Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you very much pac.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#349
When Donny, Ivy, Eldon and Clora had left the room, Toby turned to Mark with a troubled expression.
"Dad, this could be a huge problem. When I was a lawyer in the firm, Scott Jacks was well known as one of the most corrupt and decidedly evil intentioned lawyers to ever hang his shingle on a door. If he is mixed up in this, you can bet he feels confident that he has all his 'T's' crossed and is backed up by a paper trail of irrefutable facts and evidence.
He leaves nothing to chance; and I would bet that he has a will and guardianship papers. No matter how he might have connived to get those papers. It's my opinion that the best we can do, is keep those kids under cover until Eldon gets his majority.
If he is found by the right people, he'll be extradited against his will and ours. We will have no say in the matter."
Toby's words made Mark growl. "So you're saying he holds the winning cards."
"Yes."
"I'd like to talk this over with Ma; she might have some insight that I'm missing in this mess. Worst case scenario, they leave. Or maybe the Uncle comes against us. Do you think we might be able to keep the kid under wraps for 6 years?" Mark tossed out as a hurried solution.
"Possibly, but not likely. If he shaved his head and grew a beard, that might help. I don't know him well enough to know if he has any particular mannerisms that might identify him from afar. Having him with Ivy would be more of an identifier, she is so small and petite, she is easily spotted. They have been so close, it's not much of a jump to realize where one is, so is the other. And that big white horse, compounds the problem. Another part of -where it is, they are."
Toby scratched his chin, and then realized what he was doing. "Oh, that's not a good sign. How's your neck feel?"
Mark was busy rubbing the back of his neck, momentarily caught up in the tell tale gesture. "Oh, I guess my alarms are going off. We need to have a solution to this, -- sooner than later, don't we."
"Dad, consider this. What if Eldon came to live with us? With a hat on, he would look like one of our stair step kids. Eldon, Barry and Lyric, all in a row. And what if Ivy went to stay and work at Milo's as a mother's helper. She is so small that Robbie is almost taller than she, and if she wore more kiddish clothing, she could pass as one of theirs.
You and Ma are not good candidates, the two of them together here would stand out like a sore thumb, considering your ages."
Mark wanted to bristle at the unintended slight, but what Toby was saying was true. "Well if Honey's not interested, maybe Tess might be. We can get them hidden at least for a while, and with winter coming on, we're all inside more . Good idea Toby, I'll talk it over with Ma."
When Toby and Mark got to the kitchen, Tilly informed them that Miss Clora had gone over to Milo's with the young girl.
"Your mother," Mark grumbled to Toby, "leaves me in the dust feeling foolish."
"Yeah, but look at how many times she has saved our bacon. Something must be pushing her, so you know what smart men do........" he left the rest of the sentence unfinished. Toby smiled and spoke to Eldon.
"Eldon my man, we have come up with a low grade way to hide you and Ivy. Now your part in this, will be to become my kid and think up a new name for yourself. Let's get over to the house and meet yer new Ma." Toby stood by the door, impatiently waiting.
Eldon didn't look convinced, but he went along as Toby directed.
"Thank you Mr. Mark," Big appeared from the direction of the pantry, carrying a sack of flour. Tilly motioned where she wanted it put, and he set it down with a smile.
"Me and Tilly, we talked, and ve vould take von or both of the kinders. But your solution is much betters." Big brought Mark a cup of coffee and the two men sat at the table for an afternoon break, discussing the next round of repairs.
When Donny, Ivy, Eldon and Clora had left the room, Toby turned to Mark with a troubled expression.
"Dad, this could be a huge problem. When I was a lawyer in the firm, Scott Jacks was well known as one of the most corrupt and decidedly evil intentioned lawyers to ever hang his shingle on a door. If he is mixed up in this, you can bet he feels confident that he has all his 'T's' crossed and is backed up by a paper trail of irrefutable facts and evidence.
He leaves nothing to chance; and I would bet that he has a will and guardianship papers. No matter how he might have connived to get those papers. It's my opinion that the best we can do, is keep those kids under cover until Eldon gets his majority.
If he is found by the right people, he'll be extradited against his will and ours. We will have no say in the matter."
Toby's words made Mark growl. "So you're saying he holds the winning cards."
"Yes."
"I'd like to talk this over with Ma; she might have some insight that I'm missing in this mess. Worst case scenario, they leave. Or maybe the Uncle comes against us. Do you think we might be able to keep the kid under wraps for 6 years?" Mark tossed out as a hurried solution.
"Possibly, but not likely. If he shaved his head and grew a beard, that might help. I don't know him well enough to know if he has any particular mannerisms that might identify him from afar. Having him with Ivy would be more of an identifier, she is so small and petite, she is easily spotted. They have been so close, it's not much of a jump to realize where one is, so is the other. And that big white horse, compounds the problem. Another part of -where it is, they are."
Toby scratched his chin, and then realized what he was doing. "Oh, that's not a good sign. How's your neck feel?"
Mark was busy rubbing the back of his neck, momentarily caught up in the tell tale gesture. "Oh, I guess my alarms are going off. We need to have a solution to this, -- sooner than later, don't we."
"Dad, consider this. What if Eldon came to live with us? With a hat on, he would look like one of our stair step kids. Eldon, Barry and Lyric, all in a row. And what if Ivy went to stay and work at Milo's as a mother's helper. She is so small that Robbie is almost taller than she, and if she wore more kiddish clothing, she could pass as one of theirs.
You and Ma are not good candidates, the two of them together here would stand out like a sore thumb, considering your ages."
Mark wanted to bristle at the unintended slight, but what Toby was saying was true. "Well if Honey's not interested, maybe Tess might be. We can get them hidden at least for a while, and with winter coming on, we're all inside more . Good idea Toby, I'll talk it over with Ma."
When Toby and Mark got to the kitchen, Tilly informed them that Miss Clora had gone over to Milo's with the young girl.
"Your mother," Mark grumbled to Toby, "leaves me in the dust feeling foolish."
"Yeah, but look at how many times she has saved our bacon. Something must be pushing her, so you know what smart men do........" he left the rest of the sentence unfinished. Toby smiled and spoke to Eldon.
"Eldon my man, we have come up with a low grade way to hide you and Ivy. Now your part in this, will be to become my kid and think up a new name for yourself. Let's get over to the house and meet yer new Ma." Toby stood by the door, impatiently waiting.
Eldon didn't look convinced, but he went along as Toby directed.
"Thank you Mr. Mark," Big appeared from the direction of the pantry, carrying a sack of flour. Tilly motioned where she wanted it put, and he set it down with a smile.
"Me and Tilly, we talked, and ve vould take von or both of the kinders. But your solution is much betters." Big brought Mark a cup of coffee and the two men sat at the table for an afternoon break, discussing the next round of repairs.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
So nice to return home to more, thank you Pac.
accountant
Contributing Member
Thank you Ms. Pac.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#350
It was Clora's intention to have a short friendly visit with Honey and baby Mila, with Ivy along as a visitor, before breathing a word about any further interactions.
Honey and Mila were resting, but welcomed their visitors with smiler. It was Clora who did all the talking while Ivy stared dispassionately at the baby girl and at the house with mostly a bored expression.
Faced with the obvious, Clora didn't stay long and as they were walking back to the big house, she asked Ivy what she thought of Honey and the baby.
"I don't much care for her," Ivy said flatly. "if she's the lady I think she is, she killed my uncle on my Mother's side in some sort of office blow up. He wasn't no prize for sure, but she shot him and never even asked why, or said she was sorry. So, I thought it might be her, and if it's all the same to you, I don't want to have anything to do with her. I know she was here before me, and I don't want to cause any problems, I just want to be as far away from her as possible. If that get's me thrown out, well, so be it." Ivy looked Clora square in the eye and spoke calmly, but it was easy to see that she meant her words.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Clora was honest. "There was a time when Honey was on her own, but I remember her talking about the violent office takeover, and several women were killed and Honey herself was injured with knife wounds. Let me ask you, can you be here and not have anger issues?"
"I don't know," Ivy frowned, "I've never had to do something like this before. Since we are being honest here, let me say I'll be here and if I can't handle the feelings, I'll tell you and leave."
"Fair enough," Clora agreed, "As the teacher here, can you teach Robbie without resentment. He doesn't deserve a teacher that makes his learning more difficult than he already has experienced. Our children are very important to us, and their learning has been interrupted more than we would like."
"Yes, I believe I can. I can only try, and Robbie is old enough to complain if he feels I am too harsh. He is a very outspoken child." Ivy voiced her opinion.
"He is that," Clora laughed, "Ok, we'll leave it at this, but if you have problems, I expect you to come talk to us."
"Ok, will do," Ivy promised, and she turned to go to her room.
It was Clora's intention to have a short friendly visit with Honey and baby Mila, with Ivy along as a visitor, before breathing a word about any further interactions.
Honey and Mila were resting, but welcomed their visitors with smiler. It was Clora who did all the talking while Ivy stared dispassionately at the baby girl and at the house with mostly a bored expression.
Faced with the obvious, Clora didn't stay long and as they were walking back to the big house, she asked Ivy what she thought of Honey and the baby.
"I don't much care for her," Ivy said flatly. "if she's the lady I think she is, she killed my uncle on my Mother's side in some sort of office blow up. He wasn't no prize for sure, but she shot him and never even asked why, or said she was sorry. So, I thought it might be her, and if it's all the same to you, I don't want to have anything to do with her. I know she was here before me, and I don't want to cause any problems, I just want to be as far away from her as possible. If that get's me thrown out, well, so be it." Ivy looked Clora square in the eye and spoke calmly, but it was easy to see that she meant her words.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Clora was honest. "There was a time when Honey was on her own, but I remember her talking about the violent office takeover, and several women were killed and Honey herself was injured with knife wounds. Let me ask you, can you be here and not have anger issues?"
"I don't know," Ivy frowned, "I've never had to do something like this before. Since we are being honest here, let me say I'll be here and if I can't handle the feelings, I'll tell you and leave."
"Fair enough," Clora agreed, "As the teacher here, can you teach Robbie without resentment. He doesn't deserve a teacher that makes his learning more difficult than he already has experienced. Our children are very important to us, and their learning has been interrupted more than we would like."
"Yes, I believe I can. I can only try, and Robbie is old enough to complain if he feels I am too harsh. He is a very outspoken child." Ivy voiced her opinion.
"He is that," Clora laughed, "Ok, we'll leave it at this, but if you have problems, I expect you to come talk to us."
"Ok, will do," Ivy promised, and she turned to go to her room.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you very much.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#351
As soon as she had a moment, Clora eased down the hall and knocked on Mark's office door.
"Come in," he called out, and Clora walked in and closed the door. Mark might have been surprised, but not at anything Clora did.
"We have an impending problem," she announced. "Ivy has an uncle that was one of the men that attacked Honey, and that Honey killed. She has said she just wants to stay away from Honey, but this is not a good situation, and Milo and Honey need to be told." Clora walked over to stare out the window and sighed heavily. "I hate to say it, but she needs to go."
"Clora, you are so right, and I do believe I have a solution, but it won't be a popular one. Jerry has already approached me with his desire to leave, I have no feelings one way or the other, but if they want to leave I can't force them to stay." Mark leaned back in his chair.
"What are your thoughts, do you think Eldon will go with her, if Ivy goes with them?"
"What if we equipped them with a wagon and team, some food and they could travel with Jerry and Abby, but not share the same wagon. That would probably make Jerry more inclined to let them go with he and Abby." Clora never turned away from the window, staring at the fence and rough forest across the road; or where the road used to be.
"I never thought I'd suggest we throw someone out of the clan; but on a real basic level, I know she can't stay. Now that I have the information, it's not good feelings and thoughts that are coming through." Clora finished by whispering.
"If they are gone by tomorrow, will that be soon enough?" Mark asked as he carefully watched Clora's face for nuances.
"Yes, if we can keep Milo under control; it's not going to be easy to make him stand aside and let you call the shots."
"Good," Mark said strongly, "that means he's a leader and used to solving his own problems. I'm not expecting him to be anything less. Actually Clora, we've done good with Milo and Toby. Both are fine men and leaders." Mark gave a long and loud but very satisfied sigh.
"Now I suppose," he teased his sweet wife, "you want me to hustle over and tell Jerry we will gladly let him go, if he takes the Jacks kids with him."
"Right on," Clora sassily replied, "I wouldn't expect anything less," as she hurried for the door with a full laugh.
Mark stared at the door and gave a half smile. The problem and the way to solve it, cleared more than one thorny situation. Now, there was only Gary's reaction to the conclusion.
Gary, Mark tented his fingers under his chin. Gary seemed to think that any matter between his men called for his opinion on the subject. That was Jerry's crux of the problem, Jerry didn't intend to be a sergeant to Gary's major status any longer.
Mark felt relieved that Ivy and Eldon would be taking their Uncle Nasty Jacks problem with them and away from the clan. If Toby was even half correct about the far reaching effects of the uncle and his greedy nature, they were dodging a speeding bullet of the most evil sort.
Was it time for the clan to provide for themselves, to keep their affairs close and private. Mark pondered on that thought. They didn't have the ability to mount a sustained campaign against a oncoming force, so was it time to not go looking for trouble. He would think on it, but now, he needed to talk with Jerry.
Jerry and Abby weren't a hard sale about leaving, but they balked at the idea of babysitting Ivy and Eldon.
"No!" Jerry had a definite opinion. "No way, do we need kids trailing along behind us."
"Then we will have to turn them out to fend for themselves, they can't stay here with the problem we have discovered." Mark was firm and unyielding, as he explained the trouble between Ivy and Honey.
Jerry and Abby finally agreed and asked how soon they needed to be gone.
"Tomorrow would be a nice leaving time," Mark suggested heavily, and Jerry finally nodded his agreement. "It's not like we have a great deal of dry goods and junk to load up. Tomorrow it is then." he concluded.
Mark's next stop was Milo's. He could have almost predicted word for word and the degree of anger Milo displayed. It was what he would have done and said.
As soon as she had a moment, Clora eased down the hall and knocked on Mark's office door.
"Come in," he called out, and Clora walked in and closed the door. Mark might have been surprised, but not at anything Clora did.
"We have an impending problem," she announced. "Ivy has an uncle that was one of the men that attacked Honey, and that Honey killed. She has said she just wants to stay away from Honey, but this is not a good situation, and Milo and Honey need to be told." Clora walked over to stare out the window and sighed heavily. "I hate to say it, but she needs to go."
"Clora, you are so right, and I do believe I have a solution, but it won't be a popular one. Jerry has already approached me with his desire to leave, I have no feelings one way or the other, but if they want to leave I can't force them to stay." Mark leaned back in his chair.
"What are your thoughts, do you think Eldon will go with her, if Ivy goes with them?"
"What if we equipped them with a wagon and team, some food and they could travel with Jerry and Abby, but not share the same wagon. That would probably make Jerry more inclined to let them go with he and Abby." Clora never turned away from the window, staring at the fence and rough forest across the road; or where the road used to be.
"I never thought I'd suggest we throw someone out of the clan; but on a real basic level, I know she can't stay. Now that I have the information, it's not good feelings and thoughts that are coming through." Clora finished by whispering.
"If they are gone by tomorrow, will that be soon enough?" Mark asked as he carefully watched Clora's face for nuances.
"Yes, if we can keep Milo under control; it's not going to be easy to make him stand aside and let you call the shots."
"Good," Mark said strongly, "that means he's a leader and used to solving his own problems. I'm not expecting him to be anything less. Actually Clora, we've done good with Milo and Toby. Both are fine men and leaders." Mark gave a long and loud but very satisfied sigh.
"Now I suppose," he teased his sweet wife, "you want me to hustle over and tell Jerry we will gladly let him go, if he takes the Jacks kids with him."
"Right on," Clora sassily replied, "I wouldn't expect anything less," as she hurried for the door with a full laugh.
Mark stared at the door and gave a half smile. The problem and the way to solve it, cleared more than one thorny situation. Now, there was only Gary's reaction to the conclusion.
Gary, Mark tented his fingers under his chin. Gary seemed to think that any matter between his men called for his opinion on the subject. That was Jerry's crux of the problem, Jerry didn't intend to be a sergeant to Gary's major status any longer.
Mark felt relieved that Ivy and Eldon would be taking their Uncle Nasty Jacks problem with them and away from the clan. If Toby was even half correct about the far reaching effects of the uncle and his greedy nature, they were dodging a speeding bullet of the most evil sort.
Was it time for the clan to provide for themselves, to keep their affairs close and private. Mark pondered on that thought. They didn't have the ability to mount a sustained campaign against a oncoming force, so was it time to not go looking for trouble. He would think on it, but now, he needed to talk with Jerry.
Jerry and Abby weren't a hard sale about leaving, but they balked at the idea of babysitting Ivy and Eldon.
"No!" Jerry had a definite opinion. "No way, do we need kids trailing along behind us."
"Then we will have to turn them out to fend for themselves, they can't stay here with the problem we have discovered." Mark was firm and unyielding, as he explained the trouble between Ivy and Honey.
Jerry and Abby finally agreed and asked how soon they needed to be gone.
"Tomorrow would be a nice leaving time," Mark suggested heavily, and Jerry finally nodded his agreement. "It's not like we have a great deal of dry goods and junk to load up. Tomorrow it is then." he concluded.
Mark's next stop was Milo's. He could have almost predicted word for word and the degree of anger Milo displayed. It was what he would have done and said.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Big thank you, never can say enough thank you's.
Good chapter, but a thinking one...
Don't much care for Clora telling Ivy one thing; then telling Mark the opposite. Of course, Ivy did offer to leave, but if Clora started having 'not good feelings and thoughts that are coming through" it would have been nice if she'd let Ivy know that, rather than leaving her with the idea that if she could subdue her feelings, she and Eldon could stay. They've had it rough enough.
Don't much care for Clora telling Ivy one thing; then telling Mark the opposite. Of course, Ivy did offer to leave, but if Clora started having 'not good feelings and thoughts that are coming through" it would have been nice if she'd let Ivy know that, rather than leaving her with the idea that if she could subdue her feelings, she and Eldon could stay. They've had it rough enough.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
I read Clora's comment as something that came to her after her talk with Ivy. So, if it did, Mark would have been the one she gave those thoughts to, and would have been part of the decision to send the kids off. After all, neither of the kids really wanted to be there. They just didn't know where else to go.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#352
Jerry and Abby had unequalled happiness. Within a couple of days of confinement at the retreat, it was very plain to Abby, that Jerry was very unhappy and staying at the retreat to please her.
With Abby's blessing, the deal was struck with Mark. To the both of them, the Jack's kids were fairly self sufficient, and with a wagon, the older pair felt reasonably confident the two younger kids would do fine.
Milo to say a word, was barricading his family in their house. Robbie was restless and filled with nervous energy, pacing up and down with his 22 over his shoulder. Milo felt the same, but managed to contain himself a bit more. Honey was forbidden to go near a window and was inwardly chafing at the tight restrictions. But, every time baby Mila made a sound, mama anxiously cuddled her close.
Ivy and Eldon were conferring in the barn. "I want to leave," Ivy stubbornly repeated three times.
"But why, we're eatin, sleepin well, and the weather is gettin warm." Eldon was equally as stubborn. "I don't see no need to pull up and head out."
"We just need to go, now listen, have I ever told you wrong. This just ain't the place for us to stay. Miss Abby has told me that their thinkin of leaving; Mr. Jerry ain't happy here at all; soes I'm thinkin we'll go with them. I'm gonna talk to Mr. Mark about gettin a wagon. Our main problem is old Whitey, are we gonna leave him here, or trail him along?" Ivy was counting the items she needed to get done.
"I don't want to leave him, he's the best friend I have;" Eldon sighed hard. When Ivy got the bit in her teeth, there was usually no talking her out of her mission till it was accomplished.
"I don't want go, but there's no talkin you out of it, is there?"
"You got it," Ivy firmly stated, "someday El, I'll fill you in on why we need to go, but it's nuthin we can do to change a bit of it."
"Ok, we'll go," Elson slowly drawled out, "and I was just gettin full." he mumbled to himself.
"Eldon, I promise we'll hunt every day to keep you full, I realize you need to eat and I'll do everything in my power to make that happen."
They both went quiet when they heard the apartment door open and Mark walked out of the barn. Jerry followed shortly, stopping to talk to the Jack's.
"We're leaving tomorrow, if you wanna go, be ready in the morning. We're gonna get the small wagon for you guys, Ivy, you can drive and Eldon, you can help me scout and hunt. We may be able to catch up with Chuck and Dory, if they aren't traveling like their tail feathers are a'fire."
"That'll do fine," Ivy spoke for the both of them, "fine indeed." It was way more than she hoped for, so she was going to take the money and run.
It was fine indeed, Mark and Toby helped the second wave of dissatisfied people harness up and leave.
Bruce ambled out of his room, standing at the front window and watching the hurried activity. "Who's leaving now?" he wanted to know.
Clora walked over to stand somewhat close, watching the foursome move their items into the wagons. "Abby and Jerry and the Jack's kids. Can you tell that Gary is unhappy at the 'desertion" as he thinks of it."
"Yeah, he looks like a thundercloud. I dunno why he thinks he gets the right to order Jerry around. There's no army or police force around, so he has no authority." Bruce turned to pull a chair over to sit in. He intended to watch and make sure the foursome did indeed get gone.
"How's your foot?" Bruce asked to pass the time.
"It's Ok, not great, but having Tilly here really helps. She and Big have been wonderful to help and it's made my fever recovery go smoother." Clora answered with a small smile. "So tell me, how is the famous Dr. Bruce doing?"
"Clora, I never in my life thought I would miss Tricia as much a I do. Her, the kids, all of them, I feel like an emotional cripple unable to fight my way out of a wet paper sack." Bruce mentioned sadly.
"Pray," Clora replied, not turning around to look him in the eye. "Only God can give you the peace you are seeking. I understand you are wanting to argue with me on the subject, but you also know in your heart that I'm right. One of these days, you're going to stop fighting and accept God's love. Then you will be a happy man."
"Bull crap," Bruce muttered low, not wanting to get embroiled in an argument with Clora. The woman was always right, he knew it, he also didn't want to admit it, so he tended to have deafness at this point.
Damn that Clora, Bruce listened to Clora laugh that warm, richly amused laugh she had when she knew she had the upper hand.
"You keep that up," he threatened helplessly, "and I'll leave and go back to my room."
Clora turned from the window and almost made it back to the sink before she laughed out loud.
"Clora," Bruce growled in warning, and finally giving up to stare moodily at the harnessed horses being backed into the traces of the departing wagons.
The sun peeked out from the disspating morning mist, and there were no waves of goodbye, as the wagons and riders pulled out of the compound.
Jerry and Abby had unequalled happiness. Within a couple of days of confinement at the retreat, it was very plain to Abby, that Jerry was very unhappy and staying at the retreat to please her.
With Abby's blessing, the deal was struck with Mark. To the both of them, the Jack's kids were fairly self sufficient, and with a wagon, the older pair felt reasonably confident the two younger kids would do fine.
Milo to say a word, was barricading his family in their house. Robbie was restless and filled with nervous energy, pacing up and down with his 22 over his shoulder. Milo felt the same, but managed to contain himself a bit more. Honey was forbidden to go near a window and was inwardly chafing at the tight restrictions. But, every time baby Mila made a sound, mama anxiously cuddled her close.
Ivy and Eldon were conferring in the barn. "I want to leave," Ivy stubbornly repeated three times.
"But why, we're eatin, sleepin well, and the weather is gettin warm." Eldon was equally as stubborn. "I don't see no need to pull up and head out."
"We just need to go, now listen, have I ever told you wrong. This just ain't the place for us to stay. Miss Abby has told me that their thinkin of leaving; Mr. Jerry ain't happy here at all; soes I'm thinkin we'll go with them. I'm gonna talk to Mr. Mark about gettin a wagon. Our main problem is old Whitey, are we gonna leave him here, or trail him along?" Ivy was counting the items she needed to get done.
"I don't want to leave him, he's the best friend I have;" Eldon sighed hard. When Ivy got the bit in her teeth, there was usually no talking her out of her mission till it was accomplished.
"I don't want go, but there's no talkin you out of it, is there?"
"You got it," Ivy firmly stated, "someday El, I'll fill you in on why we need to go, but it's nuthin we can do to change a bit of it."
"Ok, we'll go," Elson slowly drawled out, "and I was just gettin full." he mumbled to himself.
"Eldon, I promise we'll hunt every day to keep you full, I realize you need to eat and I'll do everything in my power to make that happen."
They both went quiet when they heard the apartment door open and Mark walked out of the barn. Jerry followed shortly, stopping to talk to the Jack's.
"We're leaving tomorrow, if you wanna go, be ready in the morning. We're gonna get the small wagon for you guys, Ivy, you can drive and Eldon, you can help me scout and hunt. We may be able to catch up with Chuck and Dory, if they aren't traveling like their tail feathers are a'fire."
"That'll do fine," Ivy spoke for the both of them, "fine indeed." It was way more than she hoped for, so she was going to take the money and run.
It was fine indeed, Mark and Toby helped the second wave of dissatisfied people harness up and leave.
Bruce ambled out of his room, standing at the front window and watching the hurried activity. "Who's leaving now?" he wanted to know.
Clora walked over to stand somewhat close, watching the foursome move their items into the wagons. "Abby and Jerry and the Jack's kids. Can you tell that Gary is unhappy at the 'desertion" as he thinks of it."
"Yeah, he looks like a thundercloud. I dunno why he thinks he gets the right to order Jerry around. There's no army or police force around, so he has no authority." Bruce turned to pull a chair over to sit in. He intended to watch and make sure the foursome did indeed get gone.
"How's your foot?" Bruce asked to pass the time.
"It's Ok, not great, but having Tilly here really helps. She and Big have been wonderful to help and it's made my fever recovery go smoother." Clora answered with a small smile. "So tell me, how is the famous Dr. Bruce doing?"
"Clora, I never in my life thought I would miss Tricia as much a I do. Her, the kids, all of them, I feel like an emotional cripple unable to fight my way out of a wet paper sack." Bruce mentioned sadly.
"Pray," Clora replied, not turning around to look him in the eye. "Only God can give you the peace you are seeking. I understand you are wanting to argue with me on the subject, but you also know in your heart that I'm right. One of these days, you're going to stop fighting and accept God's love. Then you will be a happy man."
"Bull crap," Bruce muttered low, not wanting to get embroiled in an argument with Clora. The woman was always right, he knew it, he also didn't want to admit it, so he tended to have deafness at this point.
Damn that Clora, Bruce listened to Clora laugh that warm, richly amused laugh she had when she knew she had the upper hand.
"You keep that up," he threatened helplessly, "and I'll leave and go back to my room."
Clora turned from the window and almost made it back to the sink before she laughed out loud.
"Clora," Bruce growled in warning, and finally giving up to stare moodily at the harnessed horses being backed into the traces of the departing wagons.
The sun peeked out from the disspating morning mist, and there were no waves of goodbye, as the wagons and riders pulled out of the compound.
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sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you, I was hoping a chapter was here and I got my wish.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Folks,
I had injections in both eyes yesterday, and not feeling well. Will ttry tomorrow.Pac.
I had injections in both eyes yesterday, and not feeling well. Will ttry tomorrow.Pac.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
My mom gets those shots, so just take care.
cat killer
Senior Member
I get a eye injection every 8 weeks, kind of getting used to it.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
That is never going to be on the 'fun list of things I want to do today'; you should rest the eyeballs a bit. We'll get by.
Take it easy
We'll see you when we see you
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#353
Milo waited until the wagons had disappeared around the bend in the road, before he left Robbie in charge of the home security, and went to the barn to saddle his horse.
It was his intention to shadow the leaving people until they were well and good down the road. The longer he trailed after the bumping wagons, the longer he intended to keep them going forward and was prepared to 'do what ever it took' to keep Ivy and Eldon from returning to the compound.
Milo had an internal fright that gripped his heart in cold fear. The ambush that had occurred in Honey's office, had happened more than ten years ago. He estimated that Ivy couldn't have been more than 9 or ten years old at the time. So; ....someone kept the memory fresh in the small child's mind. Was Ivy programmed to go berserk when triggered as a act of revenge. Ivy would certainly be killed for her part, and if she didn't shout out her need for revenge; the victims might believe it was a random act, and not a carefully orchestrated plot.
The longer Milo thought about the situtation, the surer he felt he was correct in his deductions; there for he trailed the wagons for longer than a week. He wanted them gone.
Mean while, back at the ranch, Gary way angry enough to spit nails. "I can't believe you forced them to leave." he accused Mark. "Jerry is a good soldier, he would have helped in the defense of the retreat."
Mark looked at the firebrand son and shook his head. "I did not tell Jerry and Abby to leave. He told me he wasn't going to stay, that he needed more freedom than was available here. Ivy and Eldon, I did tell them they had to go. If you will sit down and talk with me, I'll tell you the problem. Otherwise, you can sit there and thunder all over yourself and it's won't make a bit of difference with me."
Gary stared hard at Mark, it was the case of the upstart sending a threatening scowl to the man that perfected the 'look' and Mark didn't flinch a bit.
In fact it was Gary that backed down, and went to sit at the table. It was easy to see he was totally aggravated over the situtation, and drummed his fingers on the table for the short time it took Mark to walk over and sit down.
Mark made short work of the explanation, giving Gary more leeway over the problem, than Mark felt the hot headed man deserved. "Some one of these days, I'm just going to shoot you, rather than pander to your anger," the father warned the son. "Every time there is a problem where you have skin in the fight, you automatically think the worst of us. It's getting mighty damn tiresome, so you had better rethink your strategy."
Immediately, Gary felt about 10 years old and in the height of his misplaced stubbornness and contrary attitudes. "I was out of line, I apologize," the man honestly returned. "I mean, I can well understand that Ivy couldn't stay with that sort of background. She could never be trusted around Milo and Honey's kids, or even Honey as a matter of fact. That was the right call; I would have done the same thing."
Mark didn't feel anything more was necessary, and he gave Gary a short nod and reached for the coffee mug that Clora placed on the table. A plate with a few cookies followed the mugs, and almost instantly, Bruce could be heard shuffling down the hall toward the kitchen.
"Did I hear the cookie plate?" he inquired eagerly, "I'm feeling faint with hunger," and then scowled darkly as Mark and Gary laughed.
Milo waited until the wagons had disappeared around the bend in the road, before he left Robbie in charge of the home security, and went to the barn to saddle his horse.
It was his intention to shadow the leaving people until they were well and good down the road. The longer he trailed after the bumping wagons, the longer he intended to keep them going forward and was prepared to 'do what ever it took' to keep Ivy and Eldon from returning to the compound.
Milo had an internal fright that gripped his heart in cold fear. The ambush that had occurred in Honey's office, had happened more than ten years ago. He estimated that Ivy couldn't have been more than 9 or ten years old at the time. So; ....someone kept the memory fresh in the small child's mind. Was Ivy programmed to go berserk when triggered as a act of revenge. Ivy would certainly be killed for her part, and if she didn't shout out her need for revenge; the victims might believe it was a random act, and not a carefully orchestrated plot.
The longer Milo thought about the situtation, the surer he felt he was correct in his deductions; there for he trailed the wagons for longer than a week. He wanted them gone.
Mean while, back at the ranch, Gary way angry enough to spit nails. "I can't believe you forced them to leave." he accused Mark. "Jerry is a good soldier, he would have helped in the defense of the retreat."
Mark looked at the firebrand son and shook his head. "I did not tell Jerry and Abby to leave. He told me he wasn't going to stay, that he needed more freedom than was available here. Ivy and Eldon, I did tell them they had to go. If you will sit down and talk with me, I'll tell you the problem. Otherwise, you can sit there and thunder all over yourself and it's won't make a bit of difference with me."
Gary stared hard at Mark, it was the case of the upstart sending a threatening scowl to the man that perfected the 'look' and Mark didn't flinch a bit.
In fact it was Gary that backed down, and went to sit at the table. It was easy to see he was totally aggravated over the situtation, and drummed his fingers on the table for the short time it took Mark to walk over and sit down.
Mark made short work of the explanation, giving Gary more leeway over the problem, than Mark felt the hot headed man deserved. "Some one of these days, I'm just going to shoot you, rather than pander to your anger," the father warned the son. "Every time there is a problem where you have skin in the fight, you automatically think the worst of us. It's getting mighty damn tiresome, so you had better rethink your strategy."
Immediately, Gary felt about 10 years old and in the height of his misplaced stubbornness and contrary attitudes. "I was out of line, I apologize," the man honestly returned. "I mean, I can well understand that Ivy couldn't stay with that sort of background. She could never be trusted around Milo and Honey's kids, or even Honey as a matter of fact. That was the right call; I would have done the same thing."
Mark didn't feel anything more was necessary, and he gave Gary a short nod and reached for the coffee mug that Clora placed on the table. A plate with a few cookies followed the mugs, and almost instantly, Bruce could be heard shuffling down the hall toward the kitchen.
"Did I hear the cookie plate?" he inquired eagerly, "I'm feeling faint with hunger," and then scowled darkly as Mark and Gary laughed.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Thank you every one for the kind wishes and prayers. The injections don't seem to be the problem. I seem to be allergic to the numbing medicine used.
With sarcastic LOL, I am after all a very delicate old woman, so it's not unexpected.
So, the doctor and I will have a consultation in early Dec.
With sarcastic LOL, I am after all a very delicate old woman, so it's not unexpected.
So, the doctor and I will have a consultation in early Dec.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Big thank you.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#354
Milo trailed the two wagons until they turned off to try the ferry. Once they were on board the flimsy appearing raft, he turned back and started for home. Taking a different way back toward the retreat, he was two days out from home when he happened upon a abandoned orchard.
Deep in a valley, the trees were bending over with apples. A treasure beyond words, Milo filled his bedroll and sleeping tarp with as many pounds of the fruit as his horse could carry. The lumpy bundles on either side of his unamused gelding, looked like huge growths.
Keeping track of the location to return and gather more apples, Milo with his sore shoulder was more than happy to see the thin curl of smoke that designated home. He whistled long and loud before he was answered, and his impatience came through loud and clear.
In fact it was Tess and her boys who gave the signal and welcomed him home.
"Hey bro, whatcha got in the bags?" Tess smiled as she walked over to pat the lumpy sacks.
Milo looked down at his sister and decided he would feel better off his horse. "Apples," he acknowledged, "I found an apple orchard and it seems abandoned. I need to get down, my shoulder is killing me, back up wouldya please." Milo made his last dismount, hanging on the saddle horn with his good arm.
The gelding turned his head around, as if to say, 'you think your sore, let me give you a clue.'
Tess laughed and rubbed the dark bay on the shoulder. "I do believe your horse thinks it's a good thing to be home. Let's walk the nag up to the big house and dump these apples off. I'll take care of your horse, if the boys can ride him back to the barn."
"Gladly," Milo muttered, "I need Honey to look at my shoulder right away." he waved at Robbie who was trotting across the open driveway. The young man happy to see his dad.
The apples were left at the house, Robbie and Milo walked to their house and Wyatt came from the barn to help Tess load the triplets on the well worn saddle and walk to the barn.
The gelding, who was most times antsy and high spirited, was tired and walked slowly with his precious cargo. A couple of handfuls of the slowly ripening oat crop; a good rubdown and curry and he stood docilly in the stall.
Clora sent Big with apples to Milo's and Toby's and every one enjoyed the fresh, crisp taste of the sweet fruit.
Milo trailed the two wagons until they turned off to try the ferry. Once they were on board the flimsy appearing raft, he turned back and started for home. Taking a different way back toward the retreat, he was two days out from home when he happened upon a abandoned orchard.
Deep in a valley, the trees were bending over with apples. A treasure beyond words, Milo filled his bedroll and sleeping tarp with as many pounds of the fruit as his horse could carry. The lumpy bundles on either side of his unamused gelding, looked like huge growths.
Keeping track of the location to return and gather more apples, Milo with his sore shoulder was more than happy to see the thin curl of smoke that designated home. He whistled long and loud before he was answered, and his impatience came through loud and clear.
In fact it was Tess and her boys who gave the signal and welcomed him home.
"Hey bro, whatcha got in the bags?" Tess smiled as she walked over to pat the lumpy sacks.
Milo looked down at his sister and decided he would feel better off his horse. "Apples," he acknowledged, "I found an apple orchard and it seems abandoned. I need to get down, my shoulder is killing me, back up wouldya please." Milo made his last dismount, hanging on the saddle horn with his good arm.
The gelding turned his head around, as if to say, 'you think your sore, let me give you a clue.'
Tess laughed and rubbed the dark bay on the shoulder. "I do believe your horse thinks it's a good thing to be home. Let's walk the nag up to the big house and dump these apples off. I'll take care of your horse, if the boys can ride him back to the barn."
"Gladly," Milo muttered, "I need Honey to look at my shoulder right away." he waved at Robbie who was trotting across the open driveway. The young man happy to see his dad.
The apples were left at the house, Robbie and Milo walked to their house and Wyatt came from the barn to help Tess load the triplets on the well worn saddle and walk to the barn.
The gelding, who was most times antsy and high spirited, was tired and walked slowly with his precious cargo. A couple of handfuls of the slowly ripening oat crop; a good rubdown and curry and he stood docilly in the stall.
Clora sent Big with apples to Milo's and Toby's and every one enjoyed the fresh, crisp taste of the sweet fruit.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Haw yeah, nice 
.
.