tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11354071640550354602024-03-13T12:00:29.651-07:00Wild West DetectiveEach weekday on this blog you will find an episode of a western short story featuring Rance Dehner, a detective who operates in the old West. When the story concludes, it will be archived for those readers who prefer to read a story from start to finish.James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-44468334885866970162012-11-30T02:00:00.000-08:002012-12-03T08:26:31.268-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
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<span style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wild West Detective </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Wild
West Detective has run for one year now. While writing the serial has been a
lot of work, it has been even more fun. Most rewarding was the feedback I
received from readers. Some of you told me that WWD has given you a new love
for the western genre. Now, there is news to warm the heart of an old buckaroo.
Thank you all very much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But,
this cowpoke is an old fashioned type who loves to read and write novels. So,
I’m closing the corral gate on the blog and returning to my first love. For the
immediate future, one year’s worth of western short stories will remain available
on this site. Those of you who missed some of the stories the first time can
have a second shot. May these yarns bring you the pleasure of a cold
sarsaparilla after a hard day of apprehending owlhoots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Rance Dehner still has more adventures ahead. I
am now working on a novel about the Wild West Detective. Meanwhile, you can
click above to learn of the James Clay novels that are immediately available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Thanks
for riding with me this past year, pardners. I hope we will be riding new
trails together soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">James
Clay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-75029203224227922502012-11-29T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-29T09:49:53.107-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/archive-save-girl.html" target="_blank"> Archive: Dangerous Calling & Other Stories </a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode
Seventeen of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Episode
Sixteen concluded with: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i>The conversation
drifted along for a few more minutes. It was obvious that Frank Dunning and the
Hurleys were primarily concerned with Amanda’s well being and Dehner’s presence
wasn’t much help in that regard. The detective excused himself, saying he
wanted to get a good night’s sleep before leaving town the next day.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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Pausing outside the restaurant, Dehner looked through the window again and
watched three fine people try to comfort a grieving young woman. He had an odd
feeling which came to him often: a feeling that he didn’t belong.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Episode
Seventeen</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Eight months later, Dehner checked
his mail at the office of the Lowrie Detective Agency before leaving on an
assignment to Arizona. He found an invitation to the wedding of Amanda Olson
and Frank Dunning. Amanda had included a letter:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Dear
Mr. Dehner, <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank
and I have been talking about you recently, how you saved both of our lives and
then left the next day. Frank, at least, said thank you. I fear that I was very
caught up in my grief and ignored you. Please allow me, even at this late date,
to thank you for all you have done. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I
consider myself to be more mature than I was when we first met. I do not know
why things happen in life the way they do. But I thank God for bringing a fine
man like Frank Dunning into my life. My parents also love Frank and are looking
forward to the wedding. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Ours
will be the first wedding in the new church, the construction of which was just
finished last week. Our pastor is a wonderful man who values Frank as a lay
leader. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> Frank
and I look forward to seeing you again</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dehner smiled as he read the letter, but still
felt a bit melancholy. He realized that he was a man with few close friends. It
was the nature of his work. He would arrive somewhere, do a job, and then leave
and often never return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But he hoped that he left things
better than he had found them. Letters like the one he had just received were
important to him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The detective also hoped he would be
able to attend the wedding. Dehner knew
he would keep the letter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “May God bless both of you.” He
spoke aloud to two people he might never see again. He then left the office
hurriedly. A job awaited him in Arizona. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: A word from the author<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-91435928804268184012012-11-28T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-28T10:03:53.078-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Sixteen of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Fifteen concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo buoyed onto his knees, gun in hand.
He fired a shot. Dunning felt a horrible burn in his right arm and let his .45
fly off into the darkness. Fargo collapsed. He was losing blood quickly and no
longer a threat. But Abner Coogan was. Dunning let go of his crutch and dropped
to the floor. He began to pull himself in the direction of where he had
inadvertently tossed the gun. He could hear Coogan’s footsteps moving toward
him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank’s
right hand collided with the weapon. He gripped it and turned his head in time
to see Coogan coming at him, gun in hand.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Well, well, Mr. Mayor. I guess we got a
stand off, here. Think you can fire that gun before I kill you?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Sixteen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“If
I die tonight, Coogan, I’ll take you with me. Leave this place right now and
ride. It’s your only hope.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I can’t do that Mr.Mayor, I got me
a sermon to preach tomorrow mornin’.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank Dunning knew the old church
building well. He thought he heard a front door begin to brush against the thin
carpet as it opened. The mayor needed to stall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Your charade is finished, Coogan!”
Dunning yelled, hoping to cover the footsteps of whoever was entering. “How are
you going to explain my death, or for that matter, the killing of the young
woman? There’s going to be blood all over the church tomorrow morning.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “You’re right, Mr. Mayor. But if I
let you and the lady live, there will be a posse on my heels tonight. If I kill you now, I got a whole night to get
far--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A voice suddenly boomed from the shadows. “You’re going to a jail cell or a graveyard, mister, make up your
mind fast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Coogan stared into the darkness.
“Who’s there?!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “A man who is going to fill you with
hot lead, unless you drop that gun.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Coogan lifted his weapon toward the
voice. Two loud shots roared through the darkness. Abner Coogan twirled and
fell. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Rance Dehner looked through the
window into Hurley’s Café. Amanda Olson was sitting at a table. Frank Dunning
was with her, along with a kindly looking couple, who Dehner guessed owned the
café. There were coffee cups in front of everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The café was obviously closed for
business; Dehner walked in anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I’m sorry, sir--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank interrupted the woman. “This
is the man I told you about, Stella. The detective who saved our lives a few
hours ago.” He turned to the newcomer. “Rance, meet Stella and Glenn Hurley.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> There were hellos all around. After
shooting Abner Coogan and untying Amanda, Rance had explained that he was a
detective employed by Bishop Karl Larkin who was concerned about Jim Goodman.
He didn’t go into details about Larkin regarding Reverend Goodman as an
incompetent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “How’s your arm?” Rance asked Frank
as he sat down at the table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Fine. The bullet just grazed me.
What’s the story on the two outlaws?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Fargo died less than half an hour
ago. According to the doc, Coogan will live to hang. He’s wanted for murder.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Amanda’s voice sounded frail and
shaky. “Did he say what they did to Jim?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dehner nodded his head. “He confessed
to killing Reverend Goodman. Coogan posed as the pastor in order to get the
money which was saved for the new church.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Amanda stared into her coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A jittery silence followed. Frank
broke it with a question. “Tell me, Rance, how did you know we were at the
church?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I arrived in town this evening,”
Rance explained. “Bishop Larkin had given me your home and work address. When I
didn’t find you at either place, I decided to check out the saloons. It seems
you had a little run in with a cowboy named Jeb. He told me where you were
headed.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The conversation drifted along for a
few more minutes. It was obvious that Frank Dunning and the Hurleys were
primarily concerned with Amanda’s well being and Dehner’s presence wasn’t much
help in that regard. The detective excused himself, saying he wanted to get a
good night’s sleep before leaving town the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Pausing outside the restaurant,
Dehner looked through the window again and watched three fine people try to
comfort a grieving young woman. He had an odd feeling which came to him often:
a feeling that he didn’t belong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: Episode Seventeen, the
conclusion of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-6670255655114228682012-11-27T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-27T02:00:02.153-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Fifteen of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Fourteen concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b> <i>She turned and began
to angrily stalk off. She didn’t get far. A tight cloth suddenly gagged her
mouth. Her head felt trapped in an iron vise, and she was dragged into the church.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
The woman could see nothing in the darkness, but Amanda could hear
Fargo’s screeching laughter. “Your plan worked, Coogan. Just needed a little
fixin’ up at the end.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Call me Jim Goodman! Remember, I’m Jim Goodman!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Yep, yep!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
A leering face suddenly appeared in Amanda’s view. The cloth tied firmly around
the woman’s head muffled her screams.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
Saliva oozed from the side of Coogan’s mouth. “You were right, Fargo. She’s a
right pretty woman. What say we have us a little fun before we kill her?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Fifteen <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank Dunning pumped his arms, his
crutches sending up spurts of dust as he ran toward the church. He was grateful that
it didn’t have a porch. His crutches would have made noise against the wood.
Dirt provided no such problem. From a distance he had seen Fargo and the man he
knew as Jim Goodman forcing Amanda into the ramshackle building. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He stopped at the church entrance
and listened. The rotted wood of the church’s double doors provided holes from
which the voices inside could escape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Let’s carry her down to the front,
the carpet there is thicker. Make things a bit more comfy.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo’s high pitched laughter
followed. “I guess you get to go first, Coogan.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Call me Goodman. Jim Goodman! Oh,
yeah, I’m going first.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dunning had heard enough. He
breathed deeply and tried to calm himself. He was a man with one leg. That
wouldn’t stop him from helping Amanda Olson, but he’d be a fool to ignore his
handicap. He needed to act wisely, but quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He placed one crutch against the
side of the church and kept one crutch under his left arm where it could
compensate for his lost leg. Using his right hand he opened one of the church’s
double doors, lifting it slightly, so it wouldn’t brush against the floor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Peering inside he could see Fargo
lighting a kerosene lamp which was attached to the wall near the front of the
church. Fargo continued his near insane laughter. “Such a pretty lady, be a
shame not to have a good view.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> From his position, Dunning could see
that the additional light worked in his favor. Only one other kerosene lamp had
been lit: the one on the immediate right side of the door. Frank eased into the
church on the left side and drew his gun. He had a good view of both Fargo and
the man Fargo had called Coogan. Both were at the front of the church, on the
right side, between the altar and the front pew. But where was Amanda? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Coogan answered the question for
him. The killer looked down toward the floor and spoke. “You know, girlie, you
can make this a lot easier by just goin’ along. Hated to tie you up. I know
you’d enjoy gettin’ to know me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Amanda was obviously lying on the
floor, the view of her body blocked by the pews. Frank knew he had to act
immediately. There could be no question as to what her two captors had in store
for the woman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The mayor took one step backwards,
placing himself deeper in darkness. He lifted his .45. “Freeze!” he shouted.
“Both of you!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> At first, the two outlaws obeyed the
command almost completely. Only their heads moved as they tried to locate where
the voice came from. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank again shouted. “Hands up!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The two killers obeyed but the
second order allowed them to place Dunning’s location. This time it was
Coogan’s turn to shout. “Is that you, Mr. Mayor?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Keeping his gun pointed at his
prisoners, Dunning moved slowly toward them down the center aisle of the
church. He had to be careful. The floor of the old church provided plenty of
cracks and holes for him to stumble over. “You men have an appointment with the
sheriff.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Anything you say, Mr. Mayor,” Abner
Coogan responded. “But why don’t you let me free the young lady?” Coogan
pointed downwards with one hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dunning stopped and again raised the
gun which he had lowered to hip level. The .45 was now pointed directly at
Abner Coogan’s chest. “Hands in the air, Coogan, I mean it. I see that gun
strapped to your waist. I should have trusted my instincts. You’re no
preacher.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner waved his arms as if in a
friendly gesture. “You’re right, Frank. Still, you don’t want this nice young
lady to be--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The trick was old and Frank Dunning
was ready for it. As Coogan tried to distract Dunning by moving his arms, Fargo
went for his gun. Dunning moved his .45 a few inches and sent a red flame
burrowing into Fargo. The man yelled and dropped to the floor. Frank swung his
weapon back at Coogan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Good shootin’, Mr. Mayor!” Abner
Coogan’s voice remained friendly but both of his arms were now lowered. “Why,
you plugged that old owlhoot right in the chest.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Get your hands back up, Coogan.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Sure.” He raised both hands. “This
high enough for you?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo buoyed onto his knees, gun in
hand. He fired a shot. Dunning felt a horrible burn in his right arm and let
his .45 fly off into the darkness. Fargo collapsed. He was losing blood quickly
and no longer a threat. But Abner Coogan was. Dunning let go of his crutch and
dropped to the floor. He began to pull himself in the direction of where he had
inadvertently tossed the gun. He could hear Coogan’s footsteps moving toward
him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank’s right hand collided with the
weapon. He gripped it and turned his head in time to see Coogan coming at him,
gun in hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Well, well, Mr. Mayor. I guess we
got a stand off, here. Think you can fire that gun before I kill you?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: Episode Sixteen of Dangerous
Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-91576931559638238732012-11-26T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-26T02:00:06.419-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Fourteen of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Thirteen concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i>As they continued to
walk along the increasingly rough path, Amanda tried to be charitable in her
thoughts toward Fargo. The man was a recent convert. He couldn’t be expected to
immediately turn from his old ways. She needed to demonstrate patience and
kindness. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
A flicker of yellow could be seen in the distance. Amanda walked faster as she
realized that they were approaching the church. She spoke out loud, primarily to
herself, “I wonder what kind of surprise is waiting for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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“You’re gonna find out real soon.” Fargo’s voice was firm, almost
business-like. He had killed several men. Tonight, for the first time, he would
kill a woman.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Fourteen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank Dunning moved quickly but
carefully down the boardwalk. The mayor knew where every hole and loose board
was located, but he could still stumble when his mind wandered. Frank wouldn’t
let that happen tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As he approached the Happy Times Saloon,
it appeared that the establishment had been well named. Outside the saloon, a
group of three young cowboys from a nearby ranch were laughing and yelling in a
raucous manner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Jeb, I always thought you was a
lady’s man. Why that pretty thing would rather stay with a ugly old man ‘stead
of lettin’ you buy her a drink!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Jeb took a sip from the bottle in
his hand, then glared at his two laughing companions. “Why don’t you jaspers
just--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dunning overheard the conversation
and stopped in front of the three men. “Did the lady say where she was going?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Jeb was anxious to save face with
his buddies. “Well, gents we is certainly honored tonight. This here is the
mayor of Antioch.” He started to take another drink. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank grabbed the bottle from Jeb’s
hand. “I’ll ask you nice- like once more, did the lady say where she was
going?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Jeb stared into Dunning’s intense
eyes. He was silent for a moment, then shrugged his shoulders and replied in an
almost apologetic manner. “I think she said somethin’ ‘bout meetin’ a man at
the church.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Thank you.” Frank handed the bottle
back and quickly made his way toward the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As they watched the mayor recede
into the darkness, both of Jeb’s companions were tempted to hooraw him for
backing down to a man on crutches. But neither man said a thing. They knew that
they also would have backed down to Frank Dunning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo opened the church door, “Here
we is.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Amanda had been anxious to get to
the church. Now, she felt frightened as she gazed inside. “It’s very dark. Only
one lamp seems to be lit.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo tried to wave her inside, “No
need for much light,… come on!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Amanda stood several feet in front
of the clapboard building, its wood now turned gray. “I can see why they need
to build a new church. This place looks like it is about to collapse.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo’s voice became angry. “You
comin’ in or ain’t you?!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The young woman stood silent for a
moment, then spoke in a near angry voice. “I am not coming in! Tell my fiancée that
I will be here tomorrow for Sunday worship. He can see me then!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> She turned and began to angrily
stalk off. She didn’t get far. A tight cloth suddenly gagged her mouth. Her
head felt trapped in an iron vise, and she was dragged into the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
The woman could see nothing in
the darkness, but Amanda could hear Fargo’s screeching laughter. “Your plan
worked, Coogan. Just needed a little fixin’ up at the end.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Call me Jim Goodman! Remember, I’m
Jim Goodman!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Yep, yep!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A leering face suddenly appeared in
Amanda’s view. The cloth tied firmly around the woman’s head muffled her
screams. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Saliva oozed from the side of
Coogan’s mouth. “You were right, Fargo. She’s a right pretty woman. What say we
have us a little fun before we kill her?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: Episode Fifteen of Dangerous
Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-20565458743426290112012-11-23T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-23T02:00:00.112-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Thirteen of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twelve concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i>Amanda’s doubts eased.
“I’m not sure where the church is located…”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“That’s why he sent me.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
Amanda gave a joyful laugh. “Well then, let’s get going! But first, could you
wait for just a few minutes? I want to freshen up a bit!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
She hastily closed the door and didn’t see the malevolent smile that spread
across Fargo’s face.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Thirteen <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank Dunning tried to focus on the
rifle he was working on. He had lost almost an entire day’s work attending to
Amanda Olson. He glanced through the front window of his gun shop at the hotel
across the street. Miss Olson must be getting very anxious about her fiancé,
maybe he should check in on her… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dunning sighed and shook his head,
dismissing his own thoughts. Miss Olson was deeply in love with Reverend Jim
Goodman. No doubt, they would be married soon. He needed to keep his school boy
infatuation with the lady in check. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The mayor once again wrestled with
his doubts about Goodman. Where was the man?
Dunning remembered the encounter that morning between himself, Amanda
and Fargo. Fargo had been the one saying that Reverend Goodman had left town,
but he had seemed totally confused while he was saying it. Out loud, Dunning
muttered, “He sure grabbed onto my notion that it must have been an emergency.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Boisterous sounds came from the
street. Saturday night in Antioch: lots of activity at the saloons. Maybe he
should give up on work and lose himself in a card game. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The gunsmith put the rifle and his
tools away. As he began to take off his work apron, he glanced through the
front window and saw Amada Olson leaving the hotel with Fargo. From what he
could see, the woman looked happy. He didn’t get to look very long. Both she
and Fargo were walking fast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Reverend Goodman must be back in
Antioch. But why would he send Fargo to get his fiancée, especially on a
Saturday night when the street was filled with revelers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “None of my business,” Dunning
whispered to himself as he put the apron away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But all of the odd events that
surrounded Reverend Jim Goodman assaulted the gunsmith’s mind as he put on his
grey coat. This time he spoke to himself in a normal voice. “Won’t hurt to look
into it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He paused for a moment and then
strapped on the six gun he hadn’t carried since the doc amputated his left leg.
Some folks might think he looked funny with a gun tied down to his one leg.
“Let ‘em laugh!” Frank almost shouted as he put on his hat and left the shop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Amanda Olson felt increasingly
uneasy as she and Fargo stepped off the end of the boardwalk and continued
their journey. “Is the church very far?” She hoped her voice didn’t reveal her nervousness.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Not too far,” Fargo answered. “I
suggested we use horses, but no, he wouldn’t listen to me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> That reply impressed Amanda as being
a bit odd. But she didn’t have time to give it much thought. Two shots sounded
behind her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The woman’s shoulders hunched
upwards as she gasped and turned around. “What happened?!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo laughed in a mocking manner
and let out a few curses. He then shook his head, “Look lady, this here is the
West. Jaspers get drunk on Saturday night and fire off their guns!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Yes, of course, I apologize for
acting the way I did.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As they continued to walk along the
increasingly rough path, Amanda tried to be charitable in her thoughts toward
Fargo. The man was a recent convert. He couldn’t be expected to immediately
turn from his old ways. She needed to demonstrate patience and kindness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A flicker of yellow could be seen in
the distance. Amanda walked faster as she realized that they were approaching
the church. She spoke out loud, primarily to herself, “I wonder what kind of
surprise is waiting for me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “You’re gonna find out real soon.”
Fargo’s voice was firm, almost business-like. He had killed several men.
Tonight, for the first time, he would kill a woman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Monday: Episode Fourteen of Dangerous
Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-18318788834317097492012-11-22T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-22T02:00:11.557-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twelve of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Eleven concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amanda Olson’s face had fallen in
disappointment. Dunning tried to cheer her up. “Jim will be back before you
know it. Where are your bags, Miss Olson?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“At the train station. The man there said he’d
keep an eye on them for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“My buggy is out front. Why don’t we retrieve
your bags and get you settled in at the hotel. Then, if you’d like, I’d be
honored to take you to lunch.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Thank you, Mr. Dunning. That would be
wonderful.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fargo followed the couple out the door. He swept
the boardwalk in front of the bank as Dunning and the town’s new arrival got
into his buggy. Fargo watched as they rode off to the train station.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“A real looker, that Amanda gal. Too bad we
gotta kill her.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twelve<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amanda
Olson sat alone in her hotel room and wiped away tears. The day had not gone as
she had planned. She had assumed that Jim Goodman would be overjoyed to see
her. They would immediately begin to make marriage plans. Jim would arrange for
her to stay with a family in the congregation until they could be married. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
day would have been a disaster except for Frank Dunning. Mr. Dunning had taken
her to both lunch and supper and insisted on paying for her hotel room. Without
him, she would have gone hungry and without shelter. She had arrived in Antioch
with almost no money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Her
thoughts continued to center on Frank Dunning. She wondered how he had lost his
leg. The lady in the café had made a remark which implied he’d been involved in
more than one confrontation with outlaws. But Mr. Dunning ignored that remark.
He hadn’t once bragged on himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mr.
Dunning was the mayor of the town and worked as a gunsmith. But he had spent
little time in his gun shop on this day. He’d given generously of his time to
her. In fact, he seemed to be smitten by her. But, no, he had spent much of the
day praising Jim Goodman. He insisted that she not worry about Jim. Her fiancé
was late getting back to town only because his duties as a pastor required him
to be elsewhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amanda
hoped Frank Dunning was right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There
was a knock at the door. Elated, the young woman bounded from her chair and
threw open the door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fargo
greeted her with what looked like a leer. “Howdy, Miss Olson.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Good
evening, Mr., ah…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Jus’
call me Fargo. Ever one does.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“What
can I do for you, Fargo?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“It’s
what I can do for you. Reverend Goodman is back in town.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Oh!”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“He
wants me to take you to him.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amanda
was battling between joy and suspicion. Standing before her was a man Jim had
converted. But she couldn’t bring herself to completely trust him. “Why didn’t
Reverend Goodman come himself?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Don’t
rightly know. Think he has somethin’ special planned for you at the church.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“The
church, is that where Jim Goodman is right now?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yep.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Amanda’s doubts eased. “I’m not sure
where the church is located…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “That’s why he sent me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Amanda gave a joyful laugh. “Well
then, let’s get going! But first, could you wait for just a few minutes? I want
to freshen up a bit!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Sure.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> She hastily closed the door and
didn’t see the malevolent smile that spread across Fargo’s face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: Episode Thirteen of Dangerous
Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-1786677772926376362012-11-21T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-21T02:00:11.693-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Eleven of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Ten concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Bishop’s voice became forceful. “I want to
make up for my past, selfish actions. Something has gone wrong and matters
could verge on getting much worse. Bertram, could you send an operative to
Antioch and ascertain exactly what is going on?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Mr. Dehner will be leaving on the first
available train.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dehner nodded in agreement and wondered at the
odd nature of his assignment. He was to investigate a young preacher whose
personality seemed to have changed overnight and deal with a young woman who
was a hopeless romantic.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The detective had a feeling his trip to Antioch
was going to be very eventful.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Eleven <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Frank
Dunning sat in Wilbur Lewis’ office at The Antioch Community Bank. Frank was
there in his capacity as mayor of the town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“About
that abandoned property west of Antioch, Frank, I think the town council needs
to…” Lewis pulled out a handkerchief and began to cough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Are
you okay, Wilbur?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yes,
yes, thank you. My throat is just a bit scratchy this morning.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Stay
well. I need you. No one else on the council knows a hoot about business.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I’ll
try not to let you down, Mr. Mayor.” Wilbur laughed as he put away the
handkerchief. He then picked up a cigar from the ashtray on his desk and
inhaled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As
the banker blew a large stream of smoke, Frank glanced out the open door of the
office and spotted an angel. The young woman appeared confused. She looked
about the bank, then headed for one of the teller’s cages and out of Frank’s
view. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
mayor inwardly sighed and resumed his conversation with Wilbur Lewis. But,
within moments their talk was interrupted by a young man who appeared at the
office door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Excuse
me, gentlemen.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yes,
Roy,” Wilbur said. Roy was a teller at the bank. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“There
is a lady here who says she needs to see the mayor. Fred, at the train station,
told her he’d be here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Show
her in…please!” Frank spoke up immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
mayor’s hopes were realized. The angel stepped into Wilbur Lewis’ office. She
had light brown hair surrounding a perfectly proportioned face and blue eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Roy
introduced the lady as Amanda Olson, then returned to his duties. Both the
banker and the mayor were now smiling and on their feet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Welcome
to Antioch, Miss Olson.” Frank said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Indeed!”
Wilbur added. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Thank
you, sirs, I have just arrived from Boston.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“My,
my, you have come a long way!” Lewis exclaimed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As
his friend pontificated on how the railroad had transformed Antioch, Dunning
kept an eye on Amanda, or, at least, he watched her to the degree that
propriety would allow. When Frank had first stood up, the woman’s eyes went to
his crutch and missing leg. She had quickly looked away not wanting to appear
rude. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wilbur
concluded his lecture on the progress of Antioch with, “So, tell us, Miss Olson:
what brings you to our town?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Well…I
am very sorry to have interrupted your meeting--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Please
don’t feel that way, Miss Olson,” Frank interjected. “Roy said that you wanted
to see me.” Never before had Frank Dunning felt so puffed up about being the
mayor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yes,
Mr. Dunning. I have come to Antioch to join with my fiancé, Reverend Jim
Goodman. A clerk at the train station told me that you would know where to
find him.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Frank
no longer felt puffed up. “Why, yes, of course…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Your
fiancé is quite the hero in this town, Miss Olson!” Wilbur’s voice was
bombastic. “Yes, two nights ago, Jim Goodman...” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Frank
Dunning experienced a flash of anger over Wilbur’s hero remark. Not that long
ago<i>, he</i> had been the town hero. Frank
quickly brought his wrath under control and laughed inwardly. “Town hero” was a
very temporary title. Besides, Amanda Olson should take pride in her
fiancé. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Still,
as Wilbur was recounting Reverend Goodman’s brave exploits, the mayor felt
uneasy. There were a lot of little things about Jim Goodman that seemed wrong.
Like Goodman’s first day in town, when the pastor had not said grace before
eating breakfast at Hurley’s Café. And,
Goodman had not mentioned having a fiancée. All small matters, but…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
mayor checked his thoughts. He had been very smitten by Amanda Olson and had
just found out that she was engaged to Reverend Goodman. Maybe he wasn’t being
very objective right now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amanda
was obviously overwhelmed by the banker’s tale. “Jim devoutly believes that the
Lord has sent him to the West. What happened last Wednesday certainly proves
him right.” She faced Frank directly. “Could you take me to Jim? I’m very
anxious to see him.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Of
course!” Wilbur’s voice was still bombastic. “We can finish this meeting later,
Frank. You and Miss Olson run along. Reverend Goodman told me he would be
working on his sermon for much of this day. You’ll probably find him at the
hotel.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dunning
and Amanda Olson left the office and were walking toward the front door of the
bank when a voice stopped them. “Ah, Mr. Mayor…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Frank
turned and smiled, “Fargo! Good to see you.” He introduced Amanda Olson, who
was very excited about meeting the man her husband had confronted and
converted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fargo
leaned on his broom. “Please to meet ya, Miss Olson. While I was sweeping up, I
heard ya talkin’ with the boss. ‘Fraid I got bad news.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Oh.”
The woman looked alarmed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fargo
waved his hand as if dismissing her concern. “Nothin’ too serious. But I saw
Reverend… ah… the Reverend on my way to work this mornin’. He tole me he had to leave town for a spell.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Why?”
Amanda asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Was
it some problem with a member of the congregation?” Frank added. “Someone who
lives out of town?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yep.
That was it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Frank
tilted his head in a questioning manner. “Well, he should be back by tonight.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yep.
Sure.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amanda
Olson’s face had fallen in disappointment. Dunning tried to cheer her up. “Jim
will be back before you know it. Where are your bags, Miss Olson?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“At
the train station. The man there said he’d keep an eye on them for me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“My
buggy is out front. Why don’t we retrieve your bags and get you settled in at
the hotel. Then, if you’d like, I’d be honored to take you to lunch.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Thank
you, Mr. Dunning. That would be wonderful.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fargo
followed the couple out the door. He swept the boardwalk in front of the bank
as Dunning and the town’s new arrival got into his buggy. Fargo watched as they
rode off to the train station. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“A
real looker, that Amanda gal. Too bad we gotta kill her.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow:
Episode Twelve of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-40196444762541586382012-11-20T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-20T02:00:11.561-08:00<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Ten of
Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Nine
concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The two men carried their latest victim far into
the grove until they reached an area wide enough for a grave. They dropped
Wooster onto the ground. Coogan placed two fingers on his neck.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Is he still alive?” Fargo asked.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Not by much. He’ll probably be gone by the time
we dig a hole for him.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fargo chuckled, “I almost hope he ain’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Why’s that?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Ain’t never buried no one alive before. Might
be kinda fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Ten<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rance
Dehner looked at the fine church which stood in the middle of Dallas. The
stained glass windows and towering steeple were, in a way, inspiring. On those
Sundays when he was in the city, Dehner attended a small Baptist church which
met in a decent but unimpressive building. Still, the detective was glad that
this magnificent church was a part of Dallas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rance
was about to enter the church through one of the ornate wooden doors when his
boss stopped him: “Karl’s study is on the side of the building.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They
entered a well-cared for path that took them to a side door. Bertram Lowrie,
the owner of the Lowrie Detective Agency, knocked lightly. Lowrie belonged to
the church, which he praised as being “the closest thing to The Church of
England available in Dallas.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
door was quickly opened by a distinguished looking man, who was probably in his
mid-forties. “Good to see you, Bertram, please come in.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Both
men stepped into the pastor’s study and Bertram Lowrie introduced his
“associate” to Bishop Karl Larkin. The bishop resembled Lowrie in a superficial
way. Both men were silver haired, tall and slim. But Karl Larkin carried a bit
more weight than Lowrie, who looked bony and emaciated, though he was an agile,
strong man. Larkin’s face was fuller and evenly proportioned, unlike Lowrie who
had a hawk nose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dehner
noted that the pastor’s study did, indeed, look like a study. All four walls
were lined with books, most of them in English but some in Latin and Greek and
a few in German. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I’m
afraid this rotten sinner has committed some shameful acts. I am in need of a
detective,” Larkin said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dehner
smiled broadly. “‘Rotten sinner’. Those are words designed to make this Baptist
feel right at home.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There
was light laughter all around as Larkin sat down while pointing his guests to
two chairs in front of his desk. For an awkward moment, no one spoke, then
Lowrie broke the silence with a genial question. “Karl, why don’t you tell us
about this wretched sin that is plaguing your conscience?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bishop
Larkin nodded his head. “I’m from Boston and have a good friend in that city:
Jeremiah Howell. Jeremy is a seminary dean and a good man. But he has some odd
notions about the West. He thinks of the West as a place to send students that
he can’t find anything for in the East.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bertram
Lowrie grimaced. “Dean Howell, I can only assume, was the man responsible for
sending us young Jim Goodman.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Karl
Larkin returned the grimace. “No, Bertram, I must accept that responsibility. I
allowed Reverend Goodman to come here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lowrie’s
grimace turned to a mischievous smile. “Ah, Karl, but when you discovered what
an incompetent he was, you found a graceful way to dispatch him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
bishop sighed, stared at his hands for a few moments, then looked back at his
visitors. “I’m not proud of what I did.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dehner
asked his first question. “What exactly did you do, Bishop Larkin?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Larkin
now spoke in a matter of fact manner. He wanted to lay the problem out. “For
several months I have been corresponding with a Mr. Frank Dunning. He is the
mayor of Antioch and the lay leader of the Methodist Church there. They are getting ready to construct a new
church and can now support a full time pastor instead of relying on a circuit
preacher.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dehner
stifled a smile. “And you sent them Reverend
Goodman…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“As
I said, I’m not proud of what I did. Those people obviously need a man of
sterling quality and I sent them a bungler. I was thinking only of myself,
trying to gracefully get rid of an associate who was a headache.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bertram
Lowrie looked a bit confused. “I understand your remorse, Karl. But why do you
require the services of a detective?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
Bishop picked up a telegram that lay on his desk and began to read. “‘Goodman
here. Took gun from outlaw. Maybe saved lives. Town grateful.’ It is signed
Frank Dunning.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dehner
lifted both hands in a questioning manner. “Sounds like Goodman’s fitting in
just fine, what’s the problem?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Larkin
replied in an emotionless voice. “Jim Goodman couldn’t take a stick from a
rambunctious seven year old boy.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bertram
Lowrie’s voice was also a monotone. “As a deacon in this church who had to deal
with Reverend Goodman’s frequent blunders, I can vouch for the accuracy of
Karl’s assessment.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Larkin
tossed the telegram back onto his desk and picked up another. “This message came
from Boston. ‘My daughter Amanda left home to marry Jim Goodman. Please advise
of his location. Urgent.’ It is signed Cynthia Olson.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“The
foolish romanticism of the young,” Lowrie sighed. “The girl probably reads the
Bronte sisters.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
Bishop’s voice became forceful. “I want to make up for my past, selfish
actions. Something has gone wrong and matters could verge on getting much
worse. Bertram, could you send an operative to Antioch and ascertain exactly
what is going on?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Mr.
Dehner will be leaving on the first available train.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dehner
nodded in agreement and wondered at the odd nature of his assignment. He was to
investigate a young preacher whose personality seemed to have changed overnight
and deal with a young woman who was a hopeless romantic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
detective had a feeling his trip to Antioch was going to be very eventful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow:
Episode Eleven of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-41828956451498793412012-11-19T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-19T04:25:29.160-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Nine of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Eight concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><i> Fargo’s laugh
became louder. “Abner, you are--”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Call me Reverend Goodman. Remember, I am Reverend Jim Goodman!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Yeah, Fargo, it would be a real shame to mess-up Abner’s scheme!” A large
burly man walked into the church. “You forgot to close the door completely
after ya watched the mayor ride off. Guess you’re not use ta dealin’ with
church doors, Abner. Course, ya don’t want the good folks of Antioch knowin’
that.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
The newcomer remained on his feet with one hand not far from the .44 strapped
to his waist.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Nine <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Coogan
stared at the vaguely familiar face. He needed a few moments before he could
say, “Chet Wooster.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “That’s right,” Wooster replied.
“Been a while, huh?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Yeah, about three years.” Abner
Coogan remembered Wooster from a bank holdup. Back then, Coogan had worried
about Wooster’s drinking, but Chet Wooster’s problem had been under some
control. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That
control now seemed to have become weaker. Wooster’s nose was a collection of
red veins. Weight had dropped from his medium frame, apparently because he now
drank a good part of his diet. He wasn’t drunk at the moment, but his hand was
trembling. He appeared to be having the shakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“How
long have you been in town, Chet?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Long
enough to hear ‘bout all the money bein’ saved for a new church. Long enough to
be in the café when ya tole the mayor you was a sky pilot. I guess the real
Reverend Goodman is coyote food.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Abner
kept his voice friendly, “What have you got in mind, Chet?’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You,
Fargo and me pulled off that bank job pretty good. Reckon I’ll help ya with
this job. You’re cuttin’ me in, Abner. If not, I go to the mayor and tell ‘em
who ya really are.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Coogan
slowly got up from the pew. As he did, Wooster’s hand moved closer to his gun.
“Sure, Chet, I’ll cut you in. Reckon you can be a big help.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wooster’s
eyes fastened on the gun which was still in Coogan’s hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Abner
saw the distrust in the face of his former cohort. He opened the six gun,
rodded out the bullets and handed them to Fargo. “Put those back in your
gunbelt.” He then handed his partner the gun. “And you can holster the gun. This
is a time for a little celebratin’.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He
turned back to Wooster. “I have a bottle in my saddle bags. What say the three
of us step outside and have a little drink to celebrate our new partnership?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
caution vanished from Chet’s face. “Sounds good.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As
the three men left the church, Coogan shot his partner a quick glance. Fargo
understood the meaning: be ready for anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Got
my horse tied up over there,” Coogan said. The three men walked to the grove of
trees across from the church. Abner opened one of the saddle bags, pulled out a
bottle and handed it to his partner. “Open that up, Fargo, but let Chet have
the first sip. After all, he’s our new partner.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Sure!”
Fargo took the bottle and walked toward the horse’s head. Chet’s desperate eyes
followed the bottle. Wooster now had his back to Coogan, his attention centered
fully on the treasure in Fargo’s hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Abner
Coogan smiled inwardly. This was almost too easy. He removed a large knife from
his saddle bag and rammed it into Wooster’s back. He clasped a hand over the
outlaw’s mouth as he fell, and then Coogan slowly laid Chet Wooster face down
on the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Help
me carry him into the trees,” Abner whispered to Fargo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
two men carried their latest victim far into the grove until they reached an
area wide enough for a grave. They dropped Wooster onto the ground. Coogan
placed two fingers on his neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Is
he still alive?” Fargo asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Not
by much. He’ll probably be gone by the time we dig a hole for him.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fargo
chuckled, “I almost hope he ain’t.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Why’s
that?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Ain’t
never buried no one alive before. Might be kinda fun.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow:
Episode Ten of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-45465179087521573532012-11-16T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-16T02:00:01.751-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Eight of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Seven concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b> <i>The mayor left the
church, talked with the folks outside for several minutes, and then got into
his buggy. Placing his crutches on the seat beside him, Frank Dunning felt
ashamed of himself. How could he have doubted that Reverend Jim Goodman was a
genuine man of God? The pastor had boldly approached a deeply troubled man who
was waving a gun and threatening to kill him!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
Dunning closed his eyes, “Lord forgive my doubt…” The prayer was short and
intense. The mayor still felt ashamed as he drove off.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Eight <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner Coogan looked through the
partially opened double doors of the church and watched Frank Dunning’s buggy
fade into the darkness. He then exclaimed, “We pulled it off, Fargo!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Both men laughed as Coogan returned
to the pew. He opened Fargo’s six shooter. The moron had left the gun loaded.
Coogan closed the gun and continued to laugh as he sat down beside his partner.
No harm done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “What next?” Fargo asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I’ve got a room at the hotel. A
member of the church owns the place. You’re gonna get a room there.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I could make camp outside of town.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I want you in Antioch all of the
time! You’ll be praising the Lord and praising me for helping you to see the
light.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “How exactly do I go ‘bout that?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Tomorrow morning you’re going to
the bank and apply for a job. A guy named Wilbur Lewis is the head man there.
Tell him you’re willing to do anything: clean floors, clean windows…you’re a
changed man.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo’s eyes went to the
ceiling. Abner continued. “It will only
be for a few days. I saw the look on Lewis’ face when I walked with you to the
church. The guy thinks I’m a saint!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “So you go swamp out his floors!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “It won’t be for long! Next Monday,
I’m walkin’ into that bank and withdrawin’ the money for the new church. I’ll
have a good story. But I want you there as a reminder to Mr. Lewis that I’m a
guy who can work miracles.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo went silent for a moment, then
he laughed. “I guess I can do some honest work for a few days. I won’t have to
work on Sunday, will I?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I’m sure a fine Christian gentleman
like Mr. Lewis would never ask you to work on the Sabbath!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo’s laugh became louder. “Abner,
you are--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Call me Reverend Goodman. Remember,
I am Reverend Jim Goodman!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Yeah, Fargo, it would be a real shame
to mess-up Abner’s scheme!” A large burly man walked into the church. “You
forgot to close the door completely after ya watched the mayor ride off. Guess
you’re not use ta dealin’ with church doors, Abner. Course, ya don’t want the
good folks of Antioch knowin’ that.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The newcomer remained on his feet
with one hand not far from the .44 strapped to his waist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Monday: Episode Nine of Dangerous
Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-56098744917947491662012-11-15T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-15T04:01:36.361-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Seven of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Six concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i>After the meeting was
over, Coogan remained inside the church talking with the various members of the
congregation. After fifteen minutes or so, he began to leave the building along
with everyone else. A figure emerged from a patch of woods immediately across
from the church. Moonlight cascaded over the figure and it became
apparent that he was carrying a gun.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“You the new preacher ever one has been jawin’ about?” he yelled at Coogan.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Yes, brother, I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
The newcomer pulled back the hammer of the gun. “Well, I’m here to kill you!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Seven <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
crowd huddled in front of the church was shocked. Several men instinctively
began to reach for guns that weren’t there. Nobody carried a gun to church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Sheriff Len Swayze took a step
toward the gunman, but Coogan placed a hand on the lawman’s chest. “Let me
handle this, Sheriff. I think this man fits my calling more than yours.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner Coogan walked directly toward
the gunman, placing himself between the barrel of the gun and the crowd behind
him. Coogan was scared. Fargo was no actor and there was already the hint of a
nervous grin on his face. Could his partner help him to pull off the charade? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo lifted the barrel of the gun,
so it was aimed directly at Abner’s head. “You the one they call Reverend
Coo…Reverend Goodman?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner grimaced. This wasn’t getting
off to a good start. “Yes, brother, and what’s your name?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Fargo.” Abner knew his partner
couldn’t handle two fictional names. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Why do you want to kill me, Fargo?”
The tension in Coogan’s voice was real. They were now at the hardest part of
the act. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “That God you preachers talk about
so much,” the gun in Fargo’s hand began to shake as he spoke. Abner hoped the
fool remembered to unload it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo continued, “That God let my
brother get killed in a accedent. Ruined my life--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo was off script. The original
plan called for him to talk about a sister who died of a disease. Abner cut in.
He didn’t trust him to go much further. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “You’re angry with God, aren’t you
Fargo?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Ah…yep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “God understands your anger, Fargo
and you know what?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Even
Fargo couldn’t mess up this line. “What?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “God isn’t angry with you, Fargo.
Not one bit. The Lord loves you, jus’ as much as he loves ever one here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo looked down. With Coogan
standing in front of him, it appeared to the people in front of the church that
Fargo was crying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner placed a hand on his partner’s
shoulder. “Why don’t you let me have that gun?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo handed Coogan the six shooter.
Abner kept his hand on Fargo’s shoulder as he turned to the people gathered in
front of the church. “If you’ll excuse us, I think this brother and I need to
go into the church and pray together for a spell.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> There were a few grateful “ahhs”
from several people in the congregation. Some folks shouted, “Good work,
preacher” and other compliments as Abner and Fargo stepped into the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank Dunning followed behind them.
He relit two kerosene lamps that were attached to the walls directly beside the
door. “Will that be enough light?” he asked in a quiet whisper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Yes, Brother Frank, thanks.” Abner
whispered back as he and Fargo settled into the back pew and folded their
hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The mayor left the church, talked
with the folks outside for several minutes, and then got into his buggy.
Placing his crutches on the seat beside him, Frank Dunning felt ashamed of
himself. How could he have doubted that Reverend Jim Goodman was a genuine man
of God? The pastor had boldly approached a deeply troubled man who was waving a
gun and threatening to kill him!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dunning closed his eyes, “Lord
forgive my doubt…” The prayer was short and intense. The mayor still felt
ashamed as he drove off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: Episode Eight of Dangerous
Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-90262683563227170732012-11-14T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-14T02:00:02.790-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode
Six of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode
Five concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><i> </i><i>“Have
some breakfast on the house, Reverend!” Stella shouted from behind the counter.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Thanks. Don’t mind if I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Steak and eggs, okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Okay by me. Could you scramble those eggs?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
“Sure can.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
Stella smiled brightly. Dunning had trouble sharing her enthusiasm. Revered
Goodman was supposed to be an educated man from the East. But the man who was
now sitting across from him at the table talked like a saddle tramp. Something
wasn’t right and he needed to find out what it was.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode
Six <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Cynthia
Olson sat at her writing desk and hastily brushed a tear from her right eye.
Adam would be home from school soon. She was behind in preparing dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Cynthia
tried not to worry about Amanda but couldn’t stifle her fears. The woman opened
the middle drawer of the desk and gently removed the paper. For what seemed the
hundredth time, she read her daughter’s letter: the letter which had lay on the
kitchen table that horrible morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Dear Father and Mother, <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I know you will not approve of what
I am doing. I can only hope you will understand. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I have decided to accept Jim
Goodman’s proposal of marriage. I am ashamed of myself for doubting his call to
be God’s servant in the West. Jim has left a prestigious position in Dallas to
serve a small, struggling community. His last letter broke my heart and made me
realize how selfish I have been. Jim Goodman is a godly man; I am humbled that
he has chosen me to be his helpmate. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I am leaving on a train this morning
and will write when I arrive at my destination. Of course, I know my decision
will cause you both anguish. This saddens my heart because I love you both
dearly. Please remember that I am acting within the Lord’s will and please pray
for me. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your
Loving Daughter, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amanda<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Cynthia
put the letter away and for several minutes was lost in thought. Suddenly, she
looked at the clock directly over the desk. There was still something she could
do to get Amanda back and she could do it today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner
Coogan shook hands with people, smiled and wished he had spent more time in
church. Everyone was being nice, but he wasn’t certain if his charade was
working. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Coogan
felt relieved when the Wednesday night prayer meeting began and he could sit in
the front pew of the small, dilapidated church and listen to Frank Dunning. His
talks with Dunning earlier in the day had seemed to go well but he still had detected
some suspicion in the mayor’s mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The
mayor opened the meeting in prayer, then moved immediately to what everyone was
thinking. “Tonight is a very special one for The Antioch Methodist Church as we
welcome our new pastor, Reverend Jim Goodman.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dunning
paused while there were several “Amens.”, then continued. “Reverend Goodman
comes to us well prepared for his ministry in Antioch. He told me this morning
that he has worked to get rid of his Eastern way of speaking and now talks
Western, so all of you folks can understand him.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A
scattering of laughter spread across the church. Abner smiled broadly and
squirmed a bit. Coogan had found it impossible to imitate the speech of an
educated man and concocted the best story he could for a cover. He hoped the
mayor had bought his lie, but couldn’t be sure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Reverend
Goodman will officially become our pastor this Sunday,” Dunning said. “At that
time we will hand funds we have collected for the new church to our new pastor.
The work of building a beautiful house of God in the town of Antioch will
begin!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> There
was another chorus of “Amen.” Abner looked fleetingly at Wilbur Lewis, the bank
president. He would have to work hard at winning that man’s friendship. Coogan
had learned earlier in the day that he would be given control of an account at
the bank for the building of the church. He would have to come up with a
plausible reason for withdrawing all of the funds from that account. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He
had already been giving it some thought…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Reverend
Coogan has very modestly asked that he not preside over our meeting tonight,”
Frank Dunning said. “He wants to get to know everyone better before leading us
in prayer. So, I will get us started and then all of you pray as you feel led.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner
bowed his head and listened carefully. He needed to learn how this praying
aloud was done. He hadn’t actually heard a prayer in years. Coogan also
reflected on his good luck. Among the papers in Jim Goodman’s saddle bags was
the sermon he had written for his first Sunday in Antioch. That would be
enough. He would get the money and be gone before another Sunday rolled around.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> After
the meeting was over, Coogan remained inside the church talking with the
various members of the congregation. After fifteen minutes or so, he began to
leave the building along with everyone else. A figure emerged from a patch of
woods immediately across from the church.
Moonlight cascaded over the figure and it became apparent that he was
carrying a gun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “You
the new preacher ever one has been jawin’ about?” he yelled at Coogan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Yes,
brother, I am.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The
newcomer pulled back the hammer of the gun. “Well, I’m here to kill you!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow:
Episode Seven of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-11820748103189415702012-11-13T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-13T02:00:05.553-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Five of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Four concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i>Abner smiled and took
another sip of coffee. Fargo was a decent enough partner, but he was a fool. He
was a man who would spend his life robbing the wrong stagecoach and getting one
fourth of sixty-five dollars for his efforts.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But, he
still needed the fool. Fargo had no idea how much money was involved here.
Abner did. He had already killed one man for that money. He’d kill more if
necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Five<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank Dunning looked at himself in
the large mirror that was located in a corner of his bedroom. One hand was
pressed against a side wall. He was a tall, angular man with black hair,
restless eyes and a scar running down his left cheek. The scar was one memento
of his service as a volunteer deputy. He had tackled a killer who was about to
ram a knife into the back of Sheriff Len Swayze. The killer had managed one
painful slash across Dunning’s face before Frank overcame him. The deputy then
helped to cart the snake off to prison and, eventually, to a rope. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Reluctantly, Frank’s eyes went to
the pinned up trouser leg on his left side. The business man sighed as he
reached beside him for the two crutches that were now such an integral part of
his life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank whispered curses at himself as
he made his way out of the bedroom. Every morning seemed to begin with reliving
that horrible day out on the prairie. It was a little over a year ago. He had
once again been a volunteer deputy, this time part of a posse that was pursuing
a gang of bank robbers. They had captured the robbers and retrieved the money,
but not before he took two bullets in his left leg. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A violent rain storm had delayed the
return trip to Antioch. By the time they got back his wounds had become
infected. “I’m sorry, Frank,” the doc’s voice had been low but firm. “The leg
has to go. Tonight. Otherwise, you’ll die.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank put on his black flat crowned
hat which nicely complimented his gray suit. He left the small house and began
his morning journey to Hurley’s Café. By the time he stepped onto the
boardwalk, Frank had redirected his thoughts onto the day’s responsibilities in
his gun shop. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Mornin’ Mr.
Dunning!” The two Conklin boys were walking toward him. They were on their way
to the livery where they would help their father for an hour or so before going
to school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Good morning, boys!” As Frank spoke
one crutch went through a hole in the boardwalk. He staggered for a moment but
kept his balance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “You okay, Mr. Dunning?” Bobby
Conklin, the oldest lad spoke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank attempted a friendly
laugh. “I’m fine. I make this walk every
morning. You’d think I’d remember where that hole is.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The two boys smiled, nodded and then
continued on their way. A few moments later, Frank Dunning heard the sound of
suppressed giggles. The kids were laughing at him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dunning’s immediate reaction was
anger. He recalled Sheriff Swayze’s words to him a few days after his leg was
amputated. “Frank, if it wasn’t for you, those robbers would have gotten away
with the money. A bank this town depends on would have closed. You will always
be a hero in Antioch.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Some hero, Dunning thought to
himself. The Conklin boys got their sense of humor from their father. He had
heard Bert Conklin telling a “gimp” joke one night at the Paradise Saloon. Of
course, Bert didn’t know he was in ear shot, but…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank Dunning stopped and took a deep
breath. Feeling sorry for himself was no way to get a day started. Besides,
kids are cruel by nature, especially boys. Their mother was a fine woman.
Hopefully, she would help them grow out of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He continued his journey and within
a couple of minutes was entering Hurley’s Café. The place was about half full,
as it usually was at this time in the morning. There were some quick hellos all
around. Hurley’s Café always had a few drifters grabbing a meal before moving
on but most of the customers were familiar faces: men like himself with no
woman in their lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Stella Hurley smiled at him from
behind the counter and shouted, “Glenn, the mayor just walked in!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Glenn Hurley was in the kitchen.
Soon, Frank would have steak and eggs fixed exactly the way he liked it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frank sat at one of the half dozen
tables. After a year, he still felt guilty about taking an entire table but
since losing his leg, the chairs at the counter were too uncomfortable for him.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A newcomer stepped into the café. He
was better dressed than most, wearing a black frock coat. “Howdy,” Stella shouted. “Find yourself a
place at the counter or take a table--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I’m lookin’ for Frank Dunning. Went
to his store, but it ain’t open yet. A fella passin’ by tole me Dunning usually
has breakfast here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “There’s the gent you’re looking
for,” Stella pointed at Frank. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner walked over to Dunning’s
table. “My name’s Jim Goodman. I’m the preacher you sent for.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dunning stood up, propped a crutch
under his arm and extended his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Reverend Goodwin.
The whole town’s been looking forward to meeting you. It is great that you
arrived on a Wednesday. We’ll have a good turnout tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The smile on Abner Coogan’s face was
tentative. “I don’t quite follow you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “We have a prayer meeting every
Wednesday night. Didn’t I mention that in one of my earlier letters?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Coogan’s smile turned into a nervous
laugh. “Oh, yes, of course.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Have some breakfast on the house,
Reverend!” Stella shouted from behind the counter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Thanks. Don’t mind if I do.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Steak and eggs, okay?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Okay by me. Could you scramble
those eggs?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Sure can.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Stella smiled brightly. Dunning had
trouble sharing her enthusiasm. Revered Goodman was supposed to be an educated
man from the East. But the man who was now sitting across from him at the table
talked like a saddle tramp. Something wasn’t right and he needed to find out
what it was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: Episode Six of Dangerous
Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-82827025393271028132012-11-12T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-12T02:00:04.357-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Four of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Episode Three concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><i>
Reverend Goodman took a long drink of his coffee. The warm brew settled in his
stomach and felt good. “You know, I decided to ride from Dallas to Antioch
instead of taking the train because I felt that I needed the experience. Needed
to sleep under the stars and all that. Well, I got lost and, I’ll admit it. I
was scared.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
The pastor laughed whimsically. “But I ran into two good Samaritans. Maybe the
Lord wants me in the West, after all.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
Abner’s laugh was loud and harsh. He slammed a fist into Goodman’s neck. The
pastor dropped his coffee cup and rolled onto the ground, gasping for air.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Four <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For
the second time that night, the pastor was staring directly upwards. Only now
he was on his back and the branches of trees blocked out much of the sky.
Tendrils of smoke from the fire seemed to be wrapping around the branches like
monstrous snakes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Then Abner’s face, red and full of
hate was suddenly blocking his view. A huge fist once again came down on his
neck, and something heavy pressed against his throat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> For a moment, Jim Goodman was back
in Boston, walking through a park with Amanda. They stopped beside a river. She
smiled at him and the two of them embraced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Then everything vanished and there
was only darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner gradually arose and looked
down at the corpse. “That was easy enough.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Coulda been a lot easier,” Fargo
replied. “Why didn’t you jus’ shoot the sky pilot?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner walked over to the fire and
picked up a cup. “Any coffee left?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Yep.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner removed the can from over the
fire and poured coffee into his cup. “What did you think of our last job?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo shrugged his shoulders. “Sorta
disappointin’. The payroll wasn’t on that stage like we heard.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner returned the can to the spider
web over the fire. “We got a little over sixty-five dollars and we had two
jaspers helpin’ us.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Yep. So?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I’ve seen some of them stained
glass windows in Denver.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I saw me one in Dallas,” Fargo
said. “They’re pretty enough, I guess.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Pretty and very expensive,” Abner
explained. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “S’pose so.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Those good church goin’ folks in
Antioch must have raised a lot of money, and they’re gonna turn it over to the
new sky pilot once he hits town.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo laughed. “I think I’m
beginnin’to understand where you’re goin’.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner glanced back at Goodman’s
corpse, then returned his gaze to Fargo. “To get back to your first question. I
didn’t shoot the Reverend because I didn’t want blood on his clothes. Antioch
is still gettin’ their new pastor tomorrow: a pastor who will be ridin’ out
with money stuffed in his saddle bags.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo’s laughter continued. “Like
takin’ candy from a baby!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner smiled and took another sip of
coffee. Fargo was a decent enough partner, but he was a fool. He was a man who
would spend his life robbing the wrong stagecoach and getting one fourth of
sixty-five dollars for his efforts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But, he still needed the fool. Fargo
had no idea how much money was involved here. Abner did. He had already killed one
man for that money. He’d kill more if necessary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: Episode Five of Dangerous
Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-84245038483782306732012-11-09T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-09T02:00:04.545-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Three of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Two concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Abner’s voice was also buoyant. “I’m afraid
you’re a bit lost, preacher. The best trail to Antioch is back a ways.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Would you mind drawing me a map? I’m
afraid I have lost my way.” He laughed nervously. “It’s not good for a preacher
to lose his way.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo didn’t laugh, but Abner did: that
made Jim Goodman feel good. Abner appeared to be the leader of the two men.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Three<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We’ll
do better than that, Reverend,” Abner said. “Fargo and me will ride into
Antioch with you tomorrow.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “You’re being too kind, I can’t
allow--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner cut him off. “My partner and
me are just two saddle bums. Ridin’ from one job to the next. I hear tell there
are some big ranches around Antioch. Maybe we can find us some work.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “You’re being very kind.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “No trouble attall. Fargo, fix
Reverend Goodman a cup of coffee.” Abner pointed to a log beside the fire.
“Take a load off your feet, Reverend.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Jim Goodman felt relieved. These two
men obviously lived rough lives. They were crude but respected his position as
a man of God. The words he had spoken to Amanda on their last evening together
in Boston came back to him: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “The West is full of ruffians and
scoundrels. It is a land that can only be conquered by a man who is willing to
look tough men in the eye and speak the truth in love. I am that man, Amanda.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The young woman had looked doubtful.
“Are you sure this is the Lord’s calling on your life, Jim?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Jim Goodman stared at the fire in front
of him. He had been sure, but for all the wrong reasons. He had just escaped
flunking out of college with grades that were barely passing. Several
professors had told him that they could not, in good conscience, recommend him
for any position. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But the Dean had shown more
compassion. “The West may be the place for you, Mr. Goodman. The standards
there are…ah…less demanding.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dean Howell had written to Karl
Larkin. Bishop Larkin had agreed to take on Jim Goodman on a temporary basis.
After a few weeks Bishop Larkin had informed his associate pastor that the
position was going to be very temporary. His demeanor had not been friendly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Are the folks friendly?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The question yanked Reverend Goodman
back into the present. “Ah…excuse me?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner handed the pastor a cup of
coffee. “Are the folks in Antioch a friendly bunch?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Jim mouthed a thank you before
speaking. “I’ve never actually been there. I’ve communicated by letter with the
town’s mayor, Frank Dunning. But Antioch is a town that takes faith very
seriously.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Whatcha mean by that?” Fargo spoke
as he placed the coffee can back over the fire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Goodman blew gently on the liquid in his cup.
“The people there want to build a church. A beautiful church with stained glass
windows and an altar made with the finest wood: a church that will stand for a
hundred years or more. They think I’m the man to lead the project.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “I’m sure they’re right about that,
Reverend.” Abner remained standing. He smiled down at the newcomer.
“But…stained glass windows…the finest lumber…ain’t that gonna cost big money?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The pastor sipped his coffee, then
answered the question. “Yes, but they have already raised most of it. I’m going
to be responsible for ordering the windows and…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Anything wrong, Reverend?” Abner
asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Reverend Goodman took a long drink
of his coffee. The warm brew settled in his stomach and felt good. “You know, I
decided to ride from Dallas to Antioch instead of taking the train because I
felt that I needed the experience. Needed to sleep under the stars and all
that. Well, I got lost and, I’ll admit it. I was scared.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The pastor laughed whimsically. “But
I ran into two good Samaritans. Maybe the Lord wants me in the West, after
all.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner’s laugh was loud and harsh. He
slammed a fist into Goodman’s neck. The pastor dropped his coffee cup and
rolled onto the ground, gasping for air. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Monday: Episode Four of Dangerous
Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-5855932661026574302012-11-08T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-08T02:00:08.787-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning,Click </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/dangerous-calling-1.html" target="_blank">Dangerous Calling 1</a></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Two of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode One concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Reverend Goodman’s horse nickered. He could hear
movement from inside the grove. He had no choice now, “Hello the camp!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There was silence then a voice shouted back.
“Welcome stranger. Ride in. You’re welcome to a cup of joe.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The voice was deep and the friendliness
artificial. Goodman wanted to spur his horse and ride off. But if they were
outlaws they could catch up with him easily enough. Besides, he was hopelessly
lost. Maybe the Lord had guided him to some friendly strangers.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jim Goodman gently spurred his horse and rode
into the camp.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Two <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A
narrow, twisting aisle ran between the trees. The pastor guessed that some
people had gone to a lot of trouble to conceal their whereabouts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Goodman
tried to calm his anxiety as he rode closer to the fire. There was a clearing
but it was very small. Still, there appeared to be only two men. Most of the
owlhoot camps he had read about consisted of at least a half dozen outlaws. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As
he approached the fire, a man holding a gun walked toward him. “Get off the
horse!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I
intend you no harm, sir! If you wish, I’ll gladly turn my horse around and--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Get
off the horse! Then put your hands up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Goodman
did what he was told. He faced a man about his own size, slightly under six
feet, with a boyish face. The gunman’s brown hair was curly, making him look a
bit like the drawings Jim Goodman had seen of angels. But the angels held harps,
not six guns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Who
are you?” The gunman snapped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Jim
Goodman. Reverend Jim Goodman.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
gunman’s face remained placid. “Fargo, check his saddle bags.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Goodman began to again feel hopeful.
The man holding the gun seemed to be relaxing a bit. The look on his face now
reflected curiosity more than antagonism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Nothin’ much here, Abner,” Fargo
shouted. “Jus’ a Bible and lots of papers. Some of the papers are letters.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Where are you heading, preacher?”
Abner still held the gun but now he was pointing it at the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Antioch,” Goodman replied good
naturedly, or as close to it as he could get. “A town with a fine Biblical
name.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Watcha mean?” Fargo spoke as he
moved back toward the fire. He was shorter than Abner and more than a few
pounds overweight, with narrow eyes set in a pudgy face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Perspiration dotted Goodman’s
forehead but he tried to sound light hearted. “Antioch is mentioned in the
Bible several times. In Acts Eleven we are told that it was the first place where
Christians were called…Christians.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner holstered his gun as he looked
over the new comer’s clothes, including the black frock coat and black hat.
“You’re a real reverend, ain’t you? Not just some guy who preaches in a
medicine show.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Yes!” Goodman’s voice was buoyant
with relief. He was no longer looking at the front end of a gun. “I was
educated in Boston. I just left a calling in Dallas. I’m now going to Antioch
where the citizens are preparing to build a new church.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Abner’s voice was also buoyant. “I’m
afraid you’re a bit lost, preacher. The best trail to Antioch is back a ways.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Would you mind drawing me a map?
I’m afraid I have lost my way.” He laughed nervously. “It’s not good for a
preacher to lose his way.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fargo didn’t laugh, but Abner did: that
made Jim Goodman feel good. Abner appeared to be the leader of the two men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: Episode Three of Dangerous
Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-71477531856802683542012-11-07T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-07T02:00:06.450-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Starting Today: Dangerous Calling </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Looking for The Silent Child? Click </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/archive-save-girl.html" target="_blank">The Silent Child & Other Stories </a></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode One of Dangerous Calling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Reverend
Jim Goodman was lost in the wilderness. He gazed at the sky hoping to spot the
big dipper or some such constellation which could help him find his way. The
pastor saw nothing helpful. Heaven seemed to be mocking him with its twinkling
orbs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Some
westerner I am,” He said to his horse. The pastor recalled the letters he had
sent to Amanda back in Boston. Tales of how he was living like a dime novel
hero, dealing with hard cases. Such tales would surely make her realize that he
was a far better catch than Henry Yates the bank teller. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“A
man shouldn’t lie to the woman he loves,” Reverend Goodman whispered. In fact,
he had never dealt with outlaws in his position as the associate pastor of The
First Methodist Church of Dallas. The main trouble he had encountered was with
the senior pastor of the church, who didn’t like his assistant and had found a
way to give him the boot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Reverend
Goodman’s thoughts flashed back to last Sunday. Bishop Karl Larkin had stood in
the pulpit and smiled benignly. “Our associate pastor, Jim Goodman, has heard
the Lord calling him to a ministry in Antioch, about fifteen miles northwest of
here.” Bishop Larkin’s voice was as silver as his hair. “I’m asking the
officers of the church to come forward and lay hands on Jim as we all pray for
him.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Goodman
laughed bitterly. The church officers came forward all right, most of them
smirking. They knew what was really going on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Would
Amanda be willing to marry a preacher with a church in a small, dusty western
town? He had written her about his new “calling” a few weeks ago and repeated
his plea for her to marry him. So far there had been no response. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jim
Goodman’s mind returned to the present. He spotted smoke coming from a distant
grove of trees. Smoke probably meant a campfire, and a campfire meant people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He
rode briskly toward the thin wisps of smoke, grateful for a well- lit night.
For the first time since leaving Dallas, the pastor felt a small surge of
optimism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
pastor stopped his horse. This was odd. A thick line of trees ran in front of a
stream. The smoke was escaping from inside the grove. He could spot a faint
light. Why take a chance on building a campfire in a place where there was a
good chance the fire could get out of control? They could easily have made camp
in front of the trees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jim
Goodman felt uneasy as he patted his horse. Of course, there could be several
answers to his question, but one was obvious. He may have stumbled onto an
owlhoot camp. The men were trying to conceal their fire because they were
outlaws. An unusually bright night had betrayed them. Maybe he should ride on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Reverend
Goodman’s horse nickered. He could hear movement from inside the grove. He had
no choice now, “Hello the camp!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There
was silence then a voice shouted back. “Welcome stranger. Ride in. You’re
welcome to a cup of joe.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
voice was deep and the friendliness artificial. Goodman wanted to spur his
horse and ride off. But if they were outlaws they could catch up with him
easily enough. Besides, he was hopelessly lost. Maybe the Lord had guided him
to some friendly strangers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jim
Goodman gently spurred his horse and rode into the camp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow:
Episode Two of Dangerous Calling <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-78043898761107530062012-11-06T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-06T12:28:47.571-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: The Silent Child</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twenty-Two of The Silent Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twenty-One concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“How’d you wise up to us, Rance?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “After
that story about the jewelry, I’ve been keeping an eye on you guys. I noticed
that you were being very kind to Laszlo and spending some time with him.
Fortunately, Laszlo was happy to share about the joke you were playing on the
Harpers. Of course, you’d have had to kill Laszlo too.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Rupert
rolled his eyes upward. “But we never got that far. Guess the plan had a fatal
flaw.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Clarence
sighed deeply. "'Fatal’ is a good way to put it. For once, brother, you
called it right.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twenty-Two<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dehner rode his horse from the
livery as the sun was beginning its rise. The detective felt restless. The talk
with the Bushrod Brothers had ended only a few hours before. Rance couldn’t
figure out what was bothering him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Mr. Dehner!” A female voice called
out to him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He pulled up in front of Harper’s
Mercantile. “Good morning, Mrs. Harper. Good morning, Pixie.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Kate’s face was beaming, so was that
of the little girl. “Pixie has something she wants to say to you. Go ahead,
honey.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Pixie looked at him shyly. “Thank
you for helping me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dehner responded in a soft voice, “Happy
to do it, Pixie, and it is great to hear you talking.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Enoch strolled out onto the
boardwalk. “We’ve decided, all three of us, that Pixie is going to be her name
from here on out. Pixie Harper. That name sounds good to all of us.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dehner laughed, “That marks the
first time I ever had a hand in naming a child.” As he waved good-bye to the
Harpers, he wondered if it would be the last. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He was miles away from Candler
before he understood what had been bothering him. The detective had really
wanted to stay in town long enough to watch the Bushrod Brothers hang. But not
for the right reason, not because he’d be watching two cold blooded killers get
what was coming to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dehner was sure that Rupert and Clarence would
make it a barrel of laughs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: A new
Rance Dehner western adventure, <i>Dangerous
Calling<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don’t
Miss It!</span>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-49506718839592993792012-11-05T02:00:00.000-08:002012-11-05T02:00:14.916-08:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: The Silent Child</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning, click</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/the-silent-child-1-2.html" target="_blank">The Silent Child 1 & 2</a></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twenty-One of The Silent Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twenty concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In a panic, Rupert turned and ran. His foot
collided with the first step of the stairway. He began to scramble up the
wooden planks. He heard a few quick steps behind him and then his neck was
trapped in an iron vise. A tight grip wrapped around his gun hand.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Give it up, Rupert!” Dehner ordered.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert Bushrod was breathing in puffs. “Okay,
okay, you got me. Guess Shakespeare was right. The race is to the swift.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence’s voice thundered from the floor of the
basement. “That’s “The race is NOT to the swift.” And it’s from the Bible, not
Shakespeare.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert sighed. Maybe my brother shoulda spent
less time readin’ and more time tendin’ the store.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twenty-One<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yeah,
Rance, you got it right,” Rupert Bushrod said from his jail cell. Clarence and
I killed the Thompsons yesterday mornin’, but the kid got away. We looked ever
where and couldn’t find her till we spotted her ridin’ with you. We took a
couple of shots at you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yeah,”
Clarence spoke from the same cell. “But did you hav’ ta shoot back so good?
Made my brother and me run like rabbits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rance
and Clint Bolger were standing outside of the jail cell talking to the two
prisoners. The detective and the sheriff shared the same thought: these two men
are killers, we shouldn’t be having so much fun talking to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dehner
pushed his hat back an inch or two before speaking. "Right after the first time I came by
the store asking about the Thompsons, you rode back there because Clarence
discovered he had dropped his watch in the Thompson’s cabin.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“How
did you figure that out?” Clarence asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Last
night, I noticed that the glass on your timepiece was broken,” Rance explained.
“The crack looked recent. And, after I spotted it, you were mighty quick about
getting that timepiece back into your pocket.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert
shook his head. “The book of Psalms is right: ‘Oh what a tangled web we weave,
when first we practice to deceive.’” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Sir
Walter Scott wrote that, you dummy!” Clarence shouted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Isn’t
he the guy who wrote the Psalms?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“If
we could get back to the matter at hand,” Rance interrupted. “When you returned
to the Thompson’s place, you stole some stuff, and then you set the place on
fire in case one of you had dropped something else that could be incriminating.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We
knew the sheriff would be ridin’ out there,” Rupert said. “When we saw the two
of you approachin’, we delayed your journey with a few shots. Wanted to make
sure the place burned good.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“That
story you handed me about taking valuable jewelry directly to Mrs. Candler was
a big mistake, fellas.” Dehner smirked and then continued. “The Bushrod
Brothers’ General Store never carried valuable jewelry. You stole that jewelry
from the Thompson’s place, then sold it to Mrs. Candler along with a tale about
how you got it. I talked to Mr. Candler, he verified that you never sold
anything to his wife before.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“That
man never has been helpful,” Clarence sighed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sheriff
Bolger scratched his forehead. “I still don’t understand how all this ties in
with Emory Logan breaking into Harper’s Mercantile.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Well,
you see, Sheriff, Clarence and I have never been paternal types, never cared
much for kids.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“And
that Pixie girl did nothin’ to change our minds,” Clarence explained. “We was
out and out relieved when Rance first walked into our store with her. The kid
looked plum frozen. But we knowed that wouldn’t last. Sooner or later, she’d
talk.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“And
we’d hang.” Rupert tilted his head toward his shoulder. “Of course, as things
turned out, we’re gonna hang anyway…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Still,
our plan weren’t bad,” Clarence cut in. “Enoch’s good with a gun. We needed to
get him outta the way in order to kill the kid. We had stole that picture of Judy
from the Thompson place, so we put it in Enoch’s saddle bag.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anger
flared in the sheriff’s voice. “Then you informed Emory that Judy Thompson had
told you guys that she had once sparked with Enoch and that he had a picture of
her. You knew that the green kid would try to find the picture and be the big
hero. The man who uncovered evidence proving Enoch was a killer.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence
nodded his head. “If it helps any, we thought he’d check the stable first: the
easiest place. With Enoch in jail, we could get rid of the kid. But things
didn’t quite work out that ways and we was obliged to come up with a plan B,
which Mr. Dehner stopped.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “How’d you wise up to us, Rance?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “After that story about the jewelry,
I’ve been keeping an eye on you guys. I noticed that you were being very kind
to Laszlo and spending some time with him. Fortunately, Laszlo was happy to
share about the joke you were playing on the Harpers. Of course, you’d have had
to kill Laszlo too.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Rupert rolled his eyes upward. “But
we never got that far. Guess the plan had a fatal flaw.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Clarence sighed deeply. "'Fatal’ is
a good way to put it. For once, brother, you called it right.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow: Episode Twenty-Two, the
conclusion of The Silent Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-43369254944120325682012-11-02T02:00:00.000-07:002012-11-02T02:00:02.903-07:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: The Silent Child</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning, click</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/the-silent-child-1-2.html" target="_blank">The Silent Child 1 & 2</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twenty of The Silent Child <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Nineteen concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert laughed. “You don’t sound very convinced,
Enoch. Sure we’ll get away with it. That picture of Mrs. Thompson in your
saddle bags sure has tongues wagging. The way we see it, people will think you
killed Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, then went plum crazy: set fire to the store,
killed your wife and the kid and, for an encore, killed yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence smiled contentedly. “The town will be
talkin’ about it for years. A lot of that talk will take place over the cracker
barrel at Bushrod Brothers’ General Store.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We ain’t got a cracker barrel!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Remind me to order one.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Twenty<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A
voice sounded from above. “Rupert, Clarence, gotta talk to you. It’s Laszlo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Uh
oh,” Rupert said. “There’s the weakest link in the chain.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“What
is it?!” Clarence shouted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Mr.
Runyon at the train station tole me somethin’ you need to know.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence,
the lantern still in his left hand, motioned with his gun hand at the Harpers
and Pixie. “All of you move back and keep silent. Rupert, talk to the town
fool, and find out what’s on his mind, which probably isn’t much. Keep your gun
pointed low. In the darkness Laszlo probably won’t spot it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
Harpers moved backward into the darkness as directed. Pixie was still clinging
to Kate. Clarence stood beside Enoch, holding the lantern in one hand and
pressing the barrel of a gun into Enoch’s side with the other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Lift
the trap door and come down, Laszlo,” Rupert shouted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
door opened. Rupert noted that there wasn’t much light from above but he wanted
keep his gun out of Laszlo’s sight. “Be sure and close the door behind you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Laszlo
stumbled in the darkness coming down the steps. “Hurt ankle!” He said as
reached the ground floor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
swamper began to stagger around the basement, whining like a child. He suddenly
slammed into Clarence, grabbing the gun from him as Clarence fell to the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Hold
him down, Enoch! Drop the gun, Rupert!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert
recognized the voice as coming from Rance Dehner. The lantern was now lying on
the floor, spewing a gush of light upwards. Rupert fired at what he thought was
a moving shadow, then immediately realized that he had made a mistake. The
orange-red blossom from his gun gave away his location. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In
a panic, Rupert turned and ran. His foot collided with the first step of the
stairway. He began to scramble up the wooden planks. He heard a few quick steps
behind him and then his neck was trapped in an iron vise. A tight grip wrapped around his gun hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Give
it up, Rupert!” Dehner ordered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert
Bushrod was breathing in puffs. “Okay, okay, you got me. Guess Shakespeare was
right. The race is to the swift.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence’s
voice thundered from the floor of the basement. “That’s “The race is NOT to the
swift.” And it’s from the Bible, not Shakespeare.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert
sighed. Maybe my brother shoulda spent less time readin’ and more time tendin’
the store.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Monday: Episode
Twenty-One of The Silent Child <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-40887931636877374622012-11-01T02:00:00.000-07:002012-11-01T02:00:12.697-07:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: The Silent Child</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning, click</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/the-silent-child-1-2.html" target="_blank">The Silent Child 1 & 2</a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Nineteen of The Silent Child <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Eighteen concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You see, my brother and I,” Rupert smiled
condescendingly at Clarence, “were discussing our plans to murder you folks
after Mrs. Thompson left the store.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We had just put the finishing touches on a
dandy scheme, when we turned around and there was this kid. Her mother had
given her a penny to come back and buy another piece of candy.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Clarence and I had been makin’ our plans from
behind the counter. Never occurred to us that a customer might come in.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enoch’s voice was now steely. “So, that
afternoon you rode out to the Thompson’s place and murdered them. You couldn’t
take a chance that Pixie wouldn’t tell her mother and father what she had
overheard.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Nineteen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yep,”
Clarence shook his head. “Didn’t bother wearing masks. Seemed no need. We
killed the kid’s folks, but she got away. We searched all over for her. That
Dehner fella found her before we did. We tried to take her from him, but it
didn’t work.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“A
lot of stuff hasn’t been workin’ out, Clarence. Think this whole project is
jinxed?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You
always was too superstitious, Rupert. Running from black cats and all that.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Guess
so. This basement is givin’ me the shakes. I’ll be glad when Laszlo gets here.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enoch’s
jaw dropped. Could Laszlo be an accessory to murder? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence
chuckled; he understood Enoch’s shock. “Laszlo thinks we’re playin’ a game with
the child. He’s gonna kick on the trap door when the nine ‘o clock train pulls
into town. We might not be able to hear the train down here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Why?!”
Kate asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Gunshots
make a lot of noise,” Rupert explained. “We think bein’ in this cellar is
enough. But we can’t be sure somebody won’t hear the shots and get the
sheriff.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Some of our ideas ain’t worked out
so well.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “So far, all of our ideas ain’t
worked out so well. But we have high hopes for this one. We’re gonna kill you
folks while the train is a whistlin’ away and then burn this place down.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You’ll
never get away with it!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert
laughed. “You don’t sound very convinced, Enoch. Sure we’ll get away with it.
That picture of Mrs. Thompson in your saddle bags sure has tongues wagging. The
way we see it, people will think you killed Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, then went
plum crazy: set fire to the store, killed your wife and the kid and, for an
encore, killed yourself.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence
smiled contentedly. “The town will be talkin’ about it for years. A lot of that
talk will take place over the cracker barrel at Bushrod Brothers’ General
Store.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We
ain’t got a cracker barrel!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Remind
me to order one.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow:
Episode Twenty of The Silent Child <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-4882350530481760172012-10-31T02:00:00.000-07:002012-10-31T02:00:03.694-07:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: The Silent Child</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning, click</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/the-silent-child-1-2.html" target="_blank">The Silent Child 1 & 2</a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Eighteen of The Silent Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Seventeen concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b><i><span style="background-color: white;">“You’re wonderful folks!” Rupert smiled broadly
as he spoke. “The kind of people who are needed to help bring civilization to
the west. Darn shame you’re all gonna be dead in a few minutes. But, wouldn’t
you know it, that’s what often happens to the kind of people who are needed to
help bring civilization to the west.” He once again motioned with his
gun. “Downstairs!” </span></i><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Eighteen <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Kate
looked at her husband, who nodded at her to follow the instructions. She picked
up Pixie and walked down the wooden steps into darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Enoch,
if you will be so kind as to accompany the missus.” As Rupert spoke, Clarence
lit the lantern on the bedside table. He was the last to go down the stairs to
the basement, following his brother who kept his gun on Enoch. Clarence closed
the trap door behind him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert
looked around. The scant light from the lantern provided very limited
visibility. “Just the kind of basement I’d expect the Harpers to have. Neat and
clean. A bit dank, perhaps, but you really can’t help that.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even
in the dim light, flames could be seen in Kate’s eyes. “You two are monsters!”
The woman kept an arm draped around Pixie who was now at her side clinging to
her right leg.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yes
ma’am, I guess we are,” Rupert replied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Our
ma and pa just didn’t raise us proper,” Clarence said. “Never sent us to Sunday
school.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We
never did learn the ten commandments,” Rupert added. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence
nodded his head. “The preacher came by our store a year or so back, I think he
might have mentioned a few of those commandments. They sounded like good
advice.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Only
Clarence and me have never been ones to take good advice.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enoch
was stunned. The Bushrod brothers were carrying on in their usual humorous
manner, bouncing jokes off of each other. But there was nothing funny about
their intentions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Why
are you men doing this?” Enoch’s voice reflected amazement as well as anger.
“We never hurt you!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Well,
in a way you kinda did,” a smile remained on Rupert’s face. “Harper’s
Mercantile has plum taken away all of our customers. We ain’t far from goin’
out of business.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yep,
and Rupert and me is too old to start workin’ honest at this point in our
lives.” Clarence continued to hold the lantern in his left hand and a six
shooter in the right hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I
guess it all came clear that day Mrs. Thompson came into the store with her
kid. It was obvious to us that she only stopped by cause you folks was sold out
of candy. We’d never see her or her husband in the store again.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“After
she left, Rupert and me got to talkin’--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“That’s
Rupert and I!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Oh
yeah. Rupert and I got to talkin’. We decided that the only way we could
survive was to eliminate the competition.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert
cut in. “We coulda done that by hard work and total dedication to our
customers!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“But
like we said earlier, Rupert and I have never been good at that. So, we decided
to burn Harper’s Mercantile down. Of course, we’d have to kill the Harpers in
the process.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Otherwise
you folks woulda rebuilt. Been an inspiration to the town.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“But
I don’t understand.” Kate caressed Pixie’s head as she spoke. “Why did you kill
the Thompsons and try to kill Pixie?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Carelessness,
pure carelessness,” Clarence answered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You
see, my brother and I,” Rupert smiled condescendingly at Clarence, “were
discussing our plans to murder you folks after Mrs. Thompson left the store.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We
had just put the finishing touches on a dandy scheme, when we turned around and
there was this kid. Her mother had given her a penny to come back and buy
another piece of candy.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Clarence
and I had been makin’ our plans from behind the counter. Never occurred to us
that a customer might come in.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enoch’s
voice was now steely. “So, that afternoon you rode out to the Thompson’s place
and murdered them. You couldn’t take a chance that Pixie wouldn’t tell her
mother and father what she had overheard.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow:
Episode Nineteen of The Silent Child <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-4825357467625846192012-10-30T02:00:00.000-07:002012-10-30T21:30:02.001-07:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: The Silent Child</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning, click</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/the-silent-child-1-2.html" target="_blank">The Silent Child 1 & 2</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Seventeen of The Silent Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Sixteen concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Just give me a minute, I need to tell Kate
what’s going on.” Enoch stepped quickly toward the door to the living area. As
he opened it, he saw Kate sitting beside Pixie’s makeshift bed. His wife was
talking in a low voice to the child.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For a moment, the store owner became completely
engrossed in the scene before him. Pixie was nodding her head! The child seemed
to understand what Kate said to her and was responding to his wife’s words.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A voice sounded behind him. “Move inside the
room, Enoch. I have a gun pointed at your head.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Seventeen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
store owner turned around slightly. “Put that thing away, Rupert! After what
happened this morning, Kate is in no mood for jokes--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Something
raw and wild appeared in Rupert’s eyes. “This ain’t no joke, Enoch.” Rupert
cocked the six shooter. “Move inside, now!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enoch
moved into the living area still half believing the Bushrod Brothers were
playing an elaborate joke. That slight hope was quickly demolished. Pixie stood
up on the pile of blankets that was her makeshift bed and began to scream. At
first her voice was an inarticulate screech. Then words shot out from her. “I
remember ! I remember !” She pointed at the Bushrod Brothers. “Those men killed
my mommy and my daddy!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence
Bushrod quickly pulled a gun and pointed it at Pixie. “Shut that kid up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Kate
Harper was in a state of near shock. Pixie was talking and two men that she had
always thought of as lovable jokers were now threatening the child with guns. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence
repeated his order. “Quiet that kid, Kate. Now!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pixie
was close to being hysterical. Kate tried to comfort the child with soft words
as she placed a hand over Pixie’s mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rupert
pulled back the carpet, revealing the trapdoor underneath. He yanked the door
open and motioned with his gun. “Ever’ one downstairs.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enoch
looked shocked. Rupert answered his unspoken question. “Laszlo told us ‘bout
your secret basement.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You’d
be surprised how a few pieces of candy can loosen a man’s tongue,” Clarence
added. “We’ve found out quite a bit ‘bout the Harpers.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You’re
wonderful folks!” Rupert smiled broadly as he spoke. “The kind of people who
are needed to help bring civilization to the west. Darn shame you’re all gonna
be dead in a few minutes. But, wouldn’t you know it, that’s what often happens
to the kind of people who are needed to help bring civilization to the
west.” He once again motioned with his
gun. “Downstairs!” </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">Tomorrow:
Episode Eighteen of The Silent Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1135407164055035460.post-789505818750562662012-10-29T02:00:00.000-07:002012-10-29T02:00:11.573-07:00<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Playing: The Silent Child</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New to These Parts? To Start the Story From the Beginning, click</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwdetective.blogspot.com/p/the-silent-child-1_8.html" target="_blank">The Silent Child 1</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dutV6ZghDG0/TrVG5zbTtjI/AAAAAAAAACA/-A80jO3BpGU/s200/wwd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Sixteen of The Silent Child <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Fifteen concluded with: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Both Bushrod brothers nodded at Dehner, who then
turned and crossed the street. As he entered the stable, a predawn sky
was providing enough light that Rance could easily find the lantern on the
rickety stool.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The saddle bag where Laszlo had found the
picture remained open. Dehner could find nothing else of interest in the saddle
bags or anywhere else. Still, he didn’t want to leave. The stable provided him
with a place to think. And he had a lot to think about.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Episode Sixteen <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Enoch Harper began to close down Harper’s
Mercantile and, he hoped, the worst day of his life. That morning he had killed
Emory Logan, a young man who had never committed a crime in his life before
breaking into Harper’s Mercantile. He would never forget the pale, empty look
on Emory’s face as he looked down at him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Maybe
he should have closed the store. But he desperately needed something to do and
there were customers who were dependent upon him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enoch
let out a caustic laugh as he rearranged items on the shelves which had been
scrambled by the Pickford kids a few hours before. His customers that day had
hardly been a comfort. Most of them wanted the whole story concerning Emory’s
death. A few men had even asked him where the bullet entered Emory Logan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“What
gets into people?” Enoch asked in a low whisper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As
he finished with the shelves, Enoch glanced backwards toward the door that led
to their living area. Kate was putting Pixie to bed. His wife had been…well…a
bit distant with him all day. Of course, Logan’s death also hit her hard. That<i> could </i>explain it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enoch
Harper walked back to the store’s counter where he kept the key to Harper’s
Mercantile. Did Kate suspect him of carrying on with Judy Thompson? How could
she? He had only seen Mrs. Thompson on one occasion, when she came to the store
with her husband. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
store owner sighed deeply as he removed the key from a nail under the counter.
How did that picture of Mrs. Thompson end up in his saddle bag? He had told
Kate and Sheriff Bolger the truth. He had never seen the photograph before in
his life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Both
had said they believed him. Enoch had detected a wave of doubt in both of their
faces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As
Enoch approached the entrance to the store, two familiar gents appeared. Enoch
smiled and gestured for them to step inside. A few minutes with the Bushrod
Brothers might be just what the doctor ordered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We’ve
brung a white flag of surrender with us,” Rupert spoke as he and his brother
ambled into Harper’s Mercantile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“What?”
Enoch chuckled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“My
brother was speakin’ sym-bolically,” Clarence said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“There
you go, usin’ big words,” Rupert responded. “Never shoulda bought you that
dictionary.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You
didn’t buy it for me!” Clarence fired back. “I borrowed it off the shelves. One
of many items we never sold.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Oh
yeah.” Rupert placed a hand on his coat and looked upwards in the style of an
orator. “What I means is, Rupert and
Clarence Bushrod are closin’ down the Bushrod Brothers’ General Store after
years of service to our fine community.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Clarence
added, “Of course, our fine community preferred to be serviced by Harper’s
Mercantile.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I
am sorry,” Enoch’s words were sincere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You
should be!” Rupert declared. “Why, you didn’t play fair. You was always workin’
hard, orderin’ stuff on time, figurin’ out in advance what your customers would
be needin’, keepin’ the store neat and clean--”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You
knowed we was no good at that sort of thing!” Clarence proclaimed with mock
piety. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enoch
Harper laughed hard. It felt good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“But
we’re not here for sympathy,” Clarence continued, “even though, in our opinion,
we deserve it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We
were wonderin’ if maybe you’d be interested in buyin’ some of our inventory,” Rupert
explained. “Once you get the dust off, some of it is pretty decent.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Well,
maybe.” Enoch flipped the notion over in his mind. “What if I come over for a
moment and take a look at what you’ve got?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Took
the words right out of our mouths!” Clarence said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Just
give me a minute, I need to tell Kate what’s going on.” Enoch stepped quickly
toward the door to the living area. As he opened it, he saw Kate sitting beside
Pixie’s makeshift bed. His wife was talking in a low voice to the child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For
a moment, the store owner became completely engrossed in the scene before him.
Pixie was nodding her head! The child seemed to understand what Kate said to
her and was responding to his wife’s words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A
voice sounded behind him. “Move inside the room, Enoch. I have a gun pointed at
your head.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow:
Episode Seventeen of The Silent Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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James Clayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16529312637158196398noreply@blogger.com