The Long Story

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Originally Posted by ticky

Whadaya mean? I just sent copies to Glenn, Don, Tim and Joe with all the addresses and phone numbers of everyone I could find *G* I thought you all might appreciate it *G* I KNOW they're going to LOVE it! *G*

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No problem there! I'm thinking of the inquiring minds on the home front!

The Hubbies, BF's and SO's? *G* How about I add a town full of Dipsy Chicks... I mean Dixie Chicks and they can all live there? *G* What's good for the goose.. ya know.. *G*

Okay Willie, Time to tote that barge and lift that bail *G* Flex those muscles girl! You're a hired hand!

Stewart had a smug look on his face. He'd put Willie on the back of Ol' Hank, those slowest, dumbest, ugliest gelding in the stables. They liked to use Hank for the grunt work around the ranch, but no one wanted to ride him. He was safe and strong and that was about the best thing that could be said about him. He also had a mean streak and Willie found herself booting Hank in the head several times to keep from being bitten. Every time Hanks head swang around to take a nip out of Willie's calf, Stewart grinned and looked sideways. Luckily for Willie, this was Stewart's tell. Every time she saw Stewart look her way out the side of his eyes, she knew to raise her boot up and push Hanks head back forward. Evidently Stewart and Hank had something in common in the brains department. Willie smiled to herself at what Stewart must be thinking. Maybe this "test" wouldnt be quite so challenging. There were advantages to being under estimated.
They rode out the fence line for a mile or so. Bitter Creek Ranch's spread was further reaching then most people realized. They finally came to a break in the fence line. The equipment was all there. Posts, a post hole digger and barbed wire. So it was going to be fencing. Easy enough Willie thought. Stewart jumped down off his mount, a pretty chestnut filly with a lot of spirit. Willie didnt think she bit much. If she were a horse, she'd bite Stewart.
"Well, here ya go." Stewart swaggerd and grinned at her. He was just sure she was going to take one look at the work to be done and break down.
Willie hopped down and walked confidently over to the last post planted and looked down the line.
"Who's been working on this?" she asked gazing down the line.
Stewart grinned. She was going to ask for help, he was sure of it.
"I was, but I have bigger fish to fry. Its all yours now." He was so cocky.
"Well, it's pretty shoddy work. My fence wont line up very well with yours. Yours is off line." Willie walked away from the last post and paced off to the marker for the next post. "And if I start from where's you've marked, it'll be even more off line."
She walked back to the set post. She pulled a tape measure from her back pocket and pulled out several inches. She held the measure up and sighted it against the last straight post, about 500 yards back, and measured out to a spot about 3 yards to the side of Stewart's last post. She walked to that spot, and paced out 4 yards and she was a good 6 yards off the last marker Stewart had set.
"See? this is the true line. You're about 6 yards off! Do you want me to pull the off set posts and remeasure, set the rest of the posts off or reset the line and just have a jagged line?" Willie stared at Stewart waiting for a response.
Stewart fumed. If this had been a cartoon, steam would be coming out of his ear, but instead his face was red and his jaw was clenched. His eyes narrowed and his pursed lips turned up into an disturbing smile.
"Yeah, if you *think* my work is shoddy and uneven, why dont you just pull it all and start over" Stewart thought he was being so clever. Willie was a little confused at this. It had been her idea. A job worth doing, was worth doing right and if that meant pulling up some half-assed missed placed posts, then she'd do it.
"Great! now if you're not going to help, you'd better get out of the way. I wouldnt want you to get hurt." Willie grinned back at Stewart. He glared at her. She'd probably made an enemy, but Stewart wasnt her problem, not yet anyway.
Willie picked up the post hole digger and tied it to Hanks back. She mounted him and looked down at Stewart.
"Im going down to the last straight post. Thats about 500 yards back. I'll start there." She grinned at Stewart and rode down the fence line.
Willie got to the straight section of fence and tied off Hank, swatted him away from her shoulder as he was going in for a nice juicy bite and untied the post hole digger. She was just headed towards the crooked post when Stewart went flying by on his pretty little chestnut mare. Poor horse would be winded and sore by the time he got back to the stable the way he was riding her. Willie just shook her head. Some people had no business riding horses.

Willie spent the rest of the day relining the fence posts, digging the post holes and kicking, pushing and pulling the posts loose. She'd gotten to the last of the miss-set posts when she saw Fiddler on the back of a very handsome Arabian stallion. His horse was young and a bit jumpy but beautiful! He still had his gray muzzle and feet but the rest of him was white except for a little dappling on his hind quarters. He was something right out of a fairy tale.
Willie watched Fiddler ride up. Now this was a man who knew how to ride. He handled his mount like a loving parent of an anxious child, and his horse, in return, followed every movement of Fiddler's long lean body like a conductor of a symphony. They were beautiful to watch. Willie found herself leaning on the unset post and watching when Fiddler finally reached her.
"You've been out here a long time. Thought you'd be further then this. Aint this where Stewart left off?" Fiddler was talking to her but staring off into the distance. His way of keeping her in her place, she supposed.
"Had to reset his posts." Willie said half to the ground and half to Fiddler's feet. The sun was directly behind him and it was hard to look at his silhouette. "They were off line."
Fiddler's head snapped around. Willie assumed he was looking at her, but it was hard to tell in the sunset. He rode off down the line and stopped at the first post Willie'd reset. He walked his horse around the area till he found the filled hole she'd emptied when she pulled the post and reset it. Fiddler rode to the next missed place post hole now refilled with soil and then the next and next. He sat on his horse at the last missed place post hole a good 6 yards from where Willie now stood with the post and the new hole and looked down the line. Fiddler pursed his lips and looked down. A quiet but audible string of expletives came drifting away from him. Willie turned her head away and smiled.
Fiddler finally looked up at Willie. "Well, I think you've bout proved yourself out here, young lady."
"Willie, my names Willie." She said directly to him. She didnt look away. She'd earned that much respect and she would have it.
"Willie." Fiddler grinned at her. "Alright Willie. We'll see how you do with the other chores tomorrow." He glanced over at Hank who was sleeping tied to the fence. "I see you have some horse skills. You're riding Hank and you dont seem to be hurt!"
Willie grinned. "Hank isnt so bad. Kind of like a man I used to date. Just keep an eye on him and kick him in the head when he tries to bite."
Fiddler threw his head back and laughed at this.
"Well maybe so, but I think we can do you better." Fiddler grinned at Willie. He was starting to like this lady. She might just be able to hold her own out here. "Come to the stable when you get back and we'll see what we can round up for you."
"Right!" Willie grinned back and began to align the post she'd been leaning against.
Fiddler watched her. "You comin?"
"Right after I finish setting this last post." Willie grunted as she pushed and pulled the post straight and started to pack the dirt around the base.
Fiddler jumped down off the little Arabian and looped his reins around the a pile of posts. He helped Willie set the post and fill it in. They worked well together and finished fast. Then they both mounted up and rode off down the new and straight fence line towards the barn.

Yea Willie!! you go girl!!

Nice Job, Willie!

*G* time for someone new!

Cami had been driving for hours. She'd actually been on the road for days. She was heading east, but to where, she wasn't sure. All she knew was that the rural country side of Southern Oregon just didnt hold anything for her anymore. She was moving east, somewhere and it was her car that had made her decision for her. She'd just past a sign saying EAGLESVILLE 3 MILES when her '93 Honda Civic started bucking and making noises. she drove another 100 yards and it made a huge gasp and rolled to a stop. Steam or smoke was rolling out from under the hood and she didnt think it would be a very good idea to pop the hood and take a look. She picked up a small back pack off the back seat. It was her emergency over night bag. A tooth brush, change of underthings, fresh shirt, a few dollars and some condoms. You never knew what you might need. Cami headed out down the road.
What fantastic timing ,she thought sarcastically. The temperature on the road had to be about 110 degrees and it was mid day. She walked about 200 yards before she started to look for a place to wait out the midday heat. Of course there were no cars coming in either direction, no buildings of any kind in sight, no horses, no cows, no signs of life anywhere. Just the promise of some Po-dunk little burg in the middle of no-where called Eaglesville. She thought maybe it should have been called Vulturesville from the looks of her surroundings, or maybe Deathvalley if she didnt get out of the heat soon.
She scanned the horizon. The Dark Dessert Highway meandered off into the distance without an end in sight. It was tumbleweeds and scrub brush as far as the eye could see in one direction but on the other side of the road and down a ways was a small recessed valley. It was so far below the Highway, Cami hadnt seen it at first glance. It was filled with scrub brush and and scrub oaks. All of it was green and shady. Cami knew this meant two things, water and relief from the heat. She headed off the road to the cool of the small glen. The path that did not exist was rough as she made it. There were two large inclines to traverse and several rocks and small boulders to hop, walk or trip over. Her nikes held up well under the rough terrain but her feet were hot and tired by the time she hit the small twisted scrub oaks that lined the charming rocky stream that flowed beneath them. Her shoes were off and her feet were deep in the water with in minutes of having spotted the perfect sitting rock. Cami sat on the rock and leaned back on her hands. The water felt fantastic, almost like it was healing her whole body as she sat there soaking. She could feel her elevated temperature returning to normal, her sore muscles and bruised feet sooth and heal. Even her bruised ego and torn spirit seemed to heal in the magic waters of this stream. After what seemed like a short time she picked up her shoes and stood in the stream. She took a good long look all around her. The wind was scant there in this hidden valley, but it blew through the tops of the scraggly trees swaying them back and forth. Cami felt herself swaying with the trees as the wind rocked them. She watched them for a while, and thats when she noticed the tower through the branches of one solitary oak that sat up farther on the far bank then the others. This was no scrub oak either. It was a grand and majestic old tree. Its branches leaned way out over the creek bed lending to the shade in the gully. A tower seemed odd to Cami. It wasnt like a castle tower though, it was more like a Heathcliff and Kathy tower that belonged on the moors of England.
She couldnt tell much from her vantage point, so she walked down the creek a few yards till she came to a genlter slope on the creekside. It just happened to be directly below the majestic oak tree, so Cami pulled herself up the slope and stood beneath the century old tree. She looked at it in awe. It was enormous and far too wide around to put your arms. She walked around it and gazed. On one side there were carvings that started high on the trees trunk and worked their way down. They were all the same, well mostly. they were all hearts with initials carved in them. The only thing that changed were the initials! Cami gingerly touched the lowest carving which was still far above her head. She couldnt make out the initials except for the distinct "F" that seemed to be inside each heart, all the other initials varied. Finally Cami turned her attention to the old run down mansion that sat on the grounds behind the big tree. It had once been a show place. It was grand. It had enormous circular tiered verandas and large bay windows, now without their glass. Large broken cement pots flanked what had once been the doorways onto the balcony's that now hung by a hope and a prayer from the back of the once magnificent structure, and over all two towers loomed. Both looking worse for the wear of the passing years and both about to fall. Cami desperately wanted to see inside the old place, but it was just not safe. She walked around the outside taking it all in, making a mental movie to recall another day. This place was amazing. Alfred Hitchcock would have loved it! Maybe he did! Cami laughed and shook her head. She was in the middle of no-where, The Twilight Zone! Alfred Hitchcock probably never heard of Eaglesbuge or Vulturesville or whatever this place was called. The Sun was starting to go down behind the trees. Down in the little gultch it would get dark fast and getting back out in the dark would be next to impossible. She scuttled down the banks and across the creek to her satchel. She scooped it up and hurried up the other side of the gultch to the heat infested dessert. UGH! the temperature had to be a good 40 degrees hotter in this last 3 yards! She began to think about the old house. Why had the heat there been so temperate? This had her wondering a lot about the things she'd seen. She walked slowly looking down as she made her way back to her car. Thats why she didnt see him leaning against her car grinning at her.

OOOO who could he be?? *G*

I will own this d*mn ranch before it's all over!!!:whip:

Willie, don't you be stealin' my Fiddler! :fight:

wink wink, nudge nudge


Cami looked up at the silhouette in the sunset and walked slowly to the edge of the incline. He squatted down and reached out his hand to her. She hesitated. She had no idea who this man was and she'd heard stories about stranded women and strangers. When Cami just stood looking up at him, he dropped his hand.
"Is this your car?" the shadow asked.
"Yeah," she wasnt offing any unsolicited information till she knew who this guy was.
"I drove by earlier and saw it here. I kind of figured who ever was driving it must be down by the creek. Thats where I'd be on a hot nasty day like this."
"Uh huh." Cami kept her eyes on him.
He looked down at his boots for a moment and then back up at Cami.
"I'm Jessie by the way." and he held out his hand for her to shake. She looked warily up at him and held out her hand .
"Cami." She still wasnt smiling
"Cami, it's very nice to meet you." Cami knew that if she'd been able to see him, he'd be smiling, just from the sound of his voice.
He clasped her hand firmly and shook it gently. He had strong hands that were warm and dry.
"Now before I let go, do you want a hand up?' Jessie voice was warm and courteous. Cami's leg were tired from hurrying up the other two embankments. She thought she really could use a hand or she might end up falling on her face.
"sure." Cami grasped Jessie's hand more firmly and he pulled as she stepped up and up. Soon she was standing on the side of the road with Jessie still holding her hand. She paused for a moment to take in the young man who'd come to her rescue. He was beautiful. His long legs were jeans clad, he was wearing a black t-shirt that must have been at least two sizes too small but seemed to fit him as if it were painted on. He was all ripples and bumps and all in the right places His neck was long and his chin was square with a small cleft and covered with a days worth of stubble. Cami figured this was one of those guys who wore stubble as a fashion statement. For him it worked. His smile showed white straight teeth like that of a movie star but Cami was pretty sure they were from years of a good farm boy diet and a Momma who was diligent about her little boys dental hygiene. His eye, wow, were dark blue, like the Mediterranean ocean and his hair was dark brown like rich chocolate. It hung down across his forehead and was obviously in need of a cut because it kept falling in his eyes and hung down over his t-shirt collar. It was beautiful. Cami felt an obsessive need to run her fingers through over and over and over.
"H..h..h.hi." She said then she shook her head and realized she was still holding this man's hand and dropped it quickly. "Oh, and thanks."
Jessie grinned at her. She was pretty! She had long dark reddish brown hair and dark eyes. Her olive complexion gave her an exotic look.
"Oh that was no problem. All a part of the service."
"service?" Cami's mind was obviously in a very different place around this devastatingly handsome man. She just kept thinking of all the services she had for him to do. She nearly smiled, but thought maybe she should keep those thoughts to herself for the mean time.
Jessie turned around and looked back behind Cami's dead car to a large red tow truck parked directly behind her back to back, bumper to bumper. He waved his hand towards the truck and glanced back at Cami, a cross ways smile cracked his chiseled cheeks.
"Jessie's tow service. Thats me, Im Jessie."
"Well Jessie," Cami was going to take charge,. This guy was great looking, but he was probably ten years younger then she was. She didnt have the time of the patients to play kid's games. "Im pretty sure there is a town just up the road. A sign back there said Eagles gultch or Vulture City or something like that."
Jessie laughed. It was like music, deep and chesty. It made Cami's knees a little weak.
"That'd be Eaglesville. Thats where I'm from, well, kind of. Thats where I was from but Im coming home I guess you'd call it." Jessie's eyes rolled and he turned and walked towards the back of the car. Cami was taken a little by surprise and followed quickly making up for her pause to take in the implications of his home-coming.
"Lets get you hooked up" Jessie went right to work and in a few moments had Cami's car's back end dangling from the tow truck. It looked terribly undignified and she felt for the poor car's humiliation. It reminded her of a visit to her gynecologist's office. She patted her car's fender.
"I know how you feel" she said quietly to the car. Jessie must have heard her because his magical laugh came floating across her ears again. She glanced back at him. He was standing by the passenger door to his truck with one hand on his hip watching her. A tell-tale grin on his face. He had heard her. She blushed.
"The Truck's not a luxury vehicle, but it will get us to the garage and it does have air conditioning." He smiled at her. She wasnt sure if it was the idea of air conditioning or his smile that made her feet move without her consent, but suddenly she was at his side. Being somewhat confused at how she'd gotten there, she looked down at her feet and cursed them silently for being so easy.
"Shall we?" Jessie held the door open for her and offered his hand for her for ballast to get in the truck. It was a good couple of steps off the ground. Maybe it was all the climbing she'd already done that day or maybe it was the heat but her knee buckled and she fell back. Jessie caught her in both arms and swung her around in a circle.
"WHOA!" he steadied himself agaist the truck still holding her like a babe in arms. "You okay?" He was genuinely concerned. It had been a scary fall and she'd just been lucky he'd been there to catch her. Her arms clutched around his neck tightly. He was strong! and warm and felt very safe and good. She breathed deeply and waited to answer till she could speak.
"Yeah, I think so, but maybe we should get out of here. I could use a drink." Jessie grinned at her.
"You got it!" He carried her back to the door of the truck and lifted her inside. She hated to let go of him, but she felt safe inside the truck when she finally did have to let go. He shut her door and scuttled around to the other side of the truck to get in the driver side. Cami took that time to regain some of her composure and fix her hair. She looked in the visor mirror. YIKES! Had something made a nest in it? She tried without success to smooth down the ratty areas and pulled out a twig. OH GREAT! trees are in her hair. How attractive is that?
Jessie got in the drivers side and smiled at her. "Off we go. I think you're going to like Eaglesville, I know they're going to LOVE you!"

Ok.. I'll write more, maybe tonight.. but I need to post this now. *G*

ok, this is going to be short. Im tired and I need sleep *G* but I gotta get to the weirdness!!


Cami stared out the window of the truck. She knew if she turned and looked at Jessie she wouldnt be able to look away, and that could be awkward. She remembered the old house she'd seen on the other side of the creek and she looked at Jessie quickly.
"When I was down by the creek I saw an old house on the other side. Do you know anything about that place?"
Jessie smiled.
"Sure! its the haunted house! Every neighborhood has one. An old run down place that the kids like to dare each other to go in. A make out place for the teenagers. A place to go and drink beer or ... do other things." Jessie blushed and grinned.
Cami had been right. Once she started looking at him, she had a hard time looking away.
"You didnt go inside did you?" Jessie was really concerned.
"Oh no. that place is falling down! besides, there was just something about it. I dont know. It didnt seem to want visitors." Cami's skin crawled at the thought of going in the big old mansion.
"It didnt. Others have said the same thing. It's definitely haunted but by what or who or why, I have no idea. I dont think anyone does." Jessie was paying more attention to his driving. It was nearly dark now and they were turning off the Dark Desert Highway on to a road called Seven Bridges Road. There was a nasty looking diner called The Sad Cafe and a nastier looking motel called The Last Resort. Cami thought they were very aptly named places. Right behind The Sad Cafe was a garage called "The Last Good Tire In Town".
"Cute name." Cami watched the sign swing precariously on the rusty chains that held it up over the front door. There was only one bay, but then how many would a small town like this need? So far she wasnt overly thrilled with Eaglesville. She looked at Jessie. But then again...


OK, bed time...

"The Last Good Tire In Town" :hilarious::hilarious::hilarious: Ticky---you are so funny!!!

Willie laid on her bed on her back as straight as she could without moving. EVERYTHING hurt and she did mean EVERYTHING! She'd set out determined to prove herself. She'd proven herself alright. She'd proven that it was indeed possible to sprain your entire body. Her hair ached, her toenails ached. She could feel her blood coursing through her veins. It hurt. There was a soft knock on her bedroom door.
"come in" she whispered. It hurt too much to open her mouth too far.
Tim opened the door. He was holding a beautiful orange and yellow striped pumpkin about the size of his head.
"Hey baby! Happy Halloween!" His brows furrowed and his eyes flashed. "you okay? you dont look so good." He set the pumpkin down on her dresser.
Willie smiled. It hurt.
"Im okay, ow.. or I will be. I just WAY over did it yesterday. I wanted to prove I could do this job, and I did. Fiddler was really impressed with my work! But now, I cant seem to move." Willie was still wearing what she'd slept in, an old t-shirt and some boxer-type shorts. They werent attractive, but they were comfortable.
Tim watched her and smiled.
"I think I can help. Can you turn over on your stomach?"
Willie cringed at the thought. She tried to sit up and groaned. Tim smiled. She knew he was laughing at her misery but he had such a nice smile, it actually made her feel better. He walked to her side and sat next to her on the bed. He leaned down to her and wrapped his arms around her.
"umm.. I love the Idea Timmy, but I dont think..."
Tim laughed out loud this time and said "Just work with me here, okay?"
He wrapped her in his arms then he sat up and she came with him.
"OOOFF" Willie groaned.
"now turn over" Tim cued her.
She gently turned on her side cringing and scowling the whole time, till she was on her stomach and she let out a long deep sigh.
Tim began massaging her shoulders. Willie sighed again and groaned but this time out of sheer pleasure. Tim had amazing hands. His fingers were long and strong.
"Its too hard to work over this shirt." Next thing she knew, Willie's t-shirt was on the floor. She wasnt sure how he'd done that but she was still on her tummy sans shirt! He reached for a bottle of lotion on her dresser. Nothing fancy, just regular hand lotion. Tim pour a little into his palm and began working it into her muscles. Willie groaned and melted. He worked her back, neck, shoulders even her arms and legs.
"Hey, James has arranged some fun for tonight. He's called a psychic from Fleetwood to come down. We're going to go take a look at that old house up the creek!"
"Uh huh.." Willie would have agreed to anything at that precise moment.
"Want to go?"
"Uh huh... wait.. what?" Some of what he was saying was sinking in. The pain must be subsiding.
Tim smiled. "You know, that old house up the creek. The one that's falling down. It should be interesting if not fun."
Willie turned her head to look at Tim to see if he was serious.
"Are you nuts? I saw that place coming into town. It's falling down. Somebody's going to get killed!"
Tim shrugged. "I doubt it. We wont go in the towers and besides, James owns it. He wants a closer look. He's been talking about tearing it down for years but no one will take the job. They all say it's haunted. He called this psychic and she chose Halloween. James just thought it'd be a kick so he asked us and a few others to go along!"
Tim was working down her thighs now and Willie's eyes had rolled back into her head. He could have said "Gee Willie, lets drink nuclear waist and dance naked on a mountain top" and she'd have agreed.
"okay..." she mumbled and he worked down her calves.
"great.." Tim's voice had grown deep and husky. Willie's eyes opened wide. She knew that sound. He'd moved up to her lower back and was moving his hands up her sides. She felt his hair brush her back then his lips on her spine.
"So, are you feeling better?" She could feel the hot breath and his lips moving on her skin. She gulped.
"Yeah, much" She was grinning so wide her cheeks hurt.
""good.." Tim stood up and locked the door.


Sheriff Soda had finished talking to Fiddler. He wasnt too concerned about Stewart. Stewart was very good at what he did, but he was a screw up! They had been thinking about letting him go, but that would have to wait till Frank got back from his honeymoon. The Sheriff knew Fiddler could hold his own so she didnt pursue the matter further. She was walking back up to the Ranch house when James met her half way. She saw him coming and started grinning like an idiot. How was she going to deal with this? She put her hand to her eyes as if the sun was in them. She could pretend the glare from the sun was making her squint. That may account for the stupid grin she got every time she saw James, or at least it would this time.
James started Jogging towards her. He was so fit. He had an amazing body. Trim and firm and .. she had to stop thinking this way. She shook her head and looked away at the Ranch house. Don was sitting on one of the rocking chairs looking better if not healthy.
She nodded towards the porch as James came up to her. "Jessica's magic voodoo?"
James smiled. He'd been on the receiving end of that voodoo a few times and Soda knew it.
"Yeah, its pretty potent stuff."
"I know! I've seen it in action." Now she smiled and looked right at his face.
He grinned and blushed. "So you have. Listen I've made some pretty exciting plans for tonight. You know that Psychic out of Fleetwood?"
"Stevie? yeah I know her. She's terrific! Some people say she's a witch."
James grinned. "Well, I dont know about that, but she's going to come over tonight and take a look at the Old Hotel up the river."
"Hotel? OH the old mansion! That place is falling apart! Will that be safe?" the Sheriff wrinkled her brow.
"Yeah, it'll be fine. We wont go near the towers and I need her to tell me if there's anything to the whole haunted thing. I'm thinking about having it torn down but I cant get anyone out there to do the job. They're all afraid of it." James chuckled at this idea. Grown men being afraid of a haunted house was ridiculous, let alone construction guys. He shook his head.
The Sheriff smiled. She loved the idea of being in that old place on Halloween night with a psychic and mostly, with James.
"So who's going?"
James grinned. He had her. She wanted to go. "Well, me, and you, if you'll go. Tim's asking Willie now and my little brother's in town! He'll be there and, knowing him, he'll have a date. Probably Don and Jesssica, if Don's up to it. Almanzo and Danielle and I'll see if Fiddler wants to go. Maybe he'll ask Cathy. I think he's smitten." They both smiled at that. Fiddler had been such a tough guy all his life, it was nice to see him soften a little. He was a good man, and Cathy was a sweet, funny, pretty lady. They'd make a great couple.
"Count me in then!" The Sheriff grinned. It did sound like fun. "I need to go have a talk with that new guy at the inn. He's up to some no good. I need to find out what." She smiled at him. "Ill see you tonight then?"
James scowled as she started to walk away. He glanced away, then back at her retreating form.
"Nancy?" He said after her. He walked purposefully up to her quietly talking to himself' "..waisted too much time already.."
She turned to look at him. He grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her, softly at first then deeper, wrapping her in his embrace. She was stunned. Her eyes flew open and she just stood there with her ams sticking out from under his. Then she melted. His lips were so warm and soft and gentle, and they seemed to know exactly what to do. She pulled her arms loose and slipped them over his shoulders and around his neck. She returned his kisses. They stood locked in this passion for an unknown length of time. He was right. They had waisted way too much time already. This was right. This was supposed to be.

Ok-:shock:Now I need a cold shower in the middle of the day--WOW:drool:- Tim's hair touching my back, ... but really-"Tim's voice had grown deep and husky"? I doubt it!! :hilarious:

LOL Willie!

Ticky, I am blown away, yet again! This last add was fantastic. Love the whole Halloween vibe. And Willie & Soda are very lucky girls ;)

This is Halloween, you never know whats going to happen next. *G* Tim's voice could be deep and husky.. maybe he's possessed by Barry White? *G* Im going to be gone this evening and wont be back till later tonight so I'm going to write the rest of the halloween epi in a few.. just gotta get the squirt off to school.


look for more surprises!

Yes, it just keeps getting better and better.. I can't wait for the rest of the Halloween fun!

Honestly--I was just sitting here giving my niece a bottle thinking about the story, my husband came in from outside and looked at me and said "what are you thinking about that put that grin on your face?" No, I didn't tell him but I bet he wondered why I started blushing! :heybaby:

Cami waited in what she guessed Jessie would call the office of the garage. There was a desk, but there was some dirty, greasy car part, she assumed it was a car part, sitting on it. It didnt matter to much because there were so many papers covering the desk top she couldnt see it anyway. There was a calender from 1968 hanging on the wall. Fortunately it did not bare the typical pin up girl on the top, but it showed an old car of some kind. She really wasnt up on vintage cars. Jessie came in through a back door that lead directly into the garage. Cami had come in the front door from the parking lot where Jessie had dropped her off. HE'd been very much a gentleman about it. He'd stopped the truck, got out, ran to her side and opened her door for her. He'd opened the office door for her as well and offered her a cup of coffee. She'd taken it. She'd been sorry afterwards. It kind of tasted like something he might have drained out of that car part sitting on his desk, but it was wet, and at this point, that was all that mattered. He'd excused himself to go unhook her car and get it up on the rack. Now he was back and his face looked grim.
"How attached are you to that car?" Jessie was watching his hands as he wiped them on a stained rag.
Cami let out a long breath and sat heavily in the chair. This was going to be ugly. She wasnt in love with her car, but it was her mode of transportation which had been, until now, very important.
Jessie watched her, and he softened a little. "well, I CAN fix it, it's just going to take some time." He cocked his head and looked at her.
She had been looking down at the floor and she now looked up at him.
"How long?"
Jessie smiled. He'd heard that question a lot. He figured most mechanics heard it a lot. But people here in Eaglesville seemed to like that question a lot.
"A week, maybe two."
Cami sighed. Two weeks in hicksville USA. This was going to be exciting. She looked at Jesse and smiled. Maybe this wouldnt be so bad after all!
"So, where would I find a room in Eaglesville?" She was hoping that there would be someplace other then the seedy looking inn they'd passed on the way in to town.
Jessie grinned big and happy at her. "That'd be the Last Resort!" Did he get that grin from Tom Cruise? It sure looked like the same grin. That sardonic, way too happy, Im-on-prosac kind of grin. Cami realized he was being sarcastic. She smiled. She could like this guy!
"It sure would! but seriously, isnt there any place else?"
Jessie smiled more casually at her and held his hand out to help her up. "Oh come on, its not that bad. I'll go over with you and make sure you get a good room." He put a friendly arm around her shoulders and gave her a reassuring squeeze. Hey! anything that got his arms around her was okay with her.
Thet walked acoss the parkinglot towards The Last Resort, Jessie keeping his arm around her shoulders.
"So, since you're going to be in town for a while, and my brothers have planned a little halloween fun for tonight, maybe you'd like to go with me?"
Cami's mind reeled at what "a little halloween fun" might include out here in the boondocks.
"Uh, just what exactly is planned?" She looked sideways at him. She wasnt interested in apple bobbing or cow tipping. Maybe in a hay ride. She grinned to herself.
"remember that old house you saw across the creek?"
Cami stopped in her tracks and stared open eyed at him. "Are you kidding? You arent going there are you? What are you? a bunch of teenagers?"
Jessie laughed and squeezed her shoulders again.
"It's okay, My brother owns the place and we're not going anywhere near the towers. They're the most dangerous part and James, my oldest brother, invited a psychic from the next town! Everybody says she's a witch!"
Jessie was so excited. Cami smiled to herself. How could she disappoint him. He was like a kid. He WAS a kid. She had to keep reminding herself of that.
"Well, sure, what the heck. I'll go." Jessie was so excited he hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. Maybe this would be even better then she expected! Hay rides be damned!


more coming.. I need a latte.. (this is like a marathon..) and dont even ASK about my *%$#^* cat... he's outside now. (grumble grumble)

Ok.. here.. we.. go...

They all met in front of the old mansion at dusk. The road there had been a long dusty dirt road that followed the creek from town then veered off to the north away from the creek. Suddenly there was a path to the west. They turned sharply and went under a rot-iron gate that arched above the path. It said "H..e...f..n.."
"whats that stand for?" Cami turned and asked Jessie. His truck was relatively comfortable on this bumpy road. Her little car would have felt like mid-evil torture.
"no idea." Jessie said. It's been there so many year. I guess there were more letters when James was younger, but kids have taken 'em or just knocked 'em down for kicks. I think I remember an "a" and maybe an "l" a long time ago."
They drove down the long drive till they reached the front of the house.
It was huge! There was a long veranda that spanned the entire front of the building with a circular entry lined by four shallow steps. The wood on the front porch was splintered and warped but looked fairly solid. Cami noticed the others were already there. Jessie parked and jumped out. He ran around to her side of the truck and opened the door. She was going to have to talk to him about that. It made her feel like an old lady when he did that, Of course it was kind of sweet, in a farm boy kind of way.
James stood in front of the steps with his arm securely around Sheriff Soda. Well! thought Jessie, this was new. About damn time! He grinned at his big brother who blushed and narrowed his eyes at him.
"Shut up squirt." James grinned back at his baby brother, and pulled Nancy closer.
Jesse took Cami's hand and lead her up to the small group.
"Where's Frank? or Glenn?"
Tim stepped forward. "Hey Jess! good to see you, man!" they high-fived each other.
"Give me a break" Cami thought to herself and rolled her eyes.
"Frank ran off to Vegas with Lisa to get hitched!" Tim was grinning like the cat that ate the canary.
"No Kidding!" Jessie's mouth hung open and his eyes stared at Tim in disbelief.
"Nope, he finally found a pair and used em!" Tim and Jess laughed.
James looked disapprovingly at the two but the corners of his mouth twitched.
"Now, Frank is just fine you two. He's been a hard worker and devoted his life to that Ranch. He deserves a little happiness."
"Oh, that reminds me, Jess, I want you to meet the love of my life, Willie" Tim Wrapped an arm around Willie's shoulders pulling her close to him and kissing her temple. Willie grinned and held out a hand. "It's very nice to meet you Jessie."
Jessie smiled, looked back and forth at the two and shook his head. "It's VERY nice to meet you too Willie. Im glad Tim's found somebody willing to put up with him. Looks like Love's been in the air since I've been gone."


Ok.. I have to go.. but I'll work on this some more at M&D's house.. I will finish this!! it's just growing and GROWING and GROWING!! AHHH!!!!!!!!!

Okay, here's the deal. The last Halloween entry sucked. It was written under high stress (Ie my Mom peering over my shoulder saying "Arent you finished yet?" and Cliffy critiquing) SO.. I started rewriting it. I lost the first rewrite when the electricity here went out. THEN I lost the second rewrite when I.. well I did something dumb. BUT! the third times a charm, heres the first part of the third rewrite. Hope you like it.


Willie smiled to herself. She'd had the same thoughts about Tim.
"It's time. Time moves differently here. I had the same thoughts as you, but after a day or two, I just learned to enjoy what I have."
"Yeah, maybe." Cami was still skeptical. Jessie looked at her and grinned. Her insides melted a little and she sighed. "Yeah, I guess so." She had a smile on her face she hadnt seen for a long time. It felt good to be genuinely happy again. Maybe it was time to let go of her suspicious and hardened shell.
While the four had been talking, a few more cars pulled up the dirt drive. Fiddler and Cathy had joined the group. Fiddler was beaming with Cathy looking beautiful on his arm. Willie smiled at the idea of Cathy going from the over-alls and hip waders to the pretty form fitting spring dress she now wore. Obviously Fiddler was pleased as well. He looked as if he were about to burst with pride!
Don and Jessica had arrived as well and Danielle and Almanzo with them. Evidently old wounds had been healed between the two brothers with Jessica's return. Don still looking a little pale but much improved, Jessica was always stunning. Her dark hair was gently pulled back and her big brown eyes flashed at the dangerous looking house. She looked somewhat trepidations about entering a place that looked as if it might be held up with duct tape and super glue.
"Are we sure this place is safe?" she asked James. James shrugged ands grinned at her.
"I guess we'll find out!"
Danielle's eyes grew huge with fear and concern. Almanzo grinned and hugged her.
"He's just playing, honey. There's no danger."
James laughed. "Hey it's Halloween! Im just kidding. The front interior of the house has been enforced enough to let people enter. Just dont try going up the stairs or in the ballroom. It's at the back of the house. I could not get anyone to enter the damn ballroom! You'd think a bunch of grown construction workers ,fer cripes sake, wouldnt be so scared of an old house!" James was obviously frustrated by the entire process.
Fiddler looked down and away from James when he'd said this. He'd tried to get a few of the men from the ranch out here to help James reenforce the building, but they'd all chickened out. Fiddler had been ashamed and had offered to come out himself and do the job. James had told him no, it was too much for one or even two men. Still Fiddler felt as if he'd let James down. James smiled at Fiddler.
"I know at least one man who isnt afraid of ghosts." James grinned. Fiddler colored a little but the corners of his mouth turned up. "Thanks again for your help, Fiddler"
"No problem James, but are we going to go in this place? Or just sit out here and talk?"
"We're waiting for our psychic!" James raised his eye brows. He looked at his watch and furrowed his brow. The sun had set and it was getting very dark out in front of the old, broken down building.
"Anybody got a flashlight?" Tim asked in general.
"yeah I have a couple in the truck" Jessie jogged back to the tow truck to grab the two high powered flash lights he kept for night tows.
"I have several in the back of my truck too. Fiddler, would you mind grabbing those?"
Fiddler ran back to Jame's truck and pulled out a khaki colored pack and ran it back to James.
James and Jessie handed out the flashlights. There were enough for each couple to have one with one extra.
"Stevie will be here soon. She'll need a flashlight for herself." James was thinking out loud.
"Do you really think we'll find anything out here tonight, James?" Almanzo, as the rest, was skeptical about this whole process, but it being Halloween, this sounded like a lot more fun then candy.
"I dont know, Almanzo. All I know is I have been through every construction crew, demolition crew and general handyman in the area and none of them will touch this place. I've had a few come out and one was actually able to reenforce the front interior, like I said, but they all backed out of the distruction or the possibility of restoring the old place. Something needs to be done. This was the only thing I could think of."
"On Halloween night?" Jessie grinned playfully at James who smirked back.
"THAT, was her idea."
"Who's idea?" Nancy asked James.
"Mine." The response had come from behind the crowd who had had their wrapt attention on James and the front of the house. They all turned as if on cue to look at the tall, wild looking blond woman who stood behind them.
She stood there with her long legs, black jeans, high heels black boots and a billowing white mens shirt over a tight form fitting white tank top. Her hair was wild and moving independently in the small breeze. The flash lights that had swung around to shine on her probably should have blinded her, but she was wearing dark sunglasses. Weird, thought Cami. She walked confidently up to the steps of the old house.


Remember,.. more is coming...

Watch out, it's Stevie the psychic witch!

http://www.buckinghamnicks.net/sn/im...icksSOTM02.jpg

OK, here's a little more..Im still working here *G*

"Those boots aren't very practical for here." Willie commented more over concern for her tripping and breaking her neck then cattiness.
She stopped and looked at Willie then down at her boots and shrugged. "Yeah, I know but they make my legs look great, right?" She smiled.
"Right.." James was looking at her legs. Nancy elbowed his ribs. James oofed. "Sorry" He grinned apologetically at Nancy who was giving him the stink eye.
The wild looking woman grinned at both of them and held out here hand to James.
"I'm Stevie, we talked on the phone? You're James, right?"
James colored a little and furrowed his brow. "Uh, yeah, but how..."
Stevie sighed and removed her glasses. She folded then and slipped them into the breast pocket of the large white shirt.
"look, you called me because I'm a psychic. If you try and remember that, we can make this happen a lot quicker. I know shit. Thats it. Deal."
"deal?" Willie mouthed at Tim. Tim shrugged back.
"Uh, can I ask you, Why Halloween night?" Willie wasn't sure how she felt about this odd woman. She liked her directness but she seemed a little too cocky and kind of obnoxious to her.
Stevie grinned. "For effect!" she laughed a little to herself. "No, really its the time when the psychic energies are strongest."
Jessie snickered. James shot him a warning look. Stevie looked at him.
"I know, it sounds all Woowoo and hocus pokus but really its true. It doesn't have anything to do with the date really. It's just the mind set of all the people around us. Everybody is open to the idea of ghosts and weird stuff, so their psychic energy is more open. Otherwise, its not them," she pointed her thumb over her shoulder towards the house. "its you." and she pointed one long red fingernail at Jessie. She grinned and walked towards the house.
The warning glare from James was enough to remind Jessie that he was supposed to behave himself.
Stevie stopped on the top stair. "Whoa.."
"What?" James was right next to her.
"it's just... strong.." Stevie looked at James. She furrowed her brow.
"Are you... you're the owner right?"
"Yeah, It came with a real estate purchase a few years back. I haven't been able to do anything with the property since then." James grimaced.
Stevie laughed. "Yeah, I don't doubt that. There are people living here. Dead people, yeah, but still.."
She looked closely at James for a moment. "You'll be fine, you're the legal owner."
James grinned. "..and the ghosts know that?"
Stevie rolled her eyes. "They WERE people. They knew the law and they'll understand it and respect it."
James looked a little confused. "but how will they know I'm the owner."
Stevie looked a little annoyed at all the interruptions but she was used to having to explain all this stuff.
"The best I can tell you is that when you own something, it becomes a part of your consciousness and that relates to your psychic energies."
James looked skeptical
"yeah, I know I know, but thats how it goes. You'll see" Stevie started towards the door and stopped again. She cocked her head like a dog listening to a distant whistle. She looked around and her eyes fell on Cami.
"and you." she paused. She looked at Cami, but her mind was a long ways away. "water.." she said. "why do I feel water. It's important water. Where you in water today?" She looked right at Cami.
"Uh... I took a shower this morn... OH wait.. I was! I went in the creek! When my car broke down I walked down to the creek and soaked my feet."
"Here?" Stevie pointed to the ground and raised her eye brows.
Cami grinned. "Well, no, in the creek behind the house."
"But on the house grounds?" Stevie was very serious. Cami started to worry.
"Yeah, I guess so. I walked up the creek to the big oak tree out back and walked up the back yard to look at the house."
Stevie nodded. "Okay, that explains it. I keep hearing water and 'its in her, its in her' don't worry about it too much. But you'll be fine here." She paused and looked around at the rest of the group. "I cant promise the rest of you that. This place is like a psychic torrent. There are either a lot of energies in there, or a few really strong ones. Either way, it's going to get messy."
No one backed away.
"Okay then, lets do this."Stevie slipped her glasses on and started forward.
"Um Stevie? may I ask you a question?" Nancy had positioned herself between the psychic and her man. The whole boots thing had her rattled.
Stevie let out a deep sigh. "What?"
"Well, I just wanted to know, what's with the glasses."
Stevie removed them and stared at them like she hadn't noticed them before.
"Oh, well, for me anyway, psychic energy can be like really bright sunlight. It gives me a headache unless I protect my eyes." Stevie slipped her glasses back on. "Now, any more questions?" She scanned the crowd like a stern teacher disciplining a classroom. "No? so can we move on?"
No one wanted to say anything. A few just nodded their heads.
"Great! " Stevie turned and walked to the door.

The whole group headed up the steps. As the porch creaked and moaned under the added weight, some of them decided to wait till the rest of the group moved on.
Cami stood on the ground below the porch with Jessie at her side. Tim and Willie had chosen to wait with them and bring up the rear.
Stevie stopped at the door and looked around. She motioned James to stand next to her then looked around till she saw Cami. She waved for her to join them on the porch. Cami looked trepidatious. Stevie was emphatic . Cami moved slowly past the others towards the front. Jessie followed her. Stevie held out her hand and stopped him. "you will have to stay back."
"No way, I go where she goes." Stevie stepped closer to Jessie and put her hand on his chest firmly. "Look, Cutie. This is serious. You are not welcome in this house. These two are. You could get me, US killed!. If you want to risk your life going in there, thats your business, but I'm flanking myself with safety here. YOU are not it!" Stevie gave him a gentle but firm shove back. "That goes for all of you. You want to come in, fine. Just stay back!"
Stevie reached for the door handle and stopped. It was large brass handle. It was brilliant and shiny as if it had been lovingly polished every day for the last 40 years. The rest of the house was falling down. The floor boards were buckled and splintered. The door itself was hanging on hinges ready to disintegrate with rust. It was warped and the paint was only a memory. But that door handle looked new.
"Did you replace this?" Stevie pointed at the handle and directed her question at James.
"No. We added some timbers to the entry way and reinforced some of the foundation to make it safe to enter, but we didn't bother to make it secure." James was studying the door handle carefully. "I don't think they even make these anymore. It takes this old skeleton key." James reached into his pocket and brought out an old fashioned skeleton key that shone as brightly as the door handle. "Weird! " James stared at the key. "I never even thought about the way it looked. It was just a key!"
Stevie stared at James. "You never noticed the shiny brass skeleton key before?" She was being facetious. James blushed "Well I, uh,.. no I guess not."
Stevie stared at him. "Uh huh. Well something funky is happening here. I guess we'll find out what."
She reached for the door handle again but pulled her hand away quickly as if she'd been burned.
"OW! .. well I cant open this. You'll have to." She turned again to James.
"Me?"
Stevie rolled her eyes again. "Yeah you. You ARE the owner right? Call it a psychic alarm system. I cant touch it, only the owner can."
James stepped forward and held out the key. It slipped easily into the key hole and the handle clicked and the door swung open. It was very dark inside but Stevie held her hand up to shield her eyes.
"Sheesh, damn, HEY, "she called into the house "Psychic here, could you turn it down a little?" She ducked her head and shielded her eyes, the stood straight and put her hand down. "That's better. THANK YOU!" She walked into the house holding onto James and Cami as if they were life preservers. The rest of the group looked at each other, shrugged and followed.
Stevie walked into the entry way and looked around. "Hmm... not much here. They aren't thrilled with your reinforcements." Stevie was looking at the raw wood beams and slats that had been added to keep the house from falling on them, then she looked at the rest of the group. Keeping a death grip on James and Cami, she pulled them into the dining area.
"OH now this is interesting..." She briefly loosened her grip on her two body guards and took a good look around. She stood very still and closed her eyes "Uh huh... uh huh..... yes... " It was like she was talking on a phone. "There are many of them here..." .
Everyone was very quiet, watching and listening. Stevie opened one eye and looked at James. "Did you hear me?"
James startled. "OH me? yeah.. I heard. How many?"
Stevie closed her eyes again. "um... I don't know, lots. It's like a crowded train station here. They are ignoring you. You're the owner, umm.. kind of like another passenger on the train. They don't care you're here." She turned her head towards Cami. "You they like. They're thrilled you are here." Stevie opened her eyes and looked at Cami. Her brow furrowed. "Have you been here before?"
"Me? no. I've never heard of Eaglesville till my car broke down on the highway. I've only been here for a few hours."
Stevie grinned. "They're good! You are supposed to be here. They say you belong to them."
Cami's jaw dropped and she turned a little white. "What? I.. I'm not.. I've never... What are you talking about?"
Stevie was still smiling. "Really they are brilliant! GOOD ONE!" she shouted into the air. "Did you plan on driving this way when you left where ever you came from?"
"Uh, no.. I just got in the car and drove.."
"and your car, where did it break down?" Stevie was leading Cami's thoughts.
"right out on the highway.." Cami gestured halfheartedly towards the Dark Desert Highway. She was beginning to understand where Stevie was leading with this line and she really did not want to believe it. She shook her head disbelievingly.
"No, no thats not possible. Its all just a coincidence"
Stevie shrugged.
"Believe what you want. But, you're here. They wanted you here. " She closed her eyes again and turned the two who flanked her in circles slowly till she faced a door at the far end of the room James held up his flash light to illuminate the door. It was a swinging entry into what James assumed was the kitchen. Stevie Stopped turning and faced the door. Her brow wrinkled and she cocked her head again. She took an unsure step towards the door then another. They were standing directly in front of the door. The rest of the crowd stood at the entryway to the dining room, afraid to come in. Willie stood by the corner of the archway peeking in. Her arms were curled around herself. It had been in the 80's outside the house, it was probably about 45 degrees inside. She shivered. Tim wrapped his arms around her for warmth and security. Don held Jessica similarly but they stood directly in the archway and watched with interest as Stevie, James and Cami explored the room. Nancy and Jessie were the only two who stood in the room directly but didn't move far from the archway. Danielle and Almanzo manned the other side of the archway. She kept her face buried in his chest as he petted her hair comfortingly. None of the group was able to move further into the room. None of them really wanted to.
Stevie moved very close to the door and turned her head as if she were going to put her ear to the door. She moved very close and listened at the door without touching it.
"Push the door open slightly." She turned her head directing her request at James. He raised his hand slowly and put it on the door. It felt cold and hard, like any old door. He pushed gently. The door opened a crack.



more coming...

Good work Ticky!! Sounds like Eaglesville is the type of town you can check out of but never leave!

Love it! Can't wait to see what comes next.

Has anyone seen the film U-Turn? I watched it the other day and couldn't help thinking of Eaglesville. Although the latter is MUCH cooler!

Excuse me Ticky--Where are you? It's been almost 20 hours without an entry here!!! You shouldn't leave us hanging like that-of course you left me in Timothy's arms so I guess I can wait awhile longer...:)

Ok ok ok! cheeeez woman! IM not a machine! heheehe I think I have enough for the next post. Here ya go...



Stevie held up her hand to shield her eyes as if a bright light was bursting from the room. She turned her head towards the others by the arch way.
"You guys get out of here right now! Its not safe!"
Suddenly, it was as if there was explosion that only hit Stevie. It threw her back across the dining room and she landed on her back beneath a set of broken bay windows.
Jessie and James ran to Stevie. Nancy stood frozen in shock by the arch way. Don started towards Stevie "Take the rest out please, Don"
Don gathered Jessica, Almanzo and Danielle and pulled on Nancy's arm.
"NO, Im going to help" Nancy went to Cami and led her stunned away from the door. It had slammed shut, as much as a swinging door could, and hadnt moved since.
Stevie sat up cursing a blue streak.
"WELL THAT WAS TOTALLY UNNECESSARY!" She shouted at the door. "...bastards....slam me against the floor.." she was mumbling as she stood. Don and Jessie were trying to help her but she shook them off. "IM fine... Lets get out of here. Our 'HOSTS' are somewhat LESS then poilte!" she directed her words towards the offending door. Nancy and Cami were already heading for the front entry and Jessie, seeing that Stevie didnt need his help, ran to catch up with Cami.
Stevie was obviously rattled and stocked out the front door mumbling about the abuses thrown upon her by the rude arrogant spirits. James followed her out and locked the door behind him. He wasnt sure it would make any differnce but better safe then sorry. He joined the group who was garthered in front of the house. Every one was safe, but scared. "Lets meet at the cafe. We need to get away from here." Everyone agreed and hopped in to cars and trucks Stevie had headed for her car, an old Volkswagon bug in need of a paintjob, but she was having a hard time with her keys. James and Nancy looked at eachother. James made an apologetic face and shrugged, Nancy rolled her eyes and nodded her head.
"Uh Stevie?, would you like to Join us at the cafe? We really need to talk about what happened tonight."
"Is there coffee at the cafe? I need coffee." Stevie was indeed rattled.
James smiled. "Oh yeah, if there is one thing the cafe has, it's coffee."
"Good." She kept trying to put her key in the door lock, then she'd look at it and switch to a different key.
"Well, maybe you'd like to go with us? In my truck? then after, I'll bring you back here for your car." James was being as gentle and diplomatic as he could.
"Yeah, whatever.." Stevie stocked over to James truck. James looked at Nancy and shrugged. Nancy returned his shrug and turned to Stevie.
"Are you alright?" Nancy's concern was genuine. She may not have been thrilled with James attraction to her, but Stevie was a remarkable lady and had been through a lot in that one night.
Stevie looked at Nancy as if she hadnt realized she had been there. "Yeah, im fine, who are you?" Nancy smiled and held out her hand. "Im Nancy, Im with James."
"Nice to meet you Nancy, Im sorry I cant shake your hand. I need to bathe in warm salt water first. Once you've been charged by negative ions via psychic energies, you have to realine with saline or I could give oyu one HELL of a shock."
Nancy closed her hand and pulled it away. "I see, Im sorry. Did it hurt?"
James Opened the door for them and Stevie slid into the truck.
"Hell Yeah it hurt! I mean if you call 65 volts of electricity coursing through your body and out your head hurting!" Stevie moved gingerly in the truck. She was sore, there was no question. James helped Nancy into the truck giving her hand a squeeze before shutting the door. Nancy sat awkwardly next to Stevie who was holding her ribs as if she'd been punched in the stomach.
"Gonna have a nasty bruise tomorrow. Damn it. I just get healed and.."
James opened the drivers side door and hopped in the truck. It was a cozy fit. "..shoulda drove the Mercury.." James mumbled and they drove down the dirty drive away from the old mansion.


More coming..

Considering the Sad Cafe was closed, it was doing a bang-up business. The parking lot was filled with cars and inside, the booths, tables and counter were filled with patrons. Everyone was quiet. The experience they had just shared had shaken them all. Tim was the first to speak.
"There's no such thing as ghosts, right?" He wasn't speaking to any one in particular. It was more like he was talking allowed to himself.
"Right.." Willie was sitting with him in a booth. Tim was turning a packet of sweet n low around and around in his finger tips.
"So what was that?" He turned and looked at her.
Don shook his head and grinned. "I don't know about the rest of ya'll, but I'm just coming down off a 24 hour binge! As far as I'm concerned, that was a hallucination."
Jessica smiled. "I saw to Don. Are we sharing hallucinations now too?" She raised her eye brows. Don't grinned back at her.
"It couldn't have been a hallucination. I saw it too and I've been sober for years." Almanzo had taken Don's comment seriously, trying to consider all possibilities. "Unless we were all drugged! Maybe there was something in the air!"
Just then Stevie, James and Nancy came in the door. Stevie let out a sarcastic laugh and pulled up her shirt to reveal a large star shaped bruise starting to appear on her abdomen. "Is this a hallucination? You think drugs did this? I don't think so." The group gasped. Jessica jumped up and ran to the back for an ice pack.
Nope, what you've got up there is a whole bunch of psychic entities being held captive, if you will, by one really nasty and down right rude little piss ant. Well not so little." Jessica handed Stevie the ice pack. She placed it carefully on the bruise cringing and gasping a few time.
"Thanks.."
Jessica smiled warmly.
"I'm a nurse, I could look at that if you'd like."
Stevie cringed at the cold ice on her belly.
"nah It's ok, I get this more often then I'd like to admit. Although, this one is a really nasty son of a bi.."
"So how do we get rid of it? Don't the rest of those poor.. uh entities need to be released?" James had interrupted another assault on his ears.
Stevie looked up at James, then over at Cami. "She's the key. I don't know how or why, but they were really happy to see her. Well, most of them were. That's why She's not where I am right now. They protected her, ..and you," Nodding towards James. "Being the owner of the property, you have a free pass, well, for now anyway."
"Wh..what do you mean for now?" James was working hard at keeping his cool, but he was shaken. Nancy took hold of his hand and held it tight. HE took it in both his hands. Obviously both were in need of some comfort and support.
"Well," Stevie eased into a chair by a table in the middle of the room. This had already been a long night and it looked like it might get longer.
Danielle jumped up to make coffee. She was familiar with it now, why not, she figured.
"Ghosts, or entities or whatever you want to call them, were, once, just people like us. Some are good, some not so good and some are just evil." She readjusted her ice pack, cringed and started again. "They new our world, or the world the way it was when they died. Most of these spirits are from about the same era. I'd say somewhere around the 1920s or so. They understand deeds and ownership. Once you own something, you leave an imprint on it psychically and it on you! So James, your ownership of that place is a part of who you are, whether you like it or not. They recognize that and respect that. However, this big guy, he's strong and he's bad! Now I say HE because I don't know, it could as easily been a she. But he or she may not recognize the law or things like titled ownership, just like there are people alive who don't recognize the law or ownership or just don't care."
Danielle came by with coffee cups and fresh coffee for anyone who wanted it. She poured a large steaming cup and placed it before Stevie.
Stevie opened three sugar packets and two creamers and dumped them in her cup. "Oh, I need to wash up." She stood up slowly holding the ice pack to her belly. "Is there a large sink and some salt in the back?"
"Yes, of course, I will show you." Danielle lead Stevie to the back of the cafe.
James let out a deep sigh and leaned heavily against the counter.
"You dont believe all this bull shit do you?" Jessie was watching his big brother. The weight of the world had just landed on his shoulders, like it had many time before.
"Jessie, I don't know what to believe, but I saw that with my own two eyes. I felt her being thrown across the room, and I've seen the bruise. How do you just explain all that away? It'd be one thing if it had been on TV or a show put on for our benefit, but we saw it! We felt it!" Nancy wrapped her arms around James waist. He hugged her to him. All the couples seemed to pull close seeking some comfort away from that growing cold feeling. Even Jessie and Cami found some comfort in holding each other. The amount of time that had passed between them didn't seem to matter as much as the experiences they had shared.

Awww! That was fantastic. Lovely last couple of lines :grouphug:

Stevie came out from the back room and surveyed the room full of couples hugging. She sighed and shook her head. "Look, it's not as bad as you think. All you need to do is find out this ones," she pointed to Cami " connection to that old place. Once you find that out, it should be obvious what needs to be done. Do it and it will all go away."
Stevie picked up her coffee mug, drained it and walked to the door. She stared over at James and Nancy who were Holding each other tightly. "I hate to break this all up, but do you think you could give me a ride to my car?"
James kissed Nancy's forehead and whispered, "Ill be right back. You want to wait here? or meet me at the ranch?"
Nancy smiled up at him. "I think I'd better wait here and try and get everyone calmed down a little."
James looked at her with a concerned brow. "You okay?"
Nancy hugged him. "Yeah I'm fine. You go. I'll be here when you get back"
He held her tight for a moment more. Stevie cleared her throat. James kissed Nancy's temple and let go. James and Stevie walked out the door to his truck and pulled out of the drive.
After James and Stevie left, the entire room seemed to turn to Cami. Jessie held on to her as if to protect her from the burning stares.
"I have no idea." Cami was shaking her head. She held on to Jessie. He was her life line here. "I don't know much about my family, but my own life has been down right dull! I was born and lived in the same town all my life! I worked at the college there from the time I was 18 till just a few days ago!"
"Why did you leave?" Almanzo spoke up.
She looked at him. She was frightened. "Look Almanzo, Cami doesn't have to answer to us. She's an victim here as much as any of us."
"No, It's ok Jessie. I don't mind." Cami looked up into his eyes. He searched her face and touched her hair. "You don't have to."
She smiled. "I know." Cami turned to Almanzo, Danielle and all the rest of the group gathered there. "Academia sounds like a wonderful place. If you've been to college and lived on campus, you know what I mean. But if you work there, you'll discover its a cut throat, dog eat dog world. It takes a very competitive person to thrive there. I just got stabbed in the back once too often and I walked out. I got in my car and drove. I don't know what brought me here. Maybe she was right." Jessie put his hands on her shoulders rubbing them gently. Cami leaned back into him and closed her eyes. It felt good to have someone on her side. She hadnt had that for a long time.
Fiddler was the first to stand. He'd been quiet till now. He wasn't the type to believe any of this ghost and gobblin garbage, but there had been no denying what he'd seen. "Look. I don't know what happened tonight, and I don't really see as how it's much of our business. I do know, however," He turned and smiled down at Cathy. "I promised this beautiful lady I'd see her home before too late," He held out his hand and Cathy took it. She stood next to Fiddler and looked at all the others around her. "Good night everyone. It's been an interesting night." Cathy smiled and walked out the door with Fiddler.
"I think they had the right idea. It's late and we're all exhausted. Let's call it a night." Don took Jessica's elbow and led her to the door. Almanzo jumped up. "That's my ride. Good night Jess, Cami, it's been nice to meet you." Danielle trotted over to Cami and gave her a small hug. "I am so glad you are here. Please stay a while." She smiled sweetly and ran after Almanzo.
Nancy looked around the diner.
"Let's get this mess cleaned up a little."
Jessie kept his eyes one Cami. She was'nt looking too strong. He wanted some time to talk to her and let her know she wasnt alone in all this.
"That's okay Sheriff. We can get it." Jessie grinned. "My brother should be back any minute."
Nancy colored a little and smiled. "Right. Okay then, I'll see you two tomorrow. G'night." She walked to the door, looked back at Jessie and Cami, smiled and left.
Jessie and Cami were left alone in the diner. Cami began to collect coffee mugs and walk behind the counter. Jessie followed her and helped clean and put them away.
"I'll walk you to the Last Resort. It's not the Hilton, but it's the best we got, and it's not that bad." Jessie grinned. Cami looked at him skeptically and smiled wanly.
"Look, Cami. Don't put a whole lot of meaning in what they say." Jessie nodded his head towards the door where everyone had departed. "It was a strange night all around and they're just trying to make sense of it all."
"Me too." Cami said quietly. She looked down at her feet and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. She suddenly felt very cold inside. Jessie stepped forward and wrapped her in his arms. she was stunned at first. Her spine tightened and her head pulled back, but he didn't let go. Soon she found her head laying on his shoulder and her arms slipped around his waist. It felt so good to have someone who cared about her. Someone who would comfort her and make her feel human again. She'd been hard and cold too long. As her heart melted, silent tears eased from her eyes and seeped into Jessie's shirt. He lifted her chin and looked into her face. His large, warm strong hands touched her cheek and one calloused thumb wiped away the tears. He smiled softly and pulled her forward. His lips were soft on hers as they brushed by like a breeze. He brushed her lips again and then pressed them gently spreading them and kissing her deeply. She melted in his arms giving in to him. His body molded to hers and they stood pressed together in the empty cafe.



Let's get back to the fun stuff *G*

Well, i've finally gotten all caught up on the Long Story and i gotta say that i'm completely hooked. Ticky, you have quite a talent. I look forward to seeing what you come up with next.

Fab add, Ticky!

Off-topic, but Soda, your current av is GORGEOUS.

I dont think you'll have too much to worry about Soda, Stevie may have great legs, but she's a nut case LOL James is much too down to earth for Stevie.
Stevie will be making a come back tho.. I like her character...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ticky

Stevie will be making a come back tho.. I like her character...

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:applause:

The sun was up the next morning, but just barely. It had been a long and eventful night. Cathy was headed for the barn. The cows were already lowing by the meadow door. Cathy wasn't late, but the cows were sore and impatient. She had her milking clothes on and was headed for the hip waders she kept in the barn. She yawned and stretched as her pace slowed walking towards the barn. She just didn't have the desire to be here today.
"Cathy!" She heard her name shouted and turned around.
There he was, his long lean form in an open flannel shirt, tight fitting white T-shirt and jeans that fit just OH so well, his blond hair flopping about his head as he ran towards her. His smile made his eyes light up and his dimples show. A grin spread across Cathy's face that there was no way of getting rid of. She was hooked. He was beautiful. She walked backwards towards the barn, slowly watching him run to catch up. She could have watched him move like that forever. Soon she found her back against the barn door. He walked up to her. He stood very close.
"I just wanted to thank you for last night. I had a great time." Cathy blushed. She'd had a great time too, but not till they'd left the cafe. Fiddler had taken her home and they'd spent probably more time then was appropriate saying goodnight at her front porch. He'd kissed her goodnight. She'd kissed him back. This had gone on for quite a while. She HAD had a very good time.
"I had a great time too Fiddler. Thanks." She smiled. She couldnt look him in the eye. She'd have attacked him right here in the barn yard. Fiddler leaned a hand over her shoulder against the barn door leaning very close to her and talking very quietly.
"I'd like to spend more time with you Cathy. Do you think we might see each other again soon?"
Finally she looked up into his green eyes. Her face softened and her eyes warmed.
"I'd love to Fiddler," He leaned in close and kissed her softly. His big hands curled around the back of her neck and his kiss deepened. Her hands rested on his chest, then grabbed handfuls of his T-shirt and pulled him into her.
They hadn't heard the truck pull up or the door slam or the foot steps coming closer. But they did hear "Hi Cathy! Fiddler! How's it goin'?"
Both started and broke apart with a jump. Lou was standing there with a huge grin on her face. She was a cute girl, young but not so young as to not know what was what. She'd been keeping her fingers crossed for Fiddler and Cathy and this was like Christmas morning.
"So, what did you guys do last night?" She still had that huge grin plastered on her perky little face.
Cathy colored deeply and Fiddler scowled. "I , uh, I need to go get those cow milked! Or you wont have anything to make that delicious cheese with!" Cathy smiled big at Lou and turned towards the barn. She stopped and reached up to touch Fiddler's face.
"I'll see you tonight?"
Fiddler grinned. "Sure, 8:00?"
Cathy grinned back "kay.. see you then." She gave him a quick kiss on the lips. He was irresistible.
Fiddler watched her go, his eyes glued to her, his smile undisturbable, till she was gone. He turned to look at Lou and scowled. "If you weren't my little sister, I'd pop you in the jaw!" He wrapped an arm around her neck and held her in a head lock as he walked to the ranch house.
"OW OW OW HEY!" finally Fiddler let go and Lou rubbed her neck.
"I am 22 years old Mister and way to old for that." She kicked him playfully in the shins. "So when did THAT happen?" She nodded her head back towards the barn. Fiddler grinned wide again at the though of the beautiful Cathy and the kisses they'd shared in the last 24 hours.
"That's none of your business little girl." Fiddler shook a long finger at her.
"Fine, Ill ask Cathy. She'll tell me everything." Lou was nonchalant. Shrugged her shoulders and headed for the barn.
"Don't you dare!" And he began to run after her. Lou took off running. She could easily outrun him, she always had. Fiddler slowed and stopped and she zipped down to the barn. He knew it was useless. She was right. She and Cathy had always been close and Cathy would tell her everything. He laughed and shook his head. Why fight it. He headed back to the ranch house. He had important ranch business to discuss with James.

:yay::inlove::blush: Finally! And Lou, I'm glad it turned out that you're Fiddler's sister. I've seen your picture...you're beautiful...you could have stolen him away from me! But I have a feeling the nearby toxic waste dump is going to produce yet another Don lookalike...

As Lou entered the barn, Cathy shouted "Shut the doors will ya? I'm lettin the girls in!" Lou quickly shut and barred the big doors then hopped up on the nearest stall gate and perched like a rooster. Cathy, seeing Lou was out of harms way opened the field doors and the cattle were waiting like rich ladies for a Bergdorf Goodman shoe sale. Lou smiled at the thought. She'd love to try on a pair of those Menolo's. Of course she didn't have anywhere to wear them or anyone to wear them for. They wouldn't be practical for the cheese making room. Well, maybe someday. She leaned her head on her hand as she watched Cathy direct the cows into the stalls, 3 or 4 per stall with plenty of hay and a little oats. They were well contented cows and they gave good fresh milk rich in fats. That's why Lou loved the milk from this ranch. It made the richest, creamiest cheese. Lou's cheeses were the best. She had won awards locally for her Brie's and Blue's. She was always experimenting with something new. Once all the girls were in their stalls and munching on hay and oats, they quieted a little. They were a noisy bunch! Cathy always took the noisiest one first. She may miss out on some of the hay and oats, but she'd be the first to relieve her aching utters. Cathy was amazing with the cows. She had them tied and ready to milk within a minute. She would talk to them and they seemed to understand her. She'd always been uncanny with animals. She just always seemed to know what they were saying to her, like they talked to her and she'd talk back. Cathy got more milk and better quality from the cows then any other farm or ranch within a hundred mile radius and she claimed it was because she told them what to eat. As long as they were happy and healthy, they gave superior milk.
"The girls have been munching on a large patch of clover they found on the low end of the field down by the creek. This milk should be terrific!" Cathy's enthusiasm for her "girls" milk boiled over to Lou. This batch was ear marked for new variety of a creamy Swiss similar to neufatchel that Lou 'd been dying to try.
"Great! If it comes out good, I'll send over a wheel of the cheese!"
Cathy smiled. She'd share it with Fiddler. That and maybe a bottle of Merlot, a cozy fire and large sheep skin rug, perfect.
Lou had been watching Cathy's face carefully. She saw the flush and the accompanying grin.
"So, what exactly is going on between you and my big brother that would cause him to nearly break my neck a few minutes ago?" Lou was loving every second of the torture she was putting these two through. Fiddler had been in love with Cathy for years. She was a good 7 years his junior and his baby sister's best friend, but even back in high school you could see his admiration for the young Cathy. Of course back then it was just creepy in Lou's opinion. She was thrilled for both of them now, but she had to torture them both just a little. It was kind of her job as the little sister/best friend.
Cathy blushed. "We, uh, are dating.."
Lou's eye brows rose. "Dating? really? because I remember back in high school we called that something else."
Cathy, without missing a beat squirted Lou with fresh warm milk straight from the cow. Lou caught it right in the face. She didn't even blink, except to get it out of her eyes. she licked her lips.
"Mm.. that is good, nice and sweet."
Cathy kept milking, but giggled.
"It's in your hair."
Lou wiped away the residue with her denim shirt sleeve.
"That's okay, it's good for your hair. Makes it shiny!"
"yeah and in a few hours under that hot sun you're going to smell like rotten milk! That'll be attractive."
Lou grinned. "I'm not too worried. I'm around cheese al day! How good can I smell?" Both the ladies laughed.
Cathy had been milking, switching out cows and releasing the finished cows to the pasture, whispering in their ears as she went.
"What are you telling them anyway?" Lou watched Cathy whisper in a large heifer's brown soft ear.
"I tell them they're loved and where to find more clover. That's all they really need to hear."
Lou rolled her eyes. "you're weird." She hopped down and wandered to the door.
"Yeah, well maybe, but so are you." Cathy grinned at her friend.
"OH hey, I wanted to ask you. I was thinking about trying my hand at making goat cheese. Any idea where I might find a supplier?"
"Um, I might. There's a new guy who just bought a farm down the road a ways. I think he's got goats. I'll ask Fiddler." At the mention of his name, Cathy grinned and blushed.
Lou watched her friend's peaches and cream complexion go to apple red and the silly grin that covered her whole face making her dimple up all over.
she shook her head. "Sheesh, you got it bad." She grinned back at her friend and left the barn, being sure to close the door behind her.

Oh yeah! I make the best cheese in the land! :nod: Love it, ticky.

But Cathy... Now I can think up a million annoying ways of interrupting your romantic encounters. Muah hah hah.

I am bored so I started reading Ticky's story again. I'm trying to be quiet because the kids are sleeping but I keep cracking up--Just got as far as page 9 and it had me crying because I was laughing so hard about Don's "lion eyes" and his being "riffed" by Stewart. Just too funny. I still think this silly thing needs to somehow be published. I read a lot of trashy romance novels and this is just as good as most of them with a lot of humor thrown in also!

Keep up the good work Rhonda!

Here ya go Willie, some fresh stuff *G*

The reception area in the Last Resort was empty and Shirley didn't see anyone coming in. She walked to the door and peeked around the corner. No one. It was dark and the strange man, Thomas, had come in for the night a few minutes ago. She ached to see what he was doing. The coast outside was clear and he was the only person in the hotel besides her. She turned around and looked back at the desk. She looked around the reception area nonchalantly, she ran a finger over the back of the big, red, velvet chair on the old Persian rug, she walked to the small table next to the chair and straightened the magazines there, She stood straight and stretched and casually glanced up at the mirror. Nothing but her own casual image glancing back. She cocked her mouth and wrinkled her brow. She looked around her again and slowly sat in the big red chair. She was stiff as a board. Something about being there, in that chair just didn't feel right. She slowly sat back and slowly looked up. She saw herself looking like a frightened little girl staring back. She giggled to herself and relaxed a little. What a silly idea it had all been. This was just a chair, that was just a mirror and he was just a man. A sexy man. A man she could see herself with. A dangerous man, and there he was, in the mirror, but in his room. She sat up and stared. It WAS him! She could see him! He was getting undressed again. This time she would not look away. He was perfect. He removed his watch and placed it on the dresser. He took the band out of his pony tale and shook his long hair free. He unbuttoned his shirt and pulled the cuffs over his hands then the sleeves off his shoulders and finally he tossed the shirt onto the bed. His chest was bare and his pants rode low on his narrow hips. His skin was bronze and his body rippled when he moved with tensed muscles. She was absolutely mesmerized and could not look away. He looked up into the mirror that hung over his dresser. She watched him. He paused and watched the mirror and once again Shirley saw his face. The same face that was peering into the mirror in the other room was now peering out of the mirrors that hung over Shirley's head and was staring down at her. She watched intently as he moved to stand directly before the mirror and stared back at her. A smirk crossed his face and he leaned both hands on the dresser top. He moved his face very close to the mirror and smiled directly at her. He moved his finger up to the mirror and traced what must have been the outline of her body in the mirror. She could nearly feel his touch and she gasped. The he mouthed something. She couldn't hear him, but there was no mistaking what he was saying to her. "I want you" His fingers trailed down the length of her body in the mirror. She smiled. This couldn't be real, there was just no way. With that thought, she couldn't resist teasing him. She tossed her head and arched her back causing her T-shirt to ride up, exposing her tight, firm tummy. She curled her legs up beneath her and looked directly into the mirrored ceiling and licked her lips. His eyes had narrowed, his nostrils flared, and his lips parted. He was ready for her. He wanted her. She wanted him too, but since there was no way any of this could be real she just grinned at the mirrors, blew him a kiss and stood up. She walked to the desk grinning at herself and how cool and clever she'd been. His door flew open and he came flying out. With one smooth fast movement he grabbed her swung her against the wall and pinned her with his body. His bare chest pressed her into the wall and he moved his lips brushed hers as her spoke. A smile teased at his lips as he spoke.
"Dont tease little girl, unless you're ready to play the game." while his body was holding tight to the wall, his hands were gentle on her wrists and his lips were warm and soft. He smelled spicy and sweet and the muscles in his chest moved against her as he spoke. She didn't struggle to get away. She didn't want to get away. She looked him directly in the eyes and moved her head so her own lips brushed his.
"I dont play games." There was no hint of humor in her voice.
He kissed her softly at first then deepening. When she thought he would devour her, he pulled away and smiled broadly at her.
"Another time."
He bent his head and brushed his lips along her neck and pulled away. He let go of her wrists and backed away, the smile never fading. The cell phone in his pants pocket played the theme from "A Summers Place" and he picked it up, looked at it and turned back to his room as he said "Yes Papa," into the phone. He walked into his room and shut the door.
Shirley Wanted to collapse but she didn't dare go anywhere near that big red chair. She felt her way back to the desk and perched on the stool behind it. She rested her head on her forearms on the desk.
"Im gonna KILL Glenn."

Where can I get one of these mirrors?