
The slight lump he felt for and then removed was the only tie in she contained to his director's organization. He rolled the slightly bloody kernel on the woman's pants to clean it. Removing a small mint tin from his pocket, he dropped the tiny transceiver in among the other off white oblong mints. Snapping open his phone, he canceled the program that had tracked the woman to within 5 feet of her location.
The wind and rain beat and howled against the figure as he patted her pockets for information. The gun was there, he decided to leave it. It would confound and confuse the searchers that were coming for her. The figure policed the area to remove evidence of his presence and moved with an agility and control that belied his mission.
The figure moved down the trail, walking on the side grass to prevent leaving sign. Soon he was trotting, treading lightly as he traveled quickly and surely away from the death scene. More than a mile away, he veered off to the left and continued to a brush concealed trail bike. Specially modified with a electric motor, he silently glided away, his work finished.
Lainey had watched the copters come in, braving the storm's velocity as they settled on the ball field ground. More official types she decided, as she looked for any sign that her father might be coming to visit. There had been no word from either parent since the time they left. Lainey guessed that if you had no hopes and expectations, then there was no hurt when they didn't materialize.
There was no disappointment in Ben. Of all the problems in her life, Ben and his family had welcomed her like she belonged to and with them. Clora had teased her often, saying that she had a handsome brother that she, Lainey, needed to meet.
Lainey had hesitated, not wanting to mess up the friendship she had with Clora in case the brother had turned out to be a nothing. Ben was the most wonderful something she had ever encountered. He didn't even seem to care that she wore the same dress day after day. He might not mind, but Lainey was ever so thankful to have the dress, but sick of it.
There was no way she could fit in any of Inga's clothes, and she didn't want to share Clora's particular notion of fashion. Which wasn't any notion at all. Clora favored those huge skirts that contained yards and yards of fabric and could sail the Queen Mary if necessary.
"Inga, would there be any ladies around here about my size? Anyone that would be willing to sell me some clothes? I need to wash this dress more often, I'm ashamed to wear it in the cafe as grungy as it is getting."
"I think so," Inga said as she chewed on her lip. "There was an old gal that was the banker's wife, she had some pretty nice clothes and the way they left, I don't think she had the room to take all her clothes. Let's go over there now. We're between the meal rushes, I'm ready for a little excitement."
Lainey was ready.
Banker Brockman's house was smelly with old sewage sludge and creaky unstable floors. Carefully, the two women searched the house, staying out of the basement where the sludge was nearly to the top of the stairs. Lainey walked into the kitchen and snagged two dish towels to hold over their noses. There was an astonishing amount of kitchen gear left in place.
"A person could start housekeeping with what's left here," Lainey said in amazement.
"Or a newly married couple," Inga teased.
"Cough, Cough," Lainey teased back. "Things really stink in here. I'm not sure clothes will be worth getting."
"Vinegar," Inga said absentmindedly as she rooted through the kitchen. "Let's get up stairs before I loose my mind in here, I can't believe they would leave so much food and not say anything. That's criminal. Nobody has been in here either, there is money in the dishtowel drawer." they eased into the hallway and hit the master bedroom. The remodeled room had one wall of closet full of clothes.
Lainey sighed with pleasure, the dresses were her size. Now to find some that fit her mind. Mildred Brockman didn't wear jeans, but she had some '50's type pedal pushers for working in the garden. They would do. There were underthings and skirts and blouses. Most of the shoes were too large, and a disappointment to Lainey who was still wearing her western boots.
The second bedroom was the treasure trove As she grew more plump and stout, Mildred had carefully kept the better pieces and stored them away for the time she got skinny and lean. Lainey was in heaven. They each gathered up a armful of clothes and eased back outside.
The storm had changed from blustery to solid rain. The ladies walked back to the clinic, arranging the clothes on the back fence to soak and release the smell from the house.
Laughing and flinging water from their dripping hair, Lainey and Inga walked in the clinic and stopped dead still. Inghram was sitting at the table drinking coffee and eating the last of the rhubarb cake.
Wow, Pac! You sure know how to surprise us! There's always another twist and/or mystery coming...
Great work!
Great work!
Oh no, is Inghram the shadowy figure? He "......sliced a sure cut along the tendons..." Anyone could do it but probably only a doctor could do it as smoothly.
I can't wait to see Inga's reaction to his return. The Hanson women seem to have xray vision when it comes to being able to see through BS.
I can't wait to see Inga's reaction to his return. The Hanson women seem to have xray vision when it comes to being able to see through BS.
juco
Veteran Member
Really!! And even if Inga's judgement is clouded by her emotions, he's not going to be able to pull the wool over Clora and Evie's eyes.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#19a.
Inga walked coolly into the kitchen and poured water into the tea kettle, ignoring Inghram, as she prepared to make tea. Lainey stood in the doorway, unsure of what to do next. She didn't want to be involved in their personal business, but it was past time to get supper preparations started. So what to do?
Inghram solved the problem for her. "Inga, would you take a walk with me? We have some hard decisions to consider."
Inga slowly turned and fixed him with cold, mad, icy blue eyes. Gram wasn't the least bit cowed, nor unrepentant. He stared back steadily, refusing to drop his eyes. Finally, Inga threw the pot holder on the table and stalked out the door. Inghram followed, ignoring Lainey and acting like she was invisible.
Up to her to figure out what to begin to cook for the night meal, Lainey jerked open the refrigerator door and stood inventorying the contents. Not enough of any one item, she thought about a Americanized chop suey. Some beef, some chicken and 4 pork spareribs to use up over rice.
Not an exciting meal, but filling and a good way to use up leftovers. Lainey was chopping, dicing and stirring when the first customer open the door, looking for something to eat. Stan sat down and looked at Lainey with sad, hurting eyes and asked for a cup of tea in a very subdued voice.
Lainey brought him a mug, putting her hand on his shoulder in commiseration. That was the final straw for Stan, he broke down crying.
Laying his head on his folded arms, Stan vented the misery consuming him. "He was my friend," Stan sobbed. "I grew up next to him, we bought the station together. Now I don't know what to do. I have no work, no friend and no reason to live."
Lainey was alarmed at the revelation, but sniffing with her own tender heart sadness, she patted Stan on the shoulder.
Inga walked coolly into the kitchen and poured water into the tea kettle, ignoring Inghram, as she prepared to make tea. Lainey stood in the doorway, unsure of what to do next. She didn't want to be involved in their personal business, but it was past time to get supper preparations started. So what to do?
Inghram solved the problem for her. "Inga, would you take a walk with me? We have some hard decisions to consider."
Inga slowly turned and fixed him with cold, mad, icy blue eyes. Gram wasn't the least bit cowed, nor unrepentant. He stared back steadily, refusing to drop his eyes. Finally, Inga threw the pot holder on the table and stalked out the door. Inghram followed, ignoring Lainey and acting like she was invisible.
Up to her to figure out what to begin to cook for the night meal, Lainey jerked open the refrigerator door and stood inventorying the contents. Not enough of any one item, she thought about a Americanized chop suey. Some beef, some chicken and 4 pork spareribs to use up over rice.
Not an exciting meal, but filling and a good way to use up leftovers. Lainey was chopping, dicing and stirring when the first customer open the door, looking for something to eat. Stan sat down and looked at Lainey with sad, hurting eyes and asked for a cup of tea in a very subdued voice.
Lainey brought him a mug, putting her hand on his shoulder in commiseration. That was the final straw for Stan, he broke down crying.
Laying his head on his folded arms, Stan vented the misery consuming him. "He was my friend," Stan sobbed. "I grew up next to him, we bought the station together. Now I don't know what to do. I have no work, no friend and no reason to live."
Lainey was alarmed at the revelation, but sniffing with her own tender heart sadness, she patted Stan on the shoulder.
Last edited:
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Time to put Stan to work. Thanks Pac.
Jeepcats 3
Contributing Member
So is Inga going to get the standard, it was my job/duty to deceive you, of course I hated doing it spin from good old boy Gram?
It also brings into play did he do an autopsy on the kids that were operated on for their heart problems.
He did such a detailed medical report on the rest of the family.
Also if he was agent in place and the Hanson family is so important, why didn't he arrange better care?
In the original story, it sounded reasonable that there were no other medical alternatives but now it seems that it was only was a smoke screen to prevent anyone noticing the interest in the Hanson family.
The way the helicopters are whizzing in and out it would have been simple and Gram would not have blown his cover, just made himself more a hero.
Just wondering?
Jeepcats3
It also brings into play did he do an autopsy on the kids that were operated on for their heart problems.
He did such a detailed medical report on the rest of the family.
Also if he was agent in place and the Hanson family is so important, why didn't he arrange better care?
In the original story, it sounded reasonable that there were no other medical alternatives but now it seems that it was only was a smoke screen to prevent anyone noticing the interest in the Hanson family.
The way the helicopters are whizzing in and out it would have been simple and Gram would not have blown his cover, just made himself more a hero.
Just wondering?
Jeepcats3
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I don't remember Inga being told about the files. I'll have to try to reread that section. But what are the possibilities that she knew about at least some of it? Ingraham was involving her in decisions that he probably wouldn't unless she knew something. But then again, he may be playing innocent and just pushing her to leave the town with him.
Curious..........
Curious..........
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#19b.
Crying with Stan, Lainey worked cutting the meat, vegetables and cooking rice. Between the two of them they cried buckets full of he artful emotion. Stan was the only customer for supper. Between the storm, the explosion and fire and the incoming army troops, people stayed home and closed the curtains.
Her supper wasn't the greatest, but neither she or Stan ate much. Where ever Inga and her husband had gotten off to, they were gone for a long time. Lainey finished the dishes and put them away. Stan was still sitting at the table, rubbing his face. "I don't have any place to sleep tonight" he mumbled plaintively. "I don't have anything at all."
"Well, then you will stay here tonight. There are several rooms." Lainey announced with conviction. "You are most welcome to stay here. I have to stay open until Ben comes in for supper, but I know he would agree. Let me show you a room." she put her hand under Stan's elbow and urged him to his feet. Leading him like a child down the hall, she stopped at the room Wayne had occupied and opened the door.
Stan looked confused and ventured cautiously in. "Here?" he questioned.
"Yes, here" Lainey repeated gently and all but pushed him inside and shut the door. She could hear Ben coming in the back door.
Lainey shut the door and went rushing down the hall.
"Oh Ben," Lainey rushed into his arms like a heroine in a dime novel. "Stan is here, he's so confused and alone that I had him spend the night."
"Good plan," Ben approved quietly. "Lainey you won't believe what has happened." he tipped his head and listened to the helicopters lifting off, "How about something to eat, and I'll tell you the news."
Bold as brass, Lainey tipped her head up and kissed Ben's cheek. Then she smiled as she opened the oven door and removed a foil covered plate. Benny started eating, shoveling in great mouthfuls and washing it down with glasses of cold water. Lainey had put another plate aside for Inga, but Ben ate that one also.
Lainey put the dishes in the sink to soak, and sat down next to Benny. Her eyes noted how tired he was, the dark circles under his eyes, the wrinkles around the side of his mouth, the slump to his shoulders. Her man was exhausted. A bad combination for a lawman.
Lainey moved to stand behind behind Ben and rub the knots from his shoulders. "Oh, I think you need to marry me," he started to relax, enjoying the personal moment between them. "You have magical fingers."
"Well cowboy," Lainey did her best Kitty from Gunsmoke imitation, "what are you going to kick in for boot? Watcha got to offer?"
"That was awful," Benny was laughing hard. "You better keep your day job."
"Inga and I went to the bankers place and I got some clothes today, we put them on the fence out in the rain. I hope to take the stink out of them." Lainey mentioned, as her thumbs found a hard knot in between Ben's shoulders. "Inga was really mad when she found out how much food the people has abandoned in the house. It's a shame to have it go to waste."
"I promised to tell you what happened today. First of all, we found Tammy McCann shot execution style. It appears she may have been the sniper that killed Pete and the one to shoot Davis."
Lainey gasped at the news. Ben picked up his spiel. "I forgot, I didn't have time to tell you that Davis crawled into Grandma's place and Clora and Ev probably saved his life. Then, the McCann kids went to Grandma's for food and the Army Sargent that caught Clora's interest had a PTSD flashback in the kitchen and he's on his way to the hospital. Jennings and his kids left with the Agent that had us come to Portland."
Lainey picked up Ben's hand and held it tenderly. "Umm, I forgot to tell you, when we came back this afternoon, Doc was sitting in the kitchen having a snack. He and Inga left before supper for a talk and a walk. They've been gone a long time," she walked to the door to look out in the purple blue of the evening.
"I see them walking down the road, they seem to still be arguing. I know Inga wasn't very happy to see him."
"I'm not happy to see him," Ben said harshly. "That man isn't who you might think he is. I haven't had a chance to tell you what happened while we were in Portland, but that man's no friend to us. I think I will stay here tonight, just on general principles." he decided with a firm jaw. "I'm about sick and tired of all this intrigue and black current undertow going on around here."
"I don't want you to be in danger," Lainey repeated as a warning. "You be careful, you mean the world to me."
"I'll remember that," Ben promised, "if you remember those words yourself and be careful."
"Will you lock me up and throw away the key?" Lainey asked coquettishly, teasing Ben.
"In a heartbeat," he said sternly in his best voice of authority. "In a heartbeat."
Crying with Stan, Lainey worked cutting the meat, vegetables and cooking rice. Between the two of them they cried buckets full of he artful emotion. Stan was the only customer for supper. Between the storm, the explosion and fire and the incoming army troops, people stayed home and closed the curtains.
Her supper wasn't the greatest, but neither she or Stan ate much. Where ever Inga and her husband had gotten off to, they were gone for a long time. Lainey finished the dishes and put them away. Stan was still sitting at the table, rubbing his face. "I don't have any place to sleep tonight" he mumbled plaintively. "I don't have anything at all."
"Well, then you will stay here tonight. There are several rooms." Lainey announced with conviction. "You are most welcome to stay here. I have to stay open until Ben comes in for supper, but I know he would agree. Let me show you a room." she put her hand under Stan's elbow and urged him to his feet. Leading him like a child down the hall, she stopped at the room Wayne had occupied and opened the door.
Stan looked confused and ventured cautiously in. "Here?" he questioned.
"Yes, here" Lainey repeated gently and all but pushed him inside and shut the door. She could hear Ben coming in the back door.
Lainey shut the door and went rushing down the hall.
"Oh Ben," Lainey rushed into his arms like a heroine in a dime novel. "Stan is here, he's so confused and alone that I had him spend the night."
"Good plan," Ben approved quietly. "Lainey you won't believe what has happened." he tipped his head and listened to the helicopters lifting off, "How about something to eat, and I'll tell you the news."
Bold as brass, Lainey tipped her head up and kissed Ben's cheek. Then she smiled as she opened the oven door and removed a foil covered plate. Benny started eating, shoveling in great mouthfuls and washing it down with glasses of cold water. Lainey had put another plate aside for Inga, but Ben ate that one also.
Lainey put the dishes in the sink to soak, and sat down next to Benny. Her eyes noted how tired he was, the dark circles under his eyes, the wrinkles around the side of his mouth, the slump to his shoulders. Her man was exhausted. A bad combination for a lawman.
Lainey moved to stand behind behind Ben and rub the knots from his shoulders. "Oh, I think you need to marry me," he started to relax, enjoying the personal moment between them. "You have magical fingers."
"Well cowboy," Lainey did her best Kitty from Gunsmoke imitation, "what are you going to kick in for boot? Watcha got to offer?"
"That was awful," Benny was laughing hard. "You better keep your day job."
"Inga and I went to the bankers place and I got some clothes today, we put them on the fence out in the rain. I hope to take the stink out of them." Lainey mentioned, as her thumbs found a hard knot in between Ben's shoulders. "Inga was really mad when she found out how much food the people has abandoned in the house. It's a shame to have it go to waste."
"I promised to tell you what happened today. First of all, we found Tammy McCann shot execution style. It appears she may have been the sniper that killed Pete and the one to shoot Davis."
Lainey gasped at the news. Ben picked up his spiel. "I forgot, I didn't have time to tell you that Davis crawled into Grandma's place and Clora and Ev probably saved his life. Then, the McCann kids went to Grandma's for food and the Army Sargent that caught Clora's interest had a PTSD flashback in the kitchen and he's on his way to the hospital. Jennings and his kids left with the Agent that had us come to Portland."
Lainey picked up Ben's hand and held it tenderly. "Umm, I forgot to tell you, when we came back this afternoon, Doc was sitting in the kitchen having a snack. He and Inga left before supper for a talk and a walk. They've been gone a long time," she walked to the door to look out in the purple blue of the evening.
"I see them walking down the road, they seem to still be arguing. I know Inga wasn't very happy to see him."
"I'm not happy to see him," Ben said harshly. "That man isn't who you might think he is. I haven't had a chance to tell you what happened while we were in Portland, but that man's no friend to us. I think I will stay here tonight, just on general principles." he decided with a firm jaw. "I'm about sick and tired of all this intrigue and black current undertow going on around here."
"I don't want you to be in danger," Lainey repeated as a warning. "You be careful, you mean the world to me."
"I'll remember that," Ben promised, "if you remember those words yourself and be careful."
"Will you lock me up and throw away the key?" Lainey asked coquettishly, teasing Ben.
"In a heartbeat," he said sternly in his best voice of authority. "In a heartbeat."
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you .
Jeepcats 3
Contributing Member
Thank You,
Jeepcats3
Jeepcats3
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Aha!
I enjoy and encourage the speculation. So far, I can tell that none of you are a sneaky, devious old lady. POUR IT ON!
I enjoy and encourage the speculation. So far, I can tell that none of you are a sneaky, devious old lady. POUR IT ON!
LOL! Pac, we have learned that there is no way we can keep up with you, so although we may make guesses or wishes, for the most part we just sit back and enjoy the ride!
The only thing I know for sure is that if TSHTF I want to know that Pac is on my side. Plus if she and Kathy in Fl were to team up together, as in pass me another another one of those cute little blowupy things please, thshtf would get a good run for it's money. LOL more please.
juco
Veteran Member
Speculation? nah, just more questions....
Is Ingram a double agent?
Will Stan find an interesting clue in Wayne's old room?
WHY is the Hanson family of such interest? Somehow, I don't think it all revolves around Pete's escapades.
Will Evie learn astonishing things about Hap's past....or her own?
And why hasn't somebody taken poor Inky to a vet yet? He needs to live long enough to get Jr. trained better. LOL
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
It's interesting to note, Kathy and I live about as far apart in the US as you can get. I live 30 miles south of the Canadian border in NW Wa.; Kathy lives in Fla.
I've trucked through Fla., and with the heat and humidity, you couldn't give me the whole state. We have rain here 20 plus days a month, so Kathy wouldn't want this either. This is a 'bloom where you are planted situation'.
The common tie-in, we are both strong women in charge of our family's welfare. It's a 'not on my watch' kind of thing. If either of us can promote one extra family to prepare, we have succeeded.
I've trucked through Fla., and with the heat and humidity, you couldn't give me the whole state. We have rain here 20 plus days a month, so Kathy wouldn't want this either. This is a 'bloom where you are planted situation'.
The common tie-in, we are both strong women in charge of our family's welfare. It's a 'not on my watch' kind of thing. If either of us can promote one extra family to prepare, we have succeeded.
Well, that is true. I guess we'll have to be content with ya'll nailing down your respective corners of the world. I would say you have both succeeded, and I really appreciate that what you both teach is actually doable.
I am so glad that neither of you start a story in the vein of, "With a scant $250,0000. dollar left for preps........"
I am so glad that neither of you start a story in the vein of, "With a scant $250,0000. dollar left for preps........"
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Well, truthfully...Evie and her crew have a lot of money, they just don't use it.
In life I have seen two constants. When you are poor, you grab, root and growl and often live a miserable life when there are dire circumstances. Often you die.
If you have money, a person has the means to buy food, housing, protection. If you have enough money, you don't die..as quickly.
With the first depression many, many people died of starvation, lack of medical care and exposure. There are many glossed over stories and accounts of the depression. It's a blithe and Gib account of 'oh we were poor, but we made it through.'
That's not the truth. The starvation and death walked hand and hand and touched all family's.
In life I have seen two constants. When you are poor, you grab, root and growl and often live a miserable life when there are dire circumstances. Often you die.
If you have money, a person has the means to buy food, housing, protection. If you have enough money, you don't die..as quickly.
With the first depression many, many people died of starvation, lack of medical care and exposure. There are many glossed over stories and accounts of the depression. It's a blithe and Gib account of 'oh we were poor, but we made it through.'
That's not the truth. The starvation and death walked hand and hand and touched all family's.
I wish I had a thumbs up for this!!!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#20
Benny drummed his fingers briefly on the table. Making up his mind, he asked Lainey to go to her room, because he didn't want her in the line of fire.
"Line of fire?" she repeated deeply concerned.
"I'm going to arrest Inghram, and I don't want him to use you as a hostage, please stay safe." Ben gave her a level stare.
Lainey nodded and left the room unhappy, but willing to do as Ben asked, for his sake.
Ben stepped into the pantry, checking to see that his plate and glass had been put in the sink. He drew his gun and waited as the quarreling couple stopped at the back door to heat up their argument.
He couldn't help but admire Inga. She was mad, and tearing a few strips of hide from Gram's frame. "Don't you give me that BS," she stormed, fairly spitting her words. "You took off without a word when the family got back from Portland. Now I don't know why they are so mad at you, but I'm darn well going to find out. So get ready," she enunciated each word clearly, "to do some explaining."
She pushed at the door, marching in with Gram hot on her heels. When Inga rounded the table past the pantry opening, Ben stepped out with his weapon drawn.
"Stop where you are," Ben ordered Inghram, bring the man up short. Inghram narrowed his eyes and Ben thought for a moment he was going to charge him. Ben could see the change in the Doc's eyes as he reconsidered, shuttering his intentions by blinking his eyes.
"Bend over and place your hands on the table," Ben ordered, never taking his eyes off of the fuming man.
At the harsh exchange, Inga whirled around and stared at the two men. Her jaw was hanging a little, but she was disturbed by the implications Benny was making.
Inghram was acting like he was a seriously misunderstood man, and Benny was out of his mind.
"Has he told you Inga, that he prepared intricate dossiers on each member of the family, you too, and that Agent Wright knows every thing about us including how many times you had intimate relations with him. I don't think we are talking about a loving husband here." Benny spit out the words.
Inga's chin came up in that stubborn Hanson way, and her hand slid slowly into the pocket of her skirt. That's all she needed as an excuse to shoot the SOB. Her hand moving ever so quietly as she withdrew the ever ready pistol in her pocket.
She was rudely poked in the back as Lainey said in a low tone, "don't, he's not worth it. And in case you don't think I have a gun, it's your Mother's little 38."
Benny stepped so his back was against the wall, keeping an eye on both Inga and Inghram. Lainey removed the gun from Inga's fingers and dropped it in her pocket. For a minute there, she wasn't sure which man Inga intended to shoot. She wasn't sure Inga was clear about that fact either.
Ben sent Inga to the opposite side of the kitchen, motioning her to stand on the far side of the second table. He felt in his uniform pocket for a couple of zip ties, and had Lainey hold her gun on Gram while he disabled the Doc's hands.
Looking at Inga he asked seriously, "are you on our side,...or his?"
Inga stared back and finally said,"I don't know. Clora told Lainey and Lainey told me about the detailed reports Gram had made, but I just couldn't believe he would do that to us. Why?" she addressed Inghram.
His impassive face gave no clue, he acted like he hadn't heard her.
"Move," Ben ordered the Doc. "You're going to spend the night in jail for your own protection." he rubbed the back of his neck, it was itching. He immediately thought of Henry Wright that swore up and down that was a sign of impending disaster.
Once out side on the way to the jail, Benny leaned toward Inghram and announced with pleasure, "if you run, I will be delighted to gut shoot you, front or back, it makes no difference to me."
The Doc remained calm and impassive, but he heard loud and well. He had no doubt that Ben meant it.
Kevin was astounded when Benny shoved the dawdling Doc in the office, and requested that the deputy open a cell door.
Ben closed the cell door, then the inner door to the cell block. It was cold in the jail, the missing windows gone courtesy of the lightning strike and explosion.
"We need to stand guard tonight," the Sheriff told his deputy. "Which shift do you want?" he asked as he fiddled with the radio. Wright's office answered promptly. The agent on the other end promised to be in touch with the director immediately.
Ben had never before felt the rage he had tearing at his craw. He looked at the assortment of items he had pulled from Inghram's pockets. A small pen knife, keys and a small tin of mints. He sat fiddling with the tin as he contemplated all that he knew. Turning the tin over, he noticed a rusty looking smudge on the bottom. Almost like a bloody fingerprint.
Benny drummed his fingers briefly on the table. Making up his mind, he asked Lainey to go to her room, because he didn't want her in the line of fire.
"Line of fire?" she repeated deeply concerned.
"I'm going to arrest Inghram, and I don't want him to use you as a hostage, please stay safe." Ben gave her a level stare.
Lainey nodded and left the room unhappy, but willing to do as Ben asked, for his sake.
Ben stepped into the pantry, checking to see that his plate and glass had been put in the sink. He drew his gun and waited as the quarreling couple stopped at the back door to heat up their argument.
He couldn't help but admire Inga. She was mad, and tearing a few strips of hide from Gram's frame. "Don't you give me that BS," she stormed, fairly spitting her words. "You took off without a word when the family got back from Portland. Now I don't know why they are so mad at you, but I'm darn well going to find out. So get ready," she enunciated each word clearly, "to do some explaining."
She pushed at the door, marching in with Gram hot on her heels. When Inga rounded the table past the pantry opening, Ben stepped out with his weapon drawn.
"Stop where you are," Ben ordered Inghram, bring the man up short. Inghram narrowed his eyes and Ben thought for a moment he was going to charge him. Ben could see the change in the Doc's eyes as he reconsidered, shuttering his intentions by blinking his eyes.
"Bend over and place your hands on the table," Ben ordered, never taking his eyes off of the fuming man.
At the harsh exchange, Inga whirled around and stared at the two men. Her jaw was hanging a little, but she was disturbed by the implications Benny was making.
Inghram was acting like he was a seriously misunderstood man, and Benny was out of his mind.
"Has he told you Inga, that he prepared intricate dossiers on each member of the family, you too, and that Agent Wright knows every thing about us including how many times you had intimate relations with him. I don't think we are talking about a loving husband here." Benny spit out the words.
Inga's chin came up in that stubborn Hanson way, and her hand slid slowly into the pocket of her skirt. That's all she needed as an excuse to shoot the SOB. Her hand moving ever so quietly as she withdrew the ever ready pistol in her pocket.
She was rudely poked in the back as Lainey said in a low tone, "don't, he's not worth it. And in case you don't think I have a gun, it's your Mother's little 38."
Benny stepped so his back was against the wall, keeping an eye on both Inga and Inghram. Lainey removed the gun from Inga's fingers and dropped it in her pocket. For a minute there, she wasn't sure which man Inga intended to shoot. She wasn't sure Inga was clear about that fact either.
Ben sent Inga to the opposite side of the kitchen, motioning her to stand on the far side of the second table. He felt in his uniform pocket for a couple of zip ties, and had Lainey hold her gun on Gram while he disabled the Doc's hands.
Looking at Inga he asked seriously, "are you on our side,...or his?"
Inga stared back and finally said,"I don't know. Clora told Lainey and Lainey told me about the detailed reports Gram had made, but I just couldn't believe he would do that to us. Why?" she addressed Inghram.
His impassive face gave no clue, he acted like he hadn't heard her.
"Move," Ben ordered the Doc. "You're going to spend the night in jail for your own protection." he rubbed the back of his neck, it was itching. He immediately thought of Henry Wright that swore up and down that was a sign of impending disaster.
Once out side on the way to the jail, Benny leaned toward Inghram and announced with pleasure, "if you run, I will be delighted to gut shoot you, front or back, it makes no difference to me."
The Doc remained calm and impassive, but he heard loud and well. He had no doubt that Ben meant it.
Kevin was astounded when Benny shoved the dawdling Doc in the office, and requested that the deputy open a cell door.
Ben closed the cell door, then the inner door to the cell block. It was cold in the jail, the missing windows gone courtesy of the lightning strike and explosion.
"We need to stand guard tonight," the Sheriff told his deputy. "Which shift do you want?" he asked as he fiddled with the radio. Wright's office answered promptly. The agent on the other end promised to be in touch with the director immediately.
Ben had never before felt the rage he had tearing at his craw. He looked at the assortment of items he had pulled from Inghram's pockets. A small pen knife, keys and a small tin of mints. He sat fiddling with the tin as he contemplated all that he knew. Turning the tin over, he noticed a rusty looking smudge on the bottom. Almost like a bloody fingerprint.
Hoooo boy! Doc was the shooter, but the shooter was so careful that its odd there's a smudge or fingerprint. Hmmmm...
Well we know who the shadow is. I hope Ben has gloves on and hasn't messed up any evidence on the tin. Wait til he looks inside and finds the little transceiver in with the mints. Now if we just knew who the doc was working for. So many questions and Pac has all the answers.
Thanks for the chapter. Good one as usual.
Thanks for the chapter. Good one as usual.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you very much, always enjoyable.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#21
Benny tapped the small mint tin end over end, listening to the contents rattle slightly. Finally his thumb flipped the top up to revel the mini contents of a survival kit.. Matches, wire, fish line and hooks, mirror, fire steel, and the wad of duct tape. The possibilities of Gram being a survivalist was not in keeping with what Benny knew about the doctor. Another puzzle.
Ben was on the first watch, but Inghram was quiet never making any noise or demands. Kevin brought over a blanket to keep the cool dampness at bay, and promised to be back at 2am for the second shift.
Alone again, Ben opened the penknife with idle curiosity. Can you assume what you see is blood, when it looks and smells like the life fluid. The tangy iron smell interacting with the knife metal. The color was a dried red, it had not aged into a dark, almost black smear.
Ben's training let him know the blood was less than 48 hours old. The warmth from the doctor's body would have kept the blood in the back line of the knife case pliable, and it was barely dried, starting to crack and lift up.
Doc had gotten his knife wet with blood sometime within the last 24 to 36 hours. Another puzzle. The streak of color on the mint tin back was probably brushed on the case when he put the knife in his pocket.
Tammy McCann had been killed with the same make of weapon as Pete had been killed. Agent Wright bringing in the news that the first weapon had been found in Jenning's Suburban, surprised them all. The under floor SUV vault discovered by the team that inspected the vehicle at Wright's direction.
The foreign made rifle had fired 3 shots, all accounted for as one killed Pete and Davis took two. So, Benny speculated correctly that there was a second shooter. Tammy had a deep cut on the back of her hand that had barely started to coagulate when they found her, so it was one of those 'just missed'em," scenes.
Speculating further, Benny thought of Lainey's remark that Inghram had been in the kitchen when they got back from scavenging. No way could he have cut Tammy then, the time wasn't right. So....there was a third unknown person involved. Another puzzle.
Agent Wright's people had scoured the area well, they were a throural group. On a scrap of paper Benny started drawing a time tine backwards, trying to connect people and events.
The radio buzzed, calling the sheriff to answer. "Wright, I have the Doctor in custody, if you want him alive, you'd better come get him. There's no room here for a traitor." Ben stated the facts calmly, but make no mistake, the agent knew Inghram was in danger.
There was a long pause and then Henry Wright announced there would be a copter in for the Doctor in the morning. "I'm sending your brother back," Henry concluded. "He's a basket case, his mind is gone. You might have to keep him under lock and key, this is just a friendly warning."
"Understood," Ben said in a not so friendly voice.
Clora and Evie watched the crowd leave. Benny, the FBI dudes, Jennings and his kids and Mark. As he was walking out, Clora tucked her handkerchief in Mark's pocket. It was her good one, with a bit of lace on the border and tiny hand stitched words that read 'with my heart.' Clora wondered in a sad, heart tugging emotion if she would ever see him again.
"I believe he will be back," Evie prophesied, with the wisdom of life experience. "He was definitely smitten by the charm of a good woman."
"Thanks Grandma. It just doesn't feel very likely, right now," Clora admitted forlornly. "We never got past the wink and giggle stage."
"Your hanky had a smidge of your perfume on it, right?" the old lady questioned with a mysterious smile.
"Yes," Clora admitted. "I've always done that, since you showed me you did that."
"That's an old trick the lady's of yesteryear would use to keep their presence on their men's mind. I saw you tuck it in the Sargent's pocket, he will find it. The scent will remind him of you. That's why I did the same thing for Davis. If he is interested, he'll be back around." Evie admitted with a little blush.
Clora pretended to be scandalized by her Grandmother's brazen behavior, but got up to give her a hug. "You are a pistol, Grandma. I can't think of any Grandma better than you."
Evie hugged back. "I pray you will find happiness Clora, in whatever form it comes to you," she whispered sweetly.
"And I wish you happiness and joy," Clora returned. "Do you think he is interested?" she asked in a nosy way, teasing Evie.
Evie refused to answer, but turned her mysterious smile on Clora. "Humm," was all she said.
Back in the clinic turned into cafe, Lainey was all business and rather unfriendly acting towards Inga. "You can have your gun back tomorrow, you were thinking about shooting both men, HOW could you?" Lainey scolded. "You and Doc have never acted like you were married, much less in love. What did you do? Settle? Whatever you feel about it, you sure deserve more than Doc is sending your way."
Inga burst into tears, turning her back on Lainey and grabbing a napkin from the table. Crying, she launched into an explanation that was unintelligible as she sobbed and hiccuped with pent up emotion.
Lainey stepped back, not expecting to have opened such a can of worms. She had just been mad that Inga was intending to shoot her man. Lainey figured she was going to get a heck of a rear chewing from Ben for disobeying his orders, so she was trying to toughen herself up.
Inga carried on for more than an hour, half of her rant and rave in French, but just as garbled as the English version. "I miss Gunnar," was the only thing Lainey could understand.
Lainey made the mistake of asking "who is Gunnar?" and that started a fresh bout of crying.
That was a mistake, Lainey thought to herself. I'd better ask Clora.
Finally, FINALLY, Inga wore down and allowed herself to be led to her room. Lainey was wilted, so tired she kept yawning as she brushed her teeth. Slipping between the sheets, she said a prayer for Ben's safety. It was the most important thing to her.
Kevin came in to relieve Ben at 2. When Ben woke at 6 and went to get his deputy coffee, Kevin was dead and Inghram was gone.
Benny tapped the small mint tin end over end, listening to the contents rattle slightly. Finally his thumb flipped the top up to revel the mini contents of a survival kit.. Matches, wire, fish line and hooks, mirror, fire steel, and the wad of duct tape. The possibilities of Gram being a survivalist was not in keeping with what Benny knew about the doctor. Another puzzle.
Ben was on the first watch, but Inghram was quiet never making any noise or demands. Kevin brought over a blanket to keep the cool dampness at bay, and promised to be back at 2am for the second shift.
Alone again, Ben opened the penknife with idle curiosity. Can you assume what you see is blood, when it looks and smells like the life fluid. The tangy iron smell interacting with the knife metal. The color was a dried red, it had not aged into a dark, almost black smear.
Ben's training let him know the blood was less than 48 hours old. The warmth from the doctor's body would have kept the blood in the back line of the knife case pliable, and it was barely dried, starting to crack and lift up.
Doc had gotten his knife wet with blood sometime within the last 24 to 36 hours. Another puzzle. The streak of color on the mint tin back was probably brushed on the case when he put the knife in his pocket.
Tammy McCann had been killed with the same make of weapon as Pete had been killed. Agent Wright bringing in the news that the first weapon had been found in Jenning's Suburban, surprised them all. The under floor SUV vault discovered by the team that inspected the vehicle at Wright's direction.
The foreign made rifle had fired 3 shots, all accounted for as one killed Pete and Davis took two. So, Benny speculated correctly that there was a second shooter. Tammy had a deep cut on the back of her hand that had barely started to coagulate when they found her, so it was one of those 'just missed'em," scenes.
Speculating further, Benny thought of Lainey's remark that Inghram had been in the kitchen when they got back from scavenging. No way could he have cut Tammy then, the time wasn't right. So....there was a third unknown person involved. Another puzzle.
Agent Wright's people had scoured the area well, they were a throural group. On a scrap of paper Benny started drawing a time tine backwards, trying to connect people and events.
The radio buzzed, calling the sheriff to answer. "Wright, I have the Doctor in custody, if you want him alive, you'd better come get him. There's no room here for a traitor." Ben stated the facts calmly, but make no mistake, the agent knew Inghram was in danger.
There was a long pause and then Henry Wright announced there would be a copter in for the Doctor in the morning. "I'm sending your brother back," Henry concluded. "He's a basket case, his mind is gone. You might have to keep him under lock and key, this is just a friendly warning."
"Understood," Ben said in a not so friendly voice.
Clora and Evie watched the crowd leave. Benny, the FBI dudes, Jennings and his kids and Mark. As he was walking out, Clora tucked her handkerchief in Mark's pocket. It was her good one, with a bit of lace on the border and tiny hand stitched words that read 'with my heart.' Clora wondered in a sad, heart tugging emotion if she would ever see him again.
"I believe he will be back," Evie prophesied, with the wisdom of life experience. "He was definitely smitten by the charm of a good woman."
"Thanks Grandma. It just doesn't feel very likely, right now," Clora admitted forlornly. "We never got past the wink and giggle stage."
"Your hanky had a smidge of your perfume on it, right?" the old lady questioned with a mysterious smile.
"Yes," Clora admitted. "I've always done that, since you showed me you did that."
"That's an old trick the lady's of yesteryear would use to keep their presence on their men's mind. I saw you tuck it in the Sargent's pocket, he will find it. The scent will remind him of you. That's why I did the same thing for Davis. If he is interested, he'll be back around." Evie admitted with a little blush.
Clora pretended to be scandalized by her Grandmother's brazen behavior, but got up to give her a hug. "You are a pistol, Grandma. I can't think of any Grandma better than you."
Evie hugged back. "I pray you will find happiness Clora, in whatever form it comes to you," she whispered sweetly.
"And I wish you happiness and joy," Clora returned. "Do you think he is interested?" she asked in a nosy way, teasing Evie.
Evie refused to answer, but turned her mysterious smile on Clora. "Humm," was all she said.
Back in the clinic turned into cafe, Lainey was all business and rather unfriendly acting towards Inga. "You can have your gun back tomorrow, you were thinking about shooting both men, HOW could you?" Lainey scolded. "You and Doc have never acted like you were married, much less in love. What did you do? Settle? Whatever you feel about it, you sure deserve more than Doc is sending your way."
Inga burst into tears, turning her back on Lainey and grabbing a napkin from the table. Crying, she launched into an explanation that was unintelligible as she sobbed and hiccuped with pent up emotion.
Lainey stepped back, not expecting to have opened such a can of worms. She had just been mad that Inga was intending to shoot her man. Lainey figured she was going to get a heck of a rear chewing from Ben for disobeying his orders, so she was trying to toughen herself up.
Inga carried on for more than an hour, half of her rant and rave in French, but just as garbled as the English version. "I miss Gunnar," was the only thing Lainey could understand.
Lainey made the mistake of asking "who is Gunnar?" and that started a fresh bout of crying.
That was a mistake, Lainey thought to herself. I'd better ask Clora.
Finally, FINALLY, Inga wore down and allowed herself to be led to her room. Lainey was wilted, so tired she kept yawning as she brushed her teeth. Slipping between the sheets, she said a prayer for Ben's safety. It was the most important thing to her.
Kevin came in to relieve Ben at 2. When Ben woke at 6 and went to get his deputy coffee, Kevin was dead and Inghram was gone.
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This story is so delicious, and I don't care how long the chapters are they are still too short.
Ah, love is in the air and of course so is murder, intrigue, natural disasters, personal loss and crazy will be arriving on the next flight. Can't wait. Thanks Pac.
Ah, love is in the air and of course so is murder, intrigue, natural disasters, personal loss and crazy will be arriving on the next flight. Can't wait. Thanks Pac.
There was a long pause and then Henry Wright announced there would be a copter in for the Doctor in the morning. "I'm sending your brother back," Henry concluded. "He's a basket case, his mind is gone. You might have to keep him under lock and key, this is just a friendly warning."
That is one more mystery solved.....
That is one more mystery solved.....