Story After the End

fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 32​

The first thing Frank noticed was Terry's accent. Terry, was John's friend that had come to help out.

“How are ya,” asked Terry in his unusual accent.

“I am doing fine,” John replied, “you sure are a sight for sore eyes. How have you been,”?

“I am always fine,” said Terry, with a huge grin on his face.

Frank was starting to feel like a third wheel on a bicycle, when his Dad said, “Terry, this is my son, Frank. He was just a baby the last time you saw him.”

“Well, hello again, Frank, You have grown quite a bit since I last saw you.”

“Good to meet you, Terry, Dad speaks very highly of you. I hate to break up this reunion,” Frank started, “but Dad said you could help us out with security around here and according to our local Sheriff, danger may be imminent.”

“I see, just like your old man, all business is it, OK let's have a look around and see what we can see,” said Terry, still grinning.

“Uh, Terry, just exactly what is your experience with this sort of thing,” asked Frank.

“Eight years with the Selous Scouts, and after the majority rule came about I hired myself out as security on remote farms. We battled the dark buggers for years trying to save as many farmers as we could. The deck was pretty much stacked against us and we were always outnumbered, but, and I say this with pride, I never lost a farmer or a farm while I was there.”

“That is where the accent is from, Rhodesia, I couldn't place it”, said Frank.

“Yes sir, Rhodesia, said Terry, “my mother land, I was born and reared in the heart of the bush.”

“But if you were in the Rhodesian Army, how do you know my Dad.” asked Frank?

“I will leave that for you and your Dad to explore, come on let's look at your layout and you can tell me what I miss,” said Terry, walking toward the property's edge.

“Dad,” questioned Frank, “what does he mean he will leave it for us to explore?”

“Son, this isn't the time or place, but I will quickly say this, when I told you I was in the Army, I wasn't lying, it just wasn't our Army. At the time, Rhodesia was hiring soldiers from all over the world and the pay was in gold. Half up front and the other half paid at the end of your hitch if you made it, if you didn't it was paid to your heirs. I was young, times were hard and you were just a baby, so I signed up. Terry and I fought side by side for 4 years before the Scout program ended and I transitioned back home. I knew one day I would have to explain it to you, but let's do it when we can sit down over coffee and I will answer any questions you have.”

“Wow, my Dad was a Selous Scout. How cool is that,” said Frank?

Terry had completed his walk around and gave his report to Frank and his father, “Your camera placement is pretty good, I trust you monitor them continuously, The barn is horribly vulnerable and the greenhouses need to be set up with the same sprinkler system you have on the house. Those two places are where your food comes from and they need to be a priority item. I can only assume you have a safe room or underground shelter of some sort, let's go in the house and have a beer, and you can tell me how the water and sewer works and show me what you have for supplies,” said Terry.
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 33​

John, Terry, and Frank, sat around the dining room table and considered Terry's recommendations and changes. They went back and forth on camera placement, shooting positions and protecting the livestock and gardens. They decided to add a couple more cameras and to slightly alter the positioning of a few more. Frank explained the urgency of the changes and when the story of the shootout with the neighbor, and the vow of revenge and the likely hood of them being released, Terry shifted into overdrive. He said they may or may not be able to rely on the Sheriff for advanced warning. Terry suggested a rotating watch. He and Patty would take the first watch and John and Frank would follow after four hours. Frank excused himself and went to find Janet.

“Dear,” he began, “I think Terry would be an invaluable asset, I would like to offer him a place to stay and a small salary, what do you think”?

“If you and your Dad say it is a good idea, then I am on board. We cannot operate safely without more people and Terry seems to know his stuff,” answered Janet.

Frank rejoined the men in the dining room and made the offer to Terry.

“Terry, I have discussed it with my wife, and if you are willing, we would like for you to join us here. Room and board will be provided and if we can settle on a salary acceptable to everyone, we feel you will be an asset we cannot afford to lose.”

“Pamwe chete,” said Terry.

“Pamwe chete,” echoed John.

“What are you guys talking about,” asked Frank.

“It is the motto of the Scouts,” said Terry, “loosely translated, it means together forward.”

“I guess that means we need to find you a room to bunk in and I need to show you around the shelter and our makeshift armory,” said Frank.

“”Yes,” said Terry, “and I need to start unloading my Land Rover and trailer. I knew I was going to be staying and I brought all I needed. Let's have a beer to seal the deal. One more thing, however, I won't be needing any salary, I am looking at this as if I am a long lost uncle, and family doesn't charge family.”

Later, after Terry had settled in, John told Frank that he had nearly ruined the deal by offering a salary. Terry has more money that all of us could ever spend and he is doing this strictly as a favor to our family.

“Would I be prying if I asked the source of his wealth,” asked Frank?

“Yes, yes you would,” relied John.
 
stjwelding

stjwelding

Veteran Member
Thanks for the new chapter fastback08, I am really enjoying it and looking forward to more soon. It's nice to have friends that know what needs to be done and willing to help with it.
Wayne
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 34​

Frank and Terry set to work making adjustments and fine tuning the security arrangements. Janet and Patty were watching and learning from Frank's Mom, all the intricacies of canning and drying food. Frank had bought an Excalibur dehydrator and they were busy drying herbs from the garden the sweet smell of basil filling the kitchen. Frank was watching the monitors. Noting the difference in the cameras when the radio tuned to the county's frequency squawked to life.

“Frank, this is the sheriff, my deputy released them about 30 minutes ago while I was at lunch, sorry for the late warning.”

“Copy, thanks for the heads up,” was Frank's only reply. He picked up his handie talkie and relayed the message to to his Dad and Terry, then he went to the kitchen and told Janet, Patty, and his Mom. “Just because their out, doesn't mean they are coming here,” explained Frank, “What the sheriff overheard may have just been jail house bravado, but, we need to be ready just in case. As soon as it can be safely removed from the heat, shut down the canning operation. The dehydrating won't matter too much, but the canning needs to be off the heat. Patty, you need to get your rifle and move to the shooting position we picked out across the street. I don't expect a frontal assault this time, I imagine they will try to flank us.”

Terry and John, walked into the kitchen and agreed with Frank that Patty needed to get into her sniper's hide.

“You get your bolt rifle and move out to the barn loft and watch the back of the property, John and I will take the front and rear of the house. Between the four of us, we will have every approach covered. Take something to drink and a snack. Now move out,” Terry ordered!

Patty secreted herself in her sniper's hide and clicked her radio twice to let everyone know she was positioned. Terry arranged hay bales to give himself a clear view of the rear of the property as well as a stable platform to rest his bi pod on. He dialed up the power on the Nightforce NFX scope until he could clearly see into the wood line a bit and he started scanning for anything out of place. Two clicks a hesitation and then another click, all clear in the rear, he sent with the handie talkie. One click in answer and he knew his message had been received.

“John, I am going to cover the front of the house, and the gate, you cover the rear,” said Terry, “if you see anything, just shout, I will hear you.”

“Will do,” said John, heading for the rear of the house. All the steel shutters were closed and the firing ports were opened at the front and rear.

They were as ready as they were going to get, Terry was singing a song in Swahili that he had picked up from somewhere in Africa and actually seemed anxious to get started. Janet was watching Terry and asked, “What are those things hanging from your belt, Terry”?

“Grenades, little darling, grenades,” Terry replied, “although in the bush, my men called them their balls.”

Frank was restlessly scanning back and forth when a small patch of white caught his eye. It had only flickered for a second, but Frank's peripheral vision had detected the movement. He directed the rifle scope to the location and watched and waited. His patience was rewarded when he saw someone laying prone with a rifle pointing toward the house. The scope on the rifle did not have a sun shade and the glint from the lens pinpointed the location of the would be attacker. Then Frank noticed more movement and realized there was a group. As soon as he got a count, he radioed the house. “Tangos time seven,” he said. Frank released the key on the microphone and made certain the rifle was ready and he prioritized the targets.

“Tangos times four,” said Patty.
 
stjwelding

stjwelding

Veteran Member
fastback08 great chapter, but then CLIFF drops in and leaves us all hitting our f5 keys trying to see what is going to happen. I hope Cliff is only visiting for a few minuets , and you will continue this fantastic story soon.:)
Wayne
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 35​

Frank watched as the invaders slowly slipped under the fence and started up a narrow draw, trying to approach the house. The only problem was the draw had been heavily planted with wild roses and blackberry canes. Frank watched in amusement as the men would start forward only to jump back as the thorns found exposed flesh. He radioed Terry and asked if they should give them a chance to surrender before they opened fire.

“It's your call, Frank,” said Terry, “but remember, these are the folks that attacked your home while your wife was here alone.”

“On my mark, everyone open fire,” said Frank.

Everyone had a target locked in when Frank said NOW.

Four rifles spoke as one and the would be invaders started dropping. Frank would line one up and fire moving quickly to the next target. The men in the brambles decided to make a run for it, but between tripping on the canes and getting their flesh ripped from the thorns, it was not a good or hasty retreat. Facing the inevitable the remaining three men threw their hands in the air and starting shouting, “We surrender.”

Frank swallowed the lump in his throat and ended the attempted truce. Two of the men fell where they stood and the third was taken as he reached the fence, his lifeless body sprawled over the top wire.

In the front of the house, Patty had taken two of the four attackers down,, when the remaining two turned and started returning fire. As soon as that happened, John and Terry ended the fight. Terry told John to hold his position and he slipped off the porch and into the adjoining lot. Patty and Frank held their positions watching for more attackers and keeping an eye on the ones that were down. Terry reappeared a few minutes later with a man that appeared to be in his early twenties. He was either the brains of the operation or too scared to participate. After assuring themselves the fracas was over, Terry offered to question the young man he had captured. John gave Frank a barely perceptible nod and Frank told Terry, “Do what ever needs doing.”

Terry took the man to barn and closed the door behind them. While John and Frank took the bodies to the forest behind Frank's farm, Terry got down to business.

“Young man,” Terry began, “This is not going to be pleasant for either of us, but I can assure you, it will hurt you a lot more than it will hurt me.”

Terry began by stripping down to just his undershirt, “No sense in getting my clothes all bloody, now is there?”

The young man struggled against his restraints as Terry made a great show of removing a very large and very sharp knife from the sheath on belt. Terry ran the gleaming blade down his arm and remove a patch of hair with no drag at all. The young man gulped and suddenly fell over in a dead faint. Terry could hardly suppress a laugh as he noticed a foul smell coming from the young man. “I'll be back for you,” Terry told the unconscious man.”

Patty went to the shelter and gave the all clear to Janet and the kids, Frank's mother reminded them they had more work to do in the kitchen. “Ms. June, I know how important canning is and truth be told I may know as much about it as you do, but if it is OK with you and Ms. Janet, I need to be alone for a few minutes, I am not feeling so well.”

Janet knew immediately that the adrenalin coursing through Patty was causing the discomfort and said, “Of course sweetheart. Take as long as you need.”

Frank and his Dad made quick work of the bodies using the bucket on the tractor to drop lime over the bodies. They removed anything useful including the identification from each. Marking the spot with a mark only they would recognize, the two men headed back to the house. They were surprised to see the canner on the stove and being loaded with jars. “It has to be done and it is not going to do it by itself,” said Frank's Mother.

Terry filled the two men in on what happened in the barn and decided it was about time to resume his interrogation.

The young man had not only soiled himself, he had thrown up all over himself due to the fear Terry had instilled. “Please sir, there is no need to torture me, I will tell you everything I know.”

“Son, I am not going to torture you, I am going to kill you. The answers you give me will help me decide whether you go quick and painless, or slow and very, very painfully. It is up to you,” Terry said very matter of factly.
 
stjwelding

stjwelding

Veteran Member
Very well written fastback08 Terry is doing what has to be done, with no law to detain the criminals. Thanks for the chapter and giving Cliff the boot.
Wayne
 
sssarawolf

sssarawolf

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you, yes sad to say people can't be left behind to tell what happened :(. He came and so became part of what could have been the killing of a family.
 
P

patience

Deceased
Terry would surely help keep you alive. But I wouldn't say it would be great to have him around. I have known some people like that. They are not like everyday folks. What they have seen and done has changed them forever. Once you get up close to some of these people, you can see it in their eyes. It's that thousand yard stare that is now a cliché in books, but it's real, and you don't want to go there if you can avoid it.

Lots of PAW fiction talks about fighting and killing and some even says a little about somebody puking after they killed someone. They don't go into that person's head and what is really going on in there, most likely because they never experienced it and don't really know. I haven't experienced that and don't ever want to, because close friends of mine have been there and they will never be the same.

A friend brought his buddy over to visit one day after he'd just bought a new 10/22 and wanted to show it off. His buddy was a 'Nam vet, and this was about 1979. Everybody tried out the new rifle, plinking at cans and such, and my friend finally asked Bob if he wanted to shoot it. he didn't seem anxious, but he took it and someone tossed a can into the driveway for him.

Bob dropped prone and fired 2 rounds into the can. The can bounced each time and then he hollered out GOOKS! He rolled to one side and shot twice more, rolled again into the gravel driveway, rocks digging into his elbows and forearms. He kept shooting and rolling until the rifle clicked on empty. Then he laid there for a while, blood dripping down his arms. He was white as a sheet, and laid there until my friend went over closer to him and called his name softly a couple times.

Bob got up then, handed the rifle back to my friend and stood there with tears in his eyes, looking far in the distance. My friend said to him that they had to go home now. Bob got back in the truck and they left with him still holding that stare. I never want to see that again as long as I live.

Not being critical here, just pointing out that we need to make sure we keep fact and fiction separate in our minds.
 
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fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 36​
Terry finished his rather medieval question and answer session with the young man and after making certain the prisoner was securely detained, he went to the house to fill everyone in.

“If all of you could gather round,” Terry began, “It would save me the trouble of retelling this a dozen times.”

After everyone was settled, Terry began to brief them. “First of all, the final say in this belongs to the lot of you, I am just an interested party. While I have an allegiance to you people first, I feel at this point I should yield to your decisions. This young man took no part in the firing on us, he was here at the insistence of his wife. He and she were married three weeks ago in a ceremony performed by her Father. The young man was guilty of an indiscretion and the family felt they should be married. Once he realized what the plan was here, he flatly told them that he would not be a party to the killing. I believe everything he said, I have interrogated people before and this lad was absolutely too scared to tell a lie. His plan was to try and get his girlfriend after the fight and to get as far away from the crazy family as possible.”

“What was the family's plan,”asked John, “where they just going to run us off and take over all we have worked so hard on?”

“John, the plan was to make sure there were no survivors. You were all to be killed and buried on your own property, then they could live here in peace without worrying if you would return. There is absolutely no reason for any of you to feel guilty about what has happened here today, It was kill or be killed.”

“Then I guess our next step is to decide what we need to do with the man in the barn,” said Frank.

“Hardly a man,” said Terry, He is only seventeen. Still wet behind the ears.”

“Can we just send him on his way,” asked Janet, “It seems a shame to kill somebody that was being forced to do what he did?”

“Dad, you and Terry, come with me, I want to talk to this fellow,” said Frank, rising from the table.

“Son,” Frank began, “It seems you have made some bad decisions in your short life. I am loathe to just kill you, but I don't know if I could sleep at night knowing that your family tried to kill my family. The fact that your wife was killed by us, would be reason enough for you to kill us in our sleep. If we just turn you loose, there is nothing to prevent you from getting more of the family and attacking us again, if we keep you here, the urge to kill us all will always be with you. You have put me in a tough position young man, I need to think on this a bit.”

Back in the house, Frank asked Terry, “What is your read on this, Terry, can we trust him or should we put him down.”

Once again, it is your decision,” said Terry, “but since you asked, if it were me, I would fix him a bed in the barn, and lock him in at night and I would watch him like a hawk, but the fact is, you need more people here and by you saving his life, you may have made a loyal friend.”

“I agree,” said John, “let's extend him an offer and let him know in no uncertain terms, that any untoward behavior, will result in his swift demise.”

Back in the house, the All American canner was back up to pressure with a fresh load of quart jars of tomatoes. An old Presto canner that belonged to June, was pressed into service as well. The quart jars were filled with partially cooked red beans and put under pressure to finish cooking, that way, there would be no soaking overnight later, they could just open the jar and heat them.

“This fall, when they get a deer, I will show you how to can meat,” said June. “It is real easy and the meat is pre cooked in the jar. Perfect for stews and soups.”

The three men walked into the barn and Frank cut the rope binding the young man to the chair. He tried to rise, but fainted dead away, certain that his time had come.
 
sssarawolf

sssarawolf

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Great chapter again :). Teach the kid to stay around when he finds out bad things are about to happen and he isn't part of the good guys.
 
K

kaijafon

Veteran Member
Thank you!! what a tough spot to be in. I really don't know what I'd do with someone like that. sigh. sadly I think that day is coming sooner than we think.
 
stjwelding

stjwelding

Veteran Member
fastback08 Thanks for the great chapter, That would be a hard decision, one I could not make with out much pray and guidance for the Holy spirit.
Wayne
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 37​


“Son, you don't know how lucky you are,” explained Terry to the teen as he was coming around. This family has decided to spare your life, and maybe even more importantly, they are going to make you an offer that I think you should consider very strongly, before you decide.”

“We are willing to let you join us on a conditional basis,” said Frank, “First of all, I want you to know that if any harm comes to my family or friends at your hands, you will not only be killed, you will beg to be killed before I am through with you. You will not be allowed to have a weapon until we all decide you can be trusted. You will work for what you get. We all work in the garden and there is firewood to be prepared for Winter. One infraction, just one, no matter how minor and your sorry ass will be out of here before you know it.”

“If you even think about rounding up more people and coming back to attack us, you will find that we are better prepared than you could imagine. I will personally put a bullet in you,” added John.

“Patty is off limits until and unless she decides otherwise. She has been through far too much to have to put up with any crap from you,” said Janet.

The young man looked at the angry eyes staring back at him and said, “first of all, there is no more family, they brought everyone that had survived with them. I have no friends, My entire hometown was washed away in Florida. I guess I was lucky, in a way, that I was with this bunch. Mr. Frank, I wouldn't know how to use a weapon, I guess I am what you folks would call a hippie or a slacker, I have never hunted and I have never even held a gun. If you people are willing to take a chance on me, I give you my word that I will work as hard as I can to help out. You will have to teach me, but I will learn.”

“For the time being, we will fix you a room in the machine shed, it's nicer than it sounds. Come on and let's get you cleaned up and fed,” said Frank.

After Tom, the young man, had removed the source of the foul smell and changed into clean clothes, he joined the family at the table for dinner. As soon as he had seated himself, he reached for the bowl of mashed potatoes, only to be rapped across the knuckles by Janet. “Tom, we say grace, before we eat, you will do well to remember that.”

Frank said grace and asked for guidance on how to deal with Tom. Tom respectfully looked at Janet and getting a nod of OK, he gingerly reached again for the mashed potatoes. Soon his plate was filled with fried chicken, green beans, corn bread and even more potatoes. He looked at the plate like a prisoner looking at his last meal. He knew his shrunken stomach would never hold what was on his plate, but by God, he was going to try.
 
stjwelding

stjwelding

Veteran Member
Thanks for the story and the new chapter, this is a great story. I hope Tom means what he says, never having been a hippy or slacker I don't know how hard it will be for him to become a functioning member of the family. I guess we will see in the following chapters.
Wayne
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 38​

Tom could hardly hold his eyes open after the meal he managed to finish and Frank suggested they go to the machine shed and get him settled.

“Tom'” said Frank, “this may seem harsh, but, we are going to lock you in here for the night. We will likely be back to let you out before you wake up. There is an alarm system on the shed and there are cameras. Until we know you are trustworthy, this will be your new normal.”

“I understand, Mr. Frank”, said Tom, “I know it doesn't mean anything to you now, but you will see that you can trust me. I am not sure why, but I just don't have it in me to be mean.”

“These are different times, Tom”, said Frank, “I suggest you look deep into yourself and come up with a way to at least fight back when needed. We depend on everyone here to help with the chores and there is no more important chore than security. Get some sleep, boy, your training as a farm hand will begin early in the morning.”

Back in the house, John and Patty had been busy with the ill gotten loot. There were three stacks of gold coins and three stacks of Silver.

“Nearest we can figure, there are 1150 ounces of Gold in each pile and 1550 ounces of silver. We haven't counted the junk silver coins yet, but I think an equal amount at face value for everyone should be fair”, said Patty.

“The precious stones will have to be appraised by someone that knows more about them than me,” said John.

“I grew up in Africa,” said Terry, “Most of the diamonds probably came from there to begin with. If you guys are willing to take my word, I will be glad to give you an idea what the diamonds are worth.”

“I would suggest taking all the rings and necklaces and melt them, that will make them easier to store and divide if Patty wants to go that way,” said Janet.

“I suggest we all get to bed, tomorrow is going to be a busy day and we have a new hand to try and teach,” said Frank, “I don't want you to be too obvious, but we need to keep a sharp eye on Tom for a while to make certain he will work out here. If anyone notices anything untoward, tell me or Dad or Terry immediately. Let's try to nip any problems in the bud.”

Frank and his Dad secured all the loot back in the basement safe and everyone hit the bed, except Terry. Terry took the first watch and he would wake Frank at two in the morning.

Except for a few stray dogs Terry had a peaceful watch, he passed the machine shed and all he heard was snoring. At about quarter of two, he went into the house and started a fresh pot of coffee for Frank.

“Frank,” said Terry, gently rapping on the door, “It's time mate. Coffee is in the kitchen, I'll see you when I get up.”

“Unnnhhhh,” said Frank, crawling out of the comfortable bed.
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 39​

Frank filled his insulated coffee mug and grabbing his chest rig, he slung his rifle and headed out the door to begin his watch. Like Terry, he made his first stop the machine shed. He noticed a light on so he knocked lightly on the door.

“Come in,” came Tom's voice through the door.

“I thought that since you were up, you might want to join me on patrol,” said Frank.

“Sure, let me get my boots on and I will be right with you,” said Tom.

Frank noticed that Tom had taken the time to clean up the shed and had arranged his things in a neat and orderly fashion on an unused shelf. “You know, this is only temporary,” said Frank.

“I know,” Tom replied, “but I got to thinking about what you said, you know, about this being a new normal and how the world would never be the same. I kind of figured, if everything was arranged so I knew exactly where it was, I would be able to get dressed in the dark and not tip anyone off as to where I was.”

“Good thinking, Tom,” said Frank, impressed that Tom was taking some of what he said to heart, “Do you drink coffee?”

“Yes, sir,” I don't drink alcohol though, I promised my Mother I wouldn't, and I have kept my promise. My Mother died when I was sixteen, but I will always honor her by keeping my promise,” said Tom with an unmistakable sadness in his voice.

The two men went back to the house and finding a travel mug for Tom, Frank poured him a cup of coffee. “Cream or sugar,” asked Frank?

“Black is fine,” Tom replied, “I would rather not get in the habit of drinking it with something that may not be available in the future.”

Frank picked up a rifle and handed it to Tom, after making sure it was unloaded. His plan was to make himself a target and see if the young man would try to shoot him in the back.

“Mr. Frank, I wouldn't be comfortable carrying a gun,” said Tom, “I have no idea how to use it.”

“There really isn't much to it, said Frank. You just line up the sights and squeeze the trigger.” This one is loaded and ready to go. You just slide this switch to the fire position and look down the barrel at the sights. When they are both on the target, squeeze the trigger.”

Tom held the rifle up to his shoulder and found the sights, he looked through the peephole on the rear sight and located the post of the front sight. “Seems easy enough,” he said.

“You will do fine,” said Frank, “remember, do not point it at anything or anyone that you do not want to kill or destroy. A bullet does not have a recall button.”

The two men left the house and began walking the property, Frank noticed a movement and saw a pack of dogs. They were all sizes and breeds and Frank could only surmise they were abandoned pets. He would have to make a decision soon on what to do with them. Frank was a dog lover, but they could ill afford to have their livestock killed or take a chance on one of them being attacked.

“Wait right here for a second,” said Frank.

It was time to put his plan into action. He walked out about thirty feet in from of Tom and kept his back to him. He fiddled with the wire on the fence and waited a full two minutes before he looked back at Tom. Tom was facing the other direction looking intently into the dark.

“What are you looking at, Tom,” asked Frank?

“I thought I was covering your back, with both of us facing the same direction, something could have attacked us from behind,” explained Tom, “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, you did exactly right,” said Frank, “thanks for thinking of that, I should have.”
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 40​

The two men continued to walk the property until the sun poked above he horizon. Frank told Tom, “Let's see if they have gotten breakfast started.”

“Does everyone always get up this early,” asked Tom?

“This is a working farm, now,” said Frank, “We get up early and try to get most of the outside work done before the heat gets too bad. Then we will find something to do inside until it cools enough to finish the outside chores.”

“It sure seems like a lot of work,” said Tom.

“It is,” said Frank, “ but I have developed this trouble some habit of eating every day and I would like to continue. The stores are empty, the government isn't coming, and we either work, steal, or go hungry, and I detest a thief.”

“Mr. Frank, I will never steal from anyone, I know I was wrong to join up with that crazy family, but I was left little choice,” Frank explained, “It was join them or get killed. I knew I would try to get away from them as soon as it was safe, but I did feel a responsibility to my wife.”

“I know Tom,” Frank agreed, “but sometime you just have to take a stand. What if they had insisted you fire on an innocent person or they would fire on you?”

“I don't know, Mr. Frank, I was hoping and praying it would never to come to that.”

Inside the house the air was filled with the amazing smell of bacon frying. Tom's mouth started watering at the sight of the biscuits and sausage, bowls full of scrambled eggs, grits and bacon. It was all he could do to tear himself away long enough to wash up for breakfast.

Terry and Frank exchanged inlet on the night's activities and decided they would try and trap the dogs and move them to another area. John was quick to disagree.

“If those dogs are pets and they are from around here, they will just come back. They need to be dealt with in a more permanent fashion,” John offered.

“Let's talk about it after we eat, shall we,” said Janet. “Tom come take a seat and help yourself, we have a busy day planned for you.”

Tom didn't need to be asked twice, he loaded his plate, much as he had the night before, and began to empty it.

“Tom, there is plenty, I promise we won't let you go hungry. Slow down and enjoy your food,” suggested June.

After breakfast, Patty took Tom to the garden and handing him a hoe, she showed him the difference between a weed and the plants they were weeding. It took him a minute or two to get the hang of pulling the weds with the hoe, but soon enough he was keeping up with Patty.

“This is too hard,” said Tom, “I think I can handle this.”

“Tell me again in a couple of hours how easy it is,” said Patty with a giggle.

The giggle was like music to Tom. He had not noticed how pretty Patty was until this very minute. He was smitten.

Although it seemed if it would never come, it was time for lunch. He and Patty put their hoes up and walked back to the house. June and Janet had prepared a fresh green salad and some roast beef sandwiches for lunch. Tom took his plate and a quart of iced tea and went to sit on the porch to eat and reflect on the new direction his life was heading.

“A month ago I was carefree, then almost overnight I was a married man. That wasn't too bad, but I wasn't ready to be married. I guess the old saying, “don't do the crime, if you can't do the time”, is true. Then I was forced to try and kill a family of the nicest people I have ever met, and now it looks like I am going to be a farmer. I think this is going to be a change for the better. These are good people and they trust me. I am not going to let them down. And that Patty, WOW.”
 
fastback08

fastback08

Veteran Member
Chapter 41​

Tom's reflections were interrupted by Frank's voice telling him it was time to hit the green houses. Tom suddenly realized how tired he was from the morning as his back was slow to straighten.

“Do you have anything I can put over my blisters,” asked Tom? “I don't want them to get infected.”

Patty walked over at looked at his hands, shaking her head slowly, she said, “I feel like this is my fault. I should have gotten him a pair of gloves before we started this morning.”

“No harm done,” said Janet, “Tom, why don't you go ahead and go to the greenhouse, but just observe and try to learn all you can about how our system works.”

“Yes Ma'am,” Tom replied, anxious to spend the afternoon in the company of Patty.

“Patty, I will need you to help me here in the house this afternoon, we need to put all the jars away and straighten up the storage,” said Janet.

“Come on, Tom,” said June, “I will show you we start plants and care for them.”

To say Tom was disappointed was an understatement, but he was determined to do as well as he could and to learn all he needed to know. He was going to fit in if it killed him. For the first time in his life, Tom knew he was with good people.

“Terry,” said Frank, “What do you think of teaching Tom some basic rifle skills as well as a little hand to hand combat training. We may need every available person at some point?”

“Are you sure you want to teach him about firearms,” Terry replied? “It may come back to bite you in the bottom.”

“I have thought about that and I set up a little test for him the other night, but he passed with flying colors. I think he can be trusted, maybe not to carry everyday, but I think he will help defend us.” said Frank.

“Go and get him out of the greenhouse before Mother talks his ear off. I am sure getting his butt kicked by you would be a relief by now,” Frank laughed.

“Tom”, Frank's voice boomed through the greenhouse.

Tom nearly fainted, sure that Terry was coming to kill him. His first thought was to run out the back door, but he realized it was hopeless.

“Here, Sir” said Tom's wavering voice, “I am back here.”

“Come on, boy, I haven't got all day,” Terry said.

Tom was certain he was a dead man but found it in himself to stand tall and accept his fate like a man. He marched up to Terry and looking the big man in the eye, he said, “Come on then, let's get it over with.”

“Get what over with,” asked Terry?

“You are here to kill me aren't you,” asked Tom?

“No, lad,” Terry replied, “I am here to give you a little rifle training, and if there is time this afternoon, a little hand to hand combat training. Why in the name of all things holy would I be killing you?”

The relief was apparent on Tom's face as he answered Terry, “I thought maybe you folks decided I wasn't worth trying to save and I know you just can't let me go.”

“Whether you stay or go isn't my call,” said Terry, “I am just an invited guest, not a family member. Now let's go out back and get you started on the rifle.”

While Tom was not a natural, he started his lessons with no pre conceived ideas about shooting and he no bad habits to correct as he had never shot a fire arm before. He listened intently and after an hour or so, Terry praised his efforts and told him he would make a fine rifleman someday. Tom reached out to shake Terry's offered hand and no sooner made contact than he found himself on the ground looking up. Terry explained that the move was Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and his training had just begun. Terry was a patient instructor and Tom was pretty good at getting off the ground so the lessons were going well when all of a sudden Terry said in a gruff voice, “That's enough.”

“Did I do something wrong,” asked Tom.

“No lad, it's supper time.” Terry laughed.
 
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