Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2021 12:41:47 GMT
Smart decision Kevin!!!
|
|
|
Post by joebill on Aug 13, 2021 6:00:15 GMT
In my world, whenever the traditional hunter becomes the hunted, it is time to light a shuck and follow the light at top speed! No doubt the author has something else in mind, which is what makes great literature, so I am looking forwards to what comes next. In the real world, though, I would be hiding in the swamp ....Joe
|
|
|
Post by bretf on Aug 14, 2021 21:36:20 GMT
Chapter 17
Two washing machines were running with Kevin’s laundry - whites in one and colors in the other, thank you, Tammy – as he sat alone in the laundromat. Glancing at his watch, and then his phone, he wondered if he’d misinterpreted Tammy’s text. Or missed another one. Perhaps he missed a subliminal message. Should he have responded with a longer, well-worded message? He didn’t know the answer to any of his questions. All he knew was he didn’t understand women. The worst part was, he was deeply attracted to them.
The laundromat door opened and Kevin jumped up – at last, she made it – and he wilted. The woman with the two kids coming in the door wasn’t Tammy. Staring glumly out the window, he settled back down and checked his phone screen again. Nothing.
Kevin was resigned to the fact he’d been stood up. If only the washing machines would open mid-cycle, he’d pull his wash out and leave. But once the machine started, the door was sealed until the cycle finished. He knew that, but tried to stop and open the machine anyway. It was wasted effort. As he sat back down, his phone rang.
“Kev, hey. Sorry, I’m running late,” Tammy said in greeting.
“Oh, that’s okay. I’ve got nothing but time until the wash finishes.”
“The kitchen was hammered with the lunch crowd today. I should be there in five minutes or so.”
“Alright. I’ll see you then.”
Kevin breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t been stood up, after all.
As promised, Tammy pushed through the door five minutes later.
Kevin stood. “Hi.”
“Hi. Sorry I’m late.”
Kevin shrugged. “Did you forget your laundry?”
Tammy looked around as if surprised. “Rats. Now where did I leave that?” She smiled at him. “Well, then, I guess we can just eat lunch and talk, and take care of your wash.”
“Uhm, okay,” Kevin said.
As they were eating, Tammy said, “As I told you, I’m sorry about the other day at your house. Do you suppose I could come out this weekend and we can try again? I’d really like to see the whole place.”
Kevin took his time chewing, considering his answer. After swallowing, he said,” I’d like that. But it’ll have to be Sunday, if that’ll work for you?”
“Oh?” Tammy said with raised eyebrows. Her face showed she wanted to say more but she remained quiet.
“Yeah, I won’t be around on Saturday. I’ve got a continuing education class to go to,” he said. He didn’t want to tell her what the class really was. She might think he was some kind of gun nut. Or worse. His answer didn’t feel like much of a stretch. Any class continued his education, he reasoned.
“However, I might put you to work,” he added.
Her eyes twinkled and she said, “Oh, so you’re going to make me earn my keep, huh?”
He was sure she had more to say but she didn’t so he continued. “Well, I’ve got to take care of some things in the garden. Sunday will be my only chance.”
“I’ll be happy to help. So, do you have to do a lot of these continuing ed classes?”
“No, just one or two per year. Plus, I occasionally enroll in other classes I think will be worthwhile.”
“Such as?”
“I want to take a CPR and first aid class as soon as I can work one in,” Kevin said.
“That’s a good idea. Knowledge you should have but hope to never use.”
Kevin nodded, thinking of his upcoming Saturday class. Her line certainly fit for it.
“I could stand to take that, too. Do you think we could take it together?” Tammy asked.
It took a moment for Kevin to get back on track. When he did, he looked at her expectantly.
“What?” she asked.
“Well, uh,” he said and looked away from her face. “I, uh, expected a mouth-to-mouth comment.”
She smiled and said, “I nearly made my tongue bleed from biting it. But I told you I’d be on my best behavior so you’ll just have to imagine what I wanted to say.”
“Uh, huh,” he said, reddening, and taking another bite of the sandwich. “This is good,” he muttered.
#
Kevin spent the evening studying the document he’d been emailed regarding the upcoming concealed carry class. His mind wasn’t totally on what he read, recalling his lunch with Tammy. But maybe that was good. If he dwelled on the guns and shooting too much, he’d start the mental debate again over whether or not he should even take the class.
The first item, he felt half-way decent about.
I strongly recommend you take a beginner pistol class first. First-time shooters in a beginner pistol class will learn state laws, basic firearm safety rules, proper shooting stances, parts of a pistol, how to clean a pistol, and more.
During his session at the gun range, Dave had pretty much covered all of that.
The next item listed made him glad he hadn’t waited until the last minute. It was a form he needed to fill out and return prior to the class. The first section was easy; full legal name, email address, phone number, and home address.
The next section wanted him to describe his shooting experience. While tempted to write none, he looked at the first item listed. He wrote a paragraph about his class, including Dave’s name and the date he’d met with the instructor.
The next questions required simple yes or no answers. No, he wasn’t current or former law enforcement. No, he wasn’t military. No, he wasn’t private security. Definitely no, he wasn’t a convicted felon.
He emailed the completed form and returned his attention to the document. The next section was titled “What to Bring to a Conceal and Carry Class”. The first part related to safety and would constitute a shopping trip: eye and ear protection. His scratched-up safety glasses and foam earplugs wouldn’t be inadequate. During his time at the range, Dave had provided both and he hadn’t thought about getting some for himself. He had a day to get that taken care of. Groaning, he wondered how much he’d end up spending before he was through.
Reading on, he breathed a sigh of relief. “Proper Clothing”. Pretty much everything listed was what he already wore, either at home or at the office. Hopefully, the rest of the document would be as easy on his billfold.
Ammunition was next. “DO NOT BRING LIVE AMMUNITION INTO THE CLASSROOM! Leave live ammunition in your vehicle until the range portion of the class.”
The next heading was “Handgun”. “Your gun will be checked at the door by the instructors before you are allowed to enter.” There was more, but that was the main point.
The final section was a brief of what to expect and plan for. The class would be all day, with a short break for lunch. All participants were encouraged to pack a lunch, bring water, and sunscreen. The session would start in the classroom and proceed from there to the shooting range. Kevin went through it all, his head swimming as he read and reread sections. Once again, he began the mental debate, whether or not he should go through with it. His thoughts drifted back to Tammy and he wondered if she’d approve. Maybe when she came over on Sunday he could broach the subject of guns in an innocuous way.
Jack and Jill made him forget his debate and Tammy. They ran to the door, growling, the hair on their backs standing up. Kevin stood and stepped away from the table. After flicking the light off so he could see out and not be silhouetted, he went to the window. Looking out, he felt a cold chill creep down his spine. Involuntarily, he jumped from the crack of the gunshot.
|
|
|
Post by Ozarks Tom on Aug 14, 2021 23:25:07 GMT
Okay, we're doing a cliff hanger here, but be aware the next episode better be tomorrow.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2021 23:44:11 GMT
Agreed Ozarks Tom,! It's so hard to wait for the next chapter!
|
|
|
Post by wildhorseluvr on Aug 14, 2021 23:54:39 GMT
Kevin is improving…but I sure hope he grows a backbone soon.
|
|
|
Post by bretf on Aug 15, 2021 14:30:59 GMT
Okay, we're doing a cliff hanger here, but be aware the next episode better be tomorrow. Tom, I'm heading out of town for a spell soon, but as Roger says in the song, tomorrow never comes. But I'll get the next chapter posted before I go. I'm headed for Joebill country and plan to leave the computer home.
|
|
|
Post by woolybear on Aug 15, 2021 19:27:17 GMT
Tom, I'm heading out of town for a spell soon, but as Roger says in the song, tomorrow never comes. But I'll get the next chapter posted before I go. I'm headed for Joebill country and plan to leave the computer home. NOOOooo dang it boy, don't make me hunt you down and thump your pumpkin. Git er posted as soon as you get back to your computer. Have a safe trip (but remember I got my eye on you)
|
|
|
Post by bretf on Aug 15, 2021 22:48:15 GMT
Okay, under threat of my pumpkin getting thumped (and as a result, forgetting where this story is planned to go) here's the next chapter. But this'll have to suffice until I return from my trip. Back with more from Kevin mid next week.
Chapter 18
The man on the neighbors’ deck brandishing the handgun was a stranger. But the other man, the cowering hulk, his shaved head shining with reflected light was unmistakable. After holding the barrel against the shaved head, the man moved the weapon and fired into the air.
Kevin jumped. He couldn’t understand what the man said, but the tone and delivery made it obvious he was mad. The hulking man’s posture and hand motions indicated he was begging or apologizing.
Kevin watched and asked quietly, “Who on earth is he, that the big guy is so afraid?” With a shudder, he recalled how intimidating the large man was during their brief encounter. He missed Harvey’s quietness and wished the old man hadn’t been put in a home. He forced down the lump in his throat.
The men remained on the deck, the smaller man gesticulating wildly with his pistol. Twice more, he held the barrel against the shaved head. The last time, the big man must’ve said the right words. The smaller man slipped his hand under his jacket and removed it weaponless.
Kevin surmised he wore a shoulder holster. He watched in surprise as the hand went from holding a gun against the big man’s head to patting him on the back.
“What?” Kevin asked quietly. “He’s ready to shoot him one moment and all chummy the next? What’s going on over there?”
The men left the deck, going to a large black SUV parked in front of the framed structure Kevin guessed was going to be a garage. They each removed large boxes and carried them into the partial building. As they moved forward, they appeared to shrink. Kevin realized the building would be over a basement.
Kevin remained riveted to the window until the men reemerged, got in the SUV, and drove away. “What is going on over there?” he asked. Part of him, a tiny part, considered getting his shotgun and going over to get a look at the staircase and maybe find out what was in the boxes. But he wouldn’t. He wasn’t going to chance being caught over there if the men returned. The pistol would surely be pressed against his head if that happened and he doubted he could appease the man.
Shaking from the thought, he left the window and clicked the light in the stove hood on at the low setting. It was much dimmer than the overhead lights. Glancing at the table he saw his phone. “Ugh. Why didn’t I video that?” It seemed to be the way of the world now. Everyone with a phone had a video camera at hand and wasn’t hesitant to use it and post their videos on social media. He’d have to remember that. Not for social media, but for the police if something happened. “Or if something happens to me.”
Unnerved by what he’d seen and wild thoughts about what might happen, he went to the bedroom. The guns were where he’d stashed them. Shaking his head, he took them both out. The shotgun, he leaned against the wall at the head of his bed. He put the pistol in his waistband, then went and straightened up from his evening’s studies. Before letting the dogs out for the final time before bed, he retrieved the shotgun, turned the lone light back off, and stepped outside with Jack and Jill. Neither indicated anything amiss. Relieved, he closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. When he and the dogs went inside, he got ready and got into bed. The pistol went under his pillow.
Unable to fall asleep right away, he thought of what he’d seen. And what he’d do if whatever it was ever flowed over to him. It’d be best if he could keep them away. But how could he do it without feeling like he was imprisoning himself?
He lay and pondered. An idea came and he smiled. It wouldn’t be instant, but over time, he could create animal habitat, another food source, and an impenetrable barrier. Now he just had to figure out where to get blackberry starts.
#
Kevin’s face was set with determination as he got out of his truck. Crossing the lot, he opened the door to the range facility ready to hand his pistol over to be checked. The man checking guns turned out to be Dave, who’d given him his basic pistol instruction.
Dave looked up, his brow crinkled. Recognition relaxed his face and he said, “Kevin, right? Good to see you here.”
“It seemed like the next step.”
“Yup. Knowledge is priceless, especially knowledge that may save your life some day,” Dave said. “Now let me see your pistol.”
Dave checked the pistol and returned it to Kevin. “All right, grab a seat. We should get started in just a few minutes.”
Kevin took a seat at a table. Stacks of printed material were laid out at each seat. He looked through it until a woman walked to the front of the room. She looked familiar.
Addressing the room’s occupants, the woman said, “Welcome, everyone. My name is Katie Johnson. I’ll be leading this class, along with Dave, the owner of the range.” She motioned towards him. “I am a deputy sheriff here, and we both are certified NRA instructors. If we go over something you don’t understand, please ask. The only dumb question is the one unasked.”
Kevin remembered why she seemed familiar. She was the deputy who’d been using the range during his previous trip there.
Katie Johnson scanned the room, giving time for questions, then dove into the written material in front of each of the participants. She and Dave took several opportunities to include hands-on learning. Dummy ammunition rounds, holsters, training pistols were passed out.
Following discussions on all they’d been over, the participants were instructed to begin the written test, a requirement in an NRA class. Kevin was relieved when they were told it was open book. Katie and Dave had given a lot of information and he wasn’t sure he remembered enough of it.
The lunch break followed the exam. Then it was outside for the live-fire test.
At the conclusion, the instructors passed out certificates for passing the course. They’d need to be shown when the participants applied for their concealed carry permits.
As Katie Johnson handed Kevin’s over, she said, “Dave told me about your situation. Make sure you follow through with this. That Jack Randall is one bad man.”
Kevin reached for the paper but didn’t take it as his mind raced. He came to a decision. “Yes, he is. But what if I told you, Deputy, that I think I saw someone even worse than him a couple of nights ago?”
|
|
|
Post by Ozarks Tom on Aug 16, 2021 1:22:52 GMT
bretf, Thanks for clearing that up, I thought the shot he heard was on his porch. Have a safe and successful trip, we'll be looking forward to your and Kevin's return.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2021 8:02:20 GMT
Now I'm sitting here thinking about all the characters who come over to Macedonian neighbor's house! LOL
|
|
|
Post by tabitha on Aug 17, 2021 19:34:59 GMT
Roger whittaker.... hve not heard him in ages.
I think I'll listen in on a few. 1960s
Kevin seems to be a nice and reliable guy.
When you go to the laundrymat, take a book or a magazine. I recoommend cuntryside for him, or MEN.
|
|
|
Post by bretf on Aug 25, 2021 18:17:31 GMT
Chapter 19
Jack and Jill snuffled nearby as Kevin worked his way down the row, picking peas. Occasionally, one would come to him and whine, showing sad eyes until he stopped picking, shelled a pea, and held his hand out. “If you guys keep this up, we won’t have enough for a meal,” he said with a laugh.
Kevin jerked involuntarily at a loud noise from the neighbor’s place, ripping the entire pea plant free. Ducking down, he peered across the fence and too-narrow field. He breathed a sigh of relief; it wasn’t a gunshot It appeared that one of the workers on the garage had slammed a sheet of oriented strand board down. Still, his hand absently ran across the pistol nestled in his waistband. Its presence was both comforting and troubling. He found it hard to fathom that he’d need to carry it for safety at his home.
A thought flashed. Kevin shook his head, not sure if he could trust his mind. Maybe it’s a good thing Debbie and the kids are gone. He stood in place like a garden gnome as warring thoughts ran through his head. Debbie.
A moment later, his mind jumped to Tammy. She seemed willing enough to fill the void Debbie had left. And she’d be dropping by soon. Unsure what she’d think, but all-too certain what Debbie would, he felt the gun again and looked back at the neighbors’ house. Only construction workers were to be seen. He hadn’t seen the shaven-head man nor the one who’d had him cowering. It has to be safe in the daylight, doesn’t it? Especially with all those workers there. Kevin went to the house and stashed the gun.
He’d hardly began picking again when he heard a vehicle approaching. Standing straight, he watched as Tammy drove down the driveway and parked behind his truck.
The dogs ran at the strange car, barking, the hair on their backs standing up.
Kevin dropped his bucket and hurried out of the garden to Tammy’s car. “Jack, Jill, it’s okay, guys. She’s good.” He might as well have been talking to the wind.
Tammy sat in her car with the window down a few inches.
“Sorry about that,” he said. “Just give me a bit to hush them up.”
It took a fair amount of coaxing and scolding before they settled down. When they did, Kevin said, “Okay, I think you can get out now.”
Tammy slowly opened the door and stepped out.
Jack and Jill crowded against Kevin. “Sorry, I don’t know what got into them.”
She flashed him a wry look. “I told you I’m a cat person. It looks to me like they know it. Anyway, I saw you were in your garden. Would you mind showing it to me? Then you can show me what I need to do to help.”
“Sure,” Kevin said, and led the way to the garden.
Tammy followed as he named the plants in row after row. She only recognized corn and tomatoes, the latter obvious from the green fruit on the vines. “For the record, I’m also not a garden person. I’ve never been around one. I just know the finished product in the store.”
“Maybe we can change that. So you haven’t picked peas, either, I take it,” Kevin said.
“Just in a bag at the supermarket. And yes, together, we can change that.”
Kevin caught the stress she put on “we”. He led the way back to the pea vines and showed her the full pods and the pods that still needed more time to grow and swell, explaining how they would only pick the full ones, leaving the others for a later day.
With one of them on each side, they moved down the row. The dogs no longer begged, but stayed near, watching. Kevin and Tammy hadn’t reached the end of the row when Kevin said they were done.
“But what about the rest of them?” Tammy asked.
“I like to produce my own seeds so I don’t have to buy new packets next year. I’ll let those fully mature and pick them after they dry on the vine.”
“Ah, more of your preparation stuff.”
“Yes, and I save money, and have plants that are adapted to this climate. And it’s nowhere close to a Rueben, but I was thinking about a fresh salad for lunch. The greens and radishes are mostly finished but I think we can get enough for two of us.”
“That sounds good. And it’ll leave plenty of room for dessert,” Tammy said.
“Uh, I don’t have anything for dessert, except maybe a second helping of peas.”
“Then it’s a good thing I planned ahead. I’ve got that part covered. So now, that’s a lot of peas in the bucket. What do you do with them?”
Kevin explained about shelling them, keeping enough out to eat fresh, and dehydrating any that were left.
“But can’t you eat the pods? I’ve bought peas and had them without shelling them,” Tammy said.
“Those are a different type. I didn’t grow any of those this year.”
“Hum, who knew?” Tammy said.
Kevin raised his eyebrows but didn’t comment.
#
While Kevin prepared the salad, Tammy went to her car. She returned with a covered baking dish. Kevin couldn’t help himself. He raised the corner of the cover and looked in. “That looks fabulous.”
Tammy smiled and said, “Even I realized it’s apricot season so a fresh cobbler sounded good.”
Kevin said, “Why don’t we skip the salad and go straight to dessert.”
“Nope, you worked hard on growing that salad. I want to see if fresh from the garden is any better than what I usually eat,” she said.
“Spoilsport.”
“Yep, and to add insult to injury, I have to leave pretty soon. So, you’ll have to clean up on your own.”
“What?” Kevin asked, disappointment written all over his face.
“Yeah. I’m getting together with my sister and brother. It’s not often we all can meet at the same time. I hope you understand. I can come and see you another time. Or you can always stop in at The Watering Hole.”
Kevin was silent as he brooded. Other than the opportunity to see Tammy, The Watering Hole held no appeal. Dismissing that, he said, “I didn’t know you have a brother and sister.”
“I guess I never mentioned them. But if I can come back, we’ll have a lot of time for you to hear about them.”
“I suppose,” he said, and placed the salad plates on the table.
#
After everything was cleaned up, Kevin returned his planning folders to the table. He sat down with a glass of tea and studied his lists. Baking items, flour, sugar, soda, and baking powder weren’t listed. He hadn’t felt the need. But reliving the afternoon and the cobbler, he added them and an oven to his list of items to acquire.
|
|
|
Post by woolybear on Aug 25, 2021 19:47:18 GMT
Welcome home bretf, hope you had a good time off. Wanted to say...IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU GET BACK HERE WITH ANOTHER CHAPTER. Sorry just had to jerk your chain a bit LOL
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2021 11:36:50 GMT
Welcome back bretf,. Feel free to update the story daily.....LOLOLOL
|
|