Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#582
Gary and Donny finished moving Milo and Honey and kids. There was a pitifully small amount of personal and household goods; Milo and family were like all the rest of the clan. Most of what they had, was used up in Iowa or wasn't able to be carted back home in their hasty departure.
"Let's go home," Donny proposed. "I'm starving, do you know when Ma is gonna be back? I'm not getting enough to eat. I'm thinking that we need to get Tess going on more food, or go camp on Toby's doorstep until Tilly makes enough to fill us up."
"I believe we'll have better luck with Tilly. If Toby and Milo are going to work us like pack mules, they need to realize there's a feed bill involved." Gary realized that he was hungry; more hungry than a sandwich would satisfy. They made the drive to Toby's and invited themself in, schmoozing Tilly with compliments on her good cooking.
Big was grinning behind his hand, Tilly started supper and then tripled what Rennie had laid out to cook. Rennie watched in dismay as the food she had planned for three suppers, went into the pot for the night's meal.
Suddenly, her plan to have Tilly cook, came with all the Batchlors that needed fed. Rennie tried to discreetly inquire when Mark and Clora would be returning and got a lot of shrugged shoulders, and I don't knows.
Toby was a little amused at Rennie's discomfort, and smiled at Gary, Donny and Tom. "Did you guys get Milo all moved?"
"Sure did," Donny helped himself to another plate of spaghetti. Rennie was appalled that it was his third plate, but Donny wasn't counting, but Rennie was. Donny was simply eating until he was full. Spaghetti, even with a thick meat sauce was a fairly lightweight meal for a young man that had loaded and toted boxes all day.
Donny was sorta full when he had to stop eating, the bowl was empty. Tilly was in a tizzy, that "her men' hadn't been given enough to eat. Tilly would have cooked at least a gallon of green beans and had seven or eight loaves of garlic bread, a substantial cabbage salad with carrots and celery. Not even Big was getting enough to eat, Tilly needed to have a talk with Miss Rennie, they needed more food.
Tilly privately thought that Rennie skimped a little too much feeding her own children. When Tilly filled the table both kids ate more than usual. The adults could restrict their intake, but Tilly wanted to see the littles eat as much as they wanted. Lyric was a tall thin child, too thin for Tilly's liking. The boy was more compact, but certainly not fat.
Tilly practically emptied the pantry, filling in with sides; Big was bringing in the food, Tilly was cooking it, and the men kept on eating.
Rennie looked a little shell shocked, as she asked Toby, "did your mother have to put out this much food.?"
"Sure," Toby helped himself to more. "Didn't you help or pay attention? When you ask men to do hard, physical work, their pay is what they need to eat. All the yard work, the moving in new furniture, it costs one way or another."
Rennie had just gone grocery shopping, now ninety percent of what she had bought was gone in one night's supper.
Rennie had disregarded the shopping list that Tilly had given her; shaking her head no at the quantities the cook had listed. Now she understood, having the men at her beck and call to help refurbish the monstrous sized mansion, had a stiff price.
Weakly, after supper, Rennie asked if they had enough oatmeal for breakfast.
Tilly nodded yes, but said the milk situation would be tight. "We can push butter and cinnamon sugar, but you will need to go shopping tomorrow. Since the men are going to be taking down some of the dead trees, we need lots of meat for tomorrow's supper."
"Oh my," was all Rennie could say.
Between the dishes and having to rewrite the grocery list, Tilly was late getting the kitchen cleaned.
"Thank you Tilly love, you did a great job of filling in the meal tonight; it was looking dicey if we were going to have enough to eat." Big shucked off his boots as they relaxed in their quarters later on. "Miss Rennie is getting an education, for sure. Has anyone said when Miss Clora and Mr. Mark will be home?"
"No, not a word. Big, I worry about Miss Tess being out there all by herself. There are enough strange things that happen there, I don't think she should be alone."
"Maybe I should have Gary and Donny head out there, just as a precaution. I'll go see if they have turned in for the night."
"Thank you Big, you are wonderful to take my concerns seriously."
"Anytime for you my love, any time."
Gary and Donny finished moving Milo and Honey and kids. There was a pitifully small amount of personal and household goods; Milo and family were like all the rest of the clan. Most of what they had, was used up in Iowa or wasn't able to be carted back home in their hasty departure.
"Let's go home," Donny proposed. "I'm starving, do you know when Ma is gonna be back? I'm not getting enough to eat. I'm thinking that we need to get Tess going on more food, or go camp on Toby's doorstep until Tilly makes enough to fill us up."
"I believe we'll have better luck with Tilly. If Toby and Milo are going to work us like pack mules, they need to realize there's a feed bill involved." Gary realized that he was hungry; more hungry than a sandwich would satisfy. They made the drive to Toby's and invited themself in, schmoozing Tilly with compliments on her good cooking.
Big was grinning behind his hand, Tilly started supper and then tripled what Rennie had laid out to cook. Rennie watched in dismay as the food she had planned for three suppers, went into the pot for the night's meal.
Suddenly, her plan to have Tilly cook, came with all the Batchlors that needed fed. Rennie tried to discreetly inquire when Mark and Clora would be returning and got a lot of shrugged shoulders, and I don't knows.
Toby was a little amused at Rennie's discomfort, and smiled at Gary, Donny and Tom. "Did you guys get Milo all moved?"
"Sure did," Donny helped himself to another plate of spaghetti. Rennie was appalled that it was his third plate, but Donny wasn't counting, but Rennie was. Donny was simply eating until he was full. Spaghetti, even with a thick meat sauce was a fairly lightweight meal for a young man that had loaded and toted boxes all day.
Donny was sorta full when he had to stop eating, the bowl was empty. Tilly was in a tizzy, that "her men' hadn't been given enough to eat. Tilly would have cooked at least a gallon of green beans and had seven or eight loaves of garlic bread, a substantial cabbage salad with carrots and celery. Not even Big was getting enough to eat, Tilly needed to have a talk with Miss Rennie, they needed more food.
Tilly privately thought that Rennie skimped a little too much feeding her own children. When Tilly filled the table both kids ate more than usual. The adults could restrict their intake, but Tilly wanted to see the littles eat as much as they wanted. Lyric was a tall thin child, too thin for Tilly's liking. The boy was more compact, but certainly not fat.
Tilly practically emptied the pantry, filling in with sides; Big was bringing in the food, Tilly was cooking it, and the men kept on eating.
Rennie looked a little shell shocked, as she asked Toby, "did your mother have to put out this much food.?"
"Sure," Toby helped himself to more. "Didn't you help or pay attention? When you ask men to do hard, physical work, their pay is what they need to eat. All the yard work, the moving in new furniture, it costs one way or another."
Rennie had just gone grocery shopping, now ninety percent of what she had bought was gone in one night's supper.
Rennie had disregarded the shopping list that Tilly had given her; shaking her head no at the quantities the cook had listed. Now she understood, having the men at her beck and call to help refurbish the monstrous sized mansion, had a stiff price.
Weakly, after supper, Rennie asked if they had enough oatmeal for breakfast.
Tilly nodded yes, but said the milk situation would be tight. "We can push butter and cinnamon sugar, but you will need to go shopping tomorrow. Since the men are going to be taking down some of the dead trees, we need lots of meat for tomorrow's supper."
"Oh my," was all Rennie could say.
Between the dishes and having to rewrite the grocery list, Tilly was late getting the kitchen cleaned.
"Thank you Tilly love, you did a great job of filling in the meal tonight; it was looking dicey if we were going to have enough to eat." Big shucked off his boots as they relaxed in their quarters later on. "Miss Rennie is getting an education, for sure. Has anyone said when Miss Clora and Mr. Mark will be home?"
"No, not a word. Big, I worry about Miss Tess being out there all by herself. There are enough strange things that happen there, I don't think she should be alone."
"Maybe I should have Gary and Donny head out there, just as a precaution. I'll go see if they have turned in for the night."
"Thank you Big, you are wonderful to take my concerns seriously."
"Anytime for you my love, any time."
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Wonderful, thank you Pac.
larry_minn
Contributing Member
Growing up when we had a work crew over. My mom brought out noon lunch. Lots, and lots of food. Extra deserts as well. Folks did not leave hungry. Me I might make a couple pizzas. As I was working as well. Store bought cookies. (Unless I planned ahead). It was “accepted” as what could be done in 25 minutes.
Helping neighbors I got to try some different stuff. home dried venison sandwiches…
Helping neighbors I got to try some different stuff. home dried venison sandwiches…
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac! A working man needs fuel!
larry_minn
Contributing Member
I just recalled. We had a tornado, lots of rebuilding. I hired a rebuild on foundation, and equipment assembled inside. They show up to assemble equipment. 2 hours in. “We forgot some parts. So we will go finish nearby job, bring parts do this tomorrow”. (As their shop 140 miles away)
fine. @7pm I get call from their boss. “Where are they? They are not answering phone…”
I should have played dumb. Instead I told what I knew. “They needed something from shop. Rather then waste 4 hours getting it they were going to a nearby job to finish”. (They stayed in area hotel, odds are a runner would bring parts)
he was livid. He had promised another place the crew on site next am…
so @9 pm they come in yard. Spitting nails. No power inside. So I grab what lighting I have, run cords to give area lighting. Helps a little. I go inside cook a pizza, grab sodas…. Bring that out. That really helped attitudes. Of course next day I had to check, tighten every bolt. Advantage I used can of red spray paint. (To mark I got it). Redneck locktite.
. At least a dozen bolts hand tight.
fine. @7pm I get call from their boss. “Where are they? They are not answering phone…”
I should have played dumb. Instead I told what I knew. “They needed something from shop. Rather then waste 4 hours getting it they were going to a nearby job to finish”. (They stayed in area hotel, odds are a runner would bring parts)
he was livid. He had promised another place the crew on site next am…
so @9 pm they come in yard. Spitting nails. No power inside. So I grab what lighting I have, run cords to give area lighting. Helps a little. I go inside cook a pizza, grab sodas…. Bring that out. That really helped attitudes. Of course next day I had to check, tighten every bolt. Advantage I used can of red spray paint. (To mark I got it). Redneck locktite.
. At least a dozen bolts hand tight.Dumb Blonde
Contributing Member
I use bright yellow nail polish on my engine repairs. Loctite and highlights what I've done for next time.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#583
Donny was already asleep when Big got to their room, but Gary pulled his boots on and agreed to go out to the retreat. "How did Tess wind up being out there alone? That's not good security, as far as I'm concerned. She's very capable, but one rifle against a unknown assailant is not the odds I'm comfortable with." Gary told Big, and the man agreed.
"Not that I would ever like to explain that to Dad. I value my hide a little too much to take on such a dressing down." Gary got his altogethers, together and went out to start his Jeep.
"Where's he going at this time of night?" Toby sounded cranky. "I've got work for him to do tomorrow."
"Miss Tess is out there alone," Big informed Toby in a censuring tone; "it's too risky to have her by herself. Too many things happen out there to consider it safe ground."
"Yeah," Toby finally agreed, "I forgot about that fact in all the relocating we've been doing. I suppose Milo got moved, he should have stayed until Ma and Dad got back. It's really inconvenient to have them gone; do you know when they are coming back?"
"No, we don't know. Don't forget they expected that Tilly and I would be there for security. This is a serious lapse on my part, Toby we need to return tomorrow; I'm not going to break Mark's trust in us." Big was definite, and Toby could tell there was no changing the man's mind.
Toby nodded and walked slowly back to the living room. Rennie was just herding the kids to bed, and they had to stop and give dad a hug and a goodnight.
"Come back," Toby told Rennie, "we have a problem."
Rennie nodded and hustled the kids to their rooms and listened to prayers and good nights. Walking back to the living room, she found Toby pacing up and down wearing a serious frown.
"What's happening luv?"
"Big just informed me that he and Tilly are moving back to the retreat tomorrow, Tess is out there all alone. I didn't realize Milo and Honey were moving out so soon. What a inconvenience and a bother, we have so much work to do here, you will need to grocery shop and cook the meals tomorrow. Sorry to spring this on you at such short notice."
"Toby," Rennie was a bit short tempered, "I have clients coming tomorrow morning, one set at 9:30 and the second set at 11. I don't have time to grocery shop or, cook the bloody meal. Just tell Tom, Donny and Gary that they have tomorrow off. Surely Tilly can be back by the next day."
"No, Big says they were expected to be at the retreat and that where they will be until Ma and Dad get back home. And when are they coming home? I haven't a clue."
Rennie was definitely put out. "What, no they can't do that. How are we going to get everything arranged here. I don't have time to do the cooking for that many; we need to call the employment people and hire a cook and handyman. Do you have clients tomorrow morning? If you don't, would you handle that please. I'm going to have a real short time between getting the kids to school and getting back here for my first consultation."
Toby wasn't pleased to be in that position, he had work to do, and it was probably much more important than what Rennie would be doing. He nodded curtly, "I do have the morning free from clients, but I have court the next three days, so if we get any applicants, you will need to do the interviews. I have a client appointment at 2pm. tomorrow to prepare for the upcoming trial." Toby could see that Rennie was disappointed to be in charge of the hiring.
"How are we going to get the kids to and from school if we're both busy?" Rennie started to wring her hands. "What if we asked one of the men to stay and help? Which one do you suggest?"
"Probably Tom, he gets along good with the kids, helps where he can, and he might also cook. I'll ask him tomorrow." Toby felt a stirring of hope for the situation.
"I believe I would appreciate that. Pay him double, if necessary." Rennie concluded. "I've got to do some prep work for my first client, I'll be about an hour." Then she disappeared into the office suite.
"Two weeks," Toby said to himself. "Two weeks of living here, and things are already starting to fall apart." Well, they had to find a way to make things work; they weren't the only husband and wife that both had jobs, it would just take some adjusting, he told himself.
Donny was already asleep when Big got to their room, but Gary pulled his boots on and agreed to go out to the retreat. "How did Tess wind up being out there alone? That's not good security, as far as I'm concerned. She's very capable, but one rifle against a unknown assailant is not the odds I'm comfortable with." Gary told Big, and the man agreed.
"Not that I would ever like to explain that to Dad. I value my hide a little too much to take on such a dressing down." Gary got his altogethers, together and went out to start his Jeep.
"Where's he going at this time of night?" Toby sounded cranky. "I've got work for him to do tomorrow."
"Miss Tess is out there alone," Big informed Toby in a censuring tone; "it's too risky to have her by herself. Too many things happen out there to consider it safe ground."
"Yeah," Toby finally agreed, "I forgot about that fact in all the relocating we've been doing. I suppose Milo got moved, he should have stayed until Ma and Dad got back. It's really inconvenient to have them gone; do you know when they are coming back?"
"No, we don't know. Don't forget they expected that Tilly and I would be there for security. This is a serious lapse on my part, Toby we need to return tomorrow; I'm not going to break Mark's trust in us." Big was definite, and Toby could tell there was no changing the man's mind.
Toby nodded and walked slowly back to the living room. Rennie was just herding the kids to bed, and they had to stop and give dad a hug and a goodnight.
"Come back," Toby told Rennie, "we have a problem."
Rennie nodded and hustled the kids to their rooms and listened to prayers and good nights. Walking back to the living room, she found Toby pacing up and down wearing a serious frown.
"What's happening luv?"
"Big just informed me that he and Tilly are moving back to the retreat tomorrow, Tess is out there all alone. I didn't realize Milo and Honey were moving out so soon. What a inconvenience and a bother, we have so much work to do here, you will need to grocery shop and cook the meals tomorrow. Sorry to spring this on you at such short notice."
"Toby," Rennie was a bit short tempered, "I have clients coming tomorrow morning, one set at 9:30 and the second set at 11. I don't have time to grocery shop or, cook the bloody meal. Just tell Tom, Donny and Gary that they have tomorrow off. Surely Tilly can be back by the next day."
"No, Big says they were expected to be at the retreat and that where they will be until Ma and Dad get back home. And when are they coming home? I haven't a clue."
Rennie was definitely put out. "What, no they can't do that. How are we going to get everything arranged here. I don't have time to do the cooking for that many; we need to call the employment people and hire a cook and handyman. Do you have clients tomorrow morning? If you don't, would you handle that please. I'm going to have a real short time between getting the kids to school and getting back here for my first consultation."
Toby wasn't pleased to be in that position, he had work to do, and it was probably much more important than what Rennie would be doing. He nodded curtly, "I do have the morning free from clients, but I have court the next three days, so if we get any applicants, you will need to do the interviews. I have a client appointment at 2pm. tomorrow to prepare for the upcoming trial." Toby could see that Rennie was disappointed to be in charge of the hiring.
"How are we going to get the kids to and from school if we're both busy?" Rennie started to wring her hands. "What if we asked one of the men to stay and help? Which one do you suggest?"
"Probably Tom, he gets along good with the kids, helps where he can, and he might also cook. I'll ask him tomorrow." Toby felt a stirring of hope for the situation.
"I believe I would appreciate that. Pay him double, if necessary." Rennie concluded. "I've got to do some prep work for my first client, I'll be about an hour." Then she disappeared into the office suite.
"Two weeks," Toby said to himself. "Two weeks of living here, and things are already starting to fall apart." Well, they had to find a way to make things work; they weren't the only husband and wife that both had jobs, it would just take some adjusting, he told himself.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac. Trouble is brewing for sure.
accountant
Contributing Member
Every plan works perfectly until it doesn't.
A.
A.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#586
Gary drove out toward the retreat, the night air made him shiver. It smelled like rain, and there was lightening in the far distance. Gary was thinking that if the weather was going to act up. he needed to put the soft top back on the Jeep, so he headed for home.
Gary made a slight detour around to a certain subdivision that held a certain old white house that was shelter for a certain feisty lady. There was a bright glowing light in the front of the house, so Gary assumed Breezy was in her office working. He felt kinda like a teenager, checking up on his lady friend, one of these days, he told himself, he was gonna stop in and ask her to supper.
The thought made him smile as he turned on the beltway and headed for home.
When he got home, Gary was aggravated to find the gate open and a lot of lights on in the house. He turned his lights off and coasted into the yard. There was a strange pickup pulled up in front, and Gary was instantly suspicious of what might be happening.
The dogs were lying by the front wheel of the pickup, and didn't appear agitated, so that was a plus signifying that there wasn't mischief afoot.
Tess and that Branch guy were washing dishes and talking. Gary had his pistol drawn and down by his leg as he walked in the door, and they both looked up and called out their hello's.
"What's happening?" Gary asked as he wasn't happy with the coziness of the situation before his eyes. All of a sudden three boys exploded out from behind the sink, shouting "Bam, Bam; you're dead Uncle Gary. We just shot you." Boys then laughed and went running around the table.
Director Woody Branch holstered his weapon in the small of the back holster he favored, smiling at Gary and greeting the man in a cordial manner.
"Aren't you out kinda late for a weeknight?" Gary tried not to sound snippy.
"Not necessarily," Woody replied smoothly. "I had no intention of leaving Tess out here by herself. If you hadn't shown up, I would have stayed the night."
Gary scowled, just who did this guy think he was.
"Gary," Tess's voice held a warning note, "I very much appreciate Woody's offer of protection for the night. I really expected one or more of you guys would be here. If you're gone, I need to know so I can make arrangements."
"Big and Tilly will be here tomorrow. Tilly was in a tizzy tonight over the amount of food Rennie was restricting the supper menu. Big said they were leaving before Tilly said something inappropriate about skimping on food for the working men. His belly was growling loudly, and it made me laugh. Big said most of his supper went to Donny, who only stopped eating because there was no more food."
Gary walked over to the back counter where the food was cooling before it was put in the refrigerator. "Oh, meat loaf, have you guys eaten? I'm still hungry, do ya mind if I eat this?" he asked as he grabbed a fork and the loaf pan of meat. "Ummm." he said with a mouthful, "good."
"I guess that takes care of the leftovers," Tess laughed, and Woody coughed and turned mournful eyes toward Tess.
"Now what am I gonna do, I was wanting to take that home for my supper tomorrow."
"Yeah, Gary. Go eat supper at your girl friends house and leave us alone." Tess was laughing, but deadly serious.
"I'm working on it, good things take time. It's not good to rush and miss out on the special small things that happen." Gary smiled as he was chewing. "Good 'do' on this sis. What's for supper tomorrow?"
"Just keep that advise in mind yourself," Woody counselled, "we sure wouldn't want you to feel like a third wheel around here." and he wasn't smiling.
The posturing went back and forth as warnings were sent, received and returned. The two men traded wits and insults until Tess shook her finger at them and gave them 'the look.'
"Oh my, that's scary," Woody pretended to shiver, "does she do that often?"
"A learned behavior from her mother. That woman could make a dozen kids behave instantly with one of those. Of course, Dad was usually standing behind her with a big stick, so that helped some." then he laughed. "Tess keeps her boys in line with one of those, so the legend keeps on working."
"Tell me, what does your Dad have that's calling him to the West Coast. They left Denver today for Washington. I don't mind telling you that my request for a shuttle helo put a dent in my credibility. Does your Dad always get his own way?" Woody was puzzled when both Gary and Tess started laughing.
"If not at first, then eventually," Gary finished. "I've never known it to fail. I think Ma is the only person who has ever changed his mind, and then not often."
"As for why they wanted to go to Washington, they both have quite a bit of history with that place. Let me tell you a story, let's grab a cup of coffee, cause it's a long one." Tess found a plate of cookies and they settled at the table.
"Boys, please get ready for bed," Tess instructed, before she got started on the tale of living in the 'valley.'
Gary drove out toward the retreat, the night air made him shiver. It smelled like rain, and there was lightening in the far distance. Gary was thinking that if the weather was going to act up. he needed to put the soft top back on the Jeep, so he headed for home.
Gary made a slight detour around to a certain subdivision that held a certain old white house that was shelter for a certain feisty lady. There was a bright glowing light in the front of the house, so Gary assumed Breezy was in her office working. He felt kinda like a teenager, checking up on his lady friend, one of these days, he told himself, he was gonna stop in and ask her to supper.
The thought made him smile as he turned on the beltway and headed for home.
When he got home, Gary was aggravated to find the gate open and a lot of lights on in the house. He turned his lights off and coasted into the yard. There was a strange pickup pulled up in front, and Gary was instantly suspicious of what might be happening.
The dogs were lying by the front wheel of the pickup, and didn't appear agitated, so that was a plus signifying that there wasn't mischief afoot.
Tess and that Branch guy were washing dishes and talking. Gary had his pistol drawn and down by his leg as he walked in the door, and they both looked up and called out their hello's.
"What's happening?" Gary asked as he wasn't happy with the coziness of the situation before his eyes. All of a sudden three boys exploded out from behind the sink, shouting "Bam, Bam; you're dead Uncle Gary. We just shot you." Boys then laughed and went running around the table.
Director Woody Branch holstered his weapon in the small of the back holster he favored, smiling at Gary and greeting the man in a cordial manner.
"Aren't you out kinda late for a weeknight?" Gary tried not to sound snippy.
"Not necessarily," Woody replied smoothly. "I had no intention of leaving Tess out here by herself. If you hadn't shown up, I would have stayed the night."
Gary scowled, just who did this guy think he was.
"Gary," Tess's voice held a warning note, "I very much appreciate Woody's offer of protection for the night. I really expected one or more of you guys would be here. If you're gone, I need to know so I can make arrangements."
"Big and Tilly will be here tomorrow. Tilly was in a tizzy tonight over the amount of food Rennie was restricting the supper menu. Big said they were leaving before Tilly said something inappropriate about skimping on food for the working men. His belly was growling loudly, and it made me laugh. Big said most of his supper went to Donny, who only stopped eating because there was no more food."
Gary walked over to the back counter where the food was cooling before it was put in the refrigerator. "Oh, meat loaf, have you guys eaten? I'm still hungry, do ya mind if I eat this?" he asked as he grabbed a fork and the loaf pan of meat. "Ummm." he said with a mouthful, "good."
"I guess that takes care of the leftovers," Tess laughed, and Woody coughed and turned mournful eyes toward Tess.
"Now what am I gonna do, I was wanting to take that home for my supper tomorrow."
"Yeah, Gary. Go eat supper at your girl friends house and leave us alone." Tess was laughing, but deadly serious.
"I'm working on it, good things take time. It's not good to rush and miss out on the special small things that happen." Gary smiled as he was chewing. "Good 'do' on this sis. What's for supper tomorrow?"
"Just keep that advise in mind yourself," Woody counselled, "we sure wouldn't want you to feel like a third wheel around here." and he wasn't smiling.
The posturing went back and forth as warnings were sent, received and returned. The two men traded wits and insults until Tess shook her finger at them and gave them 'the look.'
"Oh my, that's scary," Woody pretended to shiver, "does she do that often?"
"A learned behavior from her mother. That woman could make a dozen kids behave instantly with one of those. Of course, Dad was usually standing behind her with a big stick, so that helped some." then he laughed. "Tess keeps her boys in line with one of those, so the legend keeps on working."
"Tell me, what does your Dad have that's calling him to the West Coast. They left Denver today for Washington. I don't mind telling you that my request for a shuttle helo put a dent in my credibility. Does your Dad always get his own way?" Woody was puzzled when both Gary and Tess started laughing.
"If not at first, then eventually," Gary finished. "I've never known it to fail. I think Ma is the only person who has ever changed his mind, and then not often."
"As for why they wanted to go to Washington, they both have quite a bit of history with that place. Let me tell you a story, let's grab a cup of coffee, cause it's a long one." Tess found a plate of cookies and they settled at the table.
"Boys, please get ready for bed," Tess instructed, before she got started on the tale of living in the 'valley.'
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Another great one Pac. THat will be some story. Thank you.
larry_minn
Contributing Member
A man should make sure a lady is safe before leaving. Always have them wave from their apartment window after dropping them off.
I got really ticked at how a gal I had dated, thought we were becoming a couple again used me…. I still could not dump her off. (After college) Took he home by 9 pm. Last time We went out.
I got really ticked at how a gal I had dated, thought we were becoming a couple again used me…. I still could not dump her off. (After college) Took he home by 9 pm. Last time We went out.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#587
Tess talked for a solid half hour, then had to take a break and put her boys to bed.
"Is all we've heard true?" Woody asked Gary, who was learning a few new revelations himself.
"I've never known Tess to lie or even stretch the truth. That part of her personality has not always been to her benefit, but it is the way she is." Gary didn't sugar coat his thoughts.
"I can believe that," Woody nodded, "she has told me that she's recovering from a bad break up. If I could find that guy, I'd do him some damage. A man that treats a fine woman like Tess in that way, outta be horsewhipped." There was enough heat in Woody's words, that Gary had no doubt that the man would precisely do that in spades.
The honesty in Woody's voice gave Gary pause to relax. Tess would be in good hands if the two of them ever got together.
Tess got back to the kitchen, refreshed the coffee and cookies and launched into the second half of the long and involved tale.
Milo and Honey were getting ready for bed; their night routine unsurprisingly almost a copy cat repeat of Mark and Clora's. Honey was brushing her hair and Milo was finishing exercises.
Milo's wounded and shot up body would never be 100 percent recovered, but he was lean and fit. A replica of Mark with red hair, he was devilishly handsome, an incorrigible tease and a mighty good husband.
Honey was still as capable and smart, and of all the children, they unconsciously patterned themselves, the most, after Mark and Clora.
Milo finished his exercises and called Toby, asking if any of the clan had gone back to spend the night at the retreat, so Tess wasn't there alone.
"Gary did, and Big and Tilly are going back tomorrow. I don't mind telling ya, this has put a big kink in our plans. We were heavily dependent on Big and Tilly being here to help, and this has really put the both of us in a bind. You wouldn't want to help for a week or so, would ya?" Toby was doing his best to persuade Milo to come help.
Toby was on speaker phone and Honey was violently shaking her head no. Her expression was a very clear rejection of Toby's plea.
"Sorry bro, up to my ears here with problems. All I can think of is some staffing agency or the employment office." Milo offered all he could think of, on such short notice.
Toby mumbled a insincere noise and signed off.
"What was that all about?" Milo asked, "we could have helped them for a couple of days."
"Milo, dear heart, if you want to cook and clean and drive children for your brother, go right ahead. I am going to enroll Robbie in school tomorrow, put Mila in pre kindergarten and come home and work on my own house. I hate to say this, but Toby and Rennie have put themselves into this position, by each one expecting the other to give in to their demands. I'm staying out of it, and I recommend that you do the same. Why do you think your mother with all her precognition, left on vacation?"
At Milo's vacant look, Honey got into bed and told him, "your mother wants ALL of her children to solve their own problems. Toby, Milo, Tess, Gary and Donny. It's time Milo. It's just time."
"Oh, well if you're sure," Milo acted like he was goofy, and hopped into bed with a wicked gleam in his eye. The lights went out immediately.
Tess talked for a solid half hour, then had to take a break and put her boys to bed.
"Is all we've heard true?" Woody asked Gary, who was learning a few new revelations himself.
"I've never known Tess to lie or even stretch the truth. That part of her personality has not always been to her benefit, but it is the way she is." Gary didn't sugar coat his thoughts.
"I can believe that," Woody nodded, "she has told me that she's recovering from a bad break up. If I could find that guy, I'd do him some damage. A man that treats a fine woman like Tess in that way, outta be horsewhipped." There was enough heat in Woody's words, that Gary had no doubt that the man would precisely do that in spades.
The honesty in Woody's voice gave Gary pause to relax. Tess would be in good hands if the two of them ever got together.
Tess got back to the kitchen, refreshed the coffee and cookies and launched into the second half of the long and involved tale.
Milo and Honey were getting ready for bed; their night routine unsurprisingly almost a copy cat repeat of Mark and Clora's. Honey was brushing her hair and Milo was finishing exercises.
Milo's wounded and shot up body would never be 100 percent recovered, but he was lean and fit. A replica of Mark with red hair, he was devilishly handsome, an incorrigible tease and a mighty good husband.
Honey was still as capable and smart, and of all the children, they unconsciously patterned themselves, the most, after Mark and Clora.
Milo finished his exercises and called Toby, asking if any of the clan had gone back to spend the night at the retreat, so Tess wasn't there alone.
"Gary did, and Big and Tilly are going back tomorrow. I don't mind telling ya, this has put a big kink in our plans. We were heavily dependent on Big and Tilly being here to help, and this has really put the both of us in a bind. You wouldn't want to help for a week or so, would ya?" Toby was doing his best to persuade Milo to come help.
Toby was on speaker phone and Honey was violently shaking her head no. Her expression was a very clear rejection of Toby's plea.
"Sorry bro, up to my ears here with problems. All I can think of is some staffing agency or the employment office." Milo offered all he could think of, on such short notice.
Toby mumbled a insincere noise and signed off.
"What was that all about?" Milo asked, "we could have helped them for a couple of days."
"Milo, dear heart, if you want to cook and clean and drive children for your brother, go right ahead. I am going to enroll Robbie in school tomorrow, put Mila in pre kindergarten and come home and work on my own house. I hate to say this, but Toby and Rennie have put themselves into this position, by each one expecting the other to give in to their demands. I'm staying out of it, and I recommend that you do the same. Why do you think your mother with all her precognition, left on vacation?"
At Milo's vacant look, Honey got into bed and told him, "your mother wants ALL of her children to solve their own problems. Toby, Milo, Tess, Gary and Donny. It's time Milo. It's just time."
"Oh, well if you're sure," Milo acted like he was goofy, and hopped into bed with a wicked gleam in his eye. The lights went out immediately.
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sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Big smiles, and thank you.223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac!
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
What could possibly go wrong in that mix??Lessee - Gary and Donny are headed home, and Director Branch is having supper with Tess and the boys. I sure hope everyone behaves themselves
Forget it.
If I go into detail, it'll be thread jacking.
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PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#588
It was well past midnight before Tess finished her account of Mark, Clora and the valley. "I wish I could tell you why they were in such a toot to get out there, but I haven't a clue. I would expect such haste from Dad, but Ma is usually harder to convince to move on a whim."
"I've gotta go to bed, I worked a lot of manual labor today. Are you goin or stayin?" Gary challenged Woody, as the visitor made no effort to move.
"Woody, I invite you to stay, there are several unused rooms in the 'men's wing' that you could use." Tess spoke up around a yawn. "I'll put the dogs on guard, they'll alert us if anyone is prowling around."
Gary nodded his acceptance of the plan and Woody followed with a "yeah, I didn't realize it was so late. That was such a captivating story, I didn't want it to end. I do appreciate the offer of a room, and I accept. I will need to leave by 8am. I hope that won't inconvenience you."
"My boys will be up by 6, and I'll try to keep the noise level down," Tess laughed as she went to the door and called out "Guard," to the dogs.
"Don't go outside without one of us to take them off guard, they will tear you to pieces," she warned Woody, "they don't fool around."
"Understood," Woody gave Tess what he hoped was a meaningful look and a wave as he followed Gary down the hall.
Gary, just for the meanness of it, gave Woody the room past his. The man would have to walk past Gary's room, if he intended to do any late night rummaging around. Gary went to sleep in guard mode; expecting that his subconscious would hear any disturbances and wake him up.
Woody hadn't got to be the head man in the Marshal's Service by being a fool. He was well aware of Gary's intention, and approved of the caution the brother was showing for his sister. Woody so enjoyed the meal, the conversation and the small window of normalcy, that he went to sleep smiling.
The atmosphere was a bit more tense at Toby's the next morning. Big and Tilly stayed long enough to get breakfast and get the kids to school.
Tilly cleaned the kitchen while Toby put the hard sell on Tom to take over the household duties. Finally, the stubborn man relented and said he would give it a try. The only condition was, he wanted a credit card to grocery shop with.
"I intend to buy enough groceries to stock the pantry, and meat to fill the freezer. No more of these sissy meals, it'll be meat and potatoes with a vegetable. We don't need a lot of desserts, maybe cookies and icecream occasionally. Just plain grub, and plenty of it." Tom looked sternly at Toby and Rennie. "Any complaints and I'm outta here." He finished in a voice as stern as his look.
Toby agreed instantly, everything that Tom said suited him to a tee. Rennie was a little slower to give her opinion, but common sense won out and she nodded. "I'll take the kids to school this morning and add you to the 'pick up' list, that way we are all tidied up."
"Thank you Tilly and Big for coming to help us," Rennie remembered at the last minute to thank the housekeeper and handyman. The amount of food that Donny ate for breakfast was still an astonishment, but as everyone scattered to do their chores, the sound of the chainsaw could be heard, as the young man went to work.
Big and Tilly stopped in town to do some shopping, before committing themselves to the daily routine of the retreat. "This will almost be like loafing," Tilly smiled at her crazy handsome husband. "How about a haircut and a new pair of boots. Toby slipped me a wad of cash as we left, I don't know if he thought money was a salve for the chintzy way Miss Rennie wanted me to cook, but I'm sure glad Tom straightened her out at the get-go. I fear he might have an up hill battle on his hands."
"Well Tilly my dear; are you ready to fight?"
"Fight, what in the world are you talking about Big? Fight who and why?" Tilly sputtered as they drove to a shopping mall.
"If I get all duded up with new duds and a haircut, you know you will have to fight the women off me; it's yust a natural occurrence that happens every time they slap that good smell'm on me. I simply drive all the women wild."
"Big, you are a caution. I'll tell you what," Tilly pretended to do a deep consideration of the problem. "If a rich one wants ya, I say let her spend her money on ya. When yer rich, I'll take ya back and we'll all be happy." Then she laughed at the shocked expression on Big's face.
"Tilly!" he gasped, what ever in the world made you say that." Big was out of words, his teasing had been turned back on himself and he didn't know what to say.
"Oh, you know how it is," Tilly said as she got out of the pickup. "I'll be in the grocery, come find me when your ready to go home." Tilly blew Big a kiss, as she sashayed into the store with an exaggerated sway to her hips.
Big chuckled to himself, as he walked across the parking lot toward the barbershop. That Tilly, she sure helped make his world a better place.
It was well past midnight before Tess finished her account of Mark, Clora and the valley. "I wish I could tell you why they were in such a toot to get out there, but I haven't a clue. I would expect such haste from Dad, but Ma is usually harder to convince to move on a whim."
"I've gotta go to bed, I worked a lot of manual labor today. Are you goin or stayin?" Gary challenged Woody, as the visitor made no effort to move.
"Woody, I invite you to stay, there are several unused rooms in the 'men's wing' that you could use." Tess spoke up around a yawn. "I'll put the dogs on guard, they'll alert us if anyone is prowling around."
Gary nodded his acceptance of the plan and Woody followed with a "yeah, I didn't realize it was so late. That was such a captivating story, I didn't want it to end. I do appreciate the offer of a room, and I accept. I will need to leave by 8am. I hope that won't inconvenience you."
"My boys will be up by 6, and I'll try to keep the noise level down," Tess laughed as she went to the door and called out "Guard," to the dogs.
"Don't go outside without one of us to take them off guard, they will tear you to pieces," she warned Woody, "they don't fool around."
"Understood," Woody gave Tess what he hoped was a meaningful look and a wave as he followed Gary down the hall.
Gary, just for the meanness of it, gave Woody the room past his. The man would have to walk past Gary's room, if he intended to do any late night rummaging around. Gary went to sleep in guard mode; expecting that his subconscious would hear any disturbances and wake him up.
Woody hadn't got to be the head man in the Marshal's Service by being a fool. He was well aware of Gary's intention, and approved of the caution the brother was showing for his sister. Woody so enjoyed the meal, the conversation and the small window of normalcy, that he went to sleep smiling.
The atmosphere was a bit more tense at Toby's the next morning. Big and Tilly stayed long enough to get breakfast and get the kids to school.
Tilly cleaned the kitchen while Toby put the hard sell on Tom to take over the household duties. Finally, the stubborn man relented and said he would give it a try. The only condition was, he wanted a credit card to grocery shop with.
"I intend to buy enough groceries to stock the pantry, and meat to fill the freezer. No more of these sissy meals, it'll be meat and potatoes with a vegetable. We don't need a lot of desserts, maybe cookies and icecream occasionally. Just plain grub, and plenty of it." Tom looked sternly at Toby and Rennie. "Any complaints and I'm outta here." He finished in a voice as stern as his look.
Toby agreed instantly, everything that Tom said suited him to a tee. Rennie was a little slower to give her opinion, but common sense won out and she nodded. "I'll take the kids to school this morning and add you to the 'pick up' list, that way we are all tidied up."
"Thank you Tilly and Big for coming to help us," Rennie remembered at the last minute to thank the housekeeper and handyman. The amount of food that Donny ate for breakfast was still an astonishment, but as everyone scattered to do their chores, the sound of the chainsaw could be heard, as the young man went to work.
Big and Tilly stopped in town to do some shopping, before committing themselves to the daily routine of the retreat. "This will almost be like loafing," Tilly smiled at her crazy handsome husband. "How about a haircut and a new pair of boots. Toby slipped me a wad of cash as we left, I don't know if he thought money was a salve for the chintzy way Miss Rennie wanted me to cook, but I'm sure glad Tom straightened her out at the get-go. I fear he might have an up hill battle on his hands."
"Well Tilly my dear; are you ready to fight?"
"Fight, what in the world are you talking about Big? Fight who and why?" Tilly sputtered as they drove to a shopping mall.
"If I get all duded up with new duds and a haircut, you know you will have to fight the women off me; it's yust a natural occurrence that happens every time they slap that good smell'm on me. I simply drive all the women wild."
"Big, you are a caution. I'll tell you what," Tilly pretended to do a deep consideration of the problem. "If a rich one wants ya, I say let her spend her money on ya. When yer rich, I'll take ya back and we'll all be happy." Then she laughed at the shocked expression on Big's face.
"Tilly!" he gasped, what ever in the world made you say that." Big was out of words, his teasing had been turned back on himself and he didn't know what to say.
"Oh, you know how it is," Tilly said as she got out of the pickup. "I'll be in the grocery, come find me when your ready to go home." Tilly blew Big a kiss, as she sashayed into the store with an exaggerated sway to her hips.
Big chuckled to himself, as he walked across the parking lot toward the barbershop. That Tilly, she sure helped make his world a better place.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Enjoyable as always, thank you.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#588b
Gary heard Woody's phone ring twice during the night. The man might be away from his desk, but he wasn't away from his obligations. The man's low voice assured Gary that the man was honoring his unspoken effort to stay in his room. That suited Gary; he didn't want to work for a dishonorable man.
Gary's plan to join his father, Milo and Tess in the Marshal's Service seemed to be the most sure fire way to have a job that made use of his talents. He didn't want to go back into the military, or a local law enforcement job, so the MS it was.
The problem of working for a potential brother in law crossed his mind a time or two, but basically Tess hadn't made any declarations, so who knew if it would become something concrete or not.
Tess seemed more open and approachable to this Woody fella, far more than she had welcomed Wyatt. Where ever Wyatt had gone, Gary hoped the man was smart enough to be far away from the Linderman's. Woody wasn't the only one ready to put a real hurt on the ex-sheriff.
Tess was absolutely correct. Her boys were up at 6, ready to play and eat. Several times they went running down the hall to 'wake up' Uncle Gary and the new guy. It took three trips of not so quiet running and laughing, before Uncle Gary growled at them through his closed door. That hushed the playful hilarity for all of ten seconds, before little boy feet in too big boots started clumping again.
Woody opened his door stealthily and then yelled "BOO," that caused screams of pretend fright and more clumping. Tess called for them to come to the table and Woody followed the terrible trio with a big grin on his face.
Six eyes stared at him, censuring his scare tactic. It wasn't fair when they were the ones scared, and the boys were almost sulking.
"Did I scare you?" Woody asked, "didn't you think that was fun?"
"Not really," Peter spoke up for the first time. "We didn't think you would do that."
Tess intervened, "sit down guys, the oatmeal and toast is ready. Woody, would you like to ask the blessing?"
Daniel interrupted, "I don't think he should get to say the blessing, he scared us."
"I didn't ask for your opinion," Tess said tartly. "If you play rough, you get rough back. Are there any questions?"
"No Ma'am," three voices said together, and bowed their heads.
Tess nodded to Woody and he started a short but heartfelt blessing for the good smelling food. It was good, better than any toast and oatmeal he had ever eaten. Woody was finished with his second bowl and third piece of toast when Gary came shuffling down the hall, yawning and scratching.
"Ma don't allow that Uncle Gary, you gotta quit that." Daniel was quick to call out his uncle's bad behavior.
Woody was laughing in his coffee cup, and Gary turned a bloodshot eye his way and stared balefully.
"Huh," was Gary's profound remark. "Well it ain't your Ma that was itching. When I itch, I scratch, so there."
That made the boys giggle and suddenly good humor was restored.
All four of the major players spent the day sorting out where they belonged, now that they were away from the retreat. Gary went out to the barn and took the triplets with him, to give Tess a moment alone with Woody.
"I've enjoyed yesterday and today, more than I can say. Thank you for inviting me, it's been a real pleasure." Woody remembered his manners.
"Please come again, I've enjoyed your company." Tess was standing close enough that Woody could have reached out and given her a hug, but she also looked like she would bolt like a skittish colt if he made a move toward her.
"Any time you're in D.C., come look me up," he said lightly, bringing the expected smile to her eyes.
"Not hardly," Tess shot right back, "I'm not a city girl."
"Then I will come back," Woody promised quietly, meaning every word he said.
Gary heard Woody's phone ring twice during the night. The man might be away from his desk, but he wasn't away from his obligations. The man's low voice assured Gary that the man was honoring his unspoken effort to stay in his room. That suited Gary; he didn't want to work for a dishonorable man.
Gary's plan to join his father, Milo and Tess in the Marshal's Service seemed to be the most sure fire way to have a job that made use of his talents. He didn't want to go back into the military, or a local law enforcement job, so the MS it was.
The problem of working for a potential brother in law crossed his mind a time or two, but basically Tess hadn't made any declarations, so who knew if it would become something concrete or not.
Tess seemed more open and approachable to this Woody fella, far more than she had welcomed Wyatt. Where ever Wyatt had gone, Gary hoped the man was smart enough to be far away from the Linderman's. Woody wasn't the only one ready to put a real hurt on the ex-sheriff.
Tess was absolutely correct. Her boys were up at 6, ready to play and eat. Several times they went running down the hall to 'wake up' Uncle Gary and the new guy. It took three trips of not so quiet running and laughing, before Uncle Gary growled at them through his closed door. That hushed the playful hilarity for all of ten seconds, before little boy feet in too big boots started clumping again.
Woody opened his door stealthily and then yelled "BOO," that caused screams of pretend fright and more clumping. Tess called for them to come to the table and Woody followed the terrible trio with a big grin on his face.
Six eyes stared at him, censuring his scare tactic. It wasn't fair when they were the ones scared, and the boys were almost sulking.
"Did I scare you?" Woody asked, "didn't you think that was fun?"
"Not really," Peter spoke up for the first time. "We didn't think you would do that."
Tess intervened, "sit down guys, the oatmeal and toast is ready. Woody, would you like to ask the blessing?"
Daniel interrupted, "I don't think he should get to say the blessing, he scared us."
"I didn't ask for your opinion," Tess said tartly. "If you play rough, you get rough back. Are there any questions?"
"No Ma'am," three voices said together, and bowed their heads.
Tess nodded to Woody and he started a short but heartfelt blessing for the good smelling food. It was good, better than any toast and oatmeal he had ever eaten. Woody was finished with his second bowl and third piece of toast when Gary came shuffling down the hall, yawning and scratching.
"Ma don't allow that Uncle Gary, you gotta quit that." Daniel was quick to call out his uncle's bad behavior.
Woody was laughing in his coffee cup, and Gary turned a bloodshot eye his way and stared balefully.
"Huh," was Gary's profound remark. "Well it ain't your Ma that was itching. When I itch, I scratch, so there."
That made the boys giggle and suddenly good humor was restored.
All four of the major players spent the day sorting out where they belonged, now that they were away from the retreat. Gary went out to the barn and took the triplets with him, to give Tess a moment alone with Woody.
"I've enjoyed yesterday and today, more than I can say. Thank you for inviting me, it's been a real pleasure." Woody remembered his manners.
"Please come again, I've enjoyed your company." Tess was standing close enough that Woody could have reached out and given her a hug, but she also looked like she would bolt like a skittish colt if he made a move toward her.
"Any time you're in D.C., come look me up," he said lightly, bringing the expected smile to her eyes.
"Not hardly," Tess shot right back, "I'm not a city girl."
"Then I will come back," Woody promised quietly, meaning every word he said.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh, thank you Pac.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Pac, thanks for the continuing wonderful story.
"Any time you're in D.C., come look me up," he said lightly, bringing the expected smile to her eyes.
"Not hardly," Tess shot right back, "I'm not a city girl."
"Then I will come back," Woody promised quietly, meaning every word he said.
Long distance romances are difficult to work out without one or both making changes to their lives to make it work especially with children.
Texican....
"Any time you're in D.C., come look me up," he said lightly, bringing the expected smile to her eyes.
"Not hardly," Tess shot right back, "I'm not a city girl."
"Then I will come back," Woody promised quietly, meaning every word he said.
Long distance romances are difficult to work out without one or both making changes to their lives to make it work especially with children.
Texican....
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#589
For some reason, Tess was most reluctant to see Woody leave, she stood close to the pickup with her hand on the door frame. Woody hadn't started the engine, and he put his arm on the door, very close to Tess's hand.
He was very pleased when she didn't move her hand. That's progress, he told himself, she's not pulling away. Both of them started to say something at the same time, when there was a loud, ruckus of honking of horns.
There was a squeal of brakes and the sounds of powerful motors being gunned. The limo's had flags flying on the corners of the front fenders and the horns blared incessantly.
"Woody, get out, do not reach for your weapon and do as I tell you,"Instantly, Tess was all business and in charge. Woody looked at her quizzically but followed her instructions.
Tess put the dogs on stay and whistled loudly, for Gary to come from the barn. "Stay relaxed, Gary and I know what to do," Tess laid her hand on Woody's arm.
If Woody had been a chewing man, he would have swallowed his chew when the large, robed men got out of the first car. With a AR in hand and one on a loop around their necks, the men marched without speaking into the house and barn.
Woody tensed, and Tess gave his arm a warning squeeze. "Stay cool," she muttered low, "it's just what they do."
"Is that who and what I think it is?" Woody found his voice.
"Yes," Tess held out her other arm to the three littles that came running from the barn. Gary followed, strolling across the gravel lot to stand near Tess and the boys, as a protection.
The armed squad quickly assembled around the middle limo and a older man got out with dignity.
When he got within speaking range, the man halted and asked, "The American, is he here?"
"No," Gary answered; "if you people ever bothered to call first, you would know he is gone." It was a calculated risk. Annoying the head ruler of the Saudi's was not smart, and neither was telling them that Mark was absent. They might be inclined to start mischief, without the man they wanted to see, present.
The prince waved his hand dismissively, not even taking the time to speak of the rude accusation. "The American, when will he return?"
Gary replied, after looking at Tess for confirmation that it was OK to tell the Prince where and when Mark was gone.
"Dad has been gone for two weeks and we have no idea when he will be home."
"The big and tall woman that is your mother, is she home?" the prince asked firmly.
"No, she is with our father." Gary replied, just as firm.
"Where are they, I need to speak with them most immediately," the man now demanded, and the guards closed in tighter at the tone of his voice.
Once again, Gary looked at Tess and got her nod that he could share the information. The small act was noticed by both Woody and the prince, both men filing that information away for another time.
"Both Dad and Ma are on the West Coast today. Where they might be tomorrow, I don't know," Gary responded.
The prince turned and gave an order to the man standing beside him, holding a briefcase. The nan nodded, genuflected and went to the limo.
"I require to speak with him immediately," The prince stressed, "how did he go to the other coast?"
Woody drew a breath of air, and prepared to speak, when Tess squeezed his arm once again in warning. "He's in a Marshal's Service helicopter," she spoke up, causing the prince to look at her in annoyance that a woman would speak to him.
"True, and is this man not the head of the Service?" the prince had a crafty tone to his voice.
"Yes he is, Arnold Branch, this is prince, ......." And Tess waited for the prince to supply his name. The man looked annoyed that Tess wasn't aware of his royal name and title, but the returning secretary came to the rescue by telling the head of the Marshal's Service that his royal highness Abdul ben abdul was the prince of the ruling family.
There was a long awkward silence and Woody wondered if he should offer to shake hands with the man. Tess squeezed his arm once again and shook her head slightly; stopping Woody's puzzlement.
It was a short time that seemed like hours, when the whap-whap of helicopters could be heard. Tess had her boys hide their faces in her skirt as the dust boiled when the copters sat down in the drive area..
"I will give you my father's cell number, do not shoot at them to get their attention, you will have a most unpleasant experience." Tess warned.
The prince jerked, suddenly his focused attention was turned in her direction. "You are your mother's daughter?" he asked with a haughty eye.
Tess ignored the bait he was throwing out, simply smiling and passing over his question.
"Suddenly, you remember your place," the prince jibed, as he turned to go to the center helicopter.
For some reason, Tess was most reluctant to see Woody leave, she stood close to the pickup with her hand on the door frame. Woody hadn't started the engine, and he put his arm on the door, very close to Tess's hand.
He was very pleased when she didn't move her hand. That's progress, he told himself, she's not pulling away. Both of them started to say something at the same time, when there was a loud, ruckus of honking of horns.
There was a squeal of brakes and the sounds of powerful motors being gunned. The limo's had flags flying on the corners of the front fenders and the horns blared incessantly.
"Woody, get out, do not reach for your weapon and do as I tell you,"Instantly, Tess was all business and in charge. Woody looked at her quizzically but followed her instructions.
Tess put the dogs on stay and whistled loudly, for Gary to come from the barn. "Stay relaxed, Gary and I know what to do," Tess laid her hand on Woody's arm.
If Woody had been a chewing man, he would have swallowed his chew when the large, robed men got out of the first car. With a AR in hand and one on a loop around their necks, the men marched without speaking into the house and barn.
Woody tensed, and Tess gave his arm a warning squeeze. "Stay cool," she muttered low, "it's just what they do."
"Is that who and what I think it is?" Woody found his voice.
"Yes," Tess held out her other arm to the three littles that came running from the barn. Gary followed, strolling across the gravel lot to stand near Tess and the boys, as a protection.
The armed squad quickly assembled around the middle limo and a older man got out with dignity.
When he got within speaking range, the man halted and asked, "The American, is he here?"
"No," Gary answered; "if you people ever bothered to call first, you would know he is gone." It was a calculated risk. Annoying the head ruler of the Saudi's was not smart, and neither was telling them that Mark was absent. They might be inclined to start mischief, without the man they wanted to see, present.
The prince waved his hand dismissively, not even taking the time to speak of the rude accusation. "The American, when will he return?"
Gary replied, after looking at Tess for confirmation that it was OK to tell the Prince where and when Mark was gone.
"Dad has been gone for two weeks and we have no idea when he will be home."
"The big and tall woman that is your mother, is she home?" the prince asked firmly.
"No, she is with our father." Gary replied, just as firm.
"Where are they, I need to speak with them most immediately," the man now demanded, and the guards closed in tighter at the tone of his voice.
Once again, Gary looked at Tess and got her nod that he could share the information. The small act was noticed by both Woody and the prince, both men filing that information away for another time.
"Both Dad and Ma are on the West Coast today. Where they might be tomorrow, I don't know," Gary responded.
The prince turned and gave an order to the man standing beside him, holding a briefcase. The nan nodded, genuflected and went to the limo.
"I require to speak with him immediately," The prince stressed, "how did he go to the other coast?"
Woody drew a breath of air, and prepared to speak, when Tess squeezed his arm once again in warning. "He's in a Marshal's Service helicopter," she spoke up, causing the prince to look at her in annoyance that a woman would speak to him.
"True, and is this man not the head of the Service?" the prince had a crafty tone to his voice.
"Yes he is, Arnold Branch, this is prince, ......." And Tess waited for the prince to supply his name. The man looked annoyed that Tess wasn't aware of his royal name and title, but the returning secretary came to the rescue by telling the head of the Marshal's Service that his royal highness Abdul ben abdul was the prince of the ruling family.
There was a long awkward silence and Woody wondered if he should offer to shake hands with the man. Tess squeezed his arm once again and shook her head slightly; stopping Woody's puzzlement.
It was a short time that seemed like hours, when the whap-whap of helicopters could be heard. Tess had her boys hide their faces in her skirt as the dust boiled when the copters sat down in the drive area..
"I will give you my father's cell number, do not shoot at them to get their attention, you will have a most unpleasant experience." Tess warned.
The prince jerked, suddenly his focused attention was turned in her direction. "You are your mother's daughter?" he asked with a haughty eye.
Tess ignored the bait he was throwing out, simply smiling and passing over his question.
"Suddenly, you remember your place," the prince jibed, as he turned to go to the center helicopter.
larry_minn
Contributing Member
Not sure everyone coming out, keeping empty hands is best option. My land, my rules. If you have a gate. The delay could be enough for two people to get in sniper position. (In the world of the story) While I think the kids are too young to aid in defense. As I recall interactions with other Princes…. Having a secure (below grade) hiding spot for them might be good.
It seems to me the Saudi royalty barely tolerate the family. Killing the family always seems a option they are considering…
It seems to me the Saudi royalty barely tolerate the family. Killing the family always seems a option they are considering…
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Just keeping things hopping I see, thank you.