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Post by cutter on Sept 27, 2017 21:21:22 GMT -6
Chapter 17
(After the adults’ movie ends, in the lobby)
“Where have you been, Mom? We’ve been out of the movie for almost half an hour. I tried calling, but it kept going to voicemail. Oh! Hi, Mr. Miller. Where’s Alan?"
“He’s at home.”
“Honey, I need to ask your permission for something.”
“You’re the Mom here, since when do you need to ask my permission for anything?”
“Since Jack and I had a first date and would like to have a second. It’s just been you and me for so long. I want to go out with Jack again, but I’ll call the whole thing off right now if you’re not ok with it.”
(Skyler glances over at Sam and gets an evil grin on her face) “Make you a deal. You can date Mr. Miller if I can keep dating Sam.”
“Jack, you ok with doing some of this semi- double dating like we did tonight?”
“Works for me. Would it complicate things if Alan and Jennifer wanted to come along sometimes?”
“Alan’s dating Jennifer!?!”
“Yeah Sam, for the last three weeks.”
“Way to go, Alan! I didn’t think that girl would ever give any guy the time of day.”
“I just wish she could tell what time of day it is. She called Alan at 1 o’clock this morning.”
“Cut her some slack, Mr. Miller. I know why she called him.”
“Would you mind telling me?”
“Yes sir, I do mind. If you want to know, you’ll have to ask her. I suggest you sit down when you do. If she tells you, and she may not, you might fall over if you don’t.”
“That sounds serious.”
“It is serious. It’s also her story to tell, or not. Jennifer’s really sweet, but she has some very real demons in her past. That poor girl’s gone through Hell, several times. I’m glad she picked Alan; he’s one of the few guys I know that I trust and is man enough to handle her. I think he’ll help her a whole lot.”
“You’ve got my curiosity up.”
“Mine too.”
“No offense, but you’re just going to have to keep wondering; I’m not going to tell. All I’ll say is she’s safe now and Alan is one of only three men I know who are capable of helping her heal.”
“Who are the other two?”
“Mark and Sam, and they’re both taken.”
“Jack, you should be proud.”
“Of what?”
“Alan. Skyler just included him in her very short list of friends. I know Mark, and Sam’s right here; Alan is in very good company!”
“I’ll bear it in mind. Listen, I know we didn’t talk about it, but it’s still early. You three interested in some supper, my treat?”
“I’d like that. Skyler? Sam?”
“I’m game.”
“Let me use your phone so I can call Mom. I’m in; I just don’t want her to worry.”
“Where do you want to go for supper?”
“How does pizza and go-karts sound?”
“Boomer’s?”
“Why not? Gives them something to do and let’s us talk or release our own inner ten year olds.”
“Think Alan and Jennifer would like to join us?”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll call and ask.”
(Thursday, June 8, 7 AM, Marshall Homestead)
“Hey guys!”
“Mornin’, Skyler. I have good news. Sam will be here this afternoon. He’s staying the weekend with us.”
“I know. I was standing right next to him when he called his Mom and you. It’s still good news.”
“Ok, tell!”
“Later, when it’s just us girls.”
“That good, huh?”
“Yes and no. Later, way too much to cover now.”
“Ladies, focus please. Sam and Troy will be here around five tonight. What do y’all think of hauling the stuff over and setting up camp before they get here so we have that out of the way and can have some more time to do other things?”
“Makes sense to me.”
“Slavedriver, but I love you anyway. I’m in.”
“Let’s do it. Where are the boys?”
“Erin’s taking them to Aaron and Sylvia Michaels’ house. Apparently, Sylvia’s sister is in town with her girls and they’re going to take them, Tabatha, and Tabatha’s parents to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. They called Erin last night and invited the boys. They invited me, Mark, and Kit too, but we already have big kid time planned this weekend. I love having them around, but we can loosen up some without the boys here. I know we usually don’t, but can we take a radio with us this time?”
“Wantin’ to do some dancin’?”
“Among other things. Some soft music would be nice to cuddle to, and we can hear the Grand Ole Opry broadcast tomorrow night. That’s always fun to listen to. If you feel up to it, maybe we can even do a little two steppin’ and a waltz or two.”
“You can waltz? Stacy, I never figured you for that kind of dancing.”
“Can you waltz?”
“Yeah, but I’ve never done it with anybody that I really enjoyed it.”
“If he feels up to it this weekend, take a turn with Mark. Just relax and let him lead. He might change your mind.”
“I’ll just do that.”
“Kit, I didn’t think she’d like it either, but she really took to it. Yeah, let’s take a radio and a couple of changes of batteries. I want to take some other things too, since the boys aren’t going.”
“I know that look. You’re up to something. What?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see. Come to think of it, so will I. I’m not sure yet what I’m thinking. Any way it goes, we best get busy. We’re going to have to make at least two trips and probably three.”
“Three!?! We’ll be all day Sunday getting it all back!”
“No, Brian loaned me a small enclosed trailer the company isn’t using anymore. Todd hauled it back with the tractor earlier this week. He had to haul it empty to get it back there, but now we can leave some tools and stuff there instead of hauling them back and forth. It’ll save us a lot of loading and unloading.”
“I’m all for that. Come on, girls; Grandpa needs help.”
“You keep calling me that and I’ll make you wish you never had.”
“Oooohhh! Whatcha’ gonna’ do, Old Man?”
“Give your Dad a reason to clean his shotgun.”
“GRANDPA!” (Stacy runs away giggling)
“You gonna’ take that outa’ her, Mark?”
“I know where she’s sleepin’ tonight, Skyler. I WILL get even.”
“Don’t do anything you keep telling me and Troy not to do.”
“I won’t, but I’m going to make her wish I would.”
“You’re evil!”
“That’s me, Evil Mark Marshall. Come on, we have work to do.”
“Mark, you go ahead. I need to talk to Kit. We’ll be along in a few.”
“You can compare notes later.”
“Mark...I need...to talk...to Kit...Alone! We’ll be along shortly!”
“Oh! Uh, ok, I’ll see y’all up at the equipment barn.” (Mark looks over his shoulder one time as he walks away.)
“Skyler, this doesn’t sound good at all.”
“Kit, sit down.”
(Kit and Skyler sit down side by side. Skyler takes Kit’s hands in hers.) “I’m sorry, there’s no good way to tell you this. Kit, Sam and I saw Troy last night.”
“Where?”
“He was at the same movie Sam and I went to. Kit, he was with Jessica.”
“He told me they are friends. He said her birthday was yesterday.”
“And you’re ok with him taking her to a movie, without you?”
“Were they doing anything?”
“All we saw them do was talk and laugh. They watched the movie together, then they got up and left when it was over. We didn’t see them kiss or anything.”
“Troy wouldn’t do that to me! Troy loves me! Why are you trying to cause trouble between us!?! I thought you were my friend!”
“Kit, I am your friend. Sam and I both saw them there. I wouldn’t lie to you! I told you because I care about you and you deserve to know! You know what? Forget it! Forget I ever said anything! I’ll never say another word about Troy again! Let’s just go help Mark and Stacy.”
“Fine, they were there! They didn’t do anything with each other! Troy loves me. He wouldn’t do me that way.”
“Ok. I was wrong. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t believe me.”
“Kit, it doesn’t matter what I believe. He’s not MY boyfriend. You trust him, that’s all that matters.”
“Troy loves me, Skyler.”
“Are you trying to convince me, or yourself? Don’t answer, it doesn’t matter.”
(Back forty site, 3 PM)
“WHEW! I’m hurtin’ for certain, but we got it done. Ladies, you all did a ton of work today. I can’t thank you enough for all the help. It all looks good.”
“Thanks Mark, but why in the world did we have to put up that monster tent!?!”
“That’s not a monster; the military’s GP-large is the monster; it’s eighteen feet by fifty-two feet.”
“That’s not a tent; that’s a house! So back to my original question, why did we have to have this much tent?”
“The weather is talking rain late tonight through sometime tomorrow. This lets us do everything except go to the bathroom without going outside. I guess we could have moved the chemical toilet inside too, but there’s not much privacy that way and it might smell.”
“Well, we set up the canopy with the sides, for it and the camp showers, with the tarp covering the distance between it and the tent, so we don’t even have to go out in the weather for that. You really put a lot of thought into this.”
“I want us to have a good time.”
“I’m sure we will, but this isn’t really camping.”
“I really don’t care. We’re coming up here this weekend to enjoy ourselves and do some work on the site. I also thought that all of us under one roof, instead of separate tents, might not send your Dad off the deep end again.”
“Mom told me this morning that she worked on Dad for a long time last night. She broke out the big guns. They laid out on a blanket under the stars by the campfire until almost Midnight. She said that’s how they worked stuff out before we came along. She said she finally talked some sense into him. Maybe they need to do that more often.”
“Bet that’s not all they did.”
“Kit, they got engaged in front of the animal barn. They spent the night at our fire pit. Rumor has it they didn’t get much sleep.”
“So that’s what you were talking about, Stacy.”
“Uh huh. Rumor has it that Uncle Brian and Aunt Morgan heard them all the way in the house.”
“Wow! Your Mom must really have a set of lungs!”
“I live with them. You have no idea. Some of the things I’ve heard...if their walls could talk!”
“Giving you ideas?”
“Too many Skyler, way too many. Let’s get back before this conversation gets really out of hand.”
(Back at the house, Mark and Kit are both taking showers. Stacy and Skyler have already had theirs and are talking on the back porch)
“So how’d it go last night? What happened?”
“Quite a bit. Sam and I both got surprised.”
“This is gonna’ be too good. Tell me.”
“Sam got real nervous when he found out it was just going to be the two of us. He was actually shaking! He was so cute! We got in our seats and he told me I set him up. He said he wasn’t mad about it but didn’t know what to do. I asked him what he wanted to do and he said he didn’t know. I told him if he figured it out to try it; we might like it. We ended up holding hands.”
“That’s so sweet! Did he kiss you?”
“I’m getting to that part. Anyway, after the movie, we had to wait for Mom for like a half an hour. When we found her, she was coming out of another theater with Mr. Miller!”
“Alan’s Dad!?!”
“YES! Come to find out, they were on a date too! Apparently they had such a good time, they want to start dating regular. Stacy, Mom floored me last night. She actually asked my permission to date Jack. She said she really wanted to, but she’d call it all off if I wasn’t ok with it. Can you believe that!?! In two years, she’s been on two first dates and nothing! She finally finds a guy she likes and is worth dating and she’s willing to walk away if I have a problem with it! I almost broke down crying, right there in front of everybody! After that, we went by and picked up Alan and went over and picked up Jennifer and we all went to Boomer’s. It was a blast! Mom and Jack even raced in the go-carts! Stacy, they were bigger kids than we are! They’re going out again tomorrow night.”
“Way to go Erika and Jack! Wait a minute, Jennifer?”
“Yeah, come to find out, she and Alan have been together for three weeks.”
“I can’t believe it. I believe it, but I can’t believe it. Does Alan know about her uncle?”
“Yeah, he knows. Stacy, he’s doing something right. He put his arm around her and she didn’t even flinch. She just took his hand and laid her head on his shoulder. She was comfortable there. Stacy, she felt safe. I’m glad it was Alan. The only other two guys I would trust with her are yours and mine.”
“Alan’s definitely up to it; he’ll do her right. You never did tell me if Sam kissed you.”
“He finally got up the nerve while we were at Boomer’s. It was pretty tame by you and Mark’s standards, but it took my breath away. I’ve kissed a couple of guys, but Sam was really trying to do it right. He was really gentle. It felt like he really wanted me to enjoy it, instead of just him. Stacy, I’m toast.”
“I know the feeling. Mark and I get pretty serious sometimes, but the very first time he kissed me, it was like he was afraid he was going to break me. I swear, the world stopped turning for that kiss. I hope you and Sam are as happy as we are, without all the trouble.”
“Stacy, you better be glad for all that trouble. I really think that’s why you two are so close.”
“You may be right. I never thought about it like that. Still, I wouldn’t wish the last few weeks on anybody.”
“What’d we miss?”
“Just girl talk about Skyler and Sam’s date last night. It sounds like you have some competition in the kissing department.”
“Great, maybe I’ll learn how to do it right so I can actually get your attention.”
“Mark, I watched you kiss her the other night after we went to Todd and Sarah’s. You definitely get her attention. You had her so bumfuzzled that she almost didn’t make it up the steps to the porch! She barely knew what planet she was on!”
“If that’s all I managed to do, there’s definitely room for improvement. Hey, here come the guys. We ready to go?”
“Yeah. Did Mom and Dad say when they’d be back?”
“They said they were leaving in the morning and they were going to be so close to Louisville that they were all going to go there after Todd’s ceremony and get a hotel for the night. They said they were all going to do some sightseeing and come back Saturday night after supper.”
“Mom and Dad, Sarah and Todd, and Erin and Larry, all with no kids around. Tomorrow is going to be one epic night!”
“I don’t know about Mom and Dad. Mom’s going to see the OBGYN tomorrow morning. She’s been having some bad morning sickness. She said Aunt Morgan did the same thing with Mason, so she’s not too worried yet, just being careful.”
“They have their stuff loaded. Let’s go in and say goodbye and we’ll head out.”
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Post by headlesshorseman on Sept 28, 2017 6:21:19 GMT -6
The group seems to be growing. Characters are like that. The kids bring friends home to supper. The friends stay, grow up, and have kids of their own.
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Post by cutter on Sept 28, 2017 7:37:10 GMT -6
Ain't it the truth. Jennifer and Alan are going to be joining the group soon, though neither are fosters. Jennifer is going to have to confront her demons head on in short order and hit the ground running when she comes into the fold.
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Post by cutter on Sept 29, 2017 10:45:14 GMT -6
Sorry it took so long. Had to work most of the night. Hang onto your butts, the ride's about to get bumpy. Enjoy.
Chapter 18
(Thursday, June 8, Back forty site, 6:30 PM)
“Man! We timed that just right. It’s pouring!”
“Aren’t you glad the girls and I busted our butts all day to get everything set up?”
“Boy am I. This is more work than I would have wanted to do. I’m not looking forward to packing out and dragging all this stuff back.”
“Most of it is staying. It’s going to take time to build the cabin and develop the site. The tent stays at least until the cabin is under roof. We’ll have to take it down this fall before winter sets in and starts dropping snow, but we can stow it in the trailer instead of hauling it back. Believe me, there’s plenty of work to do this weekend.”
“Thought this was gonna’ be a fun weekend. You didn’t tell me you were going to be driving us like mules.”
“Come on, Troy! Mark didn’t say anything close to that. He said there’s plenty to do, not that we were going to try to do it all this weekend.”
“Sam, he just said…”
“I heard what he said. I was standing here when he said it.”
“Troy, you don’t have to help with the work; I’ll take you back to the house so you can call your Mom and go home if you want to.”
“You asked me to come, Kit! Now you’re telling me to go home?”
“I didn’t say that. I want you to stay, but only if you want to be here. Guys, does anybody have to use the bathroom? Troy and I need to talk alone for a little while.”
“Go ahead. If we need to go, we’ll let you know.”
(Kit picks up her purse and takes Troy to the other enclosure)
“Kit, I’ll help with the work. Dad’s been working me like a dog all week though and I want some time to relax. I want some time with you too.”
“Sounds like you were relaxing just fine with Jessica last night at the movies.”
“It was her birthday! Her parents are tight on money right now, so I took her to the movies and then we went to Taco Bell. After that, I walked her home. Who told you?”
“Did you kiss her?”
“What kind of question is that!?!”
“An honest one. Did...you...kiss...her?”
“NO! What the Hell, Kit! I took a friend to a movie and got her dinner for her birthday! Why are you gettin’ all pissy?”
“Troy, when’s my birthday?”
“I don’t know! You’ve never told me!”
“Because you’ve never asked. Kat and I were born on December 25th. Your birthday was Monday. I called to wish you a happy birthday. I had Mom take me into town so I could get this for you. (Kit hands him a wrapped package from her purse.) Happy birthday.”
(Troy opens it) “This is great! I’ve been wanting a decent sheath knife! How’d you know?”
“You’ve been complaining about having to borrow Mark’s; now you don’t have to.”
“Thanks. Look, I just took Jessica out for a birthday present. I didn’t think you’d get all hurt about it.”
“I don’t care that you took her to a movie for her birthday. I like Jessica. I care that you didn’t tell me first. You never asked me if I would be ok with it. It feels like you were cheating on me.”
“Do you really think I would I do that to you?”
“I hope not. I love you, Baby. It would tear me apart to lose you.”
“I’m here, with you, right now. Let’s try to enjoy this weekend.”
“I’d like that.”
“How about a kiss, Sugar?”
“Not right now. Give me a little time, Troy.”
“So, you’re still mad at me?”
“I never was mad; I’m hurt. I’ll get over it; it’s just going to take a little time.”
“Ok. Let’s go back before Mark and Stacy start givin’ us shit again.”
(...)
“Skyler, nothing happened. He just took her out for her birthday because her parents couldn’t.”
“Great. None of my business anyway.”
“C’mon Skyler, don’t be that way.”
“I’m not being any way; it’s none of my business what goes on between you and your boyfriend. We’ve about got supper fixed. I’m going to go eat.”
(After a tense supper)
(Mark gives Stacy a look) “I need to go out to the trailer for a few. I want to see what all Todd put in it for us.”
“I thought you said he had to haul it up here empty.”
“He made a second trip in his gator with some stuff, Skyler.”
“Better you than me. It’s raining cats and dogs out there!”
“I’ll give you a hand.”
“That’s ok, Sam. You just got the girl; stay here and give her some attention.”
“Well, I’m coming with you. You don’t need to be out there by yourself with your back. Don’t argue with me.”
“Boy, she’s got you whipped!”
“No Troy, she’s got my back. When you truly love somebody, you take care of them. Let’s get our ponchos on so we don’t get completely soaked.”
“Hey, Jessica and I didn’t do anything! I just took her to a movie for her birthday!”
“That was nice of you. This is the first I’ve heard of it. Sounds like you and Kit have some things to work out. Let’s go, Anastasia.”
(Sitting in the trailer, out of the weather)
“Considering this trailer was empty when we got here this morning, and you put this stuff here today; I’m guessing Todd didn’t make a second trip and you lied so you’d have an excuse to get us away so we could talk without being overheard.”
“You guessed right. I wanted to talk to you alone, to see if you knew what was going on, but I guess Troy answered that for me. Did you know about him and Jessica?”
“I didn’t have a clue, but I think Skyler and Sam did.”
“I think so too. Skyler ran me off to talk to Kit alone this morning. I think I learned some things just now. I think Sam and Skyler caught Troy. I don’t think Troy knows who caught them or who threw him under the bus. I think Skyler told Kit this morning. Considering they are almost ignoring each other, I’d say Kit either didn’t believe her or she didn’t want to believe her, most likely she didn’t want to. I think they talked about it when they went off alone before supper. I doubt he told her the whole truth, just the right mix of truth and lies to make her doubt herself. I think she’s heartbroken, but isn’t done fighting to keep him yet. I don’t think they’re going to pull this one out. I don’t think either one of them want to admit that yet, if they even realize it. I don’t think we should get involved because I don’t think we can do anything to help, either way. I do think Kit’s going to need us to help her pick up the pieces when they do fall apart. I don’t think I give a shit about what it does to Troy, not that I think he’s going to be all that broken up about it.”
“What about Jessica? Do you think she’s trying to take him away from Kit?”
“I don’t know, but Jessica never struck me as that kind of girl. I’m not sure she knows Kit and Troy are together anymore. I have a hunch that Kit isn’t the only girl he’s lying to. I think Troy’s just trying to get laid.”
“Do you think Kit would give in, just to keep him?”
“No, I don’t. I think she has enough doubts about him that she won’t go that far. Did you notice they haven’t touched or kissed once today?”
“I didn’t, but now that you mention it, you’re right. I haven’t even seen them hold hands.”
“They haven’t.”
“Love, I know Kit’s on your mind, but do you have enough left to give me a kiss?”
“I always have enough left for you. Come sit in my lap so I can do this right.”
(...)
“Mmmm, that was just like the kiss I told Skyler about today, our first kiss. So gentle, full of so much love, so perfect that the world stopped turning. You tell me so much, without ever saying a word. You don’t have to say anything, just a kiss, a touch, a look; and I know. I hope Sam and Skyler can find that. I hope Kit can find that. We’ve had our problems, but not many. We always get through it. Mark, we are so blessed. The last couple of months have been so hard on me and the boys, and you. I could have never made it without you.”
“You could have, but I’m glad you didn’t have to. You carried me too. You made me stay alive. You made me walk again. You’ve made me the happiest guy alive. I love you, Anastasia Elizabeth Waters.”
“It still sounds magical when you say my name. I love you too Mark.”
(---)
“C’mon Skyler, let’s go and give ‘em some space.” (Sam and Skyler move their cots together and lay down. They hold hands and talk quietly.)
“What are we doing, Troy?”
“We’re sitting together, in a tent, in the rain.”
“No, what are we doing? This isn’t working, Troy. We’re not...the same. Something happened, something’s wrong with us. It was good with us, but now it’s not. I make you so angry and you...it’s like you don’t love me anymore. Is it over for us?”
“I don’t want it to be. I want you, Kit. I do love you. Don’t give up on me. If the rain stops, let’s take a walk tomorrow, just the two of us. Let’s get away from everybody and see what happens. Give me a chance.”
“Alright. Troy, I can’t take much more. Don’t play with me. Please Troy, love me like you can’t live without me, or set me free. I’m going to bed. Please Troy, give me some space. Don’t...don’t try to hold me tonight. If you really still love me, show me tomorrow.”
(Friday, June 9, 9 AM, back forty)
“Finally! I didn’t think the damn rain was ever gonna’ stop!”
“Troy, do you still want to take that walk?”
“You bet I do! Let’s get going!”
“Guys, we’ll be back later. I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but we have to work this out.”
“Be careful. Check in every so often so we know you’re ok.”
“We will.” (Troy and Kit walk off into the woods)
“For her sake, I hope they can work this out.”
“Sam, Kit was there for me when I thought my whole world was ending. I know this is going to hurt her as much as when Kat died, if not more, if they don’t work things out. I’m still not sure that staying together is the best thing for her. Whatever was there, it isn’t anymore. I don’t know if they can ever get it back.”
“Troy doesn’t deserve her. I’ve known Kit and Troy ever since they came into the system. I’ve played nice and put up with him for Kit’s sake, but Troy’s always freaked me out a little. I don’t know what it is, but there’s just something there that doesn’t belong. If it was up to me, I’d do anything to break them up, including sleeping with Troy and making sure Kit found out about it. I’d pay dearly, losing Kit as a friend being the worst part, but it’d be worth it to get her away from him.”
“That’s pretty hard core, Skyler.”
“Yeah, but it’s how I feel. I told her about us seeing Troy with Jessica. She didn’t want to hear it. I love her, I care about her, but I’m really pissed off at her right now. I’m done. All I can do now is be there when it’s time to pick up the pieces, and I WILL be there for her when it’s time.”
“That’s all any of us can do. Y’all feel like helping me and Mark layout the site?”
“Sure, but we don’t know what to do.”
“I didn’t either until Brian taught me how. We’ll do it together.”
(In the woods, well away from the site, small clearing, 9:45 AM)
“...we’ll give it one more chance. Troy, I mean it; I can’t take much more. If things don’t change, I can’t stay with you. I’m sorry, Baby, but I just can’t keep on hurting like this.”
“Ok, Sugar. Come’ere.” (They embrace and begin a kiss. As they do, Troy grabs Kit’s butt, hard. She tries to move his hand, but he resists.) “Stop it. (Troy lets go of her butt, but roughly grabs one of her breasts. Kit pushes him away.) I said Stop, Troy! That’s it, we’re through!”
(Troy punches Kit hard enough to split her cheek and knock her to the ground.) “I’m not through with you yet, bitch! You wanted to be a cocktease, well now it’s my turn!”
“Please Troy, no! Please don’t do this! Please, God, Please, let me go. I’ll never tell anybody, please let me go, please!”
“When I’m done with you, you’ll never tell anybody anyway. Until then, you’re gonna’ give me what I want.” (Troy hits her again, knocking her out)
(Site, 10:30 AM)
“Anybody heard from Kit and Troy? It’s been way over an hour since they left.”
“She hasn’t called me.”
“Me either. I’ll give her a call...Mark, something’s wrong. She’s not answering. It didn’t go straight to voicemail, so I know it rang on her end.”
“Damn!. Ok, we need to split up so we can cover more ground, but I don’t want anybody by themselves. Skyler, you come with me and Sam, you go with Stacy. Stacy and I know the area and I don’t want either of the girls without one of us. When one of us finds them, we need to call the other and talk us in together. I have a bad feeling this is Troy’s doing. Let’s move.”
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Post by papaof2 on Sept 29, 2017 13:10:31 GMT -6
Not unexpected. Neither are the "accidents" Troy might have on his way back to the tent - running into a tree, falling off a cliff, maybe just tripping over his own feet and going face first into a cow patty but he'd be yelling on the way down...
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Post by cutter on Sept 29, 2017 14:17:36 GMT -6
What accidents? Anything that happens in the next chapter is going to be on purpose.
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Post by headlesshorseman on Sept 29, 2017 14:19:16 GMT -6
Does Troy have a plan for getting back to town?
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Post by cutter on Sept 29, 2017 14:51:45 GMT -6
He doesn't, but there is a plan.
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Post by papaof2 on Sept 29, 2017 15:02:16 GMT -6
What accidents? Anything that happens in the next chapter is going to be on purpose. Now, now. These are good kids. They'll take care of Troy. As in "Yes, Don Giovanni. I'll take care of him immediately." Which one(s) do you think might say that? Remember who has been learning from Mark (and others) and who has displayed the most temper. What might happen if Erin or Morgan gets to Troy first? Will we hear someone say "Love, would you rinse out and put away the brush chipper?" Cutter - Sorry if I'm writing your next chapter. I just see so many options for someone to take out old anger on a current (and very deserving) target.
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Post by catspaw65 on Sept 29, 2017 16:19:05 GMT -6
Troy and I need to have a little talk (Sharpening my Lorena Bobbit collectible Knife).
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Post by tckaija on Sept 29, 2017 17:30:23 GMT -6
Where is 'Hogzilla' when you need him?
Do razorbacks act like a unicorn when a virgin is in danger?
')
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Post by cutter on Sept 30, 2017 19:38:46 GMT -6
I told you, everything that happens in this chapter, happens on purpose. Enjoy.
Chapter 19
“How are we going to do this?”
“We know which way they started. This trail leads two ways. It goes left about a quarter mile from here and eventually leads to the ravine, right below the waterfall. There’s also a branch that goes more or less straight and then opens up in a clearing about two miles away. Even with my back not completely right yet, that’s where Skyler and I are headed. You two don’t stand a chance of scouting the ravine and waterfall without being spotted. I want you to keep going straight when we spit up. Keep quiet! If Troy is up to something, I don’t want him to know we’re there until it’s too late, for him. If you see them, back off and text me, no talking. Put your phone on vibrate only, so it doesn’t give you away. I don’t think Skyler and I will find them, but we have to check. I really think they’ll be on toward that clearing. Keep your eyes open all the time. Keep your heads moving and watch your six. There are a lot of small clearings and side paths along this trail. Sam, you are better than Stacy at tracking, but she’s had some training. Maybe all this damn mud will help us.”
“Ok. Mark, listen to me...listen to me. I trust your sixth sense, but this might not be Troy’s doing. We’ve both walked this area. You know there are hazards. Don’t be a hero; your back isn’t completely right yet. If there’s trouble, four of us are better than two. Let’s move.”
(---)
“Finally! I didn’t think you’d ever wake up. It was ok, but you just laid there. Maybe you’ll be better the second time.”
“Please Troy, please. You...you got what you wanted. P...please just untie me and let me go.”
“Now why would I want to do that? It’s easier like this. Thanks for the new knife, by the way. It made taking your clothes off so much easier. They were in my way and I needed them anyway, since I didn’t bring any rope. Now, let’s see. I wonder what you really want me to do next. Oh, I know. You’re gonna’ love this. You’ll be begging me to not stop before long. (Kit spits in Troy’s face. He backhands her.) You’ll pay for that, bitch! I’ll be SURE to make it hurt now! Feel free to scream, nobody’s around to hear you. Your worthless friends aren’t coming to help. There’s a lot of woods here. Even if they care enough to come looking, they’ll never find you, at least not for a few weeks. Now, let’s get started.”
(At the base of the waterfall)
“They’re not here. We need to move and get back to Sam and Stacy. All this mud and not one single damn footprint! Let me send Stacy a text and let’s get moving.”
“Mark, it’s been three hours and nothing out of Kit. Try calling her again before we go.”
“Worth a try….Straight to voicemail. These phones have good signal all over the farm, I checked. Either her phone is off, or it’s broken. She had a full charge this morning.”
“You sure about that?”
“Yeah, I checked it myself when I got mine off charge. All of our phones were full up, including yours. Hang on a minute.”
(Text exchange)
Nothing at waterfall. Need to join up. Where are you? Have you found them?
At clearing. No sign. Will wait. How long?”
There in 15 min. Moving out now. Stay out of sight.
Understood. Big pine, follow edge of woods 20 steps. On left ten steps in woods. Will wait under tree in branches. Will watch for you.
On our way.
“They’re not in the big clearing. This just got a lot harder. God, let us find her.”
“Amen. We’ll find her, Mark. Let’s go.”
(Not quite 15 minutes later)
“Pssst!”
(Under the pine)
“Any ideas?”
“Mark, we haven’t seen a thing. We haven’t even found a footprint. Where do we go next? It’s been three and a half hours. They could be over five miles in any direction from the camp.”
“They’re not that far, I can feel it. They’re somewhere between here and camp. That makes me worry more. We followed the easy trail. If they went off this trail, they had to work at it. We need to work our way back to camp and check the game trails close for tracks. No matter what’s going on, Kit’s in trouble and getting in more every minute. We’re running out of time. Let’s go.”
(---)
“Please Troy, don’t hurt me anymore, please. Please, end it now. Let me be with Dad and Kat. Please Troy, please, just kill me.”
“Oh no, we’re just getting started. This is the most fun I’ve ever had with you. It didn’t have to be this way. If you’d just let me do what I wanted before, we could be in a nice soft bed right now. It’s your fault.”
“You could have had me; I just wanted to wait...I just wanted to wait. Why Troy? I loved you. Please, just let me die.”
“I’m going to, but not yet. I think we’ll try something different this time.”
(2 PM, Erin’s phone)
“Hey Mark. How’s the camping trip?”
“Erin, just do what I say. Kit and Troy are missing. We have been searching since 11 this morning. Call Pete; we need help.”
“They probably just lost track of time.”
“No Erin. They had an argument last night. They said they were going for a walk to work it out. I told Kit to check in. She hasn’t. We’ve called her five times. The first time rang until it went to voicemail; the last four times have gone straight to voicemail. All of our phones have good signal and were fully charged this morning. Dammit Erin, we need help! We need Pete’s deputies and we need dogs on the ground! Get us some help!”
“Ok Mark. Where are you?”
“Follow the farm road toward the southeast corner of the farm. After the creek, you’ll hit a small clearing. That’s our camp. There’s a trail to the left out of camp that runs almost due east. They headed out that trail. It splits to the bottom of the waterfall, with the right fork going to the big clearing near the fenceline. We’ve checked the waterfall and the big clearing. We’re backtracking the trail and checking the smaller game trails that shoot off this one. Go get your gator. You’ll need it to get across the creek. Call Pete first though. Hurry, Erin!”
“I’m on it.” (click)
“Mark, check this out! I got a track!”
(Mark puts his foot next to the track) “That’s Kit. (Looking around) There’s another one, there! (Mark pulls some pink ribbon out of his pack) Here Sam, I need you to go back to the camp and blaze the trail, to here. We’ll blaze from here. Skyler, stay with us; we may need your help, depending on if they’re hurt and how bad.”
“Ok. Mark, I just got her; take care of my girl...and yours. Take care of yourself too. Let’s get moving and find them.” (Sam heads back up the trail, marking it every so often)
(Mark's phone) “I got ahold of Pete. He’s on his way and getting a search party together. I’m on my way to get the gator now.”
“We found a footprint. We’ve picked up their trail. Sam’s blazing the trail right now; follow the pink ribbons. The rest of us are going to try to locate them and help them if we can.”
“Good work guys. Be careful. The cavalry’s on the way.”
“I hope it’s not too late. See ya’ when we see ya’.” (click) “Ladies, y’all sure you’re up to this? It could be ugly in more ways than one.”
“Mark, Kit’s one of us. You lead, Stacy and I will follow. We’re wasting time.”
(...)
“I’m getting bored with you. One more time and then I think we’re done. That’s ok though, Jessica’s just begging for more. You should have been there the other night; maybe you would have learned something. Too late for you now. Stop crying, it’ll all be over soon.”
“NOOOOOOOOO!”
(---)
“That’s Kit!” (Stacy runs toward Kit’s scream)
“Stacy! Wait! Skyler, no!”
“She can’t take Troy alone!”
“The two of you together can’t take him. She knows enough to hold out until I can get there. If you show up alone, all you’ll do is distract her. Stay with me! Come on!”
“TROY, GET OFF HER! LEAVE HER ALONE!” (Stacy dives at Troy, knocking him away from Kit)
“Stupid bitch, you shouldn’t have done that. Don’t worry, I’ll have plenty left for you too.”
(Troy swings at Stacy. She blocks a handful of punches, then Troy connects. Stacy falls, stunned, to the ground.)
“TROY!”
“Why do you always show up just when things start to get fun? At least you brought me a present this time.”
“Skyler, see to Stacy and then Kit. (Drops his pack) Troy, just you and me, winner take all.”
“I plan to.” (Troy draws his new knife)
(Mark, quietly) “I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.”
“Stacy?”
“I’ll be ok. Help me get to Kit.”
“But Mark…”
“Mark needs us out of the way. We can’t help him. Bring Mark’s bag.”
“Really? Praying? God can’t help you. You’re going to die.”
(As Mark moves to draw Troy away from the girls) “He already has. I’ve already won. Give up, Troy.”
“Why would I want to do that, with all this nice sweet, new ass waiting for me?”
(Mark is completely calm and relaxed) “Then let’s get this over with. Your move.”
“MARK!”
“Skyler, stop him!”
“UUMPH! Let me go! Mark needs help!”
“Sam, Mark knows what he’s doing. If you jump in, you’ll just get both of you killed. Help me and Skyler.”
“Sam, honey, listen to her. You can’t help Mark. Come on.”
“Oh my God! I think I’m gonna’ be sick!”
Pull it together, Sam. Kit needs us. Put these on. We can’t touch her without gloves.”
“Why?”
“Because if he lives through this, the evidence from Kit’s body will be the only thing that keeps Mark from going to prison.”
“You really think he can beat Troy alone?”
“Get those gloves on and help us.”
“It’s just you and me now. Make your move.”
(Troy closes and the fight is on. Mark ducks and blocks several slash and stab attacks, then Troy manages to slash Mark’s arm with his knife. Mark backs off)
“Runnin’ away? That’s just a start.”
“Your move.”
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH! UUUMPH!”
“Stay down, Troy.”
(Cough) “Luc...lucky shot. You’re the one bleedin’.”
“Stacy how can you watch this!?! We need to help Mark!”
“Sky, we are helping Mark; put that emergency blanket over Kit while I untie her.”
“Please, don’t hurt me anymore. Please just end it.”
“Sister, I’m here. We won’t let Troy hurt you anymore. We’re going to take care of you.”
“Is he dead?”
“Not yet. Be quiet and save your strength. Just let us take care of you. Sam, untie her feet.”
(Fighting, grappling) “You can’t...win. Just...die...already!” (Troy plunges his knife deep into Mark, left side, just above the pelvis. Mark falls to his knees)
“Oh...God!”
“You’re finished, little boy. Sam’s next and then the bitches are all mine.”
(Troy makes a two handed down thrust. Mark catches both wrists and rolls back, flipping Troy over him. Mark knees him in the groin on the way over. Troy drops his knife and is gasping in pain on his back. Mark doesn’t hesitate and kicks him in the head, then his ribs. Mark actually hears ribs break. Mark straddles Troy, pinning Troy’s arms with his legs. He chokes Troy with both hands as he beats his head repeatedly against the ground, in time with his words.) “YOU...WILL...NEVER...HURT...ANYBODY...AGAIN!...I...AM...GOING...TO...KILL...YOU...YOU...BASTARD...PIECE...OF...SHIT!”
“Sam now! Stop him!”
“Get off me, Sam! Get o…” (Sam gets Mark in a choke hold and lays back, forcing Mark to let go of Troy, who is lying limp and senseless on the ground, but breathing.)
“Mark, Love, it’s over. Stop. It’s over. Love, Kit needs you. Love, it’s done. Stop. (Mark stops struggling) Let him go, Sam. Mark, it’s over; you did it. You saved Kit; you saved us all. Come help us treat her.”
(Troy rolls over and tries to crawl away.) “NO!” (Mark gives Troy a savage kick to the groin. Troy goes flat, whimpering. Mark gives him another savage kick to the ribs, more break.) “You move again and I’ll finish the job, you bastard!”
“Mark, please, Kit. (Mark is still consumed in the bloodlust of battle, but Stacy finally breaks through to him. She gently leads him by the hand to Kit.)
“God no. Please no, no more, please. Please don’t hurt them….”
“Kitty, I’m not going to hurt you. It’s Mark. Look at me. Kit. look at me. It’s Mark.”
“Mark? Did you kill him? Did you kill Troy?”
“They wouldn’t let me, but he won’t hurt anybody again.”
“Mark, I…(Kit breaks down into wracking sobs)”
“Anastasia, patch me up while I tend to Kit. Sam, get the cable saw out of the right side pouch of my pack and cut us two poles for a stretcher.”
“On it!”
“Mark, your side is bad! You’re losing a lot of blood!”
“Tampon. Use two if you have to. Put a pad over it and tape it down. I don’t think he got anything critical, too low and outside. Kit, I’m going to have to uncover you for a minute. I won’t hurt you, but I need to see how bad you’re hurt.” (Mark pulls the blanket off Kit, revealing as little of her as possible.) Once she’s stable, I’m going to kill him. Skyler, call Pete and tell him we found them. Tell him to roll EMS. Don’t tell him what happened.”
“I don’t have Pete’s number!”
“Use my phone. It’s under Pete Frakes.”
“How bad’s Kit.”
“She’s going to live, owww!, but she needs a hospital bad. How in the Hell could anybody do this to another human being!?! He beat her all over. Bite marks, she’s got at least two broken teeth. She’s got injuries in other places too.”
“That’s all I can do with your side. I need your arm.”
“Here. Skyler, open up two, two by two gauze pads and give me some bandage tape. Kitty, you’re going to be ok. You’re going to live and heal and be ok.”
“I got the poles!”
“Take my shirt and yours and the spare I have in my pack and make a stretcher like Mr. Graham taught us.”
“Is it safe to move her?”
“Safer than waiting for help; she’s going into shock.”
“Pete said EMS is already on the way. They’re at the house and on the way back.”
“Let’s get her on the stretcher and head their way. The closer we get her, the sooner she gets help.”
“What about Troy?”
“To Hell with him. I hope he dies. Let’s go.”
“You can’t carry her in the shape you’re in.”
“She’s one of our own...Watch Me! Now...let’s...go!”
“Sky, get up front with me. Stacy, take her feet on the right. That’ll put Mark on the side he’s not hurt. Mark, speak up if you need to stop.”
“Don’t worry about me, move!” (They move out, slowly.)
“I’m sorry. I should have listened. You tried to...to…”
“Shhh Sister, it’s ok. We’re here for you. It’s alright. I promise, we’ll take care of you. You’ll be alright. We love you, Sister. It’ll be alright. Rest, save your strength.”
(At the creek)
“The water’s too high; we can’t cross!”
(Erin strips to her underwear) Give me a rope!”
“What are you doing!?!”
“I’m swimming across. When I get there, tie your winch cable to the rope and I’ll pull it across. I’ll hook it to that tree and we can get them across in your stokes basket.”
“The stokes doesn’t float.”
“Pete, I put the cable high. You hook chains on the stokes over the cable and we pull it back and forth with ropes until we get them all across.”
“It’s not safe, Erin.”
“Are they safe? Skyler called you for EMS! My daughter is over there! My sister’s daughter and brother are over there, and their friends! There’s no other way to get across! (Erin goes in the water and swims diagonally downstream until she gets to the far bank.) Tie the winch hook on! (Pete does and she pulls the winch across. She hooks it to a tree as high as she can reach) Catch the rope. Get another one to tie on the other end of the stokes. Get some people over here quick! Send my clothes over too!”
(Erin’s phone rings) “Pete, answer that!”
“Erin, they’re headed this way. Kit’s hurt. Pull Eric over. He has your clothes.”
(...)
“You are one crazy ass woman! Here’s your clothes. Get dressed and I’ll pull the next one.”
(...)
“Come on, Eric. This road goes to the kids’ camp and the trail is blazed from there. More can follow us.”
“Lead on!”
(15 minutes later)
“Oh God, Kit!”
“Her injuries don’t look life threatening, but she’s in shock. We have to get her to a hospital. I need some work too.”
“Let me in there. Can you make it to the camp?”
“Yeah.”
“Where’s Troy?”
“After what he did to Kit, and Stacy, and me, I hope the Godforsaken bastard’s in Hell. Follow the trail if you want to find him. He’s in the clearing at the end of the blaze marks.”
“He did this!?!”
“Yeah, he raped and beat Kit, punched Stacy, and tried to carve me like a turkey. If he’s not dead when you find him, come get me.”
“Erin, I have to go see about Troy. Can you get them back?”
“More like they’ll get me back, but yeah. Go.”
(As Eric enters the clearing, he sees Troy with his still bloody knife, trying to crawl.”
“PUT THE KNIFE DOWN! TROY, PUT THE KNIFE DOWN!”
(Eric moves close to Troy, just a few feet away) “Put it down, Troy!)
“(Troy makes a feeble slash at Eric, much too far away to be a threat.) BOOM! BOOM! (Phone) “Sheriff, we need forensics. Troy McCallister is dead. Kit Johnston is in bad shape. Mark and Stacy are both hurt too. Kit’s on a stretcher. I need you back here. Troy tried to stab me. I had to shoot him.”
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Post by papaof2 on Sept 30, 2017 20:00:55 GMT -6
Sounds justified to me.
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Post by 9idrr on Sept 30, 2017 22:19:28 GMT -6
Sooner would've been better, but at least this keeps Mark from havin' to deal with a death on his conscience.
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Post by cutter on Sept 30, 2017 22:39:23 GMT -6
How he reacts to the news remains to be seen. The girls' reactions are still up in the air, as are those of the family and the law.
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Post by udwe on Oct 1, 2017 5:39:38 GMT -6
Wow! Knew Troy was a pos.
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Post by headlesshorseman on Oct 1, 2017 6:34:01 GMT -6
A good shooting. He was coming at him with a knife. I am not sure i am glad Mark didn't kill him. The mental trauma of killing another sort of person of the satisfaction of retribution. Don't bury him on hallowed ground.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 1, 2017 8:43:49 GMT -6
Now that he is out of the way we can get on with learning to live and survive
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Post by biggkidd on Oct 1, 2017 8:47:18 GMT -6
Wonder how long until Bobbie steps in / up with Kit?
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Post by freebirde on Oct 1, 2017 9:02:05 GMT -6
I hope Erin was using FMJ bullets. Harder to tell the difference of entrance and exit wounds, back to front or front to back.
Bobby is to young to donate blood to Kit, but he is not to young to donate a kidney or piece of liver if kit needs it.
Are we going to find out Troy was not an orphan foster, but a problem at home foster?
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Post by cutter on Oct 1, 2017 18:53:59 GMT -6
Eric shot Troy. It seems standard issue ammo for LEO in Kentucky is Federal Hydrashok or equivalent. Given Eric's preference for a duty weapon, and sidearms in general, Troy was on the receiving end of two, 230 gr. copper jacketed, posted hollow point bullets in .45 ACP. For the record, Troy and his sister Melanie, are both orphan fosters. Their father was lost at sea and their mother did commit suicide because she was unable to cope with her husband's passing and the aftermath. On the other hand, Melanie isn't quite what Troy portrayed her to be.
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Post by 9idrr on Oct 1, 2017 20:45:11 GMT -6
Okay, cutter, it's been another few hours. Not that anybody's keepin' track.
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Post by cutter on Oct 2, 2017 21:49:36 GMT -6
And finally, the next chapter. Please enjoy.
Chapter 20
(Cell phone)
“Pete, anytime you call me, you bring me trouble.”
“Well, I got plenty for you today. I have an officer involved shooting of an armed minor. While we’re at it, I also have assault, attempted murder, and probably rape that I would have charged that minor with. I may also have an assault or attempted murder charge against another minor, depending on what you decide.”
“What I decide?”
“Yeah. The second minor’s actions could be construed as defense of self and others. I’ll just be blunt. The dead kid was never going to survive after the beating he took, but he still had enough fight left in him to try to stab one of my deputies. My deputy had no choice but to defend himself. I’m on scene with forensics now. There is evidence of rape. There is a bloody knife. There is blood on the dead kid’s clothes where there are no injuries, a lot of blood. It gets even more complicated. Of the six kids involved, three of them are foster kids and one was just recently adopted. The dead kid is a foster, as is the victim of the possible rape.”
“Pete, I find it hard to believe that any of your deputies would ever fire on anybody, especially not a child, unless they had no choice. If that’s the case, I really doubt that the other kid’s actions are anything but self defense. Was the second child injured?”
“Knife wounds to the left shoulder and abdomen. He was helping evacuate the worst of the injured girls, so I doubt it’s life threatening, but he did receive serious wounds. The three injured kids are at the hospital now.”
“Get me a report and we’ll go from there.”
“Jim’s handling this. I can’t be involved with either investigation.”
“Is this the Marshall bunch again?”
“Yeah.”
“Shit Pete! Does that bunch just go out asking for trouble!?!”
“No, but it sure seems to find them, even though they do their best to avoid it.”
“Honestly, the dead kid’s a foster kid. Nobody’s going to care that much.”
“I do. He may be a foster kid; he may have committed terrible crimes; but he was still a living soul.”
(Hospital, Franklin, 4 PM)
“What did they say about you, Mark?”
“Nothing life threatening. I lost enough blood that they’re giving me a pint, but the knife missed my intestines and stomach, just a deep puncture wound. My arm was deep enough that the muscle was damaged, but Doc says it’ll heal back to normal.”
“How’s your back?”
“Hurts like a mother. They said the x-rays didn’t show any new damage though.”
“How’s your soul?”
“Larry, it’s...I’m….Larry, I don’t know. I didn’t have a choice but to fight him, but...I….I enjoyed it. After what he did to Kit, and that he hit Stacy hard enough to knock out a tooth, I wanted to hurt him. Hell Larry, I wanted to kill him. I would have if it hadn’t been for Sam and Stacy. I’m actually a little mad at both of them for cheating me out of the chance. I don’t feel bad about what I did to him, but what does it say about me that I wanted to kill someone? What does it say about me that I’m sorry I didn’t?”
“Given why you were fighting him in the first place, it says you’ll do almost anything to take care of your own. Mark, Doc Beale broke damn near every HIPPA law on the books, but I know what she found. Troy brutally forced himself on her multiple times. She has nineteen distinct bite marks on her body and every one of them drew blood. Her left eye socket is fractured; it didn’t damage her eye. Mark, she’ll still be able to see just fine. There were a dozen knife wounds all over her body. She has a burst eardrum. She has two broken fingers. She has bruises and contusions all over her body, from her face to her ankles, front and back. They had to remove three teeth because they were damaged too badly to repair. Stacy lost a tooth when he hit her. He tried to kill you and didn’t miss it by too much from where I’m standing. Mark, you did what you had to do and got caught up in it. Mark, I never told anybody this, not even Erin; but I wanted to kill Conlin. He was falling when I fired the last three shots. It messed me up, but I wanted to do it. As much as it hurt me, I’d do it again the same way, if I had it to do over. In time, you’ll make your peace with this. I don’t know how long that will take because I still haven’t made my peace, but I can see it in the distance. You didn’t kill him, Mark. Remember that.”
“I think that may be the part that’s giving me so much trouble. If they even convict him, he’ll be out in three years because he’s a juvenile Larry, because I didn’t finish the job, he’ll get to do this again...and he will.”
“No, he won’t. Mark, Troy’s dead.”
“So I did kill him.”
“No, Eric did. Troy refused to drop his knife and tried to stab Eric. Eric had no choice.”
“How’s Kit?”
“She’s alive. They had to do surgery to fix some of the damage. She’s sedated right now.”
“And Stacy?”
“Stacy wants to see you.”
“Where is she?”
“Sitting outside, waiting for me to come out. She wants to talk you you alone.”
“Then why don’t you walk out that door and send my girlfriend in?”
“Mark, I need to ask you a favor.”
“Let me and Stacy spend some time together and then we’ll talk about favors.”
“Mark, Stacy is the favor. She has barely spoken since Erin got to y’all. She won’t talk about what happened over there at all. She won’t answer any questions. Mark, I’m not sure what’s going on inside her head, but it isn’t good. See what you can do.” (Larry leaves and Stacy comes in. She sits down and stares at Mark, but says nothing.)
(..................)
“Anastasia?...Anastasia, say something.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say what you feel.”
“I feel like an ice hearted bitch.”
“I know I lost it with Troy. I wanted to kill him, and I know that scared you. I know you’re afraid of me. I would never hurt you, Anastasia. You have to believe me that I would never hurt you.”
“I know...and I’m not afraid of you; I never have been.”
“Then what?”
“I sacrificed you today. I really believed Troy was going to kill you. I really believed you couldn’t beat him. I really thought you were just buying us time to get away. Skyler and Sam both wanted to help you and I wouldn’t let them. All I could think of was getting Kit so she could run, so we could get her away. I was going to let you die to save them. I had your pistol that you carry in your bag when we go out in the field, while you were fighting him, but I didn’t shoot him. Mark, I’m so, so sorry. I risked your life because I was too afraid to act.”
“I knew you had it. You couldn’t risk shooting him because he and I were too close. You couldn’t get a clean shot. I didn’t want you to. If he’d gotten through me, you would have put him down without a second thought. I knew that, was counting on it. Anastasia, you did right. You did exactly what I wanted you to do. You took care of Kitty and you kept our friends safe. I’m expendable, you aren’t.”
“No you’re not! I don’t deserve you, but I can’t live without you! You have put your life on the line for me twice now! Even when we were at our worst, you did what you did to try to help me! You’re everything to me! Where you go, I go. I love Mom and Dad; I love the boys, but I’ll give them up to stay with you. I hope I never have to, but I will, if I do.”
“I knew Troy was trouble. I knew Kit wasn’t safe, but even I didn’t think he’d go that far. I should have never let it get that far.”
“Even if you had been sure, you had no proof. What could you have done, kill him right there at the campsite before they left? Mark, the warning signs were there for Kit. She knew how he was even better than we did. She didn’t want to see it. Mark, Kit loved Troy. She didn’t want to give up on him. I don’t want you to misunderstand, but maybe some of that was because of you. Our family always, always takes care of our own. I have seen that every day since I first came here. You grew up that way. Our group, the foster group, have always acted like we are family. When you and I came in, you showed them just what that means. You didn’t just show us every day or every hour; you showed us in every word you said, everything you did. You treated Troy the same way. Maybe he used that against Kit. It doesn’t matter, the way you are, the way we are, is the right way to be. It’s worth the risk. Mark, today had to happen the way it did. The only two people who could have avoided it were Kit and Troy. Kit was too blind and Troy was too wound up in himself. It happened; you handled it. It’s going to take a lot of time and a lot of work, but Kit will get through this. Troy can’t hurt her anymore. Troy can’t hurt anybody anymore. Love, we’ll get through this, together.”
“Who’s with Kit right now?”
“Mom. She said she’d stay with her until Brian and Morgan got back.”
“What’s CPS going to do?”
“Val said there’d be an investigation, but unless it turned up some huge screwup by Brian and Morgan, Kit stays put and the adoption should still go through. She said she was going to push it so that it would be done before the 21st. That way the court hearing wouldn’t have to be moved.”
“That only gives Kit twelve days to heal. The bruises should be gone and maybe the stitches out, but there will be no hiding that she was beaten within an inch of her life. I hope that doesn’t kill the adoption.”
“I don’t think Val, Sarah, or Karen would ever let that happen, even if Judge Phillips would. I don’t see him being that way. There’s just no hiding the fact that Kit is in the best place she could be.”
“Stacy, I wanted to kill Troy. Had you not stepped in when you did, I was going to hurt Sam bad, just to get him out of my way. Please don’t ever tell him that.”
“I know that and he doesn’t need to know. You never touched him.; you were just trying to shake him loose. I couldn’t let you kill Troy. I couldn’t let you live with what Dad does. Mark, I said yesterday that I heard a lot of things out of Mom and Dad’s bedroom. Their lovemaking isn’t all I hear. I finally got the story about the night Mason was killed. It’s been almost four months, and Dad still wakes up screaming in the middle of the night, at least three or four times a week. I can’t help Dad, but I could help you. I would hold you all night, every night to help you through it; I wouldn’t even have to think about it, just like Mom does Dad, but I don’t want you to have to go through it. Let it go, Love.”
“If I can, it won’t happen fast. Anastasia, it’s going to take all of us to heal all of us. Even Skyler and Sam are going to need a lot of support.”
“Think about who you’re talking about. I won the lottery, and you are still with your family, but all of us except Sam are in the system to some degree. Even Sam has it rough; his parents are divorced and hate each other. We always take care of each other, we’re not going to stop now.”
(Monday, June 12, 7 PM, Michelle Hartley’s cell phone rings)
“This is Michelle, who is this?”
“Melanie McCallister, don’t hang up.”
“You’ve called me nine times; why didn’t you leave a message? I would have called you right back.”
“Because I’m at a payphone and when I leave this spot, I’m never coming back here. Just so you know, my last name isn’t McCallister anymore either; so there’s no point in trying to track me down anymore. Tell Troy to leave me alone and stop trying to find me.”
“Sweetheart, Troy died Friday. I’m sorry.”
“How did he die?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Yeah, it matters. How did he die? Tell me the truth.”
“He was shot.”
“How bad did he hurt her?”
“What!?!”
“How bad did he hurt the girl he attacked?”
“Who told you that?”
“Nobody. Nobody had to. I take it I’m right and he did rape another girl. It isn’t the first time.”
“What are you saying?”
“After Dad died, Troy went crazy. He’s been arrested five times for sexual assault, attempted rape, and sexual battery . None of the charges ever stuck. Mom couldn’t cope with it anymore and killed herself after the fifth time; that’s when we went into foster care. We lived in Virginia at the time. They placed us together. A few months later, he raped me. He was arrested for rape and incest and spent six months behind bars. He managed to trick them into thinking he wasn’t a danger anymore, after his ‘treatment’. He received shock probation. He was placed in three different foster homes after that, but they always sent him back. Child services just wanted the problem to go away, so they found a foster home in another state to send him to; I guess it was yours. Mom and Dad adopted me a few months after he was arrested. Virginia didn’t tell them about him. I’m guessing they didn’t tell you either.”
“No, they didn’t. Something’s not right here. You don’t sound right for your age.”
“Let me guess, he told you I’d be about ten right now. I’m sixteen. Troy never could stand it that he was the little brother. He told everybody I was younger than he was. I never figured out why. Ms. Hartley, I’m sorry for whatever he put you through. I wish I could have stopped him from raping whoever the girl is. I wish I would have killed him instead of turning him in. I’m glad he’s dead, at least he can’t hurt anybody else. Was the girl your daughter?”
“No, she’s a foster child that my friend is adopting.”
“Is? So she survived?”
“Yes. Her injuries will heal, but I don’t know if she’ll ever get over it.”
“Over it? Ms. Hartley, you’ve never been raped. You can’t understand. Of course she’ll never get over it. If she’s lucky, she’ll have the right people to help her and she’ll learn to live with it. If she’s lucky, her heart will eventually heal, mostly. I wish I could help her, but I can’t. I can’t relive it again. Goodbye, Ms. Hartley.” (Click)
(Phone)
“Brian Marshall, Rubycon Services.”
“Brian, it’s Michelle.”
“Oh God, Michelle. I’m so sorry.”
“Brian, we need to talk. Can you come over, now?”
“I was about to go to the hospital to see Kit, but I’ll come there first. Michelle, you don’t sound right.”
“I’m not, far from it. We really need to talk.”
“I’m on my way.”
(30 minutes later)
“Michelle, Mark didn’t have a choice. I’m sorry about Troy, but he raped my daughter and tried to kill her and Mark.”
“I’m glad he’s dead.”
“What!?!”
“Troy had a sister, Melanie. We have been trying to find her for Troy ever since CPS placed him with us. Erin called in a few favors and got somebody to pass my phone number to her. I just got off the phone with her. Brian, I didn’t know! I’m sorry, but I didn’t know!”
“Michelle, we’ve known each other for fifteen years; I believe you. What I don’t understand is what you didn’t know. What did his sister tell you?”
“Troy has a long list of victims, including her! He raped her too! He went to jail for it, but they let him out! Brian, I swear, they didn’t tell me about him when we took him! I had no clue that I had a rapist living in my house! Brian, I have a four year old daughter! I would have never taken him in if I had known!”
“Michelle, Michelle, calm down. Michelle, your family is safe now. Kit’s safe now. I know you would have never let him near your family if you had known. I know you would have told us if you had any suspicions. None of this is your fault. Troy made his own choices. Troy chose his own path. He paid the price for his own crimes. You did not do this. It isn’t your fault. You tried to help a young man in need, out of the goodness of your heart. I know what that is; Morgan and I are doing the same thing for Kit. Troy had it all; he had a family that loved him, a girlfriend that loved him, friends that would have done anything to help him, and a bright future ahead of him. Michelle, Troy threw all that away. His sins are his to answer for, not yours. I can’t speak for you, but for me, there’s nothing wrong between you and I.”
“How can you say that, after what Troy did?”
“I can say that because Troy did it, not you. You’ve been a good friend to me and I want you to keep on being a good friend to me. I won’t throw away fifteen years over something you didn’t do and couldn’t do anything about. What you do is up to you. I have to get up to see Kit. Michelle, I don’t hold any of this against you, and I don’t blame you. Are you going to be alright?”
“I hope so.”
“We’ll talk again. Bye, Michelle.” (Brian leaves)
(Hospital)
(knock)
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“How is she?”
“Let’s step out a minute.” (Morgan steps into the hall and closes the door behind her.)
“Did she take a turn for the worse?”
“Brian, Dr. Beale says she will heal completely. She said Kit may have some scarring, but relatively minor plastic surgery will be able to erase even that, if she wants. She’ll need implants to replace her lost teeth, but that’s cosmetic too. Love, we can easily afford all of that, without insurance if necessary. I’m worried about what’s going on in her head. She’s barely spoken since I got here. Erin said she answered Doc’s and Pete’s questions, but said nothing else when they brought her in.”
“Will she still be able to have children?”
“Doc said her injuries were serious, but that she’s seen almost as bad in patients she’s treated who had very rough, but consensual sex. She said there should be no long term problems and that she sees no reason why Kit should not be able to conceive and bear children. Brian, that’s the least of her worries. She is utterly shattered.”
“I know. One of the downsides to being a firefighter is that we go out on medical calls too. I’ve seen this before. The violation of her body is the least of what she’s suffering from. That son of a bitch took everything from her. He took a piece of her soul. He attacked everything she believed in, everything she trusted. She’s going to be a lot of work to put even close to right.”
“You’re not thinking of backing out on the adoption are you? Brian, that’s my daughter in there!”
“Morgan Elizabeth, she’s my daughter too. Understand me, we will not give up on her. We will not cast her aside. We will not abandon her, not now, not ever. We will adopt her. If the system gives us any resistance to adopting her, we will fight them. I will give up everything to make her our own. It’s what she wants and it’s what we want. She is going to need us more than she ever has, and we will be there for her. Everything she needs and more, we will do. Now, I’m going in to see our daughter; are you coming?”
“Do you remember my vows at our wedding?”
“‘No matter the cost, I stand with you, in all things.’ I remember, my Love. (Takes Morgan’s hand) Together.” (They enter to find Kit silently crying)
“Precious?”
“I h...heard you. Y...you’re not...not going to send...send me...back.”
“No. You are our daughter. We could no more stand to lose you than we could stand to turn on God. Mason was taken from us. We will not lose you too. We love you.”
(Kit holds out a trembling hand. Morgan takes it while Brian stands still. Kit reaches out with her other hand, her whole body now trembling.) “Dad?”
(Brian slowly steps forward and gently takes her other hand. He says nothing, letting the touch tell Kit what he is too choked up to say.)
“Why did you hesitate?”
“A man did this to you. I didn’t want to scare you.”
“Not all of my trust is gone. Daddy would have never hurt me, neither will you.” (Kit bursts into wracking sobs. The three stay, holding hands for a long time.)
“Mom? Dad? Will you do something for me?”
“Anything Precious, what do you want?”
“I want to see Mark and Stacy, and Sky and Sam. I need to talk to them, alone. Please, I have to.”
“Not tonight. Erin’s going to come up and stay with you in a few minutes so I can go home and get some things. I’ll call Sam’s and Skyler’s parents while I’m home. If it’s ok with them, they can all come up tomorrow. Mark and Stacy will be here tomorrow no matter what.”
“Dad, will you stay with me, instead of Aunt Erin?”
“If that’s what you want.”
“I do.”
“Morgan, head on home for your things. Call Erin on the way to tell her I’m staying with Kit.”
(Morgan kisses Kit on the forehead, then kisses Brian, lightly.) “I’ll be back soon.” (Morgan leaves)
“Dad?”
“Hmmm?”
“I’m sorry I let you down.”
“If you did, this is the first I’ve heard of it. What made you say that?”
“I let Troy take me.”
“You didn’t let Troy do anything. Even if you had offered yourself to him, which I don’t believe for one second you did, you didn’t ask for what he did to you. Had you been able, you would have stopped him. You can tell me if I’m wrong, but I believe you fought back as much as, and for as long as, you were able. I have talked to both Mark and Stacy. I’m looking at you right now. I know you were tied up. I can plainly see that you took an incredible amount of punishment. Sweetheart, with your injuries, you couldn’t have fought off a kitten. Troy was taller, stronger, and heavier than you are. Mark told me you have started training with him recently. Mark has studied martial arts for seven years under two accomplished teachers. I’ve been practicing for twenty. Your Aunt Morgan has been at it for five years. You’ve been at it for what, a week? Two? It takes time and practice to learn the forms. It takes time to get good. You don’t have the skills yet for it to do you any good. If you keep doing it, the time will come that you will be well able to defend yourself. You did the best you could. Precious, I’m proud of you for staying alive. You survived; it’s enough. You are going to keep surviving and you’re going to get through this. Your family will help you, that’s why we’re here.”
“You’ve never called me Precious before, only Mom has.”
“You needed to hear it from me.”
“I love you Dad.”
“I love you too. Talk if you need to, but rest if you can. I want you in your own home, with your family. The house doesn’t feel quite the same without you.”
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Post by papaof2 on Oct 2, 2017 22:10:40 GMT -6
Neither CPS nor the judge has a chance against Mama Bear. Best they not get in the way. Poppa Bear isn't to be trifled with either.
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Post by gipsy on Oct 3, 2017 6:37:11 GMT -6
I think that CPS is going to get a big shakeup in the near future. Mama Bear will ensure that
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