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Post by bitsmith on Mar 27, 2022 7:48:08 GMT -6
TIA -- Chapter Twenty
"What do we do, now?" A'Shon asked, looking with pride upon his trailer and bicycle. It was well loaded with gear and supplies and would last A'Shon at least a week, with careful management.
"Well, we ..." William started but was interrupted by the Preacher.
"Excuse me?" The PReacher interrupted. "But the rain has stopped. I thought you would wnat to know. I'm leaving to shuttle back to Letty's camp, then on to home with Margaret and the other girls. Oh, and uhm, Letty had those two put into one of the empty freezers. So it should not stink so bad, now."
"OK. Thanks. We will be right out," William agreed. "I need to collect my gear as well. See you all back at the camp." William watched as the PReacher turned and walked away.
"Look, A'Shon, there is no easy way to say this, so I'm just going to 'tear off the bandaid'. This is NOT an easy life. You have skills, now. Skills that can help the camp. Skills that can protect those whom you grew up with and have had your back. Letty is very fond of you. Are you certain this is what you want to do? I mean, you could end up dead in a ditch day after tomorrow and no one, and I mean NO ONE would know when, where, or why you died."
"I'm sure. Other than Letty, there is nothing left for me, here. I'm a foster kid. No one wanted me. So, I ...."
"Stop, Stop RIGHT THERE!" William demanded.
"Letty wanted you. She may be a foster mother, but she was still a mother to you. You and her other foster kids were more to her than just a foster care check. I can see that from the way she took care of you as best she could. As best she knew how. DO NOT belitle her or the love she gave to you. She is a mother figure to EVERYONE in that camp. She may not even know it, but THAT is why she runs that camp the way she does. And the other two women who help her are mother's too. They NEED kids and other people to love. To fill a place in their hearts. I ever hear you speak poorly of that, I will knock the tar out of your head!" William lectured.
"So, you and I are going to be together long enough for you to do that?" A'Shon asked with a sheepish smile as he raised his bowed head.
"If you don't keep your crap together, that may be sooner than you think." William said, as he gently shoved the kid. "Come on. Let's get my gear, get to the camp so you can say your good byes. Then we are coming back here to sleep and rest."
"You want to spend the night in here?" A'Shon asked.
"Yeah. It's dry. We can set traps and alarms. And there are plenty of things we can still use, here that may help us. Besides, you have A LOT of gear on your trailer we need to put into mine before we leave."
"OK. Just going to be kind of creepy, what with those two bodies and all." A'Shon cringed, "Isn't there someone we should tell about them?"
"Who? If there was still law and order around, people like Fariq would not have been able to rise to power as he did."
A'shon nodded and started to speak, then changed his mind.
"I know, A'Shon. I get it. It's a moral issue for you and you are just learning you actually have some morals. You do not know what to do with them or how to process them and the conflicts with reality." William said, as he gently pushed the kid towards his bike. "There will be plenty of time, clicking off those miles on the road, to figure it out."
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A'shon peddled his way back to Letty's camp, the only home he had known for months. He checked his mirror, but could not see William. Looking over his shoulder, William was no where to be seen. He started to turn around when he saw William slowly creeping back onto the road from a place that had campers. William waived him to continue. A couple of miles further, William pulled beside him. "Good, you are keeping a pace that keeps your body at a mostly constnat level of performance. Remember to adjust your speed more with the gears, than with your legs. When we get back to camp, tell Letty that a man is going to come see her with a gift or two. When he shows up, have her give the delivery guy this."
A'Shon looked at the gold coin William just handed to him. "You know she does not like taking charity."
"Won't be for her. She is just the steward. She will know what to do with it. Now, I'm going to pull aside, and get my trailer and my gear I hid, near here. How well do you know the city?"
"Well enough. I've lived here, all my life." A'Shon replied.
"OK. I'm going to get my stuff together and I will meet you at the print shop on 52nd, just the other side of Keystone. IF you are not there by dusk, I'm leaving without you. That way you can make up your own mind without me there laying expectations on you." William stated.
"I will be there. It won't take me long to say good bye to Letty." A'Shon stated.
"A'Shon, you are just starting to see the man you MIGHT BE, some day. It is up to YOU to decide who that man will be and what will be important to him. YOU need to decide that, not me. If you stay, that is good for you. If you come with me, that may not be good for you. But it MUST be YOUR choice. You owe me nothing, kid." William said. Stopping his bike, he continued, "No. That is not quite right, is it? There is ONE thing you owe me, A'Shon. You owe me, Letty, AND yourself to be the best person you can be. Now go. You know where I will be. But know this: If you get there and I am not there wiating for you, know that I will have left to go my own way. It is not a reflection of who you are or who you can be. It is a reflection of who I am and my past."
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Post by bluefox2 on Mar 27, 2022 7:59:24 GMT -6
Glad you are continuing this one. Grasshopper has a lot to learn from the venerable master
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ydderf2
Member
"I'm from the government and here to help" hahahaha
Posts: 321
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Post by ydderf2 on Mar 27, 2022 8:56:49 GMT -6
Thank you
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Post by bitsmith on Mar 27, 2022 9:11:55 GMT -6
Glad you are continuing this one. Grasshopper has a lot to learn from the venerable master "Right turn, Clyde."
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Post by bitsmith on Mar 27, 2022 13:12:24 GMT -6
TIA -- Chapter Twenty-One
William gathered his gear and went back to the walmart. New sheets were added to his trailer. Along with two other generators and a new motorcycle battery. More Gorilla Tape and many other small items. But they all added up, in a hurry to being very heavy. So, he took it all off, laid it all out to sort through. Finally, he had what he needed new. And got rid of what he did not. And replced soem things with other items that were more multi-purpose friendly. He found a stash in the manager's office of Leathermen branded multi-tools in different sizes.
"Ah-ha!" He chuckled. "These will buy me most anything I need, on the road."
William paused a moment, "Sorry, kid. You have a brighter road ahead of you. Being around me will only get you killed or keep you from shining the way you can ... the way you should."
And then he got back to work on the safes in the manager's office. Finding an old school rolodex in the desk, William found the combinations of all three safes. Once the largest was opened, William knew he was going to have to re-organize his trailer, again. The safe was full of ammunition. He closed and locked the safe, again, then left to get his gear. He would spend the night in the manager's office. He had plenty of drinking water, and could still scrounge for food from the loading dock that Letty and her kids had not cleared out, yet. They would be back, in the morning, though. And with the propane lamps lighting the area, he was ready to get to work, on again, re-organizing his trailer.
When all was packed away, again, and safe as possible behind locked doors, he slept. And he slept deeply, for a change.
As usual, he woke well before the sun. Stepping outside to relieve himself, he saw the sky to the east was just starting to turn from black to purple. Back inside, William was suddenly very edgy about getting out of Indianapolis. He had what was now a huge fortune on his trailer. And he really needed to get it to people who would use it, wisely.
Using the back door, William pulled the bicycle and trailer out. He saw a few people in the edge of the woods behind the Walmart. One stood tall and stepped out, looking uncomfortable but determined. Without even looking the man's way, William smoothly pulled his Glock from the chest holster under the wind breaker and aimed in the general direction.
"No." William stated firmly. "I will be gone, shortly and you can then do as you wish in there. But be smart about it. Be organized. Don't just tear shit up. There IS food in there. One can of which will be enough for most people to survive on for a day, if you combine it with what you can forage. Now, sit right there. In the open. The rest of you join him. I have no intention of hurting any of you. Unless you intend to hurt me. Come on. Move out there where I can see you."
"What about the ghosts?" a timid female voice came from the woods and trash.
"I slept in there, all night. No problem with the ghosts. They are gone." William called out.
"Are you sure?" Another voice asked.
"Yes. I am sure. The ghosts are gone."
"How?" came from the man who was bold enough to step out first.
"Ask Letty. She has a camp near the old methadone clinic on 46th. Ask A'Shon to teach you how to live, better." William said.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why help us?"
"Because you can do better for yourself and your children." William stated, then whispered, "Because you can be more than you are, and that is the first step to building back."
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William rode away on his bicycle in the brightening morning. He had already decided to not go back into Indianapolis, but to skirt easterly then south. He wanted to get back to Police Chief Benjamin Davies and to check on Esther. He had a lot of ammo that would help Davies protect his small town.
Seeing a mostly intact old school gas station, William pulled in and was gruffly greeted at the door by a man that most aptly is described as a 'crusty curmudgeon'. "What do you want?"
"Just a moment to stretch my legs a moment and to maybe find a map of the city streets." William answered with a disarming smile.
"At this hour" the curmudgeon growled. "What kind of fool do you take me for? Paper maps have not been printed for years! Everyone had those smart phones to tellthem where to go!"
"Honestly, none. I did not know the place was staffed. I was only looking for a map and a moment to stretch." William added, "I am willing to trade."
"Trade for a useless paper map?"
"It's not so useless, today, it is? I mean those smartphones and the internet are pretty much gone, right?"
"What have you got to trade?"
"I've got a bit of food I can trade, a little medicine. What do you need most?"
"I need shells. 12 guage. Only have a few left. I have to keep running off fools trying to take what me and the family have."
"I understand," William agreed. Putting down the kick stand, he leaned the bike enough to get off of it.
"What do you think you are doing?"
"Uhm, just getting off the bike, so I can get to my trade goods." William said. "What is the condition of your map?"
"You really have shells?"
"Yeah, I have a few I can trade. If the map is in good condition and usable."
"You travel far on that rig?"
"I have. And I have fartehr to go, still."
"I may have something for you. But do NOT get off that contraption! My boy will get what ever out of that back end. You just tell him where to dig."
"Uh. No." William said with an icyness that did not fit with the warm humid morning. "No one gets in my trailer but me. If youdo not like that, then I will move on."
"And how do I know you won't pull something?"
William suddenly threw his left hand out, away from him, up high, letting a brightly colored bandanna take the old man's attention. Just long enough to pull his Glock from the chest rig, aiming it at the curmudgeon, just as his shotgun dry fired.
"Don't shoot!" the old man shouted as he started to put down the shotgun, after recovering formt he embarassment of letting his secret out.
"Just stop. I have no interest in harming you or yours. Just trading to get what I need." William said as he made a display of putting the pistol away. "Now, that we know a bit of truth about each other, get your map, while I dig out a few shells for you."
Slumping, the crusty old man turned away to go back inside the old service station. William saw a small child, a girl by the clothing, hiding around the corner of the wall. He smiled at her, as she watched him warily. He first opened the litter bucket holding much of the new ammo he got from Walmart. First he opened a box of 12 guage shells, taking out four, then put them back and took out the whole box of 12. Then he dug around, moving other buckets aside to get to one he had labeled 'For Kids'. From inside, he took out a bottle of kids multi-vitamins, a small bottle of children's aspirin, and a bottle of childrens cough and cold medicine. Lastly he took out a 'life straw' style water filter, good for 1000 liters, according to it's label.
William turned to find the old man back at the door with a still celophane wrapped spiral book in his worn hands.
"This is what I have to trade, a new atlas. It's dated two years ago. It's the best I have to offer ya."
"That will work just fine for me! Thank you!" William said, with a smile and open hands. "I have for you, a few medicinals for sick little girls to feel better, a water filter that is good for upto 1000 liters. And a box of shotgun shells."
"That is TOO MUCH!" the old man cried out, shocked and upset. "Why would you help my grand daughter like that?"
"Because she deserves a chance. That is why." William stated, flatly. "And I want to help you help her have a better life. We both know that is not going to happen, here."
"And where do you recommend we go?"
"A couple of weeks ago, I came across a farm where travelers were welcome. We traded, we talked. They have a boy there, about 9 years old. Their grandson. How handy are you with making things? DO you have the tools to make yourself a rig, kind of like this?" William asked.
"Yeah, I could make something like that, but I don't have the raw materials."
"And that, good sir, is where the water filter comes into value. You get a few, clean water bottles, or similar. Trade them for clean, empty bottles AND parts you need. Get that little girl out of here. Give her a chance. Build up a bike YOU can ride and control. Add on a trailer to carry some of your tools, and such. I will show you where I am talking about in that atlas. They have an old tractor they need repaired. I think it is a distributor that needs new points. IF you can do it I think they would welcome you to stay there." William said. "Are you interested in more?"
"Mister, I'm old. I can't go riding a bicycle like that across country."
"Sir, I'm no spring chicken. Yes, the first few days will be painful. But you will get better with it. The fresh air will do you good, too." William turned his back to old man to dig around in the fanny pack he had attached to the back of the seat, like A'Shon had shown him. Turning, again, he tossed the old guy a small hard plastic tube of Aleve and a soft tube of muscle rub. "There. Aleve and muscle rub. That should help as you rediscover long forgotten muscles."
"This shop is all I know. I can't do what you are asking of me."
"Then you are sentencing that little girl to a terrible life." William stated flatly as he climbed aboard his bicycle. "You know ... Maybe you can find a small engine, from like a chainsaw or weed whacker. They can help with powering the bicycle. There is what I am willing to trade for the atlas. May I have it, please?"
"Oh! Yeah, sure." the old man nodded as he was jarred into moving. "Thank you, mister. Where is that farm?"
William got off the bike and opened the atlas. Together he and the old man figured a route to get there. "When you get there, do not forget to first use the camping area they have set aside, near the road. That will let you meet them and talk with them. Be sure to tell them William sent you. I will be passing by there in a few days and let them know you are coming."
"Wait! You are going there? Take us with you! Together we can get there, safer. And I could really use your help building a rig to get us there."
William thought it over for a coule of minutes.
"I'm sorry, but I can not. I have some place I need to get to." William apologized. "Good luck to you. And get her out of here, as quickly as you can. Things have died down, now. Not so many roving bands of thugs and idiots. But they still exist. Thank you for the atlas, and again, good luck to you."
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Post by bitsmith on Mar 27, 2022 15:58:00 GMT -6
TIA -- Chapter Twenty-Two
William rode south, until he was well past the limits of the city, then cut right, through the farmlands. The small back roads were not well marked in the atlas, but it still helped as he navigated his way to the south and west side of the city. As dusk approached, he started recognizing land marks he had passed when leaving the farm he was looking for. It was full dark, by the time he pulled into the long drive way and found the small camping space they had so kindly set aside for weary travelers. Even a few of the solar sidwalk lights were on to make it easier to find. Though the day had been hot, the evening was turning chilly. A fire was started, small and low. Just large enough to warm a can of spaghetti o's recovered from the back room of the Walmart the evening before.
Warm food in his belly, a sleeping bag on the chaise lounger, and covered in a light blanket, William found himself in a small piece of heaven. And yet, something was off. Something just did not 'feel' right. His intuition was demanding high alert, but there was nothing to be seen that he could identify as the cause.
Looking about, William saw a glint that did not belong. Polished chrome of a sissy bar the far side of the porch he had been welcomed on, just a week or so, prior. These nice people were not alone. There was trouble about.
William made a show of getting up to take a leak, he then washed his hands at the pump and stretched large, casually looking around. Without showing it he noticed the two shapes trying to approach along the edge of the woods. They were far from quiet, but he ignored them, as if they did not exist. Closing one eye, he approached the fire, kicking it out, then laid down on the chaise, again. He sighed, heavily, like he just could not relax. He tossed and turned, any one watching would not be too surprised by his restless movements. A nearby snapping twig let him know how close on of them were and again, he threw back the blanket, standing suddenly with frustration. Putting his hands in his lower back, he appeared to be stretching. Until his hands came up and released an almost perfectly round stone from a sling shot. Before the stone hit the distant assailant, he alredy had the nearest one aimed at. The thug never knew what hit him as he turned back from checking no his falling partner.
Carefully, he approached the nearest, his Glock drawn. The man laid on his back, trying to breathe but could not. William had gotten an exceptionally lucky shot. The stone had hit the man right in the throat, the impact had been enough to crush, at least partially, the windpipe. It would be a slow, agonizing death of suffocation. William pulled a large, menacing knife from the man's gear and shoved it up into his lungs, under the body armor he wore. Pulling the knife out, partially, William changed his angle, and shoved it back in, agian, then twisted it, finally piercing the heart. He left the knife as he went seeking the other man, his arms extended out in front of him as he walked, following where the Glock pointed. Finally, the thug started to get up. Evidently, he had just been dazed. As the man was on hands and knees, trying to shake the cobwebs from his head, William rushed forward connecting steel-toed boot to chin like kicking a field goal. The jaw cracked as the head was whiipped back at an impossible angle, the neck breaking with a went crunch. William dropped to a knee as the body fell prone in the grass. The first guy had only a machette as a weapon. This guy had a silenced .40 calibre S&W. Checking the chamber and safety, William took it with him, as he quickly made his way through the treeline and into the creek just a few paces beyond. Using the stones that made the creek babble, William was able to quietly make his way to the far back corner of the barn.
Around the barn, he could see the four bikes. Only one had a back seat. Two down of four or five. If there was a fifth, most likely it would be a female. The odds were not great as the door opened and another stepped out onto the porch. In a hoarse whisper he called out, "Butch! Skeet! Where are you?"
William turned back behind the barn and quietly went to the far corner. "Over here!" he called back, trying to make it sound like he was in the treeline.
"Oh, for ... What the hell are you doing?"
"Come, ungh, here! We need help!" William panted.
Alarmed the man rushed down off the porch. William saw he was unarmed. William managed to enter the back of the barn, watching the biker pass the open front door from the even darker insides. Putting his Glock away and the S&W into his back belt, William picked up a garden rake, and took up a position just inside the door. He waited until the biker called out to his friends, again, then kicked a bucket over to make noise in the barn. A heartbeat later, the guy is standing in the middle of the open doorway, just as the tines of that garden rake pierced the side of his face and neck with the force of full swing. William used the rake stuck in the guy's head to help pull him further into the barn and the shadows. He had no issues with finishing the dispatching of the fool.
William watched the house for any movement or alert. A couple of minutes later, huge guy stepped out of the house, followed by a tired and hard ridden looking skinny woman. "Dammit, Dusty! Where the hell are you? I told you to check on those two idiots, not to join them!"
Dusty did not reply.
The man stepped down from the porch, looking around. "Get them out here. The brat, too. Something ain't right, here."
William made his way to the back of the barn, again. Seeing the outhouse, he had an idea.
Carefully, he made his way to behind the outhouse. "I'm in here! Had to take a dump. Need something to wipe my ass with," William called out, trying to imitate Dusty's voice as best he could.
The big guy turned to Gramp's (the farmer) daughter. "Go on. Get him something to wipe his ass with. Or you will be washing his shit stained pants, tomorrow." William watched as she went back inside, taking the boy with her. He darted around the out house, both pistols raised out in front of him, Screaming at the top of his lungs, "GET DOWN, GRAMPS!" The woman reacted before the man. She grabbed at the man just as the first shot rang out from the silenced S&W. Not much silencer action on that gun. It was loaded with regular ammo. William kept shooting from it, as he ran closer, screaming as loud as he could, making as much noise as he could. Gramps was face down on the ground as the woman took a randomly fired shot, though William was aiming at the big man. Dropping his right hand, William slowed, taking more careful aim with the Glock he was more familiar with, in his off-hand and more carefully plugged three rounds into the beast of man's chest, causing him to stagger. As the man looked at William, he started to move to pull a pistol. Just before part of his head turned to mist.
William stopped and leaned against the barn wall, catching his breath. "Gramps? It's me, William. Are you OK? How many were there?"
"What? Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, just scared! It's my drawers that are full of shit, right now. There were 5 of them. Four men and one woman. I don't know where the others are. Did you get them?"
"Yes, sir, I did." William called back. "How are your daughter and the boy?"
"They are fine, I think."
"Please go check on them. I was running and fired kind of wildly. Please make sure they are not hurt." William pushed himself off of the barn wall, as the old man got to his feet. William approached the porch as Gramps went inside.
A couple of minutes later, William was starting to worry, just as they all came out onto the porch. Gramps stood on the porch as the boy and his mother both ran down the steps and across the yard to William. Both hugged him tightly as they cried, laughed and thanked him.
"All right. Let the man breathe, already." Gramps called from the porch. Smiling he stepped down and carefully walked over to shake William's hand. "Thank you son, You saved us. You certainly know how and when to make an entrance."
"I'm glad I was here, sir. I everyone alright? Did they hurtt anyone?" William asked.
"They smacked the boy around a bit. You got here, just before the nastiness was about to start, I think." Gramps looked down at the young boy. "Speaking of boy, I think it's time you went back to bed. We adults have some clean up to do."
The mother started to protest, but William cut her off. "Actually, sir, I could use his help, first, if you don't mind." Gramps looked at William with an eye brow cockedup. "All my stuff is down in the camp space. I would like to bring it all up here the barn, if you don't mind. I don't want to be caught out in the open if they have friends in the area. That was a lot of gun shots. I'm certain it work someone."
"Please, Gramps?" the boy whined as both his mother and William nodded, not too subtly.
"Fine." the old man grumbled.
"Kiddo, can you grab my banket and stuff off the chaise? I'll be there in just a minute to bring the biek and trailer up."
"I can bring the bike!" he promised.
"I'm sure you can, but I would rather move it myself." William promised, "Now, please get just the bedding from the chaise."
"You heard him, boy. Now GIT!" Gramps barked, playfully. After the boy was away, he turned, "OK, why try to keep the boy up?"
"Because he won't sleep, tonight. He's high on adreneline. Need to run him about so he can burn it off. Let him collapse into sleep, rather than try to force him into it. Yes, there are adult things to do, right now. And one of them is running that kid to the point of exhaustion. Do you have a trusted neighbor who should know all is well, here?"
"Uhm ... yeah. Dave is our closest neighbor. Like you said, I'm sure he heard the gunshots. He's about a half-mile up the road. He's a pig farmer."
"Pig farmer? That is PERFECT!" William says. "Does the boy know the way there? Does he know Dave? Will Dave recognize him?"
"Yes, they know each other. Bobby plays with David Junior after church." Bobby's mother said.
"OK. That does it. But, sir, I recommend you take the boy into your confidence and entrust him with this very important task of bringing Dave here. Preferably with a wagon to haul five dead bodie back to the pigs." William said, conspiratorially.
"Ahh. I see what you mean. The pigs will eat these foul people, right? and the run up there will be enough to wear Bobby out. And by trusting him to do something so important will make sure it gets done. I thought you said you did not have any kids?" Gramps said in understanding.
"I don't. But I have commanded plenty of kids. Some barely adults by age, but not by experience." William answered with reservations, as he turned and followed young Bobby.
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Fifteen minutes later, William was laying his bedding out on the chaise lounger Gramps had sent Bobby back for, inside the barn. The old man was talking quietly and carefully to Bobby. With a swift and loving swat to the backside, the young boy was off for the end of the road.
"OK. Now what?"
"Now, we search and strip the bodies. Drag those two out here so we Dave can see them. I will get the one from in here. You two strip them and separate anything they have from their clothing. I will do the same to the other two and drag them to the side of the drive." William instructed. "I recommend a basket or a bucket to put their posessions in. The clothes will be burned. If you need buttons or such, feel free to cut them off the cloth. It's going to be a long night."
Both nodded in understanding and got busy. William unceremoniously dumped the one he raked next to the other two bodies. Then started walking down the drive way. Before long, the bodies were stripped and next to the driveway. In his arms, William carried all their posessions and their clothes. Gramps and his daughter were just finishing as he approached.
"You made quick work of that nasty task," Gramps muttered.
"I've had a bit of experience with this," William replied as he separated posessions from clothes. He carefully reviewed everything the thugs had with them. He opened and went through every wallet, looking for anything useful. Finding nothing but useless cash and the paper men collect in their wallets, they were added to the burn pile. Finding pocket knives, brass knuckles, a little change, and some jewelry, there was nothing left of value. "Did they have bags or backpacks, maybe? Anything they left in the house?"
"I'll get it all", she said, as she rushed away from the gruesom mess.
William looked at the three bodies and noticed they were all laying face down and still wearing underwear. It was his turn to c*** an eyebrow at Gramps. "Don't blame me. It was her request to not show Bobby their sex."
"I get it. But we really can't be prudes anymore." William agreed with a disarming grin.
Both men looked up, just as they heard the horse drawn wagon turn onto the driveway. It slowed a bit as the driver looked over the bodies in the grass before picking up pace a little.
"Graham? What the hell happened here?" The driver asked.
"We had some uninvited visitors who tried to be unwelcome guests. Thankfully, a friend was here to help us." Gramps stated.
Dave climbed down from the wagon then. "A friend, huh? I'm Dave Scotsman. My farm is the next one up the road. What happened?"
"I pulled in on my bicycle and started setting up to camp the night where Graham has set up for visitors. I noticed two bodies sneakign along the tree line towards me. Realizing the place was under threat, I removed the threat." William stated. "Is Bobby with your people?"
"Yeah, he and my boys will be here, shortly. They are walking back." Dave answered. "Well, Graham, I'm glad you all are safe, but why am I here?"
"To feed this filth to your pigs." Graham said, as he lightly kicked the man William had killed with a rake.
"Why the hell would I do that?" Dave asked with surprise.
"Well, unless you have the means of creating a sustained fire of about 3000 degrees for more than an hour, per body, the pigs are the best way to get rid of this evidence. They WILL eat just about anything. If these people were not alone and others come looking for them, you do not want anything left to be found. If they take this farm, yours will be next, when the resources here are gone. This is VERY important, if anyone comes looking for these guys, admit they were here. But they left with a guy named Bill, the next morning, to go into Indy, looking for Fariq. And you don't know why."
"What about those bikes?" Dave asked.
"I'm going to get rid of them. Part them out, do other things with them. Make them disappear." William said. "Imagine how nice it will be to have enough electricity to run a deep freezer long enough to keep meat frozen. We can do that with the engines of those bikes, and a few other odds and ends."
"That won't work. We don't have enough gas for that." Dave cried in exasperation.
"You are right, you don't. But I can show you how to make a gas that will run these simple engines and produce electricity for you." William said, before turning to Graham, "It seems your neighbor might not be willing to help in this, Graham. Have you got a place we can bury these six, deep?"
"Six? I only count five." Dave said, angrily, just before wetting himself as William had pulled a pistol and was pointing it at Dave's forehead.
"If you are not helping us with this issue, Dave, then you are against us. And you know too much to be trusted. You have about 3 seconds to decide to help us or make your peace with whatever God you serve." William said as he used his thumb to pull back the hammer.
"Hey! I did not say I would not help. I'll help. I'll help!" Dave shouted. "I just wanted to know what the hell was going on."
"Dave, this is one of those times when YOU do not need to know anything other than a neighbor is in need and you can help that neighbor. The fewer that know anything, the better. Ben Franklin once said that three men can keep a secret only if two of them are dead." William said. "Graham, he is a weak link. Your call. It would be nothing for me to remove him like these others. But, would you be willing to help his wife and kids?"
Graham looked at Dave, then back at William and aagain at Dave. "Dave, my family is at risk, here. Would you do anything different if roles were reversed?"
"I would not be able to kill you, Graham! Not in cold blood!" Dave cried.
"Even if it meant protecting your kids?" Graham asked.
Dave swallowed hard as the realities sank in. "I'm going to have a lot to attone for in confession on Sunday."
"No, Dave, you are NOT going to EVER mention this to ANYONE! Do you undestand me?" William said, angrily, just as Grahams daughter returned. "Thank you, Miss. Please leave the bags and hurry down to the road. Convine the boys to go back to Dave's. In fact, go with them. And convice Bobby that he must NEVER speak of what happened here, tonight. Go, now, please."
"Dave, you are NOT going to confess this to anyone. Do you know why? Because YOU have done nothing wrong. Additionally, when three or more are gathered in His name, He is there, correct? Good. Now pay attention to this. If He is here with us, then how can you be doign anything wrong in helping a neighbor take out the trash and continue to protect both of your families?" William struggled to make the man understand and still cooperate. "You can't even tell your wife. Or your kids. The only story you have is Graham told you they were visited by bikers and another showed up then they all left. That is all Graham told you. I swear to all that you believe in, Dave, if any harm comes to THIS family becasue you ran your mouth to the wrong person, I will end you. I will do it in such a way that you will suicide yourself. Send yourself to Hell, just to escape pain. Not even for the greater cause of protecting your children and wife. Have I made myself clear?"
Dave just swallowed and nodded.
With a change of persona, as swift as turning off a light bulb, the danger and menace evaporated from William. "OK, then, gentlemen. Let's get this trash onto the wagon. Dave? How many pigs have you got?"
Scared to answer and terrified to not, Dave answered, "About 25? Will that be enough?"
"I think it should be, but having more would be better. You will probably want to keep the wife and kids away from the pig pens for a while. Are there any other pig farmers in the area? Also, do either of you men own a wood chipper?" ...
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Post by bitsmith on Mar 27, 2022 15:58:54 GMT -6
DAMN! Re-reading that last chapter, William scared the hell out of ME. And I created HIM!
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Post by cavsgt on Mar 27, 2022 17:19:58 GMT -6
Lets hope that all of these scenes stay in fiction. The thought of living in William's world is beyond scary.
phill
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Post by bitsmith on Mar 27, 2022 18:03:26 GMT -6
TIA -- Chapter Twenty-Three
It was a late morning when Graham and William got back on foot. On the walk, William was collecting chicory from the road side. He knew he was going to need a strong tea, more than once, today to make it to night fall. There was still a lot of work to be done.
"I'm sorry about Dave, William." Graham had said shortly after leaving Dave's farm. "I had no idea he was such a coward. He talks tough, though. I can usually tell when people are doing that. Would you have really shot him?"
"Yes. I would have. And I would have gong to church, tomorrow and explained how he was taken by a biker that escaped our efforts to hold him." William stated. "You have no law out here, Graham. The only law you CAN have is what YOU can enforce. And that law has to be guided by your morals and ideals. As you may have noticed, my morals are rather twisted and banged up. But they are, literally, battle tested. I believe what I believe. And sometime, perhaps we can discuss them and compare them to yours. But I won't change mine for you. I won't ask you to change yours. Just accept each other as we are. I already know, that by your ideals, I will be going to Hell, when my time comes. And I'm OK with that. I will put the management there on notice of new realities, when I arrive."
"I believe you would do just that." Graham said with a nod and smile. "But you know, you only have to ask and all your sins will be forgiven by God almighty. He can forgive most anything."
"Oh, I know. I have read the scriptures. I know how it works. But ... two other things are missing here. First, I have to be penetant for my sins. I can't to do that. Last night I murdered. For good reason, but it was still murder. I won't apologize for protecting people I like and care about against villians. And for the other acts ... To ask for forgiveness, I have to first be able to forgive myself."
"William ... " Graham started.
"One more thing, Graham. You saw what I did last night. I ended a threat from five villians. I did that by being a bigger, more merciless, villian. THAT is how I stay alive. And THAT is how I help others."
"Oh. That kind of makes sense to me. But even Michael, God's warrior Angel killed."
"Yes, he did. But he was following orders." William said. "I pass judgement and act on it. And people die."
"For what it is worth, William, I am thankful God sent you to us, last night." Graham said, "I do not want to even think about how this morning would be, had he not."
-----
Once back at Graham's farm they found old tarps to cover the outlaw's bikes with it, after pushing them into an empty horse stall. They emptied the saddlebags and such, first. William left the guns and ammunition they found on the bikes with Graham. Then with paper and pencil, William drew up detailed plans on how to make a wood gasifier. This should be enough to run the motorcycle engines abit over idle to charge batteries and run some electronics. Discussion of the freezer idea, was what Graham really wanted. He knew the electricity needed to be made, but he was uncertain about how the freezer would work as William predicted. Then when he was told the freezer had to be burried for extra insulation, it all fell into place for him. And before long, Graham and William carried an empty freezer up from the basement into the barn. Using the front loader bucket on the tractor, they cleared and dug a hole to the side of the barn so closed, the freezer was just a few inches below the surface. The hole was then backfilled and heavy wood planks were naield together to protect the top of the freezer. Then they added walls around that area so it would resemble and unused stall. The only thing left to do was get a power source. The engine from a motorcycle would turn a few alternators connected to car or truck batteries. An old UPS would then convert that 12VDC power to 110VAC for the freezer.
The next day, they took apart one of the smaller bikes, mounting the engine, battery and ignition system to boards near the buried freezer. The rest of the motorcycle was loaded into the bucket of the deisel tractor and the two men drove to the nearby junk yard. The trade was easy to make. 5 alternators, belts, wiring, three large batteries, two mufflers and some pullies were traded for the motorcyle frame, empty tank, seat, guages, wheels, etc. Next was a stop at the local school where they picked up one of the 3KVA UPS in the server rack. Once back at the farm they went back to work. By supper time, the freezer was running and the temperature was dropping, quickly. Bobby was sent up to get Dave, again. Dave returned riding one of his horses, this time, without the wagon. Once he saw the setup he was quite impressed. Though he still did not understand how burning wood would make gas.
"William, can you stay, tomorrow and help make gas, too?" Graham asked.
"Dave, be back here, tomorrow, about lunch time and I will show you how wood is made into gas."
Dave just nodded and left on his horse.
"Graham, I'm not sure I like that man." William stated flatly.
"Just don't judge him, William. He is a good neighbor."
Next morning, Graham and William got busy building a wood gasifier. First a large barrel with a removable top that sealed well set on and braced to a few blocks. High enough off the ground to bild a good HOT fire under it. William showed how to make a Dakota Fire hole to help make the fire hotter. They loaded the barrel stuffed FULL of wood. The bung was removed and various pipes were used to bring that down to a small hose. This hose was pushed into the intake filter of the motorcycle, with a small turn valve. And the fire was started. William guessed it was about 11 when they got the fire going really well. Dave arrived a bit later, again on horseback.
He just sat there absorbing what William was telling him. How he was using the process of making charcoal to also make wood gas. The gasoline was disconnectd from the motorcycle engine and the hose put back into the filter, after showing Dave the smokey looking gas coming from the hose. William let it fill the filter with gas, before turning the key of the engine. It took a little doing, but the engine came to life, and ran roughly. But it was running and electricity was being made. Dave just stood there, looking it all over.
"OK. I see it works. Move it all to my barn, tomorrow." Dave stated flatly, as he turned to get back on his horse.
"What?" William asked.
"You owe ME, Graham. I want you to move that contraption to MY farm, tomorrow. That is my price for my silence on your crimes of murder and hiding a crime." Dave demanded.
William started to reach for his gun, until Graham moved between William and Dave.
"Dave. What do you mean? I do not understand you." William stated. "What crimes are you speaking of? Murders? What murders? Do you have any proof of murders? And who are you going to tell your wild story to?"
"Do not speak to me, sinner!" Dave shouted at William. "I will not hear you. I learned what I needed to see how this is done. Now, move it to my barn, tomorrow, or everyone in this area will know what happened here."
Dave harshly tugged on the reigns to turn the horse around and left.
William stood there a moment wanting nothing more than to shoot the coward in the back.
"Graham?" William asked.
"Let's just build him one. We have the extra parts. We can help my neighbor as my neighbor helped me in a time of need." Graham stated.
"OK. Let's get a few things clearedup with him, first. Like WHERE in his barn to put it. And if he has his own freezer to use. BUT, he takes that attitude with me, again, he and I are going to have a problem which I will educate him on." William stated, flatly. "Oh, and once it is installed for him, and proven to work, I suggest you change your relationship with him. From co-supportive neighbor to just him being the guy down the road. No help, support, maintenance, tuning, etc."
"I think that would be wise, William." Graham agreed. "I better tell Becca where we are going and when we expect to be back."
William stayed in the barn and looked at the entire set up. Then he started to smile. He had an idea.
"OK. What are you smiling about, William?" Graham asked as he came back.
"Would you like a refrigerator to keep your butter and milk in, too?"
"Oh, my. Really? What are you thinking?" Graham asked, again.
"I'm thinking that when we were at the junkyard, there were couple of RV's there. If they still have the refrigerators in them ... they are a) small enough to get here with out too much trouble, b) most run on 12VDC, so the big UPS is not needed. c) We can keep BOTH in your basement."
"Both?" Graham asked with a bit of giddiness.
"Yeap! Get two of them. One as a fridge. The other to be a freezer. Maybe three of them, depending upon size." William laughed. "Imagine having Dave over for a harvest party and serving drinks with actual ICE in them."
Graham just grinned.
"Actually, you don't want to do that. No need to tell him you have something better than he has." William shared. "Isn't jealousy one of the 7 deadly sins?"
"So is pride, William." Graham reminded, soberly.
-----
"Hello, Dave!" Graham called as they walked up the drive way. "Just wanted to see where we were going to install this, for you. You said you wanted it in the barn, right?"
"Yes, in the barn. You will probably have to make some room for it." Dave said. "I hope that won't be too much of a problem. I'm sure your 'friend' there can make it easy."
Graham watched William as Dave just added salt to insults.
"Sure, Dave!" William called out jovially. "Glad to help out where we can! Do you, by chance have your own freezer you would rather use?"
Dave approached them and quietly growled, "I gave you both a price for my silence Do not test me further on this. I want it. ALL of it!"
"Hey, sure, man." William happily replied. "You want thewhole thing, you will get the whole thing!" And again William's entire presence changed, darkly. "But know this, little man. a) if I had not stopped those creeps on Graham's farm, they would have been here, next, with your teen aged daughters. b) THIS puts an end to any debt you believe Graham may owe you. We already saved your family once, and this very well may save it, again. c) in all your piousness, do not forget the wages of envy and blackmail. He is your neighbor, I am not. I will be moving on, shortly. And where will you be, then, when you need a good neighbor to help you?"
William turned to Graham, "I think it is time for us to go. If there is not sufficient space in the barn, tomorrow when we get here, then the deal is closed and terminated, NOT to be repeated. Becuase of HIS failure to make the necessary arrangements."
Graham grumbled, "It is the only way to ensure placement where he wants it. So, I agree with you on that aspect."
William turned back to Dave, "With all the man power you have here, make sure we can get Graham's tractor in there, as well. That is how we dug the hole in the ground for the freezer. If you can't make that happen, then use that available manpower you have to dig the hole."
With just as quick a change of presence, William happily and loudly asked, "About what time, in the morning can we expect you at Grahams with your wagon? That flat bed will help make sure it gets here without any issues or damage. I'm certain your wife will absolutely love this."
"Oh? I will love what?" she asked, as she joined the group of men.
Graham saw the opportunity and spoke up first. "We have figured out a way to make a freezer work! Dave here wanted us to install one here. I'm sorry if I let the surprise out, Dave."
"A freezer? Really?" She gushed. "Oh, Dave that is incredible! You DO listen to me! It will be so helpful to be able to freeze and not just can everything from the garden!"
"We were just making arrangements with Dave to ensure there was a place in the barn cleared and dug for the freezer." William added.
Dave just glared at them for a moment, before smiling and looking to his wife. "Yes, dear. I DO listen to you. That is why I asked William, here, for help on making this happen for you. It won't be perfect, like before. And there will be some limitations, but I think we can make it happen. Thank you guys so much foryour wonderful help!" William and Graham, just smiled back like good neighbors.
"Oh, thank you! I am so happy. And it will be WONDERFUL to get that huge freezer out of the basement!" She said, smiling. "It is so in the way!"
"Glad to help, Ma'am," William said with sincerity. "So, Dave? See you about 8ish, tomorrow morning?"
"Yes. Yes, absolutely!" he faked excitement. "between 8 and 8:30, I will be there with the wagon and team. Come, dear, we have work to do for tomorrow."
"Oh, Liz?," Graham called out. "Maybe you could come in the morning, too? I know Becca would love for you to vist."
"Oh, I woud love that, too!" she agreed.
As the two men were walking back to Graham's farm, Graham started, "You, sir, are a devious bastard!"
"Two things Graham, first, thank you and you are welcome." William replied. "Secondly, I'm not done. It's Sunday, right? So there are services, this evening?"
"Yes, we do have evening worship on Sundays."
"Good, let's hurry back we have much to do, before church, tonight."
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ydderf2
Member
"I'm from the government and here to help" hahahaha
Posts: 321
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Post by ydderf2 on Mar 27, 2022 18:14:15 GMT -6
Thanks
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Post by bitsmith on Mar 27, 2022 21:28:30 GMT -6
TIA -- Chapter Twenty-Four
"Hello, Padre. Nice to meet you." William said as he met the pastor of Graham's Church.
"Thank you, William! It is nice to have guests. Do you have a particular denomination you practice? We try to practice a variety of denominations and tend to honor guests with a welcoming church presence."
"Thank you, that is very kind. But to be honest, I'm a guest in your house. So please, go about your normal services." William suggested. "I tend to worry less about how the message is packaged, so long as the message is right."
"Well said! Well said, indeed!"
"Uhm pastor? If you don't mind I would like to say a few words to the congregation, when announcements are allowed." Graham asked.
"Certainly, Graham. Anything I can do to help preface your announcement?" the Pastor asked.
"Well, Pastor, I'm not sure. My friend, William here is whiz with making things work. Dave told me he wanted to get a freezer working for his to use. And ... well, William figured out a way to do it. Tomorrow we are going to install it at Dave's, in his barn. Kind of a seminar type of installation. William will be presenting on HOW it works and what is needed to make it work. I know that may cause some jealousy for some. And we might need some brute strenght to help get the freezer out of the basement."
"Oh, I think we can make that happen. I would like to be there as well! What time should we be at Dave's?" the Pator asked.
"I would think about 10." William answered. "Maybe a little earlier just to make sure no one misses out. Promptness would be appreciated. I have this thing from my time in the military about having to repeat something because of tardiness. Just a habit I have not been able to shake off, as a civilian, you know what I mean?"
"Oh, yes. And it IS only respectful to be on time and not slow everything down for everyone else!"
"Thank you, Pastor." Graham said, as they turned and left to greet others.
"John, thank you so much for the RV units this afternoon!" Graham said as they approached the junk dealer. "Hell, Graham! I'm glad I was able to get rid of them. What are you going to use them for? Worm farming?"
"Oh, John," William interjected, "I think that will all be made clear, later. And you just might be making Graham your new best friend."
"Thanks, again, John." Graham said as he shook hands and turned to the women of the congregation. The ones William asked about and referred to as 'news central'.
"Ladies, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce my friend William." Graham stated.
"Hello, William." one of the ladies said as she offered him her hand. She blushed as he turned and lifted it to bend over, causing the other ladies to giggle.
"Tell me, Mr. William, are you single, by chance?" Another asked, pointedly.
"I am a military man, ma'am. Until I retired, I never had time for a wife. And now that I have time, I cannot find one who will put up with me as I am very set in my ways."
"Mr. William! Are you ARMED? IN A CHURCH?!?!" another of the ladies cried out for all to hear.
"Yes. I AM armed, ma'am." William answered just as loudly. "Ma'am, I have traveled the world in service of this great nation. I have seen the horors and travesties men can do to each other! And with respect, ma'am, I will not allow harm come to those who choose to disarm themselves in a sign of faith and piety while worshipping. Evil men do not restrain themselves when they believe we are weak and unarmed. They prefer to be cats attacking sheep. Until they find the sheepdog protecting the flock. I was set on a path as a youth to be a sheepdog. And such a protector of others I will continue to serve until I am taken down or die in bed, old, tired and feeble. I hope you understand, ma'am, you have nothing to fear from me, or any other righteous man stepping up to protect those they love and the innocent they have just met."
Several men around nodded and a few even applauded William's impromptu speach. Graham led William to another cluster of the congregation. The former local business men.
"Hello, gentlemen. Nice to meet you all. I hope I have not caused issue for the man married to the lady I fear I just insulted." William stated by way of introduction.
"The woman you 'insulted' is MY wife. And frankly, she needed THAT particular insult. She has been, for years, keeping the men of this congregation unarmed. and you, sir, may have just given cause for her to adjust her perspective. Thank you for that. I'm Brad Farris, former owner of the former local bank. Nice to make your acquaintance."
Offering his hand, "I am William. Graham invited me here this evening. I dropped in to visit and next thing I know, we are working on a project to help Dave. You all know Dave, don't you? And his lovely wife, Liz? Oh, there she is, speaking with your wife, now, Mr. Farris."
"Yes, we do know Dave. And as you said, Liz is quite the catch for any man." another spoke up. "What was the project you are helping Dave with?"
Just as William started to answer, the pastor took to the pulpit and everyone nodded to whomever they were speaking with and took seats in the pews.
And the evening's worship started.
William stood when invited to, as the pastor introduced him. One of the ladies stood shouting, "Sir? Are you TRULY armed in a house of God?"
William opened his wind breaker, letting all see the Glock on his chest. "Yes, ma'am, I am. And I am proud to be carrying this tool as well as my proficiency with it. I have been a soldier for over 30 years. This is the tool of my trade. The equipment of my calling. A device necessary to have to satisfy that calling and protect those who are unable or unwilling to protect themselves! Christ told his disciples that if they did not have a sword, but they had a cloak, to sell the cloak and buy a sword. This is the modern day equivalent of a sword in the time of Christ. I am not here with the intent of hurting anyone. As I said, earlier, I am the sheepdog. I protect the sheep from those who would harm them. If this disturbs you all, please say so. I will wait outside until the service concludes."
"No, William. Please stay. Some of us may not agree with you, but there are others who do. We welcome all who come here seeking peace." Mr. Farris stated as he stood.
"Well said, Brother Farris," The pastor stated. Laughing he turned back to William, "Sir, you seem to have my congregation's attention. I understand you and Brother Graham have an announsement?"
Graham stood next to William. "Thank you, Pastor. I do apologize for any disruption my being here may be causing. As for the announcement ... "
Graham cleared his throat. "We all know Dave, who lives a bit down the road from me. Dave let me know he wanted a working freezer for his wife, Liz. While William was visiting, I asked if he had any ideas how to make one work. And well, we had a small freezer working in my my barn, yseterday. Tomorrow, starting about 9:30 to 10, William and I will be installing this for Dave and Liz in their barn. William has agreed to share how he made mine work to anyone willing to learn. Oh, and to help move Dave's old freezer out of the basement and into the barn."
Liz jumped up as Graham concluded, as did three other men. Liz started, "If I can get Mr. Davenport to join us after the sermon, we will make this a proper event with a pig roast! So, ladies, bring a covered dish!" Several people clapped with a growing excitement.
One of the men held up a hand. The Pastor called on him, "Brother Addams?"
"Thank you, Pastor. Freezers require electricity to run. How are you making electricity?"
Another spoke up, "Are you using a gas engine to turn a generator to make the electricity? That won't last long! None of us have access to THAT much gas!"
William held up his hands, "Thank you for the great questions. For this particular installation, yes, we ARE using a gas engine. From a motorcycle, actually. And as for gas ... well, we are not burning gasoline. Come out, tomorrow morning, and I will explain it all. Pastor? You have a great congregation of curious members. I apologize for any disruption."
"Thank you, brother William. It is not an unwelcome disruption. We ALL would like to have some return of our former lives." The Pastor stated. "Which brings up a point I wish to share with you all. I wish to talk with you about one of the 7 deadly sins and how allowing it back into our lives, ..."
-----
"Good morning, Dave! Liz!" William greeted them as he came out of the barn. "It looks like it is going to be an incredible day for pig roast. That is such a kind gesture!"
Graham and little Bobby both came out of the house. Bobby was carrying a step ladder for to Liz use to get off the wagon. She went inside to chat with Becca.
"You really are an asshole, aren't you, William?" Dave growled with scorn from his seat on the wagon.
"How is that, Dave?" William asked before turning and walking away, neither wanting nor expecting an actual answer.
Graham had taken on the role of peacekeeper, between Dave and William, for the day. "Morning, Dave. What is the best way to back this into the barn, so we can load everything onto it?"
"Huh? Oh. I got it." Dave said, as he clucked at the horses to get them moving the direction he wanted to turn the wagon around. "Your friend has caused me a world of problems, Graham."
"I know. I was really surprised you decided to try to blackmail him as you did. You know what is really kind of funny, though, Dave? We had already discussed helping you get a freezer working. That was before you decided to go all asshole on him." Graham stated.
"What?" Dave asked, stopping the horses. "You were not! You called me over to see it, just to rub it in my face!"
"Actually, Dave, you are wrong." William said. "We HAD discussed it. We WERE going to help you get one of your own going. We both thought that having some frozen pork might make it easier on you to help others, especially in the winter. You helped with an issue we had. And we WANTED to return the favor. Especially, after that misunderstanding you and I had."
"You put a gun to MY HEAD!" Dave growled through gritted teeth.
"And YOU were being a fool, not listening or thinking for yourself." William replied openly.
"I was IN SHOCK!, OK?" Dave again growled.
"Yeap! I know. I had MANY privates freeze like that in the service. Difference is, far too many of them died, before someone could snap them out of it. We were dealing with a life or death situation, Dave. And you DEFINITELY were not helping."
"I only needed a few minutes to collect myself, jack ass!"
"We did not HAVE minutes, Dave." Graham stated. "When you decide to get that through your head, the day WILL go easier. If you decide to continue being a jerk, the jerk results are what you will get. But one other thing, Dave. If you EVER threaten the peace of my home, ever again, on my property, I will accept it as a threat and will drop right there, to protect my family. If you make such a threat elsewhere, then come onto my property, I will drop you right there. Do we have a clear understanding?"
"Yeah. We do." Dave answered.
"Good. Now, let's make the best of the day?" Graham suggested. "William, you too, please?"
"You got it, boss!" William answered, cheerily, and waived at the women as they came out, together.
Dave managed to get the wagon into the barn and climbed down to help load the equipment.
"Dave, the idea of a pig roast ... Liz sprung that on you in church, didn't she?" William asked.
"Please! Do not remind me! I only have two boars that are grown enough. And last night, the butcher was there until late. He took 1/3 of the pig as payment for the 'emergency' she set up." Dave moaned.
"I get it. Funny how women can set us up like that. But at least she will be happy with you, tonight, when all that meat is in the freezer." William suggested.
"One would think that is how things MIGHT go. But not for us. She blames ME for the collapse. Like it is MY fault, somehow." Dave continued as Graham just grinned slyly.
"OK, Dave? If you and I lift this board from the ends and take the weight, Graham can collect the wires so we don't break anything. Put your corner on the wagon, first?" William described.
"Got it! And up on three?" Dave replied. Working together for 10 minutes and everything was loaded.
"Mr. William? Are you not coming with us?" Liz asked from atop the wagon now loaded with Graham's family and the equipment.
"I will be along in just a moment, Liz. I have a few other things to gather." William said. "Oh, my! Look at that! It's like a parade!"
Everyone looked to see a line of wagons carrying what appeared to be half the town approaching down the road.
-----
Many people were milling around as William pulled in, between wagons and horses on his bicycle with trailer. He was laughing to himseld with how the group was dividing itself. There were those men and women who were dressed up, expecting some fancy unveiling. There were others who were dressed in clean work clothes. Probably their best work clothes, but still work clothes. William was formulating a plan for them, too. Then he set it aside. Not is monkeys, "Not my circus." he muttered to himslef, as he parked the bicycle to the side. The upset woman who challenged him the night before was in a huff, when she saw him fully armed with an 'evil assaulr rifle' on him. He nodded to her as he stepped past. He smiled as he noticed some of the other men, the working class men, retrieve their firearms from their wagons.
"William?" Dave asked as he approached. "Why are you ARMED?"
"Dave? Why are YOU NOT?" William asked. "Also, seeing as I invited these people here, it is my responsibility to help keep them safe. This is YOUR property, you shoud be doing the same."
"Oh. Makes sense. Be right back." Dave said.
"Hey, Dave? You might want to discreetly approach those you trust in the group ... you know what? Never mind. I will take care of it." William said, before he climbed up onto a tree stump to better be seen and heard by all.
"Good morning, everyone! So glad to see you all. I just spoke with Dave, the owner of the land we are on. As we are NOT in town, we do not have the population density out here to ensure protection. So, if you have weapons with you, please, men and women alike, feel free to strap up! Evil people look for the weak to take advantage of. LET'S NOT BE WEAK, HERE, TODAY! Also, is the Pastor here?"
"Someone called out, we've not seen him, yet, but I know he was coming."
"Mr. William! You can give the blessing, right? We don't have to wait for the Pastor to eat, do we?" asked Bobby, Graham's grandson.
"Come on up here, with me, Bobby. Let's do it, together, shall we? Everyone else OK with this?" William asked. Bobby was up on his shoulder in a flash, smiling wide and big at everyone. "OK. Bobby what do you think?"
"Well, this is special, so supper prayer is not enough." Bobby said to good natured laughter. "And it's not church, so we don't need a long one, right?" And again more laughter, just as the Pastor arrived. "But we have to hurry! The Pastor is here!"
"Oh, no, Bobby! You are right. We don't need a long one and it's special, so ... lead us in prayer, young man." The Pastor called out from the back of the gathering.
William whispered in Bobby's ear, "Ok, buddy. From your heart. Just pray honestly and loudly, from your heart. Okay?"
Bobby nodded, closed his eyes and clasped his hands together. "Dear God! The Pastor always starts by thanking you for letting us all gather here. And he's right. Thank you. And thank you for the food we will get to eat, later. Thank you for my friend William. And for Gramps. And for Mom. And God? Please keep us safe, so William does not have to kill any more bad men! AMEN!"
There was a bit of an uncomfortable silence as the group did not know how to handle that from a small boy. The Pastor was the first to respond, clapping hands and shouting AMEN! He approached the front of the group and stepped up as William and Bobby stepped down.
"Did I do it wrong?" Bobby asked.
"Oh, no, Bobby! NOT AT ALL!" the Pastor stated warmly. "I think you did it JUST RIGHT! Where did you get the words for that incredible prayer? Did William help you with it?"
"Kinda. He just told me to be honest with God and pray fro what was in my heart!"
"Bobby, you did GREAT. And THANK YOU. I forget to remind everyone to do exactly that." The Pastor continued. "Everyone, I just wanted to ask that we also keep the Clements in our prayers, too. Evidently, a few days ago, they were attacked by a motorcycle gang. The family to the west of them was also attacked, earlier in the week. So, please, God, just as Bobby asked, keep us all safe. Amen."
The Pastor stepped down and Wlliam stepped backup onto the stump. "Ok. Then let's get this thing started, shall we? First things, first. The Freezer! Anyone NOT armed, can we get you into the basement, please?"
One of the suit wearing men called out, "why the unarmed?"
William answered, "Because, sir, the armed men and women are prepared to defend YOUR life. Trying to move that freezer would require us to set aside our arms. Leaving fewer to defend against assailants. IF the need were to arrise."
"Hard to argue with that logic!" came a voice from the group.
William called out, "Graham? Where are you, Graham? Oh, here, take this. You know how to operate it, right?"
William handed his assault rifle to Graham. "Yeah, I got it. Are you going to help with the freezer?"
"Of course I am. Can't lead effectively without getting dirty first." William replied with a grin.
Graham muttered quietly, "YOU are having too much fun showing these idiots up."
"Do you think it shows?" William asked. "Look, it is division and people unwilling to help a neighbor that contributed to the collapse. Let's change that, NOW, so it is not a part of our future."
"You are right, Brother William." agreed the Pastor, as he took off his jacket and tie.
Soon there were more than twenty people all trying to help move the freezer. With so many hands it was possible to just pass the freezer up the stairs, rather than trying to carry it up. Once on level ground, several others stepped up to help carry it into the barn.
"Brother William, you are a true leader, aren't you?" the Pastor said, as he walked by William, clapping him on the back.
Once in the barn, William jumped down into the hole for the freezer, checking to make sure it was smooth and level. "OKAY, guys. Just like in the house or anywhere else, you want a freezer, or fridge to sit flat and level. Because this is a hole, we also don't want the freezer sitting in water. So ... someone had me a dozen or so bricks."
"Great, now two pieces of 2x4? About 6 inches LONGER than the freezer is wide?" William asked for.
"Hey, Dave? Have you got a hand saw around here?" someone shouted.
"Yeah! It's on the back wall. Can you get to it? If not, I will climb back there." Dave called from the back of the crowd.
"Nah, I can get it, now I see it."
-----
Shortly, the freezer was lowered into the hole using ropes and moving straps. Something William and Graham had not thought about when they did the previous one was that the coils needed air flow and the compresor area needed to remain free of dirt. Someone saw a piece of scrap roofing material and asked Dave for permission to use it with a 2x4 to help keep the freezer working well. Dave was all for it. Soon that quarter sheet of roofing tin was naild to a couple of 2x4's and sunk in, behind the freezer. Then those closest started just kicking dirt back into the hole, around the freezer.
At one point, William opened the freezer enough to retrieve the power cord end. Soon the dirt was back in place, AND tamped down around the freezer, leaving the lid accessible.
Next everyone moved outside, at William's guidance. The motorcycle engine, batteries, and other pieces were handed over from Dave's wagon. William guided everyone through the process of mounting the alternators, running the belts and so on.
"Uhm, if I don't have pullies or belts, can I use like bicycle sprockets and chains?" Asked one of the watchers. He actually has a notebook out and was taking notes.
"Absolutely!" Graham responded. "This is just an example. There ARE better and safer ways. Dave? Once this is in place, you will probably want to put some fencing around it to keep kids from losing little fingers. Everyone should be thining abotu that, too, for their own set up."
And William took over, again, showing how to wire the two alternators into the UPS.
"Where can we get one of those UPS things?" another asked.
"We are using the UPS, becuse it was the first thing we could think of that could translate the DC power from the alternators to the AC power needed by the freezer. In the city, there will be a lot of these around in the office buildings and places that had large banks of computers or similar equipment." William shared.
-----
"Okay, now for the big answer that was asked, last night. How the heck do we power this without gasoline?" William asked, excited and enjoying the energy of the event. "We make gas from wood! Woodgas is a by product of BAKING wood to make it into charcoal. So ... let's get started with building the wood gasifier. And here are the IMPORTANT parts. A steel barrel, like this one, where the lid comes copletely off, but seals TIGHTLY. We do NOT want oxygen getting inside the barrel or the wood we pack in there is just going to burn, instead of bake into charcoal."
And William got back to work, asking for a shovel, then bricks. Soon the barrel was in position and firewood was being handed over heads to fill the barrel. William made a bit of a show of ensuring the barrrel was sealed tightly, before taking out the bung, again.
"This is a critical piece of the project. We need to adapt the bung down into a hose with a valve to help control the engine. We want the engine running, probably near 1000 RPM. We will know we have it right. Too fast, and we burn up the circuitry that charges the batteries. Too slow and we don't have enough juice to charge the batteries. We want between 11 and 13.4 volts DC from the alternators." William advised. Now, who has the heavy extension cord? and can someone be inside to plug the freezer into the cord as I pass it... OK, great!"
"OK. Let's all take a brief break! I'm going to start the fire, now. It's going to take some time for the wood inside to start getting hot enough to make woodgas. Once we have enough of it coming out, we will continue forward."
Several people came up to William with questions. And together they followed him over to the tables set up for the buffet. Someone had even brought the disposable thin styrofoam picnic plates. Seeing Graham, William motioned for his rifle to be brought to him. Standing in line, William was bombarded with questions and praise and thanks for sharing. He strolled around, enjoying a generous portion of pulled pork, baked beans, potatoe salad and his canteen was full of clean, clear water. All those asking him questions cleared away, when the Pastor approached.
"William, I wanted to thank you, deeply, for what you have given this community. You have taken an opportunity and reminded us that we need to work, together. What happend to the Clements and their neighobrs. If we stand together, that can't happen to our town."
"Pastor, what if I could give you a 90+ percent certainty that the people you are speking of have already been judged and sent to where they belong?" William asked.
"Who judged them?"
"They judged themselves by their actions. They were hurting others, taking what they wanted that others had workd hard for. Those actions, themselves are a voluntary judgement."
"Did the man or men who sent them to where they belonged enjoy doing so?"
"Only to the degree of satisfacton one gets from knowing they are doing what is right, what is necessary to protect those being harmed."
"You killed them, didn't you? Were they hurting Graham and his family?"
"I did not know it, but suspected it, when the first two were coming to kill me."
"Where are the bodies?"
"Gone."
"Where?"
"Gone. And that is all I will say about it." William stated with finality.
"Will those bodies ever come back to haunt this community?"
"I doubt that will be possible."
"And you are certain, there was no other option?"
"What is your first name?"
"William, I am Daniel."
"Daniel, good name. Do you believe that man, who at more than 80 years old and thrown into a lion's den, would stand by and watch evil happen to those who did not deserve it?"
"Ahh. I see your point. We do what we are put in a situation to do."
"Exactly. Friends were in danger. I had the skills and the means to end the threat. So I did. Those five will not be bothering anyone else, ever again."
"What could have stopped you from having to kill them?" Pastor Daniel asked.
"Law and order. Communications options to get a police force out to Graham's place? We have no such options, right now. And YOU need to be leading these people into self sufficiency. There is no one to lean on, but each other when there is danger."
"I see your point, William. I will pray on this guidance. Thank you. Thank you again and again. You have done in a day or two, what I have not been able to do for months."
"Pastor, you are in the business of saving souls. I'm currently in the business of trying to save lives and making those lives better." William said as they stood together, shook hands. Both men stood still a momnet, as Pastor Daniel prayed over William, still holding hands.
"May God lead you where you are most needed and give you the strength to do what must be done."
"Thank you, Daniel."
Dave waived William over to the gasifier. As he approached, everyone started gathering in, again.
William showed everyone the gas coming out of the hose, before sticking into the air cleaner housing. He quielty waited a minute, looking at a watch he was not wearing. Then turned on the motorcylce ignition system. Pressing the start button, the engine turned over several time, before it finally caught and ran, roughly.
"OK, everyone! Notice the engine running roughly? That is because this is a fuel injection engine and it NOT properly set up for wood gas. Even with a carbuerated engine, there will tuing needed to get maximum effieciency out this set up. Now, those of you who can see the screen on the UPS, what voltage does it say the batteries are?"
"9 volts"
William slowly turned the accelerator until someone called out "13 volts".
"Now, none of us have the time to stand here for a couple of hours keeping this throttle open at just this position. So, keep that in mind as you put your system together. In the mean time, could one of you 'good ol' boys', whittle me a wedge to stick right in here?"
There was a round of applause as someone reported the freezer was running. William called to Liz to bring out the left over meat the butcher had wrapped.
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Post by cavsgt on Mar 27, 2022 22:43:10 GMT -6
WOW back with a boost. Thank You phill
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Post by bitsmith on Mar 28, 2022 6:13:16 GMT -6
WOW back with a boost. Thank You phill For a long time, I used writing as a release valve for stress. Lately, I have not been writing, but I have been stressing.
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Post by NCWEBNUT on Mar 28, 2022 7:24:43 GMT -6
WOW back with a boost. Thank You phill For a long time, I used writing as a release valve for stress. Lately, I have not been writing, but I have been stressing. I think if I wrote to release stress there would be a lot of angry killing in it This world has gone over the edge with crazy.
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Post by solo on Mar 28, 2022 9:27:18 GMT -6
WOW back with a boost. Thank You phill For a long time, I used writing as a release valve for stress. Lately, I have not been writing, but I have been stressing. I think this is reality. Strongly so. When things go bad, you will need to do hard things to survive and protect the ones you love. And you will have neighbors who are good neighbors, but will not have the stomach to do those hard things. Even when presented with the reality that being neighbors, they were next. Rules change when society deteriorates. Being in some area other than Mayberry County, Mayberry State in the USA for extended periods of time shows you this. Those that are willing to see the big picture will have the better chance of surviving.
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ydderf2
Member
"I'm from the government and here to help" hahahaha
Posts: 321
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Post by ydderf2 on Mar 28, 2022 13:11:40 GMT -6
I am thanking you for the wood gas lessons as well as your story
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Post by texican on Mar 28, 2022 18:55:26 GMT -6
Oh, I know. I have read the scriptures. I know how it works. But ... two other things are missing here. First, I have to be penetant for my sins. I can't to do that. Last night I murdered. For good reason, but it was still murder. I won't apologize for protecting people I like and care about against villians. And for the other acts ... To ask for forgiveness, I have to first be able to forgive myself."
BS,
Murder is knowingly taking of an innocent life. Taking the life of an evil person is killing and not murder.
Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on Mar 28, 2022 20:14:14 GMT -6
Pest control? Varmint control?
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Post by bitsmith on Apr 6, 2022 16:46:22 GMT -6
OK ... It's 'Beer:30' with a screaming and demanding muse on each shoulder. Sow to see if the three of us can actually produce something worth sharing ..
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Post by bitsmith on Apr 6, 2022 19:10:07 GMT -6
TIA -- Chapter Twenty-Five
"William?" asked little Bobby as he entered the barn, sneakily.
"Hey, buddy? What's up?" William asked as he was packing his trailer.
"Are you REALLY leaving us, tomorrow?" Bobby asked plaintively.
"I'm afraid so, big guy. I've got some other people I need to go help."
"Please, don't go!" Bobby cried. "We need you here! Don't you like us anymore?"
"Oh, Bobby, it is nothing like that. Do you remember me telling you about Esther and her daughter? How I went to Indy to get Margaret? Well, I'm going to check on her, next. Make sure she is OK. And that her Dad, the Preacher is OK, and Esther, too."
"But who is going to take care of us, here? We need you here to take care of us. To make sure we are OK, too!"
"Well, we have part of that taken care of, already." William said. "Remember the car horns? And how we set up those little solar panels to keep batteries charged? That is so when there is trouble, everyone will know about it. Now the town can come help way out here, and the farmers out here can hear the town's horns, too and go help ther, if needed."
"But ... But it's not the same!" Bobby started to cry, Turning to run, William grabbed him by the arm ...
"Alright. Enough of the crying. You are much more upset about something else. What is really going on? Your tears are bigger than a crocodile's."
"I ... I like you being here! And Mommy does, too. So does Gramps!" Bobby whined.
"I like being here, too, buddy, but I have other people I need to go help. I know you understand this, so ... what else is upsetting you?"
"I just don't want you to go."
"Why?"
"I ... I don't know. I just want you to stay. I want you to be here when bad people come again."
"Well, we have the bad people part taken care of. So ... what else?"
"Don't you like my mom?" Bobby asked.
"Robert Har....!" came his mother's voice from outside the barn.
Waiving her to hold a moment, William answered, "Bobby, your mom is a wonderful person. And she has a heart full of you. I used to be a not so good person. And if people find that I am here, more bad people than the town can protect against might come. And they would hurt you, and your gramps and your mom. You don't want bad people to come and hurt you or your mom, right? ... OK. That means I have to keep moving so they don't fnid me with good people, like you and gramps. I will be back, soon enough. And then we can find a new project to help the farm. How does that sound? Besides, I might learn something new out on the road that can also healp you and other people around here."
"You will come back?" Bobby asked, trying not to sob.
"I promise, I will do my very best to come back and visit." William said.
"Good. Let us know when you are on your way so the preacher can make the church readdy for you to marry my mom!"
William smiled and held a hand up to the boy's mother. "Don't you think your mom should be allowed to marry who she wants? I mean, she may not even want me. Besides, I'm mean as a husband. And even worse as a step dad. Making you wash behind your ears. Learning to read and write and do math. Cleaning out the barn stalls. Cleaning up after the chickens. Digging new outhouse holes! Does that sound like fun to you?"
"Ewwww! NO!" Bobby said, laughing as William tickled him.
"OK, then. Now get in the house and get ready for bed." William said, laughing with him. "And I will come back by and share with you what I learn on the road."
Hugging William, Bobby kissed him on the cheek and promised to be waiting. His mother patted shoulder as he slowed by her on his way into the house, before approaching William.
"You know ... You CAN stay, if you would like." She said.
"I know. Graham made much the same offer very clear to me." William said. "But I was being honest with Bobby. There are people out there that would hurt others, just to hurt me. I have not always been a good man."
"I would risk that, if you wanted to stay." She said, stepping very closely to the standing William.
William noticed Graham turn the corner into the barn and continue turning as he exited ... quicker than he had started to enter.
"I was married once, before. She is gone now. She still has my heart." William whispered hoarsely.
"Maybe you just need someone to help you re-grow the missing pieces."
Taking her hands from his shoulders, he stepped back from her. "Thank you. I am flattered. And you are a very attractive woman. Pragmatic, smart, and hard working. But I cannot stay."
Stepping closer to him, again, "Not even for just another night? Bobby has never had a Dad. His father ran out when he learned I was pregnant. And ... and I could be a good wife."
"A good wife deserves a good man. Which I am not." William said, finding his voice. "I am NOT someone who has what it takes to love you and yoru family the way you deserve. The way you want. And right now, I'm thinking you want more than you are thinking. Or listening."
"My father is not someone you have to worry about. He would approve of you and I. You are much like the son he always wanted."
"I'm also only 5 or 6 years younger than your father. And I know. He just came into the barn and continued to turn right around and leave, again." William shared. "With a huge Cheshire Cat grin on his face, I might add. And that is much more approval than any words he could have said."
At the mention of her father seeing her, nearly begging William to marry her, she flushed bright red, gave a frustrated grunt and marched away.
William breathed a sigh before sitting on the farrier's stump mounted anvil.
"Well ... That did not go as well as I had hoped it would." Graham said by way of announcing himself as he entered the barn. "I have to admit, I had not even given a thought to your age. How old are ys?"
"I'm 54, Graham." William answered, honestly. "I'm guessing you are close to 60. No more than 62."
"I will be 59 next November."
"Yeah. Thanks, but I must pass. I'm not the type to stand still for too long." William replied, before continuing, "Besides, she and Bobby DO deserve someone better."
"It's not just a father for the boy she wants to find. It's a husband for herself." Graham stated, matter of factly. "And ... you are plenty good for us simple folks."
"But I'm NOT simple folk, Graham. I am as twisted, complex, CONFUSED, treatcherous, mean, unforgivable, grudge holding as they come. Most of which is what makes me such a good, relentless, and unstopping killer. Those bikers are not the first and they won't be the last that I kill, before my time is done. Bobby does NOT need that kind of role model and she does not need a husband who will let his ego take too much risk and end up dead. I'm sorry, my friend, but I cannot do this."
"Well, don't blame us for asking." Graham stated as he stood from leaning on William's bike. "And please know you are and will always be welcome here. If you get in over your head, or just need a place to recover or any reason at all ... know that you will can come back to here."
"Thank you. I WILL return. If I am able. Maybe then, things can be different. But no one should wait for me to come back." William shared, regretfully.
Graham nodded and left him to go into the house as the sun was nearly set.
William finished packing and re-arranging his trailer for his next stop, tomorrow. Then laid out a sheet on some hay, covered himself with an old Amry issue wool blanket and tried to go to sleep.
-----
William was awakened by the bang of the screen door on the house. He feigned to be sleeping, still, waiting to discover which of the three were comming to see him. By the size of the shadow, William saw it was Bobby.
"Bobby, go back to bed!" William whispered, angrily.
"I can't sleep." Little Bobby whined.
"Well, you are not going to get much sleep, out here." William stated, flatly. "Now get your butt back to your bed. I'm an old man, like your Gramps and I need my sleep."
"Cant I sleep out here, with you?"
"No. Now get back inside. You let that door slam, and probably woke your Mom. Now, she is going to be mad with me, becasue you are not in your bed. Go! NOW!" William half whipsered.
"I'm not mad at you," the boy's mother's voice came from outside the open barn door. "Bobby, get your butt back to your own bed, right now! And be quiet about it. Don't wake your grandfather!"
Bobby turned and went back into the house, again. "I'm sorry if he woke you." She said as she came closer. William saw she was wearing only a thin night gown, with moonlight giving enough light to see her by.
"It's OK. Something tells me if he had not, someone else would have, shortly." William said, as he sat up, showing he was fully dressed, still.
"I wanted to come and again try to convince you to stay." She said, as she was pulling lose the string tie of the night gown.
William stood and walked to her as she started to let the gown down. He pulled it back up, giving the string a loose knot. He lead her to his makeshift bed and laid her on the sheet, as she giggled. Then he laid down, behind her, pulled her in tight and just held her. She tried to turn to face him, but he held her firmly, but gently, in place. Finally she settled with a sigh, and went to sleep. He stayed awake, through the night, barely moving, listening to her murmers of dreams, sighs of conversations, and gentle snores. With the chickens announcement of the sun, she sat bolt up-right.
"You just laid there and did NOTHING?" She shouted, angrily.
"Yeap! I held you, as you slept, deeply and I'm thinking pretty soundly. You barely moved, so I am betting you had a good sleep." William answered.
"But ... I ... I wan ... Grrrr".
"What you wanted and what you needed were two different things. I held you as you slept. I protected you as you slept. I kept a hand on you, as you slept. And that is all I did." William explained, "Because that is what I believe you truly needed. I am not the man you deserve."
"You know I ... You could have ... "
"Yes, I could have. And I was tempted. But I cannot stay. And if I had, staying would have been a requirement. I'm not done out on the road. I hope you understand that." William said, as he stood and moved in front of her. Taking her hands, he lifted her to her feet. Looking in her eyes, he pulled pieces of straw from her mussed hair.
Again, she put her arms around his neck. "You would not have had to stay."
"Yes, I would have. The person I used to be ... he might have been able to go, after. But I could not have. That old me is not the man I am, now. I hope you can understand the difference and the amont of respect I have for you."
She stepped up onto her toes and kissed him. Thoroughly. His hands never left her near perfect hips as she pulled tightly into him. And he did kiss back. Hungrily. And then he broke it off, coming up for air.
"So you mean it, when you say you respect me. Thank you. I did need to be held, last night, though I wanted more." She said. "When I was young, I was a ... tramp. I allowed my body to be used so I could have what I wanted. And when I learned I was pregnant, all of that changed. I came home to Dad, before I started to show. For the first couple of years I heard the whispers about being a slut. And the truth is ... I liked sex. A LOT. I still do. But I do not have anyone around here. And with you being so close. And you having risked your life for us. And done so much around here ... Even though I know the answer, already, I'm going to ask, anyway. Please stay. For a while longer, at least?"
"And what will happen to Bobby if I stay and then leave, again, in a few days or worse, weeks?" William answered with a question, then another, "Or ... if those people I know are looking for me come here? If I am gone the most you can do is tell them I was here and I left. They are thorough people. And they would hurt you to get what I know. But I also know if I am not here, they will not hurt you. Scare you, maybe. But not hurt you. Until they are no longer a threat, then I cannot stay anywhere."
"Where will you go?" she asked, a tear sliding over her cheek.
"Down the road." William replied. "More than that, and ... well the more you know the more you can tell them. The sooner they might catch me, before I am ready for them."
"Please come, back." She begged as she kissed his cheek and went back inside the house.
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ydderf2
Member
"I'm from the government and here to help" hahahaha
Posts: 321
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Post by ydderf2 on Apr 7, 2022 8:25:07 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by bitsmith on Apr 7, 2022 15:54:08 GMT -6
TIA -- Chapter Twenty-Six
William left the farm he was asked by all to stay, knowing his place was elsewhere and away. He took a more direct route back to the town he met Esther at. As he topped a rise, he saw the main road into town was blocked by three cars. Two forming a 'V' with the point open just wide enough for a vehicle to get between the two town cars and a large heavy truck across that opening. Even from this distance, he could see the guards were armed. Using binoculars he was unable to tell if they were police or someone else. Sitting astride the bicycle, he stood in full view of the blockade as he pulled out his map and looked for alternative routes and points of entry. Seeing the guards taking more interest in him, he folded the map, putting it away. Then he waived at them and turned around with a plan starting to form.
Closer to dusk, William found himself wading the creek near the church. Sneaking up through the cemetery he could see the old church van. The former parking lot of the church was filled with horses and wagons, bicycles, children buggies and other means of personal travel. He stood still, behind a large old Oak tree watching for movement around the church. The night was coming on, quickly as he heard the congregation singing a hymn. William was thankful for the breeze as he opened his zippered windbreaker a to let a little air get to his sweaty torso. The late May weather was warm and humid as to be expected in this part of the country. As the song ended, William was in the cemetery, hiding behind large monuments to the memory of the gone. He was able to see the doors open to have armed guards exit first then stand guard as the parrishners exited the church. They were not happy. Even the children acted as though they wished to stay inside the church.
Something was not right, here.
William caught a glimps of Esther and Margaret as they stood on the steps of the church telling others to keep calm. Margaret was still malnourished, and Esther had dark ugly brusies on her exposed arms and cheeks of her face. After the last of the congregation was out of the building, the Pastor was carried out between two large men. Half drug down the steps, William winced as he watched one of the guards pass a chain through the doors of the church, locking it tighly.
"See, Pastor? That was not so hard, was it?" a fifth man asked as he help Margaret by her hair. "Now, you are going back to the jail. Your cell awaits you. You can start working on Sunday's sermon there. If I decide to give you light. You just keep preaching what I tell you to preach and your wife will be just as safe as your sermons keep the town. I'll keep your daughter with me. And my men. She and her friends you brought back to us are very good girls and take good care of us. And that helps keep your town safe, too. Your sheep depend upon you, Pastor, to keep them safe."
Esther stepped up to her husband, only to be knocked down by one of the door guards. William started to run to her but paused. Now is not the time. Soon enough, the time would come.
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William waited in the old graveyard until everyone was long gone before moving back to the treeline. He went back to his hidden trailer and bicycle, moving both. He stopped along the way and hid his cans of ammo and buckets of supplies. Before long, it was close to two AM. Fully armed and dressed in his ghillie suit he went back to the church. This was point 0. Every movement he made would be from here, for now. It was built near a wooded creek and gave both hiding places and stragic value of seeing the town, pretty much spread evenly to the left and right of the front door of the church. Straight across of the main street is the town square, open and clear, save a few monuments. Beyond that is the city building with the courts and the jail in the basement.
William found the parsonage next door to the church to not be secured. The backdoor was open as were the windows. Quietly he entered the house, M4 at the ready as he checked each doorway for anyone. Finally, he found Esther's bedroom. Gently walking in, he covered her mouth to stifle any screams. Violently she awoke in full panic. William struggled to keep her from hurting him or herself as he tried to calm her.
"Esther! Stop it! It's me, William!" he whispered harshly. "Stop, before you hurt yourself! It's ME!"
Just as quickly she stopped struggling. "Oh, GOD! Thank you God! William, we NEED you. I have been praying for God to bring you back to us!"
"OK. Keep quiet. Keep focused. Give me short, direct answers. What happened here?"
"Well, the day before Henry and Margaret got back, Mr. Hamblin came into town with a group of men. They just ... took over. Shot the two deputies on sight. Ben was somewhere. No one knows where. No one has seen him since that day. They then spread out and went door to door taking everything they wanted. They took most of the food. All the weapons. All the gas and diesel. When Henry drove into town, they took him and Margaret and all those other poor women. They stay in the city building. Some nights I lay herea nd can hear those poor girls screaming as they are abused. We have no option but to do as they tell us. They have Henry giving false sermons. Everything about obeying and doing as they tell people to do. They even took our books!"
"Took your books? What books did they take?" William asked.
"ALL of them! Mr. Hamblin says it is so no one gets any wrongful ideas. I think it's so no one gets inspired to stand up against them."
"Intelligent. Planning. Smart. OK. Tell me more about Hamblin."
"To look at him, you would not know he was the Devil incarnate. Large man. Salt and Pepper hair. Very smart and educated by the way he speaks. Always wears dark sunglasses. Has a scar above his left eyebrow and down his cheek."
"Wait. Are you certain about that? Center of his left eye? Have you seen him without sun glasses?"
"No one has."
"Has he said what he wants?"
"He says he just wants to help the town survive. Survive what? We have been surviving pretty well, on our own. Do you know him?"
"Maybe. I don't know." William admitted. "For now, do not let anyone know I am here. I need some time to surveil and learn about them. Keep your people under control. Get them to help with recognizing patterns and schedules. Who was the man on the church steps, this evening?"
"Gardner. He is the one Mr. Hamblin relies on the most. He is the stick Mr. Hamblin sends out when the carrots don't work." Esther shared.
"Was he the one that knocked you down?" William asked.
"You saw that?"
"Yes. I saw it. I'm sorry I did not protect you. But that was not the right time." William said. "I promise, he will know it when his end comes."
"William? Be careful. The town is terrified. Mr. Hamblin is talking about erecting a gallows on the square. Right in front of the church. How can a church be a place of forgiveness and love with that out the front door?"
"Who does he say it will be for?"
"He calls them dregs. People who do not obey his rules. People who hoarde anything for themselves, rather than giving for the good of the town."
"OK. Be smart. Aks those who you can trust for any patterns or schedules. Find a way to identify these guys so we know who is where. And I need a count for how many there are. I'll be back in a couple of days. Watch yoru clothesline. You will know to expect me when your clothespin basket is at the far end of the line. If you need me, do the same and I will try to come that same night. Otherwise, that basket must be on the line, nearest the house. If it is NOT on the line, I will know it is not safe to come to the house. Do you understand?"
"Basket near the house unless you are needed or expected. Then at far end. Off the line if not safe for you to come here. Got it."
"OK. Get some rest. I need to get back to my camp. I have a lot of work to do, tomorrow. What the hell?"
William looked out the window to see a squad car coming down the street with lights and siren blaring. Three blocks away it stopped in the middle of the street. "All subjects of Hamblintown are required to report to the town square. Immediately. No one is exempt." This was repeated once more, then the car turned the siren back on and continuted down the street, repeating the process every two or three blocks.
"Has this ever happened, before, Esther?" William asked.
"They did this two or three times a night, the first week. This is when they would search the houses for weapons and food."
"OK." William said, thinking. "Look, I can't stay in here and I can't be a part of this. If I am caught here or my weapons found here, you will get hurt. I'm going to sneak away, but stay close enough where I can watch. Be careful! See you soon."
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Post by solo on Apr 8, 2022 9:25:42 GMT -6
A very interesting story just got dialed up a few notches! Thank you for that!
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Post by imahic on Apr 24, 2022 20:36:30 GMT -6
A very interesting story just got dialed up a few notches! Thank you for that! Yes, it is a very interesting story. Thank you, Bitsmith, for the story.
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ydderf2
Member
"I'm from the government and here to help" hahahaha
Posts: 321
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Post by ydderf2 on Apr 27, 2022 22:22:40 GMT -6
Thanks
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