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Post by gipsy on May 19, 2021 8:21:41 GMT -6
Dogs are usually a good judge of people
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Post by papaof2 on May 19, 2021 11:45:04 GMT -6
If dogs sat on the bench, you'd hear things like "Guilty of first degree murder. The Rotties out back are hungry - take him out there."
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Post by gipsy on May 19, 2021 13:18:15 GMT -6
Sounds good to me
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Post by bretf on May 19, 2021 15:22:05 GMT -6
Goodness, I try so hard to recreate scenes from my buddies when I have a chicken in a crate, and it's all passed by, with all the comments and speculation on the last sentence. ydderf: man, you made me shudder with that one. Papa, naw, not rotties. Think self-reliance and farm living. "Guilty of first degree murder. Isn't it time to feed the pigs?"
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Post by papaof2 on May 19, 2021 16:41:16 GMT -6
Pigs fit the purpose but city boys have no idea how or what pigs eat. Rotties fit punishment for city criminals - to be sure there's some terror in the swift punishment. Just put them in body bags before you mention Rotties so you don't have to clean up the mess ;-)
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Post by texican on May 20, 2021 13:24:11 GMT -6
Now if you really wanted to terrorize the bad guys, bring out the 100 chihuahuas that are used to hunt bears and lions.
Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on May 20, 2021 14:35:38 GMT -6
That sounds like death by 1000 paper cuts ;-)
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Post by bretf on May 20, 2021 19:14:43 GMT -6
Tex, and here I thought ydderf's suggestion was bad, so you had to see his horror and raise it. {shudder} If you guys keep this up, I might have to branch out in my reading for ideas on how to progress.
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Post by 9idrr on May 20, 2021 20:51:50 GMT -6
Tex, and here I thought ydderf's suggestion was bad, so you had to see his horror and raise it. {shudder} If you guys keep this up, I might have to branch out in my reading for ideas on how to progress. So, you're sayin' there'll be more Letters from Chad tellin' maybe about were-chihuahuas?
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Post by bretf on May 25, 2021 11:04:43 GMT -6
Chapter 22
Kevin watched as the truck rumbled up the lane, the peaceful quiet of the evening interrupted by the diesel engine. The truck turned at the long driveway to the neighbors’ house, swung off it, and stopped. The peace was further disrupted by the alarm as the truck reversed. It seemed unnaturally loud as the truck backed and turned, pulled ahead, then turned and backed again.
Jack and Jill were just outside the chicken pen from Kevin, still watching. Jack whined softly; Jill emitted a low growl, accompanied by raised hackles.
“Easy guys,” Kevin murmured. “It’s okay as long as they stay over there.” He picked up the box and exited the pen. After securing the gate, he knelt between the dogs and rested a hand on each of them. Then all three watched the truck.
It stopped in front of the closed garage door. Kevin hadn’t noticed until that moment the overhead door had been installed. The entire building had been constructed in record time.
Moments after the truck stopped moving, the driver shut the engine off and the noise stopped, replaced by the whoosh from the release of airbrakes. Then it was quiet. Eerily quiet. Birds that’d been calling minutes earlier, the occasional frog, the hum and buzz of insects, were silent. It seemed as if they were also watching the truck.
Kevin tensed as the passenger door opened. A moment later he tensed even more. Both dogs growled low. Their lips curled up revealing their sharp canines. The unmistakable shaved head emerged; the huge man got out of the cab. Kevin jerked as the truck doors slammed closed. The big man walked to rear of the truck. Kevin couldn’t see the driver but guessed he’d been part of the crew working on the road.
Reaching under his light jacket, he ran his hand over the grip and tested, pulling the pistol an inch out of the holster. It moved freely. He emitted a sigh. I was hoping I’d seen the last of that thug.
The garage door opened and the men swung the back gates of the truck open. Kevin quit watching, drawn to turn towards the sound of another vehicle approaching. It was a large black SUV. He couldn’t be certain but surmised it was the same one that’d been there before, the one driven away by the man who’d had the large man apparently begging for his life.
Kevin patted his pistol again and very quietly told the dogs, “I think we need to go to the house. I’d feel more comfortable with the shotgun at hand.” But he didn’t rise right away. Instead, he pulled the phone from his pocket, opened the camera app, zoomed in, and shot pictures of the vehicles and their license plates. He waited another few moments, until the driver emerged. He appeared non-descript at the distance, but was stylishly dressed. Kevin shot two more photos, then more when the men from the truck joined the SUV driver.
“Now we’ll go,” Kevin said. With one more look at the neighbors’ place, his blood ran cold. The man had opened the car’s rear door and leaned in. He straightened with a military style rifle in each hand, passing them to his companions. Each gun was mounted with a large scope and long magazines extended from them. He reached in again, emerging with another of the rifles. Motioning, he said something undecipherable into the SUV, and stepped back, closing the door after two yapping Chihuahuas jumped out. They scampered around the men’s feet as if daring them to kick as they went to the garage.
Kevin had no idea what was going on over there but couldn’t imagine anything good. He shuddered.
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Post by udwe on May 25, 2021 14:19:40 GMT -6
Wow! What the heck is going on over there?
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Post by gipsy on May 26, 2021 8:36:30 GMT -6
Some bad things I bet
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Post by ydderf on May 26, 2021 9:30:47 GMT -6
Mafia,Militia,one more secret government agency. The choices are varied,wherever you go Bret we will read. Thank you.
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Post by solo on May 26, 2021 9:59:10 GMT -6
I don't know. What if they are just a MAG that is setting up? There are a lot of ways this could go and the truth is some of us at one time or another, when trying to maintain secrecy have come off looking awfully shady. This probably is not the case when looking at the dogs reactions, but it would be an interesting twist. Like, when they are finally finished, they start reaching out to neighbors to help them attain the same level of readiness. Or at the least offer to get their neighbor to a certain level of proficiency, because we all need buffer zones, right?
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Post by texican on May 26, 2021 18:34:19 GMT -6
Motioning, he said something undecipherable into the SUV, and stepped back, closing the door after two yapping Chihuahuas jumped out. They scampered around the men’s feet as if daring them to kick as they went to the garage.
Yep, chihuahuas have attitudes and in large packs have lots of attitude.
The thugs should be grateful it wasn't a suv full of chihuahuas...
Thanks bret for the chapter.
Texican....
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Post by eyeseetwo on May 30, 2021 17:28:30 GMT -6
Discretely place surveillance cameras and sturdy fence with motion sensors pronto. Ask the deputy to check in to the new owners possible prior criminal history. A gated entry to his property. No further contact with Cindy, she is a tease and evil.
Thank you for adding to your story.
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Post by bretf on May 31, 2021 18:44:16 GMT -6
Chapter 23
Kevin hadn’t made it to the house when he was startled by the phone ringing in his pocket. Taking a moment to collect his wits, he fished it free and looked at the display as it continued to ring. “Hello.”
“Hey Kev, how are you?”
“Uh, doing good, thanks. How are you, Tammy?”
“Bored. And hoping I could see you. I can’t leave work but it’s pretty slow for a Friday. Can you come by. You can tell me how your chicken trip went. I could get a couple of prime rib sandwiches ready.”
“Well, I’m not sure,” he said slowly, turning and looking at the neighbors’ place.
“Aw c’mon, Kev. I’m sure you haven’t taken time to fix something to eat, what with getting your birds.”
“Well …”
“Tell ya what. I’ll even get a couple of burger patties cooked for your dogs.”
“Hum.”
“And I’ll get a basket of onion rings and a tall iced tea for you.”
“Aw, I don’t know. I was thinking about a quiet evening here at home.” Turning to look at the neighbor’s place he told himself, As if.
“I’ve offered you a great dinner, a drink, conversation. The only thing I have left to offer is my body and I told you I’d stop acting like that. So, please, come to the Watering Hole. I’d really like to see you.”
Kevin was at his door but didn’t enter the house. Instead, he turned and watched the activity at the neighbors.
“Please, Kev,” Tammy said.
“Alright, you sold me. Prime rib, onion rings, iced tea, and intelligent conversation. It sounds like a good evening.”
“You could have desert, too.”
Kevin didn’t ask what desert she had in mind. He had a pretty good idea. Instead, he said, “Well, I’ve been trying to avoid deserts. I’d put on more pounds than I like, and now that I’m working them off, I don’t want to put them back on.”
The conversation stalled. After a long silence, Tammy said, “So, you’ll come in? Should I put in the food order?”
Kevin smiled. “Oh, yeah. I’ll be there. Give me ten to fifteen minutes.” He glanced down at his pals. “And Jack and Jill look pretty happy at the prospects of a burger.”
Tammy didn’t answer right away. When she did, she said, “I’m sure. But they’ll have to eat in your truck. Pets aren’t allowed inside.”
“I’m sure they’ll understand. At least with a burger they will.”
Kevin took one more look at the neighbors’ place, gave a slight nod, and changed course towards his truck. “C’mon, guys. Let’s go to town and let someone else cook for us.”
#
Kevin pulled his old pickup truck to a stop in the Watering Hole parking lot. He lifted his phone, grinned and sent a quick text. At least as quick as he could with his large fingers on those tiny keys. The text sent, he looked up as the front door to the establishment opened and Tammy stepped out. She looked around and her face blossomed into a huge smile when she saw his truck.
Kevin got out, told the dogs to stay, and waved.
Tammy met him half-way to the door. She opened her arms wide, offering and anticipating a welcoming hug.
Kevin smiled, reaching out with his right hand, grasping Tammy’s right hand. He pulled close to her and leaned in. “Thanks for inviting me. That sandwich sounds great.”
“Maybe you’d be interested in Adam’s Spare Rib,” Tammy said and tried to work her left arm around him.
“Spare Rib? Naw, that prime rib sandwich sounds great,” he said as he stepped out of her reach.
She shot a glare, there and gone. “Yeah, sorry, my mistake. It is prime rib.” She turned and stalked towards the door. After three steps, she stopped and turned. “Well, are you coming?”
Kevin looked at his truck. Jack and Jill watched his every move. He shrugged. Twin tongues lolled out and they followed him with their eyes. “Sure,” he told Tammy.
Standing inside the door, it took several moments for Kevin’s eyes to adjust. He scanned the room shaking his head. Two tables were occupied, as well as four barstools. He recognized three of the men at the bar from when he’d gone there from work. Why’d I waste so much time here? I could’ve been doing something worthwhile. Thank God I didn’t end up like those guys.
Tammy pointed at a table. “Let’s sit there.” She left him and went behind the bar.
Kevin went to the table, choosing the seat where he could see the door and the bar. He followed Tammy with his eyes.
Tammy carried two tall, condensation covered glasses to the table. “Iced tea,” she stated when she placed them on napkins. Pushing one towards him, she said, “No sugar in this one. The food will be up in a minute.” Putting the minute to use, she checked the occupied tables, returning with the bill to one. The bell dinged at the counter as the cook placed two plates and a basket on it. Tammy picked them up, expertly handling the items, and returned to the table.
“This looks fantastic,” Kevin said. “I hadn’t realized how hungry I was.”
“They are good. Now dig in and tell me about your day.”
Kevin took a bite, savoring the flavor as he chewed. Then he started the narrative about getting the hens. He paused often to take a bite when Tammy had a comment.
The people she’d given the bill to stood. “Do you need to take care of them?” he asked.
“I suppose,” she said, “since technically I’m still working.”
While she was ringing the group up, a man entered the establishment. Looking furtively around, he spotted Tammy and approached her. Kevin was instantly on edge. Taking his phone out, he studied the screen, moving his finger near the display as if he was checking texts. Carefully, he pointed the phone in the general direction of the bar, snapping pictures. The man looked like too many of the dead-beat dads he saw at his work. The man pulled a wad of cash from his pocket. He exchanged it with Tammy for a carry-out bag she pulled from under the bar. Kevin slipped the phone back in his shirt pocket ant took a bite of the sandwich.
Tammy returned to the table, carrying a pitcher. She topped their glasses off and sat down. As she stirred sugar into hers, she said, “So eight chickens. You’re going to be eating a lot of eggs.”
“I guess I am. But you know, baking uses a lot of eggs. You know, cakes and cobblers, things like that.”
“Yeah, I suppose so.” She took a long drink.
Tammy was up and down throughout the meal, taking care of the other patrons, and filling more take out orders. Kevin noticed differences. While most people paid with plastic, two more paid with cash. And each time, Tammy had a rounded palm as she passed the bag over.
They were finishing the last two onion rings when another patron entered. Tammy hurried to the bar. Kevin slipped his phone out. He’d seen the man before, but not in the bar. He’d been part of the group working on the lane to his house. The lane to the new neighbors’ house.
When Tammy returned, Kevin stood and said, “I really appreciate the meal. Thank you very much. But I should be going.”
Tammy put on a hang-dog look then checked around the bar. “Let me walk you out.”
They walked silently to his truck. At the side of it, Kevin said, “Thanks again. Maybe We can do this again soon if you’re not too busy.”
“I’d like that. And would it be too forward of me to ask for a kiss in return?”
While part of his brain told him to run away, fast, Kevin grinned and said, “I can do that.”
Tammy wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in to him, pressing her lips to his. She broke the kiss and leaned back looking him in the eye. “That’s it? My God, Kev, I could get more heat out of a kiss with my brother.”
“Well, I –” he began but she shushed him.
“You get one more chance to do better.”
She leaned in with her entire body. Her breasts made contact before her lips. She kissed with a desire, devouring his lips, flicking her tongue out, forcing its way into his mouth. Her breasts pressed harder, and then her entire body seemed to mold against his. She ground her groin against him.
Despite his brain yelling at him to get in the truck and leave, Kevin found himself responding. It’d been so long. Too long since he’d had the pleasure of a woman’s body. He weakened, and allowed his tongue to duel with hers. His body came to life in ways it hadn’t for ages.
Tammy broke the kiss and leaned back. “Now that was more like it. I get off in a little over an hour. Do you think—”
Sounds from the truck drew their attention before she finished.
Kevin had left the windows down enough for the dogs to get air circulation. Jack had other ideas. He was forcing his way through the small opening, clawing and digging to get out. Jill was behind him, growling.
Jack cleared the window and forced himself between his master and the woman. His teeth were bared, his hackles raised.
Tammy backed away and uttered a very unladylike response in reference to the dog.
Kevin’s head cleared. “Sorry about that, Tammy, but I really should be getting home.”
“Yes, I suppose you should!”
As he drove towards home, Kevin looked across at his pals. “Thanks for watching out for me. I came close to falling. I knew it was wrong but I was weak. Thanks for saving me. And sorry about supper. You were supposed to get burger patties.”
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Post by NCWEBNUT on May 31, 2021 18:52:05 GMT -6
I'm beginning to not like Tammy, much like those dogs don't like her either, something ain't right about her.
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Post by iamnobody on May 31, 2021 18:57:51 GMT -6
Tammy calls right as the thugs show up next door, buys you supper and then offers you sex - all to get you away from your home - RUN!!!!
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Post by gipsy on Jun 1, 2021 9:20:26 GMT -6
Spy in the bushes
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Post by ydderf on Jun 2, 2021 9:17:43 GMT -6
Is Kevin sitting on a valuable piece of property? Is Tammy a volunteer,is she being coerced, so many questions? Waiting patiently for answers. Thanks Bretf
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Post by bretf on Jun 4, 2021 8:33:12 GMT -6
Chapter 24
Kevin parked and got out of his truck. Looking at the neighbors’ place, he was relieved to see the moving van and the SUV were gone. He went to the house and fed the dogs, including a treat from the refrigerator. They’d earned it; he wished he had burger patties for them but he didn’t. As they ate, he went to his closet. He opened the door and stared at the shotgun.
“Do I really need this? Just to walk around my own place? If something comes up, can I use it or is it just a prop?” he asked quietly as he looked in the closet. “My God, what’s going on over there?”
He stared longer at the shotgun, then shook his head, closed his eyes and sighed. Resigned, he reached for the gun. Checking the magazine, yes, it was full, he racked a round into the chamber. Then he fed another into the magazine. He didn’t anticipate needing it with the rigs next door gone, but …He hated feeling that he needed it, hated it to no end. And he still didn’t know if he could use it if the need arose. As he hefted its weight in his trembling hands, the sandwich that’d tasted so good rumbled and boiled in his stomach. It felt like he had a volcano buried inside him that was ready to erupt. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh, then returned to the kitchen.
The dogs had finished their supper, of course. They never took long. “Let’s go outside and look around for a bit, guys.” With his flashlight in his pocket and carrying the shotgun, he opened the back door and pushed his way through the screen door. Closing the door quietly, he took the flashlight in his free hand. The dogs trotted off, with no concern or alarm. He breathed a sigh of relief.
As he walked around, everything appeared normal, and he relaxed a bit. The dogs were already at the chicken pen when he reached it. The stars and moon, as well as the light over the new deck next door gave him enough light, he could see the hens had all gone into the coop. Still, he clicked the flashlight on and directed the beam inside. The hens were on the roost. He let out another sigh and checked that the gate was secure.
Kevin took a minute to study the neighbors’ place. All was quiet and still. He only heard normal night sounds, frogs, crickets, an owl’s hoot. That was good considering how everything had silenced earlier.
“I guess it’s all good, guys. Let’s go in.”
#
Kevin was up with the sun. As he filled the coffee pot with water, he looked out the kitchen window at the neighbors’ house. It was quiet as it’d been when he last checked. The dogs were outside doing their morning business and making the rounds. Each time he glanced them, they appeared unconcerned. He finished at the sink, poured the water in the coffee maker, and started it brewing. The shotgun leaned against the door molding, easily accessible.
With his coffee mug in hand, Kevin walked to the chicken pen. The dogs ran ahead of him and waited at the fence when he arrived. The hens were out of the coop. After spending their lives in a tight pen, they seemed unsure of what to do in the open space. He was sure they’d figure it out soon and the weeds that’d grown up in the pen would be a thing of the past.
Kevin went to the shed, getting his hand pruners and wheelbarrow, then walked to the garden. He left his mug on the cross beam to the corner post of the fence. It was time for the final picking of the peas. He dropped to his hands and knees, snipping the vines off at the dirt. He wanted to leave the roots, with the nitrogen fixing nodules where they were. He snipped away until he reached the section of the row he was leaving to mature for seed.
Gathering an armload of vines, he deposited them in the wheelbarrow, paused for a sip of coffee, then repeated the action. He rolled the wheelbarrow to his lawn chair, still set out from the last time of shelling peas. After retrieving his coffee and refreshing it while getting a bowl from the kitchen, picking up a bucket for pea pods, he settled into the chair.
Pulling a vine free, he removed the pods and tossed the vine near the wheelbarrow. They’d go to the compost pile when he was finished. He worked steadily, enjoying the morning, the only sounds coming from birds. It was the kind of morning he loved. The pile of spent vines grew higher, as well as the level of pods in the bucket.
Kevin was startled as the dogs left the chicken pen, running to him. Rather than beg for a handful of peas, they positioned themselves in front of him and looked up the lane. Their ears were raised, nostrils working as they checked for scents. Several seconds passed before Kevin heard it. The rumble of an approaching truck.
A moving truck soon came into view, and like the previous evening, it turned to the neighbors’ place. Unlike the previous evening, it stopped in front of the house’s front door. The same two men got out, accompanied by a third. He hadn’t been part of the group working on the road but Kevin had seen him before. The previous evening, in fact, getting a carryout bag at the Watering Hole.
Kevin watched and considered the previous evening. Was Tammy tied in with this bunch? Or was it a total coincidence she called when she did. And did her best to keep him occupied. Was she really attracted to him and wanting to advance their relationship to the physical? If it wasn’t a coincidence, what was her connection, her motive? What was going on? Had she picked him out, befriended him because of where he lived? Would she call again?
He glanced at the phone in his hand, the camera app open as he’d been shooting pictures. There were no incoming calls. Maybe it really had been a coincidence.
His head swam with questions and implications as he continued to strip the vines free of pea pods. He’d reached the final vine when the dogs alerted him of another approaching vehicle. The black SUV pulled to a stop on the cement pad in front of the garage. It was followed by a bright red sports car, the type he thought were driven by people who wanted to be looked at. Flashy but unpractical.
The man Kevin had seen intimidate the huge man got out of the SUV. He waited while the door to the red car opened. Cindy got out, opening her arms wide and stretching, her impressive body clad in form revealing clothing.
He clicked more photos and muttered, “Well, there goes the neighborhood. This could get interesting.”
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Post by ydderf on Jun 4, 2021 9:11:29 GMT -6
Thanks Bretf
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Post by 9idrr on Jun 4, 2021 19:59:38 GMT -6
Are there any females Kevin can trust? At least of the human kind?
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Post by texican on Jun 7, 2021 11:52:25 GMT -6
He clicked more photos and muttered, “Well, there goes the neighborhood. This could get interesting.”
Only if brett posts more chapters....
Texican....
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