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Post by papaof2 on Apr 12, 2017 7:48:17 GMT -6
You do understand that the only correct response to that chapter is MOAR?
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Post by cutter on Apr 12, 2017 8:39:51 GMT -6
I'm working on it Papa.
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Post by dallanta on Apr 12, 2017 11:19:54 GMT -6
Great story!
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Post by cutter on Apr 12, 2017 22:30:16 GMT -6
(Chapter 20) ( Tuesday, April 4th 2PM) (Cell phone rings)
“Sheriff Frakes.”
“Hello, Sergeant. How goes the battle?”
“LT! How are you, you ugly old warhorse?”
“Better lookin’ than you!”
“Maybe, but I’m smarter and have a better sense of humor.”
“Well, that’s probably true. Your message sounded serious. What’s up?”
“I need a favor. Are you still with the Bureau? I have a problem.”
“Yeah, I’m in New York working organized crime detail. Why?”
“Like I said, I need a favor. Do you remember Bill Marshall?”
“Yeah, best damn medic I ever saw and a helluva’ guy to boot. How is Bill?”
“Dead. He was killed in a car wreck 2 years ago. Illegal with a forged ID was high on meth and broadsided him with a semi. Bill never had a chance. He was dead when I got on scene. The meth head died at the hospital of an overdose. At least there was some justice.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Pete. I thought a lot of Bill and I know you two were really close. I don’t understand what that has to do with whatever this favor is you need.”
“His eldest son, Brian, is in the hospital. We don’t know if he’s going to make it. Brian’s sister-in-law is living with him and his wife. A little over a week ago, the girl’s father sent a goon to bring Erin, that’s Brian’s sister-in-law, back home. She’s over 18 and was when she left home. He tried to kidnap Erin. Brian intervened and got hurt bad. Life threatening injuries. He’s been in ICU ever since. We got the goon locked up pending a grand jury, no bond. There is no way in hell he’s going to get out of this. He’s looking at 20 years, at least, if he’s lucky. If he’s not, they will bury him under the jail. He’s just the tool. I want the father and I want him bad.”
“Who’s the father?” “Last name Baxter, Charles E. Wife’s name Veronica, maiden name Porter.”
“I’ve heard of them. He seems to be a minor player. He’s not really on our radar.”
“Mark, you and I go way back. We’ve fought together. We’ve bled together. We’ve killed together, and together, we’ve given more buddies than I care to remember their final salute. Get Baxter on your radar. If I have to come up there to deal with him, I guarantee I’ll be all over your radar. If I come after him, I’ll send him to you in a box, a very small box, along with my calling card so you’ll be sure it was me.”
“Oh Shit! Pete, the last time I heard you say something like that was when Evans bought it. You stalked that guy, alone, for 5 days. You didn’t shoot him; you killed him hand to hand. You brought his effing head back to base to confirm the kill!”
“And I’m as serious as I was then. He tried to kidnap one of the citizens I am sworn to protect and tried to kill another, though that could change. If Brian dies, the Bureau, the Secret Service, and the President himself won’t be able to save him. If that happens, I will kill him. Don’t give me any BS about this conversation being on tape either. I know you. You are on a private, secure phone and so am I. You’ve done that ever since you joined the Bureau because your private life is none of the Government’s business. Now, will you help me?”
“Yeah. I owe it to you and Bill. Each of you saved my life more times than I can count. Give me what you have.”
Alright. As I said, Baxter, Charles E. Wife’s name Veronica, maiden name Porter. I have 2 known associates. First associate, Childers, Timothy no middle name. He’s a PI from Stamford, CT. You should be able to pull his file. We have him on multiple charges and the Bureau and BATFE are involved in the case. Second associate, Wainwright, Evan L. He’s”
“He’s the senior partner in Wainwright, “Wainwright, and Hughes! They represent some of the worst criminals we have to deal with! He’s dirty as all hell. He’s Baxter’s lawyer!?!”
“So I’m told. He was personally representing Childers until a few days ago. We received a certified letter that his firm was withdrawing from the case. Since then, Childers has had a whole lot to say about Baxter’s activities and Wainwright’s too. Would it help you if I sent the transcripts of what I have to you?”
“No. Are you still in Franklin?”
“Yeah. What’s that got to do with any of this?”
Be at the Bowling Green airport tomorrow morning at 10. Wear civvies and do not drive your cruiser. I do not want anyone to see us together in an official capacity. I don’t want anyone to see us at all. Bring copies of those transcripts with you. Do not bring the originals. Make an extra copy and keep them in a safe place. Tell nobody about our meeting or anything about this. I need you to think like a sniper again. I need you do drop off the face of the Earth until I have those documents and am back in NYC. We’re going to get your guy. While we’re at it, I’m going to get Wainwright. Has this Childers cut any kind of deal?”
“The prosecutor dropped some of the charges, but we still have him on kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and a count of attempted murder, plus a couple of lesser charges.”
“Can you get the prosecutor to stop there, even if Childers stops talking because of it?”
“Mark, half this town, including me, would put their lives on the line for Brian Marshall. He’s a local hero. This is the second time he has stopped a kidnapping. The other one involved a 7 year old local girl. Mark, I have a real concern that Childers won’t live to see trial if they don’t hurry up. My office has received death threats for him. I had to forbid 3 of my deputies from going to the jail section because all three said they would be happy to kill him and make it look like a suicide. I can’t say I’d mind if he woke up dead. In my book at least justice would be done, but I can’t let that happen. I’m a county sheriff and I have to uphold the law...even when it’s bad law. Believe me, getting the prosecutor to stop dealing won’t be a problem.”
“Then do it. Do it today. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, and remember I need you to be invisible.”
“I got it. I’ll be there.”
“Tomorrow then.”
(Later, at the Marshall farm)
“Hey Morgan!”
“Pete! What brings you out here?”
“I have news and a favor to ask. News first. Childers is being transferred to the Bowling Green jail until this is all over. Too many people wanted his head here and I couldn’t guarantee his safety.”
“Pete, I thought you wanted him dead.”
“Like I said, I can’t guarantee his safety. He needs to stand trial and we, meaning you and I, want him to. There’s no telling what might come out during the trial. We might get what we need to put your father away handed to us for free.”
“Ok, I can see that. What’s this favor?”
I’m leaving town for a couple days. I need to get away so I’m going camping. I can’t take the Excursion because it’s department property and if I take the truck, Leslie and the kids won’t have any way to get around. Would you be willing to loan me that old Chevy pickup?”
“Sure, here’s the keys. Where ya’ goin’?”
“I haven’t made up my mind. I’ll figure it out when I get there.”
“What’s going on, Pete? This isn’t like you.”
“It’s just the stress. Between Brian and some old demons from Desert Storm rearing their ugly heads, I’ve just got to get away for a few days and get my head on straight. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to do this and you know it.”
“You’re right, I do. Let me help you a little.”
“You can’t”
“Oh, but I can. I have news too. Brian’s off the respirator. They’re transitioning him back to a regular diet. He talked to me a couple days ago. He actually spoke to me. Pete, he’s not anywhere close to well yet, but he’s getting better.”
“You’re right too. That helps, but I still need to get away. Are you sure about the truck?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I’ll bring it by your house tonight.”
“No, I’ll have Leslie bring me over in the morning before I leave.”
“Whatever you want. It’s no trouble.”
“I’ll come get it. That’s the way I want it.”
“Your call. If we’re not around, just take it. Keep it as long as you like. We don’t use it much.”
“Thanks, Morgan.”
(Hospital)
“Hi, Cheryl. Is Brian awake?”
“Sweetie, Brian isn’t in ICU anymore. They moved him to a room just after lunch. Hang on a sec and I’ll find out what room he’s in. Here it is, he’s in room 232.”
(Morgan laughs)
“Morgan, what’s so funny?”
“The hospital is going to have to name that room after him. It’s the same room he was in after his surgery to fix his ribs the first time. I just thought it was funny.”
I’ll put in a request to facilities to make up a plaque, ‘The Brian Marshall Executive Suite’.”
(Both laughing)
“Thanks, Cheryl.”
“My pleasure. It’s good to see you laugh for a change. Tell Brian I said hi.”
“Will do.”
(Room 232)
“Hello, Love. How are the new accommodations?”
“What new accommodations? It’s the same room I was in the last time I was here. The view’s still bad and room service still sucks.”
“Well, I’d strip for you to improve the view, but the door doesn’t lock. As for room service, what do you want? I’ll go get it for you.”
“I DID want a steak, but now I just want you to strip. Dessert sounds better than dinner.” (Serious Evil Grin)
“Sorry Stud. You want to see me in the flesh; you gotta’ come home.”
“Then get me some damn pants and I’m so outta’ here! You know what? Forget the pants, let’s go. This stupid gown just makes for easy access. I’m so sick of my ass sticking out.”
“My, My! Cranky and horny. You’re definitely feeling better. Seriously, what’s Aaron saying about you coming home?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him this morning. I would have thought he’d have come by to check on me, being as he ordered me transferred to a room. I hope it’s soon. I don’t ever want to stay in this hotel again. The staff’s nice enough, when they’re not poking and prodding, but everything else sucks and sucks royally!”
“Hang on a minute. (Makes a call on her cell phone)
“Hi, Morgan. I have news for you.”
“Brian’s been moved to a room?”
“I guess you’re at the hospital.”
“Yes. I’m with my very cranky, very horny husband. He’s threatening to walk out of here right now with his butt still sticking out of his gown.”
“Hehehe. I meant to be there by now but I had a surgery that ran a little long. I’ll be up in about 10 minutes.”
(15 minutes later)
“Hi Brian, Morgan. How are you feeling today, Brian?”
“Aaron, you said 10 minutes. You’re late!”
“Morgan, I see what you mean about him being cranky. Is he always like this?”
“Only when he’s been in the hospital for a couple of weeks and his wife won’t take her clothes off.”
“You two are killin’ me. Ok, I was going to keep you here for a couple of days more just to be on the safe side, but maybe I better reconsider. How’s your pain level?”
“Honesty, as long as I don’t try to twist or move too fast, or try to sit up without pushing myself up with my arms, I just have the occasional dull ache. Even then it comes, stays a few minutes and then goes. I’ve been hungry ever since you took the feeding tube out and the gruel this place serves just ain’t doin’ it for me. I want some real food with some taste. I’m sick to death of staring at four walls and a ceiling. This room has a window so at least I’m gettin’ real daylight, but that parking lot is not my idea of scenery. All kidding aside, my bed’s more comfortable and in no small part to the fact that there, my wife is in it beside me...whether she’s naked or in her granny gown and socks! Aaron, I just want to go home. I want to be in my own house with my family around me. I want to eat my wife’s cooking at my own table. I want to see my garden. I want to see that new calf we just got. I want to sit outside and see the trees, smell the smells, listen to the birds sing. All I want is to go home.”
“Alright, alright. You may recover better at home anyway. I’ll write the orders when I leave. It’s kind of busy around here today, so you may not get released until tonight. If you have increased pain, any nausea, dizziness, vomiting, fever, fainting, orange or red urine, or just start not feeling right; I want you back here. Don’t mess around with it. Any of those symptoms could mean something has gone wrong. You’re a lot better than you were, but you are NOT healed. I’m not going to tell you not to engage in sex, but take it easy. Don’t try to make up for lost time all at once. Lastly, in everything, pain is a good guide. Whatever you do, if it hurts, stop doing it. Walking, riding in a car, whatever; if it hurts, stop. If it doesn’t stop hurting within 15 minutes, get back here. Your orders are the same as last time. Oh yeah, don’t get those stitches wet. I want to see you in my office in a week.”
“Thanks Aaron”
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Post by papaof2 on Apr 12, 2017 23:10:51 GMT -6
I was almost that bad after back surgery some 8 years ago. I just wasn't able to manage "dessert" ;-)
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Post by cutter on Apr 13, 2017 4:58:08 GMT -6
Papa, to use Brian's favorite phrase of the day, that sucks
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Post by ydderf on Apr 13, 2017 10:33:01 GMT -6
I too hate being in hospitals-they are full of sick people.
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Post by cutter on Apr 14, 2017 21:37:22 GMT -6
(Chapter 21) (About 9 PM) “Man, it’s good to be home! Morgan, can we eat out here on the porch?”
“Of course we can. Whatever you want. I’ll get drinks for us. What do you want?”
“Wierdest thing. I think I actually want a beer. Do you mind?”
“Not at all. Don’t wait on me. I know you’re hungry. I won’t be long.”
(...)
“Why didn’t you go on and start eating? I told you not to wait on me.”
“I wanted to eat with you. Everything I told Aaron is true, but I really missed spending time alone with you. We spent most of the time I was awake together when I was in the hospital, but I wanted to spend the time with you doing normal things in a normal place. I wanted to eat out here because I love Erin, but I wanted you and I to spend tonight alone together.”
“Erin’s in her room. I doubt she will come out again till morning. She’s having a real hard time. She’s not sleeping well at all. I’ve been up with her every night since you went to the hospital.”
“Why didn’t Larry take care of her? He’s her boyfriend. You’ve had enough to deal with.”
“Brian, Love, there’s a lot that’s happened you don’t know about. I wasn’t keeping anything from you, just keeping it till later. Larry hasn’t stayed here since that first night. It’s a long story and you’re gonna’ be mad when I tell it to you. Can we please save it for tomorrow? I really want our first night back together to be a happy one.”
“I’d like that. You can tell me about it whenever you’re ready. Listen, I know what I said to you and Aaron, but I don’t think I’m up to a nightlife tonight. Just getting home has taken a lot out of me. I’m not that tired, but I am sore and moving around lets me know my body is not happy. If you really want to, we can give it a shot, but I might not be able to. I’m sorry, Morgan.”
Don’t be sorry, I’m just glad to have you home. Let’s finish eating and I’ll help you to bed. I honestly don’t feel much like romance right now anyway.”
“Something I did?”
“No.” (thinking to herself) Something I did.
“Are you ok?”
(...)
“Morgan?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. You want a cigar? You haven’t had one in a while.”
“Not tonight. Maybe tomorrow. I wouldn’t mind your head on my shoulder when we lay down. I haven’t had that in a while either.”
“I...I can do that. Let’s go to bed.”
“Ok, let me pick up my mess and we’ll go.”
“Leave it. I’ll get it in the morning. Let’s go to bed.”
(Two hours later. Brian’s asleep, Morgan is still awake) Lord, I shouldn’t be here. This is the second time I’ve let him down. First I cheated on him and this time he could have been killed because I was late when he needed me. He’s asleep and he still is holding on to me like his life depends on it. I don’t deserve this. Brian deserves better. He acts like I’m just sooo great, but I’m not. If I was half the woman Brian thinks I am, I would never have had that stupid one night stand. I would have been paying attention and blown Childers’ head off before he ever got out of his car. Brian’s lost his Dad. Some sick pervert almost cost him his sanity. I’ve never done right by him. Now, he’s almost lost his life because of me. He’s had enough, Lord. Please. I don’t even know what to ask for him. I’m too selfish to let him go, but I want him to be happy. I want him to be safe. I want him to know the love and devotion that he shows me every day. I don’t give him that. I never have. I don’t know how. Please, Lord, he deserves better than this.
(Wednesday, April 5th, 6:45 AM)
(Morgan writing) Brian, I have an appointment with Debbie this morning. You were still asleep when I left and I didn’t have the heart to wake you. I should be home by 9:30. Erin is covering the office and Larry is making a parts run to Communicare. Everything is being taken care of. I made you some breakfast. It’s in the fridge, all you have to do is microwave it for 4 minutes. Thank you for being there for me last night. I love you. I’ll be home as soon as I can.
Love, Morgan
(OBGYN)
“Morgan, you look a little more rested than last time, but I still don’t like what I’m seeing. You’ve lost another 8 pounds, your blood pressure is still elevated, and I have the results of the blood work you had done for me yesterday. None of the results are in the danger zone by themselves yet, but taken together, they are cause for concern in light of your current circumstances and your pregnancy. I’m not blaming you or getting on you, but as your doctor and your friend, I’m telling you that you have to get a handle on this. You’re going to end up in the hospital if you don’t. That’s the best you can hope for if things don’t change and change soon. Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on so we can figure out what to do about it. Forget I’m your doctor. Talk to me like we always have over lunch. Don’t hold back. Tell me everything.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Well, if you won’t talk to me, talk to Brian. You can trust him. You two are in this together.”
“No. Brian’s got enough to deal with right now.”
“He’s gonna’ have even more to deal with if you don’t get straightened out.”
“I said no. Now what do I have to do to get my blood pressure down, stop losing weight, and get my blood work where you want it?”
“You need to lose the stress. You need to eat. I’ve already told you that. Morgan, you need help. You won’t talk to me and you won’t talk to Brian. Let me refer you to a psychologist friend of mine. She’s good. She can help you.”
“Debbie, I said no and I meant no! When do you want to see me again?”
“In a week. Maybe you’ll come to your senses and talk to somebody! I can’t help you if you won’t let me. Please, Morgan, think about it.”
“I’ll see you in a week.”
“Morgan, please”
“In a week, Debbie.” (Morgan leaves)
(Stamford, CT)
...I sent Childers. He screwed up and got caught. I want Erin back here this week. I want Brian and Morgan Marshall dead, this week. I won’t tolerate any more screwups. Here’s half your money, you’ll get the other half when Erin is here and those two are dead, got it?”
“Consider it done, Mr. Baxter.”
(Marshall farm)
“What’d Debbie say?”
“My blood pressure is up a little. With everything that’s been happening, I’m not surprised. Nothing to worry about. Erin’s got the office, what do you want to do today?”
“I want you to sit down here and talk to me. Something’s wrong you’re not telling me about.”
“The thing with Childers and you getting hurt have Erin really upset. Jake got mad at Larry because Larry wouldn’t tell him how you got hurt and tied into him on the jobsite. Erin started to stand up for Larry and Larry told her to stay out of it. She took it all wrong and took it out on Larry. She said some really hateful things to him, told him she hated him and to leave her alone. It really hurt Larry. He’s barely spoken to her since. He still loves her and I’m sure he wants to fix things, but he doesn’t want to get hurt anymore and he doesn’t know how to fix it. She wants to fix things too, but she doesn’t know what to do either. I’ve been trying to stay out of it, but I want to help them so bad. They don’t deserve this.”
“She told me this morning. They’ll work it out; we did.”
“Yeah. I’ve got to take care of a few things. Do you need anything?”
“I’m alright. I’m just worried about you. It still seems like there’s something you’re not telling me.”
“There are no secrets between us. We decided that a long time ago, remember? Really, I’m fine.”
(In the office)
“Hi, Sis. What’d the doctor say?”
“Same thing as last time.”
“Everything ok with the baby?”
“Yeah. How are you doing?”
“I’m nervous.”
Nervous? What are you nervous about?”
“Morgan, I can’t take it anymore. When Larry gets back this afternoon, I’m gonna talk to him. It may not do any good but I’ve got to try one more time. If he doesn’t want me anymore, at least it’ll be over and he can move on.”
“Be very careful, Erin. One wrong move could cost you everything. He still wants you. He still loves you. Believe me, he understands heartbreak, but the downside of never having had a girlfriend before is that he doesn’t know how to deal with this kind of hurt. He has no experience, you do. Regardless of the kind of man he was, you were Mike’s. You loved him. You know what Larry feels like; you’ve been there. Use what you know. I know I shouldn’t have, but Larry is like a brother to me so I talked to him. He does want to move on, but not without you. When he told you he wanted you by his side, he meant it. He still means it now. Cuddles, you can do this. You know what to do. You’ve paid dearly for that knowledge, use it.”
“I hope you’re right. Morgan, if this goes bad, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
“Take tomorrow off, either way. Larry too, if he will. You’ve both gone above and beyond since Brian went into the hospital. You both need a break. I’ll pay you both for the day. I’ll tell Larry, maybe he’ll listen to me. I won’t tell him anything about what you’re planning. Maybe having tomorrow off will give y’all the time you need to work things out. I hope so.”
“Me too. Sis, why didn’t you tell me Brian came home last night?”
“You were already in your room. I hoped you were asleep.”
“I wasn’t.”
“I know, but you needed to be alone or you wouldn’t have had the door closed. The other reason was that Brian wanted to be alone with me last night.”
“I’m just glad he’s home. The house just didn’t feel quite right without him here.”
“You think the house felt wrong? My bed’s never felt so empty and it’s been a long time since I felt so lonely. I’m glad he’s home too. Are you ok to handle the office a little longer?”
“Yeah. Larry won’t be back till around 3.”
“Would you mind if I spent a little more time with my husband?”
“Knowing how I feel right now about Larry, I’d mind if you didn’t. Kiss him for me, then kiss him for yourself. Go.”
(Outside, Morgan hands Brian a cup of coffee and lights a cigar for him)
“Debbie said for you not to smoke while you’re pregnant and I thought she said no coffee.”
“Mine’s decaf and I only lit it for you. One puff isn’t going to matter. Brian, I need to ask you something.”
“That sounds serious. What is it, Love?”
“How would you feel about it if Larry wanted to marry Erin?”
“I’d think it’s the most wonderful thing in the world for both of them. What made you ask that? Does he?”
“He was going to ask our permission the day Childers showed up. You got hurt in that nightmare and he never got the chance.”
“I can see him asking you, you’re her sister, but why on Earth would he think he needed to ask me? I’m not her father.”
“Don’t underestimate your position with her. You’re the only decent father figure she’s ever known. She claims you as a brother, but you are just as much a father to her. Despite everything, she told you I’m more of a mother to her than Mom was. She’s not that much younger than us, but in many ways, she sees us as the parents she always wanted but never had.”
“In that case, he has my blessing.”
“Then call him and tell him that. Tell him he has my blessing too. Brian, make sure you tell him that I didn’t talk to you about anything else. None of the rest of that conversation is my story to tell, and you don’t need to know. Tell him he’s off tomorrow with pay too. Tell him it’s for all he’s done to help in all of this.”
(Ring)
“Morgan?”
“No, Larry, it’s Brian.”
“Brian! How ya’ feelin’ Buddy!?! I didn’t think they allowed cell phones in ICU. Is something wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong with me. You are another story. Erin told me this morning y’all are having problems. I’m not in the hospital anymore. I got released late last night. I was still asleep when you left for Communicare. Morgan was the only one who knew I was home. Listen, Morgan told me a few minutes ago that you wanted to talk to me the night Childers attacked me.”
“She told me she wouldn’t say anything.”
“Larry, that’s the only thing she told me. She said the rest isn’t her story to tell and I didn’t need to know. I trust her, so I’m not going to ask what else was said. Larry, she’s trying to help you here and so am I. You’re like a brother to us. We don’t want you to be hurtin’ like this and we won’t let you face it alone. Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“I wanted to ask your permission to marry Erin, not that it matters now.”
“Yeah, Buddy, it matters, now more than ever. If you still want to marry her, you have our blessing. I know you’re hurtin’ now, believe me I know, but think real hard before you do something you can’t undo. You might regret it later.”
“Thanks, Brian. You know, I once told Erin that when guys tool up together, they become really close friends. We’re already really close. What are we going to be when we finally get to tool up together?”
“Scary, that’s what we’ll be. By the way, Morgan told me to tell you that you’re off tomorrow with pay for all you’ve done since I’ve been down.”
“Thanks, guys. I’ll see you when I come back in tonight.”
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Post by papaof2 on Apr 14, 2017 22:03:35 GMT -6
Maybe I should swear off reading online and just wait for this one to be published? At least I wouldn't be disappointed by having to wait for the next post ;-)
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Post by cutter on Apr 14, 2017 22:17:15 GMT -6
I'm writing as fast as I can. I'm lugging my laptop to work so I can write on break and lunch!
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Post by cutter on Apr 15, 2017 15:18:31 GMT -6
(Chapter 22)
“Brian, welcome home!”
“Hi Larry, it’s good to be home. How are you holding up?”
“I’ve been better. I need to get up to the barn and tend the animals, then I need to get home.”
“You can’t stay for supper?”
“Brian, I can barely be in the same room with Erin for 5 minutes, I don’t know what to do.”
“Larry, you keep running away from this and it’s never going to get better. What do you have to lose?”
“Erin.”
“The way things stand now, you’ve already lost her. No, scratch that. The way things stand now, you’ve thrown her away. Larry, our women love us like nobody else can, but that means that when things go wrong, they can hurt us in ways we couldn’t possibly imagine. Morgan hurt me once. It cut so deep that I wanted to die. I even considered taking my own life just to make the pain stop. She knew she screwed up. She knew the shape she put me in. She fought to keep me. She kept fighting until she won. She doesn’t think I see it, but she’s still fighting that demon of hers. She won’t admit it, but I’m sure she’s fighting it now. Morgan’s only excuse was stupidity, a failing she has since corrected. Dammit Boy! Erin told you her life story, she had just had somebody try to kidnap her and drag her back to what she’s trying to get away from. She had to watch as Childers did his best to try and kill me for defending her because she didn’t know how to help. You know what that girl’s up against! She’s not like us. She never had the family and raising we had. We’ve been learning how to take care of the people we love since we were born; she started learning a month ago! Dammit Larry, she’s walking through a minefield and because you won’t let go of one mistake she made, she’s doing it alone! I hate to tell you, but that’s love, that’s marriage. One of you screws up, the other one forgives, and you move on! If it’d been you instead of me in that hospital, they’d have had to drag Erin out of ICU! The only reason Morgan didn’t do the same was that she had to make sure I had a home and company to come home to. You’re a good man and I’m proud to call you a brother, but you’ve got your head so far up your ass that you’re barely seein’ last week’s daylight and you’re not the only one paying for it! Make up your damn mind! Keep her or let her go! (Brian walks away)
(Barn)
“What the hell?”
(Behind Larry) “I took care of the animals so you wouldn’t have to. We need to talk and we need to talk now.”
“Erin, I don’t know what to say.”
“Then just listen. This has got to end. You’re suffering; I’m suffering; one way or the other, this has to end and it has to end now.”
“Erin…”
“No, Larry, hear me out. When I’m done, I’ll listen to anything you want to tell me. We can make this work or not. It’s up to you, and I’ll abide by whatever you decide, but you’ll decide today.”
“Larry, I screwed up; I know that. I thought you were treating me like Mike did and I wanted to hurt you, but I never wanted you to leave me. I went too far. I hurt you much worse than I ever wanted to. I didn’t know there was more to it. I didn’t know how Jake is. I didn’t know he has the temper he has. I had no idea that y’all were about to have a real fight unless things cooled down quick. I didn’t know I was making things worse. I just wanted to defend you. You were mine and I wasn’t going to let anybody put you down. If it would have come to an actual fight, I would have lost, but I would have fought for you; I still would. Larry, I loved Mike. It broke my heart when he left me. I never thought I’d love anybody again, and then you came along. You showed me what a man is supposed to be. I’m 18 years old, but I’ve only really been alive since I came here. The biggest part of that is you. I still wear this cross because you gave it to me. It’s the only part of you I have right now. I’m still trying because I don’t want to ever live without you. You told me you were never letting me go. I’ll do whatever you want, be whoever you want but please Love, please, don’t let me go.”
(................................................)
“I guess you made your decision. I’m sorry. I love you, Larry. Goodbye.” (Turns around and starts walking away)
“Erin, stop! Wait! ERIN!”
(Crying) “Please Larry, don’t do this to me. If you don’t want me, let me go, but please don’t play with me. I can’t take anymore.”
(Larry goes to his knee. Offers Erin her engagement ring) I promised you that I’d never let you go. Now, I’m making you another promise. For better or worse, richer or poorer, till death do us part; will you be my wife?”
(Erin falls to her knees. She ignores the ring and, sobbing so hard she can’t talk, holds on to Larry for dear life.)
“Erin, is this a yes?”
(Can’t talk, just nods)
“Would you mind putting on your ring so all the other guys know you’re taken?”
(She lets him slip her ring on her finger) “Ring or no ring, they’ll know. This is the ring I showed you on our first date. How long have you had it?”
“I went to Morris on my lunch the day Brian went to the hospital. I was going to ask their permission, and then propose, that night but everything went to hell first. I’m sorry, Love, for everything.”
“I’m sorry too. So what do we do now?”
“Now, we leave this behind and work on us. Let’s go tell Brian and Morgan that we are spending the evening together and won’t be joining them for supper. Let’s grab something to eat and come back up here to the fire ring. It’s where we started. It’s private and seems to be good luck for us. I’ll start a fire and we can talk.”
“That sounds like an idea. Morgan gave me the day off tomorrow so I can stay up late.”
“Brian gave me tomorrow off! What’s going on here?”
“I don’t know and I don’t care. You want to spend the day together tomorrow?”
“If that is really a question, ask me in the morning if you need to. Before we go, I need to make a call.”
(Ring)
“Hey Pop...Listen, I’m gonna’ stay here at the Marshall’s tonight...yeah...she’s wearing it...we haven’t got that far yet. When I know, you’ll know...That’s not very fair to you...Well, if you’re up to it, I’m not gonna’ complain...What wouldn’t you do?...I’m sorry, Pop. I didn’t mean...I remember, Pop. I miss her too...That sounds like a plan. I’ll bring a couple of good cigars...Thanks, Pop. I love you too. Tell Mom I love her...Bye.”
“Ok, you’re gonna have to explain that phone call to me. If we have time, we can talk about it later.”
“I’ll do that. Let’s go so we can get started on working everything out.”
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Post by kaijafon on Apr 15, 2017 16:39:35 GMT -6
whew! glad THAT is worked out! Now for Morgan! Thanks!
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Post by papaof2 on Apr 15, 2017 16:43:01 GMT -6
Progress! Pulling teeth with no anesthetic - but progress.
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Post by cutter on Apr 15, 2017 22:39:36 GMT -6
(Chapter 23)
(Waters farm)
“Momma, looks like it’s just you and me tonight.”
“”Wadda’ ya’ mean? Where’s Larry?”
“He just called me. He’s staying at the Marshall’s tonight.”
“What! That little rich bitch messin’ with my baby’s head again!?! So help me! I’m callin’ Morgan right now! She’s gonna’ get that sister of hers on a leash or else!”
“STOP RIGHT THERE, SUZANNE! Now, you listen to me. Larry’s no kid no more. He’s a grown man and can make his own choices. And don’t dare call that girl a bitch no more neither! She’s a good girl. She messed up. Ain’t like we didn’t have our share of dumbass arguments when we was a datin’. Hell woman! You found a pair of my sister’s panties in my dresser what got put there on accident and you was mad at me for a week even after she told you they was hers! I still don’t know what you thought you was a doin’ goin, through my things like that! You don’t know what that girl’s been through. Buryin’ a child ain’t all can break somebody’s spirit. Larry’s told me quite a bit about her. Maybe you should’a been listenin’ instead o’ worryin’ ‘bout ‘your baby’ a growin’ up! He’s grown already! We raised him right. He become a man we can be proud of, and I am. You need ta’ get offin’ yer high horse and be proud o’ him too. Ya’ can start by a trustin’ him to do right by himself. He don’t need neither of us a lookin’ over his shoulder and tellin’ him what to do no more.”
“But she’s takin’ my baby away from me!”
“Dammit to Hell! Suzanne, she ain’t takin’ him away from us! She don’t just want Larry. She wants to be part of this family just like Larry wants to be part o’ her family. After supper the other night, she told me it meant a lot to her that we made her feel at home. She ain’t never gonna replace Olivia, but she’d gladly be a daughter to us iffin we let her. You do what ya’ want, I’m a gonna treat her like she’s my own. If you’re smart, you will too.”
“It ain’t proper, him spendin’ the night with her and them not wed.”
“You mean like we did when we was a datin’? If you recall, that’s how Olivia came to be and why our engagement was so short. He put that ring on her finger tonight. It don’t matter now if he spends the night with her. Look at us, 25 years and no end in sight. Not bad for a shotgun weddin’. We made it through; they can too. I think they will. Momma, I do the things I do to show ya’ I love ya’ cause I ain’t got the words. I don’t want ya’ a missin’ out on a wonderful thing just cause you’re hellacious mad over somthin’ what don’t matter. Give the girl a chance.”
“Alright, Papa. We ever gonna’ see ‘em again?”
“They’s a comin’ round for supper tomorrow night.”
(Marshall farm, Brian and Morgan on the back porch)
“Thanks, Love. Are you sure it doesn’t bother you that I’m having a cigar when you can’t?”
“Not a bit. I like them, but I really don’t miss them. Now real coffee, that I miss. Unfortunately, my body is smart enough to figure out this decaffeinated brown water ain’t coffee.”
“I guess the kids are back. I see a glow from the firepit.”
“Yeah, they got back about 45 minutes ago. He headed up and started a fire and she came in for a couple of blankets and pillows. She was so funny. She looked like Mrs. Claus carrying a bag of toys!”
“I’m glad they worked things out. They’ve, neither one of them, had near enough happiness in their lives.”
“Took ‘em long enough. I’ll say one thing though, once they got started they didn’t waste any time. They went from not talking to engaged in about 30 minutes.”
“Yeah. So, the kids are out of the house, what should we old married folks do?”
“What do you want to do?”
“Let’s start with this.” (Kisses Morgan on the nape of the neck)
(Whispers) “You always hit just the right spot. When you finish your cigar, let’s go to bed.”
“Sounds right to me.”
(At the firepit)
“So, do you feel like explaining that phone call with your Dad earlier?”
“Let’s see, he asked if we worked things out. Then he asked if I’d put that ring on your finger. He asked if we had set a date yet. He said he’d straighten things out with Mom. He told me not to do anything he wouldn’t. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of room for us to work with there. He asked if we’d come by for supper tomorrow night. And he said he was glad we worked things out and that he loves me.”
“If you don’t want to talk about it, it’s ok, but what were you apologizing for and who do you miss?”
“It’s ok, you’ll find out sooner or later anyway. It’s not any secret, but we don’t talk about it much. When I asked him what he wouldn’t do, it reminded him of my sister.”
“I didn’t know you had a sister. Where is she?”
“She was killed when I was 10. Her name’s Olivia and she was 16 when she died.”
“I’m so sorry I asked, Love. You don’t need to tell me anymore.”
“No, you’re part of the family now and you deserve to know. A bunch of the high school kids got together at one of their farms for a party. It was supposed to be a bonfire, some food , hanging out, of course there was quite a bit of makin’ out. What wasn’t supposed to be there was the booze. The girl who was driving lost control and went over the side of a bridge. The car landed on its roof. According to the coroner, all four girls, including Olivia, died instantly. He said all four were well over the limit. Olivia was at 0.15. She may have been passed out and never known there was an accident. She’s buried in the family cemetery across the pond from where we were that day you came to meet my folks.”
“I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry just isn’t enough.”
“It’s ok. We’ll be together again when God decides the time is right.”
“You say that so calmly. I think I’d be very angry with God over something like that.”
“What makes you think I wasn’t? I was madder than all hell. I said a lot of things to God about it that I regret. It took a while, but we made up. I did a lot of soul searching and then did a lot, and I do mean a LOT, of apologizing to God. but we got through it. I’d never say this to my parents, but I finally had to admit that God didn’t do it. Olivia decided to go. She decided to stay. She decided to drink. And she decided to get in that car knowing that the driver was drunk. She could have called at any point that night. Pop would have gone to get her no questions asked. She could have just stayed put. Mom and Pop would have been out of their minds with worry, but he’d have gone looking for her and all would have been forgiven when she told them why. She did at least tell them where the party was. It was Olivia’s own choices that cost her life. Mom and Pop don’t blame God either, but they won’t put any blame on Olivia where it belongs. At least Mom won’t. I think Pop has finally made his peace with it. Mom is a different story. There are a half a dozen families in this county that if she saw them on fire in the middle of the street, she’d sit down just to watch them burn.”
“Erin, we can’t be mad at God for our own mistakes. He can only help us if we want him to. He wants us to serve Him because we want to. Forced faith isn’t faith at all; it’s slavery. God doesn’t have it in Him to make us slaves. I wouldn’t want it any other way, but in a way, it’s kind of a shame. If we all had to obey God’s will, there’d be a lot less misery in this world.”
“Love, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. Are you alright?”
“Yeah. That was 9 years ago and I’m not 10 anymore. I’ve learned to see things differently than I did then. I would like to talk about us though.”
“We can talk about anything you want. Talk to me.”
“Well, we are getting married. When do you want to have the wedding and what kind of wedding do you want to have?”
“I’d marry you tomorrow if I could, but we need a license, don’t we?”
“That’s easy. Go to the courthouse, fill out some papers, and pay ‘em some money. We can do that tomorrow bein’ as we have the day off. Where do you want to get married? Do you want a big wedding or a small one? I want your wedding day to be perfect.”
“As long as you’re there, it’ll be perfect. I don’t see the sense of a big wedding. Let’s just have you and me, your Mom and Pop, and Brian and Morgan; unless you have more people you want there.”
“Nope, that sounds just right. Where do you want to get married.”
“I can only think of two places. We can have it right here, being as this place brings us luck; or we can have it at that spot of ours by the pond on your place so Olivia can be there too. Your choice.”
“Olivia will be there no matter where we get married. I carry her in my memory everywhere I go. By the pond would be a pretty place though. That alright with you?”
“Sounds right to me.”
“You’ve been hanging around Brian too long. You’re starting to talk like him.”
“I’m going to let that comment pass. Larry, thank you for staying with me tonight.”
“We’ve spent our last night apart. I don’t think they will, but if Brian and Morgan decide to have a problem with it, I’ll rent us a place to live. I do think it would be good if we stayed here, even after we are married, until Brian is back on his feet. They need the help right now and building our own homestead can wait.”
“Love, that’s sweet of you, but what about Bert and Sue? They need you too.”
“Pop hired a hand on last year because he knew it was only a matter of time before I went out on my own. They’re ok.”
“The fire’s died down. Do you want to sleep out here tonight or do you want to go in the house?”
“I don’t care either way. Where would you sleep better?”
“I don’t want to get up. I’m comfortable. The stars are so pretty here and there are so many. I could barely see the stars in Stamford with all the lights. They’re beautiful and I’m enjoying laying here looking at them. The night sounds are so comforting. The dogs are here so we won’t be bothered by anything. Most of all, I don’t want you to stop holding me, not even for as long as it would take to go to the house. Do you mind?”
“When you put it that way, how could I mind? We stay here.”
“Larry?”
“Yes, Love?”
“If you’re not ready, I’ll understand, but will you make love to me tonight?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
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Post by papaof2 on Apr 16, 2017 13:09:58 GMT -6
Larry has an old soul - and he wears it well.
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Post by cutter on Apr 17, 2017 22:25:27 GMT -6
Chapter 24 (4 AM)
“Erin? Erin!”
“I’m here, Love. I’m ok.”
“What are you doing?”
“I had to go to the bathroom so I went to the barn. I’m sorry if I scared you, but I couldn’t bear to wake you up.”
“Wow! Now I know what the guys are talking about when a woman is just wearing a guy’s shirt! You’re flat out sexy!”
“Does that mean you’re ready for round four?”
“Woman, don’t you ever get enough?”
“Enough of you? Never.”
(8 AM)
“Finally! Hi guys, did y’all have a good night last night?”
“You could say that.”
“What did you two do? You look like you stayed awake half the night!”
“What didn’t we do and we stayed awake more than half the night. We’d probably still be asleep if Jake hadn’t called me for a parts run.”
“Larry!”
“What, Love? The man asked a question. This is his place, he deserved an answer.”
“Fine! What did you two do last night, Brian?”
“Everything my battered body would let us and a few things it wouldn’t. So what does Jake need? I’ll cover the office and Morgan can run it out to him. You two are off today, remember?”
“It’s ok. I already called it into the supply house. We’re going to town today to get a marriage license and to Bowling Green to get her a dress. We’ll pick it up while we’re there and drop it off this afternoon. He doesn’t need the stuff until tomorrow. Mom and Pop invited us to supper tonight so we won’t be here for supper.”
“Y’all are getting this done quick. When’s the wedding and where?”
“Hopefully, the where is by the pond at Mom and Pop’s place and we have to talk to Pastor Greene to find out the when. We’ll talk to him after we talk to Mom and Pop tonight. We need to ask you a couple things too. I need to know if we can live here until you get back on your feet and are able to work again.”
“We’d be glad to have y’all here and I’d appreciate the help. What else do you want to ask me?”
“HEY SIS! COME HERE. WE NEED TO TALK TO YOU.”
“What’s all the yellin’ for? Didn’t you make enough racket last night? I swear y’all were trying to wake the dead out there!”
“She’s got a point. You were pretty loud.”
“Larry, you’re not helping here!”
“Okay, Love.”
“Sis, I would love for you to be my Matron of Honor. Will you do it?”
“Oh, Erin! Of course I will!”
“Brian, you’re the closest thing to a father I have. Honestly, you’re the father I always wanted. Would you give me away...please?”
“It would be my honor.”
“You’re sure you’re up to walking me down the aisle?”
“As long as you don’t run and I don’t have to carry you again.”
“I’m fairly sure the next time somebody carries me to bed it will be through that door and it’ll be Larry doing it. That’s assuming we don’t just live at the firepit. That place brings us luck.”
“Morgan, they’re stealing our spot.”
“”Nah, they’re just borrowing it. We still have the house and the hayloft.”
“Ok, this conversation is getting out of hand. We’re going to take a shower and get to town. We’ll pick up Jake’s parts and deliver them on our way back. Do y’all need anything while we’re out?”
“Some earplugs would be nice.”
“You should’a thought of that before y’all kept me awake the night I came here...Oh No!!”
“What?”
“I hope last night doesn’t turn out the way that night did.”
“What do you mean?”
“Larry, when do you think Morgan got pregnant?”
“So what if it did?” If Pastor Greene can’t marry us in the next two weeks, we’ll go to the Justice of the Peace. Pregnant or not, I’m not waiting any longer than that to marry you.”
“But it won’t be by the pond. It’ll just be some boring courtroom.”
“So what. We’ll be just as married. If it matters to you that much, we’ll have Pastor Greene perform the ceremony by the pond when he can.”
“But I’m supposed to walk with my graduating class on the 26th of May!”
“Erin, even IF you’re pregnant, you will only be 7 weeks along on the 26th. You won’t be showing yet, especially in a cap and gown. We won’t be able to know if you are for at least 3 weeks. There’s nothing we can do about it now anyway. You either are or you’re not. I want children and I want them with you. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s 9 months or 9 years from now. Either way, I’ll be a proud husband and a proud Papa.”
“Cuddles, when was the last day of your last period?”
“That’s just it, Sis. Things have been so crazy around here, I don’t remember. All I know for sure is that you and I used to have almost the same cycle.”
“Erin, what’s got you so freaked out about this? Are you worried what people will think?”
“I don’t know. Will anybody in this room think less of me?”
“Absolutely not!”
“No, Cuddles”
“Larry?”
“Hey, don’t look at me! If it wasn’t for me, we wouldn’t be having this conversation! I’m half the reason we’re here! I might think more of you, but never less. So, answer Brian’s question. Why are you so freaked out?”
“...I don’t know...I guess it’s just so much all at once. If I am, I will have gone from single, to engaged, to pregnant, to married in the course of two weeks or less. It’s a lot to take in. I’m still not over last night either. I don’t know what that was, but sex doesn’t even begin to cover what we had. I’m pretty sure I forgot my own name at least twice and what planet I was on more than that! I didn’t know anything or anyone COULD make me feel like that!”
“Remember what I told you, Larry?”
“Yeah, but I didn’t believe it until last night.”
“You two better go get cleaned up and get on your way; you’re burnin’ daylight.”
“Ok, Dad.”
“Erin, no joke, that’s the best thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“I know, that’s why I said it. I love you.”
“I love you too, now GO!”
(In the truck on the way to town)
“Erin, you really were freaked out back at the house. Are you sure you’re ok?”
“Larry, I’m 18 years old! My mother was a selfish, hateful bitch, and that’s being nice! I’m not ready to be a mother! I don’t want to screw up your kid like Mom did me and I don’t know how to avoid it! I don’t want your kid to be just waiting until they turn 18 so they can run away from home and never look back like I did. I don’t want that for you and I don’t know how to avoid it. I don’t know how to be a Mom!”
Love, you’re looking in the wrong memories. You can’t be your mother; you hate her too much. You will be as different from her as you can, just out of spite. You need to look closer to home. You told me once that Morgan was, and still is, more of a mother to you than your Mom was. I believe that. Do you really believe when the time comes that you will follow your Mom’s example over Morgan’s? Do you really think you could? When I first met you, you were a cocky smart ass. You still are, but I saw something else under that. I didn’t know what it was, but I liked it. I thought you were the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. A weakness for redheads is common with the men in my family. Add in those green eyes of yours and I was toast. As we worked together all those hours keeping the farm and company alive, I got to know you. I figured it out. It wasn’t your looks that got me, it was that something else. I finally figured out that you are truly attractive. That has very little to do with how you look and everything to do with who you are. You’re gentle, kind, and loving. Your spirit is stronger than you realize. That’s why you left Stamford. That’s why you worked so hard to help Brian and Morgan. That’s why you wouldn’t give up on us. That’s why I know l couldn’t have had last night with anybody else, and wouldn’t want to. And that is why you will be a great mother.”
“How do you do it, Larry? How do you always know exactly what I need to hear?”
“It’s not that hard. All I have to do is listen. One of the easiest things about loving you is that you always tell me what you need from me. Maybe not straight out, but it’s there if I just pay attention. You’re pretty good at knowing exactly what I need too.”
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Post by papaof2 on Apr 18, 2017 10:43:01 GMT -6
Another good chapter.
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Post by freebirde on Apr 18, 2017 16:17:47 GMT -6
Red hair and green eyes, many a man's weakness.
Woodrow Wilson Smith likes to quote Mark Twain, whom his mother knew, "Men may have descended from apes, but red headed women descended from cats."
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Post by cutter on Apr 18, 2017 22:04:20 GMT -6
Chapter 25
(Novatec, 2 PM)
“Hey Jake! Where do you want this stuff?”
“Hang on. I’ll get us some help. (Radio) Max, Jonny send the twins over to the loading dock. We got a truck to unload.”
“(Copy” “Copy that”)
“It’ll all go by the gang box, but more help will make it easier. Y’all doin’ alright?”
“Yeah, we’re ok. You?”
“Same old, same old. Larry, don’t ever get married. They marry you and next thing you know, they think they own you.”
“Jake, I guess I’ll just have to chance it. Erin and I are getting married.”
“Damn! Erin, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend.”
“You didn’t. I thought you were just teasing us.”
“No, I was serious, but Larry’s not me and you’re definitely not Susan. I wish you both the best. When’s the date?”
“Haven’t set one yet. Won’t be long though.”
“Hey, Erin! Whatcha’ doin’ Fri...Sonofabitch!”
“What, Cliff?”
“Ed, you don’t see that ring on her hand?”
“Well, Hell. We waited too long.”
“Guys, you never had a chance anyway. Larry keeps me plenty satisfied all by himself. He doesn’t need help to keep up with me.”
(Jake, Larry, Erin, Max, and Jonny all laughing)
(Max) “Erin, I been waitin’ for some girl to put ‘em in their place like that ever since they discovered girls. Let me be the first to kiss the bride. (Kisses Erin on the cheek) Larry, I think you’re gonna’ have your hands full.”
“Gonna’? Max, I’ve had my hands full ever since she showed up in this town. Don’t let her fool you. I have to work to keep up with her...in more ways than one. Can we get this truck unloaded? Erin and I have some things we gotta’ get done today.”
(Franklin, KY)
“Baxter”
“Mr. Baxter, I’m in Franklin. Your daughter will be back home late tomorrow night.”
“Don’t forget the rest. I want Brian and Morgan Marshall dead, do I make myself clear?”
“I told you I’d kill them for you. They will be dead before morning.”
“Make sure. I don’t want those two causing me any more problems. And Conlin, make Morgan’s death painful...and slow. I want her to suffer. Make sure she knows I am the one who wanted it that way.”
“I’ll take care of it.” (click)
I’ve got it on tape. She can hear it in your own voice, you sick bastard.
(Waters farm 6 PM)
“Good to see ya’! You kids come on in here! Larry, you’re Momma’s in the kitchen a cookin’ up a storm. Let’s see that ring, girl.”
(Shows Bert) “I thought you knew about it already.”
“I did, but I hadn’t a seen it yet. Damn Boy, you done good!”
“She picked it out, Pop. She just didn’t know it.”
“Fine! She’s got good taste and you’re smarter than you look.”
“That’s closer to the truth.”
“You boys have your fun. I’m gonna’ go see if Sue needs some help. Try to stay out of trouble.”
“Whatever you say, Love.”
“Erin, you sure got him trained right quick.”
“Bert, he’s barely housebroken. I had to keep him outside last night!”
“Erin Denise, you are not helping!”
“I’m the cocky smart ass, remember? I’m just trying to live up to your expectations.” (Erin skips into the kitchen)
“Boy, are you sure you can handle that one?”
“‘Bout as well as you handle Mom.”
“Heaven help us both.”...”Hey, that’s not your 9mm. What’s that new piece you’re a carryin’?”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you. The night Brian went in the hospital, I didn’t have mine so Morgan loaned me her pistol, just in case. I was carryin’ it and kept forgetting to get mine and give hers back. The day Brian came off the respirator, she had me run her by Poor Boy’s and she picked up this. She ordered it special. When we got back in the truck, she told me she wanted her pistol back and gave me this just because she wanted to. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. (Draws and unloads. Hands the pistol to Bert, slide locked open).
“That’s one fine handgun. When things settle down, I’d like to shoot it iffin you don’t mind.”
“Anytime you want, Pop.”...”So, what kind of mood is Mom in? Is she still mad?”
“Naw, we had a long talk last night. Well, I talked mostly; she didn’t say much. I set her straight on a few things and reminded her of a couple of others. It took some doin’, but she settled down. It ain’t so much she was mad at Erin as she still wants to look after you like when you was little. We old folks sometimes don’t want to see that our kids are all grown up.”
“Pop, we need to ask y’all a favor.”
“If I can, I will. Ask away.”
“I told Erin about Olivia last night. She heard my side of our call and asked who I missed. A little later, we were talking about the wedding. I asked her where she wanted it and she said she’d like to get married in that little clearing down by the pond opposite the cemetery so Olivia could be there too. Would it be ok with y’all if we got married there?”
(With a tear in his eye) “Son, remind me to kiss that bride of yours before the night is out, not that I’m a likely to forget. I can’t think o’ nothin’ more perfect than you two gettin’ hitched in that spot. That girl just done my heart more good than she’ll ever know. She’ll never replace Olivia, she deserves her own place in the family anyway, but I’ll be proud to call her a daughter.”
“Pop, we are planning on staying with Morgan and Brian until he gets back on his feet and back to work. Is that gonna’ put you in a bind here? I’ll gladly work both places if you need me.”
“No, Son. Me and Amos can work the place just fine. I knowed this day was a comin’; that’s why I hired him. ‘Sides, iffin I need help, I know you’ll come a runnin’.”
“You can bet on that, Pop.”
(In the kitchen)
“Sue? Everything smell sooo good! Would you like my help?”
“...Sure. Would you drain those taters and mash ‘em? Milk and butter is in the fridge.”
(Cooking together)
“Sue, I’m s”
“Don’t, Erin. I’m the one what owes you an apology. Bert reminded me last night that we had our fair share of fights when we was a datin’ too. It weren’t you. I just didn’t want to admit my baby boy was all grown up. He’s all I got, ya’ know.”
“I do now. He told me about Olivia last night. Y’all deserved better than that. I wish I could have known her.”
“I wish you could have too. You two would have got on real good. God needed her more than we did, I guess. Our time will come again.”
“Sue, my mother isn’t much. She never even tried to be a real Mom to me. Morgan did a good job of taking her place, but she’s my sister. I can’t replace Olivia, and wouldn’t want to if I could, but I could use a real Mom in my life. I’d like it if you’d take the job, if you want to.”
“Oh, baby girl, I’d like that. I’m sorry I got mad at you. I figured you all wrong. Bert told me you’d be a daughter to us if we let you. I believe it now.”
“Don’t be sorry. I gave you reason...Mom.”
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Post by papaof2 on Apr 18, 2017 22:16:21 GMT -6
2 chapters in less than 24 hours? Well, dang! At that rate, I can't even say MOAR ;-)
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Post by cutter on Apr 19, 2017 3:27:22 GMT -6
Papa, I think you just did say MOAR. That's OK, I'm glad you're enjoying it .
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Post by ydderf on Apr 19, 2017 9:22:53 GMT -6
I won't say anything other then thanks for the new chapter.
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Post by cutter on Apr 19, 2017 9:52:11 GMT -6
You are welcome, but you can say anything you want.
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Post by cutter on Apr 19, 2017 21:57:54 GMT -6
Chapter 26
(Over supper at the Waters’)
“That spot by the pond is a little place. I guess you’re gonna’ have a small wedding?”
“Yeah Mom, just you and Pop, Brian and Morgan, the Preacher, and us. That’s all the people we want there. We decided to keep it to family?”
“Well, I’m sure Morgan is gonna’ be Erin’s matron of honor, but who you gonna’ have stand up for you, Larry?”
“I want Pop to, if he will.”
“I’d be glad to, but don’t you want one of your friends to do it?”
“I do want one of my friends to do it, my best friend. I like them, but I trust you. I trust you with my life. I want the best man I can lay my hands on, that’s why they call him a best man.”
“I’ll do it.”
“Erin, have you picked your dress out yet?”
“We went looking today, but I didn’t find anything I liked. I don’t want some frilly wedding gown. It isn’t worth the money for a dress I’ll wear one time. Besides, that isn’t me anymore. I just want a simple dress, not some formal gown. I don’t want one that drags the ground but not short either. Something that falls between the top of my knee and maybe mid calf would be perfect. I want to show off a little cleavage, so I don’t want a real high neckline, but I don’t want to look like a hooker either, so no real low or plunging neckline. I just want a simple dress. You’d think that would be easy enough to find.”
“I think I might know just where to find one.”
“Really! Where?”
“My hope chest. After supper, why don’t we let the boys sit on the porch and have those cigars Larry brought and we’ll go upstairs and see if my wedding dress is more what you have in mind?”
“Mom, I don’t know what to say! Are you sure you want somebody else wearing your wedding dress?”
“What did you say!?!”
“I asked Mom if she was sure she wanted me to wear her wedding dress. What’s the matter with you, Larry?”
“Nothing. I was just surprised. I think it’s great.”
“Glad you approve. Now, Mom, are you sure?”
“O...Olivia was going to wear it on her wedding day. She didn’t get that chance. I think she would like to see her little sister wearing it when you are wed. If you want to, and only if you want to, I’d like you to have it. We’ll have to take up the hemline a fair bit and raise the waistline a little, but I wasn’t always a big girl. The only thing that worries me is them breasts o’ yours. My girls weren’t never that big even when I was a nursin’ Larry, and that boy’s ate like a team o’ clydesdales ever since he was born. I hope there’s enough material in the seams. We can fix it even if there ain’t.”
“MOM!”
“What? So you like big boobs, so does your Pop. Mine just aren’t as big as hers. Just means she can afford to feed twins.”
“Stop it, Momma, you’re embarrassing the boy.”
“It’s good for him to be embarrassed, Pop. Want some help with that, Mom?”
“Nah, he’s had enough. You wanna’ go see the dress?”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
(In the truck)
“I had such a good time tonight. I love your Mom and Pop. Thank you for giving me another chance. I love you.”
“I didn’t give you anything. You fought for it. You earned it. I’m glad you did. I love you too. I had a good time tonight too, even if y’all were pickin’ on me.”
“Are you mad about that?”
“Ain’t the first time either of you embarrassed me and it won’t be the last. I can take it, especially if it makes you two closer. What happened between you two in that kitchen? There’s more to it than just you calling her Mom.”
“Lover, no secrets between us and I will tell you, but not now. Right now, I want that to stay between me and Mom. Ask me again after the wedding.”
“I can live with that. Love, I hope you’re not expecting a repeat of last night. We had about 2 hours sleep total and today has been a busy day. I’m beat.”
“Ok. We can stop at three rounds if you’re too tired.”
“You really don’t ever get enough. I love you, but you might get one round, maybe...if I can stay awake THAT long.”
“I’m teasing you. I’ll be doing good to stay awake long enough to kiss you goodnight. You wore me out last night. About that, you lied to me. You said you’d never been with anybody before. Nobody can be that good without experience.”
“I didn’t lie to you. You are my first and only lover. I just paid attention...when I could. You made me forget my name once or twice too. Love, you’re really not that hard to read.”
“Well, feel free to ‘read’ me anytime you want.”
“Anyway. We have the license, the guest list, the best man, the matron of honor, the father of the bride, the place, your dress is being altered, and the rings. All we have left to do is talk to Pastor Greene and set a date.”
“Rings? You got our wedding bands without me? I wanted to be part of that too!”
“Neither one of us had much to do with that. Here, open it. (hands Erin a ring box) I think you’ll like them.”
“Larry, they ARE beautiful. Where did you get them?”
“Pop. Those are the rings they exchanged when they got married. They got them from Pop’s folks. Today is the first time they have ever taken them off. I didn’t know until tonight that family tradition is for the parents to pass down their wedding bands to the first child to marry. Originally, I was supposed to get Pop’s and Olivia was supposed to get Mom’s. With Olivia gone, Pop told me Mom said her ring should be yours. Those rings have been in the family for almost 100 years. My great, great grandfather made those rings when he married my great, great grandmother.”
“He MADE these rings?!?”
“Yup. If you want them, we will be the 5th generation of Waters’ to wear them.”
“Hell yes, I want them. You bumpkin! Do you have any idea how many girls would kill for a wedding ring that is an original design, much less one of a kind!?! Larry, have you ever really looked at these?”
“Not really, why?”
“These are engraved. The work is really intricate. It took him WEEKS to make these, if not longer. These aren’t jewelry, they are works of art! Once you put it on me, this ring will not come off until it’s my turn to pass it down.”
“So you do like them?”
“Like them? They’re Perfect! What am I going to do with you?”
“Anything you like, as long as you keep me.”
(Marshall Farm 11 PM)
“How was supper?”
“It was great. No offense, but can we talk about it tomorrow? We’re both beat. We’re going to bed.”
“We are too. We’ll keep the noise down if you will.”
“Deal. Goodnight.”
“Night guys.”
(Meanwhile)
(Cell phone rings) “Agent Blake.”
“Mark, it’s Tony. I just sent you a secure E-mail. You need to read it right now! It’s Baxter. Something is going down and it’s going down tonight!”
“Damn! Ok, thanks, Tony.” (click)
(reading e-mail)
“Oh Dear God!”
(Cell phone)
“Hey Mark, what’s up?”
“Pete, where are you?”
“I went camping for a couple of days. You said you needed me to drop off the face of the earth.”
“How far are you away from home?”
“About an hour, why?”
“Get in your truck and head to the Marshall house right now! Don’t pack your gear, don’t pee first, NOW! Ignore the speed limits. Get there as fast as you can!”
“What the hell is going on, Mark?”
“There is a man in Franklin right now. Baxter sent him to kill both the Marshall’s and take the sister back to Stamford. The hit is going down tonight! Our closest agents are in Louisville. Now move your ass!”
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Post by papaof2 on Apr 20, 2017 2:24:08 GMT -6
And then?
And then??
And then???
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