|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 4, 2021 21:19:40 GMT -6
Cal caught up with the crew about a half-mile from their driveway entrance. Cal timed them and it looked like they were keeping a 7 mile per hour pace. The Unimog was going down the center of the road and the two Toolcats were using half their V-Blades to further push the snow aside on the left and right sides of the road. When they got to the Circle B, they cleared the quarter mile drive up to the house. Jimmy had been busy with their Toolcat and bucket clearing snow from around the buildings. The guys got out and poured coffee and hot chocolate. "Okay guys, we'll take a break and work our way to the Armory. DOT doesn't know when they'll be on this side of Grand Junction to clear roads. They're plagued with avalanches and 70 is closed all the way to Vail. I've got food and refills on standby if it takes us too long. You did a good job coming here. If you see anyone that might need help, shout out. Let's be ready to leave in 10." Their break over, they quickly cleared a path to all the buildings and corrals to help Jimmy out, then made their way back to begin plowing the road to Grand Junction. Cal went back to fill and load fuel cans. When the crew reported they were down to a quarter of a tank of fuel, Cal loaded two insulated containers of coffee and hot chocolate and drove it to their location. Cal refilled their thermoses while the guys refueled their vehicles. They had made good time so far, but would have to slow down on the switchbacks and curves going through the Colorado National Monument. Cal told them to hold at the pull-off near the tunnel and he would have food for them. The plowing operation started again, and Cal called Siobhan and told her when to have the food ready to go. Cal returned to the Ranch and refilled the fuel cans. When Cal figured they were nearing the pull-out, Cal loaded the soup and sandwiches and cups and went to meet up with them. They were parked at the pull-off less than a half-mile from the tunnel entrance. While the crew was eating, Cal was refueling the vehicles. They broke for 30 minutes and began plowing again. Less than 20 minutes later, Mike called Cal on the radio. "Cal, we have 3 vehicles stranded in the tunnel. They've been running their engines to keep warm and are almost out of gas." "All of them gasoline vehicles?" Cal asked. "Yeah." Mike answered. "Okay, have them go up to the pull-off and I'll return with some gas." "WILCO." Cal returned with the fuel and got everyone on their way. He soon caught up with the crew. They went through several more switchbacks and when they reached the Devil's Kitchen Trailhead, the road straightened out somewhat. When they arrived at the Ranger Station checkpoint, a Park Ranger came out. "Where in the world did you come from?" The Ranger asked. "Glade Park area. We cleared the road to here and heading to the Armory. You had some cars stranded in the tunnel and we got them on their way. You need anything?" "Yeah, if you could clear our drive so we can get in and out, I'd appreciate it." "No problem." Mike said. He maneuvered by the checkpoint and began clearing the drive as best he could. Because the Toolcats had movable V-Blades, they finished clearing the parking area. It was a straight shot, more or less to the Gunnison River bridge, so they could pick up speed more. Once they reached the bridge, they found it was already cleared. They all pulled over and Cal started to call the Sheriff, but Ben and Maria pulled in behind us. "I'm glad you cleared the road, Cal. We've been called in. They are expecting plenty of accident victims." "Well, if you need anything just give us a yell." "Will do, Cal. I'll talk to you later." Cal called the Sheriff and asked if there was anything they could help them with. The Sheriff said that Public Works and the County were finally getting the lead out and were clearing roads. The interstate was still closed, but there wasn't anything they could do about that. Cal had the guys convoy back to the Ranch. They were tired when they returned but pulled maintenance on the vehicles and fueled them before returning to their homes. Cal fired up the outdoor furnace to keep the temperature warm in the equipment hangar. It was around -5 degrees and they didn't know if they would have to go out again. The temperature for the next week never got above 34 degrees. Then the second storm hit them on January 2nd. It was only 2 feet, but they did the same operation as before, except Cal had gotten a snowblower for the Toolcat on the Circle B. By the time they had cleared the road to the Circle B, Jimmy had already cleared the drive and the yards. They didn't try to clear the road to The Junction. If there was an emergency, they could use the Unimog. Cal's phone rang. "Cal, this is Dan Masters. We got a call from a woman that broke down on 16 ½ Road. She's not exactly sure where, but her car won't start, and we don't have anyone available to send. Is there any way you can send someone down there?" "Sure Dan, we'll dispatch the Unimog there to help her." Cal answered. "Thanks, Cal. She's in a red Honda. Let me know if you have problems. I'll talk to you later." Cal put on his cold weather gear and went to the UAV hut. "Curt, how far can you fly those things?" Cal asked. " I can fly it all the way down to Highway 141 and have about 30 minutes loiter time." "Good. Put one in the air and follow 16 ½ Road and look for a red Honda stranded. Can you carry a cold weather survival kit under it?" "Sure. If I find the car, do you want me to drop it?" "Yes, but make sure you get their attention first. I'm going to take Andy in the Unimog and help them out." Cal called Andy and told him what was going on. Andy headed to the hangar to get the Unimog ready. Cal got a filled 5-gallon gas can and loaded it on the truck. Curt called them around 30 minutes later and gave them the coordinates. Curt had seen the woman and she had picked up the dropped kit. With them having to plow their own way, it would take them at least an hour to get there. When they reached the location, the woman got out of the car. "Thank you so much. I was trying to get to the hospital in Grand Junction. My father had a heart attack." "Do you know what's wrong with the car?" Andy asked. "I think I'm out of gas. I was so upset I didn't think to check." Cal retrieved the gas can and poured the gas. Andy had her start the car and after a couple of tries it started. The lady got back out of the car to thank them.
"I'm Brenda Jackson. What do I owe you?" "I'm Cal Coleman and this is Andy Murray. There's no charge. We'll follow you until get to The Junction, just in case." The followed her until the bridge and went back to the Ranch.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 4, 2021 21:21:00 GMT -6
The next morning Cal's phone rang. "Cal, this is Dan Masters.
"Well, hello Sheriff. What can I do for you this brisk morning?"
"Nothing for me, but there is a family that could use some help. Last night, a group of what looks like neo-nazi burned down a family's home on the outskirts of Fruita. They lost everything. I want to get them away from the vicinity."
"You need me to come and get them?" Cal asked.
"Naw, we'll bring them out in a van. We'll be out in about an hour."
"Take them to the old Manager's house." Cal said.
Cal put out a broadcast message on the radio network, telling everyone what was going on. The next thing you know, there were 6 UV34s headed for the old Manager's house. The women went in and made sure everything was spruced up and a couple went back to get food to update the pantry and get a meal started for the family.
Dan arrived with a 15-passenger van following.
Dan got out of his SUV and the family got out of the van. There were 2 adults, two boys in their teens, and a girl around 7 years old.
"Cal, this Joshua and Agatha Cross." Cal shook their hands and Joshua introduced the rest of the family."
"Mr. Coleman, these are my children, Ben, Able and Ruth."
"It's Cal. Why don't we go inside?"
They went inside. They smelled the cooking and Agatha immediately headed in that direction. The rest were guided to the den.
"Cal, I really appreciate you giving us a place to stay, especially since some people don't care for a black family living near them."
Cal's brow furrowed
"Joshua, I don't care about all the race crap. I've worked with every race you can think of. It's the character of the person that determines whether you are good or bad, not the color of your skin."
"Thank you." Joshua said.
"Well, Sheriff, you want to tell me what's going on?" Cal said.
"Well, it seems we've got a few guys that don't like black people and want to push them out. I think they are strays from over in Idaho, I just want to get the Cross family out of sight until we can get the perps."
"I've got no problem with them staying here as long as needed. I assume you have no other clothes than what you have on your backs, Joshua?"
"That's about it. We'll get some from Goodwill." Joshua replied.
"Joshua, I want a list of shoe and clothing sizes, by name, for your family. We'll get you some temporary clothing until things calm down." Cal said.
Cal pulled his phone out and called Andy.
"Andy, could I get you and Ellen to run into town and pick up some clothing for this family?" "Sure, we'll be down in a few minutes."
Cal met Andy and Ellen outside when they drove up.
"Here's the list," Cal said, handing Andy the list and a credit card. "Get them each 7 days of clothing, underwear, footwear, and cold weather coats and hats. They'll also need toiletries and such. Mrs. Cross, would you and Ruth care to go in with them?"
"If it's no problem." Agatha said.
"Hope in." Andy said and they drove off.
When Andy and Ellen got back, Agatha herded the children upstairs to get their baths. Cal motioned to Joshua to follow him into the kitchen.
"Joshua, what kind of work do you do?" Cal asked.
"I've done most everything, but the I like working with horses and farriering the most."
"You ever done any work with iron and a forge?" Cal asked.
"Yes sir, I've done a good bit of blacksmithing and fitting horseshoes." Joshua answered.
" What kind of work are you doing now?"
"I've been working at the oil change place"
"Well," Cal paused. "I've been wanting to set up a blacksmith shop. Would you be willing to work for me?"
"Why sure!" Joshua answered with a grin.
"One thing though, you'll have to move out of this house." Cal said.
Joshua frowned. "I guess I need to find a place for us to live then. Not much in this area."
"You'll have to move out as soon as a house is built for your family. This thing is hard to heat." Cal grinned.
Joshua looked at Cal with big eyes.
"We'll take your family and show you what it will look like in the morning. You just rest up tonight and tomorrow we'll check out building sites for your home and the blacksmith shop."
Leaving an astonished Joshua sitting at the table, Cal and the ladies went home.
The next morning Cal picked up an extra radio and went down to get Joshua and Agatha.
"Good morning Cal." Joshua greeted him.
"Good morning! You and Agatha ready to go?"
"Agatha?"
"Let me clue you in. Let her pick the site for your house. I'm sure you'll be rewarded."
"Oh!" Joshua grinned. "Let me get her."
They all got in the UV34 and went up the road the cabins were on. Cal took them to a likely site and Agatha got out and wandered around. She came back to the men and looked up at Cal with tears in her eyes.
"Right over there will be perfect." Then she started sobbing.
"What's wrong Aggie? Joshua asked.
"We've never had a new house before!" She said sobbing.
"This will be your house as long as you want to live here. It will belong to the Ranch, but treat it like it was yours. It will have a basement, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Agatha, you need to get up with the rest of the women folks on furnishings and such." Cal said.
"Please, call me Aggie. I don't know how to thank you. It's like an angel swooped us up in our time of need." Aggie replied.
"Well, Aggie, let's go look at Andy and Ellen's cabin so you'll see how they have theirs arranged."
Cal took them there and Ellen was still at home.
"Ya'll come on in." Ellen greeted them. Ellen took them on a tour of the whole house. Aggie ooohed and awwwed the entire tour.
Both Aggie and Joshua were pleased. Cal then took them to where he wanted to put in a blacksmith shop near the horse barn.
"This will do just fine." Joshua said.
They discussed the size of the building they needed and what to put in it.
"Cal, there's a Mrs. Cramer over near Fruita that has a complete shop she might sell. Her husband died a couple of years ago and she's leased most of her land out. I've done some work for her a time or two." Joshua commented.
"I guess we need to make a run over there and talk with her then." Cal grinned.
Cal took them down to the hangar. Pointing to a UV34, Cal asked Aggie if she could drive. She said she could, so Cal showed her all the controls, and she took off back to the Manager's house. Joshua just laughed.
Cal took Joshua up to the cabin and came out with two charging bases and an extra radio.
"Here's another radio for Aggie. This is a set of instructions and channel listing. If she has any trouble operating it, have her see Siobhan and she'll help her." Cal took Joshua back to the Manager's house and dropped him off.
Back at the cabin, Cal gave Sam a call.
"Sam, I need other cabin."
"Got one on the lot, Cal. I figured you'd be needing another one sooner or later. Do you want a basement?"
"Yeah, same setup."
"Good. The boys are very familiar with that. I'll have a crew get started in the morning."
"Thanks, Sam. I'll talk with you later."
Cal called James and had him order the solar equipment for the new cabin.
Cal poured a cup of coffee and Siobhan walked in.
"Where are the kids?" Cal asked.
"They're in the activity room playing." Siobhan answered. "I was just finished making some bread. I want to take a loaf down to Aggie, if you'll watch the kids for a little bit."
"Sounds good. We need to set up a get-together, maybe a potluck in the party area."
"I'm on it. We'll make it a potluck dinner. I'll coordinate the dishes. We'll do it tomorrow night." Siobhan said.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 4, 2021 21:34:02 GMT -6
Cal went back to check on the kids and Siobhan wrapped up a loaf of bread and took a UV34 down to the Manager's house. When she knocked on the door Aggie greeted her.
"Hello Siobhan, come on in."
"Hi Aggie. I made some bread and made an extra loaf for you."
Grinning, Aggie took the bread.
"I love fresh bread! Would you like a cup of coffee?"
"That would be nice. Say, we're having a potluck dinner in our party room tomorrow night at 6:00. Figure about 25 - 30 people. I've got you down for iced tea. We've got insulated dispensers. If you'll come up to the house tomorrow, we can make it there. It won't be as far to carry."
"Oh! I could do more than iced tea." Aggie said.
"Good! Then you can help me make desserts. You'll get a chance to meet our children too."
The potluck dinner went well. Joshua and Aggie were introduced and welcomed into the community. You could see they were amazed at the friendliness of the people. Aggie asked Siobhan about that.
"Aggie, I don't know anyone here that has any animosities towards race or religion. We work together, party together, and will fight for one another. You are as welcome here as if you were my blood sister."
Aggie looked at Cal and he smiled and nodded.
"Aggie, everyone here kind of considers everyone else their family. You and Joshua and your kids are more than welcome to be here."
The next day Cal called Mrs. Cramer and asked if she was interested in selling the shop equipment. She asked him to stop by and take a look at it before she made a decision. Cal picked up Joshua and they rode over to Fruita. When they pulled into the Cramer farm, Joshua directed him where to park. Mrs. Cramer, a lady of around 70 years of age, came out to greet them.
"Mrs. Cramer, I'm Cal Coleman and this is…"
"Oh, I know Joshua. How are you?"
"I'm fine now, Mrs. Cramer."
With a wrinkled brow, Mrs. Cramer asked, "What's happened?"
"Somebody came around and burned down our house. Cal here gave us a place to live and a job. That's why we wanted to buy the equipment."
"Oh my! That's terrible! How are Agatha and the children?"
"They're fine Ma'am. We're comfortable and have a new lease on life, thanks to Cal."
Mrs. Cramer turned to Cal. "You're a good man. Let's go look at the shop."
They walked over to an opened ended building and Cal looked around at the equipment.
"I didn't think anyone would ever have any use for this stuff, except for bits and pieces." Mrs. Cramer said.
"Oh, we have use for it all, if you are willing to sell." Cal said.
"Well, if you have Joshua working for you, I'm sure you will." Mrs. Cramer said.
"What are you asking for everything?" Cal asked.
Mrs. Cramer looked over at Joshua, then back at Cal.
"I don't need money. I probably could make a little off of buyers here and there, but I don't want the things just rusting away. I'd hate to see iron working skills die out. Take it with my blessing and do good with it."
"Mrs. Cramer, I appreciate that. I plan on making Joshua in charge of it. If you ever need anything, you just let us know." Cal said.
Cal and Joshua walked around and looked at everything and tried to figure how to move everything.
"That forge is going to be the hardest thing to move. It weighs 1800 pounds." Joshua said.
"We've got just the thing to move it." Cal said. "But first, we need to build the shop. Is this configuration about what you'll need?"
"Yes, this is just the right size." Joshua said.
Cal went to his truck and got out a tape measure and they took the dimensions of the building and made a sketch of the floor plan. With that, they said their good-byes to Mrs. Cramer and headed out to see Sam at the log home builders. When they walked into Sam's, Cal asked him to call in Gary Morgan, their architect. Cal told them their requirements and gave Gary the sketch and the measurements they took. "Do you want log or timber frame?" Sam asked.
"Timber frame." Cal answered.
"Well, let me draw up the plans and will get back to you on the estimate." Gary said.
"I don't need an estimate. You've been fair before. I trust you to give me the best deal you can." Cal said.
They all shook hands and Cal and Joshua returned to the Ranch.
Cal and Joshua went down to the Gathering House and each grabbed a Smithwick's. After taking a couple of sips, Joshua asked Cal, "How did you get so successful?"
Cal thought for a moment.
"Joshua, I'm no better than the next man. You know, half of the people in this world are below average. I'm sure that some are average, but if you line up the entire population from dumbest to smartest, half of them are below average. I've always tried to surround myself with people who are average or above average. You'll see less mistakes made and along with that, luck will find its way to you. I've been very fortunate to have cultivated a group of friends that will stand with you. That doesn't mean that somebody's not going to occasionally make a dumb mistake, but they are the type who will learn from those mistakes and the mistakes of others. I am what you call 'successful' because we have winners on the team here."
"I just hope I don't let you down, Cal."
"Well, sooner or later, we're all going to make mistakes, but we'll all learn from them."
"While we're talking, I want to discuss your salary." Cal said. "I'm going to start you out at $50,000 and see how it works out." You're in charge of the smithy and our farrier. If you come up with any projects that will make money, you get 50% of the profits. The rest will go into a charity fund we have set up."
Joshua's eyes got big. "I sure appreciate it, Cal. I'll give you my best."
"I'm sure you will. They should be here next week with the materials to build the smithy. It shouldn't take them long since the use quick set concrete. I suspect it will be finished by Thursday or Friday. We can go Monday or Tuesday to pick up the equipment, bring it here and put it under tarps."
"Sounds good, Cal. I'm anxious to get to work." Joshua said.
Cal went up to the cabin and found Siobhan and Aggie in the kitchen. Cal went back outside and yelled for Joshua to come in.
Siobhan looked up. "What do you want for lunch?"
"What about soup and sandwiches?" Cal said. "After lunch, I want to show Joshua and Aggie to rest of the place."
Once they finished eating Cal told Aggie and Joshua how he had gotten the ranch and the improvements they'd made.
"A cave!" Abbie said.
"Well, we've turned it into more than a cave." Cal said. "Come on, and I'll give you a tour."
Cal walked them through the area, beginning with the kitchen.
"Goodness, this is a big kitchen for just a family.' Aggie observed.
"That's because it was designed to cover 25 families. In case of disaster, in case there needs to be more shelter than you can have above ground, all the Ranch families would shelter here. You'll see the amenities as we go along." Cal explained.
Cal took them down the hall where the sleeping units were located.
"Joshua, one of the things I want you to do is make small metal sign holders for each of the quarters to show the family names above the doors."
Siobhan lead them to a bedroom unit.
"Aggie, this will be your family's quarters." Siobhan said.
Cal spoke up. "The next two rooms will be for your boys and daughter. The men's and women's baths are down the hall."
Cal showed them the storage rooms, the garage area and finally took them to where the continuing excavation was underway.
Cal stopped and they watched the excavator at work.
"One of the benefits of doing this excavation is we are also recovering gold in some places." Cal explained.
"Gold!" Both Joshua and Aggie said.
"I don't think there's much in this area, but what we've recovered has built most of what we have here." Cal said.
The went back into the cabin and Siobhan poured everyone coffee.
"Cal, Aggie asked if she could do some cleaning for me to make some extra money." Siobhan said.
Cal looked at Aggie.
"Cal, I cleaned houses before for people." Aggie said.
"What were you getting paid?" Cal asked. "$65 a day." Aggie answered.
Cal thought a moment.
"Well, here's what I propose. You are in charge of the cleaning of the cabin and the bedroom area of the shelter. Once all the areas are identified by family, they will provide their own furnishings and linen for their family quarters. At that time, you only have to keep the hallway cleaned. If there is anything else you want to take on, we'll talk about it then. I'll pay you $85 a day, whether you need to work 2 hours or 8 hours, Monday through Friday."
"I'll do it!" Abbie said. They shook on it.
"Oh, I guess I forgot to mention that health care is provided to members of the Ranch also." Cal continued.
"Well, I need to go fix dinner for the kids. I'll be here early tomorrow morning." Aggiie said.
"Oh, don't bother to come before 8:30, Aggie." Siobhan said.
"Okay, I'll see you in the morning then."
Joshua and Abbie left, and Siobhan went and sat in Cal's lap.
"I feel the urge to have another baby" Siobhan whispered, and giggled.
"Well I'll just have to see about helping you do that." Cal chuckled.
Siobhan kissed him and got up to start dinner. Cal went to the playroom to spend some time with the kids.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 4, 2021 21:50:18 GMT -6
Joshua, Cal, Dave, and Mike took the Unimog to pick up the equipment at Mrs. Cramer's place. Bill and Curt follow with another truck pulling a trailer hauling one of the Toolcats. It looked like they would need to make two trips with the Unimog, because of the steel stock. The forge was loaded last. They went back to the Ranch and off-loaded and covered with tarps. They all went back and completed loading the steel stock and scraps. That afternoon, Sam's crew showed and began laying out for the blacksmith shop. Cal put the auger on a Toolcat for them to set the posts. They poured what concrete was needed and completed what they could that day. Because of the 8" thick floor, although they used quick setting concrete, it would still take about 4 days before they would be able to put any equipment on it. Cal also had them set forms for a coal bin and had it poured also. Two sliding doors were added toward both sides at one end of the shop so things could be taken in and out easily, and also to set the forge in place with the Toolcat. Board and Batten siding would be put on last once they got the forge and other heavy stuff moved in with the Toolcat. Cal ordered 3 tons of coal to be delivered Friday, to be sure the concrete would be set. On Friday morning they began moving in the equipment and the forge. Joshua supervised so everything was where he needed it. By noon, the last of the wall was put up and the doors hung. They had their own blacksmith shop! Saturday morning, Cal heard a lot of banging in the blacksmith shop and went down to investigate. Joshua was hard at work. He had the forge going and heating metal. Cal watched as Joshua would heat a piece of metal, place it on the anvil and shape it, only to do it some more. Cal just watched as Joshua made his first sign holder. "That's exactly what I wanted." Cal said. Just make me a couple of holes, here and here, so I can screw it into the wall." Cal pointed. Soon, Joshua had an audience watching him work. Cal went over to the cutter and cut steel plates to put the family names on them. Lilly offered to letter the plates. Cal offered Joshua's two boys the job of hanging the signs. Joshua had them help him until the brackets were made and he would supervise the installation. Aggie and Siobhan went into town to pick up some things to outfit the Cross's rooms. Joshua and the boys were still working on the signs, so Cal headed to the greenhouse. Dawn, Ellen and Dave were harvesting herbs and placing them in baskets. "Hi, Cal! Want some Lavender?" Ellen grinned. "What the heck do you use Lavender for?" Cal asked. "Helen and Mary make sachet bags. They are a great seller." Dawn explained. "Oooookay. How do you keep them fresh?" "We put them in plastic pouches and seal them." Ellen replied. Cal's radio broke squelch. "Cal, could you come to the UAV shack, like ASAP?" "Roger, be right there." Cal answered. When Cal got to the shack Sonia showed him the video. There was a lone individual on the northeast range, walking away from the highway. " Looks like they're going camping. That's not good. We've got another storm coming." Adam said. "I'll take a Rokon with a sidecar and check them out." Cal said. Cal went to the shelter garage and checked out a Rokon. After putting a rifle into the scabbard, attaching a GPS in its mount and attaching a headset to his radio, he rode out of the shelter and headed to the coordinates Adam had given him. He rode about 30 minutes before his radio broke squelch. "Looks like the individual found the spring at Waypoint 43 and is setting up camp." Adam said. "Roger, headed to Waypoint 43." Cal answered. Twenty minutes Cal came within binocular sight of the spring. He stopped and scoped the camp. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, so he got back on the bike and headed down. As he neared the encampment Cal shouted out "Hello the camp!" A young woman came out of the tent and stared at him. "Hi! I'm Cal Coleman. You've picked a fine spot to camp, but we're getting a bad storm here tonight." "I didn't know. I haven't talked to anyone in three days. Oh! My name is Camryn Chapman." "Well, Camryn, if you stay out here, it could get really dangerous. Why don't you come back with me to the Ranch and my wife Siobhan can fix you a warm room to stay in until this storm blows through." "Well, I guess. I don't want to impose." Camryn said. "It's no imposition, Siobhan would love the company." Cal said. Cal helped her take down the tent and called Siobhan on the radio. "Siobhan, I'm bringing a guest in for the night. Can you make sure the cabin guest room is ready?" Cal asked. "Sure thing. Dinner will be ready in an hour." Siobhan said. Cal switched channels and called Adam. "Adam, I've picked up the individual and heading back. Clouds are starting to look heavy." "Roger. I'll be monitoring until you get back." Adam replied. Cal rode back and went to the hangar instead of the shelter garage. Camryn wouldn't accept help carrying her gear, so he led her to the cabin. Cal showed her the guest bedroom and she set down her gear. They both went into the kitchen. "Siobhan, this is Camryn Chapman." "Welcome to our home." Siobhan said and proceeded to show her the house. "You probably want to freshen up?" Siobhan asked. "I really need to shower. I haven't had anything but a sponge bath in the last couple of days." Camryn explained. "You go right ahead. There's body wash and shampoo in the bathroom. Feel free to use anything. The bread won't be finished for 20 more minutes." Siobhan smiled. Camryn went and got fresh clothes out of her pack and Siobhan returned to the kitchen. Grinning, Siobhan said. "What's with you rescuing damsels in distress?" "Hey, she was out there camping alone, and I didn't want anyone out there in case the weather got really bad." Cal said. "Just joking. What's her story?" Siobhan asked "I have no idea. You do your woman thing and find out." Cal said. As Siobhan was taking the bread out of the oven, Camryn returned, wearing jeans and a turtleneck sweater. Siobhan and Cal seated the kids and then sat down to eat. "These porkchops are delicious!" Camryn exclaimed. "Mommy always cooks good." Amy said. They finished their dinner with apple cobbler and ice cream. When they had finished, Cal took the kids to the playroom and Camryn and Siobhan cleaned up the kitchen. "What about a cup of tea?" Siobhan asked. "That would be nice." Camryn nodded. Siobhan made the tea and they sat down at the table. "Where are you from?" Siobhan asked Camryn. "Duchesne, Idaho." Camryn said "You're a good way from home, alone and on a camping trip." Siobhan observed. "I kinda had to leave home. My Mom died a few weeks ago. My stepfather started thinking I should take her place, if you know what I mean." "Oh! I'm so sorry. Do you have any other family?" Siobhan asked. "No. I have nothing but a trust fund from my Mother and Father and my backpack." Camryn frowned. "Well Camryn, I have only one sister, but I could use another." Siobhan smiled. Camryn looked up from her tea. "What are you saying?" "Well, unless you have somewhere else you'd rather be, you could live here. You could go to college if you wanted. My nephews and daughters are going to a local college. I can have them talk to you to find out from the younger generation what's going on around here." "You wouldn't mind? I wouldn't want to be a burden." Camryn said. "You definitely wouldn't be a burden. You're going to love it here." Siobhan smiled. Cal walked in the kitchen and took a Smithwick's out of the refrigerator. "Cal, I've invited Camryn to stay with us." Siobhan said. "Good. We need another hand when we castrate the calves." Cal said. Camryn looked startled. "Cal! Stop it" Siobhan shouted. "Camryn, he's just trying to be funny." Siobhan grinned. "Camryn, we both would be happy for you to live here. Although, you might be a bit overwhelmed with what goes on around here." Cal said. Siobhan picked up her cup. "Here's to a happy future on the High-Top Ranch." Everyone toasted. It snowed about 18 inches and Cal was out early removing snow. Soon, others grabbed the other equipment, and they were finished within a couple of hours. As they were finishing, Jonah drove up. "You know Cal, this snow is a pain, but it is giving us more water than ever. The range was greener this summer than ever before." "I noticed that. I saw 3 or 4 places that wasn't doing so well, where we could put in cattle tanks." Cal said. "Yeah, I know where you're talking about. Maybe we could put 'em in between bad weather." "Let's keep our eyes peeled, and get them in." Cal said. "Will do." Jonah said. Cal called the Sheriff to find out if there were any problems. The Sheriff said everything was under control and the roads should be cleared by the afternoon.
Cal went back into the cabin to the noise of children and women laughing. Siobhan and Camryn were playing with the children. Cal stood there smiling, watching them. Siobhan looked up and saw Cal. "I just made a fresh pot of coffee." She said. Cal went into the kitchen and Siobhan followed. "I'm going to take Cam into town tomorrow and get her some clothes." Siobhan said. "Good. Make sure you get her a good pair of work gloves." Cal smiled. "Oh hush!" Siobhan smiled. "What do you think of hiring Cam as an Au Pair?" "I don't know. We really don't know much about her Siobhan." "Well, I feel good about her after we talked. What are your feelings?" Siobhan asked. "Well, personally, I think we can trust her." Cal said. "Why don't you call her in?" Siobhan went and got Camryn. They came back in and found Cal sitting at the table. Siobhan and Camryn sat down. Cal looked over at Camryn. "Cam, what kind of plans do you have for your future?" Camryn looked from Cal to Siobhan. "I'd like to go to college in the Spring." She said. "Well, would you consider working here as an Au Pair for us until you start college?" Cal asked. "Oh yes! I just love the children and it would give me some time to settle in and get to know the area." Camryn said. "Then the job is yours. Siobhan will introduce you to her daughters and nephews later. They can clue you in on the college scene." Cal said. "I want to thank you both for this opportunity. I could not see a light at the end of the tunnel when I camped at that spring. You have given me hope, and I am so ever thankful." Camryn said, with tears in her eyes. "This is too good to be true!" Siobhan got up and hugged her. "I told you I needed another sister!"
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 5:13:57 GMT -6
As Siobhan and Cal readied for bed that night, Siobhan turned and smiled at Cal. "For a tough, no nonsense kind of guy, you sure are a softy." "What?" Cal said. "It seems like you're rescuing every damsel in distress you run across." Siobhan said. "That's what he-men do! Look, I saw a girl that was desperate, but was tough and determined. That's the kind of person this world needs." Cal said.
"I know. I was just kidding. I really like her and want to see her succeed. I can't wait to go shopping tomorrow. Oh, and Helen is coming down to babysit."
"Okay. I want to get everyone together tonight in the Gathering House and give out the nameplates. I'll get together burgers and dogs and brats and we can have a little party." Cal said. "I'll pick up bread. I think we have everything else. If you think of something, give me a call." After breakfast the next morning, Cal ran into Mike near the hangar. "Cal, Andy and I are headed to the Sheriff's Department Range to give marksmanship training. This will take about 3 days, because of the shifts." "Okay. Maybe we should upgrade our range. Put in berms, a shoot house, long, medium and short-range lanes." "You need to keep access to the compound at a minimum." Mike said. Cal nodded. I know, I'm thinking an access road from the highway. We will have the bluff on the left and would be shooting into that big hill 2 miles away at the longest. I'll check it out and get something down on paper." Andy walked up carrying his gear. "By the way, burgers and brats tonight at the Gathering House. We'll talk more then." Cal said. "We'll be back by 5:00 PM." Andy said. Cal got the meat out of the freezer to thaw. He had Dawn get him some lettuce and onions. As he put together the condiments, he thought about the range. He wanted a range house and a warming building. He thought he could do it all with one building. He'd also need covered firing positions and night firing capabilities. The soil for the berms would have to come from somewhere, so he thought a pond would be nice with a couple of trees and a couple of picnic tables. Once he finished putting the extras together, he went and got graph paper and started to put his ideas to paper. Everyone showed up at 6:00 PM while Cal was still cooking. Once everyone had eaten, Siobhan introduced Camryn to the group. Everyone welcomed her and Cal handed out the nameplates. "I want everyone to hang their plates above the doors of your quarters. These are not only to show where you would live in an emergency, but also show your acceptance into our family. Beyond any doubt, we have the finest group of people anywhere in this world. Cal broke off with the men and they discussed the firing range. A couple of good ideas were mentioned and added to Cal's plans. He was going to hire a heavy construction company to build the range and excavate the pond. Cal went to see Sam the next morning to discuss his plans and to ask for recommendations for a construction company. "Cal, I've got just the building you need. We could add an interior wall to split it in twos and has a carport on it." Sam said. "Well, that takes care of that." Cal said. "What about someone to excavate the pond and build the berms?" "You'd want Harris Construction. He'd welcome the work and could start right away." Sam said. Sam picked up his phone and called Ed Harris and set it up for Cal to come by. Cal left Sam's and went to Harris Construction. Cal explained To Ed what he wanted to do. "I don't even have anything marked out yet." Cal said. "No problem." Ed said. "I can send out a survey team tomorrow and get started." Cal agreed and they shook hands. Early the next morning the survey team called and said they were on the way. Cal went down to the drive entrance to meet them. When they arrived, Cal led them through the back way, through the compound, down to the proposed range area. He pointed out the directions he wanted the lanes to run. He had sketched out a 1000-meter, 500-meters. 300-meters, and two 25-meter lanes and their dimensions. Late that afternoon the surveyor team had marked off where the berms were to go, the pond area, and the drive from the main road. Ed Harris drove up about the time team was putting away their equipment. "Cal, my guys will put in a heavy culvert when they build the road. I've got the road building equipment coming out first in the morning, followed by the scrapers and dump trucks. It should take us about 4 days to complete." "Sounds good Ed. The guys are looking forward to seeing this accomplished." The construction crew was out the next morning. Cal and Jonah went into The Junction and picked up materials to build the shelters at the firing positions.
Siobhan called around to nurseries to see who had the biggest trees they could plant near the pond. The area was a beehive of activity. The weather looked like it would be good for the next week, so they didn't expect any delays. Sam's crew showed up and prepared the building site for the Range House. When the Range House was complete, Cal, Andy, Mike and Dave installed the solar panels and the battery bank. Lights were installed at the 25-meter ranges. Jonah was busy building target holders for the lanes. The solar powered streetlights for the parking area were delivered and installed. By Friday, everything was complete. The Saturday class for the Police Department would be held there to inaugurate the site. On Saturday, 8 police officers, including Maria and Dale Hartman, the Police Chief, were on hand for training. "Cal, this is one hell of a range." Chief Hartman said. "Thanks. Your guys are free to use it anytime you need it. We'll provide the range instructors and safety officers." "I appreciate this Cal. City council doesn't appreciate the time and resources needed to keep our people trained up. This sure beats that old quarry we've been using." They watched as the firers got into position and began their training. Andy, Mike and Dave made corrections where necessary. There were a couple that didn't have very good shot groups, but by the end of the session, the groups were much tighter. When the training was completed, Cal offered coffee to everyone from the 30-cup coffee maker he had supplied for the Range House. Everyone was satisfied with the way training had been conducted and looked forward to the next time. When the last vehicle had left, Andy went out to the entrance and locked the gate. Everyone met back at the Range House for a debrief. "Well, anyone see any problems?" Cal asked. "We need to put some buckets here to collect brass." Dave said. "We should get a couple of containers of water for drinking also." Andy said. "Good points. I've got plenty of 5-gallon buckets in storage and we've got the water dispensers. I'll pull out a case of cups and we should be set. If anything else pops up, just make it happen. Andy, you've got a 1000-meter range now. You guys should pull out the 50s and give them some exercise. We should also advertise that the facility is open to hunters to zero their guns for hunting season. Who wants to be Range Manager?" Everyone looked at one another. Finally. Mike spoke up. "I'll do it, Cal." "Good." Cal said. "Any supplies you need, just tell James. We'll also need a schedule when the range is being used. Let's post it in the Gathering House." Everyone nodded and they split up to go home. They had a couple of snows that when they melted quickly, filled the pond, thanks to the dry streambed the entered the pond. In the spring, one of the nurseries brought out 4 Cottonwoods to plant near the pond, shading the picnic tables. It was a short walk from the range to the tables, so it became sort of a break area. As the weather got better, the range was in constant use. Andy even got certified and began giving Concealed Carry classes. Everyone on the Ranch of age, now held licenses. It was now the season for the Farmer's Market. The trailer was prepared and several more tables were readied for spice racks and iron items that Joshua had forged. He even had a very nice of hand-forged knives he and his boys had made. On the day of the market, several more people than normal went in to help set up. It looked to be a big day. There seemed to be a bigger crowd than in the past. The women were rapidly selling the produce and spices when there was a commotion. All of a sudden, there were 3 women pointing pistols at a bearded guy who tried to grab the cash box. Quickly, a squad car arrived and took the man into custody. "That was impressive!" Cal said. "Dawn grinned. "I was watching him. He looked shifty so I alerted the rest of the girls. They were ready." "Well, you did a magnificent job. That's what is called 'Situational Awareness.'" Cal said. They completely sold out of produce and most of the spices. The sachets went quickly and even Joshua sold most of his items and had orders for some custom work. It was a good day. When they got back to the Ranch, they cleaned and put away the equipment. Joshua walked up to Cal and handed him some money. "Cal, here's $750. I figured out the cost of materials and took out my share. This is for the Charity Fund." "Just make sure you got your share. Are you paying the boys for helping?" Cal asked. "Yes, and using the whole experience as a teaching point. I make them figure out the costs and have them come up with a price. They even made some hinges and latches we sold today." "Fantastic! Well, keep up the good work and tell those guys I'm proud of them." Cal went back to the cabin and went to see Cheryl, their accountant. "Cheryl, here's $750 for the Charity Fund. Just how much do we have in that account now?" "There is $256,000 in the account, Cal." "I guess we need to call a meeting of the council to spend some of this." Cal said. "Notify everybody and we'll have a meeting at 10:00 in the morning in the Gathering House." "Will do." Cheryl said.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 5:19:40 GMT -6
The next morning, when everyone had gotten their coffee, Cal started the council meeting. Siobhan took notes. Cal began. "So far, we have accumulated around $256,000 in the Charity Fund. I think it's time to spend some money. Anyone have any ideas?" Martha spoke up. "The battered women's shelter could use some help. They have a bad roof and I think they might need some electrical work." "I'd like to look into giving backpacks of school supplies to the poor children before they start school next year." Mary said. "That's a good long-term project. We need to find how who and what is needed and start putting together data. That's your baby Mary. Cal said.
No one else had anything else to recommend so they talked about a visit to the shelter. Martha and Helen volunteered to make the visit and do the evaluation. The meeting broke up and Siobhan asked Cal if he would go with her to The Junction. He agreed and Siobhan went to tell Camryn where they were going.
Once they were on the road Cal ask Siobhan where they were going. "Bed, Bath and Beyond. Aggie and Joshua have a hodgepodge of silverware and dishes. I want to pick them up new sets." Siobhan explained. "What about glasses?" "I'll pick up a couple of sets also." Siobhan agreed. As they were walking up to the store Cal and Siobhan noticed a man yelling at a woman. As they drew near, the man raised his arm as if to strike her. Cal grabbed the man's arm and said, "Easy there buddy." The man jerked away from Cal and pulled a knife out of his coat pocket. He went at Cal with a lunge, attempting to stab him. Cal trapped the man's wrist and twisted, causing the man to drop the knife. Following through with a hip throw, Cal had his pistol in the man's face before he hit the ground. Siobhan had pulled the woman to the side and had her pistol out also. The police arrived immediately. Seeing the squad car pull up, Cal raised his arms into the air. "You're all right, Cal. Just holster the weapon. I saw everything from across the parking lot." Officer Delacorte said. The officer handcuffed the man and put him in the back of the squad car. His supervisor arrived and statements were taken from Cal and Siobhan. Officer Delacorte asked the woman if she wanted to press charges against her husband. "He's not my husband, he's my brother-in-law, although he's been trying to add me as a second wife." "Do you want a ride home?" Officer Delacorte asked. "It isn't my home. I'd been living with my sister and brother-in-law since my husband was killed in Afghanistan. She ran away from him 3 weeks ago. She may be in Seattle." Siobhan was listening to the conversation and walked over. "Hi. I'm Siobhan Coleman." "I'm Diana Carter. Thank you so much for your help!" "My husband has a dim view of bullies, as you saw. Do you have anywhere you can go?" Siobhan asked. "No." Diana said. "But I need to go and pack my clothes and get out of the house before he gets out of jail." "We can give you a place to stay while you get your feet on the ground. There's an extra bedroom at my daughter's cabin that isn't in use." Siobhan said.' "I can't let you do that. You don't even know me." Diana said, tearing up. "Nonsense! Cal, could you come here please?" Cal walked over to the ladies. "Yes, Ma'am?" "Cal, this is Diana Carter. I've offered her the bedroom in the girl's cabin until she gets her life back in order." "Absolutely! Diana, you are more than welcome to stay at the Ranch." Cal said. "Well, if you don't mind" "Of course we don't. Now, help me pick out some things for a friend." They ladies walked into the store. Officer Delacorte walked over to Cal. "Do you want to file any charges?" "Nah. How long can you hold him?" "We can hold him a few hours, then if there are no charges, we have to release him." "No use clogging up the court system. Karma will take care of him. Hold him for as long as you can. As soon as the ladies get through shopping, we're taking her to get her personal items and taking her out to the Ranch." Officer Delacorte agreed, and Cal went into the store to find Siobhan. Siobhan had practically filled a cart with two of everything. "Why two sets?" Cal inquired. "Well, there's 5 in the family. The sets are 8 each. They would have few dishes for guests." Cal threw up his hands. "You're the boss!" Diana giggled. They paid for the items and Diana directed Cal to where she had been staying. Siobhan went inside with her to get her things. Within 30 minutes, they came back out. Cal loaded the bags into the Suburban. "Is that it?" Cal asked Diana. "Yes. The rest of my things are in a storage unit." When they arrived back at the Ranch, Siobhan invited Diana into their home, explaining her daughters wouldn't be back until around 4:30 PM. Siobhan sent a text to Cathleen, Aileen and Lilly, telling them to stop by before going to the house. She'd fix dinner for all of them. Siobhan fixed tea and she and Diana talked; Diana telling her story about growing up in Iowa, meeting her husband, and he being killed by an IED in Afghanistan 8 months ago. She had moved in with her sister who eventually left her husband because of abuse. She was getting ready to move out also, but hadn't an idea where to go. Diana helped Siobhan cook country fried steak, gravy, green beans and mashed potatoes, along with some yeast rolls. The girls arrived and Siobhan introduced everyone. The girls were thrilled to have a new housemate. Cal brought the kids in and got them in their seats to eat dinner. Diana was watching the interaction. "Siobhan, why did you have such a long break in between kids?" "That story is a long one. If you'll wait until after dinner, over a nice glass of wine, we'll give you all the details." Siobhan said. The girls started cleaning up the dishes and ran Cal out of the kitchen. He took the kids to the playroom and put on a Disney movie for them to watch.
After the dishwasher was loaded and running, Siobhan opened a bottle of wine and the girls retired to the family room. Siobhan began the story, all the way back to the first time she had met Cal, along with interjections by her daughters. When she finished, Diana sat there with a stunned look on her face. "How could he survive all that heartbreak?" She asked. "Love." Cathleen said. "We are all close and we made sure he knew we loved him and had our support. Mom was lucky enough to finally get him to love her back. Now we are one big happy family. But I need another nephew or niece." Siobhan blushed. "We'll see." Cal walked in as the girls got ready to go to their cabin. He flipped his truck keys to Lilly. "Diana's things are in the Suburban. Just drop it off on the way to school tomorrow." The girls left and Siobhan walked over and put her arms around Cal's neck. "We need to find something for her to do. I think she'd be a real asset." "It was already on my mind." Cal said. "What about her being our eyes and ears for the Charity. She could scope out and research possible projects for us."
"Sounds like a good idea." Siobhan said. "She'll need transportation." "I'll check for another diesel Jeep if she accepts." Cal said. Siobhan called Cathleen and told her to drop off Diana on their way to class in the morning. The girls left for class at 8:00 in the morning so Cal, Siobhan and Camryn had breakfast ready and were feeding the kids when Diana arrived. "Come on in and grab some coffee." Siobhan greeted Diana. "Thank you." Cal sat pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs on the table. "Eat 'em up." Cal said. While they were eating, Cal asked Diana her plans. "Well, I need to find a job and a place to stay." Diana answered. "Well, you already have a place to say. As for a job, Siobhan would like to hire you to help out with a charity." Cal said. Siobhan outlined the charity, what her responsibilities would be, and her salary and benefits. "This is too good to be true!" Diana exclaimed. "So, you'll accept?" Cal asked. "Of course I will. I really like your family and the people I've met so far. I feel more comfortable here and safe than I have in months. I really like helping people too." Cal got up from the table and used his cell phone to call the car dealer. He asked for a used Jeep with a diesel engine. They didn't have one on the lot but could have one in two days. Cal told them to get it and call him when it arrived and was prepped. He went back and sat down at the table. "Diana, have you ever fired a pistol?" "Yes. My husband and I used to go to the range and fire pistols and AR-15s. The rifles are in the storage locker in Colorado Springs. I had a concealed carry license, but it expired." Diana explained. "Well, we can move your things here and I'll have Andy get you updated on your training and we'll get your CCW restored. How much stuff do you have in storage?" Cal asked. "Just several boxes and the guns. We were renting a furnished apartment when we were stationed at Fort Carson." Diana explained. "Good. That's only around 300 miles. That's pushing it for a day trip. Feel like doing an over-nighter in Colorado Springs Siobhan? Siobhan looked at Camryn. "Do you mind, Cam?" "Of course not. We'll have fun." Camryn smiled. They made plans to leave early the next morning. Cal called Andy to ask about his next CCW class. "I don't have any scheduled for a couple of weeks. Would a one-on-one be okay?" "Yeah, that'll work. We'll introduce the student at the pot-luck on Friday evening." Cal said.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 5:23:28 GMT -6
Cal, Siobhan and Diana left at 5:00 in the morning. After making stops for breakfast and pit stops, they arrived in the vicinity of the storage units at 12:00, so they stopped to have lunch. They made it to the climate-controlled storage unit at 1:30 and started loading the enclosed trailer. There wasn't that much, so it didn't take that much time. Diana went to the office to cancel her contract and they went to find a hotel. A Holiday Inn was nearby, so Cal pulled in and got adjoining rooms. He brought the guns into the rooms. "Want to go shopping, Diana?" Siobhan asked. "Sure. I wanted to get some better winter wear, especially for the Ranch." There's a Cabela's not far from here." "Good! That's what I was looking for also." Siobhan said. "Want to come along, Cal?" "Absolutely! I can spend hours in a Cabela's." Cal grinned. When they got to Cabela's, the women split off and went to the women's wear section. Cal first went to the hunting/fishing area, but didn't see much to interest him. He wandered over to the men's wear and ended up with a comfortable pair of boots. He bought 2 pair. He went ahead and paid for the boots and took them out to the truck. Returning to the store, he made a beeline to look at reloading supplies. He finally picked up several types of powder and primers. Seeing nothing else that caught his eye, he paid for the items and stored them in the truck. Again, he returned to the store and went to the women's wear section and spotted Siobhan and Diana going slowly through the area. He quickly turned and headed for the snack bar and sat down with a cup of coffee, facing toward the checkout registers so he could spot the women when they came through. He finally spotted them 45 minutes later as they arrived at the checkout area. "Did you find everything you wanted?" Cal asked. "Not everything." Siobhan said. "We want to go to the REI store next." The drove over and the women we in the shopping assault mode. He walked around, did pick up a pocketknife he liked and some heavy-duty socks. There wasn't anywhere to sit and wait, so he just walked around. The women finally had the cart full, and Cal followed them to checkout. He paid for everything and the placed everything, except for a couple of bags in the trailer and locked it. Returning to the hotel, Cal headed for the bar and the ladies headed to their rooms. Cal was sitting, nursing a drink, when Siobhan called. "Cal, there's a steak house next door. Do you just want to eat dinner there?" "Sure, sounds fine. What time do you want to eat?" "Let's go around 5:30. We need to make it an early night and get an early start." "Sounds fine. I'll be up in a minute." Cal said. When Cal returned to the room, Siobhan was on the phone with Camryn. She finished the call and hung up. "Everything all right?" Cal asked. "Yes. I just wanted to check about the kids. I miss them." Siobhan got up and hugged Cal. "My period is late." "You're pregnant?" "I'm not sure. I'll need to wait a week or two." Siobhan grinned. Cal leapt up from his chair and went over to her. He lifted her out of her chair and gave her a big hug. He kept repeating, "I love you," over and over. "I hope it is a boy!" Siobhan cried. "Well, whatever, I'll love it just like I love the rest of our family." They made better time going back to the Ranch, arriving in the early afternoon. After storing the boxes in the basement and putting the guns in the gun safe, Cal and Siobhan returned upstairs. The kids were excited to see them. They went through Cal's coat pockets and found the bag of jellybeans Cal had picked up at Cabela's. Siobhan took the bag and gave them some in their own bowls. "You spoil them." Siobhan smiled. "And I always will." Cal said as he hugged her. Cal was refilling the wood bin in the Gathering House the next morning when Andy walked. Andy helped Cal finish filling the bin then said "Cal, you remember Sean Conrad?" Cal thought for a moment. "Wasn't he the guy that took out that IED team with a Mk 19?" "He's the one. I got an e-mail from SMG Jones. Sean's wife was killed in a car accident. First problem is, she was with a guy she was having an affair with. Sean is up to his eyeballs getting his affairs in order. He's got a little girl about Amy's age so he getting out. You think you could use another man?
Cal grinned. "So, the High-Top Ranch has become a home for retired Special Forces? Where is he now?" "He's up at Carson. He'll be out-processing in a few days." "Okay. Why don't you take Ellen on a little vacation? She would be a help giving Sean ideas of what furniture he'll need and help take care of the girl. I want you to think about starting a security company, specializing whatever you, Mike, Curt and Dave have skills for. Give it some thought on your drive there. Call Sean and tell him you are coming." "Okay. We'll head out in the morning." Cal got in a UV34 and headed to Cabin Row to select a building site, marked it, and called Sam and ordered another cabin. With the experience Sam's crew had, they would have the cabin up in no time. He had even started stocking solar components to it would be a turn-key operation. Cal went home and told Siobhan what was going on. "You are like a Mother Hen, gathering her chicks when things get bad, you big softy." "Well, I do have an idea for the guys to start a security company, so there will be work for him." Cal said. "I called Dr. Slater and set up an appointment with her. My EPT test this morning was positive." Siobhan grinned. Cal wrapped his arms around her. Siobhan laid her head on Cal's chest. "Hmmmm" Cal and Siobhan took the kids for a walk to the greenhouses. Dawn greeted them and picked up Evan. "What's that? Cal said, pointing to a contraption hanging from the support ribs. "A Co2 Generator. We're growing larger and better crops with it, especially in the winter." Dawn explained. "Look at the strawberries." They walked over to the strawberry beds and the strawberries were huge. "We only got a couple for testing, but everything looks good. I'd like to put one in each greenhouse." Dawn said. "By all means! The plants are really looking good." Cal exclaimed. Dawn picked a few strawberries and rinsed them off. She handed one to each of them. They were delicious! Cal was conditioning the roads when his phone rang. " Cal, it's Andy." "How's everything going, Andy?" "Sean is running on autopilot. We're at his place now packing up what he didn't want the movers to touch. He'll finish his out-processing in a couple of days. When the mover's get through packing, we'll head back there." "Okay. The builders have the basement finished. They'll have to stay in the guest quarters until their cabin is finished." Cal said. "Let him stay at my house. We have two extra bedrooms." Andy said. "We just need to get him out of here to start fading the memories." "Yeah, I know where you're coming from." Cal said. "I'll give you a call when we head back." Andy said, and finished the call. Sam's crew was out the next morning. This time they brought two cranes. Cal was amazed as they started laying the logs. It was like a complicated dance. As soon as one log was in place a crew with a pneumatic hammer drove spikes through the logs to secure them, the other crane was swinging the next log into position. By late afternoon, the walls were finished. The crew chief said they would have the roof, doors and windows done the next day. It was the quickest Cal had seen them build a cabin. While the crew was finishing the floors, Cal and Jonah were moving the cabin's long-term storage foods and the gun safe. "You know, I never noticed it before, but these cabins are lined up kind of like the Depuy bunker system they came up with after Vietnam." Jonah pondered. Cal just grinned. Martha and Helen drove up. They had been shopping for the minimum linens and food the new family would need. "Cal, Jonah, help us unload these things so We can go start supper." Martha said. They all pitched in and stored everything away. Cal set the thermostat to 55 degrees and closed the doors. Andy had called and said they would be returning around noon on Friday, so Siobhan and the women were organizing a pot-luck lunch for when they arrived. Andy called Friday and said there were 1 hour out. Siobhan and the women started getting their dishes together at the Gathering House. Cal had told Andy to bring Sean and his daughter directly to the Gathering House on their arrival. When they walked in the door, Andy directed them over to Cal. "Cal, this Sean…" "It's been a long time." Cal said, holding out his hand and smiling. Sean, with a look of recognition, shook Cal's hand. "Gardez, wasn't it?" Cal grinned. "Yeah, back in my wilder days." Andy called for everyone's attention. "I'd like to introduce Sean Conrad and his daughter, Katy." Everyone greeted them and people started queuing up to get their food. Andy motioned to Cal and they walked outside. "He's had it rough, but he's solid. It's the little girl that's really had a rough time." Andy said. "Okay." Cal said. "We'll let the females handle that one." They went in to get their food and Cal wandered over to Siobhan. "Will you introduce Amy to Katy? She needs some cheering up." Cal asked. Siobhan wandered over to where Amy sat and talked to her. Soon, the two little girls were chatting away.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 5:28:48 GMT -6
Once everyone had finished and the women had begun their gabfest, Cal gathered Andy, Mike, Dave, Curt, Adam and Sean at the other end of the building.
"Guys, I want to start a security company, not guarding shopping malls, unless you think it is monetarily viable, to use the talents here that are going to waste. I'll fully fund it and we'll work out profit-sharing above what you are getting paid now. I need you all, if you're interested, to come up with areas of expertise we could offer and an overall company organization and outline."
"When do you want to have all this information, Cal?"
"Let's plan to meet again Wednesday. You don't have to have a finished product, just a basic outline."
Everyone agreed and went over to mingle with the ladies.
Siobhan saw Sean glancing intently at Diana, who seemed to notice Sean's interest.
Sean was standing with Cal, who was telling him a sanitized version of how they came to be in Colorado and basic ranch operations. Siobhan guided Diana over to Cal and Sean, introducing Diana to Sean and moving on.
"Who is she?" Sean asked Cal.
Cal gave him her story and her work with the Charity Fund.
"Sean, the floor finish on your cabin needs another day to dry, so it'll be a couple of days." Cal said. After Siobhan and Cal had put the kids to bed, they sat in the family room, talking with Cam.
"Have you had a chance to talk to our resident students about the college?" Cal asked Cam.
"Yes, Aedan has offered to give me a tour." Cam said, blushing.
Siobhan looked at Cal, grinning.
"Aedan is a fine man. You can trust him." Cal said, grinning. The HTR (High-Top Ranch) Security team met on Wednesday night. Andy took the lead in the presentation.
"Cal, this is a draft of what we've come up with so far. We can expand as products develop. So far, these are the main areas we're looking at:
Physical Security CCW Training Weapons Training Personal Security Training Surveillance Information Security Business Security Culture
We all have expertise in these areas, and can put out feelers for other and like skills. I recommend we stick with Vets. They will have the mindset we need."
"Okay, What about the administrative organization?" Cal asked.
The guys looked at each other.
Andy handed Cal an organizational chart.
Cal Coleman - CEO Andy Murray - COO James Hatley - CFO (Tent.)
"We voted for this initial organization. We'll fill in as we organize better. James agreed to be the CFO until we can find someone to replace him. We
recommend using the range complex for the headquarters, something away from the compound." Andy said.
"It's a start." Cal said. "We'll need a headquarters building. I'll get a steel building. We'll figure out how to initially configure the inside, but steel will allow us for additions in the future if we need them. I want a SCIF also."
Cal made a sketch of what he had in mind for a floorplan and took recommendations. Everyone was in agreement and the meeting broke, subject to IPRs as required.
Cal went back to his home and called Sam. He made an appointment with Sam to discuss a building requirement. He then called Harris Construction and made another appointment to discuss building an all-weather road he wanted from the compound to the Range Complex. Things were coming together.
The next day, Cal met with Sam and Gary Morgan, Sam's architect.
"Sam, I need someone for a General Contractor for a steel office building. I don't know if you do that or not." Cal said.
"Sure, we do those occasionally. Just what do you need?"
Cal gave Sam and Gary his drawing and a list of requirements.
"Commercial power with solar and generator backups? Hunh?" Sam asked.
"Yes, the power line runs along the road the complex is on." Cal verified.
"Sure, we can do this. We can get started right away."
"I've already got a construction company coming in to build a road to the complex from the Ranch Compound, so, they'll be on hand to do any earth moving you need." Cal said.
The next week, the heavy equipment came out to do the road building. It would be two-lane. All the heavy boulders would be moved to form a anti-vehicle barrier next to the main road. Cal went all out. Once the shell of the building was complete, ¼ in steel sheeting was strategically placed to allow movement within the building if it came under fire. The SCIF was placed in the center of the building and metal studs were used in the walls. Offices and meeting rooms used up ¾ of the building. The empty space would be used in the future.
With the last election of the new President, the economy was kicking into gear. HTR was getting contracts left and right. Ten more security personnel, plus secretaries were to be hired, pending security clearances. Sam hit the jackpot when Cal decided to build 15 cabins for the new security employees. They would rent from the company at low rates. Across the road, Cal had a gas station and a General Store built and hired a feisty widow, Casey Dell, to run it. He told her to price things low enough that outlying homesteads would shop with here instead of going into town. Anyone affiliated with the Ranch would be only charged a minimum amount to make a little profit and maintain stockage.
"I don't know everyone on the Ranch," Casey said. "Can't you come up with some type of discount card that I can run through the register and take a percentage off?"
Cal turned that problem over to Cheryl and she had cards printed up and issued to employees and family members.
Diana was doing good things for the for the Charity, which had officially been named "Hope for The Future." She stayed ahead of the game and had several possible projects in the wings that could be acted on in the future. Her next love was the greenhouses. She had grown up on a farm and loved helping Dawn and Ellen work with the plants. She would go in with them for the Farmers Market and, while intermingling with the customers, pick up on some new charitable endeavor.
Sean volunteered one busy market day to help set things up. Cal watched him gazing, quite frequently, at Diana. Cal nudged Siobhan a pointed his chin.
"I know." Siobhan whispered. "She's been asking questions about him."
It turned out to be the most profitable day they'd had at a market. Helen had about 20 lavender sachet bags left, so she said she was stopping by the Nursing Home to give them out. The rest of the people returned directly to the Ranch.
Everyone pitched in and helped clean the equipment and prepare it for the next weekend. When they had finished, Cal noticed Sean and Diana walk to the Gathering House. Cal and Siobhan went back to their home.
"Well, looks like things are heating up." Cal said.
"It's about time. I've noticed Sean loosening up." Siobhan agreed.
Cam came with the herd of kids.
Amy ran up. "Mommy! Daddy! Look what Katy and I did!" Showing a drawing.
"That's beautiful, Honey!" We need to hang that in the activity room!"
Siobhan went off with Amy, with Katy in tow.
Siobhan returned. "Those two will bear watching. They're acting like twin sisters." She laughed.
Sean and Diana walked in.
"Cal, could I ask Cam to watch Katy while Diana and I go see a movie?" Sean asked?
Cal looked at Siobhan who nodded. She walked over to the intercom. "Cam, can you come to the kitchen?"
Cam came in. "You ask her, Sean." Cal grinned.
"Cam, could you watch Katy while Diana went to a movie?" Sean asked.
"Only if you take her to dinner too." Cam grinned.
"You two better get moving then. Siobhan laughed.
Sean and Diana went to their rooms to get ready.
"I hope those two can find some happiness." Siobhan said.
"I better see about another cabin." Cal pondered.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 5:39:46 GMT -6
Cal went ahead and had another cabin built. Sean and Diana continued to date a couple of times a week. It came to the point to where you hardly saw one without the other. One morning, Sean was talking to Cal when Siobhan walked up.
"When are you going to ask that girl to marry you?" Siobhan asked.
Sean looked at her, startled. "I.. uh... don't think it's fair to her. I've got a child, there's so much trouble in the world…"
Shaking her finger at him, Siobhan said, "Katy loves her. Lots of women marry men who have a ready-made family without regretting the decision. Marry her."
As if seeking her advice, Sean asked, "Should I ask her first?"
Cal laughed at the question. Sadly, shaking her head, Siobhan answered, "No. You should club her over the head and drag her off by the hair like the cavemen that you two are."
"Yes, Ma'am," Sean said. Looking over at Cal, he asked, "Cal, you wouldn't happen to have an extra club lying around handy, would you?"
"You can borrow the one I used on Siobhan," Cal answered with a chuckle. His comment earned him a swat on the arm from his wife.
Friday night, Sean took Katy and Diana out to eat. Together, Sean and Katy asked Diana to marry him and Katy asked if she would be her Mommy. Diana couldn't turn that down. With tears in her eyes, she said "YES!"
They delayed the wedding long enough to get their home furnished and for all the other ranch ladies to get the home just right for them. They honeymooned in Hawaii while Katy had an extended sleep-over with Amy.
Another family was added to the Ranch.
Cal was preparing a Toolcat to dress the road when a black Suburban drove up. Two suits exited the vehicle, which had GSA plates on it.
"Mr. Coleman, I'm Special Agent Wicker and this is Special Agent Johnson. We're with the Denver office of the FBI. Both pulled out badges and flipped them open.
Cal just stared at them. He noticed Andy and Dave move into flanking positions.
"Nah. Show me your IDs. I can buy tin badges anywhere." Cal admonished.
The two agents looked at each other and pulled out their IDs.
Cal pulled out his phone and hit a speed-dial button.
"My name is Cal Coleman. I've got two guys here that say they belong to you. Yeah, SA Wicker, 348765 and SA Johnson, 265098. Okay, just wanted to make sure. Thank you."
Cal handed their ID cards back and waved off Andy and Dave.
"What can I do for you?" Cal asked.
The two startled agents finally saw the two men who had gone into a security posture.
"How did you know to ask for IDs?" SA Johnson asked.
"I've been through a few things in my life, and I'm still alive." Cal answered.
"Do you have somewhere we could talk?" SA Wicker asked.
Cal took them to the Gathering House. Andy followed a few minutes later with a tray containing a carafe of coffee, cups, cream and sugar.
Cal offered coffee and both took a cup.
SA Wicker began. "Mr. Coleman, wire intercepts have picked up chatter from certain affiliated gang groups about a possible hit on the HTR Security facility. All indications point to their raiding you to obtain weapons. Since the Border Patrol has stepped up enforcement with the building of the border wall and ATF cracking down on weapons transfers, they are starting to look for other means to obtain weapons."
Cal laughed. "We don't keep any weapons on site except for, maybe, pistols the secretaries keep in their desks."
"But…with the training you conduct here…"
"We keep our weapons off-site. After training, the weapons are transferred back to a secure storage site. Would you like to see it? "
"Uh, sure." The agents said.
Cal took them in a UV34 through the underground garage. There, he walked them to the gun storage area that had been completed. Cal activated the armored door and led them in. The agents looked around.
"No Class III?" Agent Johnson asked.
"No, we really haven't had a need for them." Cal answered.
"You'd get more government and specialized security business if you offered it. Agent Wicker advised.
"We'll take it under consideration." Cal said.
"You've got a good set-up here." We'll stay in touch and have a team standing by when they decide if or when they are going to do the hit." Agent Wicker said.
"I don't think that's a good idea." Cal said.
Astonished, the agents waited for Cal to finish.
"If your people take down the hit, they'll figure you have been listening or have a man on the inside. Anyone who gets away will be a lot more cautious in the future and you may have to start all over with your surveillance. If you let everything run its course, you can take some prisoners, and possibly break up a coalition. You can put some people here as 'added' employees, under cover, but I guarantee the bad guys won't make to the chain-link fence."
"That seems to be a sound plan." Agent Wicker said. "We need to talk to the SAIC, though." "That's fine. But, in the future, no more black Suburbans and suits and those cute little jackets broadcasting your agency. Regular cars and trucks without government plates and casual clothes only.
"I think we can live with that." Agent Wicker said.
"Good." Cal said. "We can accommodate a lot of people here on the compound, and we can transfer them in an enclosed truck to the HTR facility without them being seen. If they shack out in the Facility, you'll need to get cots and such."
"We'll work it out. We'll get back to you for coordination." Agent Wicker said.
When the agents left, Cal called a general meeting for everyone at 2:00 that afternoon in the Gathering House.
"When everyone was settled, Cal began.
"This morning, I had a visit from the FBI. Through electronic surveillance, they think there are indicators that point to a raid on the HTR Security facilities to steal all the weapons we keep there."
"But…no weapons are kept on site!" Mike said.
"Exactly." Cal said. "So, the FBI wants to use us as bait to take them out. Andy, I'm putting you as head guy for coordination with the FBI. They'll want to have some people on site. Also, we want to keep the FBI presence low key. We need to bring in the Sheriff's Office too. We can make it look like it was a local take-down. Let's get all sniper personnel re-blued on the sniper systems, especially the .50 caliber weapons. We're going to take out some vehicles. Adam, I want you to step up UAV surveillance. We want to know the minute the bad guys start snooping around."
"Cal what security posture do you want the women in?" Siobhan asked.
"Until we hear something, the situation is Normal. That, of course, is subject to how you feel. I don't think it is necessary to carry right now, but if it makes you comfortable, then do it." Cal said.
They broke up and Cal called Andy to the side.
"Invite the Sheriff to stop by. We'll brief him here on site."
Sheriff Dan Masters stopped by the next day. Siobhan had lunch ready, so they sat down to some BBQ sandwiches with fries and salad.
After lunch, Cal and the Sheriff met Andy in the Gathering House and Cal briefed Dan on what was going on.
"What do you need from me?" Dan asked.
"We'll need about 4 deputies when this thing goes down. We want to make this look like a local intervention to keep FBI surveillance methods out of the lime-light."
"No problem. I'll tag my four best, and they are the best because Andy trained them." Dan said.
"Andy is the POC for your guys and the FBI. Hopefully, we get a good heads-up on when it goes down." Cal said.
Andy followed through with the coordination and training. The 10-man FBI contingent came out and Cal insisted they follow Andy's defensive plan. The SAIC came out and listened to Andy's plan and agreed that it was more important they keep their surveillance methods secret than getting credit for the bust. The agents trained with the HTR's security personnel and Sheriff's Department and even went through dry runs. Surveillance by the gang was identified by Adam and Sonia, and they were fortunate it was on a day when the FBI agents were firing submachine guns on the range.
They were as ready as they could be.
Nothing happened for a little over a week; then Andy got a call,
Cal's phone rang. "Cal, it's on for Wednesday night. Everyone will be here tomorrow to do final preps." Andy said.
Everyone's emotions were tense Wednesday. Andy came over to Cal's to give him an update.
"The Feebs say there will be 20 personnel in probably 5 cars and a box truck. We'll take out the engines with Raufoss rounds. The Deputies will announce they are the Mesa County Sheriff's Department and to drop their weapons. We'll see how it goes from there."
"Okay. Has the NV equipment been checked?" Cal asked.
"Ours has. I don't know about the Feeb's, but we'll find out this afternoon during final equipment check."
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 9:55:57 GMT -6
There were no glitches in Andy's plan. The gang convoy rolled up to the gate around 2:00 AM. Someone jumped out of the first vehicle and with a set of bolt cutters, and cut the lock on the gate. When the last vehicle was through the gate, Andy spoke into his mike and the 5 snipers took out the vehicle engines with the Raufoss rounds. People started pouring out of the vehicles to get under cover, but there wasn't any, except for the vehicles.
"Throw down your weapons, this is the Mesa County Sheriff's Department!"
About that time the 4 deputies came down the highway with sirens screaming.
Two of the gang members rose out from behind cover with pistols raised, but Andy's snipers had switched to M21 systems and took them out with shoulder shots. The rest rose from behind cover and came out into the open with their hands raised. The deputies and FBI agents frisked and cuffed them, giving them their Miranda Rights. A bus, used to haul prisoners, was dispatched out and the gang members we loaded aboard. Ambulances carried the two wounded gang members to the hospital under escort.
Special Agent Wicker walked up to Cal.
"That was about the smoothest operation I've ever seen!"
"Well, we had the advantage with your intel. I'm glad everything went as well as it did. That happens when there's sharing of information and good coordination." Cal grinned.
Andy came up. "Cal, everyone is clear."
"Okay. Secure the gate and tomorrow let's see about upgrading to heavy-duty sliding cantilever gates for here and the compound."
"Good idea, I'll see you in the morning." Andy said.
Siobhan was waiting up for Cal when he returned home. She immediately went into his arms.
"I know I shouldn't have been, but I was worried." She cried.
"Hey, we had them to such an advantage they could never have won. They were fortunate they froze and didn't do anything stupid, except for attacking us in the first place." Cal said.
The next morning, reporters started showing up at the HTR Range Facilities. Andy held a press conference and briefed them on the training and services of HTR. You never turn down free publicity.
Andy and Cal talked about expanding services. They both saw areas where higher training would be required, and Andy hired a couple of Vets that could handle it and sent them off for specialized training. Later a requirement showed that defensive driving skills should be added, so Andy hired two more people, one of them a woman, and sent them to several different schools for that skill. The company was growing, with a good reputation. After the two students came back from learning all they could about defensive driving, Andy and Cal sat down with them and came up with a design for a training track and area to teach executives and their drivers the skills. To test the instructor's teaching methods, every adult on the High-Top and Circle B Ranches we given a full-blown class. Later, even the FBI and Homeland Security personnel out of Denver also attended their classes for remedial training.
With the addition of the driving course, the Shoot House and the automatic weapons range, the Range Facility was expanding. It didn't detract from their cattle operation though. This part of the range never was very good grazing land. One of their new workers made a big difference.
One day, Aggie introduced an old oriental man to Siobhan.
"Siobhan, this is Kengo Kawabata. He is the best gardener you have ever seen. I believe you would appreciate what he can do."
"I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Kawabata." Siobhan said.
"Please, call me Kengo."
Siobhan always wanted to have a little peaceful garden place to retire to in the afternoons. She took Kengo to an area adjacent to the Gathering House and described her dream. Kengo nodded. He said he would be back the next day with some sketches for her to look at.
Kengo returned the next day in his battered Toyota pickup truck and showed Siobhan his drawings. Siobhan fell in love with what he had envisioned.
"If you can do this, the job is yours." Siobhan smiled.
Kengo arrived early each day to work. He'd asked her not to visit the garden until he had finished, so she had no idea how far along his work was. He brought along his own tools and never used a power tool. He just worked diligently every day, with Aggie occasionally delivering him water or tea.
Cal had been told about the project and he just ignored everything, except for stopping by the garden site one day and introducing himself to Kengo. He told Kengo to spare no expense, he just wanted Siobhan to be pleased. He offered hauling services if the need arose. Kengo said he might need help with some trees, and he would notify him ahead of time. It turned out he had rescued two large Killarney Strawberry trees from an area to be redeveloped and had a nursery nearby dig the full-size trees up with a tree spade and deliver them. Cherry trees were added as accent. When it was finished, Kengo met with Cal and told his he was ready to show the garden. Cal went and got Siobhan and led her to Kengo and let him lead her through and show her the features.
The garden was beautiful. A stone path meandered through an arbor with climbing vines. There was a succulent bed and flowers that would need extra attention due to them being in the high desert. The path led them to a paved stone patio with comfortable seating and a trickling water feature the emptied into a small pond. The atmosphere was serene. Low voltage lighting lined the path and accenting key features of the garden.
"Kengo, this is beautiful!" Siobhan said, with tears in her eyes. "I've never seen anything so beautiful!"
Kengo bowed. "It has been an honor and a pleasure to make a beautiful spot for a beautiful lady." Kengo said. "I must go now." And he turned around and started walking away.
"Siobhan, would you wait here?" Cal asked. Siobhan nodded and took a seat.
Cal followed Kengo to his truck, where Kengo presented Cal with the bill.
"Kengo, do you have other customers?" Cal asked.
"I only have one customer at a time. People aren't much interested in gardening anymore."
"Would you be interested in a full-time job here? We would build you a house to your desires and needs and give you a steady salary. I have a fairly large project you could work on and you would be free to make this place as beautiful as you could."
"I would have to think about it. I have just taken custody of my niece and have to consider that." Kengo said.
"She would be more than welcomed to live here also." Cal said. "Come with me."
Cal led Kengo to the bunkhouse and showed him the individual rooms.
"This would be where you'd live, temporarily, until we get your house built." Cal explained.
Kengo nodded. "It is acceptable."
"As soon as you accept my offer, we'll meet with the builders and the architect can draw up whatever style house you desire." Cal said.
"Kengo bowed. "I will return tomorrow with my answer." Kengo said, and returned to his truck.
Cal went back to where Siobhan was seated.
"This is so peaceful." Siobhan sighed. "I love it!"
"It is very nice. It's amazing he could do something like this way out here. It's almost like a botanical garden." Cal said.
"I've offered Kengo a job, he's going to give me an answer tomorrow." Cal said.
"What are you going to use him for?" Siobhan asked.
"His expertise in gardening. I'm going to turn him loose and let him do his thing. However, his first project will be the area around the HTR Facility."
"That's good. We would all benefit." Siobhan agreed.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 9:57:43 GMT -6
Kengo accepted the job offer. He brought his niece with him and introduced Akira Kawabata to Cal and Siobhan. While Siobhan took Akira under her wing, Kengo Kawabata and Cal rode around in a UV34 and Kengo Kawabata picked the spot he wanted his house built. I Was out of the way but a quiet area. They went back to the house for a drink and met with Akira and Siobhan. They had tea started so everyone sat and had a cup. Cal explained to Siobhan he wanted to take Kengo to meet with Sam and Gary to get the plans started on the house.
"Good," Siobhan said. "Akira is interested in the greenhouses. We'll take a tour."
Cal had called Sam and told them they'd be in that morning so Kengo and Cal headed out. Sam greeted them and Cal introduced Kengo to Sam and Gary.
Kengo selected a timber frame design cottage with basement to keep plants in winter. Gary sat down and sketched a rough draft, with Kengo's input, of the floorplan. Cal also recommended Kengo add a two-car garage, to keep his vehicle in. Kengo agreed, but wanted it separate. He would build a small garden in between. Gary said he would have the final plans and a material list ready in a week. Cal and Kengo thank them and left.
When they returned to the Ranch, Cal gave Kengo a tour of the hangar and woodshop, the greenhouses and the Gathering House. Kengo was impressed with the greenhouses and said Akira liked to work with plants also.
Then, Cal took Kengo on a tour of the shelter. He told him why he had dug the cavern out and showed him the different rooms. When they came to the smelting area, Kengo was puzzled.
"When I started excavating, I was able to recover some gold from the material. I smelt it into bars and occasionally take it to Denver to be sold." Cal explained.
"Akira is an excellent Goldsmith. She makes beautiful jewelry. She brought her tools with her when she came to live with me." Kengo said.
"Well, we'll have to turn her loose and see what she can do." Cal smiled.
They walked back to the cabin kitchen where Siobhan and Akira were finished preparing lunch. They all sat down and ate.
"Akira, Kengo was telling me you work with gold jewelry." Cal commented.
"Yes." Akira replied. "I've made several pieces."
"Well, I have some scrap gold you can work with, if you like. If they're not too expensive, you could sell them at the weekly market."
"Instead of using titanium, as I use with the more expensive pieces, I could use copper and nickel to make the gold hard enough for jewelry. I have all three bars with my equipment and tools." Akira said.
After lunch, Cal led Akira and Kengo to an empty room next to the main General Storage room.
"You could set up a shop here. We just need to get you workspace built for you." Cal pointed out.
"I could easily build it for her." Kengo said.
"You can use anything in the shop for your project, Kengo." Cal said.
Kengo bowed. "Thank you. Now, we must return to our rental property and pack our things. We should be moved in by tomorrow evening." "If you need to use any of our vehicles or trailers, let me know." Cal said.
Kengo thanked him and they left. Kengo and Akira got settled in. Kengo built the work area for the jewelry complete with material shelves and pegboards to hang tools. Akira turned out gold plated earrings and bracelets the women loved. They printed up some heavy card stock to individually display the pieces. Printed on each card was the HTR brand and "By Akira." By the next week, they would have enough to sell at the market.
Cal gave Kengo a UV34 to use, and use it he did. He was all over the place surveying what he could do. His main focus was the HTR Range Facility, where it started adding little things to make a pleasant area near the pond. Every day, he would stop by Siobhan's garden and do little things to maintain it. His work was subtle, but you could see improvements every day. He was down near the pistol range one day when Mike asked him if he wanted to fire a few rounds. Kengo said "sure," so Mike got him a couple of loaded magazines and a Glock 19. Kengo put on his earmuffs, loaded a magazine and began to fire. When he emptied the magazine, all his shots were in the 10-ring. Mike stood there with his mouth wide open. Kengo cleared the weapon, took off his earmuffs, and turned to Mike.
"Is okay?" He asked.
"Yeah." A stunned Mike said.
Kengo went back to work.
Later that afternoon, Cal saw Kengo working in Siobhan's garden. He walked over to him.
"Mike says you can shoot pretty good. Where did you learn that?" Cal asked.
Kengo stood up. "Three years Japanese Defense Forces. I also taught aikido."
"If you want a side job teaching defensive techniques, you should talk to Andy. He could put you on contract during the bodyguard training. Also, if you'd like, we could see about getting you and Akira a Conceal Carry permit." Cal said.
"Neither Akira nor I own any firearms." Kengo said.
"You do now, if you want." Cal said.
Andy worked with Kengo and Akira, getting them fitted with weapons. Both selected the AR-15s as their long gun. After their training was completed, they applied for their CCW permits and the Sheriff's Department was quick to issue them. Dan Masters did not mess around and knew Andy had given the best training available.
Once Kengo and Akira's house was done, everyone helped them get moved in. The furniture they wanted was delivered and arranged how they wanted. Many hands make quick work, so they were set up in no time. That called for a BBQ. Siobhan had set out steaks and had been baking potatoes in the pizza oven. Dawn brought the ingredients for salads and everyone had a great meal. Cal found more industrial forklift batteries and had them shipped out. He wanted to be able to completely power the HTR Facility with alternative energy if possible. James ordered enough for that and to upgrade the battery banks for the barns, shops, hangar and greenhouses. They even upgraded the hydrogenator to a more powerful and efficient model. They would not go with power. Little did they know they were soon going to be about the only ones in the area that did.
Foreign hackers had been trying to access the power grid for years. A couple of areas in the country had experienced power outages in the past where no reason was found for the outage. One morning, Siobhan told Cal something was wrong.
"Cal, I was listening to the station out of Grand Junction and they are reporting the power is out city-wide and the station was running on generator power. Cal looked at his cell phone. No bars. He turned on the satellite TV and all the major networks were reporting power out throughout the country.
Cal pulled out his radio and turned to the broadcast channel.
"All stations report in." Cal said.
One by one each person reported in.
"We've heard on commercial radio that all power has gone out in Grand Junction and the cell phones don't seem to work. All major tv networks report this is nationwide. We're closing all gates and going to condition yellow. I want all residents in the Gathering House in one hour."
Cal began. "There is still no word about the power outage. One thing I'm sure of, it wasn't a HEMP attack or none of our electronics would work. I would guess it was hackers."
"What is HEMP?" Helen asked.
"High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse. In other words, a nuclear weapon detonated above the earth. It fries electric circuits." Cal answered. Cal continued. "I guess it isn't business as usual. We need to maintain vigilance and keep the gates closed. Verify anyone who wants to enter. Until we find out more, wear your pistols until we see what is going to happen. Keep your radios with you and if you see anything out of norm, let everyone know. Adam, get the UAVs in the air and watch our perimeter."
Everyone went to get their weapons. The tv stations were still broadcasting but if they were on generator power, they wouldn't be on for long. Cal had an antenna mast next to the UAV building, but there was no antenna hung. He went to where the ham gear was stored and pulled out the case with the ham gear and an antenna and took it to the UAV building. Andy helped him get everything hooked up. With the radio in the scan mode, they could monitor several different frequencies. There was a lot of chatter, but no new news.
Four days later, there still no change in the power situation. There was only two major networks broadcasting. There was an announcement, broadcast every hour, that the President would make an announcement at 8:00 that night. Siobhan called everyone on the radio and relayed the news about the President's speech.
Siobhan, Cal and Cam were watching as the President's image appeared.
"My fellow Americans, it is with great regret that I come before you tonight. This country has been attacked by hackers who have damaged our electrical grid. Some areas have been brought back online in areas where power is produced, but in many areas, the surge took out critical equipment. A lot of that equipment is manufactured overseas, and it will take time to replace. I have declared a state of emergency and have activated the Reserves and Nationalized the National Guard. Looting will be dealt with quickly and harshly. FEMA is doing everything it can to ensure food, fuel and medicines are delivered in a timely manner."
The President went on about who to contact in their local areas for assistance.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 9:58:59 GMT -6
"Food is going to be in short supply." Siobhan said.
"Yes it will." Cal said. "Stores usually have deliveries every three days. Those deliveries will be lucky to be here once a week." Cal said.
"What about the Market? Siobhan asked. "Should we go in? People may not have money."
"Then use a barter system." Cal said. "Trade for things we can use, or we can use to trade with later. If you sell canned goods, require a trade for the jars also. Otherwise, you'll run out."
Siobhan was quiet for a couple of minutes. "We'd better have a meeting with everyone who is going into town Saturday and discuss the barter. We'll probably need extra produce too."
"Good idea. I, Dave and Andy will go along for security also." Cal said.
Siobhan looked at him with a worried expression. "Do you think it will be necessary?"
"Maybe, maybe not." Cal said. "But when people get hungry, they can do desperate things."
They got to the farmers market early and got set up. The men positioned themselves to be able to watch over everything. There was a brisk business. Finally, one lady came up.
"I ain't got no regular money, but I've got some silver money." The lady said.
Siobhan looked at Cal, who walked over.
"Take the coins and weigh them on your herb scale. Ma'am, why don't you pick out the produce you want, and we can figure what you owe in silver coins."
The lady picked out what she wanted, and Siobhan tallied the bill.
"That will be $17.65." Siobhan said.
Cal took a couple of coins and weighed them. It came out a little less than $17.65, but they couldn't make change, so he let it go. The woman thanked them and took her items and left.
"How much is silver?" Siobhan asked.
"Around $17.50 an ounce, the last time I checked. Sometimes the weight will vary more or less. You'll have to charge or more and sometimes less because you can't make change. It will even out in the long run. They completely sold out of everything. There were people watching the HTR crew. Cal could see by the looks on their faces they really wanted to take everything they had. Cal signaled the other men and they backed off from helping pack up and maintained security. Once they were moving out, Cal and stayed in the rear of the convoy to make sure no one was following them. They did notice a pickup following but when they pulled over, the vehicle turned down another road.
When they reached the Ranch, Cal and Andy closed the gate. They all gathered to clean and put away equipment.
"I felt sorry for those people at the market. You could see they haven't been eating very well. Maybe we should bring food to the churches." Siobhan said.
Cal paused momentarily. "We could, and I'm sure everyone would appreciate it, but it wouldn't help much. One meal would make them feel better for a while, but we can't feed the whole town. It's better if continue like we are. We can't be responsible for everyone who didn't prepare for bad times. The fact is, we can't save the world and all you can do is hurt our extended family here if you try. I will say we could add to their protein and make jerky to sell also. We'll kill a beef and do that Monday."
On Monday, they did cull out a steer and butchered it. The women got busy to de-bone the carcass and trim the fat. Helen got a big pot and was melting the fat to save the tallow. Others were slicing the hunks of meat to make jerky. Cal had jerky seasoning stored so that was mixed with the meat and refrigerated overnight. The next day, the meat was moved to the smoker by batches and smoked on low heat for two hours then transferred to the dehydrators. It took them 3 days, but the meat was packaged in quart mylar bags and sealed. They ended up with about 100 pounds of jerky and a 5-gallon bucket of tallow. Stations on the Ham Radio were reporting resumption in power for many areas, but nothing was being reported for the Grand Junction area. Cal called everyone together and reminded them they had assets others would want and to stay vigilant. Adam hadn't spotted any intrusions on the two ranches yet. But it would come.
Two days later Sonia spotted an intruder on the Circle B carrying a rifle. Because there was no big game in that area, she assumed the intruder was after a cow. She notified the network and Jimmy responded. He put a round through the engine block of the intruder's pickup truck and waited for the rest of the Circle B crew to arrive. They found the man before he could kill a cow and relieved him of his weapon. He didn't look like he'd missed any meals. Wherever he came from, he had to walk back, with no ammo.
Saturday morning found the usual crew, with security, setting up at the farmers market. Again, all the fresh produce was bought or bartered for. The 50 pounds of jerky they brought was especially welcomed and all of it sold.
Power was finally restored to Grand Junction. Thankfully, although no big disturbances occurred, it seemed everyone carried a weapon, so the criminal elements didn't break out with their usual misdeeds, not if they wanted to live.
It took about two weeks, but the colleges started classes again and Aedan, Cathleen, Sean, and Lilly were back to commuting to classes. Everything returned to normal and more people helped with harvesting crops from the garden and greenhouses. They were canning a great deal and giving each home their winter's supply. A good bit was destined for the food bank.
One afternoon, Andy found Cal in the hangar, cleaning some equipment.
"Cal, some of us guys need to talk to you, away from prying ears."
"Set it up and tell me where." Cal answered.
Andy later told him they could meet l, later that day, in the gun room at 1500.
When Cal got to the gun room, Jimmy, Andy, Mike, Bill and Clint were waiting on him.
Bill began. "Cal, for years we've been a part of a loose confederation that has tried to save fellow soldiers from ruining their lives because of the actions of their wives while deployed. We had a few slip through the cracks at first, with them killing their wives and going to prison. Since then, we've gotten better and have relocated 50 good men who were on the edge of self-destruction."
Cal looked at Bill. "So, what do you do?"
"We get them early and get their heads straight. Our biggest objective has been to make sure no one is killed, and the guy starts on a new path. We've relocated some, completely disappeared some, leaving the wife nothing but a ghost and no assets. It's pretty easy except when children are involved. But we have a case now that is different. We have a guy in Hidalgo, Mexico that we relocated. The cartels have gotten so bad down there we need to relocate him. We want your permission to bring him here."
"Is he still married?" Cal asked.
"No, the divorce went through, but only because his wife got pregnant and when the DNA test came back, she quickly signed the papers. He was so torn up over it, he wanted to get as far away as possible." Bill explained.
"Sure, bring him here. See where he will fit in and if he works out, I'll give him a job. One other thing, I want in on helping out these guys. There are some great women in this world, but there are a lot that can't keep their thighs together. We don't need good men ruined by the sluts of the world."
A week later, Glen Smith showed up in Grand Junction. He contacted Bill and was brought out to the ranch.
Once he had a chance to sit down with Glen, Cal recognized a beaten man. He looked as if he was drained of all energy.
"So, Glen. You are a far piece from where you were. I know you're going through some emotional problems, and those will get easier over time. We need to get you busy. What do you want to do?" Cal asked.
"I don't know. I know it is best that I get to work, but I feel like I'm in a hole and can't climb out." Glen said.
"Well, let me give you a tour of the ranch. Maybe something will come up you'll like."
Cal took Glen on a tour of all the operations of the Ranch. When they got to the greenhouses, Glen started showing some interest.
"I used to help my Grandpa do a little farming. I'd like to work the greenhouses and gardens if you don't mind." Glen said.
Cal introduced Glen to Dawn and Ellen. They gave him a tour of all the greenhouses and gardens. Glen seemed excited. When they had finished the tour, Glen asked the ladies if he could work with them.
"Of course!" Dawn and Ellen echoed. "You can start in the morning. We're harvesting carrots and radishes to sell at the market."
That settled, Andy got with Glen and started the process of getting him his CCW permit.
As he was leaving, Dawn grabbed his arm.
"What do you think of a couple of high-Tunnels? We could grow melons and other running-vine plants."
"Give James the info and find out what needs to be done to prepare the site." Cal said.
Dawn grinned and clapped her hands. "You know, we could sell even more if we ran our own market somewhere in town." "Look into it and give me a proposal." Cal said.
That weekend, the Ranch had another BBQ. They were butchering two more steers and they wanted to clean out the freezers. Luckily, everyone's schedules let them attend. It had been a while since they had the chance to see each other at one time.
Cal made sure to welcome the newer members and went over the accomplishments during the last few months. He asked for input from the greenhouse crew, the ranch crew, the security company and even Akira announced what jewelry ware she had or could be custom made. During this time, Glen just stood off to the side, nursing a beer.
After Dave and Cal had finished burning the meat to everyone's desires, Cal fixed a plate and sat down with Glen.
"Glen, Andy tells me you have a degree in electrical engineering and another in computer science."
"Yeah, I've worked some in that." Glen replied.
"I was wondering if you would check and see if it was feasible to set up a computer network for the Ranch, connected to the HTR Facility."
"Sure, I can get started on that and give you a plan. What all do you want covered?"
"I want to set up a server room in the shelter. Consoles in all the cabins, the UAV building and the bunkhouse. I want it all tied into HTR security, with firewalls. I want satellite internet to everyone."
Glen pondered a minute. "That should be easily enough done. I'll work something up and give you an estimated materials list and a ballpark cost." "Sounds fair." Cal said. "Let's make that your main project for now."
Four days later, Glen had not one, but two plans laid out. The first had a simple network to the server with internet connectivity. The second had the simple network plus an internal web site, basically for the Ranch. Notices could be published, and a recipe site for everyone. Industrial type, wall-mounted computers would be an addition for every kitchen, greenhouses, UAV building and Gathering House. The second plan got Cal's nod. Cal looked at the list of materials and had Glen get with James to order the computers and materials. Cal called the Bobcat dealer and ordered a trenching attachment for the Toolcats.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 10:00:10 GMT -6
It took a couple of weeks, but the computer network was up. The server with network drives and Thunderbolt connectivity was working great. Glen had the latest software and backup systems available. The women loved the website and were constantly uploading recipes and homestead articles to the site. Glen even added a movie database that you could download a movie and watch it on your TV at home. He installed a 52-inch TV in the Gathering House to pipe movies and TV there. Cal gave Glen carte blanche to purchase movies from wherever he could, to store on the movie drive.
Well, all that required a celebration, so after the farmer's market, everyone headed for the Gathering house for a cookout. The women who didn't attend the market had everything ready for the men to start burning the meat. Cathleen, Aileen and Lilly finished bringing the salads and chips while Siobhan herded the children. Aileen, placing the salads in the refrigerator, glanced over and saw Cal talking to someone. Going over to her mother, she asked who the man was.
"Oh, that's Glen Smith, another one of Cal's 'rescues.' He's the one that designed and installed the computer network." Siobhan answered. "You look like you're interested." Siobhan grinned.
"Hmmm…. What?" Aileen said, turning toward Siobhan.
"I said you look interested. He's come out of a bad divorce, and had to get out of the way of the drug cartels in Mexico. He'll be working here now."
Aileen continued looking at Glen, until Cal noticed Siobhan motioning him and Glen over.
Cal and Glen walked over.
"Glen, this is my daughter Aileen. Aileen, Glen Smith."
Glen shook Aileen's outstretched hand.
"Nice to meet you." Glen said, and gulped.
"Pleased to meet you." Aileen said, blushing.
Siobhan looked at Cal and grinned. Cal cocked his head and squinted at her.
Siobhan took Cal by his arm and led him off.
"Did you see that? She whispered.
"Yeah, but I'll wait on building a cabin. She's still got a year to go in college, doesn't she?" Cal asked.
"Just two semesters. She'll be done." Siobhan said.
They walked over and got a drink and turned to look at Aileen and Glen. The two were still talking and smiling.
"Maybe I'll give Sam a heads up." Cal grinned.
Diana came over to Cal and Siobhan.
"Cal, I have a new charity project."
"Ok, what do you have." Cal Said.
"Well, I noticed the women that come to the shelter. Most of the time they are victims of abuse and have lost a lot of their self-esteem. I'd like to provide backpacks that could be filled with a couple of spare sets of clothing, underwear, sleepwear, personal hygiene items, a set of tennis shoes, and some basic makeup. Probably a total of 50 sets would get them started and we could monitor the sizes and keep them filled."
Cal and Siobhan nodded. Sounds like a solid plan. Go ahead and get it started. I suggest talking with the shelter and get a ball-park estimation of the sizes of the women they've had in so far."
"Already have. I'll round it out with some of the other sizes and we can store the items in totes. That way the center workers can build a backpack quickly. All we have to do is the shopping." Diana said.
"Which you ladies do very well." Cal laughed.
"Let's get a shopping crew together and do this." Siobhan grinned.
The two ladies went off to form a team of determined shoppers and Cal walked back over to Glen, who was standing alone.
"Glen, you are now our de facto IT expert, so if you see any improvements that need to be done, shout it out." Cal said.
"We're set up pretty good right now. As new tech comes out, we can tweak the system." Glen said.
Cal nodded. "Check out anything that will help the girls in the greenhouses. See if there is anything we can do to automate them a little more."
"I'll be looking at that tomorrow." Glen said. "Uh, by the way. I've asked Aileen out on a date, if you don't mind."
Cal looked at Glen. "That's really none of my business. You two are adults. What you do on your own time is yours, and no one else's concern."
"Thanks, Cal. I'm on shaky ground here. It's a little overwhelming." Glen said.
"Look. I'm not going to be sitting on the front porch cleaning my shotgun, waiting for you to bring her home. Just treat her right. All her Mother and I want is for her to be happy." Cal said.
"I promise you I will do her right, Cal." Glen said.
Everyone started leaving, family by family, and the clean-up had been completed. As the Coleman family left the Gathering House, Siobhan said in a low voice, "Have you noticed, the people who you've gathered here are completely compatible? Almost as if they were blood related." "Yeah, strange, but good." Cal agreed.
The next morning, Cal ordered another cabin. "Cal, the company is going to pay a lot of taxes if you don't expand your charitable contributions this year." Cheryl, their CPA said.
Cal called in Diana.
"Diana, the woman's shelter. Do they own the building? Does it meet their requirements? Is there anything they are in need of?"
"Well, they are renting. They have adequate space, but sometimes not enough beds. A good bit of their money is chewed away by reimbursement for use of privately owned vehicles to conduct business." Diana replied.
Cal thought a minute. "I want you to track down who owns the building, what the building is worth, and what kind of remodeling needs to be done to add more beds."
Diana came back three days later with the information Cal wanted. Cal immediately contacted the owner of the building, who had been leasing the building at a loss, and outright bought the building. He hired a company to renovate the building, adding bathrooms and bedrooms and bought two 15-passenger vans for the shelter. Gas cards were provided, monitored by the Charity. Cheryl was soon back.
"Cal, uh, this extra work really requires a separate accountant for the Charity. With the extra work of the separate businesses, it's getting a little much to handle." Cheryl said.
"You have someone in mind to take the Charity work?" Cal asked.
"Lilly."
"Lilly? I didn't know she was studying accounting." Cal said.
"Yes, and she has been working with me some to understand her classes more."
"Cal paused. "Well, let me talk to her to see if she's interested."
Cal went to find Siobhan." I didn't know Lilly was studying accounting."
"Yes, she changed her major after Cheryl started working. She enjoys it." Siobhan replied.
"Do you think she'd be interested in taking over the Charity account?" Cal asked.
"Well, the girls are coming down for dinner tonight. You could ask her yourself."
After dinner that night, Cal broached the subject with Lilly.
"Yes, I'd be more than glad to do the account. Best of both worlds. I get to do accounting, plus helping people in need. Yes, I'll do it." Lilly replied.
She was more than happy with her salary and Cal would give her a substantial raise when she got her CPA. Siobhan woke Cal in the middle of the night and told him it was time to go to the hospital.
Cal woke Cam and told her the baby was ready to come out. Loading Siobhan and her bag in the Suburban, they were on their way in a few minutes. Cal called Ben, who was on duty, and told him they were on the way. Ben notified her doctor who was on standby. Siobhan was only in labor for three hours.
Siobhan and Cal were the proud parents of an 8 lb. 2 oz. boy they named Grady Callahan Coleman.
Two days later, they returned to the Ranch to a welcome home party the ladies had set up in the Gathering House. Baby presents were given and opened for the baby boy by his sister Amy. She proclaimed she would love and protect him forever. There were a few tears in the crowd. Cal continued his excavations. He, and whomever he had to help him at the time, sealed off the living and storage areas from his "under construction" area with bulkheads and heavy doors. His current project was a hallway down the north side of the bluff that would extend another 500 feet. The excavators were set for a slow but continuous operation to keep from stressing the machines. Every 50 feet he would do a cleanup of the pay dirt. Little gold was found in the first 100 feet, but then they struck it big. Cal noticed during cleanup that the wheelbarrows seemed a little heavy. He already had a stockpile of dirt to run through the sluice, so he began before he was overwhelmed. When he washed the mats, he could see a lot of gold. He finished washing the mats and ran the sludge through the Gemini Table to separate the gold. Cal was amazed when the total came out to 1,263 troy ounces. That would come out to about $2.4 million. With the stash he had, the total was around $3.8 million. He would have to make another run to Denver, but he would run all the pay dirt he had now and then make the run.
Cal stopped for dinner and just as they finished up cleaning the kitchen, Akira knocked and came in.
"Cal, do you have any gold scraps?" Akira asked.
Cal chuckled. "Oh, I guess I have some."
Confused, Akira looked at Cal.
"Come with me." Cal said.
Akira followed Cal to the smelting area. When she saw the stack of ingots, her eyes grew large.
"I guess we've hit some good veins of gold. I've got a good bit of pay dirt to run yet."
"Do you want some help?" Akira asked.
"If you want to. But I want you to work at your own pace. Meet me around 9:00 in the morning and I can show you what to do." Cal said.
Akira said she would be there, and they walked back out to the Gathering Room where Siobhan and Cam had the kids watching a movie and playing.
"Where has Kengo been? I haven't seen him in a couple of days." Siobhan asked Akira.
"He's been working in the wood shop. He's designing and building some furniture. He's down there working now." Akira answered.
"I think I'll walk down and see his efforts." Cal said.
Akira walked with him to the wood shop and as they entered, Kengo was sanding some pieces.
"Hi, Kengo."
Kengo stopped sanding and bowed slightly to Cal.
"Good evening, Cal."
Cal noticed a newly built table off to the side and walked over.
"This is absolutely beautiful! "
"Kengo smiled. "Yes, and I'm working on chairs for it also."
"Well, I only see one problem." Cal said.
Concerned, Kengo looked around.
"We have most to the major wood-working tools. I forgot about sanders. I'll order some tomorrow." Cal smiled.
Kengo smiled at Cal. "That would be most helpful."
Gil went back to his computer and looked for wood-working machinery and got the specs for what he wanted, shot James an email to order the machines as a rush purchase.
Satisfied, he went back to Siobhan and the kids.
"How is his furniture?" Siobhan asked.
"Beautiful. But he doesn't have all the right equipment, so I'm ordering the things he needs. He could make some good sales. I think I'll add an addition to the wood shop for finishing. It would have to be dust free."
"Why not use something like the positive pressure system we have?" Siobhan asked.
"Good idea! We have an extra unit we could put in there. I could start on it tomorrow."
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 10:04:54 GMT -6
The next morning, Cal caught up with Kengo and told him what he wanted to do. He and Kengo sat down and wrote up a list of materials they would need to building the addition. Kengo took a truck and trailer into town to pick up the materials. Cal and Dave started measuring for foundation supports that Kengo would be picking up. It took them three days to finish the project, but it was just what was needed. The sanders, spraying equipment and dust catcher came in and were installed. It looked very professional. Kengo soon was quickly making furniture that was a work of art. After showing samples at the next farmers market, Kengo soon had several custom orders. More money was coming to the Charity coffers. A meeting was held of the members of the board of the Hope for The Future Foundation. Lilly started the show. "In consultation with Cheryl, Cal, you need to up your charitable to the tune of $1.5 million to cut your taxes." Call nodded. "Okay. So, I'll donate it to HTF. Diana, what projects do we have?" Diana opened a folder. "Cal, the economy is getting better, but there are still a lot of people who are homeless. The county could really use a rescue mission. I've been looking around and there is a Days Inn off of 70 that shut down about 6 months ago that is for sale." "Okay, check on it. Get a contractor to check it out and get an estimate on renovation. You'll need meeting rooms, recreation rooms for children, dining facility and I want a First Aid Room or clinic with two exam rooms. I want a doctor or doctors to be able to do healthcare exams without having the patients go to the clinic. We also need to make contact with the mental health and substance abuse agencies and hospitals and see about health care and counseling. Also, seek support from the clergy in the area. Check with city and county law enforcement. They keep a pretty good handle on the homeless in the area. Once we get this rolling, we'll see about job placement. This will be a temporary home to provide them help. Whatever help you need, feel free to ask." Diana smiled. "You've put some thought into this, haven't you?" Cal frowned. "Yes, the government should have done something long ago. But let me make myself clear. These people must have a desire to be helped to better themselves. If they don't do their part, they're outta there." Six months later Cal was waiting with the Mayor for the dedication of the new rescue mission. Siobhan and the others had kept it a secret from Cal, but they had unanimously named the building "The Hope Center", and a plaque was to be unveiled. A signal was given, and the Mayor strode to the podium. "Good morning to all you fine people. Thank you all for coming to this dedication. As we have gathered here to celebrate the opening of this facility, I want you all to consider what you would want others to do if you were a member of the downtrodden. I'm sure you would want your family to be fed, clothed, and living under good conditions. This is what the Hope for The Future Foundation has established here. Not only are they seeing to the basic needs but also looking after the physical and mental health of the residents. Health is wealth. Once those needs are taken care of, then jobs and placement in good homes will follow. I would like to thank the Hope for The Future Foundation for all their efforts in making Grand Junction and Mesa County a better place to live." With that said, the Mayor and Reverend Bender pulled ropes that unveiled the 6-foot bronze plaque with inlaid stainless steel lettering on the wall above the main entrance. Stunned, Cal looked at the wording on the plaque. "The Hope Coleman Center." With misty eyes, he looked of at Siobhan. "She would be pleased." The staff was comprised of a few retired nurses and men and women recruited in Grand Junction. Many from the churches who had been providing what help they could to the homeless. Cal was able to enlist the help of Ben and a couple of other doctors to provide the medical exams. New donations were pouring in to the HTF Foundation. Everything was going smoothly. More fresh foods were going to the shelters and people were getting a lift up. Cal worked with Sam and a few other businessmen to open up the jobs market. The Foundation even got some grants from HUD to provide good housing for the people who worked to make their lives better. This wasn't public housing that would eventually deteriorate into urban jungles, but individual housing the people could be proud of. Cal got a phone call one day asking him to meet with the Mayor and some other people. Cal attended and was surprised to see several political figures there, including the Governor. Cal talked with several people during and after the luncheon. Finally, the Governor walked over and shook his hand.
"Cal, we would like you to consider running for Congress." Cal looked at him. "Nope." The Governor chuckled. "Why not? You have accomplished great things here. You attitude would take you far, politically, in the Republican Party." Cal frowned. "First of all, I'm a registered Independent. I vote for the person who I think has the best ideas. Second, you don't want someone who would start a debate with 'Listen here Fucker…'" The Governor laughed. "Well, I guess that would be a bit awkward." "Governor, I'll support most anyone, as long as they follow the Constitution, are not in office for self-aggrandizement, and are doing work for the people and not some political party. As I see it now. There are few politicians that fit that mold." The Governor flushed and excused himself to talk to some other people. The Mayor took Cal by the elbow. "Cal, you can't say something like that to the Governor!" "Well, I did, and I meant it. I'm tired of these professional politicians who stay in office for years and get little to nothing done." That was the end of any mention of Cal running for office…for now. Siobhan and Cam were preparing dinner when Cal walked in. He poured a glass of iced tea and sat at the counter. Siobhan smiled and said, "We're having guests for dinner." Cal squinted at her. "Who?" "Aileen and Glen." "Here we go again." Cal said. "Now Cal, they make a lovely couple!" Siobhan giggled. "Yes, they do. I guess I'll give Sam a call tomorrow. I like having a reserve cabin. Cam, are you about to hitch up with anyone?" Sam would probably give me a better deal." Cam giggled. "No, not unless you can reel in a guy 6' 2", blonde hair, and built like Paul Bunyan." Cal laughed. "I'll put it on my 'To Do List'." Aileen and Glen arrived a few minutes later. Cal and Cam went to get the kids and got them seated. The girls had prepared a delicious meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls. The usual chatter was evident, except Glen was quiet. Cal smiled to himself. Once the meal was over Cam took the kids and got them ready for baths. Cal and Aileen helped Siobhan clean up. Siobhan poked Cal in the ribs with her elbow and whispered, "I think Glen wants to talk to you." "I know, I'm letting him sweat." Cal grinned. Cal dried his hands and wandered onto the porch. A couple of minutes later, Glen came out and sat down. "Cal, I need to talk to you." Glen said. "Yeah, I wanted to talk with you also. Do you think we have enough server space? With things picking up, I don't want to be caught in a pinch," Cal said with a serious face. Siobhan, who had been standing inside, next to the screen door, cleared her throat. "Cal, stop it!" Cal grinned. "Okay, what do you want to talk about Glen. Siobhan, you might as well come on out." Siobhan came out and stood next to the door. "Cal, Siobhan, I'm asking for your permission to ask Aileen for her hand in marriage." Cal looked over at Siobhan, who grinned and nodded. "Glen, I'm sure you've thought this through. She is a sweet girl and I know she'd make a wonderful wife, but she doesn't shave her legs and armpits...." "SHE DOES T...." "Cal!.." "Okay, okay...Glen, you absolutely have my permission. I hope you can wait to be married until after she finishes school." "Oh, that's what I had planned. We both want to stay around here too." "Well, you have our permission. Take good care of her. Have you gotten a ring yet?" Glen grinned, stood up and pulled a ring box out of his pocket and showed Siobhan and Cal the ring. They heard Aileen approaching, so Glen quickly put the ring in his pocket. "What's going on?" Aileen asked. Cal, with a sober face answered. "I was thinking of sending Glen up to Alaska to check on gold mining properties for 6 months." Aileen's face fell. "Oh." "Cal Coleman, I'm going to take a switch to you!" Siobhan admonished. Cal took Siobhan by the arm and started leading her to her private garden. "Well, let me help you select one." A few minutes later they heard Aileen shout YES! Cal took Siobhan in his arms and kissed her. "Have Aileen start picking out the furniture a fixings for their cabin."
|
|
|
Post by texican on Aug 5, 2021 11:01:26 GMT -6
The building (weapons, ammo, etc.)was completely destroyed, and it looked as though there had been several explosions. Debris was scattered all around the site.
A couple of days later, Andy called Cal on the radio. "Cal, the whole crew is on the move. They've locked the door." The empty house was destroyed.The weapons, ammo, etc. were destroyed instead of taking out the house with the bad guys inside and seizing the weapons, ammo, etc. What happened to "Leave no enemy behind." Bad guys remain bad guys until taken out. So the bad guys leave to maim and probably kill innocents. The weapons can not be used by good guys that need the weapons and ammo to fight the coming bad guys.
Cal is all for helping, but at times does not think the problem thru.
Now off to read multiple other chapters.
Texican....
|
|
|
Post by gipsy on Aug 5, 2021 11:09:41 GMT -6
Amazing what a few good people can do.
|
|
|
Post by iamnobody on Aug 5, 2021 11:53:09 GMT -6
There are some great women in this world, but there are a lot that can't keep their thighs together. We don't need good men ruined by the sluts of the world.AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!I'm a Christian widower of 5 years. Over 50% of the women coming on to me are clearly married with rings on their fingers. It does not matter the age of the woman either. Ages 20 – 50, the married ones want to give me a good time. Including my late wife, after she died, to find out she had committed adultery with at least 5-6 men that I have found out about and I suspect even more but I gave up on digging up the info. And we were both “conservative” Christians where that kind of thing supposedly doesn't happen. HA!!!
At least now I know where all the good women are. They are on that ranch of Cal's.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 13:23:54 GMT -6
"Cal, you going to be around here around 1400?" Andy asked.
Cal thought a second. "Yeah. I haven't anything planned."
"I'll pick you up at 1345. I've got something to show you. Andy said.
At 1345 Andy picked up Cal and his continuous shadow, Ranger, in a UV34 and too them to a stretch of road between the ranch compound and the HTR Facility and pulled off the road.
Cal looked at Andy. "What are we doing?"
Andy grinned. "Wait. In a few minutes you'll see."
Right at 1400 an aircraft was seen coming in their direction. Cal and Andy got out of the vehicle and watched the plane as it approached and landed. Cal, with his mouth open, watched the plane land in less than 200 feet. The pilot shut the engine off and got out, walking over to Cal and Andy. Ranger, standing by Cal's side, went into the alert mode.
"Settle Down" commanded Cal.
Cal held out his hand and said, "Kon'nichiwa, bokuj? e y?koso."
The pilot took Cal's hand and chuckled. "Sorry, my mother was Japanese, but I never learned the lingo." "Cal, this is Ken Nelson, late of 5th Special Forces and a couple of 3-lettered agencies. Pilot, weapons expert and all-around good guy."
Cal looked at Andy. "So, is this something to do with the security company?"
"Yeah, kinda. Ken, why don't you pull the plane off the road and we'll go up to the Gathering House to talk."
They helped Ken pull the plane of the road and they rode the UV34 up to the Gathering House.
They got drinks and sat down at a table.
"Okay, what do I owe this pleasure to?" Cal asked.
Andy began. "Cal, Ken has been flying for one of the three-letter agencies and wants to break off. He's also licensed for helicopters. I think he and his plane would be an asset for HTR."
"Just what kind of plane is that?" Cal asked Ken.
"It's a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter STOL aircraft. As you saw, it can take off and land in less than 500 feet, fully loaded," Ken explained.
"Cal looked at Andy. "So, what's the deal?"
"Ken got the plane from the people he was working for. It was a confiscated drug plane. As it stands right now, you couldn't get one like it for less than $1,750,000. He'll sell it to the company for $750,000. There are a lot of things we could use it for, including your periodic shipments to Denver. It could be there in two hours."
"What's the operating costs?"
"Around $163,000 a year." Ken answered.
Cal took a sip of his water. "Do you have any other skills, Ken?
"I was a weapons man in 1st Group, and was sheep-dipped to the Agency for Afghanistan."
"He forgot to mention he was also with the Army of Northern Virginia." Andy grinned.
"Okay, I'll go for it." Cal replied. "You two take care of re-registering the plane, get it repainted…a brunette brown with gold stenciling, and find a place near the Facility to put in a hanger, fuel tanks, and an 800-foot runway."
Andy and Ken nodded.
They all went back to the plane and Ken did his pre-checks and started the engine. Andy and Cal watched as Ken taxied the plane onto the road. As he applied max power to the plane, the tail lifted off the ground. When he released the brakes, the plane lurched down the road and lifted off in less than 100 feet. Cal just shook his head.
"Where does he keep it?" Cal asked Andy.
"Right now, Colorado Air and Space Port, which is a good place to land when you do gold shipments. It's about 3 miles southeast of Denver International."
"I guess I'll wait to do another shipment until the plane is taken care of. I've got a bit over 250 pounds of gold. Will it carry it?"
"Oh, sure. That thing has a little less than a 2000-pound cargo capacity."
"It'll be nice to do a shipment in ½ of the time we do now." Cal agreed.
The plane was registered and painted in subdued tones. A paved, 800-foot runway, hanger, and 2000-gallon Jet-A tank installed. HTR was in the flying business.
It was again Pizza Night at the Gathering House. It looked like everyone had shown up again, even Kengo, who didn't like the usual pizza. Akira would make him one with shrimp and anchovies. He liked those. No formal speeches were made, except to introduce Ken to the rest of the group. Everyone pigged out on the delicious pizzas the women prepared.
Siobhan smiled to herself as she watched Ken and Akira stood talking and laughing together.
Andy called Ken.
"Get the plane ready. Cal needs to make a trip to Denver. Carry a sidearm."
Cal called the brokers and arranged to have guards and suitable transportation at CASP. He and Jonah loaded the gold into the Suburban and drove to the hanger.
Ken was pre-flighting the bird as Cal drove up.
As Cal started taking cases out of the vehicle, Ken asked what they were carrying.
"Three hundred pounds of gold." Cal replied.
With big eyes, Ken started arranging the cases to center and balance the load. Getting out straps, he strapped everything down and told Cal they were ready to go.
Ken started the engine and when the engine was warmed up, and the gauges were in the green, taxied over to their strip and locked the brakes down. He opened the throttle and a couple of seconds later, released the brakes. Cal felt his body pushed back into the seat as the plane lurched forward. In no time the plane lifted off the ground. They rose a few hundred feet and Ken trimmed the flaps.
When he reached 1500 ft, Cal contacted ATC. "Denver Control, this is N8915AWC, November 8915 Alpha Whiskey Charlie requesting clearance for direct to FTG Foxtrot Tango Golf."
"November 8915 Alpha Whiskey Charlie, pattern is clear below 5,000 ft, maintain 2,000. You are clear for Direct."
Ken climbed to 2000 feet and set his course.
"If you don't mind me asking, where'd you get the gold?" Ken asked.
Cal looked over at Ken. "Mined it. When we get back, I'll give you a tour. I'll explain everything then."
With a tailwind, they arrived at CASP 15 minutes early.
"Denver Control, this is N8915AWC, November 8915 Alpha Whiskey Charlie requesting landing instructions at Foxtrot Tango Golf."
"Roger November 8915, cleared in to 27R, pattern is clear."
Ken adjusted flaps and lost altitude.
"November 8915 Alpha Whiskey Charlie on final" and the Tower acknowledged, "Roger Final. Clear to land."
Ken let the plan roll to the taxiway and taxied over to the parking area. Two Suburban vehicles rolled over to the plane when the prop quit turning. Four men got out.
"Hello again, Mr. Coleman."
"Hello, Larry. Looks like you brought the whole crew." Cal smiled.
"I thought it prudent to be safe, not sorry." Larry said. "Guys let's get this package loaded.
After Ken unstrapped the cargo, the men loaded the boxes in one of the vehicles.
"You two can ride with me." Larry said.
Ken looked at Cal.
"Come on. You might as well see this end of the operation." Cal grinned.
Ken paid attention to every step of the transaction. After the gold was tested, Cal was given $250,000 in cash, $3,000,000 in various dominations of coins, and the rest added to Cal's banking account. Larry gave them a ride back out to the airport and Ken did his pre-flight checks.
After the plane was warmed up, Ken contacted Denver Control.
The tower came back "cleared for immediate departure- buster, traffic pattern is very crowded. Stay below 500 AGL until 20 miles away from runway, then slowly ascend to 2,000 feet."
"Roger, November 8915 rolling."
Ken let ground effect lift the plane and he maintained 500 ft as directed. After he got out of the restricted area, he climbed to 2000 feet.
"That was a profitable trip." Ken said.
"Yeah, a good bit goes back into the Foundation." Cal said. He didn't mention that every family in the compound got .25% also.
"Have you flown a plane before?" Ken asked Cal.
"Yeah, I have a license, but I only flew Cubs. It was all job related." Cal replied.
"You should take it back up again. This plane is super fun to fly." Ken grinned.
"Maybe. I've got a lot of irons in the fire, right now." Cal mused.
They landed at the facility and Cal took the boxes back to the compound.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 13:26:39 GMT -6
"Want to take a ride?" Siobhan asked as Cal walked into the kitchen. "Sure. Where to? "We're running low on a few things and I want to rotate what we have in storage." "I'll go hook up a trailer." Cal said. When they got to Sam's Wholesale, they both got flatbed carts. They went first and picked up cooking oil, flour and a few spices. Siobhan picked out the juices the kids liked, and Cal added a couple of gallons of popcorn oil and 15 pounds of popcorn. "What's next on the list?" Cal asked. "We need peanut butter, paper goods, cleaning supplies and washing detergent." They moved over and finished filling their carts. They paid for the items and started loading them in the trailer. "Leave some room over the axle. City Market called and the pallet of beer you ordered is in." Finished loading, they headed over to City Market and two stock boys helped Cal load the beer. "Where to now?" Cal asked Siobhan. "Let's go home. I need to put the Shepherd's Pie in the oven. Cal dropped Siobhan at the cabin and took the beer to the Gathering House and unloaded all but four cases of beer. He unloaded everything else at the cabin.
The next morning, Cal was tinkering in the hangar with one of the UV34s when Andy walked in. "Has Dawn talked to you?" Andy asked. "About what?" "Well, the weather has caused a lot of mildew on the arugula crops and we are the only reliable producer in the area." Andy explained. "Okay, let's get the greenhouse crew in the Gathering House at 1:00 and have a meeting." Cal said. At lunch, Cal asked Siobhan to attend the meeting. They walked to the Gathering House together. When everyone had arrived, Cal asked Dawn to give them an overview of greenhouse operations and sales. Dawn explained their current crops and rotation schedules, their farmer's market sales and the current problems with the arugula crops. "Because we have a more controlled growing environment, we have had more success in our arugula crop. I noticed several of the buyers at the market were from the smaller restaurants and we quickly sell out on market days. I got to checking and the weather has caused the crops of the large producers to develop downy mildew. That has caused prices to skyrocket. I've got one growing tunnel dedicated to arugula production. I think we can make a good bit on sales." Cal thought a minute. "Let's try this. Check with the restaurants in Grand Junction and the Denver area. Stay with the more expensive ones due to our relative limited production. See what kind of sales you can generate. You know what you can produce so don't extend yourself. Whatever the going price is, cut it by five cents. We can take out the middleman and generate a lot of revenue. I'll see about purchasing a refrigerated truck and we'll hire a driver for deliveries. Keep tuned to the conditions of suppliers and see if there are any other opportunities out there. If need be, we can add more high-tunnels." A couple of days later, Barry came up to Cal. "Cal, I've finished 8 Jack and Jill combos and 4 storerooms. We're sitting on 48 pounds of gold." "Okay, I'll see about getting it moved." Cal replied. Cal went into the cabin and found Siobhan and Cheryl sitting in the cabin kitchen drinking coffee. "I've got to make another gold run into Denver." Cal said. "Like you need more cash." Cheryl grinned. "Nah. I'm going to trade it for coins." Cal replied. Cal picked up the phone and call Sam Taylor, his gold broker. "Sam, Cal Coleman. I've got 50 pounds and want to trade it in for gold and silver Eagles including some of the fractional coins." "Cal, give me 3 days and I can handle it. You landing at the same field?" Sam asked. "Yeah, worked pretty well last time. I'll call you en route and give you an ETA, but we should be there by 10:00." "Fine, looking forward to it." Sam said and Cal hung up. "Helen and I are going into the Red Wing store and buy spare shoes and boots for everyone." Siobhan told Cal at breakfast. "Let Andy handle the Facility employees. As a matter of fact, have Andy send a couple of guys with a trailer to help you and we'll kill two birds with one stone. Have you got everyone's sizes updated?" Cal asked. "Just finished this morning. I made a copy and put it on the inside of the storeroom door." Siobhan said. "Okay. Ken and I should be back by four o'clock. We don't want to miss Pizza Night." Siobhan kissed Cal. "I'm trying out dehydrated cheeses for the pizza tonight. If they work out, I'll order a few cases for LTS." "How long will they store?" "Augason Farms say up to 30 years." "If they work out, order 5 cases of each cheese." "Sure Hon. You be safe." Ken was doing his walk-around pre-flight as Cal rode up. Cal strapped the cases in the plane and they both got in. "This should be quick." Cal said over the intercom. Sam is going to meet us at the airfield and do the exchange. If things come up short, we'll settle up on the next shipment." "Sweet. It's nice that you two trust each other that much." Ken said. "He's an honest man. We need all the people like him we can get in this world." Cal said. Cal used the plane phone and called Sam to give him their ETA. When they landed, Sam had two Suburbans waiting with 7 armed guards. Cal got out and shook Sam's hand. "Our scales haven't changed so everything should be good." Cal grinned. "I'm not worried." One of the guards came over and handed Sam the case of coins. "Here you go. Don't spend it all in one place." Sam grinned. "Thanks Sam. We need to get back. It's Pizza Night on the Ranch." Cal and Sam shook hands and Ken started the engine. Cal got in and strapped his harness on. Ken got instructions from Denver ATC and they were soon headed back to the Ranch. The girls were back from Red Wing and the men were carting the boots and shoes to the storage room. "I just looked at the canning supplies and we're going to get short on jars and rings because of the increased output of produce. Also, I want to butcher and can a steer." Siobhan said. "I was noticing that the other day and forgot to mention it. How many do you recommend?" Cal asked. "We need 7 gross each of jelly jars, pints, quarts and lids and rings for next year, and then we may run short." Siobhan said. "Just round it up to 10 gross each and we can have it freighted in. I'd rather have too many than too few." Cal took the gold and silver coins and locked them in a gun vault in his office and dropped a note on Cheryl's desk stating the amount of what he'd added to the vault.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 13:30:37 GMT -6
Siobhan was on the phone when he returned to the kitchen. Cam was making snacks for the kids. Cal winked at Cam and wrapped his arms around Siobhan's waist and kissed her neck. Siobhan squirmed around and finished the jar order she was placing.
"Will you not do that when I'm busy on the phone?" Siobhan squealed.
"I like to surprise you." Cal grinned.
"Well, the jars, rings and lids are ordered. They have everything on hand and said they'll be here in a week."
"I'll have Jonah cull out a steer and we'll butcher it tomorrow and let it hang for a week in the cooler. That'll give you enough time to organize your canning party." Cal said.
"We might as well do it good. I'll talk to Dawn and see what she can spare from the gardens and greenhouses." Siobhan said.
Amy came into the kitchen.
"Daddy! Thosaigh mé ag baint úsáide as ríomhaire!" (Daddy, I've started using a computer!)
"I wanted to talk to you about that. Siobhan said. "Kathy thinks she's far enough ahead in her home schooling to start using some more advanced educational software. "
"Is iontach an rud é sin, mo choinín beag!" ("That's great, my little bunny!")
"After dinner, you can show me what you have learned. Now, you can go play with your brothers." Amy went running to the rec room.
The next morning, as they were cleaning up from breakfast, Cam asked Cal if there were any other types of grips for her pistol.
"I'm sure there are after-market grips. What do you need?"
"Well, I think I could get better shot groups if the pistol fit my hand better." Cam explained.
"Siobhan, can you keep an eye on the kids for a little bit?" Cal asked.
"Sure, go ahead."
Cal told Cam to get her Ruger SP101 and come down to the woodshop. Cam soon showed up with her pistol.
"I think we can do better than that," Cal said as he looked at the Ruger's grips. "Those don't feel too good, do they?"
"Not really," Cam admitted, gripping the revolver in her right hand. "They need more wood in front, like the bigger ones, but not so big on the bottom."
"I think I have an idea."
Cal started rummaging through a box on one of the shelves in the workshop. He pulled out something wrapped in waxed paper and set it on the workbench. Then, using a small screwdriver, he removed the grips from the revolver and laid the weapon on a piece of 3/8" plywood. He carefully traced the outline of the frame on the wood using a pencil, then took the pattern over to the scroll saw and cut out the shape. Cal unwrapped the waxed paper to reveal a chunk of modeling clay, which he sliced in half with his pocketknife and pressed around the wooden mock up of the revolver's frame. He trimmed the excess off the back of the dummy frame and handed the result to Cam.
"Hold it like you would the real one, and work your fingers into the clay. Use your other hand if you need to. Get it to where it fits your hand exactly."
Cam spent a few moments molding the clay to where it fit into his palm and fingers comfortably. He handed the wood and clay back to Cal. Cal inspected it carefully.
"I think I can duplicate this shape pretty closely in walnut. Do you think that would be better than either of these standard grips?"
"Much better." Cam said.
"Okay then. You go back up to the house. I should be able to get these roughed out before. I ought to be able to finish them on walnut by tomorrow and you can try it out on the range."
Cam thanked him and Cal started to work.
The next day Cal and Cam set up a target at the Facility range. They both put on ear and eye protection. Cam loaded the weapon and took up a stance, firing the 5 bullets.
"You're about 2 inches high." Cal said. "Let me adjust the rear sight."
Taking a small screwdriver out of his shirt pocket, Cal adjusted the sight.
Cam loaded again and emptied the gun. She had a 2-inch pattern at 15 yards right in the kill zone.
"That's more like it." Cam grinned. "You satisfied?"
"Yeah, I feel more confident with the pistol now.
"Click SSSSSH." The squelch broke on Cal's radio.
"Cal, can you meet me in the shelter garage? Over."
"Roger, Out." Cal wondered what Barry wanted. Barry had been working the excavation part-time when he wasn't taking care of the electrical requirements.
"Cal, you've got to see this. I came in here this morning to reset the machines and I couldn't believe it!"
Barry led Cal to an area they had labeled Section 24 on their excavation map.
"Damn!" Cal saw what Barry was talking about. At the end of the last cut was a huge solid spot around 24 inches across. Gold. He reached down and grabbed a handful pf pay dirt. It was filled with specks of gold.
"Looks like we hit the jackpot!" Barry grinned.
Cal walked over and checked the excavation plan. Taking a pencil, he made some changes on the plan.
"Let's combine these two rooms and see how far it goes. Cal re-drew where columns would go.
"Let's reset the machines and clean up this pay dirt and run it."
Cal and Barry moved the dirt to the sluice and vacuumed the floor to get everything up. When they washed the mats, and dried the gold, there was 42 pounds of gold; about $1.2 million. They poured 8 5-pound ingots and set the extra aside for the next pour.
Cal went to see Cheryl. "Cheryl, we just processed another $1 million in gold. Find me something to do with it and get back to me."
Cal found Siobhan in the activity room with the kids. She was watching Amy working on one of the computers.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 13:32:40 GMT -6
Andy walked into the woodshop where Cal was working on refinishing a rifle stock.
"We've got another lost lamb that needs recovering." Andy said.
Cal, frowning, looked up. "What?"
"Guy at Ft. Campbell needs bailing out. He's on the edge and not re-enlisting. He's wired tighter than a two-dollar pocket watch." Andy frowned.
"Well, send him out. We'll figure something out." Cal said.
"Adam Douglas Benning. Late Staff Sergeant in 5th Special Forces had a string of unfortunate circumstances with women. He and his high school sweetheart got married, probably too young and she was soon pregnant. Realizing that the hospital bills would be huge, Adam joined the Army. Uncle Sam would cover the costs. In no time he was on orders to Germany to an Infantry unit. Adam got to Germany and was horrified at the conditions there. It was nowhere to bring a wife and a young child. He changed his tour status to an "All Others" tour, which meant he only had to spend two, instead of three years there. His wife sent him a dear John letter.
A recruiting team from Special Forces came to the Kaserne where he was stationed, and he signed up. When he got back to the States he tried to reconcile, but his wife still wanted the divorce.
Later at Fort Campbell, his fiancée was killed in an auto accident will having an affair.
Cal sat the folder down.
"Shit!" What a lousy deal." Cal said.
"Yeah, Billy said there was more to the story, but it doesn't get any better. Benning has tried to do right but keeps getting slammed to the gutter. CSM Baker was afraid he was going to go postal and called Billy. Benning's parents were killed in a car accident several years ago and he was an only child." Andy added.
"What's his MOS?"
"Engineer."
"Okay. Let's get him settled in and we can put him with Barry and ease him into the excavation project. We need to get him busy as soon as possible." Cal said.
"One other thing, Cal. Ellen and Dawn's cousin Samantha is coming to visit, maybe stay. She's got some problems with a man who thinks she should belong to him."
"Okay. She is staying with you and Ellen?"
"Yeah. We have got the extra bedroom. The girls are going to have her working with them."
Cal met Jonah coming up from the barn.
"Dawn says you've ordered two more high-tunnels." Jonah said.
"Yeah, the market is growing, and they are selling to most of the restaurants."
"Be nice if you had your own boom truck instead of having to rent one every time."
"I suppose you know where one is available."
Jonah spit on the ground. "Yeah, Ben Davis's widow is having an estate sale. Ben had a good one that's only 6 years old. Betsy said she'd give you first dibs."
"Give her a call and ask when we can look it over."
Jonah pulled out his cellphone and gave Mrs. Davis a call.
"She says we can come over right now."
"How much would be a fair price?"
"I'd offer $25 thousand."
"Let me go get some cash and tell Siobhan where we'll be."
Cal and Jonah looked the truck over. It was low-mileage and showed no leaks and all the hoses looked good. Cal offered $25,000 and Mrs. Davis accepted.
"What are planning to do after the sale, Mrs. Davis?"
"My daughter and her husband are building me a cottage on their ranch near Casper, Wyoming. I wanted to be near the grandkids."
"I can understand that."
"Cal, you and Jonah look around. If you see anything else you want, I'll sell it to you before those estate salespeople take an inventory."
"Thank you, Ma'am. We'll do that now."
"I'll go in and make some iced tea for when you are finished."
Cal and Jonah walked around and checked the equipment barns. Most of the equipment they either already had or had no need for.
"Look at this." Jonah said.
Stacked against one wall were 4 sheets of 3/8" steel. Cal measured them and looked at Jonah.
"We pay $114 each for steel silhouette targets. We can cut 8 of them out of these sheets."
They walked back to the house and met Mrs. Davis on the porch with the iced tea sitting on a table.
"Well, did you find anything you needed?"
"We pretty much have most of the equipment we need. We did find some steel sheeting, probably used to repair dump truck beds, I would like to buy. I'd be willing to pay $650 dollars for it."
"Sold. That stuff has been there for years."
Cal walked out to the truck and came back with a bank bag. He counted out $25,650 out and gave it to Mrs. Davis. She in turn handed him the title to the truck.
"Mrs. Davis, if there's anything we could do for you while you are clearing everything out, maybe give you a place to stay…"
"Oh no, I'll be fine. My daughter and her family are coming down with a huge RV, truck and trailers. We'll live in the RV with clearing and cleaning the house. We'll be fine."
"Well, if you need some strong backs, just let me know."
"Thank you, Cal. If we run into anything, I'll let you know."
"We need to be getting along. Don't hesitate to give me a call if you need us."
Jonah and Cal, using the boom, loaded the steel plates on the truck and drove back to the Ranch.
|
|
|
Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 13:34:14 GMT -6
Adam Benning drove up a couple of days later. He buzzed the gate and Curt let him in. Cal met him at the drive when Adam drove up.
"I'm looking for Cal Coleman."
Cal held out his hand. "Hi, I'm Cal. Welcome to the High-Top Ranch."
Adam shook Cal's hand. "Where can I stow my gear?"
"Pull your truck down next to that building and I'll show you your quarters."
Cal helped Adam carry his gear into the bunkhouse and show him his room.
"How about something to drink?" Cal asked.
"That would be good." Adam said.
They walked over to the Gathering House and both Adam and Cal selected a Smithwick's out of the cooler.
They both sat down, and Cal started giving Adam a sanitized version of how he came to the ranch and got him up to date on the improvements they had made and the people who lived there.
"I hope some of your luck rubs off on me." Adam said wistfully.
"Well, it either does rub off on people or we've got the luckiest group of people ever gathered. I like to think we make our own luck."
"What do you want me to be doing around here? I don't like just sitting around."
"Well, first since you held an Engineer MOS, I presume you know how to use a cutting torch."
"Heck yeah. What do you need?"
"I recently bought some 3/8" steel and need to cut it up into target silhouettes. I'll turn you over to Andy, he'll show you where everything is. But that can wait until tomorrow morning. It's about dinner time and Siobhan frowns on us being late."
Cal introduced Siobhan, Cam and the kids and they all sat down. Siobhan said the blessing and started passing Schnitzel von Schwein, German potato salad and green salad around.
"I don't know when I've had a better meal." Adam smiled and complemented Siobhan.
"Well, you are in for a treat tomorrow night. Every Thursday night is Pizza Night, and we have our own wood-fired pizza oven in the Gathering House. You'll also get a chance to meet most, if not all of the people who live here."
"Sounds great!" Adam said. "I think I'll turn in early tonight. It has been a long day."
When Adam left, Siobhan and Cam came in and gave Cal a Smithwick's and each of the women had a glass of wine. Cam had set the kids up with a Disney movie in the playroom, so they were quietly watching that.
"What's the problem with Adam?" Siobhan asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Yeah." Cam said. "They say the eyes are the windows of the soul, and I think his are hiding a lot of pain."
"Let's just say he's experienced a lot of what I've gone through and he's going to have a hard time trusting woman again, if ever."
"That's awful! I can't believe there are women like that! It makes me so mad sometimes." Cam snarled.
Siobhan raised an eyebrow, then looked at Cal, her eyes twinkling.
The next morning Cal took a UV34 down to the HTR Facility. He found Andy and Adam there setting up metal sawhorses up and tracing out silhouettes with pieces of soapstone.
"There's enough scrap to cut out some six- and eight-inch round targets from each sheet also for the pistol range." Adam said.
As Adam cut the silhouettes, Andy used an angle grinder to smooth the edges of the targets.
"When you've gotten what you can out of the steel, take what's left up to the forge and see if Joshua can use it."
Cal left them to their work and went to the greenhouses. He found Dawn and asked her where she wanted to put the next two high-tunnels. She took him out to the end of the last tunnel and showed him.
"I'd like them aligned with the others with a fifty-foot end-to-end spacing. This is really going to increase our production."
"Okay, we'll get started on the foundations. We've got a new guy in. He's down working with Andy at the Facility. He's a Special Forces Engineer. That means he not only blows stuff up; he can build things also. The materials for the tunnels will be in week after next, so we'll have plenty of time."
Cal next went to the forge. Joshua and Ben we busy working on some hinges. Joshua was using the power hammer.
"Hey Cal! Look what Ben has been doing." Cal watch Ben heating up the strap hinge and using a ball-peen hammer applying dimples to the hinge.
"These are really looking nice. Maybe you could make some for the double-door I've built to replace the one the Gathering House."
"Sure thing. I'll go down to the woodshop and take a look at them and size the hinges."
Cal's phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Cal, this is Betsy Davis. We've finished the estate sale and there are some items that didn't sale, specifically a bunch of iron pieces. If you want them you can have them, free of charge."
"Why thank you, Ma'am. We'll be over in about an hour to pick it up."
Cal pushed the end-call button.
"You guys finish up as soon as you can. We've got to pick up some bar stock over at the Davis' farm."
Cal went and got the Unimog and parked it out front. He went into the cabin for a drink and let Siobhan know where he was going.
"I've got another project for you." Siobhan said. "We need a schoolhouse. We're running out of room in the Activity room."
"Okay. Pick out a site and get with Kathy to help with the design. I'll make a drawing and take it to Sam and get it started."
"Speaking of Kathy, I believe she would be happier teaching and mentoring the home-schoolers than making the trip into town every day."
"Find out what she makes. I'll pay her up to $65,000 a year. I've got to go. Joshua and Ben are waiting for me.
|
|
|
Post by gipsy on Aug 5, 2021 13:59:05 GMT -6
The clan continues to gather
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Aug 5, 2021 16:19:33 GMT -6
Siobhan said in a low voice, "Have you noticed, the people who you've gathered here are completely compatible? Almost as if they were blood related." You wouldn't have written that if you'd been at the funeral we were at last weekend. Parents versus adult children and adult siblings versus adult siblings; all at each others' throats - at the funeral home - almost everyone finding fault with whatever they didn't like about someone else in the family and with all the love and concern of "You can leave now and don't let the door hit you in butt on the way out!" I was able to tell two of the adult children how much their mom had meant to me and they remembered her talking about me. It brought smiles to their faces that someone cared enough to make the two hour drive on winding, hilly, two lane roads - one very small positive in their weekend. If the deceased hadn't been someone we've considered family since she was about 4, we'd have left after the viewing the evening before the service and interment. I managed to be the last car in the procession so we could be at the back of the group during the graveside service and be able to slip away at the end. No idea what went on later that day and didn't want to be in the fallout from it...
|
|
|
Post by gipsy on Aug 5, 2021 19:42:47 GMT -6
You can pick your friends but you are stuck with family,in some cases.
|
|