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Post by 12gauge on Apr 27, 2020 18:06:12 GMT -6
My Muse his been kicking me hard to get a start on the next story so here it is. GTW Herbert's Story is the first part of a series (I hope) on how people and groups respond to Global Thermonuclear war.
Global Thermonuclear War Herbert’s Story.
The lady Realtor told Herbert Smith “The place is essentially unlivable junk”. Herbert Smith replied “Not junk, old yes but certainly what I am looking for”. “Are you sure”? Asked the Realtor “The place is being sold as is”. Herbert replied “The septic system and well are near new and I will be adding my own improvements”. Herbert simply said “This will be a cash sale I wish to take immediate occupancy”. The Realtor simply made arrangements to close the deal.
Herbert went into the town of Munising and had a pasty for super after all he was in the UP His next stop was back at his campsite. He pulled his Chevy one ton pickup truck with a Avion C-11 truck camper into a prepaid campsite and hung his camp tag on the post. Since it was early spring And still a little cool out he built a fire in the Grizzly wood stove. He set up his wireless hotspot and uploaded his work to his employer.
The next morning the Realtor called and told him he could take possession and occupancy by the end of the week. Herbert thanked her and got on his computer and started ordering things. Namely a two new Kerosene cook stoves from St. Paul Mercantile, a Wood heating stove from Lehman’s, a 2000 gallon stand tank and a fill of road taxed diesel. A second tank for K1 kerosene. Lubes Oils and Filters for the farm machinery that came with the farm. A three year supply of Long Term Storage Food. All of this in preparation for what looked like Global Thermonuclear War. “When this war happens I want to thrive not just survive”. As he searched the internet he found an add for a farm auction this weekend and thought “This might be a good place to meet some of the local people”.
The night gave way to morning just as it always does and Herbert started breakfast on one of his two burner Kerosene stoves he had restored. While the coffee was boiling a man stopped by and asked him “Would yo be interested in some seasoned firewood this morning”? Herbert replied “Yes I would, how much”? The old man smiled and told him “A small bundle is eight dollars and the large ones are twelve”. Herbert saw the bundles and decided this was a fair price if not a little cheap. He told the man I will take two large bundles please”. The man unloaded the bundles and thanked Herbert for the business.
As Herbert’s breakfast cooked he listened to the radio and made notes of people selling all kinds of stuff including animals. He wrote down what people were selling and their phone numbers. After breakfast he made a trip to the local Gun shop hoping for some advice on firearms.
The sign on the door of the gun shop said they offered shooting classes, something Herbert needed since he never even held a gun let alone shoot one before. He entered the store not knowing what to expect.
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Post by 9idrr on Apr 27, 2020 20:51:30 GMT -6
I like the beginning of this one.
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Post by texican on Apr 27, 2020 21:36:35 GMT -6
12,
Herbert is a newbie, but knows what he needs to do.
Thanks for the new story.
Texican....
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Post by kiwibutterfly on Apr 28, 2020 2:58:50 GMT -6
well...you have got my attention...MOAR please
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Post by gipsy on Apr 28, 2020 7:37:45 GMT -6
Keep going please
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 28, 2020 9:43:45 GMT -6
The shop owner greeted Herbert “What can we help you with”? Herbert replied “I am new to the shooting sports and would like some advice and training” “Well” said the owner “You have come to the right place for that” he continued “what type of shooting are you interested in”? Herbert thought for a moment and said “Hunting and self defense sir”.
The shop owner told Herbert “I have good news for you, in Michigan a person can get by with just three guns”. He went on “a good twenty two, a good twelve gauge shotgun and a good handgun”.
In the end Herbert choose a used Remington 512X twenty two, a used Ithaca model thirty seven twelve gauge combo with a scoped rifled barrel and a Ruger used Security Six thee fifty seven magnum Revolver. He also purchased an assortment of ammunition for all of his newly acquired firearms.
Robert, the store owner began teaching him the basics with the twenty two. Much to his surprise Herbert caught on fast and was a new devotee to the shooting sports in an age when it is unpopular with the politically correct.
After his shooting session he stopped for lunch at his usual restaurant. The waitress looked over worked. Herbert told her “Take your time I have no pressing engagements this afternoon”. The waitress introduced herself as Kelly and took his order for the lunch special. She told him “We have WiFi so you can get online if like”. Herbert thanked her and pulled out his tablet logging to check email and alternate news sources. He found his employer had deposited his pay for the last job into his account and the political news was deteriorating rapidly.
Kelly returned with his order and promptly collapsed at his table. Herbert called out “Call for an ambulance”! The cook immediately dialed 911 and EMS was dispatched. Forgetting about his meal Herbert told the EMS crew what had happened and gave the opinion that she was suffering from exhaustion. After a preliminary exam they agreed and the senior medic asked him “Do you have medical training”? Herbert replied “I have some EMS training but I am a writer by trade”.
Herbert followed the ambulance to the hospital to tell the Doctors what happened. On arrival they got a new set of vitals as well as her information. The doctors and nurses were impressed with calmness and authority that Herbert employed dealing with them. Doctor Salvador asked Herbert “Where did you get your training”? Herbert answered “I intended to take up EMS as a trade but found I was not physically able so I became so I became a writer instead”. The Doctor told him “You did a better job than many paramedics I know and we have some of the best in this county”.
Herbert was allowed to see Kelly and she was upset saying “My little girl is at school and no one is there to pick her up”. Herbert calmed her and said I will talk to the deputy and see about making arrangement to retrieve her and bring her to visit you”.
Herbert stepped out and spoke with the deputy “miss Kelly has a young daughter at school and she needs to be picked up and bought here, can you help me with that”? The deputy said “yes let me radio this in and we can get moving since it is almost time for school to dismiss”.
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Post by gipsy on Apr 28, 2020 12:44:53 GMT -6
Cool
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 28, 2020 17:30:10 GMT -6
*WARNING* the author will be exposing the readers to geek culture in this chapter.
When deputy Art Miller and Herbert arrived at the school they were met by the principle Albert James. He immediately Herbert Smith and greeted him “klowgar the Orc Slayer is that you”? Only a few people would address him by that name here stood one of his best childhood friends Art “Zapper the Elf magic user” Miller. “it has been a few years since we played Dungeons & Dragons together” Stated Herbert. “Do you remember Lilly Starns our Elf Ranger”? Asked Art. “Sure” replied Herbert “what ever happened to her”? Art smiled and said “I convinced her to marry me right after college”. Herbert told him “Good for you man”.
Art asked him what he was doing with a deputy at his school and Herbert told him “We are picking up the daughter of Kelly Drake, she is in the hospital”. Art told them sit tight and I will page her to the office for you. After no more than three minutes an eight year old bouncing red head popped into the office declaring “I have arrived oh great and mighty principle Dungeon Master”! Art simply smiled and said “Okay young lady I have some bad news your mom is in the hospital and the deputy here will take you to her” he added “This fellow is one of my oldest friends his mundane is Herbert Smith but his D&D name is Klowgar the Orc Slayer and he is a friend of your moms”. He concluded “Gentlemen meet one of my best students and fellow tabletop gamer Mary Drake aka the Mighty Wizard ImIkon”.
On the ride back to the hospital Mary asked Herbert “Do you still play Dungeons & Dragons”? Herbert replied “Yes, when I can get a party together”. Mary smiled and asked “Would you be interested in partying with me and some of my friends”. Herbert answered “That might be possible”.
When they arrived at the hospital the doctor told them “It looks like exhaustion sure enough but we are keeping her overnight just to be safe”. Herbert agreed with the doctor and said “How did she get to this state”? The Doctor answered “She works two or three jobs to pay off her dead beat ex husband's debt”. Kelly asked “Who will take care of my daughter tonight”? Herbert had an idea “My camper has enough room for both of us”. Herbert asked the doctor “Can we stay in hospital parking lot”? The Doctor replied Sure, I’ll let security know you are staying”.
Mary was very interested in the camper. It looked old but had internet and a flat screen monitor with a top quality gaming computer. It was equipped with an automatic leveling system that Herbert had designed himself. It was machined by a friend who really knew his trade. Soon they both settled in and were playing video games and eating pizza from a local restaurant. They both were up far too late.
The next morning Kelly before Kelly was released the doctor told them “She needs to be with someone who can watch her for about a week”. Herbert told him “They can stay with me at my place since I am to take possession today”. “Where is your place”? asked the Doctor. “I purchased the old Hanley place”. Said Herbert. Doc smiled and said “That is a good place, a person can do a lot with three hundred acres”.
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Post by bluefox2 on Apr 28, 2020 17:50:58 GMT -6
Ok I am officially hooked in for this one. By the way just as a warning Muses in this outfit have a tendency to disappear at times. Just ask some of the other authors here. we think they run off for some kind of secret gathering somewhere.
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Post by texican on Apr 28, 2020 22:25:55 GMT -6
12,
Herbert is making progress. Has a new girlfriend with a red headed daughter. What more could a guy want.
Thanks for the chapters.
Texican....
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 29, 2020 8:32:48 GMT -6
*My dad had several Gravely two wheel tractors my favorite was the 1948 model L.*
On arriving at his newly purchased home Herbert helped settle his guests and went exploring. He had been told that one of the previous owners had built a fallout shelter. His first stop was the basement where he found a shelf that did not look right. He pushed the shelf and it moved aside revealing a door.
“Very interesting” thought Herbert as he blocked the door open. He entered the room and it was a fallout shelter, an empty fallout shelter. Herbert thought “There is plenty of room so I can set this up the way I want. He looked at his smart phone and found he had no signal. I bet this is set up as a “Faraday cage as well”. There was older air handling equipment but he need to have it checked over before he would trust human life to it.
He left the open when exited the shelter space so it could breath a bit and went out to the barn. Inside was a Gravely model two wheel tractor with enough attachments to run a “truck farm” operation. He made note to have the equipment checked over real good and get it into shape. This was a fine haul of treasure. He saw the barn was set up for some livestock, a good thing since he wanted Goats, chickens and rabbits at least.
Kelly was awake but still laying down and Mary had found his stash of old Dungeons & Dragons books. She was pouring over the first edition monster manual when Herbert entered the family room. “I see you have found some of my collection” He stated. “Don’t worry you are welcome to read any of them”. He went to shelf and pulled down a white box. “See this, this is an original 1974 D&D box set”. He continued “It is even autographed by Gary Gygax himself” Mary's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
Herbert told her “This is the only one off limits but I have the re-release set for playing”. Mary spoke up “You can be my new daddy since my old one left us”! Herbert had all he could not to laugh because this little girl was serious. Herb said “I don’t know if your mother would go along with that”.
The shelf with the games was in random order. This was not pleasing to Herbert because of the volume of games and books he had. So the two spent the rest of the morning organizing the books and games. When Mary saw all of the books she was more determined to see her mother wed to Herbert. In her mind he was the ideal new daddy.
About noon Herbert and company got hungry. Herbert asked “Where would you two like to go for lunch”? Mary chimed “Bob’s Back Yard BBQ”! Herbert was not a fussy eater so he asked Kelly “Is this a good place”. Kelly said “It is kind of expensive but the food is good”. Herbert told her “I can afford it let’s go eat than we can go shopping”. Herbert thought to himself “I have yet to meet a woman who did not like shopping”.
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 29, 2020 15:46:29 GMT -6
Their first stop was for lunch at the BBQ place. Herbert looked at the prices and thought “These are not so bad for BBQ”. He began wondering about the debt her former husband had left her. He was thinking he needed his attorney involved in this.
They decided on the family feast and even with Mary being a bottomless pit it was more than they could eat. Herbert took the left overs and put them in the camper’s refrigerator for later.
Shopping began with a trip to the farm store. Herbert want to see about some animals and supplies and the girls wanted some “farm clothes”. The store clerk asked “Where you looking for laying chickens or meat chickens”? Herbert thought for a minute and said “Some of each would be nice”. She said “I have Rhode Island Reds and they do well”. Herbert took notes and asked How about meat chickens”? The clerk told him “Freedom Rangers are great because they don’t need a high protein feed and can forage around in a large pen”. Herbert asked obtaining the two breads and she told him” Give me a week and I can have about two dozen of each from four to six different bloodlines plus a four roosters”. She gave him a price and he paid up front.
Their next stop was a local goat breeder. The breeder recommended Brush goats AKA mixed bread Goats since they can produce both milk and meat. They are also the least expensive. He walked away with two billies and four nannies.
The final stop for shopping was the local gun store. Herbert wanted a small revolver for concealed carry and Kelly wanted some ammo for her thirty aught six rifle. The store owner was off for the day but his son James “call me Jimmy” was working that day. He greeted his guests “Welcome Mr. Smith and Miss Kelly”. Kelly asked him “I need two boxes of Remington thirty aught six in 180 grain core lokt”. “Sure” Jimmy replied. Herbert told him “we would like to get a couple of cases of it”.
Jimmy said “you folks need to learn to cast bullets and reload ammo it will save you a lot of money”. Kelly asked him “Is it hard”? “No, if you can read and write chances are you can learn to reload”. Herbert thought “This is not a bad idea” and asked “how do we get started”?
Jimmy showed him a variety of reloading set ups and in the end the couple ended up with a Lyman 310 reloading tool for thirty aught six and three fifty seven/38 special. Both had the tap in full length resizing dies. as well as a used MEC six hundred shot shell press/ jimmy told them “Stop by this weekend and I will start teaching you the art of hand loading”. All three promised that they would.
The next item was a small concealed carry revolver Jimmy showed him a used Ruger LCR in three fifty seven magnum. Herbert liked the way the small gun felt and took it on the spot. He and Kelly both signed up for the concealed carry coarse for the following Monday night.
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Post by texican on Apr 29, 2020 18:22:16 GMT -6
12,
Herbert is married and just does not know it yet. Good for Mary Kelly and him.
Now is mom a red head?
When is the ex going to show up and take a dirt nap?
Good story.
Thanks,
Texican....
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 30, 2020 2:08:45 GMT -6
12, Herbert is married and just does not know it yet. Good for Mary Kelly and him. Now is mom a red head? When is the ex going to show up and take a dirt nap? Good story. Thanks, Texican.... Mom is a red head.
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Post by freebirde on Apr 30, 2020 2:45:41 GMT -6
12, Herbert is married and just does not know it yet. Good for Mary Kelly and him. Now is mom a red head? When is the ex going to show up and take a dirt nap? Good story. Thanks, Texican.... Mom is a red head. But do she/they have green eyes? Trifecta, red headed women with green eyes, what man has any power against them?
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 30, 2020 3:54:24 GMT -6
At home Herbert asked Kelly “How much debt do you have”? Kelly replied “About one hundred thousand, mostly drug and alcohol rehab for my ex”. “Okay, I will have my attorney look into this you should not be paying his debt”. Kelly had enough waiting she knew what she wanted and dropped a non-hint that she would respond favorably to a marriage request. Herbert responded by asking her “Will you marry me”? She simply said “Yes”. This made Mary very happy she had a new daddy that would not abuse her or her mother.
The next day they made a trip into town for a marriage license. The application amounted was mostly sign here and pay us twenty dollars. Three days later they were married by Pastor Bob at freedom Church. Their witnesses where Jimmy from the gun store and barb one of the other waitress from the diner. Afterwards they went to Bob’s Back Yard BBQ for lunch.
The next day they three of them closed out and cleaned Kelly’s old apartment. They did not have much just clothing, Kelly’s beautiful 1903 A3 Springfield rifle, Her single shot Winchester 840 shotgun and an old laptop computer. The furniture went with the apartment.
Later that day Herbert’s orders began arriving. His kerosene stoves were delivered as well as his food supplies. Herbert made another call he ordered more long Term Storage Food. As he made his Last call Deputy Art pulled into the drive. Herbert greeted him “What brings you by our little estate”? Art told them “Kelly’s ex escaped from prison and he is gunning for her and Mary”. Art added “You did not hear this from me but the Sheriff said shoot first and call us he is armed and dangerous”. Herbert said “Thanks for the warning we’ll be ready”. Herbert was not one to take chances, he went inside and loaded his security six and added two speed loaders. He loaded his shotgun with slugs and buckshot. Mary took the hint and began carrying Herbert’s LCR and a couple of speed loaders. All three of them started storing away the deliveries. Mary decided it was time to prove she could cook and started dinner. It was fried chicken and egg salad with fried potatoes. After dinner Mary got the joy of learning how to clean cast iron cookware.
After dinner Herbert wondered how a person could eat so much at one sitting. He got online and checked the news. It was not good China was rattling sabers at everyone and Russia was not having any of it. Iran was threatening to nuke the whole middle east. India and Pakistan were surprisingly silent that worried Herbert the most.
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 30, 2020 3:58:05 GMT -6
Saturday rolled around and jimmy held his reloading class. Herbert, Kelly and Mary found that they enjoyed Jimmy and his teaching style. Kelly was looking at a Ruger GP 100 so Herbert asked Jimmy to put it on his card. Back at home Herbert ordered a roller tool box from Harbor Freight to store their reloading tools. On Monday they both passed the CCW class without a problem and submitted their applications to the county clerk the next day. Two weeks later they had their License to carry concealed. Herbert also purchased a Ruger Ten Twenty two for Mary.
Mary was taking to the hobby farm life. She loved feeding the animals and collecting the eggs. She actually sang to the goats while she milked them. Life was idyllic for the family despite the looming threats. Herbert saw an add for a farm auction. It seems the farmer needed to retire because of his health. The sale was on the coming Saturday. He made plans to attend. His attorney called and let him know that Mary’s debt was not legal and cease and desist orders had been filed and she should see some money back. He also told him that he now had great deal more money in his trust funds due to qualifying for a cut of his grandparents estate.
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 30, 2020 4:40:44 GMT -6
Sale day rolled around and the family attended. There was the usual food truck to sell soft drinks and food to keep the attendees on site and bidding. Herbert found a sale bill and saw many items he wanted to bid on. The old farmer was on hand giving advice to the younger farmers. It was more than just good manners that made Herbert listen to him. This man had a lifetime of experience and Herbert wanted to get all he could from him.
The farmer called himself Mad Jack and many agreed the name fit. When the others walked away to bid on the items Jack told Herbert and his family “Come on over this way” they followed him to the barn and introduced them to two mules “This one here is Archie and the other one is Jug head”. The mules took to Mary right off as she rubbed their noses and fed them some grain from her hand. “looks to me that your little girl is friending those mules” said jack. Herbert agreed that “she does well with the animals at home”. Jack told them “I did not want to just sell of those mules I wanted them to go to a good home where they can work”. He finished “how about you folks take them”. Jug head came up to Herbert and nuzzled him. Herbert scratched his ears and was now a “mule person”. Kelly and Herbert both said “We’ll take them”.
The sale was brisk Herbert purchased a stock trailer for his mule friends and some Kerosene barn lanterns. Kelly purchased two All American Pressure caners, a large amount of jars, lids and rings. She also purchased a treadle sewing machine and bunch of notions. Mary stayed with “her” mule friends to “protect them”. After the sale they loaded up their new belongings and headed home they were tired the mules were tired but their was work to be done. Herbert put some straw bedding down for the mules and filled their feeder and water trough. Mary milked “her” goats and put “her” chickens in the coop for the night.
About midnight there was a ruckus at the front gate. Kelly’s ex had returned with friends. Herbert put on his gun belt and grabbed his shotgun. Kelly took he revolver and rifle and went to the family room. Looking out the window they saw five males approaching the house. Herbert called the Sheriff’s office and told to defend his family help is on the way.
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Post by sniper69 on Apr 30, 2020 5:35:35 GMT -6
Thank you for the latest chapters. Looks like things are heating up.
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Post by kiwibutterfly on Apr 30, 2020 5:48:11 GMT -6
Ok, its midnight here in New Zealand, I gotta hit the sack, hopefully MOAR when I arise in the morning. PLEASE.... stay safe
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Post by gipsy on Apr 30, 2020 6:32:50 GMT -6
Hold your ears there are some loud noises coming.
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 30, 2020 8:30:53 GMT -6
The man yelled “You best send those two whores out right now so I can sell them off” he added “I might let you live”. Herbert was having none of this he sent a Dixie IXL dangerous game slug in his direction. The slug more than did its job taking him down. The other men opened fire with handguns, only to find that they were out of range and no match for the Dixie slug.
Sheriff Ralph Taylor and deputy Art Miller arrived just after the shooting stopped both men had AR-15 Rifles and were on high alert. Seconds later a K-9 deputy showed up and released her tracking dog named Brunhilde. The Red bone hound got on a scent and sung out. Deputy Miller followed the dog and her handler just in case some unfriendly types were planning a second attack. Sheriff Ralph was not your average lawman he was a combat veteran from the Gulf War and had served as a Southern Baptist Missionary with his parents. “So you are the famous Herbert Smith, Jimmy and Mad Jack both hold you in high esteem” he added “that is no easy feat mind you”. Herbert replied “Both of them are good men and I am glad to know them”.
Kelly came out of the house after putting Mary in the shelter space with her twenty two rifle “Just in case”. The sheriff told her “Your ex husband is dead and so are his friends” he continued “I am billing this as self defense but expect a call from the prosecutor for her judgment”. Kelly asked Ralph “What do you think the prosecutor will do”. The sheriff smiled and said “Pretty much what I tell her is how things go, she gives credit to the officers in the field”. Just then they herd the dog sing out and their radios chime “We have a little girl here we need an ambulance she is in bad shape”. The sheriff got on the radio in his SUV and called dispatch saying “I need an ambulance at my location five minutes ago”. Herbert asked Kelly “Dear, can you grab my medical bag while I get the stokes stretcher from the garage”? She replied “Yes” and took off like a shot. They got to the location of the child and Herbert did a primary exam. He thought “This is not good”. He told the sheriff “She needs treatment now but I am not licensed in this county”. Ralph said “treat her and I will get licensed by phone”. They got the girl out of the woods and into the ambulance. It was crewed by the same team that took care of Kelly so they knew Herbert was good. Herbert had got her started on fluids and had a full set of vitals. Herbert followed the ambulance to the hospital knowing his report would be needed by the doctors and the prosecutors as well as the State Police. It was obvious that something was very wrong here.
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 30, 2020 10:07:12 GMT -6
The doctor was impressed with Herbert's work. He did not believe it when he was told about this guy but he did now. He asked “Can we replace what you used on her”? Herbert was grateful and said :Yes, that would be nice”. They chatted for a few minutes and Herbert got a little information about the farm he bought. “The late Mr. Hanley was one of the old school survivalists as well as an avid hunter”. The doctor told him “No one knows what happened to his firearms but there was a rumor that he buried them some of them around the farm. Herbert filed this away under future projects. He went home and got some sleep.
He woke up about nine thirty in the morning and began thinking “Wouldn’t he have made a map so he could find his firearms”? He began an intense search of the house taking of electrical plates, looking at floor boards and tapping on walls. Kelly thought he had gone insane until he told her “Mr. Hanley was an old school survivalist and rumor is he buried some of his firearms”. Kelly started searching for a map but it was Mary who found it taped into the bathroom laundry chute.
They looked at the map and Kelly said “It is pointing to spot just behind the barn”. Herbert agreed with her and they got out shovels and started digging. One hour later they had a dozen M1 Garand rifles but only a case of ammo. They also found six Winchester model 21 side by side shotguns. Herbert stated “We need to make a trip to the gun store today”. They took a sample of each gun to be checked out. Jimmy and his dad who owned the store were working. Herbert showed him the M1 first and the owner whose name is Pete nearly fainted. He said “Do you know what you have there son”? Herbert said “Not really, I know what it is but not a lot about its history”. Pete told him “This is the M1 Garand rifle, General Patton called it the greatest battle implement ever devised”. This got Herbert's attention real fast. Pete asked “Do you want to sell it”? Harold said “I have eleven more of these at home, if clean them up and get them into shooting shape you can have one for your trouble”. Pete ran his hand over the rifle and memories of his youth shooting at Camp Perry with his dad bought a tear to his eye.
Pete told Harold “You bring them in and I will clean them all get ‘em shooting straight”. Next, Harold showed him the Winchester shotgun. Pete asked him “Did you rob a collector”? “No said Harold they came with my place, I have five more of these”. Pete told him “Son, you have one of the finest all around side by side shotguns ever made here”. He concluded “Bring them all in and I will get them shooting”.
After lunch Harold and Kelly loaded up their treasures and went back to the Gun Shop. Pete helped them unload and said “give me a week and they should be ready”. Harold asked him “How much for a case lot of twenty two long rifle”. Pete thought for a moment and said “I will toss in case on the Garand deal, if you buy this young lady a twenty two pistol”. Harold looked and choose a Browning Buck Mark”. Pete told him “That is good choice, she should be able to shoot it well”.
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 30, 2020 11:48:15 GMT -6
The next morning Harold and Kelly took Mary out shooting. They drilled her about safety and she passed with flying colors. She was well aware of the responsibility she was being entrusted with. The first firearm was the ten twenty two. She had been reading the NRA Junior shooting book and was following the instructions. She did well enough that Harold let her try the Browning pistol again the NRA books had taught her well and soon she was shooting as well as many adults.
They broke for lunch and Harold set them up to break some clay birds with the shotgun. The light trap and skeet loads did not even phase Mary and she broke over half the clay birds that Harold tossed up. Kelly had about the same luck. Harold did not get to shoot because they did not bring enough twelve gauge ammo. After evening chores were done and the firearms were cleaned Harold called the hospital and checked on the girl they had rescued. As it turns out her mother sold her for dope money. Her father had died under some mysterious circumstances last year. They had yet to find any living relatives.
Harold sat his computer and finished a writing job. He emailed it to the client and started thinking about adopting Mary outright. This would give him more leeway into her upbringing than just being a step dad. He asked Kelly “Dear, what would you say if I wanted to adopt Mary”? Kelly asked him “What bought this about”? Harold answered “It would help her break with stigma of her birth father and make it easier for me to name her as my heir”. Kelly told him “I like the idea but you need to ask her what she wants”. Harold knew she was right and he formulated a plan.
He waited until it was time for Mary to go to bed asked her “Mary, do you know what adoption is”? She said “Yes” and asked “Why”? Harold said “I would like to adopt you as my daughter”. Mary thought for a second and said “Yes”! His next call was to his Lawyer. “Mike, old man I need you to work on an adoption for me”. The Lawyer asked Harold “Who is the lucky girl”? Harold answered “My step daughter Mary”. The Lawyer asked him “What about her birth father”? “oh” Harold answered “I shot him the other day”. “WHAAAAAT”? Shouted his Lawyer. “Calm down he escaped from prison and tried to kidnap my wife and her child at our home”. He continued “Besides the prosecutor called it self defense”.
Mikes head was spinning but he said “I’ll handle this and get you the paper work”. Harold told him “Thanks old friend”. Mike had been his attorney for many years and his friend even longer.
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Post by sniper69 on Apr 30, 2020 12:11:23 GMT -6
Thanks for the latest chapters. I did notice that Herbert became Harold in the last few chapters. Or did I miss something in reading your excellent work?
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