Story The Truck the Witch and the Blacksmith

[gonewacky]

She grabbed her gun as they topped the hill. She could see the Weigh Station as a man came running out yelling, “Stop right there, and get up there and throw down the money box.”

Kathy freaked out and thought he wanted her box. She was naive to the fact that there was a strong box with the driver. She pulled her gun and pulled the hammer back. Then the hammer slipped off her thumb, and the gun went off with a boom.

Sieg was fighting with the horses, and got them calmed down. Then he saw the man on the ground shot in the neck. Sieg walked the horses the last twenty feet to the front of the Station. Thin he wrapped the rains around the hitching post, and ran back to check on Kathy. She was holding her gun shaking. Seeing Sieg she started apologizing, “I’m sorry, I’ll pay for the hole. I didn’t mean to do it.”

Sieg insisted. “Don’t worry about it lady. I know lawmen that can’t shoot that good. Go ahead and holster your gun, and wait here until I see if it’s safe.”

Going inside Sieg found Frank and Eddie tied up and gagged in chairs. He untied them and had them help him drag the dead man out back. Then Sieg went to get Kathy.

Frank was getting the stove going when Kathy came in. Looking up Frink announced, “I’ll get us something to eat as soon as the stove gets going. Sorry I’m moving a little slow, but I’m stiff from being tied up most of the day. Sieg and Eddie will be in as soon as they take care of the horses.

Unhitching the horse Eddie remarked, “You took him out with one shot Sieg.”

Sieg insisted, “Never got a chance to pull my gun. My passenger is a crack shot. She might be a woman in men’s close, but she’s as much a man as you are me. I’m sure that was the first person she ever shot. When I checked her she was shaking and apologetic.”

Eddie insisted, “Nothing a drink won’t fix. I’ll get the bottle when we go in.”

Inside Kathy was in shock. The shooting made her live the memories of Jack shooting her parents all over again. She just sat and stared at Frink. Until Sieg and Eddie came in, and dropped the strong box by the door. It landed with a thud as it hit the floor, and Kathy just about jumped out of her chair.

Eddie commented, “Yep she’s a little jumpy. I got a fix for that.”

Eddie got a bottle and set it on the table, and Sieg got some tin cups. Eddie poured the cups about half full and called, “You want a drink Frink?”

Frink replied, “Sure.”

Kathy had never had alcohol and was thirsty from the trip, so she took a big drink. Then she sat back in the chair with her mouth wide open trying to breathe. Her eyes bulged as she caught her breath.

Frink insisted, “You should just sip it.”

After they all drank there whiskey Frink questioned, “You want some more.”

Kathy was already feeling the effects of the alcohol, and remembered the man that got drunk at the Mill. Kathy was about twelve when she saw the man staggering around and falling down. Hawkins had fired him claiming someone could get killed by something like that. She didn’t want to be like that and replied, “No, I’m fine.”

Frink took the bottle and announced, “Then I’ll just put this away until the next time we need it.”

After they ate Kathy went to bed, and the men stayed up talking. She could hear them from the other room. The next thing she knew was Frink yelled. “Pancakes are headed to the table.”

Kathy got up and put on her boots, pulled her brush from her bag, and fixed her hair. Then she put on her hat and went to the table. Frink served the pancakes with hot sugar water syrup. After eating Sieg insisted it was time to go.

Out front Eddie was holding the lead horse as Sieg helped Kathy to the coach. Then Frink help Sieg put the strong box on the wagon. Kathy heard Frink say. “We’ll take care of that thing out back after you leave.”

Then Kathy heard Sieg yell, “Giddy-up.

Then they were off. It didn’t take long to get down the backside of the mountains soon they were at the Vale Weigh Station. They changed out back to four horses and Sieg told Kathy they were only about two hours from Fort Boise.

Kathy was filled with excitement, and strange feelings came over her. She was scared she wouldn’t find the law men, and excited she might at the same time. Her emotions we’re being tore apart. Then the stagecoach pulled in behind another stagecoach. Sieg was helping Kathy out when Clyde walked up questioning, “Any passengers going north?”

Sieg replied, “No, but I got a passenger looking for a lawman.”

Clyde’s eyes bulged as he saw Kathy. Then she turned around and Clyde insisted, “For a minute I that you were this gal Suzy I know. Who is this lawman you’re looking for?”

Kathy replied. “I think its Albert.”

Clyde insisted I know Albert and his deputy James. You must be Suzan’s Sister.

Just then it all came rushing back to Kathy and she insisted, “Yes her name is Suzan.”

Sieg explained, “Her ticket ends here Clyde, so you’ll have to take her in and get a ticket. Oh and the box on top of the coach took four men to load bitching the entire time.

Clyde suggested, “Why don’t we just swap coaches and strongboxes.”

Sieg replied, “It works for me.”

With that Clyde took Kathy inside with Sieg following. Pulling the Station Master off to the side, Sieg told about the robbery attempt and Kathy shooting a hole in the coach. Clyde walked over to find out what was going on. Then walked back to Kathy and informed, “Sieg’s paying for your ticket, and now I have a stagecoach with a hole in it.”

Kathy got a scared look and questioned, “Am I going to have to pay for it?”

Clyde insisted, “Mam Wells Fargo would never do something like that to a customer.”

The Station Master came and gave Kathy her ticket, Then Clyde took her to the coach. Climbing up Kathy saw a man and woman sitting next to each other in the coach. She took a seat across from them, and heard a Station worker say, “All ready to go Clyde.”

The stagecoach rocked as Clyde climbed up, and they were off. There next stop was a Saiman Weigh Station. Then it was on to Lambert. At Lambert the couple got off, and Clyde swapped mail bags and picked up Newspapers. The Station workers loaded some stuff on top of the coach, and they were off.

Kathy’s heart was pounding like it was going to pound out of her chest. Strange surges went through her body, and she felt light headed like she was going to pass out. She worried what she would say. Albert must be in his fifties by now. She was twenty nine now and he might not even remember her. It was all to over whelming.

Then the stagecoach was coming to a stop, and stopped in front of the Horseshoe Restaurant. Rebecca was waiting for the Newspapers and mail bag. Handing down the papers Clyde informed, “You might want to tell Victoria I have a guest for the boarding house.”

Stepping to one side Rebecca looked in the coach and saw Kathy staring at Albert and Jim. Rebecca gasped, “Oh my it’s Suzan’s sister.”

Then Rebecca grabbed the mail bag from Clyde and took off down the street. Clyde yelled across the street to Jim and Albert watching Rebecca going down the street. “Can you give me a hand with this box?”

Albert and Jim started across the street. Kathy panicked and jumped from the coach darting into the restaurant. She took a seat with her back to the door.

Jim climbed up next to Clyde, and instructed, “I’ll hand it down to you Albert.”

Clyde revealed as Jim tried to lift the box, “It took four men to load it.”

Jim grunted, “That isn’t happening. What is this passenger any way, an anvil salesman?”

 

[gonewacky]

Clyde replied, “No Suzan’s sister I think.”

Jim jumped down and looked through the window, there sat a woman that could be Suzy if she had red hair. Josette was taking her order, as Jim mumbled, “We need help. That box must be two hundred pounds.”

Albert announced, “I’ll get Henry and the stable boy.”

Rebecca came up on the porch and Victoria was sitting in her chair. Rebecca told Victoria about the stage passenger looking for a room. Victoria insisted, “Let’s go.”

They were unloading the box when Victoria and Rebecca showed up. Jim insisted he was getting his team and the wagon, and stopping to get Hanks Hand-Truck.

Rebecca gave Clyde the Mail bag and went in the restaurant with Victoria. They sat at the table with Kathy eating a bowl of soup. Victoria question, “I understand you’re looking for a room.”

Nervously Kathy replied, “Yes.”

Victoria revealed, “No one told me your name.”

Kathy replied, “Oh it’s Kathy.”

Victoria went on, “Its $5 a month for the room with breakfast and supper, and if you want dinner it’s another dollar a month for that. I can show you a room if you wish?”

Kathy questioned, “You want me to pay you now?”

Victoria insisted, “Honey now or at the house. It doesn’t matter to me.”

Kathy picked up her bag and took out sixty dollars and questioned, “Is this enough for now?”

Victoria replied, “Heck I’d sale you Albert for that.”

Rebecca snapped, “Victoria!”

Victoria got up and said, “See you at the house Kathy.”

Rebecca stayed at the table and talked to Kathy about her trip. Outside Albert was waiting for Jim when Victoria came out announcing, “I rented out Benjamin’s room and we have a full house again.”

Henry commented, “She looks like Suzan. I wonder if she’s a firecracker too.”

Albert replied, “She shot a hole in the stagecoach what do you think?”

Henry answered, “Yah but Clyde said it was being robbed at the time.”

Finely Jim and the stable boy showed up with the wagon. They rolled the box on the Hand-Truck to the back of the wagon. Then they lifted it into the back of the wagon and slid the hand truck in on it.

Rebecca announced, “Looks like they got your box loaded.”

Kathy grabbed some change from her bag and put it on the table, then ran out the door and hopped on the back of the wagon next to her box.

Rebecca followed Kathy and sat next to her with her lags hanging off the back.

Coming in the door Victoria informed, “I think your sister’s here sweetie. She just rented Benjamin’s old room. She dresses just like you right down to the gun and hat.”

Suzy dropped the knife in her hand, and it fell stabbing into the floor. Looking at Victoria Suzy apologized, “Sorry.” Pulling the knife from the floor Suzy exclaimed. “I don’t have a sister.”

Victoria insisted, “You could have fooled me. I thought she must be.”

Then they heard the wagon, and Rebecca and Kathy coming across the porched. Looking out the back door Suzy saw her. Rebecca was having her hang her gun on a peg. Suzy couldn’t believe what she was seeing. This was the first woman she had seen dressed like her. Coming in the back door Rebecca announced, “I’m showing Kathy her room.”

Victoria replied, “The key is on the table.”

Albert dropped the box in Kathy’s room. She was looking out the window with her back to Albert. Sliding the Hand-Truck from under the box Albert announced, “There you go. You want me to get something to open it with?”

Without turning around Kathy replied, “Thank you. It would be nice if you could open it.”

Albert took the Hand-Truck out to the wagon. At the coach house Albert retrieved a Pry Bar, and headed back to Kathy’s room. Jim took the Hand-Truck back to Hank.

Back in Kathy’s room Albert pried the boards from the top of the box. Kathy turned from the window and walked to the box. Lifting the boards off she pulled out the dress and held it up with tears running down her cheeks. Staring in Albert’s eyes she exclaimed, “It’s too small for me, but Hawkins got it for me when he took me to Oregon when it became the 33rd state in 1859. I was 13 and will never forget that.”

Albert freaked out and called out. “Truck on.”

Then he ran to the Kitchen. Suzy questioned, “Did you stop time?”

Albert replied, “We have a problem.”

Time stopped and the wagon came to a stop. Jim thought what the hell and set the wagon break and wrapped the reins around the break handle. Then he blinked to the porch at the house.

 

[gonewacky]

Sorry but I had to redo one, I messed it up.

 

[Dumb Blonde]

Sorry but I had to redo one, I messed it up.

Thank you. It makes more sense now.
Enjoying the story very much.

 

[gonewacky]

Another superpower is coming up, “The Spectrum Goddess,” you got to love it. Right? Just when you thought it couldn’t get any stranger. Something else pops up.

Now for the bad news: I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow and eye surgery Friday the 16. Then on this coming Monday the 12 I have to go to Seattle. Time to work on the story is limited, but I’ll do my best to give you something. It might be a while before I can do any of this. I’m hoping to see better when this is all over. I’m sending you my love, and may the love goddess bring you a sweet dream.

Joe

BTW The Dumb Blonde is relay smart, but don’t tell anyone.​

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Six

Through the kitchen window Albert saw Jim on the porch and headed out to him. Suzy followed and they gathered on the porch. Albert revealed, “The little girl we saved three days ago or twenty years ago, is in the house in Benjamin’s old room right now. Somehow she found us, and I don’t know what to do. She looked in my eyes and I could tell she knew who I was.

Njal appeared and chastised, “Don’t you know I’ll protect you in all ways my children. Sometimes you can’t see it when it’s there, and some know where it hides. Some can tell by things you can’t see. It’s in the air and you can smell it, and feel it on your skin but don’t see it. Still you know it’s there, and in stillness you might hear it. Now take what I’ve given you, teach it, use it, and love it.”

Then Njal hit the handle of his axe on the ground and vanished.

Suzy revealed, “Now I understand the dream. Kathy is like a battery and needs to be charged. She came here looking for me. You see she looks like me because she is like me.”

Just then Kathy came walking out on the porch with Rebecca. Kathy revealed, “The house lady in there is froze and not moving.”

Suzy looked at Rebecca and questioned, “Are you touching her Rebecca?”

Rebecca held her hands in the air and insisted, “Nope.”

Suzy rushed at Kathy making a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into her. Then Kathy hugged Suzy and little flickering stars surrounded them as the stars exploded in the air with little flashes. Then Kathy stepped back and pointed at Albert. A little spark shot from her finger and hit Albert making him disappear.

Kathy got a surprised look and revealed, “It works! I knew something was going to happen. Even as a little girl, I knew when something was going to happen. You can feel it when you’re young, just like animals can feel it when something’s changing. I think I was already feeling it that day when I was nine.”

Suzy questioned, “Where did Albert go?”

Albert revealed, “I’m right here.”

Suzy insisted, “Well I can’t see you.”

Albert insisted, “I can see me and everyone.”

Jim insisted, “I can’t see him either.’

Rebecca cried, “Bring him back!”

Kathy mumbled, “Oops, I can see him.”

Suzy instructed, “Try shooting him again.”

Kathy pointed her finger at Albert and shot a little spark from her finger and hit Albert making him reappear.

Suzy insisted, “She doesn’t freeze when time stops. She has powers and Njal sent her. Kathy must be a member of our team. Now we need to teach her the rules.

Kathy asked, “How come you look the same as when you saved me?”

Albert replied, “Because we’re time travelers. It’s only been three days for us but twenty years for you.”

Kathy asked, “Can I travel through time?”

Jim replied “Yes if I take you. I’m the time lord in the team. Our overseer Njal might send you, some or all of us to a different time to do something. Like when he sent Albert to save you.”

Kathy questioned, “Can you take me back to 1864?”

Jim asked, “Why?”

Kathy explained, “So I can stop Hawkins from dying.”

Everyone dropped their head. Then Suzy made a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into Kathy as she whispered, “I wish we could darling, but that can’t be changed. If we change what killed him. It would just happen another way. If that was possible James would have his wife back, I would have my Mom and Dad back, and Albert would have his sweet Adeline back. That’s the one thing we all have in common is we’ve lost the ones we loved the most.”

Suzy hugged Kathy and little flickering stars surrounded them. The stars were exploding in the air with little flashes as Suzy whispered, “Sorry Kathy, but we can’t do this around people. We have to keep our powers hidden from everyone. Now we have to all go back where we were so Albert can start time.”

Jim said, “Bye,” and blinked out. They all went back to where they were when time stopped. Then Albert called out, “Truck off.”

Time started and Rebecca came up behind Albert, and put her arms around him from behind. Albert assured, “We’ll do some training tomorrow. I’ll take out the Iron Horse and we’ll see what you can do.”

Kathy explained, “I thought I came looking for you Albert, but Suzan is who I needed. The love came from her. I’m having a little trouble with all this. I didn’t know what to think when I found you, and you hadn’t changed from the time I was a little girl. It scared me when I first saw you from the stagecoach. Then I convinced myself you were the children of the men that saved me.

Then I found you we’re time travelers. Oh that isn’t enough you have all these powers. You’re like gods.”

Albert butted in, “We’re not gods! We’re far from that. We’re Demon Hunters sent by a higher power to take evil from this world. Jack was evil and harming children. Our overseer sent us to save you, and the other children. None of us wonted to be Demon Hunters. A higher power made us that way, and now you too. Nothing has changed you’re still who you are. You’re just that, and a Demon Hunter.”

Rebecca insisted, “Let’s let Kathy unpack and rest. She has had a long trip that I expect to hear about at dinner.”

Albert stepped back and pulled the door shut as Rebecca whispered, “Don’t worry Albert. She’s a strong woman. She has to be to have made a trip like that.”

Albert walked past the kitchen as he announced, “Suzy, Victoria.”

Outside Albert saw Jim backing the wagon in the coach house. Walking up Jim insisted, “I’ll take Patty if you take Charlie.”

When they were riding bare back down the street Albert commented, “Kind of a crazy day.”

As they moseyed down the road Albert insisted, “I don’t think Kathy knows what is happening. I remember the first time I used my power, and it scared me.”

Jim replied, “Me to. I remember when I had you throwing horse shoes at me. I was afraid you’d hit me in the head and knock me out, or I’d break a rib or something. Thankfully I learned to use that power. I used it to save both me and Suzan from a bullet, I wasn’t afraid at all the first time I disappeared and reappeared. In fact I thought it was cool.”

Albert insisted. “We’ll just have to let her play with it and figure it out. If it worked for us it will work for her.”

Jim added. “How do you think Suzy felt when she learn to use her powers? She chased off one of Henry’s horses and blew up a fence post. Then she blew a hole in the street. In bed that night she told me she hoped she learned to control the power.”

Back in her room Kathy put her things away. She didn’t have that much but her clothes were in her dresser, and the dress hung in the Armoire. She folded the blanket over the Silver Dollars and pushed the box under the bed.

Then she laid on the bed and fell asleep. Then Hawkins came to her in a dream. “Oh my dear child you’ve grown so much. I come to tell you your journey has just started. You’re a woman now and I’m so proud of what you’ve become. Your rescuers need your help. Like they saved you it’s up to you to save them. You have more power than you know. Learn to use it for when the time is right. Always remember love is the key.

Your life is changing every day, and it's never quite as it seems. You’ll always want more, and it will be impossible to ignore. Take it and ask for more. Love is what gives you your power. I just want you to know you're everything to me.”

 

[gonewacky]

Then Hawkins faded away and she heard a knock at the door. Kathy sat on the edge of the bed and looked at the door. A speck of light appeared on the door and got bigger and brighter as she looked. It grew out word like a ring of fire burning through something. It opened up a hole and she could see through it. It was Suze standing outside the door. Kathy stood up and it disappeared. Then she walked over and opened the door. Kathy grabbed Suzy’s wrist and pulled her in. Little flickering stars surrounded where Kathy touched Suzy, as they exploded with little flashes.

Pushing the door shut with her foot. Suzy chastised, “You can’t touch me unless time is stopped, or we’re alone. If someone sees something like that we could have a big problem. We’d have to move and start all over again. Maybe even in a different time. We like it here, and I don’t want to have to do that.

As they sat on the side of the bed Kathy replied, “I don’t even think about it, but every time I touch you it’s like I’m powerful.”

Suzy smiled, “That’s the power of love charging you up. I had a dream about using my love to charge a battery. We get things through dreams sometimes, but it’s like a riddle. Then you have to figure it out.”

Kathy admitted, I just had a dream that Hawkins came to me. He told me my life was changing every day, and it's never quite as it seems. That I’ll always want more and it will be impossible to ignore. Take it and ask for more. He insisted that love is what gives me my power.

Suzy made a ball of bright colored light and pushed it into Kathy. Then Suzy insisted, “Your power comes from me. The more love I give you the more powerful you’ll get. I don’t want to charge you up to much. I want to see what you can do first. When I got my power I got it all at once, and had trouble learning to control it. I blew half the bark off a tree, and destroyed one of Henry’s fence posts.

You’ll see Henry at dinner. He owns the Livery. He doesn’t know about us. Then there is Mable she’s a Seamstress and doesn’t know. Nether dose Emily and she’s the Store Clerk. Victoria and Amos don’t know about us, so it is just the ones you saw on the porch.”

Kathy insisted, “Look at the door and watch this.”

Kathy looked at the door and a speck of light appeared on the door. Kathy questioned, “Do you see it?

Suzy replied, “I’m not seeing anything but the door.”

Kathy slipped her hand on top of Suzy’s and little flickering stars surrounded their hands as Suzy gasped, “What’s that?”

Kathy insisted, “Just watched.”

The spot got bigger and brighter as Suzy watched it. It grew out word like a ring of fire burning through something. It opened up a hole and Suzy could see through the door into the hall.

Suzy insisted, Kathy stop it! Someone might see it.”

Kathy questioned, “Did you see it when you were at the door? I was doing it then, and saw you at the door.”

Suzy pulled her hand away and it disappeared. Then Suzy put her hand back on Kathy’s hand, and she could see it again. Suzy questioned, “How did you learn to do that?”

Kathy replied, “I don’t know it just happened. If I look at something and think about seeing through it a hole opens up.”

Suzy informed, “I think we can check that out when we do training. That’s what’s nice about Rebecca. She can tell us what other people see that aren’t like us.”

Kathy asked, “What power does she have?”

Suzy replied, “She doesn’t have any powers.”

Kathy questioned, “Then why doesn’t she freeze when time’s stopped?”

Suzy revealed, “You will have to ask James and Albert about that. Rebecca was sent to Albert by his sweet Adeline. We all talked about it and agreed to let Albert give Rebecca that gift, but it’s a gift and Albert can take it back anytime he wants. How it was done is for James and Albert to tell. Dinner is all but done, so I’m going to go sit on the porch. Everyone will be coming home soon.”

Jim and Albert showed up, and they hung their guns and took a seat. Henry came around the corner, and Albert looked up and announced, “Why Henry we were just talking about you, but we’ll stop now.”

Then Emily came around the corner and Albert announced, “Miss Johnson.

Emily replied, “Albert.”

Suzy waved and Jim and Henry tipped their hat.

Then it was the same for Mable.

After washing up they all gathered at the table.

Then Victoria announced, “This is Kathy. She’s our new occupant. You might want to introduce yourself.”

“I’m Mable Watson, and everyone knows me as the Seamstress, I’m Albert Blocker the Black Smith, Emily Johnson the store clerk, I’m Henry Zimmerman, I’m James and this is my wife Suzan we’re the Whites, and I’m Rebecca Hill the one no one talks to, because I’m the news reporter. I have a column in the Lambert Times.”

After that Emily stood and announced, “I’ll pray, Father we thank you for the food, a roof over our head, and Victoria. I give special thanks for sending us Kathy. Amen. Let’s eat.”

Emily questioned, “Albert, I heard the guy that bought Turners Guns and Hardware rented your house.”

Albert replied, “He came in first thing this morning to talk to me about it. He’s Frank Reigert and his wife is Sophia. They will be moving in as soon as Mr. Turner finishes moving to Lambert. Frank and his wife came from Missouri on the Oregon Trail. His wagon is parked behind the gun store, and their living there now.”

Suzy added, “I’m sure anyone that moved any distance at all has lived out of a wagon. I know James and I did.”

Kathy chimed in, “I moved here and never spent any time in a wagon at all, but I saw hundreds of them on my way here.”

After talking and eating the men went out to the porch. Henry smoked his pipe looking through the kitchen window. All the girls had moved to one end of the table. Rebecca had her notepad and was taking notes. Finely Henry revealed, “You know we’re out numbered now. There are five women and three men.”

Jim replied, “I can’t go there I’m married to one of them.”

Albert laughed, “Steel takes a lot of heat to bend.”

Walking off to the house James swung his arms around mumbling “Danger, danger Will Robinson Danger!”

Albert exclaimed, “See what you did Henry. James has lost his mind just thinking about that firecracker going off.”

Henry replied, “That’s why I don’t go for the red heads. You got to have some Irish in yah to have red hair, and we all know about the Irish and their temper.”

Slowly they all drifted off to their rooms. The next morning Suzy was up with Victoria making bread and starting breakfast. When the bread was in the oven Suzy went to the porch. She was feeding her Crow when Victoria came out and sat in her chair asking, “What do you think of the new girl?”

Suzy threw out a piece of bread saying, “I think she’s nice. Why?”

Victoria replied, “She has given me a lot of money, and plans on paying for an entire year. That’s a long time to put up with someone if they turn out to be bad. I had a guy onetime that had nightmares, and was waking the entire house up in the middle of the night. We we’re all walking around like zombies when I refused to take his rent.”

Suzy held out her hand and called, “Bird.”

The crow flew to her hand as Suzy questioned, “What do you think about the new girl?”

The bird cawed a few times and Suzy replied, “That’s what I thought.”

 

[gonewacky]

Then the Crow jumped to the ground and went back to eating as Suzy insisted, “The crow thinks she’ll be fine.”

Victoria stared intensely at Suzy and gasped, “Suzan you surprise me, but if the bird thinks she’s good then she must be. You ready to head in sweetie? The bread should be about done.”

The crow cawed as to say good bye then flew back to the tree. Inside Suzy started the pancake batter, and Victoria made the tea for Mable and commented, “There I got Mr. Zimmerman’s coffee going and Miss. Watson’s tea.”

Suzy questioned, “Is Henry relay that bad without his coffee?”

Victoria replied, “Sweetie you have no idea. He’s like a five year old having a temper tantrum.”

Then Mable came in with her water picture. Setting it in the sink she started pumping water and muttered, “I think of James and Benjamin every time I use the pump.”

Suzy thought, If only you knew one day people will just turn a knob and get water that’s hot or cold.

Victoria added, “I know, I can’t imagine doing the dishes without it. You want me to start your toast?”

Mable replied, “Go ahead I’ll be right back. I just have to put my picture away.”

Seeing Henry coming down the hall, Victoria picked up a cup in one hand and the coffee pot in the other. Then she met Henry at the table. Henry mumbled, “Thank you Victoria.”

Then Albert knocked on Jim’s door as he announced, “Time to get up sleepy head.”

As Albert walked in Suzy announced, “Your pancake is in the pan Albert.”

Taking a seat next to Henry Albert disclosed, “Its cloudy today.”

Henry replied, “That’s the warning that mud is coming.”

Albert asked, “Did you get that from the Farmer's Almanac?”

Henry replied, “Nope, Got that from Suzan’s Crow. I heard her telling James to build a little house for it.”

Albert laughed, “Suzan, what’s the weather going to be this winter?”

Setting a stack of pancakes on the table Suzy replied, “It’s going to be a mixed bag colder than normal at times and warmer than normal at other times. It will be the coldest around Christmas with a lot of snow, but January will be warmer than normal. When the spring comes it will be cold.”

Albert question, “How do you know Suzan?”

Suzy replied walking away, “A bird told me.”

Henry chuckled, “Told yah.”

Jim came to the table and Albert hinted, “I heard you we’re going to build a bird house.”

Jim replied, “Nope, I’m hiring Herm to do it. He’s a good carpenter. I don’t want the Crow falling out of the tree. That might make wicked things happen to me.”

In the kitchen Victoria whispered, “You like messing with the men don’t you.”

Suzy just smiled taking a stack of pancakes to the table, as Emily and Mable sat across from each other. Then Rebecca came to the table and informed, “I see another Dime Novel in my future. Kathy’s life is amazing, and it’s sad that she grew up in a little shed by herself.”

Mable insisted, “I liked hearing about her Steamboat journey.”

Emily insisted, “I can’t believe she never had a drink in a bottle at her age. You know I’m giving her one when she comes in the Store.”

Henry got up and complained, “I got to go to work. Not like the sheriff and his Deputy that sit around drinking coffee all day.”

Albert got up and replied, “Was that a hint Henry? Let’s go Jim, maybe Henry will break a pitchfork and I’ll have to fix it.

Henry teased, “I’ll just buy another one from Hank.”

Albert joked, “All the rich guys are like that James.”

Then Mable and Emily left for work. Leaving Rebecca alone at the table when Suzy requested, “Rebecca would you go and knock on Kathy’s door, and find out if she’s eating?”

Rebecca returned and announced, “She’s on her way she just over slept is all.”

Suzy started the dishes as she waited for Kathy. Rebecca helped Suzy as Victoria wiped down the table. Then Kathy came to the table, and Suzy slipped the pan back to the hot side of the stove. Suzy questioned, “Do you want tea or coffee Kathy?”

Kathy replied, “All they had was coffee for the men at the Mill, but I think I’ll try the tea.”

Sliding the sugar bowl over to Kathy Victoria informed, “Miss. Watson likes a spoon of sugar in her tea. You can try it that way.”

After eating and having the dishes done Suzy told Victoria they were going to show Kathy around town. They took Kathy to the Blacksmith Shop and Albert stopped time. Then Suzy explained, “I was thinking we go to Lambert and find some demons to cast out of people, so Kathy can see what we do. Then we could go to that spot where Albert pulls up trees, and practice with Kathy. What do you think?”

Albert insisted, “Sounds good to me.”

Jim replied, “That works for me.”

Suzy looked at Kathy and insisted, “You’re part of this team we need your approval too.”

Kathy replied, “I guess I’ll have to trust you.”

Albert insisted, “James and I will get the Iron Horse.”

Then Jim put his hand on Albert’s shoulder and they blinked out. Kathy questioned. “Dose he always do that disappearing thing?”

Suzy smiled, “That’s his power. Jim can move to any time and place. Now let’s go.”

Outside they saw Jim and Albert standing in the street with the Feed and Seed doors open. Albert commanded, Clutch pedal in, brake pedal on Transmission second gear, brake pedal off clutch pedal out.”

The truck moved forward out into the street. Then Albert commanded, “Clutch pedal in, brake pedal on Transmission neutral.”

Kathy inquired, “That’s a big machine. We had lots of machines at the Mill, and they were dangerous. A machine could take off an arm, lag, or kill you. I don’t think I should get close to it.”

Rebecca insisted, “Its safe Kathy I ride in it all the time. I was scared of it too, but Albert would never let anything happen to you.”

Then the Crow came down and landed on the truck. Kathy asked. “Did you know that bird was following us?”

Suzy replied, “That’s our spirit guide. Here let me show you.”

Holding out her hand Suzy called, “Bird.”

The Crow flew to Suzy’s hand and she said, “Show Kathy.”

The bird flew to Kathy’s head, and Kathy faded in and out a few times. Then the bird flew back to the truck and Kathy revealed, “Oh it’s like a wagon and you ride in it.”

Suzy questioned, “Is that all the Crow showed you?”

Kathy smiled and replied, “If the Crow wants you to know it will tell you.”

Suzy agreed, “You’re right Kathy. What the crow shows you is between you and the crow. Let’s go stand in front of the truck with Albert and James.”

At the front of the truck Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them to Lambert. They appeared in the middle of the street in front of the Hotel.

 

[gonewacky]

Jim went down the boardwalk checking people out, and Rebecca took Kathy to the side of the truck. They were standing by the passenger door when Jim yelled, “Found one.”

Suzy made a bright flashing colored ball of light, and slammed it into the woman’s chest. Suzy held her hand tight to her chest as she ordered, “Back to hell with you Demon.”

Then a black cloud in the shape of a hideous monster slipped into the ground, and Jim went down the boardwalk. Albert made the truck follow him down the street, with Rebecca and Kathy walking along side of it.

Then Jim announced, “Found another one,”

Suzy made a bright flashing colored ball of light, and slammed it into the man’s chest and he came to life and shot a lightning bolt at Suzy. Putting up her hand Suzy blocked it, as Jim grabbed her arm and blinked them to the front of the truck by Albert. Then Jim blinked out.

A Hawk flew down and the crow cawed from the top of the truck. The Demon pointed to Suzy and the Hawk swooped at her. Suzy shot it with a lightning bolt and it started pulsating and exploded falling to the ground.

Jim appeared in front of the Demon and stabbed his knife in its eye. The Demon flung its arm throwing Jim about twenty feet away. Then the Demon pulled the knife from its eye, and it let out a loud squeal throwing the knife at Suzy. Suzy held up her hand making a dome of protection around her. Then she levitated in the air throwing balls of bright flashing colored light at the Demon.

Kathy grabbed Rebecca’s arm and Rebecca assured, “Don’t worry Kathy the Iron Horse will protect us. We’re safe here I’ve done this before. This is just a real nasty Demon, but love always wins.”

Jim appeared next to Albert taking his knife and disappearing. Then he reappeared in front of the Demon stabbing the knife in its other eye. The Demon let out an eerie cry as it flung his arms around shooting lightning bolts wildly. Albert commanded, “Clutch pedal in Winch P.T.O. low, Clutch out.”

Pulling the cable up over his shoulder Albert pulled the cable. Getting to the Demon he wrapped the cable around its neck and hooked it to itself. Then Albert yelled, “Clutch pedal in Winch P.T.O. Reverse High, Clutch out.”

With that command the cable pulled tight and pulled the Demon to the front bumper of the Truck. Albert walked alongside the Demon as it dragged on the ground. A black cloud in the shape of a hideous monster rose from the Demon. Then it was sucked into the ground as Albert exclaimed, “Back to hell with you Demon.”

Then they all gathered at the front of the truck and Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them to Wind Walker and Birdman’s farm in 1982.

Wind Walker walked out and pulled Albert off to one side. Then he warned Albert about letting people know about them. They already had Rebecca, and the overseers might not like it that they let another person know about them.

Albert insisted, “The overseer Njal sent her to us,”

Suppressed Wind Walker questioned, “What power does she have?”

Albert ordered, “Kathy show Wind Walker your power.”

Kathy pointed her finger at Wind Walker and shot him with a little spark and he disappeared. Bird man questioned, “Where did he go?”

Wind Walker replied, “I’m right here that little spark don’t do crap. “

Suzy said, “Shoot him again Kathy then the other guy.”

Then Wind Walker reappeared, and Bird man disappeared. Kathy faded out and walked over to Wind Walker and took his knife making it disappear. Then walked to Bird man and explained, “I can see you and everyone else, but they can’t see us. Then she handed Birdman Wind Walker’s knife, and shot a little spark at him. Then went back to Rebecca and Suzy and reappeared,”

Wind Walker insisted, “I’ve never seen that power before. What do you use it for?”

They all put up their hands and shrugged their shoulders, and Suzy informed, “She can make a window to see through things too. Probably more but give us a break it’s her first day Wind Walker.”

Albert insisted, “Help me with this Demon Wind Walker.”

Then Albert undid the cable and they each took a leg and drug it to the incinerator.

Pulling down the lever Wind Walker revealed, “You know you have the only three person team I know about, and now your four. I don’t know what to think about this. Something is going on for them to start making a team like yours.”

Albert recanted, “You told me about hunters that worked alone like the guy on the bike. Maybe we’re just training her to go somewhere else.”

Wind Walker replied, “I think something is up, but one thing I’ve learned is you never know.”

Albert agreed, “That’s true unless you go off on your own like we did today. This one was as bad as our first one the Witch. Not what we wanted her to see first time out.”

Wind Walker insisted, “You got a good team I’m sure she learned a lot. You need to bring her back when you know what all she can do. I don’t know what we would use someone like that for, but you never know until you have to call someone for help.”

Back at the truck Wind Walker asked, “You’ve been telling her about us?”

Birdman replied, “This is Kathy.”

Suzy insisted, “Oh yes, she is probably on information over load by now.”

Wind Walker asserted, “Nice to meet you Kathy. Unfortunately the only things I can think of using your power for are unacceptable. I’ll just let everyone think about that.”

Jim insisted, “We’ll have to put off training until tomorrow, or it will be three in the morning before we get dinner. You ready to go home?”

Kathy questioned, “What do you mean? I thought we stopped time.”

Jim pulled his watch and replied, “We did at about eight this morning and its noon now, but when we get back and start time. It’ll be eight this morning again and we’ll have to wait four hours for supper. That makes our noon meal at four in the afternoon on our time.”

Kathy insisted, “This time thing is confusing.”

Bird man replied, “Tell me about it,” as he walked away.”

Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them home.

Sitting on the porch Wind Walker and Birdman talked about the new team.

Birdman wondered, “You know I don’t understand this new team. First they add some one from their own time,”

Wind Walker butted in, “You’re talking about, Albert the Iron Man.”

Birdman went on, “What I’m saying is he is the only Demon Hunter that’s not a time traveler. That is until now that they added Kathy. She grew into her spot. I’m telling you something is going on for the Overseers to make a team like that.”

Wind Walker agreed, “You know I’m having trouble understanding that team myself. I also know when we went into the future just past their time, and you know what that was like.”

Birdman dropped his head and mumbled, “I know evil was everywhere. The people were killing and raping each other and what was happening to the children was... Well it might be better to just wipe out the human race, and let the children start it over.”

Wind Walker insisted, “That won’t work Birdman, by the time they start school half of them are already filled with evil thoughts.”

Birdman acknowledged, “Then I guess all you can do is go back in time and change what made it happen.”

 

[gonewacky]

Wind Walker explained, “You know it’s not just one thing that made that happen. It was thousands of things each starting their own time passage. The ripple effect could go on for hundreds of our years. I can’t comprehend the scope of what we do. That’s the job of the Overseers.”

Just then the couple on the Wagon showed up dragging a Demon behind their Wagon.

Bird man jumped up and announced, “Busy day Wind Walker.”



Back in Dention with the Iron Horse put away, and everyone back in their place. At the Blacksmith Shop Suzy revealed, “I’m taking Kathy Across the street to the Horseshoe.”

Jim requested, “Would you bring Albert and I back a sandwich to hold us over.”

Suzy replied, “Sure.”

Rebecca insisted, “I’m coming too. Oh, Jim don’t forget to set your watch back to the right time.”

At the restaurant Josette took the order, and they all had biscuits and gravy. Josette had the cooks make egg sandwiches for Albert and Jim. Then she took them across the street herself. Giving them the sandwiches Josette questioned, “James is Kathy Suzan’s sister?”

Jim replied, “No, we’ve just known her since she was a child.”

Josette replied, “I just wondered, because of the way she dresses. I listened to her telling Rebecca about her trip from Portland on a steamboat. It all sounded so exciting.”

Then Josette looked across the street and exclaimed. “I got to go.” Then she went back to the restaurant. Albert looked at Jim and remarked, “You’re good at twisting the truth, now Josette thinks you and Suzan have known Kathy for twenty years.”

Jim smiled, “Well we have kind of in a way. It was the truth.”

Albert just shook his head.

Over at the restaurant Josette was picking up their plates, as Kathy put a Sliver Dollar on the table. Josette picked up the dollar and assured, I’ll be right back with your change.”

Kathy informed, “Keep it.”

Josette declared, “The biscuits and gravy is only 20¢ a plate. That would make the bill 60¢ that’s too much even for a tip.”

Kathy insisted, “Then you’ll owe me when I need something.”

Walking away with the plates, and the dollar in her pocket Josette mumbled, “You’re just like James.”

They walked up to the General Store to see Emily. As they came in the door Emily yelled, “Hank! Bring me three bottles of that Ginger Ale.”

Suzy stepped to the counter and requested, “I need 6 pairs of wool socks for James, and a blanket for our bed. The days keep getting colder.”

Emily replied, “I know, fall is here. and winter is just around the corner. You and James are lucky your room is next to the kitchen. That’s the warmest part of the house.”

Hank set the bottles on the counter and questioned, “Would you ladies like me to open them for you?”

Rebecca insisted, “I would Hank.”

Suzy replied, “Me too,”

Kathy just knotted her head looking at the pocket watches. Then she asked, “How much is this silver plated watch?”

Hank came around the counter and opened the glass door on the cabinet. Retrieving the watch Hank questioned, “This one?”

Handing it to Kathy Hank insisted, “$6, and that’s a good price. It’s well made and should last many years.”

Kathy assured, “I’ll take it.”

After paying for their stuff they took there sodas, and went out and sat on the bench. Than they talked as they watched the town.

Kathy sat between Rebecca and Suzy as she handed the watch to Rebecca. Then she insisted, “Give this to Albert to keep in the Blacksmith Shop. Then it will stop when time stops. That way Jim can set his watch when we get back from stopping time.”

Later at the house after they ate Kathy showed Mable the dress Hawkins got for her and questioned, “How much to make a dress like this that would fit me?”

Mable inquired, “Oh dear that would be expensive, you sure you want one like that.”

Kathy insisted, “Oh yes it would mean so much to me.”

Mable confessed, “I would have to charge at least $12 for a dress like that.”

Kathy dug around in her bag and pulled out a handful of Silver Dollars. Making two stacks of six on the table Kathy insisted, “I want it.”

Dumbfounded Mable assured, I’ll start on it today. Can I take this dress to the Dress Shop?”

Kathy agreed. “If you need it, just bring it back when you’re done.

Mable picked up the coins and dress then headed back to the Dress Shop.”

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Seven

Albert awoke sitting on a horse in a snow storm. The Viking Warrior Njal appeared next to him. In a deep echoing voice he spoke, “You’re sitting on Buttercup and need to ride north to the road and west to the town twenty miles away. Get a doctor and bring him back here to this cabin. You need to save a mother and her baby. I’ve put two lives in your hands. Do whatever is needed to complete your task. Now be on your way.

Then Njal watched the horse disappear into the swirling snow. With almost whiteout conditions and the darkness, it was impossible to see a thing. Albert had no idea where he was, or what direction he was heading. All he could do was put his faith in Buttercup, and hope her instincts would take him to town. Albert could tell he was heading north because the wind was pounding the snow against the left side of his body. He also knew the town was west. The same way the storm was coming from, but he had to go north to get to the Road. He just hoped Buttercup would make the turn into the storm.

Then the wind slammed him in the face. Knowing he had made the turn, and was heading towards town. He reached down and patted Buttercup on the side of the neck and whispered, “Good girl. You’re doing just fine.”

After riding for hours the snow stopped, and the temperature started to drop rapidly. His hands and feet were starting to sting, and Albert knew frostbite would be the next stage. Then after that, hypothermia would set in. He had to find a place to warm himself soon, or he feared he might not make it at all. His mind raced as he thought of things people do when hypothermia takes over them. He had heard of people with everything they needed to get warm, and instead they would take off all their clothes. Then freeze to death thinking they were hot. He couldn’t let that happen, but every sting of his feet and hands worried him. He thought about his options. He knew if he could find cover he could lay with the horse to keep warm, but he would have to fight to stay awake. He knew if he fell asleep, he might never wake.

In her dream Suzy could see Albert half-frozen, and barely able to stay on his horse. He had ice sickles hanging from his hat and the scarf around his face. She knew he was freezing to death, and she had to do something. She called his name, but he couldn’t hear her. It seemed as if his horse Buttercup could hear her though, because she seemed to lift her head, and look her way when she called out.

Suzy started to panic, she knew she had to do something or he would surely die. She franticly looked around for some cover to lead him to, but it was so dark. Then Suzy flew in her dream looking for a place. Seeing an old oak tree and house Suzy knew where he was. She flew to the tree and called out, and his horse turned and headed for her. Then she flew across the field to the house, and yelled again. Slowly Buttercup came to her as she yelled again. Then she heard a voice call her name, “Suzy.” She looked at Albert as she heard her name called again, but it wasn’t Albert.

She slowly opened her eyes as she heard, “Hey Suzy are you ok.” It was Jim’s voice, and she was looking into his eyes. With a smile Jim question, “Are you alright? I think you were having a nightmare. You kept trying to yell something.”



Even without the snow, it was too dark to see a thing, and Albert was riding blind. Then Buttercup stopped dead in her tracks, and Albert gave her a kick but she wouldn’t move. She just jerked her head and neighed. He thought, No this can’t be happening at a time like this.

Shivering, teeth chattering, and the temperature dropping fast, Albert slipped from the horse, and took the rains. Stepping back to give Buttercup a pull he hit something. Sticking his hand against it, he soon realized it was a wall. Hand over hand he worked his way through the knee-high snow. Finely he found a door, and tried the knob. It was unlocked and he pushed it open. Inside the door, he dropped his pack to the floor, and opened it. Filling around he found the Match-sticks, and pulled them from the bag.

Giving one a strike on the floor the room lit up with a light glow. He was in the living room of a house, and there was a wood stove straight in front of him. Seeing a full wood box next to the stove, Jim dropped to his knees, as the match went out and fell to the floor. Looking to the ceiling, he thanked God, and crawled on his hands and knees to the stove. Opening the stove door, he was amazed to see the kindling laid with paper under it.



He pulled his frozen glove from his hand, and fought to light another match. He fumbled to get it lit. After a few tries it lit and he held it to the paper. The fire raced through the stove, and the kindling started to pop. But Albert didn’t move he just kneeled there with his hands in front of the stove opening. The light flickered on Albert’s face, as cold wind and snow blew in the door, but Albert didn’t move. He stayed in front of the stove, as the melting ice turned to water and dripped on the floor.

After the kindling burned down enough to add a log, Jim finally moved. He closed the house door. Then he put wood on the fire, and sat in a rocking chair next to the stove. He must have sat there for over an hour, because the glow of the fire had burned down. Now with only the soft glow coming from the stove door lighting the room.

Then Albert thought about the horse he left outside. Digging through his pack, he retrieved a candle, and walked through the house. Entering the dining room, he saw a man slumped over the table. Reaching down and touching him, Albert found he was stone cold. Then he saw a note on the table, and placed the candle over it.

“It has been five days since I broke my leg, and the horse is dead. I’ve been watching the road, but haven’t even seen one person. I know my time is short, because of the smell of my leg. I know that smell from the war, that’s when they cut off your leg to save your life. That isn’t happening for me.

If this hadn’t happened to me, I could have walked the five miles to town, but not on a crutch at my age. Now I can’t even walk today, so I think this might be the last thing I write.”

“Ben”



Albert’s heart sunk a little, as he mumbled, “Thanks Ben. You saved my life.”

Then he slowly went through the door to the kitchen, and saw the back door at the far end of the room. He walked past the stove and to the back door. Pulling it open the cold wind cut his face like a knife. He stepped outside and all he could see was a big pile of snow in front of him.

Then Albert saw the building in front of it. It was a small barn about twice the size of a coach house. He waded through the snow to the door and gave it a push. When the door was open about a foot, he looked through the opening. The barn was empty, so Albert pushed the door half open.

Wading through the snow, he headed for the side of the house. Rounding the corner, he could hear the horse where he left it. Taking the reins, he realized the horse was out of the wind. He gave Buttercup a tug, and walked her to the barn as he whispered. “You’re the smartest horse I know. Not only did you save my life, but you found yourself a place out of the wind.”

After putting the horse in the barn, Albert removed the saddle, and headed back to the house. Inside he tried to pull Ben from the chair, but his body was stiff as a board. Thinking for a moment, Albert took a hold of the chair, and tilted it back. Using it like a wheelbarrow he drug Ben to the back door. Then he whispered, “Sorry Ben, but I can’t leave you in here. I got the stove going, and you’ll start stinking.”

Albert drug Ben outside and leaned him against the house. Then he went back inside, and sat in the rocking chair to think. He thought he left at about nine and rode for five or six hours. That would make it about three AM when he lit the fire, and he had been there at least an hour. He thought it must be about four in the morning, and knew the sun didn’t come up until about seven this time of year.

Having three hours to kill he thought he would take a nap, so he stocked up the fire, and hung his coat over the back of the rocking chair. Lying on the couch, he covered himself with the afghan draped over the back of the couch, and fell asleep.

Albert woke up thirsty, as the dim light of day started to appear. He went and dug through his pack, and retrieved a canteen of water. It was half frozen, but Albert drank what water he could. Then he set the canteen in the rocking chair by the stove, and put wood on the fire.

 

[gonewacky]

Realizing that the horse needed water too, he went to the kitchen, and tried the pump to check the water. He knew it wouldn’t work, because if by some miracle there was water. The weather would have frozen it anyway. With no water at the pump, Albert started looking through the cupboards. He found two large pans, and headed outside. After packing them with snow, he took them back to the woodstove.

Then he went in search of a larger container to put the water in. After going through most of the house, he found a bucket in a cabinet. He took it in by the woodstove, and poured the melted snow in it. He did this until the bucket was almost full. Then he took the bucket of water to the horse.

After Albert carried the bucket of water to the horse he saddled it up. Checking his gear one last time, he tightened his scarf, and mounted his horse. The cool crisp air was clear, and the snow reflected the light. Even though the sun wasn’t up yet, the dawn light lit everything up like midday. The knife cutting wind had died down, and only a light crisp breeze hit his face. Seeing the snow wasn’t that deep, Albert picked up the pace a little. The wind had blown the snow into big drifts about four or five feet deep, and the rest was only about a foot or less deep. At a little faster than a walk, Albert guided the horse around the snowdrifts to town.

Entering town Albert could see the snow had drifted almost half way up the wind side of the houses. Slowly he worked his way to Main Street, but there was no sign of life. The town looked dead as if no one was there. Reaching the Doctors office, he saw footprints coming and going from the building. Then he heard the sound of laughter. Albert looked at the smoke slowly rising from the chimney.

Albert climbed down from his horse, and tied her off to the porch rail. Then he hung his pack on the horn of the saddle. Opening the door, he saw the large room filled with people. Pushing the door shut, Dean greeted him, “Hi Sheriff. Where are you from?”

Not sure of who he was, Albert questioned, “And you are.”

Dean replied, “I’m Dean, the Doctor in charge of this mess. How far did you come from?”

Albert answered, “I’m the Adams County Sheriff from the next County to the east. I was checking on a woman that lost her husband this year. She lives right on the County line, and needs a Doctor.”

Dean questioned, “Did you travel through that storm?

Albert replied, “No the horse did. I had no idea where I was, and couldn’t see a thing. I found a house about five miles out, but Ben was dead and had left a note. Looks like he died of gangrene, but I’m not a doctor and don’t know. I spent about four or five hours there warming up then road the rest of the way in.”

Dean’s jaw dropped open, and he stared at Albert. Then with a look of amazement he commented, “I can’t believe your alive, I wouldn’t think a man could travel twenty miles head on into a storm like that. Not on a horse anyway, I would have bet he would have frozen to death.”

Albert smiled and admitted, “Devine intervention, and that’s the truth. By all means I shouldn’t be here. It is only by the grace of God I’m even alive. I even worried about the horse, and was afraid it might not make it. I wasn’t worried about the cold, but the water. With that dry wind and being so cold all the water is froze.”

Dean turned his head and yelled, “Chris, there’s a horse outside that needs water.” Then seeing him get up, he took Albert’s arm and gave it a tug. Then he insisted, “Let’s go.”

They went to the Livery and got the doctors horse. Then went back to the Doctors office to get his bag, and they were off. Albert worried about the way Njal had him cut through the woods. He wasn’t sure he could find his way back to the cabin. He knew it would take at least half a day to get to the cabin. He worried about stopping to sleep on the way. Would that make them too late? All he could do was his best, and hope it was good enough.

After riding hours Albert knew he had to turn off soon, but where? Then he saw the Crow in a tree, and turned off the road with the doctor following him. Flying from tree to tree the Crow guided Albert to the cabin. The doctor exclaimed, “You got the best since of direction I ever saw. I thought we were lost in the woods a few times, but you kept going. I have to tell you I’m amazed.”

Riding up to the cabin they could hear the woman screaming in side. Looking worried eyed at Albert the Doctor confessed, “That doesn’t sound good. I hope we made it in time.”

Albert took the doctors horse as he jumped down and rushed to the cabin. After securing the horses Albert went inside. The doctor yelled get a fire going. I’ve got a breach birth going on here. The doctor had one hand up inside of her, and the other on her belly as he muttered, “Come on turn you little thing.”

Albert checked the stove. It had a light dusting of coals, so he laid on some kindling. Then he blew into the stove until the fire came to life. Albert looked around the one room cabin. It had a stove on one side and a bed on the other. With a table in the middle, and one small four pain window next to the door.

The woman continued to scream as the doctor whispered. “Just try to relax and don’t push. I know it hurts, but this will all be over soon. Then the doctor felt the head and insisted, “Push!”

One big push and the baby came out as the woman passed out. Holding it by its feet and slapping it on the butt it started crying. Laying the baby on the mother the doctor affirmed, “It’s a boy.”

The doctor yelled, “Get some water heating up. We got a mess to clean up.”

Albert looked around and only found one pot and the coffee pot. He went outside and packed as much snow as he could get in them. Then he put them on the stove.

It took over an hour to heat water and clean the mess up. Finely they could take a break and Albert sat in one of the two chairs at the table, and the Doctor sat across from him and explained, “If I was to guess she must have been in labor for days. We’re lucky they survived this long. The baby was breech. I put my hand in there and found it was sideways, I could feel its little bottom. The thing was trying to come out butt first. Most woman die from this kind of birth and the baby with them.”

Dean took a deep breath and continued, “I’ve faced this before and been unsuccessful, I made frantic and horribly painful attempts to turn the baby, and felled. Then it was just try to save the mother. I’ve used forceps to pull the baby out crushing it in an attempt to save the mother’s life. Then I couldn’t stop the bleeding and the mother would bleed to death. Then if I got past that an infection would set in. The outcome was almost guaranteed it even has a name called Child-bed Fever. That can happen with a problem-free birth, and most die.”

Albert was dumbfounded and inquired, “When will we know they will survive?”

Dean insisted, “I’m going to stay with her at least three days. I’ll need you to go to town and get some supplies. There’s almost nothing here to eat. I have no idea what she’s been living on.”

Albert insisted, “I have my Deputy bringing some supplies. He should be here soon. I’m going to go out and get some more wood for the fire.”

Then Albert put on his coat and scarf and went outside. He checked the horses and went around behind the cabin and called, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear.”

In an instant there stood Jim in front of him barefooted and in his underwear. Albert blurted, “James! I’m sorry you’re in your underwear!”

Shivering Jim replied, “It’s the middle of the night what did you expect?”

Albert insisted, “I’ll make this fast. I need a week’s supply of food for three people, coffee, and a bucket to water the horses. Now blink back and I’ll call you back in about two hours.”

Jim blinked back to his room. He lit the oil lamp, and woke up Suzy. Opening her eyes she smiled as she reached up and put her hand on Jim’s face. Then she sat straight up exclaiming, “Your face is freezing.”

Jim sat on the edge of the bed explaining, “I just got back from seeing Albert. It’s cold and snowing where he’s at.”

Suzy questioned, “What’s happening?”

Jim replied, “I don’t know I was in my underwear and it was freezing. I was there just long enough for Albert to tell me to get a week’s supply of food for three people and coffee, and he’d call me back in about two hours. I did hear a baby

 

[gonewacky]

crying though. I just looked at my watch and its 1:30 now, but his time might be different than ours. It could be ten minutes or two days from now.”

Suzy questioned, “What are you going to do?”

Jim insisted, “I want to blink you to Kathy’s room, and have you get her. Then we can go rob Hanks store. Then I can pay him later.”

Jim got up and Suzy got out of bed. Taking Suzy’s hand Jim blinked them to Kathy’s room. Then Jim blinked back and got dressed.

Suzy bent over Kathy and gently shook her. She shot up looking around, as Suzy jumped back. Taking a deep breath Kathy revealed, “Oh Suzan it’s you.”

Suzy replied, “You need to get dressed. We need your help.”

Kathy slipped from her bed and got dressed. Then they went to Jim and Suzy’s room. Suzy got dressed as they talked about what they were going to get. Then Jim blinked then to the back room of the store. Kathy shot Jim and Suzy with a little spark and they disappeared. Then Kathy faded out as Jim pointed to the flour barrel with the bags next to it. Jim and Suzy went to the front of the store.

Suzy got a Gunny sack and put it on the counter. Jim got a metal bucket and put it in the bottom of the sack. Then Suzy put Sugar and Coffee in it.”

Upstairs Hank heard noises in the store, and went down to check it out. Going down the stairs Hank saw the flour scoop felling a bag by itself. Then the bag just disappeared. Hank stopped dead in his tracks. Trying to comprehend what he just saw.

Then he heard tin cans raddling in the front of the store. Creeping over and hiding behind a crate he looked through the doorway. He saw cans floating through the air to the sack. Then the sack closed and disappeared. Hank hit the side of his head and cried, “What the hell Hank wakeup. Then he just stood in the Store looking around.

Back in Jim and Suzy’s room Kathy revealed, “I think he saw me, or didn’t see that he saw me. Well he came down the stairs anyway.”

Suzy revealed, “I put a baby bottle in there, and extra sugar. I didn’t know what else to do because baby formula hasn’t been invented yet.”

Jim sat in the chair holding the Gunny sack waiting for Albert to call. Suzy sat on the bed and told Kathy she could go back to bed. Jim started to say something as he disappeared.



Jim appeared behind the cabin next to Albert. One look and Albert noted, “Good you wore your badge, I forgot to tell you that. Let’s get the stuff inside.”

Jim put the sack over his shoulder, and followed Albert into the cabin. As Jim set the sack on the table Albert informed, “This is Dean he’s the doctor.”

Jim revealed, “I got the bottle and a nipple. Suzy put in some extra sugar to make sugar water for the baby. She didn’t know what else to do about that.”

The doctor butted in, “That works.”

Jim continued, “The metal bucket is in the bottom of the bag. Everything else is food, and Suzy even put in some canned peaches.”

Albert insisted, “Well let’s empty the bag and get the bucket so I can start melting snow for water.”

Jim stayed with Albert and leaned against the wall in the corner by the stove. Then he fell asleep. Thoughts ran through Albert’s head. Suzy has had two Journeys’, and this is his second Journey. He wondered why Suzy and him kept getting sent to fix things, and Jim never gets sent. It’s like I keep getting the hard ones. Albert wondered are they testing me.

Then Dean cried out, “Son of a bitch! She’s got a fever. I think we’re going to lose her Sheriff.”

With anger Albert yelled, “Njal!”

With that Jim awoke and Suzy and Kathy appeared, and time stopped. Kathy gasped, and grabbed Suzy’s arm. Then little flickering stars surrounded her hand as the stars exploded in the air with little flashes, and Suzy saw it. There were Demons swirling around the lady in the bed. They were darting in and out of the floor and going around her. Suzy raised her hand to shoot them, but Kathy let go of her and she couldn’t see them. Suzy insisted, “You have to touch me for me to see them Kathy.”

Kathy put her hand back on Suzy and Suzy shot a lightning bolt at one, but it just went right through the black swirling hideous cloud. Then she threw a ball of bright flashing colored light, and it too had no effect. Suzy became angary and threw a ball of bright flashing colored light, and shot it with a lightning bolt. millions of tiny little flickering stars rained down over the bed. All the Demons darted down into the floor.

Suzy looked at Albert and insisted, “I think she’s close to death. Demons are fighting over the body already.”

Albert explained, ‘I called out to Njal for help, and we all appeared together and time stopped. We need to work this out as a team is what I’m thinking.”

Suzy questioned, “What do we have?”

Albert replied, “I’m not a doctor but if Kathy makes you and her invisible. Then you can touch him to make him come to life. Then I’ll ask him to explain it to me.”

Jim jumped in, “Good idea Albert, but I should ask him. I just got here and don’t know what you and the doctor know.”

Suzy looked at Kathy and insisted, “Do it Kathy.”

With that Kathy pointed at Suzy and shot a little spark at her. Then Suzy disappeared and Kathy faded out. Then the doctor came to life and Jim questioned, “Doc can you explain what happened from the time you and the Sheriff got here?”

Dean explained, “When we got her she was already in labor. I would guess about two days. I checkrd her and it was a breach birth. I made a frantic and horribly painful attempt to turn the baby. By some miracle I got the baby turned and she pushed it out. Then she passed out. There was a lot of blood, and that worried me. Now my worst fear has come to pass. I think Child-bed fever is setting in, and she is bleeding to death.”

Suzy pulled her hand away and put it over her mouth, as she mumbled something. Then Suzy instructed, “Kathy bring us back.”

Suzy reappeared and Kathy faded back. Then Suzy insisted, “We have two choices. We take her to the future and put her in a hospital, or we let her die. There is no way to give her blood in this time, and there are no antibiotics.”

Albert insisted, “Njal demanded I save them both no matter what it takes.”

Jim added, “Then we have no choice but to take her to the future. I say if we do that we need to take her to a place and time we know. Then we can move freely and use the resources we have there.”

Kathy revealed, “I feel useless. I don’t understand any of the things you’re talking about.”

Albert put his hand on Kathy’s shoulder and insisted, “Kathy don’t you know we wouldn’t even be talking about this if not for you. You’re the one that made Suzy invisible so we would know what to do. Now we’re just working it out. These things are complicated and one screw up could change everything.”

Suzy gave her idea, “If we go to my time we can use my house. We can call 911.”

Albert questioned, “What’s 911?”

Suzy replied, “That’s a place that sends people to take people to the doctor. Now we’ll have to come up with a back story. I say we call her Rebecca Hill. We all know Rebecca and no one will mess that up. I say that she’s my cousin, and I can pay for the hospital bill because she has no insurance. That means James will need to get my messenger bag from behind the seat of the truck, and our phones from the overhead compartment. We will have to go to the farm and get my car. Then Jim can blink us to the house. What do you think?

Albert insisted, “Someone has to stay here until we start time again, and so we can call Jim back. We don’t know the year or day we’re in.”

Suzy guessed, “I’m guessing she’ll be at least a week in the hospital. Maybe we should take turns staying here. That way we can bring food from the future that don’t need cooking. Then we can share the loneliness.”

 

[gonewacky]

Jim informed, “After everything is going there could be two of us here, but I can’t stay here alone. That could be a problem. I’m going to the truck call me in about five.”

Then Jim blinked out and Albert volunteered, “I’ll take the first watch.”

Suzy looked at Kathy and explained, “You’ll see a lot of strange things in the time we’re going to. You’ve seen the Iron Horse, and watched Albert control it. In this time everyone has an Iron Horse and there everywhere. They don’t look like ours. There are all kinds, and we use machines for all kinds of things.”

Then Albert called out, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear.

Then there stood Jim wit the phones in one hand and Suzy’s messenger bag in the other. Suzy took a deep breath and questioned, “Are we ready to try this?”

Albert announced, “I’m a go.”

Jim said, “I’m in.”

Suzy insisted, “Me too, how about you Kathy?”

Kathy mumbled, “You’ll have to tell me what to do.”

Suzy explained, James is going to pick her up, and I’m going to take one of his arms and you’re taking the other. Then James is going to blink us to our home.”

Jim went to one side of the bed and Suzy went to the other, Suzy picked up the baby and it came to life. She felt love flow through her and exclaimed, “Oh he’s so small. Hang on little guy we’ll fix this.”

A tear slipped down Suzy’s cheek as Jim lifted the woman in his arms. Then she sat the baby on the bed and walked to Jim. With the woman in his arms and Suzy and Kathy hanging on each arm Jim blinked out.

Appearing in the kitchen Suzy announced, “We all look like we just walked out of a Wild West show. We need to change.”

Jim took the woman between the stacks of boxes to his bed. Then he stripped off his close, and pushed them under his bed with his gun wrapped in them.

Suzy grabbed Kathy’s arm as she fixed her eyes on the stove. Dragging her to her room Suzy ordered, take off your close and throw them on the bed. Suzy ripped off her close and slid open the closet at the same time. Standing in her underwear and boots Suzy pulled a red dress from the closet and threw it on the bed and ordered, “Put this on Kathy.”

Kathy complained, “It looks too small.”

Suzy demanded, “Just put it on!”

Suzy pulled her yellow dress from the closet and slipped it over her head, as Kathy wined, “It only comes to my knees.”

Suzy replied, “It looks fine, that is how they wear them in this time.”

Then she heard Jim call 911, “On 35th just off Walnut”

Suzy looked at her and Kathy’s boots. They didn’t go with a dress, but it would have to do. Then they went to the living room where Jim’s bed was. Suzy saw Jim through the window standing at the street. She went to the door and yelled, “Jim she showed up here this way, and then collapsed.”

Turning around Suzy saw Kathy staring out the window. Then they heard the Siren off in the distance and it was getting louder. Kathy exclaimed, “What’s that?”

Suzy revealed, “That’s how they tell everyone to get out of the way it’s an Emergency. You will see things you never dreamed of, so if you want to fade out. You should do it now.”

Then the Paramedics stopped in front of the house. Jim talked to them as they got cases and a gurney. They put the cases on the gurney and rushed to the house. The first Paramedic called out, “We got blood.”

The other one announced, “Starting an IV D5W,”

The first Paramedic called out, “BP 60 over 40, the pulse is 110 and thready. We need to Transport!”

The other Paramedic questioned, “What about the heart monitor.”

The first Paramedic insisted, “We’ll do it in rout.”

Then they moved the woman to the gurney, and took her to the Squad. Then they raced off with the sirens blaring.

Jim Suzy and Kathy just stood at the sidewalk watching the Squad drive off. Kathy was in a daze, as Suzy questioned, “You all Right?”

Kathy cursed, “Hell no! What just happened?”

Suzy Insisted, “The future Kathy. That’s what just happened was the future. Welcome to our time.”

Looking at the empty driveway Suzy revealed, “My car and your truck are at the farm.”

Jim sighed, “I really didn’t want to go there, but if we must. I’ll do it from the kitchen.”

In the kitchen Kathy became fixated on the stove and questioned, “What’s that?”

Jim took a hold of Kathy and Suzy and blinked them out, as Kathy asked her question. Appearing in the driveway at the farm Suzy replied, “That was the stove we cook on.”

Jim looked around. The hose was still around the house with the pump running, and the rock salt was still there. With surprise Jim informed, “We must have not killed the Witch yet in this timeline.”

Suzy Demanded. “Get over here and blink the car to my driveway.”

With that Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them out.

Appearing standing in front of the car in the driveway Suzy ordered, “Let’s go. Kathy is up front with me.”

Suzy opened the passenger door and helped Kathy in. Then she put the seatbelt around her, and went around and got in.”

Putting on her seatbelt Suzy questioned, everyone strapped in?”

From the backseat Jim’s voice echoed, “Ready.”

Suzy turned the key and it cranked over a few times. Then she stopped and patted her hand on the dash saying, “Come on sweetie you can do it.”

Kathy asked. “Is it a girl horse?”

Suzy chuckled, “Yes she is.”

Then she turned the key again and the car came to life. Suzy put the car in gear and pulled out of the driveway. Kathy grabbed Suzy’s arm tight as the car took off. Little flickering stars surrounded her hand as the stars exploded in the air with little flashes.

Suzy reminded, “Remember you can’t touch me when people are around.”



At the Hospital in a treatment room a Doctor was barking out orders, “Hang a bag of and ceftriaxone and get two units of type O blood. I think we got a case of Streptococcus from this botched abortion or delivery. Nancy get me a speculum so I can find where the bleeding is coming from and cauterize it.

People were rushing around her starting IV’s, and hooking up monitors of all kinds.

In the car Jim revealed, “I told the Paramedic her name was Rebecca Hill, and she was our cousin. I told them we hadn’t seen her for years. She just showed up and collapsed. We don’t know if she’s a drug addict or not. That is all we know.”

Suzy agreed, “Then that’s the story and we’re sticking to it.”

At the Hospital Kathy was walking around in a daze. She had never seen streets with cars, traffic lights, concrete sidewalks, or blacktop. Everything was new to her. It was like a fantasy world, and she wanted to touch everything. The front of the entrance to the Emergency part of the Hospital was all glass. Kathy ran her hand across the glass as Suzy opened the glass door.

 

[gonewacky]

In the waiting room people were looking at Kathy as she checked out the TV hanging from the ceiling. The news reporter was giving the news, and Kathy was looking behind the TV for the person. Jim had to pull her to a seat. Suzy came in and set next to them and explained, “I gave them all the information I could. I told them I thought she was born in 1998 but didn’t know when. I was trying to make her in her twenties. I told them I needed to talk to the administrator about the bill.”

Kathy leaned forward to talk around Jim and revealed, “I noticed most of the women wear pants, and everyone is looking at a little thin box.”

Then a young man stood at the door to the waiting room and announced, “Suzy White,”

Suzy stood up and pulled the strap tight to her messenger bag, as the man walked over. He insisted, “I’m from accounting, and understand you wish to setup payments for a patient.”

Suzy demanded, “No I want to talk to the administrator about the payment. I’m ready to write a check for a hundred thousand today and set stipulations on the care. Now get the administrator.”

Then Suzy turned her back to him and went to her seat. With a dumbfounded look the man left. Jim questioned. “What was that?”

Suzy replied, “They sent some peon to talk to me. I sent him back.”

Soon a well-dressed lady in her forties appeared calling Mrs. White. Suzy walked over to the woman announcing, “I’m Mrs. White”

She replied, “I’m Clara Johansson the Hospital Administrator.

Suzy insisted, “Is there some ware we can talk in private?”

Clara insisted, “We’ll go to my office. I love your boots; I bet it takes an hour to lace those up. They look like something right out of the 1800’s. Custom made I would guess.”

Suzy laughed, “You might just say they would be cheaper if I went back then and picked them up myself.”

Clara laughed, “I totally understand.”

On the third floor in the Administrators Office Suzy revealed, “I would like to keep the family name out of this. Then as soon as she’s stable, and I mean walking around stable. We’ll be moving her to a private facility. I’m willing to write a check for a hundred thousand today. If you need more we’ll have to do an accounting to determine that amount.”

Suzy pulled her messenger bag from her shoulder and put it in her lap, as Clara made a call, “Yes Dustin the gal in the Emergency is a Jane Doe.”

There was a pause then she continued, “You need to remove Rebecca Hill from everything we don’t want any lawsuits. You got that?”

Hanging up the phone Clara asked, “Anything else dear?”

Using her messenger bag as a desk top to wright a check Suzy insisted, “There will be a chair in her room for a family member. Even in the ICU. I don’t care if it’s in the corner, but a family member will be with her at all time’s day or night.”

Suzy put the check on her desk as she wrote another one for twenty five thousand to Clara Johansson. Standing up Suzy dropped the check on the desk saying, “Just in case you want to have some boots made like mine.”

Clara looked at the check and insisted, “I’ll see to the chair personally.”

Suzy pushed the check book in her messenger bag and hung it over her shoulder. Then she went back to the waiting room. Having a seat next to Jim She whispered, “Well either all went well or the cops will be here soon.”

Then Suzy’s phone went off. Pulling it from her phone from her messenger bag Suzy answered. “Hello… Hanson… The Truck… yes I did I have a relative in that Hospital. Thank you.”

Jim questioned, “The bank?”

Suzy replied, “Yep, that means their checking me out, or they want to get their money before she dies.”

Jim insisted, “It better be the first one.”

Suzy questioned, “You mind taking the first watch Jim.”

Jim replied, “With Albert?”

Suzy admitted, “No, with Rebecca, or Jane Doe as they call her.”

Jim replied, “Oh sure.”

Suzy explained, “Good, I’m going to take Kathy and try to get her over some of this culture shock.”

Then Clara came up to Suzy and questioned, “Who’s got the first watch?”

Jim raised his hand, “That would be me.”

Then Clara informed, “We’ve moved her to an ICU unit. She is still critical but in a stable condition.”

Pointing at Jim she question, “Your name is?”

Jim replied, “James.”

Clara insisted, “Come with me James and I’ll take you to her.”

On the way Clara whispered, “I’m sure she’ll recover its just going to take time.”

She led Jim to the ICU room and shows him the chair. Then she called over an Orderly and insisted, “See that man sitting in there. Whatever he wants you get it for him. If he wants to sit in there and drink whisky, you make sure he doesn’t fall out of the chair. You understand?”

The orderly replied, “Yes mam.”



Suzy took Kathy to show her the world. The first place Suzy took her was a fast-food restraint. They went through the drive thru and Suzy ordered two deluxe hamburgers.

Suzy read the menu, “Deluxe Burger, a juicy 100% beef patty topped with fresh lettuce and tomato, onion, tangy pickles, mustard, mayo & ketchup, served with French fries, and a drink.”

Kathy complained, “Do I have to keep this horse strap wrapped around me.”

Suzy insisted, “It’s the law. If the Sheriff sees you don’t have it on he’ll put you in jail.”

Suzy knew that wasn’t true, but she didn’t want to spend an hour explaining it to Kathy. They watched people eating their food in the parking lot. Then Suzy took her to the store. They left with a heaping cart of stuff. One bag was nothing but fruits she had never seen like Bananas, Oranges, Grapefruits, and a Pineapple. Suzy got some stuff like canned chili, beef stew, and soup for Albert.

At the house Suzy showed Kathy how to peal a banana, and they cut the pineapple. Then they made a bag up to take to Albert. Kathy insisted they add some bananas to the bag and a loaf of sliced bread.

Back at the cabin Albert ate a can of the beans and fell asleep.



DO you want more or am I going stupid?

It’s going to be about three weeks to get the eye surgery. The doctor told me I was legally blind in my left eye, and my right eye wasn’t far behind. They’re going to do the left eye first. I’m waiting for an appointment to have them size my eye for a lens implant. Then an appointment for pre-opt, then finely the surgery.

Joe

 

[Dumb Blonde]

Do I want moar? Heck yeah, I'm enjoying the storyline and want to see where you go next with it.
My partner has had cataract surgery to both eyes. Not painful according to him, but make sure you follow the surgeon's advice on care afterwards.

 

[workhorse]

Praying things go well.

 

[Griz3752]

Do I want moar? Heck yeah, I'm enjoying the storyline and want to see where you go next with it.
My partner has had cataract surgery to both eyes. Not painful according to him, but make sure you follow the surgeon's advice on care afterwards.

Had mine done a few years back - no issues until lately but that's due to other age-related vision issues. The post-op directions will include restricting vigorous activities and minimal screen &/or reading time.

Do yourself a favour and pay close attention to those or the headaches can be monumental.

 

[Mr Bill]

Mine both done also. If you see a spot afterward go back right away. They will get rid of it for you.

 

[Mesquite]

In the waiting room people were looking at Kathy as she checked out the TV hanging from the ceiling. The news reporter was giving the news, and Kathy was looking behind the TV for the person. Jim had to pull her to a seat. Suzy came in and set next to them and explained, “I gave them all the information I could. I told them I thought she was born in 1998 but didn’t know when. I was trying to make her in her twenties. I told them I needed to talk to the administrator about the bill.”

Kathy leaned forward to talk around Jim and revealed, “I noticed most of the women wear pants, and everyone is looking at a little thin box.”

Then a young man stood at the door to the waiting room and announced, “Suzy White,”

Suzy stood up and pulled the strap tight to her messenger bag, as the man walked over. He insisted, “I’m from accounting, and understand you wish to setup payments for a patient.”

Suzy demanded, “No I want to talk to the administrator about the payment. I’m ready to write a check for a hundred thousand today and set stipulations on the care. Now get the administrator.”

Then Suzy turned her back to him and went to her seat. With a dumbfounded look the man left. Jim questioned. “What was that?”

Suzy replied, “They sent some peon to talk to me. I sent him back.”

Soon a well-dressed lady in her forties appeared calling Mrs. White. Suzy walked over to the woman announcing, “I’m Mrs. White”

She replied, “I’m Clara Johansson the Hospital Administrator.

Suzy insisted, “Is there some ware we can talk in private?”

Clara insisted, “We’ll go to my office. I love your boots; I bet it takes an hour to lace those up. They look like something right out of the 1800’s. Custom made I would guess.”

Suzy laughed, “You might just say they would be cheaper if I went back then and picked them up myself.”

Clara laughed, “I totally understand.”

On the third floor in the Administrators Office Suzy revealed, “I would like to keep the family name out of this. Then as soon as she’s stable, and I mean walking around stable. We’ll be moving her to a private facility. I’m willing to write a check for a hundred thousand today. If you need more we’ll have to do an accounting to determine that amount.”

Suzy pulled her messenger bag from her shoulder and put it in her lap, as Clara made a call, “Yes Dustin the gal in the Emergency is a Jane Doe.”

There was a pause then she continued, “You need to remove Rebecca Hill from everything we don’t want any lawsuits. You got that?”

Hanging up the phone Clara asked, “Anything else dear?”

Using her messenger bag as a desk top to wright a check Suzy insisted, “There will be a chair in her room for a family member. Even in the ICU. I don’t care if it’s in the corner, but a family member will be with her at all time’s day or night.”

Suzy put the check on her desk as she wrote another one for twenty five thousand to Clara Johansson. Standing up Suzy dropped the check on the desk saying, “Just in case you want to have some boots made like mine.”

Clara looked at the check and insisted, “I’ll see to the chair personally.”

Suzy pushed the check book in her messenger bag and hung it over her shoulder. Then she went back to the waiting room. Having a seat next to Jim She whispered, “Well either all went well or the cops will be here soon.”

Then Suzy’s phone went off. Pulling it from her phone from her messenger bag Suzy answered. “Hello… Hanson… The Truck… yes I did I have a relative in that Hospital. Thank you.”

Jim questioned, “The bank?”

Suzy replied, “Yep, that means their checking me out, or they want to get their money before she dies.”

Jim insisted, “It better be the first one.”

Suzy questioned, “You mind taking the first watch Jim.”

Jim replied, “With Albert?”

Suzy admitted, “No, with Rebecca, or Jane Doe as they call her.”

Jim replied, “Oh sure.”

Suzy explained, “Good, I’m going to take Kathy and try to get her over some of this culture shock.”

Then Clara came up to Suzy and questioned, “Who’s got the first watch?”

Jim raised his hand, “That would be me.”

Then Clara informed, “We’ve moved her to an ICU unit. She is still critical but in a stable condition.”

Pointing at Jim she question, “Your name is?”

Jim replied, “James.”

Clara insisted, “Come with me James and I’ll take you to her.”

On the way Clara whispered, “I’m sure she’ll recover its just going to take time.”

She led Jim to the ICU room and shows him the chair. Then she called over an Orderly and insisted, “See that man sitting in there. Whatever he wants you get it for him. If he wants to sit in there and drink whisky, you make sure he doesn’t fall out of the chair. You understand?”

The orderly replied, “Yes mam.”



Suzy took Kathy to show her the world. The first place Suzy took her was a fast-food restraint. They went through the drive thru and Suzy ordered two deluxe hamburgers.

Suzy read the menu, “Deluxe Burger, a juicy 100% beef patty topped with fresh lettuce and tomato, onion, tangy pickles, mustard, mayo & ketchup, served with French fries, and a drink.”

Kathy complained, “Do I have to keep this horse strap wrapped around me.”

Suzy insisted, “It’s the law. If the Sheriff sees you don’t have it on he’ll put you in jail.”

Suzy knew that wasn’t true, but she didn’t want to spend an hour explaining it to Kathy. They watched people eating their food in the parking lot. Then Suzy took her to the store. They left with a heaping cart of stuff. One bag was nothing but fruits she had never seen like Bananas, Oranges, Grapefruits, and a Pineapple. Suzy got some stuff like canned chili, beef stew, and soup for Albert.

At the house Suzy showed Kathy how to peal a banana, and they cut the pineapple. Then they made a bag up to take to Albert. Kathy insisted they add some bananas to the bag and a loaf of sliced bread.

Back at the cabin Albert ate a can of the beans and fell asleep.



DO you want more or am I going stupid?

It’s going to be about three weeks to get the eye surgery. The doctor told me I was legally blind in my left eye, and my right eye wasn’t far behind. They’re going to do the left eye first. I’m waiting for an appointment to have them size my eye for a lens implant. Then an appointment for pre-opt, then finely the surgery.

Joe

Please, please keep going with this story! I'm thoroughly enjoying it (as others are) and with it's unique story line, it's giving my already vivid imagination, it's a good workout. You'll do great with your surgery and you'll be amazed - only a few days of eye drops after surgeries. My eyesight had always been really poor ( dr said I had color perception but that was it) but with cataract surgery, I only wear readers now for close up work or reading small print. That was a snap compared to surgery for a hole that developed in my retina. Hubby gets his 2nd cataract surgery done next week and he'll have much better vision once that's done.

 

[gonewacky]

Do I want moar? Heck yeah, I'm enjoying the storyline and want to see where you go next with it.
My partner has had cataract surgery to both eyes. Not painful according to him, but make sure you follow the surgeon's advice on care afterwards.

Praying things go well.

Do yourself a favour and pay close attention to those or the headaches can be monumental.

Mine both done also. If you see a spot afterward go back right away. They will get rid of it for you.

Please, please keep going with this story! I'm thoroughly enjoying it (as others are) and with it's unique story line, it's giving my already vivid imagination, it's a good workout. You'll do great with your surgery and you'll be amazed - only a few days of eye drops after surgeries. My eyesight had always been really poor ( dr said I had color perception but that was it) but with cataract surgery, I only wear readers now for close up work or reading small print. That was a snap compared to surgery for a hole that developed in my retina. Hubby gets his 2nd cataract surgery done next week and he'll have much better vision once that's done.

I would like to thank all of you for the kind words and encouragement. It means more to me than you know. This eye thing has been scaring the hell out of me. Your encouragement has given me confidence and hope. May your days be felled with Love, Happiness, Joy, and all that life has to offer. May the Love Goddess com to your dreams, and bring you her gift.

With Love From Our Home To Yours Joe

P,S. I will be posting another Chapter after I get back from the Doctors appointment for my wife.

 

[workhorse]

Yours as well my friend.

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Eight

Albert awoke and ate the can of peaches. Thin he looked around for something to do. The boredom had set in and Albert was trying to do something to pass the time. He had cleaned and swept out the cabin. That took all of an hour. So he started bringing in fire wood. That soon was done, and Albert thought he would check with Jim. Albert called out, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear.”

Jim appeared in a sitting position and fell on his butt. Looking up at Albert he questioned, “You summoned me?”

Albert inquired, “What were you doing?”

Jim replied, “I was sleeping in a chair until you threw me on the floor.”

Albert apologized, “Sorry, but I was wondering what was going on and I’m bored. Then I thought about what would happen when everyone wakes up and we’re gone.”

Jim insisted, “Give me a few minutes and I’ll check the house.”

Jim blinked to his room at the house. Then he went to check the house. Checking the kitchen he saw Victoria wasn’t up yet. He blinked to Albert’s room and there was Rebecca sleeping in his bed. Jim went over and softly whispered, “Rebecca,”

Then he was a little louder, “Rebecca Albert is on a Journey.”

Rebecca rolled over and opened her eyes as she exclaimed, “James.”

Jim disclosed, “Albert is on a Journey. Do you want me to take you to him?”

Rebecca sat up in the bed, “Sure, what is he doing?”

Jim replied, “I’ll let him tell you about it. I need you to write a note to leave on the table. You’ll have to come up with a story why we’re all gone, so when the others wake up they don’t worry.”

Rebecca insisted, “Jim you know I can do that. I do write for a living you know.”

Then Jim blinked out. Appearing in front of Albert Jim complained, “You could have given me more time. I was talking with Rebecca. I’m going to bring her here to be with you.”

Albert smiled, “What are you waiting for?”

With that Jim blinked out.



Back at the Hospital the Orderly checked and Jim was gone. He went to the head Nurse and informed, “I was getting a pillow and sheet for room 4. Then I checked and that man is gone.”

The Nurse insisted, “This is a secure area how could he leave without someone knowing? Did you check the bathroom?”

The Nurse checked her screen and insisted, “All her vitals are stable. Just find him.”

The Orderly went around the Unit looking for Jim.

Jim appeared in his room at the house. Going into the hall he saw the glow of a lamp coming from the dining room. Checking it he found Rebecca finishing the note at the table. She stood and insisted, “Ready?”

Jim took her hand and blinked out. Appearing in front of Albert Jim let go of Rebecca’s hand and blinked back to the Hospital. The Nurse was taking an IV bag to Jane Doe’s room when the Orderly came up and whispered, “I can’t find him anywhere should I call Security?”

Entering the room the Nurse insisted, “Isn’t that him right there sitting in the chair?”

The Orderly turned and walked off as the Nurse hung the IV bag. Jim questioned, “How’s she doing?”

The Nurse replied, “She’s stable and that is good at this point. Jane is a strong woman.”

Jim noted, “Thank you.”

At Suzy’s house Kathy was moaning, “Oh I ate too much.”

Suzy exclaimed, “I tried to tell you, but I understand with so many things to try. I can’t even imagine what you thought in the store. It’s kind of my fault for getting everything you wanted. I’m just glad I didn’t show you the doughnuts and candy bars.”

At the cabin Albert told Rebecca All about his Journey. He told about going through the snow storm, and the Doctor delivering the baby. Rebecca looked at the baby and asked, “Can I touch it?”

Albert replied, “A little but we don’t have anything to feed it, and it might be hungry.”

Rebecca picked up the little boy, and rocked him in her arms. As she whispered, “Oh you’re so tiny. Albert come look at him. He’s smiling.”

Albert replied, “I hear tell, that means he has gas.”

Setting the little boy down Rebecca teased, “You’re just afraid you might want one.”

Albert insisted, “I don’t have time for one, that’s a lot of responsibility. If I want a child to go fishing with I’ll just take Jim and Tommy.”

Back at Suzy’s house Suzy cooked them the vegetable stir-fry she first made for Jim. Then Suzy insisted, “We need to go to the Hospital and give Jim a break. I’ll stay there so if something happens I can stop time and fly home to get James. I want you to fade out when we go in so you’ll know where I’m at. Then if something happens we well all know where to find each other. Then you can come home with James.”

At the Hospital in the car Suzy instructed, “You’ll need to look around and remember this place, so you can show James where the car is. Now fade out and we’ll go inside.”

At the reception desk Suzy insisted, “I’m here to sit with Jane Doe.”

The receptionist checked her computer. Then she informed, “Security is coming to escort you to the Intensive Care Unit.”

Soon and Armed Security officer came and asked, “Mrs. White?”

Suzy replied, “Yes.”

The Security officer instructed, “Please follow me.” Then he took Suzy to Jim and escorted Jim out with Kathy right behind them. In the hallway they parted ways, and Kathy faded back. Then she started talking to Jim, “Suzy told me you need to get a stove for Albert. She said a camp stove I think. She said he could hold is hand on it to make it work, or use Tommy’s bolt if he has it. Did I get that right?”

Jim laughed, “You did good Kathy. If we hurry I think we can make the hardware store.”

In the car Jim insisted, “If you think you need to be charged up or something just let me know. I’ll blink you to Suzan right away.”

Kathy smiled, “Nope she charged me up Just in case you needed something.”

Going in the hardware store Kathy was looking at a wheelbarrow. She exclaimed, “It has a little wheel like the car.”

Jim took her arm and gave it a tug as the store clerk announced, “We close in ten minutes.”

Jim replied, “I just need a camp stove.”

The clerk called out, “Aisle four.”

Jim was pulling Kathy along. She wanted to look at everything. All the shiny stuff in clear packages was catching her eye. Jim picked out a two burner cook stove, and handed Kathy two little green propane bottles. Then he pulled a stove lighter from the rack on the shelf. At the counter they checked out and went to the car. Where Jim apologized, “Sorry I wouldn’t let you look at things, but they were closing. We needed to get our stuff, or they would tell us to come back tomorrow.”

Kathy questioned, “You mean they wouldn’t wait to get your money?”

Jim explained, “No they just want to go home it’s not their store so they don’t care.”

Kathy revealed, “Things are so different here.”

 

[gonewacky]

Jim turned down a side street and stopped. Then he let out a big sigh. “Oh Shit I could have killed you. If Albert called me going down the road you’d be in a runaway car. If I disappear grab this wheel and hold it so it doesn’t move. Then pull up as hard as you can on this handle between the seats. Now I want to see you do it.”

Kathy insisted, “Right now?”

Jim replied “Yes now.”

Kathy grabbed the wheel with her right hand, and the brake handle with her left hand. It wasn’t the best job, but Jim was convinced she could stop the car. He stuck to the side streets and drove slow.

At the house Jim set the camp stove on the kitchen table with Albert’s bag of food. Then Kathy set the bottles on it as she informed, “Suzy put the leftover chicken and vegetables in the cold box. She said you could warm it in the black box.”

Jim laughed as he opened the refrigerator and pulled out the chicken and vegetable dish. Putting the plate in the microwave Jim confessed, “I’m so glad you are a part of us. We really needed someone like you. You make me think about how good we have it. You know all this stuff we have has destroyed us. This black box could just stop working one day, and the cold box could stop getting cold. Things quit working all the time in this time.

Where you come from the root cellar doesn’t just stop working one day, and if the fire goes out in the stove you build another one. You don’t have to get a new stove. The most important one is if you not paying attention the horse won’t drive the wagon off a cliff or something.

I know you don’t understand, but if I blinked out going down a street. Then there was a red light with a Semi-Truck coming the other way. Well I just don’t want to think about that.”

The microwave went ding and Jim pulled a fork from the drawer and took his plate to the table. Kathy sat across from Jim as she pushed the bag to one side to see Jim.

Jim confessed, “You know this is the first dish Suzan made for me. I never told her but I think I fell in love with her the first time I saw her.”

Kathy revealed, “She knows James. She laid out that green dress and told me the story.



Back at the Hospital their Jane Doe awoke and freaked out. She was yelling and flinging her arms ripping out the wires hooked to her chest and one IV. Alarms and buzzers were going off. A Nurse came running in the room followed by a Doctor and they we’re trying to hold her down as the Doctor yelled, “10 mg midazolam Stat! Hold that arm down don’t let that IV get ripped out.”

Another Nurse came in and hooked a syringe to the IV. Then she pushed the medicine in the IV. Slowly Jane relaxed and went limp. The Doctor commented, “She’s a strong one.”

The doctor looked to Suzy and informed, “This is normal; a person wakes up disoriented and doesn’t know what is going on. Then their instinct is to escape from what they see as danger. I’ve sedated her for now, and we’ll keep her that way until she’s better. This is a good sign though. It means she’s getting better.”

Then the Doctor ordered, ‘Let’s get everything hooked back up.”



Back at the house Jim was washing his plate. When he asked, “You want to go see Suzan before we go to bed?”

Kathy questioned, “We can do that?”

Jim replied, “Sure you just make us invisible and I’ll blink us there.”

Kathy insisted, “Sure.”

Then Jim explained, “If I disappear just stay where you are and I’ll be right back.”

Kathy pointed her finger at Jim and shot out a little spark then she faded out. Jim took her hand and blinked them outside the ICU doors. Then Jim requested, “Would you open a hole in the door so I can see where I’m blinking us to. I don’t want to blink us into someone coming out the door.”

Kathy stared at the door and a speck of light appeared on the door. It got bigger and brighter growing until it opened up a hole. Then Jim disappeared.

Appearing in the cabin Jim requested, “What do you need?”

Albert replied, “I can’t see you.”

Jim informed, “Kathy made me invisible.”

Albert insisted, “I don’t know that I like that. What if we were doing something inappropriate?”

Jim insisted, “Then you wouldn’t be summoning me. Call me back in about five minutes.

Jim blinked out as Albert exclaimed, “Oh yah,” and Rebecca laughed.

Back at the Hospital Jim took Kathy’s hand and blinked them to the kitchen. Then he explained, “We got to take this stuff to Albert. Then go see Suzy. Jim had Kathy hold the camp stove and he set the bottles on it. Then he took the bag in one arm, and took Kathy’s arm with his free hand.”

Kathy looked at Jim and questioned, “What now?”

Jim whined, “We stand here and wait for Albert to call us.”

Soon Kathy insisted, “This is getting heavy. I hope he calls us soon.”

Then Jim appeared in the cabin without Kathy saying. “Oh crap! Let’s see if this works? By the power of Njal I command Kathy to appear.”

Then Kathy was standing next to Jim. Kathy complained, “You left me behind.”

Jim apologize, “I’m sorry but I thought holding your arm would work. We’re learning this stuff just like you. Now put the stove on the table.”

Kathy put the stove on the table and Jim opened it up. Then he showed Albert How to turn it on and light it with the lighter. Then they unloaded the bag. Jim put the bread on the table and Kathy bubbled, “It’s already sliced.”

As Jim pulled out the strawberry Jam Kathy bragged, “I picked that out for you and the Bananas too. You have to peel them let me show you. See you eat this part inside, but the peel is no good.”

Then Jim pulled out the canned goods, and Albert picked up the Beef Stew. Looking at the picture Albert exclaimed, “This looks good.”

Jim insisted, “That’s it the picture makes it look good, but I don’t care for it. It dose fill your tummy though.”

Albert revealed, “Rebecca kept holding the baby, and now it’s crying so we can’t touch it. Other than that everything is fine. What’s happening with the mother?”

Jim explained about the Hospital and what was happening. He told Albert it was just a matter of waiting it out. Then Jim turned to Kathy and questioned, “Are you ready to try it again?”

Kathy pointed her finger at Jim and shot a little spark and he disappeared. Then Kathy faded out and Jim said, “If you need anything just call.”

Kathy added, “Bye.”

Then Jim blinked them back outside the ICU, and Kathy made a hole to see through. Then Jim blinked then inside. At the room Kathy whispered, “She’s looking at her little box.”

Hearing a voice the Nurse came to the room and questioned, “Can I help you with something?”

Suzy replied, “I need to use the rest room.”

Stepping out the door the Nurse pointed to the other end of the unit and insisted, “It’s down there.”

Suzy squeezed in the bathroom and Kathy touched her. Then little flickering stars surrounded her hand, as the stars exploded Kathy asked, “Can you see us?”

Suzy insisted, “I can now. What did you need?”

Jim replied, “We just wanted you to know we’re going to bed, and we took the stove and stuff to Albert. How’s everything going here?”

 

[gonewacky]

Suzy replied, “She woke up and they had to put her on a sedative. I think they’re going to keep her sedated for a few days. Next time cup your hand and whisper in my ear, and I’ll act like I’m on the phone. You’re not supposed to talk on the phone in here, but I’m like a god to them. They want me to be happy.”

Jim insisted, “I’m blinking us home. You stop time and call me if anything happens.”

Suzy made a little ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into Jim as she whispered, “I love you.”

Kathy let go of Suzy as Jim replied, “Me too,” then he blinked them out.

Going back to the room Suzy sat in the chair, and went back to surfing the web.

At the nursing station a Nurse asked, “What’s up with the lady sitting in the Jane Doe room? There is only limited access to this area, and never at night. If she’s a Jane Doe that means there is no family.”

The Nurse replied, “I have no idea what’s going on, but Ms. Johansson put that chair in there, and gave strict orders to give whoever is sitting there whatever they need. There was a man sitting there on the last shift. I heard from the Orderly at the shift change that Ms. Johansson told him, if he wants to sit in there and drink whisky, you make sure he doesn’t fall out of the chair. Now if you have a problem take it up with Ms. Johansson.”

The other Nurse insisted, “Nope! Just let me know if you need help.”

In the kitchen at Suzy’s house Jim exclaimed, “Crap I have to fix my bed. She bled on it.”

Kathy responded, “Suzan and I already did that. It went clear through the blanket and on to the sheets. We had to redo the whole thing. Suzan just threw the stuff in the can out back.”

Jim insisted, “You should go sleep in Suzan’s bed.”

Kathy insisted, “Suzan told me I had to talk you to sleep first. She said sit in the recliner chair and talk to him until he goes to sleep.”

Jim inquired, “She really told you about that.

Kathy disclosed, “Don’t you know James. We are like one, and share each other’s thoughts. I feel what she feels as she dose with me. We are a part of each other.”

Jim didn’t say a word and went in and laid on his bed. Kathy sat in grandpa’s chair and went on, “I’ve never felt like this before, and things are never quite as they seem. Because I came to all of you I’ve opened up and seen the person I’m meant to be. I now understand that I’m a part of all of you. Are you awake?”

Jim mumbled, “Kind of, why?”

Kathy said, “Watch this.”

She held out her hand and a swirling black cloud turning in on itself appeared in her hand. It got bigger and bigger until it was the size of a basketball. Then Kathy blew on it and it floated out into the room. Jim shot up in bed and demanded, “What the hell is that?”

Kathy clapped her hands and the cloud disappeared. Jim jumped to his feet and questioned, “What does it do?”

Kathy insisted, “Nothing.”

Jim insisted, “Get up and do it again!”

Kathy got up and held out her hand and a swirling black cloud turning in on itself appeared in her hand. Jim stuck his finger in it, but nothing happened. Kathy let it grow the size of a beach ball, and blew it out in to the room. Jim stuck his hand in it and moved it around, but nothing happened. He put his hand in it and blinked to the kitchen but it stayed in the living room. Walking back between the boxes, Jim questioned, “What else can you do with it?”

Kathy put her hands together and pulled them apart. The ball got bigger as she pulled her hands apart. Then she clapped her hands and it disappeared.

Kathy revealed, “That’s about it.”

Jim was dumbfounded, “I don’t know what that is good for, but it must be good for something. You wouldn’t have that power if we didn’t need it for something.

Ding, Ding, Ding bells were going off in Jim’s head, “Its absolute darkness. It’s the absence of light, like dark matter or something.”

Jim looked at Kathy and questioned, “Did you show this to Suzy yet?”

Kathy confessed, “No, I was trying to figure it out first, but I can’t.”

Jim insisted, “Great now I’ll never get to sleep. You were told to talk me to sleep not send me into a tail spin.”

Kathy inquired, “”What’s a tail spin?”

Jim shook his head, “What stupid people like me do.”

Then he flopped on the bed thinking about what Kathy just showed him. Kathy sat back in the chair and leaned it back.



The next morning at the Hospital the shift change was happening. The Nurse coming on questioned, “What’s up with the lady sitting in room two?”

The charge night Nurse explained, “Ms. Johansson put that chair in there, and gave strict orders to give whoever is sitting there whatever they need. There was a man sitting there yesterday. The Orderly on that shift said Ms. Johansson told him, if he wants to sit in there and drink whisky, you make sure he doesn’t fall out of the chair. Last night security changed him out with that lady. She’s been asleep since one this morning.”

The day Nurse questioned, “Should I wake her?”

The night Nurse insisted, “No I’d just let her be, However Jane Doe in there is on midazolam. You need to stay on top of that. She’s a wild one.”



Jim awoke and went to the bathroom; he peed and was looking for a razor when there was a knock at the door. Kathy’s voice rang out, “I need the outhouse!”

Jim opened the door and Kathy pulled him out and shut the door. Jim stood outside the door waiting. Coming out Kathy revealed, “Jim you don’t have a chamber-pot under your bed.”

Jim just smiled and shook his head, as he went in and shaved. In the kitchen he found Kathy standing in front of the stove with a carton of eggs on the counter. Looking at Jim Kathy questioned, “Would you start the fire in the stove.”

Opening the refrigerator Jim pulled out the bacon and got the scissors from the drawer. Kathy revealed, “They put a lot of things in that see-through stuff. Do you ever wonder how people cut the bacon so perfect every time?”

Jim mumbled, “A machine doses it.”

Kathy bubbled, “Oh like cutting boards at the Mill.”

Surprised Jim looked at Kathy, “Yes,” as he put the brad in the toaster.

Kathy explained, “Suzan show me how to use that yesterday, but I don’t think it’s as good as pan fried bread.”

Jim acknowledged, “I think they made this so you don’t have to watch it, but that doesn’t always work I burnt it in there before.”

Kathy replied, “Suzy told me you liked pancakes, but I don’t know how to make the batter. Gus showed me how to make eggs just put them in the pan and stir until there done. I helped Gus cook a lot in the winter. It was always warm at the stove. When I got the job in the Office, I’d cook on the stove in there in the winter.”

A tear slipped down Kathy’s face as she whimpered, “I loved the Mill.”

Jim wasn’t sure what to do, so he grabbed her and gave her a hug saying, “Don’t let the bacon burn.”

Kathy stepped back and insisted, “I can do this.”

Jim was afraid the shock of coming to his time was catching up with Kathy, and wasn’t sure what to do. They ate and went to the Hospital. Jim drove side streets all the way. Just in case Albert called him. At the Hospital Jim told the receptionist he was there to see Jane Doe. The receptionist checked her computer. Then she informed, “Security is coming to escort you to the Intensive Care Unit.”

 

[gonewacky]

Soon and Armed Security officer came and escorted Jim to the ICU with Kathy in tow. At the door Jim explained, “I’m going to sit with Jane, but Kathy here is going to set in there will I get the report from Mrs. White.”

The Security Guard replied, “Whatever you wish Sir. I’ll just wait inside the door and you can knock when you’re ready.”

The Security Guard swapped out Suzy for Kathy, and Suzy cane out. Jim questioned, “What’s happening?”

Suzy replied, “No change. They're just keeping her sedated.”

Jim informed, “We have a couple of things. Rebecca has been holding the baby, and now it’s hungry and won’t stop crying. Rebecca wants to hold it but can’t touch it.”

Suzy assured, “I knew that might happen. I’ll get some formula and you’ll have to show her how to make it. I’ll get a modern day bottle too. Anything else I need to know?”

Jim replied, “Yah, Kathy had a little breakdown this morning, and she has a new power. Have her show it to you. I don’t understand what it does.”

Suzy disclosed, “I think we just need to keep her mind busy. I’ll take her to the Boarding House today, so she can see how it changed. Then do other things to keep her busy. I think I’ll have her spend the night with Jane. Then I can visit with Albert and Rebecca. Is that it?”

Jim replied as he knocked on the door, “Yep.”

As he went through the door Suzy whispered, “I love you James.”

Soon Kathy came out with the Security Guard and Suzy and Kathy left. In the parking lot Kathy told Suzy about Jim not wanting to drive anymore. Kathy insisted, “He said he’d just blink me around from now on.”

Suzy exclaimed, “Oh no! Did he disappear driving you?”

Kathy revealed, “No, but he showed me how to use the lever to stop the car if he did.”

Suzy insisted, “Glad we dodged that one. We’re going to see a friend of mine first.

Pulling into Turners Coin Shop Suzy explained, “This is a friend of mine, he’s real nice you’ll like him.”

Looking in side Suzy saw Oliver with a customer at the counter. Oliver saw Suzy coming in the door and wanted to warn her but didn’t know how. The man at the counter spun around, and Suzy saw he had a gun in his hand, and a bag in the other. He threw the bag on the counter and ordered, “Fell it up old man. You bitches get back there with the old man.”

Kathy faded out and the man froze for a moment trying to comprehend what was happening. In that moment Kathy made a swirling black cloud turning in on itself, and slammed it on his head. The man yelled and spun around trying to get it off, but it moved with him. Then his gun went off, “Boom.”

Suzy exclaimed, “By the power of Njal I command time to stop.”

Oliver and the man froze.



At the Hospital everyone froze, and it went dead silent. Jim responded, “Well someone stopped time.”

He thought, I wander if they need my help? Well I guess I’ll just have to wait it out I’m sure they’ll call me if they need help or something.



In the Coin Shop Suzy announced, “Are you going to fade back?”

Kathy whispered, “Are you mad I let someone see me do that?”

Suzy insisted, “Show yourself or I’ll rain stars down on you.”

Kathy faded back and Suzy insisted, “Good job! I’ll never get mad at you for doing something like that. Now we fix it. I’m not worried about Oliver, and no one will ever believe this guy any way. That must be the power James was telling me about.”

Kathy disclosed, “Yes but we don’t know what good it is.”

Suzy smiled, “Well you do now. I think that worked pretty well. Now can you make it go away?”

Kathy clapped her hands and it disappeared. Looking at the man Suzy exclaimed, “I should have known.”

Kathy finished “I know his eyes.”

Suzy insisted, “I would have you touch him so I can cast the Demon out, but Oliver already saw you disappear and make the cloud. I’ll have to load hem up anyway, so just as well let him watch. You want to try to start time? You know the words right?”

Suzy made a bright flashing colored ball of light, as Kathy commanded, “By the power of Njal I command time to start.”

Suzy slammed it into the man’s chest. Then she held her hand tight to his chest as she ordered, “Back to hell with you Demon.”

Then a black cloud in the shape of a hideous monster slipped through the floor, as Suzy jerked the gun from his hand.

Oliver exclaimed, “Little lady you just saved me and how!”

Kathy made a swirling black cloud turning in on itself, and pushed it on his head as Suzy declared, “Sorry you had to see that Oliver. You know I’ll have to have the security tape.”

Then Suzy pushed the man on his back, and shot a lightning bolt at him. Then Suzy commanded, “Don’t move or worse will happen. Watch him Kathy.”

Then Suzy followed Oliver to the back room, and got the tape. Kissing his cheek she pushed a little ball of bright flashing colored light into him whispering, “Call the cops.”

Heading to the door Suzy explained, “Kathy I need you to fade out and when the men in blue suits get to the door. Make the cloud disappear and meet me across the street.”

Kathy faded out and Suzy drove across the street. Soon two cop cars came speeding to the front of the Coin Shop. Kathy clapped her hands and slipped out the door. Across the street Kathy Faded back in the car. Suzy insisted, “You were great. In fact you were the hero in there. Wow what a way to start the day. Let’s go check out the boarding house.”

Kathy question, “You going to have James blink us there?”

Suzy revealed, “No it’s still there a hundred and fifty years later. We can see how it looks now. It’s the only building left from your time.”

Kathy requested, “No more bad guys please.”

Suzy laughed, “I have no control over that, but you can use the power of Njal. That means you can start and stop time and call people to you.”



Back at the Coin Shop the cops hand cuffed the man and pulled him to his feet, as he yelled, “Where’s the Witches! There’s weird crap going on around here.”

Oliver insisted, “I think he’s on drugs. His gun is on the counter.”

They took the man to the car. Then they interviewed Oliver. “How come you stopped this one Oliver? Usually you give them the stuff and then call us. Then you give us the security tape. Is the insurance company on your ass or something?”

Oliver confessed, “It seems I forgot to put the tape in today. The insurance won’t cover me without security.”

The cop insisted, “Next time just give them the stuff. I don’t want to take that call if you know what I mean. You know you’re not young anymore.”

They took their prisoner and left, as Oliver thought thanks little lady.

 

[gonewacky]

At the Boarding House Suzy announced, “Hi Isabella is it still $5 each?”

Isabella Replied, “Yeas it is do you need the tur again?

Handing Isabella $10 Suzy explained, “No we’re just going to walk around,”

Isabella insisted, “Then have a good time.”

Kathy looked in the Parlour and whispered, “Looks strange with that furniture in there.”

Walking down the hall Kathy claimed, “Amos’s room, they turned it into an outhouse, and this is my room next to yours. Oh look your bed is still in your room.”

Suzy confirmed, “Yes it is,”

Then in the kitchen Kathy complained, “They messed it up. That is the wrong stove it’s only a four lid stove. The house had a six lid stove. The sink is wrong to. Oh look at the dining room it has wallpapered. It has all changed. Look Victoria’s room. You want to look in there?”

Suzy explained, “I did last time I was here. They store stuff in there for the different seasons like Christmas.”

Kathy opened the door and exclaimed, “Wow she has a big room.”

Suzy whispered, “Had.”

Then they went around by Isabella and up the stairs. Suzy announced, “Mable’s room.”

Then they went down the hall and Suzy pointed at each door, “Emily Albert, Rebecca, and Henry.”

Kathy went into Albert’s room and insisted, “Albert has the best view looking out to the backyard.”

After checking out a few things upstairs they went outside. Checking the bath house Suzy insisted, “This hasn’t changed much over the years.”

Then they went back to the car and headed to the Coin Shop. On the way Kathy remarked, “I was afraid you’d be mad about me using my powers at the Coin Shop. You said to never let people see what we can do, but I was afraid of what he might do.”

Suzy insisted, “Don’t worry about it Kathy there is a learning curve to this and this isn’t our time. We can fix things in another time like this. That we can’t fix in our own time. We’re still learning too, now you know you can stop time. Next time something happens like that again just stop time and we’ll figure it out. We do that a lot. Stop time and take their gun away.”

Suzy parked in front of the Coin Shop. Inside she barked, “Hay tricky old man, I mailed you something but it’s going to take a while to get here.”

Oliver leaned on the counter. “Good looking women like you need some sparkle. Pick out something from the case, and it’s yours.”

Kathy queried, “Anything?”

Oliver assured, “Anything.”

Kathy pointed to a neckless and insisted, “I want that one.”

Oliver disagreed, “No not that one. That is just a cheap Amethyst neckless. Look at the Diamond stuff down at the end.”

Kathy insisted, “Nope, the purple will go with the dress I’m having made.”

Oliver demanded, “Suzan tell her that’s not reward worthy.”

Suzy smiled, “Just give it to her Oliver. You’re never going to change her mind. She’s not that kind of girl.”

Oliver pulled it from the case and set it on the counter. Kathy immediately put it on.

Oliver whispered, ‘I knew you were special when I first met you, and I always thought you were a Time Traveler. Then to see you do what you did changed everything. Do you just go around sending Evil Spirits back to Hell?

Looking at the stone Kathy mumbled, “Their Demons.”

Suzy revealed, “Yes Oliver we’re Time Traveling Demon Hunters. Now you know I have to make you forget about this happening.”

Oliver protested, “Why? No one would ever believe that story even if I told it. It would just make me look like a kook.”

Suzy questioned, “So if I bring in some old money say pre 1875, Can you unload it without getting people nosing around. Like some rare finds worth a lot more.”

Oliver pinched his chin and theorized, “Like I give you a list of stuff some people might be looking for. You know we might have to revisit my finder’s fee.”

Suzy made a little ball of bright flashing colored light the size of a pea, and tossed it at Oliver. Then she announced, “Let’s go Kathy.”

Then they went to the store and Suzy got two cans of baby formula and a little glass Baby bottle. Then it was back to the house.

 

[gonewacky]

The inside of the Boarding House

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Nine

It had been three days and they were moving Jane to a room. Rumors were floating around the Hospital about The Jane Doe. When she got to the room on the fourth floor the Nurse thought she knew the woman. She looked like the woman she saw on the Missing Persons Show on TV. The Nurse did a search on the internet, and there she was. “Kidnapped in Seattle Washington Three months pregnant Tiana Delong.”

She used her phone to sneak a picture of Jane. Then she sent it to the Tip Line with the story about Jane Doe, and the three strange people watching her.

At the F.B.I. Tom announced, “Lew look at this. I think we got a break on the Ring that’s kidnapping pregnant women. They got a Jane Doe in Lambert Idaho that fits her description. She just had a baby and there’s no baby. There are three People and one of them is watching over her at all times.”

Lew questioned, “That don’t fit the MO. Our kidnapers take the baby and dump the women somewhere. Why would they take one of them to the Hospital?”

Tom replied, “I think murder mite cross the line for them. Kidnapping and child trafficking don’t carry the death penalty. That’s why.”

Lew insisted, “Put the team together Tom. We’re going to Idaho.”



Back at the Hospital Suzy was sitting with Jane Doe waiting for her to wake up. Suzy looked around and made a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into Jane. She started doing this as soon as they got to the room. She needed to fill her with love to keep her calm, so she didn’t freak out like when she awoke in the ICU.

There was no way to tell what she would do going from a cabin to this environment. Suzy just didn’t want what happened in the ICU to happen in the room.

In the afternoon Jane came to life. Opening her eyes she looked around and mumbled, “Am I in heaven?”

Suzy Jumped up and moved next to the bed and insisted, “No, this is the place in-between. We’re Sinding you back, but what are you calling your little boy?”

Jane smiled as Suzy pushed love into her and revealed, “William Deane Chambers.”

Suzy went to the door and called out. “She’s awake.”

The Nurse came to the room and stood next to the bed. Then she exclaimed, “Welcome back. You gave us all a scare. How do you feel?”

Jane whined, “Where’s my baby?”

The Nurse whispered, “Don’t worry about the baby. Let’s worry about you. Do you know who you are?”

She replied, “Maryann Chambers.”

Checking her out the Nurse questioned, “Do you know where you are Maryann?”

Maryann replied, “Where they decide if you go to heaven or not?”

The Nurse replied, “No, you’re in the Hospital where people get better so we can send them home.”

Maryann requested, “Would you get me the Chamber Pot I have to pee,”

Suzy mumbled, “Bed pan.”

The Nurse explained, “It’s the catheter making you feel that way Maryann. If you get up and show me you can walk to the bathroom. I’ll take it out.



Jim and Kathy were coming out of the elevator as Jane was getting out of bed. At the same time behind the Hospital Lew was instructing his agents, “I need two men in the stairwell, two at the elevators, and two at each end of every hallway on the fourth floor.”



Approaching the room Jim saw Suzy come out of the room. Then the Nurse came right behind her walking Maryann. That’s when Jim saw two men dressed in black with guns at the far end of the hall. Kathy tugged on Jim’s arm and he looked back. There were two more at the other end of the hall. They were trapped and more men were showing up yelling, “Get down on the floor!”

Kathy flung her arms out, and light exploded from her. A pulse of bright white light that was so bright all anyone could see was white. It engulfed the entire fourth floor. The high intensity white light she released emitted a series of flashes. Then disappeared and was replaced with darkness. From outside the Hospital you could see the bright light shoot out all the fourth floor windows.

Kathy was unaffected by the light and could see everything in the darkness that had no charged light particles. Kathy pointed at Jim and shot a spark. It floated invisibly across the room hitting Jim. Then she did Suzy and Jane. She walked over and took Jim’s hand, and dragged him to Suzy and Jane. All holding hands Jim blinked them out.

Appearing in the kitchen of Suzy’s house Jim cried out, “By the power of Njal I command time to stop. Son of a bitch Kathy what the hell was that?”

Kathy insisted, “You said don’t let people see my power. I don’t think anyone saw anything.”

Suzy smiled, “I’m sure of that Kathy, but how did you do that?”

Kathy shrugged her shoulders and put out her hands and admitted, “I don’t know, I just thought about it and it happened.”

Jim insisted, “Great now what?”

Suzy insisted, “We go back and fix it.”

Jim complained, “How do we do that?”

Suzy insisted, “Go back and stop the FBI from rushing the Hospital.”

Jim whined, “We’ll try.”

Jim took Suzy and Kathy’s hand and blinked them back. Standing in total darkness Kathy clapped her hands, and light flooded back in. Jim had them collect all their weapons, and piled them at the nursing station. Then he went to what looked like a leader, and touched him. Then Jim questioned, “Who’s in charge?”

He was fumbling around looking for his weapon complaining. “I’m half blind. Give me a minute I can’t see.”

Jim insisted, “Point him out or you’ll be half dead.”

The man barked, “We don’t negotiate with terrorist.”

Jim removed his hand, and the man froze. Suzy insisted, “Try this one James”

Jim touched him and questioned, “Who’s in charge?”

The man pointed to the other end of the hall and insisted, “Its Lew.”

Jim went to the other end of the hall and touched a man and questioned, “Lew?”

The man was disoriented and mumbled, “No.”

Jim moved over and touched another man and questioned, “Lew?”

The man was looking around in disbelieve, “What’s going on.”

Jim replied, “You screwed up and now I have to fix it.”

Lew replied. “You’ve drugged me or something.”

Jim barked, “Kathy Bring me a gun.”

Kathy went to the nursing station and got a Pistol, and took it to Jim. Then Jim instructed Suzy to touch Lew. Lew came back to life and Jim stood about four feet in front of him. Pointed the gun at him and fired it. The gun went off and the bullet stopped hanging in the air at the end of the barrel. Jim dropped the gun and bent down and looked down the bullet. Then he said, “Yep looks like it will hit you in the head. That is if I start time. Good thing I have it stopped. Suzan You want to pull Lew out of the way, and take care of this.”

 

[gonewacky]

Suzy pulled Lew to the side and made a ball of bright flashing colored light. Then she tossed it at the bullet. It shot down the hall and into the elevator door and Jim exclaimed, “Oops looks like the elevators got a hole in it.

Jim got serious, “Now we have a problem. You interfered with a Time Lord, Love Goddess, and a Spectrum Goddess. The way I see it now is you’re in this deep, you can tell what happened and watch your career go down the tube. Let me think how that would go.

There was a bright flash and they just disappeared. No that’s not a good idea, how about you Lew do you have a plan?”

Lew insisted, “Well if you’re a Time Lord like you say. Why don’t you just go back and change it.”

Jim laughed, “If only it was that simple. You see Lew if I go back and try to stop you. Then you’ll try to arrest me, and we’ll be where we are right now. Just at an earlier time. No we need something better than that.”

At that moment Lew spun around and wrapped his arm around Suzy’s neck. Jim looked in amazement and reached out and touched him. Then he blinked out, taking them a few thousand feet into the air. Then Jim insisted, “Look down Lew. Looks like you’re on a death spiral.”

Suzy pried herself away, and flew around behind Jim as he explained, “You see She can fly. Can you?”

Lew started screaming and Jim blinked them back announcing, “That was a bad boy Lew. Did you come up with a way to fix this yet?”

Lew disclosed, “I don’t know that’s not what I do. You’re supposed to be kidnapers and child trafficking criminals.”

Jim questioned, “How did you come up with that?”

Lew revealed, “We found out from the Tip Line that Tiana Delong a pregnant woman kidnapped in Seattle Washington turned up here. We thought you were part of a Ring that’s kidnapping pregnant women, and steels their baby’s.”

Jim revealed, “The woman is from over 150 years ago. We brought her here to save her life. There was no means to stop the bleeding, or fight the infection in that time. This was the only way to save her.”

Jim insisted, “Kathy go to the nurses station and grab some chairs and drag them over here. I’m tired of standing, how about you Lew?”

Lew replied, “How long is this going to take?”

Jim responded, “Look around Lew, time is stopped, and it’s going to be this way until we come up with a plan. When we come up with a way to stop you and your men from storming this place, we can put time back on track.”

Then Jim disappeared and appeared in the cabin in a sitting position, and fell on his butt. Looking up at Albert he questioned, “You summoned me?”

Albert replied, “Just wondering how it’s going?”

Jim looked at Albert and smiled, “Thanks Albert. You just fixed a big problem. Give us half a day.”

Then Jim ran out the door held out his arm and yelled, “Bird.”

The crow came down and landed on his arm and Jim blinked out. Appearing at the Hospital the crow jumped to Suzy’s head. Then she exclaimed, “Oh crap it has been a week and she’s dried up.”

Then the Crow moved to Suzy shoulder as she commanded, “Bird, help us.”

The bird Jumped to Lew’s head. Suzy pushed a ball of bright flashing colored light into Lew as his eyes rolled back in his head. Then Lew shot straight up, and the crow flew to Suzy.

Lew revealed, “I got it. We grouped up at the loading dock behind the Hospital. That is where we fix this mass. We can stop it before it starts. Just let the Crow do it.

Suzy remove her hand and Lew froze. Then she held the crow in her hand and petted it saying, “I love you bird.”

Jim blinked them a half hour earlier to the front of the Hospital. Walking around the side of the Hospital Jim explained, “We’ll have to start time to make this happen. Who is going to do that?”

Suzy insisted, “I think Kathy earned that.”

Looking around the corner of the Hospital they saw Lew grouping up his team. The crow took flight and flew to Lew’s head. His eyes rolled back in his head, and he fell to the ground having a seizure. One of the men pulled his firearm to shoot the bird, but another agent put his hand in front of it and scolded, “You idiot what are you going to do shoot Lew in the head!”

Then the Crow flew off and Jim was back in the hall walking with Kathy. Jim saw Suzy come out of the room. Then the Nurse came right behind her walking Maryann. Coming up alongside Suzy Jim informed, “Looks good.”

Suzy whispered, “Today is the last day, their taking out her catheter and IV this morning.”

Lew and Tom came up the elevator to the fourth floor. Waiting for the doors to slide shut Lew checked for the bullet hole. Lew exclaimed, “Fixed it.”

Tom questioned, “Fixed what Lew?”

Walking down the hall to Jim Lew mumbled, “You would never understand Tom.”

Seeing the men Kathy stood ready as Lew announced, “James I’m having Tom take the freeze off of Miss. White’s accounts. All I can tell you is you need to put a filter on that bird. Oh and maybe you could leave without the flash of light this time. I didn’t know you were a lawman James. You tell your sheriff he’s lucky to have you.”

Jim questioned, “What did the Crow show you?”

Lew smiled, “You know that’s between me and the Crow James. Let’s just say I see a commendation in my “Future,” if you know what I mean. I just blew the top off this Kidnapping Ring. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go get a warrant for some wire taps.”

Walking down the hall Tom questioned, “What was that all about?”

Lew replied, “Love Tom, it’s all about Love with them. Sometimes you just have to leave things to a higher power.”

Tom mumbled on the elevator, “You know Lew I think that bird landing on your head messed you up.”

Lew just laughed.



Back at the cabin Rebecca held the baby boy rocking it singing a lullaby. Albert complained, “You know you’re going to have that baby spoiled before the mother ever gets a chance to hold it.”

Rebecca replied, “Good. It’ll save her the time of doing it.”

Albert just shook his head.



In the Hospital the Nurse took out the catheter and IV. Suzy pushed love into Maryann and insisted, “Now James.”

With that Jim gripped one arm and Suzy the other. Then Kathy touched Jim as he blinked them to Suzy’s kitchen. Appearing in the kitchen Maryann’s feet fell to the floor, and Jim and Suzy pulled her to her feet. Then they took her to Suzy’s bed. That’s when Jim revealed, “I don’t know how to get her back.”

Suzy questioned, “What do you mean you don’t know how to get her back?”

I was holding Kathy when Albert called me and she didn’t come with me. I had to call her to get her there. I can’t blink there because I don’t even know the year. We’ll…”

Jim disappeared and appeared in the cabin. There sat Rebecca holding the baby with Albert next to her. Jim insisted, “You need to put the baby down, and stand behind the Doctor. Albert and I need to get some kind of date from the Doctor, so I can jump here.”

 

[gonewacky]

Then Jim folded the stove down and put it under the table. Rebecca set the baby on the bed and it froze. Then she stood behind the Doctor. Albert insisted, “Go ahead and touch him Rebecca.”

Rebecca touched the doctor and Albert questioned, “Do you know the birth day for the boy?”

The doctor insisted, “It was just Three days ago Sheriff.”

Albert requested, “But what day was that?”

The doctor revealed, “Why Sunday, you know Christmas day. You know that.”

Rebecca pulled her hand away and questioned, “Did you get what you wanted Jim?”

Jim replied, “I think so. We’ll know in a short time. If I’m not back in a half hour call me.”

Then Jim blinked out and appeared in Suzy’s kitchen. Looking at Suzy Jim insisted, “I need every year in the late 1800’s that Christmas lands on a Sunday.”

Suzy typed it in her phone and announced, “I’m getting 1870, 1881 and 1892. It looks like it happens every eleven years. Why?”

Jim replied, “I’m working on it.”

Then he blinked out going to December 25, 1870. Standing outside the cabin Jim could hear her screaming in pain. Looking through the small window Jim could see the woman on the bed. Now Shivering from the cold Jim blinked forward a week, and appeared in the cabin. Albert concluded, “You figured out the time. I was just getting ready to call you.”

Jim explained, “We have a lot to do. I’ll bring the mother back, but we need to keep time stopped. We have to remove all the stuff from the future. Then set up everything so the baby can survive. The mother has dried up, but Suzy has a plan for that. Hang tight I’ll be back.”

Jim blinked out to the kitchen. Suzy was on the phone. “William Dean Chambers he was born on December 25, 1870, and his mother was Maryann Chambers. I’ll check back to see what you find.”

Jim questioned, “What was that about.”

Suzy revealed, “That was the gal I had looking for my birth mother. I’m having her check out the baby. I was wondering why he or one of his off springs was so important. We’ll did you find Albert?”

Jim declared, “I don’t know that’s a good idea. You might not like what you find, and yes I can blink us there.”

Suzy insisted, “Probably won’t find anything anyway. I never have found my birth mother. I have a list of things we have to do. I need to get a year’s worth of formula. I looked it up and found you will need at least four cans of formula per month. That means I need to get fifty cans of that. Then we have to go back and get jars from that time, so we can empty all the cans into jars. We need to get blankets and other stuff.

I’ve been pumping her so full of love I don’t think she can walk. I’m hoping she thinks her trip to the future was a dream or something. You ready to take her back?”

Jim looked at Kathy and noted, “You’re being awful quite. Is everything all right?”

Kathy inquired, “Have you ever done that where you had to think about two things happening at the same time but separate. I remember the time line where I made the bright light. I also remember the other one where I just walked down the hall with you.”

Jim said, “Wow! I didn’t even think about that. No, that’s the first time we did that.”

Suzy looked at Kathy and Revealed, “We didn’t do that the Crow did it. Do you remember that?”

Kathy insisted, “I know, but I still remember both times. I was just thinking about it.”

Jim insisted, “Then are we ready?”

Suzy insisted, “We have to change our clothes first.”

Then they took Maryann back to the cabin. Jim blinked Suzy back to her house, and Jim and Suzy started gathering the stuff. First was the Baby Formula. It took Jim and Suzy two days to get the Baby Formula. Most stores had a two or four can lament. Jim would go in and buy two then Suzy would go in and get two. They had to drive all the way to Boise stopping at all the stores on the way. Then hit the stores in Boise. Two days and two thousand dollars later they were back at Suzy’s house. They piled all fifty cans on a blanket. Jim pulled the four corners together and pulled it up over his shoulder and blinked out.

Appearing in the cabin Jim announced, “Santa Claus is here.”

Then Jim dropped the blanket and informed, “Got to change our clothes no peeking.”

Then Jim announced, “Going to the Mercantile in Lambert, anyone wanting to go hop on.”

Kathy grabbed Suzy’s arm with little flickering stars surrounding her hand and exploding. Then Jim blinked them out. Appearing in the alley a drunk exclaimed, “You’re back.”

Jim pulled a Silver Dollar from his pocket and flipped it to the drunk and bellowed, “Go get a bottle Anvil.”

Suzy kicked Jim on the ankle and Jim said, “Ouch, that’s his name.”

Then they walked to the Mercantile and got four dozen canning jars. Heading back to the alley Jim complained, “How come I have to carry twice as much as you girls?”

Kathy replied, “I think it has to do with love, but it could be a dominant man thing. What do you think Suzy?”

Suzy insisted, “It’s just James over thinking thangs.”

In the alley they pushed their backs together and Jim blinked them to the cabin. Setting the boxes of jars down Suzy gave a sigh. Then she explained, “We have to empty all these cans of Baby Formula into the jars. Then get rid of the cans.

Jim explained, “I need to get a wagon. We can’t just have all this stuff magically appear here. We need to put all the stuff in a wagon and have Rebecca, Suzy and Kathy show up with it. I’m going to lambert and rent a wagon and team. Who is going?”

Rebecca was holding and rocking the baby and insisted, “I’m in a happy place.”

Kathy said, “I’ll go.”

Suzy insisted, “I’m going. Last time I let you two go alone Kathy blew up and blinded everybody.”

Albert cried out, “What!”

Jim’s voice echoed in the air as they disappeared, “I’ll tell yah when we get back…”

In Lambert Jim rented a wagon and team from the Livery, and drove it to the Mercantile. In side Jim gave the Clerk his order, twenty five pounds of flour, five pounds of sugar, and two cans of baking powder, twenty five pounds of beans, some salt pork, five pounds of bacon, ten pounds of rice, two pounds of coffee, a pound of tea, five pounds of dried fruit, five pounds of salt, half a bushel of corn meal, a sack of potatoes and some vinegar.”

You could hear Suzy and Kathy picking out fabric for baby clothes.

Kathy whispered, “When you were getting the Baby Formula, and I was alone Albert had to wait to eat because there are only two tin plates.

Then Suzy said, “Add five yards of the diaper material, a mattress cover, and two blankets to the order. Oh we need two cans of lard and four tin plates with spoons to.”

The Clerk questioned, “You helping out another family Deputy or is your wife having a baby?”

 

[gonewacky]

Jim yelled, “We having a baby dear?”

Suzy insisted, “Only if you’re squeezing it out of yourself.”

The Clerk chuckled, “That woman does speak her mind doesn’t she.”

Jim leaned forward and whispered. “At least I know where I stand with her.”

The Clerk got the material and mattress cover. Then he added up Jim’s order. “Looks like forty two dollars Jim, but since I know your just giving this to some needy family make it Forty dollars even.”

Jim dropped two twenty dollar gold pieces on the counter. Then the Clerk helped Jim load the wagon, as Suzy looked frantically for something to measure the Baby Formula. She knew she couldn’t give someone in the 1800’s a plastic scoop to measure with. Finely she gave up and just got a one tablespoon measurer. She would have to use two heaping spoons to equal one scoop.

With the spoon in her pocket and the wagon loaded, they were off. Just out of town Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them out.

Appearing in front of the cabin Jim insisted, “Let’s get the jars of Baby Formula loaded so we can unload them again. I’m going to start blinking all the stuff from the future out of there. Then I’ll remove all the garbage.”

Walking in the cabin door Kathy saw the Demons were back swirling around Maryann in the bed. They were darting in and out of the floor and going around her. Kathy insisted, “Suzan put your arms around me and squeeze me as tight as you can,”

Suzy came up behind Kathy and put her arms around her. Then they blended into one person as little flickering stars surrounded them exploding in all directions. Suzy saw the Demons as Kathy flung out her arms and a bright light engulfed the cabin. Then the walls sparkled as the light went back to normal. Then Kathy cried out, “There try to pass through that you evil Demons.”

Suzy stumbled backwards and wobbled around a little saying, “What just happened? I just shot through an infinite set of alternate dimensions and identical universes. The information overload has my head spinning.”

Wobbling to a chair Suzy sat down and held her head. Kathy apologized, “I just thought we would be more powerful if we were together.”

Suzy blurted, “More powerful, Girl you have no idea. That was like a hundred times more powerful. I saw it from the view of the universe. That wake was multidimensional. This is like a dead zone for Demons. We need to be careful using something like that. That’s some mind twisting power right there.”

Albert complained, “Can we get this over with. I’ve been here a week and just want this to end. I didn’t even get to go to the future.”

Kathy insisted, “You wouldn’t like it Albert. You’d have to shoe ten horses a day just so you could eat, and no one has a horse. They’ve all been replaced with Iron Horses, but there not a smart as yours. They have to get inside to make them work. If you want I’ll put a cloud on James head until he promises to take you there.”

Jim Barked, “All you have to do is ask Albert, and keep your cloud to yourself Kathy. You know you’re starting to get scary for someone whose powers don’t do anything. Rebecca put that baby down and get a blanket from the wagon to wrap around yourself.”

Then Jim stacked up the stove and stuff and blinked out. Almost as fast as he left he was back. Laying out a bloody blanket Jim put all the empty cans on it. Then he picked it up by the corners and blinked out. When he got back the jars were loaded.

Jim questioned, “Are we ready?”

The girls went out to the wagon and Albert sat in the chair across from the Doctor then called out, “By the power of Njal I command time to Start.”

Albert continued his conversation, “I was sure he was a Christmas baby, but just wanted to make sure.”

The Doctor informed, “Unfortunately it wasn’t a merry Christmas for this mother and her baby. Hopefully I can find a wet nurse for the baby, but I don’t think the mother is going to make it.”

Albert inquired, “Isn’t Christmas the time of Miracles?

Jim announced, “I think our Miracle made it through the snow storm. I hear someone outside.”

Jim opened the door and the Girls came rushing in. Rebecca complained, “It’s freezing out there, but we got your stuff here. Don’t just stand there get the wagon unloaded.”

Maryann questioned, “What’s going on?”

Suzy went over and pushed some love into her and whispered, “You had a beautiful Baby Boy. You want to hold him?”

Suzy picked the baby up from the bed and laid him on top of Maryann. She whispered, “William you’re going to be stubborn just like your dad. You dint want to come out did you. That’s alright William you made it.”

Looking in the wagon the Doctor questioned, “Is all this for them.”

Jim insisted, “I don’t see anyone else here.”

Picking up a box of jars the Doctor asked, “What’s in the jars?”

Jim revealed, you mix it with water to make milk for the baby. It’s like soybean powder and corn sugar. I think it’s an Irish thing, but it works. I’ll guarantee it.”

The Doctor stopped dead in his tracks and questioned, “How did they know?”

Jim shrugged his shoulders, “There women who knows how they think.”

Then Jim winked, “Don’t you believe in Miracles?”

The Doctor got a surprised look on his face and went to the wagon. Suzy and Kathy went right to work fixing a meal, and Rebecca started making up diapers. Soon a meal was cooking and biscuits were in the oven. The Doctor spoke in amazement. “I can’t believe it. The fever’s gone. There’s Miracles everywhere I look.”

Rebecca questioned, “Doc, you think we can get her up and put the clean stuff on the bed.”

The doctor insisted, “If she can walk to a chair I don’t see why not.”

Rebecca held the baby as the Doctor helped Maryann to a chair. Jim and Albert slipped outside. Albert muttered, “It’s crowded with seven people and a baby in a one room cabin.”

Jim replied, “I was like stuck to the wall. There was nowhere to go.”

Albert insisted, “It was the same for me.”

Jim went back into the doctor and set a twenty dollar gold piece on the table. Then he asked, “Will that cover it?”

The doctor looked at Jim and insisted, “I can’t take money for a Miracle. I’m not dumb and I know when I’m among Angels.”

Jim questioned, “We’re leaving tomorrow are you going to be all right?”

The Doctor replied, “Sure, I’ll just take the road back to town. There’s no way I’m taking that short cut through the woods. Your Sheriff has a since of direction like I’ve never seen.”

Jim went back outside and told Albert what the doctor said and that the bed was made. Albert responded, “I followed the Crow.”

Jim smiled, “Oh.”

Then he questioned, “Albert what do you call a poor Sheriff.”

Albert replied, “Broke?”

Jim replied, “Nope the Sheriff of Not-Eating Ham.”

Albert complained, “That’s kind of lame James.”

Jim replied, “I know. It’s cold out here and my brain is freezing up.”

 

[gonewacky]

Albert insisted, “It must be time to go back in. I can smell the biscuits out here.”

Coming in the door Suzy instructed, “Jim go fill the bucket with snow so I can melt it down.”

Suzy set the pot of salt pork and beans on the table with the biscuits. Then got a cup of the potato soup she made for Maryann, and took it to her. Rebecca took the baby, and Suzy helped Maryann sit up in the bed. Then Suzy gave her the soup as the Doctor announced, “I’ll pray. Father we thank you for the food, a roof over our head, and the new life you’ve given us. Protect us and keep us safe. Amen.”

They all ate and fell asleep. Albert and Rebecca leaned on each other against the wall, as did Jim and Suzy with Kathy in-between them. The Doctor fell asleep in the chair with his head on the table. In the night the baby cried, and the Doctor and Rebecca made a bottle. Rebecca went back to Albert as Kathy fell over next to Suzy.

The Doctor was feeding the baby, and saw little flickering stars shooting from where they touched. Then the stars exploded in the air with little flashes. The Doctor blinked as Rebecca pulled Kathy next to her.

The next morning at first light they were up and leaving when the Doctor assured, “Don’t worry. I’ll teach her how to make the bottle, and make sure it’s the right temp. I’ll have someone come out here and stay with her.”

Jim Albert and Suzy got up front and Kathy and Rebecca got in the back. Alberts horse was tethered to the Wagon and they were off.



On the road Jim told Suzy now. Then at that very moment Viking Warrior Njal appeared. The wagon and horse and Rebecca were gone, and they were all standing before Njal.

Njal revealed, “Albert my child thou has outperformed our expectations. For this we bestow thee with the power of Shapeshifting. Now sleep my child. Then Albert disappeared.

Kathy thou art thee amazement of us all. You’ve learned so fast. Thee need not be afraid of what thee hath. This power was made for thee. No other has it. Now sleep my child. Then Kathy disappeared.

Jim thee has pleased us. You understand the paradox, and respect it. Now sleep my Time Lord. Then Jim disappeared.

Standing alone with Viking Warrior Njal Suzy questioned, “What about the boy’s father?”

Njal chastised, “Oh my dear child what shell I do with thee. You know that a life had to be given up to save another. We’ve talked about this before. The father was taken to save the child. Maybe you should remember your time with the bear. This is hard for me because you are love. Love is relentless and never gives up on anything. I tell you he can fly, but not like you. He gets his ability to fly like Albert gets his power over the Iron Horse. I’ll show you the baby’s great grandson.”

Then Suzy saw Bird Man getting in his helicopter. Thoughts raced through her head. She saw his time line from outside the view of the universe. Her mind raced as she thought, We just made a Demon Hunter. Then she heard, “Now sleep my Love Goddess.”



Three months later on the nightly news.

Our top story tonight is an amazing take down of a Global Sex Trafficking Ring.

The FBI in conjunction with several agencies took down a Sex Trafficking Ring with Global ties.

Lew Baxter revealed he got a tip from an informant. Under pressure about the informant he insisted that a bird told him. There you have it folks we all know a bird is an ex-con.

Lew Baxter was convinced more than ever that children removed from their parents and put into group homes or foster homes are being sex-trafficked, and he has turned up the evidence.

Lew Baxter has been looking into how DCS “lost” more than 1,550 children last year, roughly half of whom are categorized as either runaways or otherwise missing. The rest appear to be flagged for paperwork errors.

He said he fears the children have been abducted and sold into a global sex trafficking ring, and said he has been holding meetings with his agency about it.

This is the fate awaiting children who vanish while in the care and custody of America’s child-protection system. Some run to escape abuse. Some follow false promises of love and security. Still others are kidnapped outright. These boys and girls will resurface on the black market as child sex slaves. According to the FBI Agent Lew Baxter insisted he’d keep searching until they're found.

On another note Baxter sends a stern warning to the ring kidnapping pregnant women. We know who you are and we’re coming for you.

There you have it, and you got it here first on DBN. (Dependable Broadcast News)

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Ten

The next morning Jim awoke to the sound of laughter from Albert and Rebecca. Then there was pounding on the door and Albert’s voice rang out. “Wake up sleepy head.”

Coming to the table Jim saw the biscuits and knew it was a biscuits and gravy day. Except for Mable the tea and toast lady.

As Jim took a seat Albert announced, “We have to build that wall today James. Hank’s got two guys coming to fix the roof, and the Jail cell is coming tomorrow. Then we’ll have a Sheriff’s Office.”

Henry chimed in, “I was at the town meeting and all the town cancel voted for the Jail. After the Shelton gang, and finding they didn’t have to pay for the building and Jail Cell. They thought it was worth fixing up the building.”

Mable questioned, “So Albert now that you’re getting a Jail. Are you going to hang out at the Blacksmith Shop, or the Jail?”

Albert swallowed his bite and confessed, “Neither, James and I are going to sit in front of the General Store drinking bottled drinks. Why would we change that?”

Henry teased, “Whisky bottles.”

After breakfast Jim whispered in Kathy’s ear, and she followed James and Albert to work. In the Feed and Seed Kathy pointed at the Iron Horse and shot a little spark at it. Then it vanished. Albert looked and questioned. “Are you sure it’s there?”

Kathy stepped in-between Albert and Jim and put a hand on each of them. Then they could see it. Then she pulled her hands away and it disappeared. Pleased with what Kathy had done they started caring in the lumber.

Kathy went to the General Store and got a broom from Emily. Returning she started knocking down the cobwebs and sweeping it out. Jim and Albert worked on the wall separating the old office from the Iron Horse. By the end of the day the wall was almost done. Just a few boards remained to be put on. The men had the roof about half done.

That night at dinner Henry disclosed, “I went out to Herman Jenkins place today. Him and his wife Kathleen are getting up in years you know.”

Albert questioned, “How they getting along?”

Henry continued, “Not so good. This Depression we’re going through is hitting everyone. He’s having a tuff time of it. He has cut his stock down to ten horses. he’s worried he might not have put up enough feed to make it if we have a bad winter. I looked at what he had and picked out a team. He’s going to bring them in tomorrow. They don’t have shoes and I need you to look them over and give me a price. I’m hoping with so many settlers coming through I can turn them over.”

Albert explained, “I know charity when I see it. I’ll shoe them for you Henry, but I don’t expect to get paid until you sale them.”

After dinner Henry was having his pipe. Albert went out on to the porch with Henry. Albert commented, “It’s getting cold. I’m surprised it hasn’t started raining yet. This has been a dry fall.”

Henry warned, “Don’t worry the mud will be here soon enough. Are you going to need help tomorrow putting that bird cage together?”

Albert replied, “If you want to drop by it would be nice. Hank and Clint are going to come and help.”

The next day they finished the wall and put the Jail Cell together. Then Hank passed out bottled drinks, and they all sat on the front dock telling stories. Then Henry revealed, “You know Herman Jenkins never came by today. I wonder what happened.”

Albert assured, “Jim and I’ll ride out there tomorrow. Just have a couple of horses ready for us.”

Henry insisted he’d have it done.



That night Albert fell it a deep sleep and he had a strange dream. Slowly Albert awoke to a strange surrounding, tall grass waved next to his face, and the smell of wild flowers filled the air. He lifted his head and saw the waters of a river slowly drifting by. He thought, Where am I? How did I get here? Looking around he saw Indians up and down the riverbank, as he heard someone yell, “wertiosha yukwaasíns.” Running deer? Albert looked for a deer, but only saw an Indian boy coming. Looking at him the boy smiled and waved his hand as he yelled, "wertiosha yukwaasíns." Albert sat up and saw rows of Tepees in the meadow, as the boy stood next to him.

The boy asked, "Running Deer are you dreaming again?"

Albert replied, “Yes, this is a dream,”

He laughed, and with a smile informed, “Come on let's go, we're going to get Bear Grass for baskets. Wepsha Kakiama is coming, and I know your eye looks her way.”

Singing Bird, Albert thought, what a beautiful name. Why don’t my people have names like that? “Were is she?” Albert asked trying to hide his confusion of the strange place, and wondering why this boy thinks he’s Running Deer. Looking at his feet, he saw he was wearing Moccasins, and his skin was a dark golden brown.

Albert thought, What do I look like?

“Come on Running Deer, let's go. She is waiting,” he replied.

Albert sat in a daze staring at him. Then Albert thought, I need time to think. I have never had a dream like this before. He gave a sigh and mumbled, “This dream is too weird, it's like it’s real. I can see, smell, and feel everything, and it’s as if I'm here.”

“You are here,” the boy replied. “Now let’s go.”

Looking at the river Albert thought, If I go to the water maybe I can see what I look like.

Albert insisted, “Let me wash first,”

Then he headed the few steps to the river. As he knelled to look in the water his long black hair hung down the sides of his face, and Albert saw a young Indian boy in his early teens. He splashed some water on his face, and opened his eyes wide.

The boy teased. “Come on Running Deer, Singing Bird isn't going to be looking at your face, its Bear Grass she wants,”

Albert followed him into the Village, and saw a beautiful young girl holding a small basket. She looked like the picture of Rebecca as a little girl. Staring intently, Albert heard someone say, “Running Deer.” It snapped him out of his thoughts, and he looked to see who was calling him. It was a woman sitting next to a teepee weaving a basket.

She insisted. “Come here.”

Albert walked over to the woman, and looked at the half-woven basket. Then his eyes met hers, and she said, “Now Running Deer, only get the best bear grass. You know the ones with a lot of white on them. You have gone with me many times, and you know what I want. And don’t run off with Bucking Horse until Singing Bird has her grass.”

Albert’s in a strange land, and he knows nothing of these things. He thought, Heck, what is bear grass?

Then she held up a thick blade of grass and informed, “Like this, no less, now go.”

Albert walked through the Village with Bucking Horse and Singing bird. There were two women hanging fish over sticks to dry in the sun, and an old man with a wrinkled face sitting by a teepee. He called out, “Happy hunting,” and waved as they walked by. They waved back. Then they walked past a woman making a pair of moccasins and a Worrier stretching a deerskin in a frame. The woman looked up and announced, “Singing Bird, watch Running Deer and learn what is best.”

Singing Bird replied, “Yes mom, I will.”

The Worrier demanded, “Running Deer, come here.”

Albert walked over and looked at the deerskin, then his face.

 

[gonewacky]

The Worrier demanded, “You only get the best, just like the moccasins I make for you. No less, agreed.”

Albert replied, “Agreed.”

Then the Worrier insisted, “Then go, your mother is waiting for Singing Bird to get back.”

They walked through the middle of the Village, and past the big fire pit. There was a smoldering fire with many baskets around it. Albert remembered from somewhere that Indians would cook in a basket, but had never seen it done. They walked out the other end of the Village and up a hill. Then they went through some trees and into a big meadow. Singing Bird ran ahead and yelled, “Here's some.”

Albert walked to where she was, and kneeled down. Looking at the Bear Grass, he saw very little white on the ends. “This is not good; it needs to have more white at the bottom of it.” They stopped and looked at many clumps of Bear Grass and none of them where good enough. Finding another clump, Singing Bird shouted, “Look at this one Running Deer.”

Albert looked at it, and it was the same as the rest. Not enough white at the end.

Singing Bird argued, “None of them look good to you Running Deer. Don’t you want me to make a basket?”

Albert replied, “I do Singing Bird, but I promised to get the best. I have to keep my word. Without that, I'm nothing.”

She looked at him with her big brown eyes, and he felt like she was looking right into his soul. Then Bucking horse pushed him over. Laughing he teased, “Knock it off you two. We're here to get bear grass.”

Lying on his back Albert watched a puffy cloud drifting by, and thought. What is this place?

Singing Bird asked, “Dreaming again Running Deer?”

Bucking Horse teased, “Only of you,”

She scolded, “Bucking Horse! Stop!”

Sitting up Albert spotted a large clump of bear grass under a Pine Tree. He got up and walked to it. Knelling next to the grass, he pulled it open to see inside. It was nice with a wide long white band at the bottom.

Albert shouted, “This is it,”

Singing Bird ran over, and knelled next to him. Taking a blade at the edge, he pulled it back and slipped it out. Then he set it in her basket. Albert whispered, “That’s how you do it. Now you can do the rest.”

Pushing against him as she pulled a blade of the grass Singing Bird softly asked. “Like this?”

Albert felt strange and jumped to his feet. Thinking, I'm not like this, I should not be feeling this way. Especially with a young girl, I have to get this dream under control. With her big brown eyes looking at him in wonder, Albert ran off to the Pine Tree ware Bucking Horse was standing.

Bucking Horse had a strange look as he queried, “I left you two alone, and you run over here. I thought you liked my sister?”

Albert replied, “You don’t understand.”

Bucking Horse admitted, “If it makes you act like that. I don’t think I want to understand,”



Then Albert awoke with Rebecca cuddled up to him. Giving her a squeeze he thought, What the heck was that? I’ve never had a dream that real.

At breakfast Rebecca and Kathy talked about fixing up the new Sheriff’s Office. Albert Henry and Jim talked about checking on Mr. Jenkins, and Mable talked to Kathy about her Dress she was making.

Victoria asked. “Albert, are you and Jim going to be back for supper?”

Albert replied, “I’m sure Kathleen will make us something if were there, or we’ll just get something from Josette at the Horseshoe.”

Victoria requested, “Would you say hi to Kathleen for me. I missed her last Sunday in church.”

Albert mumbled, “Sure.”

Soon Jim and Albert were riding out of town. They rode the twelve miles to the Jenkins ranch. Riding up Albert commented, “Something strange is going on. The place looks dead and I don’t see even one horse.”

They road to the house and hitched there horses to the hitching post. Jim went in the house and Albert headed to the barn. Pulling open the barn door Albert saw what no man wants to see. There was Herman Jenkins hanging in the barn. Albert cried out, “Son-of-a-bitch. What kind of sick bastard would do this?”

Jim came in the door and disclosed, “The house is a mess someone tore it apart looking for something. I hate to tell you this, but Kathleen looks like someone beat her to death. She’s hanging over the table half naked. It’s not something you want to see. Oh crap! Him too.”

Albert vowed, “I’m catching this bastard and hanging his ass. I don’t care if I have to do it myself.”

Jim asked, “You want me to cut him down?”

Albert went over and wrapped his arms around Herman’s legs and said, “Go ahead.”

Jim cut the rope with his knife and Albert let him slide down in front of him. Then he let him slide down on his back.

Albert demanded. “James go and get Suzy, I need someone that can fly. I’m catching these bastards if I have to use every power we have. Now go!”

Jim blinked out appearing in the Jail Cell. Kathy gasped, “James don’t do that. People will see you. People have been coming in all morning to see the new Jail. Jesse just had his kids in here to see it.”

Jim replied, “Oops and blinked out.”

Rebeca shook her head and disclosed, “Just pop in and out without saying a word.”

Kathy insisted, “He did say “Oops” Rebecca.”

Rebecca replied, “And just what did we learn from that? Why is he jumping around anyway?”

Kathy looked at Rebecca and muttered, “That was strange.”

Jim appeared alongside the house. Peeking around the corner Jim saw Suzy sitting on the edge of the porch talking to her bird. Jim called her to the side of the house, and told her that they needed her. She insisted that she tell Victoria she was going down to the new Jail first. Then she darted into the house.

Suzy returned and Jim instructed. “We need you to do some flying.”

Suzy held out her hand and called, “Bird, you want to go flying with me?”

The bird flew to Suzy’s arm and Jim blinked them out. Then they appeared in front of the house where the chickens were pecking around. Albert came to them as the Crow started squawking then it took flight circling the farm and squawking.

Jim questioned, “What is up with the Crow?”

Suzy replied, “That’s a death cry. There is something dead here.”

Albert dropped his head and explained, “People are dead here. We need you to fly around and see if you can find the killers. They took the horses, so they should have a herd of horses. The tracks go north from here, so you should start there first.”

Suzy rose up into the air, and flew off with the Crow following her. After flying for a while she saw a dust cloud way up a head. The crow passed her and flew to the cloud circling around it then flew back to Suzy. Suzy hovered in the air as the Crow landed on her head. Through the Crows eyes Suzy saw a man with the horses tethered together, and pulling them along. The Crow took flight heading back to Jim and Albert. Suzy flew back, but the Crow had already showed Albert what it saw.

Albert instructed, “Jim take Suzy back to town, and Suzy I want you to tell Hank what happened here. Tell him James and I are tracking the killers, and to get some men out here to bury the Jenkins.”

 

[gonewacky]

Suzy barked, “No! He has a day’s ride on you. Get going and I’ll fly back to town.”

Then Suzy commanded, “Bird guide them.”

Jim and Albert mounted their Horses and rode off. Suzy rose up into the air, and flew to town. She landed behind the old Feed & Seed. Then she walked around to the new jail. Inside she told Kathy and Rebecca about the Jenkins and Albert and Jim chasing the killer. Then she ran down to the General Store. Rushing inside and out of breath Suzy tried to yell, “Hank.”

With a little more than a whisper coming out of Suzy Emily yelled, “Hank!”

Hank came running from the backroom questioning, “What’s the matter?”

Catching her breath Suzy relayed, “Someone murdered the Jenkins, and Jim and Albert are chasing them. Albert told me to have you send some men out to bury them.

Hank exclaimed, “Oh my god. Suzan come behind the counter and have a seat.”

Looking to Emily Hank insisted, “Stay with Suzy Emily. I’m going to round up some men.”

Hank went straight to Henry and told him what happened. Henry insisted, “I’m going Hank how about you?”

Hank replied, “Of course I’m going. If you get Frank Eicherman I’ll get Charles Havely.”

Henry instructed his stable boy to saddle up four horses, then he headed out to get Frank the town Barber. Hank went to the Freight Office to get Charles.

Soon the four were riding out of town. The twelve mile ride seemed to take forever. None of them were looking forward to what was ahead of them. Putting his hand back to check the shovel tied to the back of his saddle Hank questioned, “Any of you know if they had any children?”

Charles replied, “Not that I know of. You might ask the Dress maker. I’ve seen Kathleen talk to her after Church.”

Frank revealed, “I think Herman’s wife cut his hair. I’ve never had him in my chair. I don’t know if they did or not.”

Henry acknowledged, “They were well established in life when they moved here, and well past the age of starting a family. If they did have children they most likely left home before they moved here.”

Arriving at the Ranch Hank informed, “Suzy told me Herman was in the barn, and Kathleen was in the house.”

Hank announced, “I’ll take the house.”

Frank informed, “I’m with Hank.”

Henry confirmed, “Looks like Charles and I got the barn.”

Stepping in the house Hank moved an end table and stepped on a broken lamp. Frank mumbled, “This place is a mess. Someone turned over every piece of furniture in the place.”

Hank gasped, “You sick sadistic bastards. How could anyone leave a woman like this?”

Frank requested, “Hank would you please pull her dress down over her buttocks when you get over there. I think this is her undergarment over here on the floor. Maybe you could help me put it on her. Even though she’s gone she still deserves some dignity.”

Hank insisted, “I’m just trying to clear a path, so we can carry her out without falling down.”

After Hank and Frank got her garments back on they carried her outside. Henry and Charles were already digging. The digging started out easy, but became more difficult as they dug. By late afternoon they weren’t even getting a foot an hour. At a little over four and a half feet they gave up and put Kathleen and Herman in the ground. Then they spoke a few words, and left in silence.



On the trail Albert was relentless and refused to stop. Jim begged Albert to stop, but he wanted no part of it. Finely in fear of the horses Jim commanded. “By the power of Njal I command time to stop.”

Then Jim yelled, “Albert! We’re going to kill the horses if we don’t stop. The thought of what he saw when he looked in the house wouldn’t leave Alberts mind. He had seen what happens when a man dies from his foot rotting off from gangrene. A man filled full of bullets and a man blown apart and plastered allover a wall. But none of them compared to how Kathleen looked beaten with her dress up over her back. This was the sickest lowest scum of the earth that there could be, and he knew he had to stop him somehow.

Jim saw the anger in Albert’s eyes and tried to comfort him. Jim explained, “I want to catch him as much as you do Albert, but if we ride the horses to death we’ll never catch him.”

Albert confessed, “I just can’t let him get away after that.”

Jim asked. You want me to call help. We have that power you know. I can call bird man and have him fly you in, and you could catch him. or I could call him and Kathy and have her put a cloud around his head and blind him. Then he’d be there waiting for us.”

Albert admitted, “No we can’t do that the overseers might not like that. I have to figure this out. You know Njal just gave me the power of Shapeshifting and I don’t even know how to use it. If I was a horse I could run there myself. Then “Poof” Albert was a giant Black Stallion. Albert strutted around yelling, “This is great I feel so powerful. Look at me James.”

Jim stared at the Stallion in disbelief. Then Albert changed back and commanded, “By the power of Njal I command Kathy to appear”

Kathy appeared in front of Albert. “You called me?”

Albert insisted, “I need your power Kathy. Suzy told me you can put a cloud around a person’s head so they can’t see.”

Kathy said, “I can. Why?”

Albert revealed, “We need you to do that for us so we can catch this guy. I’m going to turn into a horse and let you ride me there.”

Kathy laughed, “Is this one of Henry’s horse jokes.”

Then “Poof” Albert was a giant Black Stallion and commanded, “James help Kathy up on me. James weaved his fingers together and had Kathy step in his hands. Then he lifted her up on Albert. Kathy questioned, “Albert are you in there?”

Then the horse replied, “Just grab hold of my mane and hold on.”

Kathy grabbed hold and Albert trotted off.

Kathy revealed, “Did you know time was stopped?”

Albert replied, “I know James stopped it. It made it possible to call you without anyone seeing you disappear.”

Cathy asked. “Is this the Shapeshifting power they gave you?”

Albert insisted, “It must be. I never could do this before. I’m not sure about it, but its doing what I need right now. When we get there you do your thing. Then I’ll take you back and James will blink you back. Then we can start time.”

Kathy requested, “If you let me call James he can blink us back. Then he’ll know this place.”

Albert picked up the pace and declared, “Kathy I’m so glad they sent you to us. Sure you can be the one to call him.”

Kathy revealed, “It makes me feel a part of things.”

Then the crow landed and started squawking. Albert looked and saw the horses all in a line tethered together. There was a man riding the lead horse, and Albert trotted to the lead horse. Then he requested, “Kathy would you slip down so I can change back.”

Kathy slipped down and Albert changed back to himself. Albert looked the man over. Then he went to the other side of his horse. Then he exclaimed, “His eyes move and he doesn’t even have a gun. Kathy go ahead and do your thing.”

 

[gonewacky]

Kathy made a swirling black cloud turning in on itself, and blew it to his head.

Albert questioned, “Is that it?”

Kathy declared, “Sorry Albert but Suzan is the one that can do the neat stuff with stars and lightning bolts and things.”

Albert assured, “Your stuff is neat too Kathy, and don’t think any different. It takes all of us to do what we do. I wouldn’t be doing this now if not for you. Go ahead and call James.”

Kathy called, “By the power of Njal I command James to appear.”

Jim appeared and Albert questioned, “Can you blink us back here James.”

Jim replied “I can now.”

They all held hands and Jim blinked them out. Then He took Kathy back to the jail. At the jail Rebecca complained about it being hours that time was stopped. She calmed down when Kathy told her about Albert turning into a big beautiful Stallion.

Then Jim blinked to the Blacksmith Shop and got the shackles. Then Jim blinked back to Albert. At the horses Albert put his hand on his horse, and Jim did the same with one hand and grabbed Albert’s arm with the other. Then Jim blinked them to the man. He was sitting on his horse with the cloud on his head. Jim insisted I got this. Then he blinked out and got Kathy. He blinked back and Kathy clapped her hands and the cloud disappeared. Then Jim blinked her back, and came back and called out, “By the power of Njal I command time to start.”

Albert pulled his gun and demanded, “Stop right there.”

The man was startled and jerked his horse to a stop, as Albert ordered, “Get down your under arrest for murder and horse theft.”

The man barked, “I didn’t kill anyone, and I never stole any horses.”

Albert demanded, “Then how do you explain the horses with the Jenkins big-star brand on them.

The man explained, “I found them wondering around, and gathered them up. I was going to drop them off at the Livery in the next town. I thought they could find the owner by the brand.”

Albert demanded, “Get down I’m taking you in. I don’t believe that story.”

With that the man flipped the tether of the saddle horn and took off.

Jim question, Are you going to stop time Albert?”

Albert replied, “Nope, Boom, Boom, Boom.”

The man stopped and through up his hands. Albert walked over and barked, “The next one goes through your head, now get down off that horse.”

The man got down insisting, “You got the wrong man. I didn’t do anything.”

Jim put the shackles on the man. Then they made camp for the night. Jim took first watch and Albert fell in a deep sleep.



Albert awoke to find himself sitting in front of his teepee. His mother smiled at him as she wove a basket. Then he heard the sound echo "Wertiosha yukwaasíns." Looking up he saw Bucking Horse coming. Then he exclaimed, “Nice day Two Trees.”

Albert looked over his shoulder to see a big strong warrior standing behind him as Two Trees replied, “Very nice day Bucking Horse.”

He then took the pole with a cedar root net on the end of it, and looked to Running Deer’s mother. “I’m going to the river. Soon the fish will be coming.”

Then Two Trees knelled next to Running Deer, and opened his deerskin pouch. He removed a stone and held it out for Running Deer, “I found this by the river, and thought it would make a good Tomahawk. I thought you and Bucking Horse could find a nice branch to make a handle.”

Two Trees stood and looked to Jay Bird. Her warm smile sent him on his way.

Bucking Horse leaned over Running Deer’s shoulder to see. Then he bellowed, “Wow! That’s perfect. I bet we could find a nice branch by the big cedar tree.”

Jumping to his feet, Running Deer agreed, “Lots of trees there. I’m sure we’ll find a nice branch there.”

They walked through the Village as Bucking Horse proclaimed, “Let’s stop at my teepee, and see if we can get a deerskin strap for the handle.”

Running Deer agreed it was a good idea, and they stopped to see the Great Hunter. Bucking Horse ran up to his father, “Look at this stone Running Deer got. It’s perfect for a Tomahawk, but we need a strap to hold the handle on.”

Looking to Running Dear Great Hunter queried, “What do you have to trade?”

Running Deer gulped, “Nothing.”

“Then come back when you have something,” Great Hunter declared.

Bucking Horse pleaded, “The fish will be coming soon. Then Running Deer could get you some fish.”

Great Hunter insisted, “Then come back when you have fish.”

With a puzzled look, Bucking Horse gave Running Deer’s arm a tug. “Let’s get a handle. Then we can get a strap.”

They were leaving as Singing Bird arrived with a deerskin pouch filled with water. Handing the water to Great Hunter, Singing Bird yelled, “I’m going to your teepee today Running Deer. Will I see you there?”

Grabbing Running Deer’s arm and giving it a tug. Bucking Horse shouted, “No, we have hunting to do.”

She got a disappointed look on her face, because she had hoped to see Running Deer.

“Waite Singing Bird,” Great Hunter demanded. Then he went into the teepee, and came out with a deerskin strap. Pulling Singing Bird’s hair back, he tied the strap around it.

Then he commanded, “Now go see Jay Bird and work on your basket.”

With a puzzled look Singing Bird questioned, “Father, what’s the strap for?”

Great Hunter disclosed, “You might need it to trade for something. Now go. Jay Bird is waiting.”

Not understanding about the strap Singing Bird went to see Jay Bird, and work on her basket.

Pulling the last weave tight for her basket, Singing Bird cut the cedar root from it. Then she held it up for Jay Bird to see.

Jay Bird smiled, “That one looks good. Let’s go see if it will hold water.”

They walked to the river, and Singing Bird dipped her basket in the river and haled it up. Slowly the water dripped from the basket, and Singing Bird looked sad.

Jay Bird smiled and reassured, “It has never held water before, and it doesn’t know how. We need to let it set in the water for the day, and let it become one with the water. Then it will know the water, and understand how to hold it.”

Putting a rock in the bottom of the basket, Singing Bird left the basket in the river to become one with the water. Then she asked Jay Bird, “Do you believe this one will hold water? My last basket never held water.”

Jay Bird took Singing Bird’s hand and declared, “Your hands where that of a child when you wove the first basket, and didn’t have the strength to weave the basket tight. Now your hands are strong from that first basket, and you no longer weave as a child. Your hands weave a tight basket.”

 

[gonewacky]

Bucking Horse and Running Deer arrived at Running Deer’s teepee, and found Singing Bird starting a new basket. Looking to his mother Running Deer questioned, “Has father come back yet?”

Looking up from her basket Jay Bird disclosed, “No, but you can go to the river. I’m sure you’ll find him there.”

With a disappointed look Running Dear muttered, “No, I’ll wait here. He’d be home if the fish where coming.”

Singing Bird smiled at Running Deer as she questioned, “Did you find a handle for your Tomahawk?”

Running Deer whined, “Yes we found a nice peace from an oak tree, but I have no way to tie the stone to it.”

A big smile came to her face as she pulled the strap from her hair. Holding it out, she asked, “Would this work?”

Grabbing for the strap Bucking Horse shouted, “Give me that!”

Singing Bird jerked back the strap as she scolded, “You stay out of this Bucking Horse. This is between Running Deer and me.”

In a sarcastic voice Bucking Horse suggested, “Watch out Running Deer. She wants something.”

With his eyes fixed on the strap. Running Deer insisted, “I don’t have anything to trade.”

“But you do,” Singing Bird insisted. “With that Tomahawk you could chop out some nice cedar roots for me.”

Jay Bird hinted, “You could ask your father to use the horse tomorrow. Then you could take Singing Bird to get cedar roots for her basket.”

Running Deer looked at the strap then at Singing Bird. Holding out his hand he agreed, “I’ll do it.”

Tying the strap back around her hair she declared, “I’ll be here when the sun comes up tomorrow.”

With a puzzled look Running Deer questioned, “What about the strap?”

With a smile she acknowledged, “You’ll get it tomorrow when you need it.”

Standing to her feet Singing Bird announced, “Time to go Bucking Horse, I see Two Trees coming.”

Arriving at her teepee Great Hunter saw the strap still in her hair, and called Singing Bird to sit with him. He put his arm around her and questioned, “Did you not find something to trade the strap for?”

Leaning her head on his muscular chest she whispered, “Yes, I traded it for some cedar roots for my basket.”

Her father was quiet for a moment. Then he questioned, “If you traded it? Then why do you still have the strap?”

Pulling away she looked in her father’s eyes. “Oh father I think I hurt him.”

“Hurt who?” he questioned.

“Running Deer,” she replied. “I told him he couldn’t have the strap until he needed it to cut the roots, and he looked so sad when I left.”

Pulling Singing Bird next to him he whispered, “You did the right thing, he will respect you for making him wait. Now you need to soak the strap in water for the night. Then have Running Deer tie the strap first thing. Then when the water leaves it will pull tight, and make the Tomahawk strong.”

Singing Bird spoke softly, “Father, do you think Running Deer will ever notice me?”

Great Hunter laughed, “He already does Singing Bird. You just don’t see it, but if you look in his eyes at the right time you’ll know.”

Singing Bird laid trying to sleep, as she watched the flickering light of the fire dance around the teepee. Soon she drifted off to sleep, and the next thing she knew the morning light was upon her. Quickly she arose and took the deerskin water pouch, and headed to the river. Returning to her teepee she hung the water pouch, and retrieved the strap from the basket of water. Then she headed to Running Deer’s teepee.

She arrived to see Two Trees leaving with his net, and Running Deer waiting with the Appaloosa Pony. She held out the strap with a smile, and Running Deer filled with excitement. Taking the strap Running Deer fell to one knee, and fit the stone head in the slot of the wooden handle. Then he wrapped the strap around the handle, and crossed it over the stone head. After wrapping it over the stone head three times he tied it off. Then raised it into the air and gave a cry.

Jay Bird walked up as Running Deer slipped the handle under his loincloth. In one hand she held out a basket to Singing Bird, and had some long heavy straps hung from her other hand. Looking at Singing Bird she confided, “This basket has some smoked fish for you and Running Deer.” Then she held out the heavy straps and instructed, “Now Running Deer get the straightest roots you can find, and be careful when you pull them out. I don’t want you to break one of your father’s straps.”

Taking the straps Running Deer assured, “I know what I’m doing.”

Then he hung the straps over the Appaloosa, and he leaped on the horse. Adjusting the straps, he put out a hand for Singing Bird. Then he pulled her up behind him. She wrapped her arms tight around him and leaned her head on his back. Giving the horse a gentle kick Running Deer insisted, “You don’t have to hold on that tight. I’m not going to go that fast.”

Singing Bird advised, “Maybe not, but I’m not taking that chance.

Singing Bird had been waiting for a chance like this for many moons, and she was going to hold him as long as possible. If Running Deer went slow it was all the better, because she wanted this moment to last forever.

Albert felt the power of love overtake him. The thought of this young Indian girl wrapped around him consumed him, and his mind began to drift. With the pony slowly walking along, Rebecca came to Albert and whispered in his ear. “I so want to be with you Albert, but riding on this pony with you is enough for me. Just as long as we’re together is all that matters. Even if it’s in a dream, as long as I know you’re having the same dream.”

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Eleven

Albert awoke to darkness. Jim questioned, “You ready to start your shift?”

Albert revealed, “You know Jim, I’ve been having some vivid dreams about an Indian Boy. It’s like I’m living his life, and it seems so real.”

Jim replied, “I’m sure if has meaning you’ll figure it out.”

Jim requested, “Wake me at first light or if you get tired.”

Albert kept the fire going and watched the killer. He had his hands shackled around an eight inch tree. Albert was sure he wasn’t going anywhere, but he wasn’t going to give him the chance either.

Albert saw Jim pull his horse blanket tight, so he laid his over him. then he put some more wood on the fire. Dawn would soon be upon them, and Albert knew it was coldest just before dawn. He hadn’t planned an overnight trip and didn’t have a blanket roll or beans. He was hungry and wanted Jim to wake up. Then he could blink out and get something.

Then the Crow started squawking and Suzy floated down. She pulled a towel out from under her jacket, and folded it open. Albert saw the sliced bread and took a slice and exclaimed. “Suzan you’re a real goddess right now.”

Suzy laid the towel on a saddle and took a slice of the bread, and tore it in half and put half in her pocket. Then she dropped the other half on the towel. Then pulling out two cans of beans she explained, “Rebecca sent these from your room. I told Victoria I went looking for my Crow. If you don’t need it I want to take it with me.”

Albert confessed, “I know the way from here, but we’re a day and a half away. Maybe after you go to supper you and Rebecca can go to the Horseshoe and order food to go, and leave it in the Blacksmith Shop. Then I can have James blink and get it.”

Jim awoke from the talking and butted in, “Where am I blinking for what?”

Kathy’s voice echoed, “To get food sleepy head.”

Then she materialized, “I forgot you can’t see me.”

Albert insisted, “Don’t do that. It’s freaky, and makes me think you’re sneaky. How did you get here?”

Suzy smiled, “We’re one you know. If she touches me she can fly with me, and I can see what she sees. How do you think I flew here in the dark? Kathy can see in complete darkness you know, meet my copilot.”

The man awoke and exclaimed, “Who are those people?”

Kathy shot a little spark at Suzy and faded out. Albert turned around and questioned, “What people.”

The man claimed, “The ones you were talking to.”

Jim asked, “Are you losing your mind? Do you see anyone?”

Albert insisted, “It must be the people you murdered.”

Albert insisted they start braking camp as daybreak was upon them. They packed everything up and tethered all the horses to Jim’s horse. Redid the shackles in the man and tied them to the saddle horn. Then they were off.



In town men were gathering at the Barber Shop. Frank was telling what he found at the Jenkins ranch, and how he found Kathleen. The people kept showing up, by the afternoon the mob moved to the Saloon. People were coming to hear what happened. At dark Hank showed up and closed down the Saloon, and told everyone to go home. He had never seen a mob like this before, and hoped it didn’t lead to a lynching. He knew Albert was on the murderers trail, but didn’t know if Albert would catch him. He knew Albert would be relentless, but would that be enough.

Another night came and Albert and Jim made camp. Jim took the first watch and Albert slept. In his sleep he found himself back at the Indian Village.



With his bow in his hand and his knife on his side, Running Deer emerged from his teepee.

Bucking Horse asked. “Going hunting today?”

Albert replied, “Sure am.”

Bucking Horse asked. “Rabbit?”

Albert informed, “No, going to try for a Deer.”

Bucking Horse announced, “I'll get my knife and go with you.”

A moment later, he came from his teepee, and they walked up the hill. In the upper meadow, Albert pointed to the tree line ahead. “I've seen Deer in there before, we can start there.”

Walking slowly around the first tree, Albert saw a big Elk scraping his antlers on a tree. He whispered, “Look, there, I'm taking that Elk.”

Putting his hand on Albert’s shoulder, Bucking Horse begged, “No, not even my farther would take an Elk that big alone.”

Albert thought of Singing Bird, there was no way Great Hunter could say no if he dragged an Elk into the Village. Slowly he walked around the big Cedar Tree, and walked up behind the Elk. It was still scraping its antlers on the small tree. Albert put the arrow in the bow and pulled it back. He took aim, and let the arrow fly. It flew straight and stuck deep right under the Elk’s front shoulder. With a snort, the Elk razed up on its back legs, and swung around. Quickly Albert put another arrow in his bow, and watched it fly straight into the chest of the beast. It let out another snort that sent fear through him. His heart was pounding, and fear was pumping through his body. Albert turned to run, but his foot hooked on a bolder. Then he saw the ground jump up at him. Stunned he felt a sharp pain in his side, and he flipped over. In one swing of his antlers, the Elk had flipped Albert over like a twig. Now he was looking at its head, and he felt its horn dig deep into his chest. Albert reached for his knife only to have his arm knocked back from another raging blow. He thought, I'm going to die.

Fearing for Running Deer's life, Bucking Horse pulled his knife. Then letting out a cry, he ran towards the Elk. It turned its head to look at Bucking Horse. With the Elk looking away, Albert pulled his knife up again, and drove it deep into the belly of the beast. Then he gave it a quick jerk up, and felt its blood flow onto his chest. With one last cry, the Elk fell on him, and pinned him to the ground. Albert saw Bucking Horse leaning over him and slitting the throat of the Elk with his knife. Taking hold of the Elk, he pulled as Albert pushed. The weight was too much, and they couldn’t move the Elk.

“I will get help,” Bucking Horse yelled as he ran off. He ran as fast as he could, out of the woods and into the meadow. Albert laid there numb and in a daze, waiting. Albert thought, Run fast Bucking Horse.

It was hard to breathe with the weight of the Elk laying on him. He was drifting in and out, as he felt the insides of the Elk ooze around him.

Bucking Horse’s chest was burning like fire, and his legs where weakening, as he fought to breathe. Bucking Horse saw the Village. He tried to yell, but was to out of breath. Finely he made it to the Village, with everyone staring at him. His father ran to meet him. Falling to the ground Bucking Horse mumbled, “Running Deer, Elk.”

His father asked, “Running Deer has been attacked by an Elk?”

Out of breath and fighting to breathe, Bucking Horse nodded his head. Running back through the Village the Great Hunter yelled, “Running Deer has been attacked by an Elk.”

Jumping on his horse, he quickly rode to his son. Grabbing his arm, he pulled him to the back of his horse, and gave it a kick. He was the first one to leave, and he rode hard and fast. “Where did this happen?” he asked.

Bucking Horse answered, “By the big Cedar Tree past the meadow. He was hunting it for Singing Bird's hand. He thought if he got an Elk, you would give him her hand.”

Bucking Horse looked back to see the other Warriors chasing after them.

 

[gonewacky]

Two Trees dipped his net deep, for another Fish. When he heard Singing Bird yell from the bank, “Running Deer has been attacked by an Elk!” Pulling his net from the water, he carefully walked the rocks back to the bank.

Out of breath, she forced the words from her lips, “Running Deer has been attacked by an Elk, and Bucking Horse is taking them to him.”

Jumping on his horse, he pulled Singing Bird up and rode fast all the way back to the Village.

Pulling back on the rains, Great Hunter slowed his horse. He looked at Running Deer with his face on its side and his hair draped over it. He wasn’t moving, and Great Hunter feared the worst as he jumped from his horse, and ran to his side. Pulling back his hair, he put his face next to Running Deer. His breathing was shallow, but he was alive. Other Warriors ran to his side and pulled the Elk off Running Deer. With the elk removed Running Deer gasped for air, and moaned. Great Hunter yelled, “Flying Hawk! Get Two Trees, and deerskin straps.”

Flying Hawk had the fastest Horse a large strong paint. He rode fast and hard back to the Village. Two Trees stood waiting for word of Running Deer, as he rode up.

“Deerskin straps!” he shouted as he jumped from his Horse. Everyone moved fast, and ran into their teepees. Flying Hawk told Two Trees about what happened to Running Deer. He also told him that he saw an arrow in the Elk, and Running Deer was hunting the Elk, why, he did not know.

Two Trees knew, as he thought of Singing Bird. Flying Hawk had many offers of deerskin straps. He took the longest ones, as he mounted his horse. With Two Trees behind him, they rode off. Two Trees little Appaloosa Pony was no match for Flying Hawk's paint and he quickly fell behind. Flying Hawk arrived to find Running Deer on a blanket with two poles lying beside him. Jumping from his froth covered horse. He handed the rains to Bucking Horse and said, “Walk.” He knew what to do, and walked the horse to cool it down. Flying Hawk handed out some of the straps, and dropped the rest on the ground. With a pole on each side, they tied the blanket to them.

Two Trees slipped from his horse as they tied the last knot. They drug the poles one on each side of the Appaloosa. Then they made a harness from the remaining straps, as Two Trees looked at his son. He was still out cold, and covered with blood. He stared in disbelief, as Great Hunter put his hand on his shoulder. Softly he whispered, “He is lucky, most of the blood is from the Elk. I think he will make it.”

Taking the rains of the Appaloosa, Two Trees slowly took his son back to the Village. Great Hunter put the Elk on a travois and hooked his horse to it. The rest of the warriors followed him. Coming over the hill, they could see everyone gathered and waiting. Some ran to meet them as they came down the hill. Normally this would be a time of happiness, and feasting. Running Deer had changed that, and only the children gathered around Great Hunter, they pointed at the tongue hanging out the side of the Elk's mouth. Some made a cry, and others touched it and jumped back. Singing Bird looked at Running Deer, and saw all the blood. Then she ran to her teepee and wept. Great Hunter saw her run to the teepee, and handed the rains to Bucking Horse. In the teepee, he sat next to his daughter and asked, “Why do you weep?”

She answered, “For Running Deer father. He gave all he had for the Elk, and now you bring home the Elk. The skin is yours now, and he has nothing and might die.”

He put his hand under her chin, and lifted her head. He looked into her big brown eyes and whispered, “Your father is wise, and the Elk skin will keep you warm for many winters.” Then wiping the tears from her cheeks, he said, “That is why I'm giving it back to Running Deer, he's a Warrior now.” With a smile, he told her, “Now go help the others, and say nothing of this.”

She gave him a hug, and ran out of the teepee.

Great Hunter emerged from his teepee to find Little Arrow waiting for him. Looking at the old man with the wrinkled face Great Hunter acknowledged, “I know why you are here Little Arrow.”

The old man assured, “Then you know the blood of the Elk mixed with the Blood of Running Deer, and the spirit of the Elk is in him now. He is a warrior, and must live in his own teepee.”

Standing proud Great Hunter insisted. “The Elk skin is mine, and I will fight Running Deer for it. That’s if he lives.”

The old man warned, “The spirit of the Elk is great, and Running Deer will survive. He will be one with the spirit, and even a Great Hunter can’t fight a spirit.”

Little Arrow turned his back to Great Hunter and walked back to his teepee. Running Deer was inside and everyone was waiting for Little Arrow. He ordered everyone out and sent Singing Bird to get fire for his teepee. Inside Little Arrow opened a pouch and sprinkled some of the herb on to the wound. Then he covered it with moss.

Singing Bird return with coals from the big fire, she dumped them from the deer skin into Little Arrow’s fire. He bent down and blew until a flame emerged. Then he pointed next to Running Deer and ordered Singing Bird to sit. Then he started to chant.

Slowly the crowd outside Little Arrow’s teepee disappeared until all that was left was Two Trees and Jay Bird.

Inside Little Arrow pulled an herb from his bag. It was braided and dried into a stick. He put it to the fire until the end was burning. Then he waved it over Running Deer as he chanted, and waved the smoke over Running Deer’s face with his hand.

Singing Bird watched Little Arrow. He sang and in his voice was the hope that clings to every heartbeat. In his words were the powers he inherited from his forefathers. In his cupped hands lay a spruce seed -- the link to creation. In his eyes sparkled love and the song floated on the puffs of smoke from the fire. She knew this was something few would see, and wondered if Running Deer herd his chant of song.

Albert realized he was watching this dream, and was out of Running Deer’s body. He looked at Singing Bird sitting next to Running Deer, and then to Little Arrow. He watched Little Arrow wave the burning herb over Running Deer, and this made Albert feel strange. Then a rush went through him. A strange tingling covered his body. Then everything looked strange. It was as if he was floating through the woods.

He somehow knew he was going down the trail of the Elk. He came to a cave in the side of the mountain, and saw it was the home of the bear. Bear slept but his spirit came to talk to Albert. The spirit sang a song and told Albert if he sang this song the bear would come to him.

Then Albert was moving through the woods again, and he knew he was seeing through the eyes of the Elk. Stopping in a clearing he saw Little Arrow standing in front of him. Looking Albert over Little Arrow spoke, “I come to you in this dream, because I know you come from a place faraway in time. The creator has sent you here to learn, so you can go back and teach. Now I must teach you about the Warrior, so you can pass this on to the ones who forgot the ways of the warrior.

“A true warrior will not be forced to do things that he feels to be wrong. The superhuman will of the true warrior is such that he can perform tasks far beyond the abilities of the average person, and survive situations and injuries which would cause most others to perish. The warrior may fail, and he may be defeated, but he will never give up.

“In your time many people so value life, not comprehending its true meaning, that they would rather act cowardly or submissively than risk injury or persecution. Not so the warrior. He must live with his actions. He must face himself each day. It would be unacceptable to him to act, or fail to act, in a manner which would bring shame or dishonor upon himself. If an individual’s loved one was in imminent danger of being brutalized or killed by assailants, a warrior would instantly interpose himself between his loved one and the threat, whether armed or not, without any thought as to his safety.

“He would do anything to protect his loved one, and would not stop fighting until he was killed. Often, just seeing that someone is unafraid of death is enough to give most assailants second thoughts. Having come to terms with the concept of death long ago, the warrior is unafraid of it. He realizes that death comes to us all. Sometimes quite suddenly and in unexpected ways, so he enjoys life as best he can and does nothing that would reflect poorly upon his character, as he knows that each day might be his last.

“The warrior also possesses significant skill-at-arms. He is familiar with weaponry, and has both the ability and temperament to kill his enemy barehanded, if required.