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Post by solo on Feb 6, 2019 9:59:22 GMT -6
Incidentally solo, before you mentioned it, I had never heard of Mitch Rapp and had to Google the character (yes, I know I should have used Duckduckgo.). Apparently he is a CIA operative/assassin posing as a computer consultant too. Honestly, I had not idea about that character. Laura/Cindy/Cassie/Spider just came into my head one day and almost forced me to start writing this tale. Just to be on the safe side, I will not read any of those books until I finish this story. Read more: pawfiction.proboards.com/thread/1012/new-life#ixzz5elcYjq00That would be a good plan; There is a longish series, read them in order from Vince Flynn... Unfortunately, Vince passed away a couple of years ago and the family continued the series with another author in the same Flynn vain... I believe there have been two books along those lines. I reiterate that it is a good plan; and now I give the reason... If you start on the first, you will not stop until the end. It grabs you and holds you and I do not want the ire from all our friends here for being reason for not giving us moAr........ Serious, Man, you have a strong talent! I appreciate you sharing here! V/R, Mike
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Post by arkansascob on Feb 6, 2019 11:53:12 GMT -6
Well A I'm a little late to the party I see. Nice to check in here and see you at it again. I have really enjoyed your last 2 stories and from the way this on has started it will be enjoyable also. So looking forward to the journey you will take us on.
As always Looking forward to MOAR !
COB
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Post by texican on Feb 6, 2019 16:40:44 GMT -6
And texican, if I don't keep giving you twists you didn't expect, I wouldn't be me. LOL
A,
Your ability to entertain is appreciated even with all of the twists which create great writings....
Texican....
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Post by accountant on Feb 7, 2019 14:55:37 GMT -6
Chapter 5
The Crash
Darren went upstairs and checked the bedroom he had been sleeping in. Sure enough, some of his shirts and pants had been hung up in the closet and the rest including t-shirts, underwear, socks, and pajamas had been carefully loaded into the drawers of the armoire. Grabbing a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, a belt, some socks, and underwear, he headed to the main bathroom across the hall. Opening the door, he saw that fresh toiletries in all the brands he used had all been laid out on the counter right down to the electric toothbrush. Grabbing the razor of the counter, Darren turned on the water in the shower and waited for it to get warm before stepping into the tub. Laura had even set him up with his brand of soap, shampoo and conditioner.
After showering and shaving, Darren slipped out of the tub, threw on some deodorant, brushed his teeth, and slipped on the clean clothes. As he was finishing up in the bathroom, he saw that there was no hamper for him to put his dirty clothes in. Taking them with him, he stepped out into the hall and headed to the master bedroom at the end of the hall. He could hear Laura working away in the kitchen so he silently walked into the bedroom. Inside on the dresser he noticed a framed picture of what looked like him in a suit and Laura in a dress. It was strange since he didn’t remember ever wearing a suit with Laura. Another framed picture was of an older couple and Laura when she was younger. The last framed picture was of his own parents. He had kept it in his living room at the townhouse.
Darren picked it up and was looking at it when Laura said from behind him, “I brought it from the townhouse. I hope you don’t mind. I wanted to make our marriage look as authentic as possible, you know, just in case.”, she said.
“No, that’s fine.”, replied Darren, “Thank you for bringing it. I actually really appreciate it.”
He set the photograph down and said, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come in here. I was just looking for a hamper for my dirty clothes.”
Laura giggled and said, “No, it’s my fault. I thought I thought of everything but I guess I missed that. There’s a hamper in the master bath. Just put the clothes in there. And you can go anywhere in the house. It belongs to both of us. Of course that means you’ll have to do half the chores too. When you’re ready, I’ve got brunch all set up downstairs.”
As Laura left to go back downstairs, Darren went into the master bathroom and deposited his dirty clothes into the hamper.
Coming back into the master bedroom, the enormity of what had happened hit him and he had to sit down on the edge of the bed. His life, the life he had been living was over. He would never be able to go back to being Darren Sommers, ever again. He had always lived in a city or a suburb, and now he was expected to live and work on a farm. The woman he had known as Laura, was not just a nice neighbor whom he felt very comfortable with, rather she was a trained CIA operative with people hunting her. In fact, he didn’t even really know who this Laura/Cindy/Spider was, but now had to live with her as the husband of Cassie, her latest persona. He didn’t even know what this Chad character he was supposed to be did for a living. Darren put his head into his hands and sat there.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Laura standing there.
“I’m sorry. I know it’s a lot to take in.”, she said softly as she sat down beside him, “I understand.”
“Do you?”, he asked, speaking quietly, “Everything I knew, the person I was, everything has been ripped out from under me, and now you want me to be this new person. I don’t know if I can do it.”
Laura put her arm around Darren and said, “Yes, you can. I know you can. You’re strong and capable. I know it’s a big change, but I promise you I’ll be right here to help you. We all will. It’ll just take a little time. Just hold on. I’m here for you, whatever you need, I promise.”
Looking away, Darren said, “I don’t even know you. I only know Laura, the person you were pretending to be. Was any of that real? The close friendship we had, was that even real? Or was just part of your cover. I told you things about myself. I opened up to you because I thought we were friends. I was closer to you than anyone else since Christine, but I didn’t really know you, did I?”
Laura pulled her arm away from Darren and said, “Yes, it was real. I promise you it was real. The name, Laura, was fake, but our friendship was real. It was the most real thing I’ve had in a long time. You are special to me, the real me. That’s why I chose to save you. Not for myself, but for you and…and for us. I told you that I wanted to be completely honest with you and I am doing that and will always do that. I promise you that.”
“But why?”, asked Darren, looking into Laura’s eye, which had now started to glisten with tears, “Why me? I’m nobody. I don’t know anything about farming. And you said that there is a team hunting you and looking to kill you. I can’t do anything to help. I don’t know how to protect you.”
“Why you?”, said Laura, “Why you? Because you’re a good man, Darren. You’re the man who goes into McDonalds and buys a meal to give to a homeless man on the street. You’re the man who helped bring in and put away Mrs. Johnston’s groceries when she was having a hard time because of her arthritis. You’re the man who loves watching sappy Hallmark Christmas movies on TV and tries to hide wiping the tears from your eyes. You don’t like olives but get pizza with them on it, because I like them. You helped me to see that there was good in the world and showed me that there was hope for the future. You helped me remember why I joined the CIA and what I was fighting to protect. You know, whenever I came down here to help set this place up, I couldn’t wait to get back to Fairfax just so I could see you again. You’re not nobody. You’re everything to me. And as for farming, you’ll learn. I know it will be strange and maybe hard, but you’ll learn. I know you will. You don’t have to worry about protecting me, believe me, I know how to do that already. I just need you to be here with me, and know that I’m here for you, that’s all.”
“I just…This is all too much. I need some time.”, replied Darren.
They sat there together for a long time without saying a word. Darren lost in his thoughts and Laura hoping she had given him what he needed.
Finally, Darren asked, while continuing to look away, “You really need me?”
Laura reached out and turned Darren’s face so that he was looking directly into her eye and said, “Yes, Darren. I do. I need you.”
Darren smiled a small smile and said, “Well, then maybe, we can, you know, get a pizza and watch a movie tonight or something. If that’s okay.”
Laura smiled, blushed, and said, “I’d like that.”
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Post by texican on Feb 7, 2019 17:22:31 GMT -6
Finally, Darren asked, while continuing to look away, “You really need me?”
Laura reached out and turned Darren’s face so that he was looking directly into her eye and said, “Yes, Darren. I do. I need you.”
Darren smiled a small smile and said, “Well, then maybe, we can, you know, get a pizza and watch a movie tonight or something. If that’s okay.”
Laura smiled, blushed, and said, “I’d like that.”
Well the married Cassie Smith (Laura) and Chad Smith (Darren) will have their first real date....
Laura put her arm around Darren and said, “Yes, you can. I know you can. You’re strong and capable. I know it’s a big change, but I promise you I’ll be right here to help you. We all will. It’ll just take a little time. Just hold on. I’m here for you, whatever you need, I promise.”
You can not receive more than that from a woman that truly loves you....
That is from being married for 41 years 4 months and 6 days....
A, Your abilities to provide real life stories is unique.... Thank you.... Texican....
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Post by 9idrr on Feb 7, 2019 21:36:39 GMT -6
Texican said it well. Thanks, Accountant, for another good one. Hope to see more soon.
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Post by seraphima on Feb 10, 2019 22:02:23 GMT -6
This is an unusual storyline and premise. It will be very interesting to see where it goes. Thank you!
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Post by accountant on Feb 11, 2019 14:59:55 GMT -6
Chapter 6
Rattler
Darren followed Laura down to the kitchen when she had laid out brunch. It consisted of sandwiches, chips, small bottles of orange juice, the remains of the Danishes, and a multi-vitamin for each of them.
“Sorry. We didn’t have time to stock the fridge yet. This was all stuff we picked up on the way here. We have plenty of canned and other long-term food, but I figured this would be easier on your first day.”, said Laura.
“This is fine.”, replied Darren, as he grabbed half a roast beef sandwich.
As he munched, Darren giggled a little and said, “This is too weird.”
Laura just ate her sandwich and smiled.
“I mean look at us.”, said Darren, “We are acting like a normal boring married couple, relaxing at home on a Saturday, eating sandwiches for lunch as if nothing else was going on in the world. Come on, if what you say is true, the country is about to be attacked and there is a kill team hunting you.”
Taking a sip of her orange juice, Laura replied, “You’re right, it does seem weird, I know. But, right now there’s nothing that we can do about those things. Right now, the important thing is getting you up to speed as quickly as possible on everything around here. When the attack happens, whatever it might be, we have certain safeguards in place here and as for the team hunting us, we are prepared for that, too. The only thing you need to worry about is getting acclimated to your new surrounding without going off the deep end.”
“You really think we are going to be okay here?”, asked Darren, between bites.
“Honestly, this is the best place for us to be. Once Rattler gives you the tour, I’m sure you’ll understand how safe we are.”, said Laura.
After finishing, they cleared the table and washed the dishes together. Laura washed them and Darren dried them.
Wiping her hands on a kitchen towel, Laura said, “Okay, I think we're ready to go.”
Putting on boots, the couple walked out the front door and stepped off the porch.
“Come on. There’s Rattler by the main hall. I’ll take you there and then you can start your tour.”, said Laura, leading Darren down the path to the driveway of the house and further to the main road running through the farm.
The main hall was 700 yards way and closer to the front gate of the farm. It was a nice walk in afternoon sun but Darren was constantly looking over his shoulder on the way.
“What are you looking for?”, asked Laura.
“The dogs.”, answered Darren, which caused Laura to giggle.
As they approached the hall, the black man standing outside smiled and waved. He was 5’11” and looked to be almost 200 pounds of pure muscle.
“Hey darlin’”, said the man to Laura.
“Hi, I’m Rick Jackson. People call me Rattler.”, he said to Darren, holding out his hand.
Darren shook his hand and said, “Hi, I’m Darren Sommers.”
“You sure about that?”, asked Rattler with a big toothy grin.
“Sorry. I’m Chad Smith.”, replied Darren.
“No problem, Chad. It’s just going to take some time, is all.”, said Rattler.
“So this is the guy, huh?”, asked Rattler.
“Yep.”, said Laura blushing, “I’ll be in the communications center if you need me. And go easy on him. It’s his first day.”
Laura walked into the main building and left the two men alone.
“Why does everybody keep asking that?”, asked Darren after Laura had left.
“Asking what?”, asked Rattler.
“Asking if I’m “the guy”. What does that even mean?”, asked Darren.
Rattler laughed and said, “Don’t pay it no mind. It’s just that we’ve never seen Spider this interested in any guy before. You have to be something special for her to have picked you, that’s all. Anyways, welcome to Safehaven farm. We’ve got about a hundred acres here and we’re nestled right up next to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We’re just outside the small city of Townsend, Tennessee and real close to the Tuckaleechee Caverns. We’ve run fifty head of beef cattle including the milking cows. We’ve also got sheep, some horses, and chickens too. The chicken coop is beside the barn there and just down the ways is the silo for the corn. We grow our own crops and have a communal garden for vegetables. They come out real nice as long as we can get ‘em before the squirrels and other critters do. We’ve got eight houses onsite and a bunkhouse for the migrant farm workers during harvest season over by the barn.”
“You run this whole operation by yourself?”, asked Darren.
“God no. ‘Bout a year back, one of the neighbours lost their farm to the bank so we hired the family on here. That helps, plus I’ve got my wife, Clarice, and the kids to help too.”, said Rattler.
“You have a family? I was told that you guys were, you know, on the run.”, asked Darren.
Rattler let out a hearty laugh and said, “Shoot boy, you must really be white. Clarice and I got married just after high school. I joined the Army and was recruited from there. She’s used to being alone and raising the kids as a single mom. Every time we had to move, nobody noticed. Nobody cares about a black family moving around. We just moved from one black neighborhood to another. It happens all the time.”
“I’m sorry. I just figured it would be hard to have a family with what you guys did and are doing.”, said Darren.
“It ain’t nothing. Clarice and I grew up in the same neighbourhood and fell in love as sophomores. Like I said, we got married right out of high school. Calvin came along a year later and Jessica two years after that.”, said Rattler.
“And the hired family, are they okay? I mean, do they know about you?”, asked Darren.
“The Wilsons? They’re alright. There’s an older couple with a son in his early twenties and a daughter in the late teens. The boy doesn’t know what he wants to do yet, but the girl wants to become a vet when she gets out of high school. As long as they’ve got warm beds, three squares, and some money going into the bank, they’re happy with that. They don’t really ask too many questions. I told them that a trust was building up the place for an eco-tourism project and that the team coming in were investors.”, replied Rattler.
Darren seemed content with the explanation so Rattler continued, “So anyways, we’ve also got a machine shop and garage space out behind Magnum’s place. He’s got a way with vehicles so it made sense to put it there. We’ve also got a range out behind the corn field for those who need to practice. We’ve got markers at 100 yards, 250 yards, 500, 1000, and 1500 yards.”
“I don’t suppose you have much use for the 1000 and 1500 yard markers, do you?”, said Darren.
Darren let out a laugh and said, “Yeah right. Those are the only ones that Spider uses. I swear, that girl can flutter a hummingbird’s tail feathers at 1500 and it wouldn’t even know it.”
“You guys do a lot of shooting here?”, asked Darren.
“Not a whole lot, be we like to stay proficient.”, replied Rattler.
“What are you guys proficient with?”, asked Darren.
Rattler smiled and said, “A little of this and a little of that. We all have our own favorites, but we can all pretty much handle anything with a barrel and a trigger. Come on inside and I’ll show you the main building.”
Rattler opened the door to the main building and allowed Darren to walk in before going in himself. Coming through the small hallway, the building opened up to a large great room with hardwood floors and thirty foot ceiling which had skylights throughout. Off of the great room were several smaller rooms, some with doors with windows in them and others without. There were stairs at the far end which led to a walkway that surrounded the great room. There were rooms on the second floor as well. While the main room was open, there were seating areas scattered throughout and a large stone fireplace with stacked wood at the far end.
“This is the main room of the building. It’s set up to be a gathering place. Off to the side here we have our communications center, a command room, meeting rooms, a fully stocked sick bay, a small gym, and a kitchen behind there.”, said Rattler.
As they were talking, Boomer entered the building.
Both men said, “Hey Boomer”, as he came into the great room.
Boomer gave Darren a dirty look and without acknowledging him, said, “Hey Rattler, is she in there?”
“Yep.”, came the response from Rattler.
Without another word, Boomer walked into one of the rooms with a full door, closing it swiftly behind him.
“Anyway, this place has got a few more secrets, but those can wait until later. For now, let me take you around the place and introduce you to Clarice and the kids. We can take one of the golf carts out front.”, said Rattler, as he walked across the great room to another set of doors.
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Post by papaof2 on Feb 11, 2019 16:17:44 GMT -6
I've been to Townsend. They advertise it as "The Quiet Side of the Smokies". Compared to Gatlinburg, it is ;-) Cades Cove would be a good place to drop back 100+ years in technology.
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Post by 9idrr on Feb 11, 2019 17:19:57 GMT -6
Just kind of curious as to how soon all references to Darren will change to Chad?
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Post by bluefox2 on Feb 11, 2019 17:44:20 GMT -6
Looks like Boomer ain't to happy with Darren/Chad being there with Spider.
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Post by papaof2 on Feb 11, 2019 18:15:08 GMT -6
Just kind of curious as to how soon all references to Darren will change to Chad? That will depend to some degree how soon - if ever - Darren sees himself as Chad. I read some sci-fi where the firstborn in a family got the traditional name, so at a family reunion you would have multiple people of similar ages (each generation) named Mindy but when they were together, only the oldest of that group would go by Mindy and the rest by a nickname: Sarah, Rose, etc. The mind readers in the group saw both names, because those people went went by both names at various times. Perhaps it's like learning another language? You really know a language when you find yourself thinking in it. When ChaDarren thinks of himself as "Chad" the transition will be complete. Perhaps by the 12th of Never?
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Post by texican on Feb 11, 2019 19:01:11 GMT -6
As they were talking, Boomer entered the building.
Both men said, “Hey Boomer”, as he came into the great room.
Boomer gave Darren a dirty look and without acknowledging him, said, “Hey Rattler, is she in there?”
“Yep.”, came the response from Rattler.
Yep, Darren or is it Chad has a jealousy problem and his name is Boomer....
A would be love interest spurned....
Fireworks to follow....
Thanks A for the chapter....
Texican...
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Post by solo on Feb 12, 2019 9:14:09 GMT -6
I've been to Townsend. They advertise it as "The Quiet Side of the Smokies". Compared to Gatlinburg, it is ;-) Cades Cove would be a good place to drop back 100+ years in technology. My favorite is Cataloochee Camp Ground. Very quiet, not usually crowded and is beside a spring and lots of wild life to see on the trails...
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Post by accountant on Feb 12, 2019 10:00:27 GMT -6
I've been to Townsend. They advertise it as "The Quiet Side of the Smokies". Compared to Gatlinburg, it is ;-) Cades Cove would be a good place to drop back 100+ years in technology. My favorite is Cataloochee Camp Ground. Very quiet, not usually crowded and is beside a spring and lots of wild life to see on the trails... Looks like the team was pretty smart to pick that area as their bug out location for when TSHTF. It's quiet, not crowded, plenty of natural water, and lots of wildlife. I wonder what's going to happen. A.
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Post by texican on Feb 12, 2019 13:48:54 GMT -6
My favorite is Cataloochee Camp Ground. Very quiet, not usually crowded and is beside a spring and lots of wild life to see on the trails... Looks like the team was pretty smart to pick that area as their bug out location for when TSHTF. It's quiet, not crowded, plenty of natural water, and lots of wildlife. I wonder what's going to happen. A. A, If you do not know whats going to happen, then we are truly lost.... Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on Feb 12, 2019 15:18:59 GMT -6
But Tex, lots of times the authors only have an outline and are waiting for their muse to fill it in - the results might depend on how well the muse slept: sweet dreams or nightmares?
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Post by texican on Feb 12, 2019 17:21:19 GMT -6
But Tex, lots of times the authors only have an outline and are waiting for their muse to fill it in - the results might depend on how well the muse slept: sweet dreams or nightmares? PP2, Nightmares produce more thrilling and gut wrenching writings.... Texican...
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Post by accountant on Feb 14, 2019 8:25:13 GMT -6
Chapter 7
Family
As Darren slid into one of the five electric golf carts beside Rattler, he said, “This must have cost a fortune with the property and all the buildings. Just the main building alone must be almost a million dollars.”
“Yeah, and that’s just what you can see. We had to make it look good if we were going to sell it as an eco-tourist retreat and spa. Everything here is dual-purpose, though to make sure we can make it through just about anything. Hell, even these golf carts can be switched over to CNG or propane if we need them to be.”, explained Rattler.
They travelled up the main road of the complex and pulled into the driveway of the first house on the property, which was similar in appearance to all the other homes in the semi-circle of the main area of the farm.
“Come on, let’s go in.”, said Rattler.
The pair walked up the steps and Rattler opened the front door.
“Honey, I’m home.”, he called out.
“Richard Jackson, you take your boots off. I just vacuumed in here.”, came a voice from upstairs.
“Clarice, we have a visitor.”, yelled out Rattler.
“Well, tell ‘em to take their shoes off too.”, came the voice.
As Darren was taking his boots off, he saw a pair of giggling heads watching him from the top of the stairs.
“Well don’t just stand there looking, come on down and introduce yourselves.”, said Rattler with a smile.
The two heads were attached to two little bodies which came bounding down the stairs, still smiling and giggling.
“Hi, I’m Calvin and this is my little sister, Jessica.”, said the boy, with a smile.
“I’m not that little.”, said Jessica, giving her big brother a shove.
They were both giggling as Darren said, “Well, hello Calvin and Jessica. I’m Chad Smith. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Smith? Are you related to Auntie Cassie?”, asked Jessica, cocking her head.
“Why yes I am. I’m Auntie Cassie’s husband.”, said Darren.
Jessica’s eye opened up wide and with a smile, she said, “That makes you my Uncle Chad.”
Suddenly, Jessica run to Darren and jumped into his arms.
“Jessica, get down from there and let him be.”, came a voice from the bottom of the stairs.
Darren looked up and saw quite possibly the most beautiful black woman he had ever seen. Even though she was wearing a t-shirt and a pair of Capri pants, she carried herself with elegance and sophistication.
“But Mama, this is Uncle Chad. He’s married to Auntie Cassie.”, said Jessica, not releasing her grip on Darren’s neck.
“That’s well and fine, Miss Jessica Jackson, but you and your brother need to go back upstairs and let the poor man come into the house.”, said Clarice as she helped Jessica down. The two youngsters giggled and ran back upstairs.
“I am so sorry about that.”, said Clarice, “I’m Clarice. Welcome to our home. Won’t you come into the parlour, Chad?”
“It’s no problem at all.”, said Darren as he followed Clarice into the living room, “You have wonderful children.”
“They can be a handful at times, but I think we’ll keep them.”, said Clarice with a smile, “Rick, would you mind getting us some iced tea, please while we chat?”
“Chad, please have a seat. I’m sure Rick has been talking your ear off about this place already. We were told you were going to be here soon. Cassie is a good woman and she’ll try to help you through as best she can, but I know that the transition is probably a little strange for you. The family and I have already gone through this a few times with Rick, so we know what it’s like. If you need any help or someone to talk to, you can always come to me.”, said Clarice, as Rick returned with a tray of iced tea.
Darren took a glass of iced tea as Rattler sat down beside his wife.
“Thank you Clarice. Yes, it has been strange, if I may say so. I can tell you that I wasn’t expecting my weekend to shape up the way it has, that’s for sure.”, said Darren as he took a sip.
Rattler laughed and said, “Yeah, Spider sure has a way of getting things done, but like Clarice said, she’s a good woman. We’re all here to help you in any way we can, Chad.”
“It just seems strange, being a new person and everything. I don’t really know where my place is here.”, said Darren.
“Now Chad. You don’t need to know everything all at once. Give it time. You’ll find your place soon enough. If Cassie picked you, she must have had a feeling about you. Rick and the boys trust her with their lives and they know to trust her instincts. You should too. Some of the stories Rick has told me over the years about the things she did, my goodness. That woman is something else.”, said Clarice with a smile.
“Yep. Spider is something else, alright. She would do anything to protect any one of us here, including the kids. And now that includes you too, Chad.”, said Rick, “In fact, this whole place was her idea. She picked it and designed it special to keep us all safe. She’ll deny it, but it’s true.”
Darren looked down and said, “I’m sorry. I don’t know that side of her. I just knew Laura.”
Clarice reached over, put her hand on Darren’s shoulder, and said, “I know this is hard for you. I get that. But, if what they are saying is true, this country is in for a world of hurt and there’s no place safer for us than right here. Just give it time and try to keep an open mind. Cassie brought you here to keep you safe. And as for not knowing her, just ask her. She’s an open book and will always tell you the truth like she has us. We believe in her and she believes in you. You’re family now and family’s there for each other.”
Darren let out a sign and said, “I appreciate that, Clarice. Thank you.”
They sat quietly for a while before Rattler said, “I’m giving him the grand tour so we better get going.”
The three stood up and walked back to the front door.
After Darren had put on his boots, he held out his hand and said, “It was very nice to meet you and the children, Clarice.”
Clarice smiled and said, “One thing you need to understand is that we are a family of huggers and you’re family so get in there.”
Clarice give Darren a big hug and whispered in his ear, “You’ll do just fine, I promise.”
As Rattler opened the front door, they heard screams coming from upstairs, “Wait! Wait! Wait!”
The two youngsters came rushing down the stairs and both gave Darren a hug followed by “Bye Uncle Chad! Bye, Uncle Chad!”
Darren smiled, and hugged the children before saying goodbye.
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Post by texican on Feb 14, 2019 21:44:27 GMT -6
They were both giggling as Darren said, “Well, hello Calvin and Jessica. I’m Chad Smith. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Smith? Are you related to Auntie Cassie?”, asked Jessica, cocking her head.
“Why yes I am. I’m Auntie Cassie’s husband.”, said Darren.
It seems that Darren, no Chad is starting to be part of part of the group.... (Boomer is still seething....)
Don't blame Chad/Darren with the way that Auntie Cassie looks and acts toward him....
Thanks A for the chapter....
Texican....
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Post by udwe on Feb 18, 2019 21:56:33 GMT -6
I'd like to be the first to ask for moar!
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Post by arkansascob on Feb 19, 2019 9:21:28 GMT -6
I'll second that MOAR !!
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Post by accountant on Feb 19, 2019 10:37:34 GMT -6
Chapter 8
The Wilsons and First Day of Training
Walking back to the golf cart, Darren said, “You have a wonderful family.”
Rattler started up the cart and said, “Don’t I know it. I really lucked out with Clarice. She’s been my rock. I don’t know where I would be without her.”
Rattler took Darren around the complex. Darren saw a young girl and boy riding horses on a trail off to the side. Rattler waved to them and they waved back.
“That’s Eugene and Tara, the Wilson kids.”, explained Rattler as they continued.
Reaching the barn, Rattler pulled over and stopped. An older man was outside the barn looking over a mid-sized Kubota tractor.
“Hi Henry.”, said Rattler, getting out of the golf cart.
“Rick.”, said the man, standing upright.
“This is Chad Smith. Cassie’s husband. Chad, this is Henry Wilson.”, said Rattler, introducing the men.
“Hi Henry.”, said Darren, extending his hand.
“Nice to finally meet Cassie’s elusive husband. I’d shake your hand, but mine are full of grease from the tractor.”, said Henry.
“No problem. I understand completely.”, responded Darren.
“Rick, the oil filter’s going on this thing again.”, said Henry.
“I’ll have Steve take a look at it. Is Martha around?”, asked Rattler.
“Yeah, she’s out back playing with her pets.”, said Henry, with a chuckle.
“I heard that.”, came a female voice from behind the corner of the barn.
Rattler laughed and said, “Come on. I’ll introduce you.”
Rattler led Darren around the side of the barn where Darren saw an older woman surrounded by a herd of goats.
“Hi Martha, hun.”, said Rattler.
The woman smiled, pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and said, “Good thing Henry’s deaf in one ear. I’m not sure he would appreciate you flirting with me all the time.”
She walked over to the fence and said, “Hi there, I’m Martha Wilson.”
“Martha, this is Chad Smith, Cassie’s husband.”, said Rattler.
“Well, hi there Chad. It’s nice to meet you. I’m glad you finally got a chance to come visit with us.”, said Martha.
“It’s nice to be here.” , said Darren.
“Are you going to be with us long?”, asked Martha.
“For a little while.”, said Darren.
“Well, once have a taste of our fresh eggs and milk, you’ll want to stay forever.”, said Martha with a cackle.
“I’m showing Chad the place and thought we’d say hello.”, explained Rattler.
“Well it was nice of you to bring him by. You can come around here any time, Chad.”, said Martha.
“I appreciate that. Thank you.”, responded Darren.
“We’ve got to keep move. You have a great day, Martha.”, said Rattler before turning to go back to the front of the barn.
“You too, Rick.”, said Martha turning back to the goats who were demanding her attention.
Rattler and Darren got back into the golf cart and Rattler drove it past the barn to a secluded section of the property where the edge of the corn field almost touched up against the national park.
“Okay, this is where your training will begin.”, said Rattler with a smile, “See that slight opening in the woods. That leads to a path. The first thing I want you to do is follow that path. It will lead you through the forest and back. It’s about a mile so just walk it for now. Of course, there are bears, snakes, cougars, and bobcats out there so be careful as you walk. Also, try not to break any branches, or twigs as you go. Here, take this.”
Rattler handed Darren a bright orange whistle on a lanyard.
“That’s in case you get lost or hurt. Now go on. I’ll see you in about twenty minutes or so. Just remember to stay on the path.”, said Rattler.
Darren put the lanyard around his neck and got out of the golf cart. He headed over to the opening in the woods, and with a quick look back at the smiling black man in the golf cart, stepped into the national forest.
Instantly, he was hit with the sights and smells of the forest. He could smell the wet, fertile earth below his feet and the pine and sugar maple trees all around him. The shade of the forest also brought the temperature level down more than a few degrees so Darren began his walk. The path climbed up past shielded openings where tall grass grew and down into slight hollows full of slippery moss and rotting leaves. The path was a deer trail and lead to a trickling creek who’s clear water showed the rocks and smooth stones that glistened below the surface. Darren crossed the stream and continued down the path. As he walked the no-see-ums became quite thick and he quickened his pace. He walked around a large boulder and under a large fallen basswood tree. Before he knew it he was out of the woods and standing in front of Rattler.
“So how was it?”, asked Rattler.
“Actually it was quite nice. Almost relaxing.”, said Darren, with a smile.
“Good, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It took you 21 minutes and 43 second. Here put this on.”, said Rattler.
Rattler handed Darren a woodland camo BDU field jacket.
Darren put on the jacket.
“Comfortable?”, asked Rattler.
“Yes, I’m fine.”, came the response.
“Good, now you get this and this.”, said Rattler as he handed Darren a forty pound ALICE pack and an AR15.
Darren put on the large backpack and Rattler helped adjust the straps to make the carry easier on Darren’s back.
“Great, you’re all set. Do the same course. I expect you back here in 12 minutes. If you don’t make it back in 12 minutes, you’ll do it again until you do. Got it?”, asked Rattler.
Darren nodded and headed off into the woods.
He ran through the woods with the heavy pack on his back and the rifle in his hands. More than once he almost slipped on the slippery ground and on the smooth stones in the stream. Finally huffing and puffing, he exited the woods in front of Rattler.
Rattler handed him a canteen of water and said, “Not bad, 15 23. Not good enough though. Do it again.”
Darren drank down the water and splashed some on his face. Nodding, he turned back to the trail. Again, he ran as fast as he could through the woods. Falling more than once, Darren made his way along the path and came out of the forest, again huffing and puffing.
Out came the canteen and Rattler said, “13 26, again.”
Darren ran through the trees again. His muscles were screaming and his lungs were burning. His jeans were muddy from the numerous falls, and when he came out of the woods, he fell at Rattler’s feet.
Darren lay there panting for breath as Rattler said, “13 33. Your time got worse.”
“I thought I told you to take it easy on him today.”, he heard Laura say.
Darren looked up and saw that both Rattler and Laura were smiling at him.
“I had to get his endurance up and this is better than any treadmill.”, said Rattler with a laugh, helping Darren to his feet.
“The last time I checked, you did the course in 13 53.”, said Laura with a giggle.
“Yeah, but I also had a hundred pound pack.”, responded Rattler.
Laura handed Darren a water bottle and said, “I think that’s enough for one day. I’ll take it from here. Let’s take him back to the house.”
Rattler helped Darren take off the backpack and set it and him on the back seat of the golf cart. Taking the weapon, he slipped it into a golf bag attached to the rear of the cart. Laura and Rattler sat in the front of the cart and they were soon on their way back to Laura’s house.
By the time they arrived at the house, Darren had finally caught his breath.
Getting out of the cart, Laura said, “Thanks Rattler.”
“Any time, Spider.”, replied Rattler.
Darren got out of the cart carrying the ALICE pack, turned to Rattler and said, “I’m going to beat the 12 minute mark, you know.”
Rattler laughed, and said, “I’m sure you will, Chad. I’m sure you will.”, before turning the cart around and heading off towards the main building.
Darren knocked off the dirt from his boots on the side of the porch steps before climbing and following Laura into the house.
“Why don’t you go take a shower. I’ll lay out some clothes for you.”, said Laura heading up the stairs to the second floor.
Dropping the backpack into the closet, Darren removed his muddy boots. Still feeling a little wobbly, Darren held onto the handrail as he went up the stairs. In the bathroom, Darren took off his clothes and stepped into the shower. The warm water soothed his aching muscles and helped to bring some life back into him. Once finished, he dried himself off, wrapped a towel around his waist, slapped on some deodorant, picked up his dirty clothes and exited the bathroom. He walked to the master bedroom and deposited his clothes in the hamper of the master bath before heading back to his bedroom where Laura had laid out a blue polo shirt, a pair of tan chinos, some socks and underwear. As quickly as he could, Darren got dressed, and returned the towel to the bathroom before brushing his hair and spraying on some cologne.
“You smell a lot better.”, said Laura from the hallway.
“Thanks. The shower helped.”, said Darren.
“Do you feel up to heading into town for some groceries and pizza or would you rather rest?”, asked Laura.
“Food and pizza? You know I can never say no to that.”, said Darren, with a smile.
“All right then, let’s go.”, came the reply from the smiling woman with the sparkling green eyes.
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Post by millwright on Feb 19, 2019 11:48:47 GMT -6
Just found this.
What a killer concept.
Kinda pushes me to get back in the zone.
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Post by texican on Feb 19, 2019 12:58:23 GMT -6
“Do you feel up to heading into town for some groceries and pizza or would you rather rest?”, asked Laura.
“Food and pizza? You know I can never say no to that.”, said Darren, with a smile.
“All right then, let’s go.”, came the reply from the smiling woman with the sparkling green eyes.A, It appears that it is Darren and Laura and not Chad and Cassie.... Which will it be? Only another chapter will reveal.... But, Laura/Cassie has sparking green eyes.... Texican.... Born Free, Live Free and Die Free.
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