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Post by 12gauge on Apr 30, 2020 12:14:59 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? No I got a little bit of a shock today I learned my mother passed away in the nursing home. Writing is helping me keep my mind off that for Herbert is the right name. I do apologize I knew she would be passing at some point but you never are ready for it. thanks for putting up with me.
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Post by sniper69 on Apr 30, 2020 13:36:56 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? No I got a little bit of a shock today I learned my mother passed away in the nursing home. Writing is helping me keep my mind off that for Herbert is the right name. I do apologize I knew she would be passing at some point but you never are ready for it. thanks for putting up with me. Sorry to hear about your mom's passing. You and your family will be in my prayers during this time of your loss. Also no need to apologize - I'm sure I speak for many of the folks here in saying that your writing is appreciated.
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Post by gipsy on Apr 30, 2020 14:39:05 GMT -6
Sorry for your loss
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Post by kiwibutterfly on Apr 30, 2020 16:53:47 GMT -6
Thank you so much for the MOAR...keep going I am really enjoying this story line. Deepest condolences on the loss of your mother.
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Post by 12gauge on Apr 30, 2020 19:06:57 GMT -6
It took a couple of weeks but a hearing was scheduled in front of Judge Raleigh. He had reputation for common sense. Mike showed up just in case an attorney was needed. The Judge listened to the plea and asked Mary “Do you want this man to be your daddy”? Mary answered “Yes” the judge asked her “Why is that”? Mary answered “Because my old daddy was going to sell mommy and me off as slaves and he saved us”. The Judge said “I have examined the evidence and all of the testimony and can see no reason to deny this petition and every reason to grant it”. He concluded “As of today Mister Herbert Smith is now your legal father and you can be known as Mary Smith if you so desire”. He closed with “Court is adjourned”.
The newly minted family went out to get something to eat and ran into Mad jack. He called out “Hello Mule Girl” Mary ran up to him gave him a big hug “Mister Jack how are you”? Jack smiled and said “As well as can be expected for an old man”. Herbert and family caught up Jack told them “I am glad you got my mules, it seems we are headed for Global Thermonuclear War”. Herbert asked him “Have you made any preparations for this”? Jack replied “I was about to ask the same of you”. The two men talked while they shared the family feast special. After the meal the family went home. The news that night caused Herbert to take some extra precautions by stacking hay bales and anything else to build mass in front of the barn walls. Next he moved the chickens and rabbits into the barn. If the night passed without incident he was going to reinforce the barn.
The next morning bought good news. There was no nuclear exchange but it had been close. After breakfast and morning chores Herbert told the family “We need to reinforce our bar, so today we will get a lot of building materials dropped off” he continued “We will be adding an outer wall and using a backhoe to fill the space in between with dirt”. Kelly asked him “Can we afford more feed for the animals”? Herbert said “that is a good idea plus I want to order garden seed and seed for oats, corn and hay plus a grinder so we make animal feed if we need to do so”. The material was dropped off and work began. It took most of the day to get the wall built and the next day to fill it. While they were working Jimmy pulled in just in time to give the family a much needed break. “Hey mister Smith dad got your firearms done with last nights excitement he sent out to drop them off”. Herbert said “Thank you Jimmy and be sure to thank your dad as well” jimmy told him we shot each rifle and cleaned them afterwards”. Herbert replied “Can I get you to bring me some ammo and Enbloc clips”? Jimmy said “Sure we have three cases at the shop, I will go fetch them out here right now”.
Herbert went back to work reinforcing the barn and storing the feed they had ordered. An hour later Jimmy returned with the ammunition that Herbert had ordered. Jimmy told him “Dad says he is closing early today so we can get stuff ready for our families”. “Good” Herbert replied “you need to take care of them”. Jimmy took his leave and went home.
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Post by supermag on Apr 30, 2020 19:13:21 GMT -6
Sorry for your loss
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Post by texican on Apr 30, 2020 20:28:53 GMT -6
Mary decided it was time to prove she could cook and started dinner. It was fried chicken and egg salad with fried potatoes.
12,
Fried chicken and fried potatoes and no gravy. Now that is just cruel.
Thanks for all of the chapters.
Prayers for you and your family for the loss of your mom.
Texican....
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Post by spacecadet12364 on Apr 30, 2020 20:36:24 GMT -6
So sorry for your loss, 12.
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Post by workhorse on Apr 30, 2020 22:39:21 GMT -6
😁
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Post by 12gauge on May 2, 2020 6:01:46 GMT -6
As the political situation deteriorated Herbert got an unexpected call. He answered his phone “This is Herbert Smith”. The voice on the other said “Herbert it’s me Bunny Girl, your little sister”. It had been a few years since Darcy “Bunny Girl” had talked to Herbert due to her control freak husband. “Darcy it has been a long time since you called me”. She interrupted “James is dead, he was caught in a huge money laundering scheme and died in prison”. He wondered what she ever saw in that guy. She went on “I have no place to stay because the court seized all of our property”.
Herbert thought for a minute and told her “I am married now and have an adopted daughter, if my wife okays it you can come here but she is in charge”. He continued “stay by your phone and I will call you back once I talk to my wife”. Darcy went on “Please hurry I am at the woman's shelter in New York city and it is scary”. Herbert told her “If you come here expect to work”. He hung up and went to talk to Kelly.
He stated “Kelly I need to talk with you about an important matter”. Kelly asked “What’s wrong”? He said “My sister is now a broke widow and has nowhere to go, she wants to come here”. Kelly thought for a minute and said “I didn't know you had a sister”. Kelly asked him “What happened”? Herbert told her all of the story he knew about. Kelly said “Bring her out here but she will have to pull her own weight or out she goes”. Herbert got online and chartered a private plane to bring her into Chippewa airport. Once that was done he called her back and told her “You can come here, there is a car coming to pick you up and a private plane waiting for you at the airport”. He added “Oh yes, we live in Northern Michigan and it will be cold much of the year”. Darcy told him “I don’t care so long as I am away from here”. About that time the shelter director interrupted and told the car had arrived.
Herbert went out to the bunkhouse and began getting it ready for his sisters arrival. He stopped and thought “wait a second, all this needs is a little cleaning I can leave this for her and get a feel for capacity to do work”. He left the bunkhouse as is. He got Kelly and Mary loaded into his dual cab truck and they left for the airport.
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Post by texican on May 2, 2020 10:21:20 GMT -6
Wife, sister, two kids and Herbert in the same house, now what could happen?
Thanks 12 for the chapter.
Texican....
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Post by 12gauge on May 2, 2020 10:48:15 GMT -6
The Smith family arrived at the Airport one half hour before the scheduled landing. Herbert and Mary looked in the gift shop trying to find a “Welcome Gift” for his sister. They settled on plush Moose named Gulliver. Gulliver is a real Moose who has been tracked from one side of the upper peninsula to the other hence the name. Mary got a bag of Cheetos so she would not starve to death. She told her dad “The Dinosaurs died because they ran out of Cheetos”. Herbert did not laugh out loud but it was close. The plane was one hour late. Herbert thought to himself “This is why I hate flying”. As he was thinking this his sister walked down the ramp. She was five years younger than Herbert and not half as smart because of her chosen lifestyle. Herbert greeted her “Hello Darcy let’s get out of here rather quickly and I will introduce you to the family”. Darcy simply nodded and followed Herbert out to the truck. Once there she asked him “Why are you driving such a beast of a vehicle”? Herbert replied “We are on a working and mostly self sufficient farm”. Darcy said “Oh wow, I thought you would live in town and just do your writing since you are so good at it”. Herbert told her “I do still write but the way things are going a self sufficient and income producing farm only makes sense”.
As they pulled into the farm they noticed big trouble. A feral hog was tearing up the place. Herbert said “Everyone stay in the truck I will handle this”. Herbert drove as close to the house as he could get. He went in and came out with his twelve gauge shotgun. He put the scope on the hog and squeezed the trigger. The Dixie eight hundred and seventy grain slug smashed into the hog taking him down. Herbert scouted around just in case the hog had friends when he was satisfied there was only the single boar he sounded the all clear. The family escorted Darcy to the Bunkhouse and Herbert told her “The place needs a bit of cleaning, we didn’t have enough time to do it before you arrived”. In a surprising move Darcy jumped right in and began cleaning. Herbert thought “Maybe she is finally learning something”. Herbert pulled up his hoist and lifted the hog off the ground. Next he washed the it down with the hose before starting the butchering process. It took well into the night but the hog was cut up, in the big refrigerator and ready for making into pork products the next day. The next day sheriff Pete showed up. He helped get the hog processed and asked Herbert “Can you come into town with me”. Herbert asked “Sure Pete what’s up”. Pete said “There are a couple of federal people tossing their weight around like they are someone important.
As Pete and Herbert drove into town Herbert called a friend of his in Washington D.C and asked him “Charles, do you know that there are federal agents in Munising Michigan bullying the locals”? Charles said “Have the sheriff detain those two they are supposed to be assessing community shelter space. Charles took a breath and added “The use of deadly force is authorized”.
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Post by bluefox2 on May 2, 2020 10:59:05 GMT -6
Wife, sister, two kids and Herbert in the same house, now what could happen? Thanks 12 for the chapter. Texican.... Nothing could possibly go wrong with a group like that.
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Post by gipsy on May 2, 2020 11:17:02 GMT -6
Time for SSS
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Post by 12gauge on May 2, 2020 15:35:46 GMT -6
The sheriff and Herbert arrived in town just in time to see the two agents trying to an elderly man and having little success. All got a shock when the man pulled a worn but well maintained Colt single action revolver from under his coat and proceeded two put down both federal agents.
Herbert and the sheriff saw the speed and accuracy of the defense that was more common in a young man. As they approached him he said “Young punks think their federal badge gives them the right to beat on an old man best think again”. He holstered his weapon and addressed the sheriff “Hi ya Pete did you see what those two did ta me”? Pete said “Yes I did and it looks like self defense, I just talked to their boss in Washington and authorized deadly force to ensure they behaved”. Herbert introduced himself “I’m Herbert Smith” the man replied “I know you, your the man as what got my brothers mules”. He introduced himself as Max.
Herbert called Charles and told him “Your agents messed with the wrong guy and got a lesson in the power of the forty five Long Colt”. Charles replied “No big loss just have the sheriff write it up as self defense and I will sign off on it”. He added “I need to send two replacement agents to help assess community shelter space”. Herbert told him “Just run them by the sheriff first”. Herbert and Pete began comparing notes on everything that had happened and both came to the same conclusion. Global Thermonuclear War was imminent. Pete asked Herbert “DO you have shelter space at your spread”? Herbert replied “Yes how about you”? Pete told him “It’s a bit bland on the decor but it will do”.
Herbert’s phone rang and he answered “Herbert Smith here”. The voice on the other end said “This nurse Crenshaw, the little girl who's name is Carla is ready for discharge”. She added “She does not have much in the way of memories, the doctor believes it is due to Traumatic stress”. Herbert told her “Please have her discharge papers and medications ready, she is to be released only to my wife or myself”. Nurse Crenshaw began tossing her weight around and the sheriff spoke up “Helen that child is a potential witness in a human trafficking case if someone grabs her I am holding you responsible”. This shut her down and she acquiesced.
Herbert called home. “Kelly we need to pick up the little girl from the hospital they will only release her to us”. He asked “Can you and Mary meet me there”? Kelly responded “We are on our way”.
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Post by 12gauge on May 2, 2020 18:41:26 GMT -6
At the hospital Kelly noticed a few people who looked out of place. Some seemed to be paying a great deal of attention to her and Mary. Michigan law forbids the carry of weapons in medical facilities. She called Herbert and the sheriff “I think we have a problem there more than a few people who are out of place I believe they are trouble”.
The sheriff hit the lights and tromped the accelerator. He called his dispatcher and said “Send all available units to the hospital and get some help from the state police NOW”. They pulled into the parking lot and the sheriff handed Herbert the shotgun and some flex cuffs. He drew his pistol. Then the sheriff said you have just been deputized. Several other deputies arrived and secured the hospital in short order. As Herbert and the sheriff arrived deputy Art told them “the State Police are on the way”. Herbert asked him what he found Art told him “We have some very unsavory people playing doctor” Art laughed “All of these jokers have federal multiple warrants I think this is bigger than our little office”. The doctor told Herbert and Kelly “I have a some antibiotics and pain killers follow the instructions and come see me in a week”. Herbert and Kelly promised in there best accent “We’ll be back”. The doctor smiled and excused himself saying “I’ve got sick folk to look after”.
On arriving home they got back to their chores. Herbert finished up the barn and the girls finished organizing the animal feed. Later they listened to the news. The news man said “The government is providing free shelter plans, we urge everyone to stock at least two weeks supply of food and water”. The news man went on “China has cut off all diplomatic relations with every nation except North Korea, the President is meeting with the UN ambassadors as we speak but there is little chance of anything good coming from it”. Herbert said “I need to make some calls”.
His first call was to the sheriff “Pete, did you hear the news this afternoon”? Pete answered “Yeah, we have implemented the plans that the two new feds suggested” he continued “those two agents arrived and have been assigned here for the duration”. Herbert was a little shocked and a lot of suspicious.
His next call was to Charles he asked “Charles, what is going on with stationing agents in our community”. Charles told him “We want people in several communities to organize resources for recovery after any event”. He added “Don’t worry this is not a government take over of anything we are there to help”. Charles had never lied to before so he took him at his word.
Next he called his Lawyer “Mike, you need to get out of the city” he said. “mike told him “Way ahead of you I self evacuated to the fortress hours ago”.
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Post by 12gauge on May 2, 2020 19:15:37 GMT -6
People in the Upper Peninsula tend to keep a larger pantry due to the winter weather. Many stocked up a little bit more “just to be safe”. The sheriff issued out equipment and extra ammo to his deputies ordering them “take this stuff home for safe keeping”. Deputy Miller told the sheriff “Some of our people don’t have shelters so I was thinking maybe they could bug in here”. Pete said “Good idea Art tell them to bring all the canned and dried food they have or can get”. The sheriff was surprised at how much food and water they were able to come up with. One deputy even bought in a couple of camp stoves and enough fuel for months. Pete worked by the motto of tell your people what needs to be done than sit back and watch them amaze you with there solutions”.
The next group to get into gear was the fire department. One fire fighter was even able to EMP proof the fire equipment and ambulance. The hospital director had everyone in high gear. Patients were being being moved into the lower levels of the hospital and sand bags were being filled to block entrances that were unprotected. The security boss had a few Hi-Point 995 carbine he issued ti his most trusted people.
At the farm a quick inventory was made and another road taxed diesel tank was ordered and for a premium delivered and installed that afternoon. The family went into town to pick up some clothing for Carla and Darcy. Their next stop was the gun store to get weapons for Darcy and Carla. Darcy got a three fifty magnum from Henry USA. Carla got a Ruger Ten twenty Two.
When they got home the family started moving stuff into the basement and shelter. Carla worked along with Mary and Darcy seeing to the evening milking. Herbert shut the barn door and stacked hay and wrapping plastic sheeting.
That night they slept in the shelter and it was a good thing they did. That night the EAS sounded.
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Post by texican on May 2, 2020 20:19:34 GMT -6
Seems like the nukes are flying. Mow that will impact your day.
Herbert and two grown females and three young ladies in the shelter. Hope Herbert has his estrogen blocking supplements.
Thanks 12 for the chapters.
Texican....
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Post by cutter on May 2, 2020 20:29:55 GMT -6
Two and two, Tex.
12 Gauge, I'm sorry that your mother is no longer physically with you. I am grateful for your sorrow, for your sake. We only truly miss the ones we love. I'm glad you have that bond. You're not alone, my friend. As I have learned from my own experience, you have friends and allies here.
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Post by 12gauge on May 3, 2020 18:16:16 GMT -6
“This is the Emergency Alert System enemy missiles are being tracked by the US and Canada, take shelter”. The announcer continued “Tune your radio to 640 or 1240 on the AM dial for further instructions and official information”. The message repeated over and over. Herbert tuned into 1240 AM.
The announcer had nothing but grave information. China and North Korea had picked a fight with the rest of the world and now the world was fighting back. The missiles struck several major cities killing millions. Washington DC would be uninhabitable for at least a century. Inside the shelter Herbert hooked up his survey meter and began recording the readings. He would use these to calculate how long they would be in the shelter. Herbert told the others to get some sleep while they could.
It was early the next morning when the radiation peeked. Herbert ran the numbers and though “It could have been a lot worse”. While the others slept Herbert busied himself making coffee. He lit up one burner on his three burner Kerosene stove and put on the coffee pot. He waited for the water to boil and added the ground coffee. When it had boiled for a while he added a half cup of cold water into the pot and another half cup down the spout. He poured himself a cup as the others awoke.
Kelly and Darcy started a breakfast of eggs and sausage while the children made their beds and got dressed. After breakfast Mary and Carla were doing dishes while the adults made their beds. Herbert finally got to get some sleep. Carla and Mary finished the dishes and Carla asked “What do we do now”? Mary asked her “Have you ever played Dungeons&Dragons”? Darcy went somewhat ballistic “Kelly, you don’t let the girls play that horrible game” do you? She went on “it’s teaches immorality and witchcraft”!
Kelly had grown up with that nonsense. “Darcy that is all a load of crap, the eighties are over and all of that has been debunked”. Darcy went on “that’s not true”! Herbert woke asked and told Darcy “Do you remember the rules”? He did not give her a chance to reply “Kelly and I are in charge you will not tell us how to raise the girls am I making myself clear”!
Darcy went silent but she was plotting to get rid of Kelly and those brats. Darcy had been putting up with her brother and his superior attitude for years. He got a share of grandfathers trust and she did not. Herbert made a fortune by some unknown method while her husband went to prison. No, he had to be taught a lesson as soon as they got out of this shelter”.
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Post by texican on May 3, 2020 19:47:06 GMT -6
Darcy is in a world of hurt when she starts her plans.
Thanks 12 for the chapter.
I second what Cutter wrote. 12, you have lots of friends and supporters here.
Texican....
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Post by 12gauge on May 4, 2020 6:50:38 GMT -6
That afternoon Herbert gave the family an update “We will be in here for two weeks so everyone relax”. Darcy blew her lid “This is all Kelly’s fault she is trying to trick you” her eyes filled with tears “there was no nuclear war”! Unknown to Herbert his sister had recently been receiving psychiatric care but he was putting two and two together and not coming up with four.
After lunch Herbert and the girls finally got to play Dungeons&Dragons. Carla loved it when she found out she could play some fantastic characters. Herbert had moved his extensive collection of games into the shelter so the girls could be well entertained. Herbert called Carla over and said “These are for you” and handed her two sets of polyhedral dice. Carla thanked him by way of a big hug. Darcy grew more and more jealous as time went on. She told herself “This is all Kelly’s fault”. Her plan was to be put in motion as soon as they were out of the shelter for good Herbert, Kelly and the brats would have some accidents and all of this would be hers.
Herbert set up the his armature radio and contacted the sheriff’s office in Munising. He asked “How are things in town”? The dispatcher told him “We have a lot of the force and their families here at the court house and jail, food is a little scarce but we are making it”. Herbert replied “did the sheriff survive”? The dispatcher said “Yes he had a good shelter and will in the office in two weeks”. Herbert signed off to save his battery. Mary and Carla asked Herbert “Daddy, is aunt Darcy alright”? Herbert told them “No, I don’t think she is” he continued “She seems to be off the deep end we need to keep an eye on her”. The girls asked “What do you mean”? Herbert told them “Tell mom or I about any strange behavior or anything she says that might hurt us”. He thought for a second “If she asks you not to tell about something come tell your Mother or my self understand”. Both girls acknowledged that they understood.
The next two weeks would have been a drag except Herbert had planned for entertainment and a chore schedule. Mary and Carla did their chores without complaint, even cleaning the bathroom. Darcy did as little as possible and complained at every opportunity. Kelly cornered Herbert and told him When we can leave the shelter she needs to see the doctor and get some help. Herbert said “I will tell you what I told the girls watch her closely and report anything to me” he added “I agree with you she is up to no good.
Later on Darcy sought out Herbert and told him “Those three must go, they are possessed by Demons and it is your fault, because you let them play that game”. She ranted on “You have to drive a stake into their hearts or they will kill and eat me”. Herbert knew his sister had problems but not the extent of them he was going to handle this now.
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Post by cutter on May 4, 2020 7:15:41 GMT -6
This has the potential to end badly for Darcy, as in being Darcy's end.
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Post by 12gauge on May 4, 2020 7:47:16 GMT -6
Before Herbert could do anything Darcy lunged at him with a knife. It was not much as knives go but Herbert knew if used correctly any knife could kill him. Herbert asked her “What is wrong with you”? Darcy replied in a rant “You got grandpa's fortune, you had successful career as writer, you were left home and traveled the world” the rant continued “You turned all of my friends against me, you were so greedy that when my husband needed money you turned him away saying get a job”. She raged on “You hated mommy and daddy and that is why they kicked you out, then after they died you married the whore and her daughter, you went and took in that orphan whore” she raged some more “The only reason we got nuked was you built and stocked a bomb shelter, fat lot of good that will do us the air is radioactive and the ground is poisoned”!
Herbert saw Kelly walk up behind Darcy and give her a good smack upside her head. Darcy fell to the ground and Herbert said “When we can get out of here she goes into the hospital and or jail, I have had enough of her”. Mary and Carla got Herbert a glass of water while he tied up his sister.
After everything had settled down Kelly asked Herbert “Do you really want to adopt Carla”? Herbert replied “I do but I will only pursue it if you and Mary are of the same mind”. Kelly said “It is been a subject of conversation between Mary and I and I know she likes the idea”. Herbert said “When I make contact again I will look into the matter”. He continued “We must ask Carla if this is what she wants”.
They had that conversation after a dinner of beef burritos with rice and beans. Herbert asked Carla “Would you like to to be adopted by us”? Carla said “Yes, you are much nicer than my last family”. On his next contact he asked “Is Judge Raleigh available”? Helen the dispatcher said “Yeah, do you need to talk to him”? Herbert said “Yes I do we want to adopt Carla, the girl from the hospital”. The Judge came on and told Herbert “I thought that might be the case so I have the paperwork filled out, come see me when you can safely leave the shelter”.
With the adoption matter settled Herbert and Kelly looked in on Darcy. She ranted “Kill that demon possessed woman she is going to kill and eat me”. Herbert left food for her as he was leaving he closed and locked the door to the room.
Two weeks passed and the family could leave the shelter. Herbert called the sheriff and told him “My sister is insane she tried to kill me and threatened Kelly and the girls”. The sheriff said “I am coming out there to pick her up we have had a lot of that lately”.
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Post by gipsy on May 4, 2020 11:57:12 GMT -6
I wonder how many have gone off the deep end during this crisis.
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