Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings

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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#574

Saddled up on the bar stools, Gary and Tom were quietly enjoying their brews; when Gary said low. "Do you get the feeling the bar keep is spending a lot of time trying to look out the window. In the approximate direction of the Jeep?"

"Humm," Tom lifted his glass to stare at the suddenly busy bartender, who was actively avoiding them. "I'd say that's correct, you feel like finishing here and go looking for a little adventure?"

"Ya, let's do it." Three gulps of beer and the two bold, and tough feeling men walked outside to find two men trying to liberate the long guns.

Gary and Tom objected loudly, and the two men seemed to think they were tougher than the newcomers. Perhaps they might have thought they were, and were quickly disabused of that notion.
 
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PacNorWest

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#574b

"Get away from my Jeep and get your filthy paws off our guns. They're locked up to keep scum like you from committing robbery." Gary was harsh, big and menacing. Walking toward the faded red CJ5, he loomed larger and larger, until the puny man that was desperately yanking on the rifle, let go, braved up and took a swing at Gary.

The second thief sized up Tom with his limp and grey hair and thought he had an easy body to pound into the ground.

It was over almost too quickly.

Gary and Tom were severely disappointed that the two robbers ran for their lives after a well deserved trouncing. "I was just getting into the swing of things," Tom looked very put out. "If they were gonna start somethin, they should be man enough to stick around and finish it decently."

"Well, we're leaving, now. I don't fancy talking to my lady with a split lip and a black eye. She just might get the wrong impression about me. Besides, there's no use hanging around for those fellers to get back here with friends. They always bring back the nasty ones."

"True that," Tom agreed and hoisted his leg over the side panel of the Jeep. "Get yer butt in and stop standing there dithering, we need to be making tracks."

"I'm gonna take a short cut up through the mountains, they hopefully don't know that I know the country. I'm sure the 'retaliation squad' will be looking for us. But we're gonna take a little side trip right here." and Gary turned sharply into a narrow but paved road, overhung with sweeping tree branches and they were instantly hidden as they drove North.
 
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PacNorWest

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#575

Woody was invited in, he parked his rump in a chair and was magically supplied with a cup of coffee and a plate with several cookies "Hello folks,
glad to see you all looking well." Woody was polite as he looked around the homey dining room and kitchen. He hadn't noticed Tess, and there was a strange car in the yard. He sure hoped he wouldn't have to start any trouble; but he was ready if necessary, to keep things squared around like they should be.

Mark was more than a little perturbed. It was par for the course, any time he thought about carving out a bit of free time for himself and Clora; some thing or some one always interfered.

Woody wasn't so dense that he didn't understand the gathering dark frown settling on Mark's face. Woody had cajoled the man into accepting commissions; and now he was obviously reconsidering.

"Mark," Woody rushed into his spiel, "I want to ask you to present a marksmanship course in Denver, in two weeks."

Mark paused, thinking about the offer. "How long a course? I simply don't have the patience to take beginning shooters and put them through a complete training. It would be a max of six shooters, all qualified marksmen, willing to take orders. The first one to gripe and complain, is out with no reconsideration."

"Fair enough and done." Woody said quickly, before Mark changed his mind. "What will you charge for a week's work?"

"A helicopter," was the calm reply. "A trip to the Washington coast for a day's work while we are there."

Woody coughed hard. He wasn't sure if it was the cookies, the coffee or the thought of what a helo would cost to go from Denver to Washington and back.

"Whoa, that's a stiff price. I'm not sure I could authorize that much expense. Don't you have something a little more reasonable in mind?"
Woody looked panicked.

"Not really, I need to go to Washington." Mark was cool and casual. "Myself and Clora." he added. "We have unfinished business where we used to live. Besides, we need to go before we're too old to enjoy ourselves, if you know what I mean."

"I'm all for the two of you enjoying yourself, but maybe not on so many of my dimes."

"I have tickets to Denver leaving in three days; we are going. I'll be in touch when we get back." Mark smiled at Clora, knowing that three days was enough time for her to work up a nervous state of affairs. Clora was a woman that liked her feet on the ground. She went willingly when others were involved and needed to be in the air, but never for herself.

"Well now, let's not be hasty. Perhaps we can work something out, especially if you use your tickets for the first leg of the trip. That would help my request, a great deal. Do you have return tickets?" Woody thought to ask, hopefully.

Mark shook his head no. "We are unsure of our return. We haven't had a vacation in 30 plus years. It's time."

"Oh, yeah, I guess it is time." Woody spoke lamely. "But wait, I thought you just got back from a vacation of two years?"

"I will discuss that with you at a later date, but no, we weren't on a vacation. It was just easier to call it that, for those people who asked where we had been." Mark's voice was so final. that Woody knew better than to push the subject.
 
Sammy55

Sammy55

Veteran Member
With a busy life, I've gotten so far behind on stories. So, I've started reading this story all over again, and I have to say, Mrs. Pac, that it is just as gripping and exciting and fun as it was when I started it the first time! I love your writing, Pac, and so much look forward to this winter when one of my goals is to start from the very beginning - the first in the series - and read the whole series all over again. I really look forward to watching all of the family grow up all over again, and learning all the lessons and tips that you have woven into your books. Your writing is absolutely spell-binding, mesmerizing, and just plain fun! (And, of course, I look forward to reading your own "life story" through your personal comments along the way.)
 
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PacNorWest

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#576

"Honey," Milo was thoughtful as they drove toward home. "Things are really changing at the retreat. With Bruce and Ben gone, Gary involved with his lady friend, Toby and Rennie moving to town, and that hound dog sniffing around Tess; if you want to do anything different, I'd guess that now's the time."

Honey turned her silver brown-green eyes toward Milo and smiled a soft smile. "Let me ask you a question?" She patiently waited for Milo to answer.

"Ah yeah, go ahead."

"Have you noticed that you refer to where we live as the retreat, you never refer to it as home."

"Humm," Milo made a deep noise in his throat. "I never noticed before, but you're right. It doesn't feel like home, no matter how long I've lived here. Plus the fact that I know you're not completely happy here. It's just, I guess, never been the right time to do different. I'm slow to the realization that there's too much work to be done here. Even with Big and Tilly on board. Ma and Dad have to be in their mid 70's, Tess is busy with her kids, Tom helps, but Gary is useless in the garden and wood gathering. Do you think I'm finally grown up enough to be away from Ma;s apron strings?" he teased.

"I'm positive," Honey was firm. "You know I've wanted you to be independent for many years. You think, act and respond to problems differently when we are away from the crippling closeness here."

"I don't like to admit you are right." Milo sighed hard and deep. Honey was correct, it was time; she had been more than patient and now it was time to consider her part and ambitions in their life.

"What do you want to do?" Milo turned into a mega super market parking lot. "I'll run in and see if I can get some real estate magazines. That should give us an idea of what kind of money we're looking at. That's going to be our first stumbling block, the money part of being off by ourselves."

Honey nodded. She had a hidden ace up her sleeve. Milo had forgotten that Honey had sold her father's real estate business. The money had been sitting in an account for years; and only recently brought to Honey's attention with a financial report from the bank. They were in danger of losing the money due to inactivity. It was enough to buy a very comfortable place to live. The fact that Milo had brought up the subject, meant he was more likely to carry through with the notion. Honey was so happy, she almost wiggled in her seat when Milo went striding into the store lobby.

"Ma," Robbie asked from the back seat. "Does this mean I can go to school with other regular kids. I'd like to have some friends my own age."

"Dad and I are working on it Robbie. There are a lot of situations in our lives that we need to improve. You've been very patient with all the younger kids, and I appreciate it very much. But yes, it's time for you to have friends your own age."

"Good," Robbie was satisfied that Ma understood his problem.

Milo came back with a big handful of glossy pictured home brochures and a couple of newspaper type handouts. "Some light reading," he jested.

"Thank you," Honey was grateful, "this means more to me than I can say."
 
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PacNorWest

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#577

Toby and Rennie found the perfect house and grounds. Shades of the Gone with the Wind mansion, the old house needed plenty of attention, a liberal application of makeup and rouge and a few stiff underpinnings.

One of the best features of the white pillared, large front porch grande dame, was the suite of rooms that could be used as offices. They opened directly onto the porch, so the private part of the house wouldn't be under public scrutiny, as clients would come and go.

Toby liked the house, he thought it fit his image as the grandson of Warren Donaldson. Rennie liked the house because it was enormous, and Toby had already promised a housekeeper.

Rennie was realistic enough to know she hated housekeeping, cooking meals and cleaning. This house was an answer to her prayers. Now, she only had to convince Big and Tilly that she and Toby needed them more than Mark and Clora.

Rennie kept a close tab on the comings and goings of the clan in the retreat. She was positive that soon, the only people left at the retreat would be Mark and Clora and Tom. Tom was enough of a free spirit; that he would or could leave at any time for another adventure. There was always the chance that Donny would hang on, but that wasn't a sure thing either.

"Buy it," Rennie urged Toby. "I very much enjoy the old charm and history of this house and grounds. The price and taxes are reasonable, the school district is excellent, we have the correct zone for an in home business; and we're actually not all that far from the business district and court house."

"Yeah, it's about time that we established ourselves as serious lawyer's and this place ought to do the trick." Toby was in total harmony with the sale.

"Besides," Rennie was very serious, "I'm beginning to believe the further away from the retreat, the less chance we have of being involved in all the unusual happenings that go on there. I'll tell you Toby, that place gives me a bloody sick feeling. I want out of there as soon as possible. Before we get thrown back again into some hundred year ago time warp."

"I feel the same," Toby admitted, feeling some Suprise at the rush of relief he felt.

They stood on the porch and listened to the kids run up and down the interior stairs, their excited voices echoing in the empty rooms.

The real estate agent came from his car with paper work and they went into the kitchen to use the counter to sign the rest of their life into genteel, fine southern living.

"Your Mum and Da are leaving for two weeks, what do you say we hire Big and Tilly to help us move. A cleaning company could put a sparkle on this place in a week." Rennie put a suggestion in Toby's ear.

"Make it happen love," Toby looked around, "whatever you want."

Rennie made it happen. When Mark and Clora left for Denver, Big and Tilly went to help. Because they wanted and needed to eat; Donny and later Tom helped move the small family.

Tess cooked for Gary, and of course Milo and Honey did for themselves.


"So when are you going to man up and marry Breezy?" Tess bluntly asked Gary, not giving pause to his look of astonishment. They were sitting at the table after supper, and Tess was trying to help her friend .

"I don't know that I am," Gary replied as bluntly. "What business is it of yours?"

"I'm hustling your butt out of here so Ma and Dad can have some peace. You're old enough to leave home."

"I may be old enough, but what if I don't want too." Gary snapped right back. "I'm perfectly happy here, why would I want to leave?"

"Because I have it on good authority that the lovely Ms. Breezy has no intention of leaving her home in town. So. if your interested at all, you had better be thinking about where your going with this torrid romance. I do believe the good lady would welcome you into her life; IF, you understand that she wants marriage, no shack up parties."

"Well, aren't you just full of information, pull out your woo-woo and tell me if it's a long time togetherness." Gary was critical of Tess's superior acting knowledge but, didn't want to commit to any action that might backfire on him.

"It will be fine if you don't get stupid. Now help me with the dishes." she ordered.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#578

"Why do you do that?" Gary asked far more calmly than he felt. Tess turned to look at him as she ran the dish water.

"Do what?"

"Call me stupid. I'm not, you know. A person can't do what I do and have done if their stupid. I may not be the smoothest man when it comes to personal relationships, and I am aware that I'm a late bloomer, but I'm not dense or stupid. I'm beginning to resent the hole you and Toby and Milo relegate me into." There it was out. Gary did resent the superiority the three of them acted in thought, word and deed.

"Ahh," Tess floundered her words, " wasn't aware you felt that way."

"Bullshit," Gary called her out. "I don't believe for one minute the three of you weren't very aware of the way you have treated me. You are the only natural born child, Toby and Milo came to this family the same way I did. They had the same problems I did, acted out the same way, pushed the rules as I did. only difference, they were over that brand of foolishness before I came along. I got to glorify myself with my own foolishness all alone. It's been a helluva uphill climb, and I'd like to end the fight."

"Um, yeah, sure. I mean, I guess I didn't realize you felt that way." Tess was almost stuttering in haste and nervousness.

Gary snorted, "yeah, right." he didn't give an inch; it was time for the foolishness and nonsense to end.

"Ok, I'll change." Tess promised. "I guess picking on you has become a habit I wasn't aware I did. Please forgive me."

"One down and two to go," Gary offered his acceptance of her apology.

"She really does like you and would like to think about being serious," Tess added, hoping to change the topic of conversation. It was very uncomfortable and pinched hard, to look back over her mistakes.

"I happen to think a lot of the lady myself," Gary agreed. "I'm going slow because I'm aware my relationship with Janie wasn't a healthy one. I don't want to make the same mistakes."

"Fair enough," Tess conceded. "Did Ma tell you about Ben and Bruce before they left for Denver?"

"No, what about them?"

"Ben committed suicide after you left him in Georgia. Not your fault," she hastened to add. "He had a life that depended on other people fawning over him, and it had come to an end with Ma. He just couldn't take that. He came here wanting to shoot Dad, and then Ma, for supposedly abandoning him so many years ago. Sad, sick and twisted."

"Well hell, I wouldn't have left him if I knew."

"We know that, no one is thinking you wouldn't have been clan strong." Tess soothed. "Now Bruce, he worked up a mad when he got to the clinic and went roaring in and interrupted a burglary, and got shot for his unique brand of carelessness. I don't know if Milo knows about that, or not. I'd like to tell him; if you don't mind. I'll talk to him about his attitude at the same time. We'll get this squared away, as soon as we can." Tess was honest and sincere, and her voice told Gary she was very contrite.

"I'd appreciate that very much. Thank you," Gary finished the last of the silverware and put the plates on the stack. "Where are your little ruffians?"

"Oh my goodness, it has been awful quiet, hasn't it. I don't know where they are." Tess pulled the drain plug and rapidly dried her hands. "Thanks Gary for helping," she called out as she hurried toward the playroom.



Over in Milo's house, Honey was showing Milo the five places that had her attention.

"Which one is your number one choice?" Milo asked, looking at the colorful page of properties.

"This one," Honey pointed to the picture on the right hand page. "It's not right in town, but not far out. The house has almost three acres with good fences, barn, shop, garages and a nice sized house with four bedrooms and three baths. It would be perfect for us."

"Yeah, but look at that price. I don't see how we can swing that much money." Milo looked at the glossy pictures and felt a pang that they would have to let it go by. "Even with the back pay and Marshall's job raise; that's too much."

"There is a way, if you'll hear me out." Honey was calm on the outside, and quivering jelly on the inside. Milo was so stubborn, there was no telling how he would react to her plan to use her money fund.
 
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PacNorWest

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#579

'What do you mean?" Milo had a frown and a suspicious aura about him.

"We, and I emphasize WE, have money in an account. It's from the sale of father's real estate business and I completely forgot about it when we went through the 'going to Iowa' situation. That pile of mail we accumulated while gone, contained several notices that we need to keep the account active. I have called the bank and we need to do something with the account right away."

"That's your money, not for the buying of a house. That's my job." Good old stubborn Milo was at it again.

This time Honey was ready. "So you are saying unequivocally that the money is mine to do what ever I wish to do with it?"

"That's what I said."Milo was perturbed.

"Then I'm going to tell you that I'm buying that place with the money. I'm moving our children and belongings there and lovingly hope you will join us. Robbie needs to go to school, he needs friends his own age and activities that young boys do. Mila will be in kindergarten next year, she is basically unsocialized with children her own age. As parents we need to step up and educate and prepare our children for the future. If you have to be stubborn, dismiss what I can bring to the table, then we shall buy the place and wait for you."

Milo sat back in his chair and looked levelly at his wonderful wife. "You mean that, don't you?"

"Yes I do," Honey didn't back down a bit. "It's time Milo that you let me be a partner in this marriage. You issue these strong edicts without considering how I might feel about the situation. Have you ever paid any attention to your Ma and Dad; and how they reach unity? They talk about things. That seems a reasonable way to solve problems."

Milo didn't say anything, just sat and let a thousand thoughts race through his mind. Finally, he cleared his throat. "I hate being wrong, it gives me an upset stomach." he said as a way of apology. "When are we moving?"

"Big, Donny and Tom will be here tomorrow." Honey walked over to kiss Milo on the cheek, "Thank you Milo, we need to go to the bank this afternoon."
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#580

All the rushing around, changing living quarters, acquiring new mates and different life styles occupied the clan for several weeks. They didn't have time to miss their parents.

The parents were so busy, they were occupied more than they cared to be. Mark conducted his sharp shooter class, graduating five out of the six. The sixth shooter was a very entitled young marshall that dismissed the old geezer without a moment's thought.

Mark gave him the good old dry fire routine, and the cocky young man failed miserably. His reflexes were awkward and fumbling, there was total silence from the rest of the class.

"You are dismissed for insubordination and failure to obey orders." Mark coldly informed the sullen young man. "You are a disgrace to the badge and the code of the U.S. Marshall Service. Leave your badge on the table."
 
Griz3752

Griz3752

Retired, practising Curmudgeon
PacNorWest said:
"You are dismissed for insubordination and failure to obey orders." Mark coldly informed the sullen young man. "You are a disgrace to the badge and the code of the U.S. Marshall Service. Leave your badge on the table."
Click to expand...
Life in Clan Linderman needs an antagonist and as most of the other familial issues seem resolved ......


Thank you Ma'am. Mark does need focus doesn't he?
Well, as we all do I expect.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#580b

"If you want my badge, come get it." The young man sneered, folding his arms over his chest as a gesture of protection.

There were witnesses, five of them, and five different conflicting stories of what happened. Mark put his good arm on the table, vaulted across the wooden expanse and ripped the badge pinned on the expensive blazer.
In another smooth move, a long wicked K-bar appeared in his right hand and Mark sliced the lanyard that held the disgraced man's security clearance. It fell to the floor and Mark stepped on it.

"I just did," Mark stood toe to toe and nose to nose with the astonished marshal. "You're dismissed."

The man turned and walked away, the heavy door of the facility swishing as the pneumatic closer took him from sight.

"Are there any questions?" Steel blue eyes skewered the remaining five, and to a man, they had no questions. The bravest of the newly certified snipers held his hand out for Mark to shake.

"Thank you Sir, it's an honor and a pleasure to have been taught by you. We will practice, all of us together, so we may moniter our style, just as you taught us."

Mark nodded, "which way to the director's office?" as he shook hands with the newly minted sniper corps.

"One floor down and to the right," Browning answered for the rest of the crew. "We're happy to see Edwards go; he wasn't a good marshal."

"How did he make the cut?" Mark asked.

"Unfortunately, he's the director's son." Browning sighed hard. "One is as unpleasant as the other."

"Huh," Mark was unimpressed as he could be. Swiping on his phone, Mark called Woody Branch, just as the man was asking Tess for a date.
 
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PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#581
"Tess, I like to invite you......." Woody's sentence was intercepted by the ring tone of the grinning woman's father.

"Your father, what does he have, long range perceptions?" Woody felt cranky, his long rehearsed delivery was ruined, and now he had to contend with the woman's difficult father.

"Director Branch, you will be getting a phone call from Director Edwards. He is highly incensed that I failed and expelled his entitled son. He was foaming at the mouth when I left, I have reason to believe he is as entitled and worthless as his son. I need the helicopter for Thursday. Let me know which side of the airport we will be departing from. Bye."

Woody was left staring at his phone, he cleared his throat, shut the phone completely off, which was a real no-no for the head director, and turned back to speak with Tess.

"Miss Tess, will you do me the honor of having supper with me?" there, Woody finally got the whole invitation out.

"I would enjoy sharing a meal with you. I do have a suggestion, I have no one here to care for my boys while I go out. May I invite you to supper here?" Tess smiled and her entire face glowed.

"I accept; what may I bring for the table; and when?" Woody wanted to make it soon, but didn't feel right pushing his agenda. He felt antsy, it seemed Tess was taking a long time to reply.

"How about tomorrow night?" Tess lightly replied, "or, if you have a tight schedule, we could make it tonight."

"I'm afraid I do have a tight schedule. Unfortunately, I have several meetings tomorrow that I am required to attend. I accept for tonight, but does that give you enough time to cook?" Woody felt like a gawky teenager. He was so pleased that Tess seemed to want him to stay, he just looked at her and smiled.

"What can I do to help? I'm afraid I have to turn my phone back on, I have no choice in the matter." Woody was apologetic, "a severe downside to my job."

"I understand," Tess smoothed the moment. "I'd like you to sit and talk to me. I miss grownup conversation. We are having meatloaf and baked potatoes; nothing fancy but filling and kid approved. I'm sure you can understand that my life is pretty much ordered by the time I need to raise my boys."

Woody nodded. He was satisfied that Tess was interested, but was hindered by her mother duties; the same as his job constricted him.

They talked as Tess put together the meal, the boys ran in and out of the room and eventually settled at the table, staring at the newcomer.

The boys started asking a lot of nosey questions and were remined by Tess that they needed to use their manners. "We wanna know where Donny is. We want to go fishing, and he hasn't been around forever." Daniel, as usual was the spokesperson for the three, and he needed to make his concerns known. Peter and Paul nodded their agreement.

"What type of fish do you boys catch?" Woody felt safe asking that question. Kids kinda made him nervous, but it evidently was the right thing to ask, all three started talking and it felt so natural.

Woody had to answer his phone two more times, but he didn't leave the table. He was claiming that spot, and this moment of normalcy in his anything but normal life. Boy, did it feel good.
 
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