The Red of Flowing Blood I See

By Mary Cote

The Government has sent Chuck Franklin a personal invitation to Vietnam, one that he really can’t refuse... or can he? For reasons not typical of most draft dodgers, he finds himself in Canada, embraced by a family who has seen their own son cross the 49th parallel in order to serve with the US Marines in support of the South Vietnamese. Now he must decide if spending the rest of his life in exile is any less a sentence to hell than the jungles of southern Vietnam would be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M2K Publishing
• Release date: May 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9781927044384

Mary Cote

Mary writes her books while sitting under a cherry tree in the middle of nowhere, British Columbia, gaining inspiration from her two sons, and Herbert the WonderDog.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A twig snapped back, delivering a sharp smack to Chuck Franklin’s cheek as he turned to re-examine the path already trod. Where in the hell am I? He started forward again, his feet weighing twenty pounds each. The pack on his back, although empty of food, seemed heavier than when he started this trip. Miles and miles of nothing. Why the hell would anyone willingly do this? He stumbled over another tree root. Shit!

Dropping his pack to the ground, he sat on a fallen tree trunk, rubbed his hands through long, dirty hair and sighed. I’m gonna die out here and no one will know. Any minute now some hungry bear is gonna lunge outta the brush and I don’t give a shit. Let him eat me. Get it over with. At least I won’t die with some commie bullet in my back. You hear me! Come and get me. Get it over with. He shook his fist at a tangle of berry bushes, but his challenge went unanswered.

Exhausted, he lifted one ankle, rested it on the other knee, and massaged his foot through worn shoe leather. The smell caused him to turn his head. He groaned. If I take ‘em off, I’ll never get ‘em back on again, and I can’t walk through this crap in my socks. There has to be someone living in this God-forsaken country. He looked around and shook his head. Which country? How the hell will I know?

He checked the backpack again, but knew he would find nothing to eat. He had gone through the motions seven times now, but the results were the same. His stomach growled in reply, urging him to find some berries again. I’ll puke if I have to eat one more damned berry. I need food. Resigned, he let his foot fall back to the ground and pushed himself off the log. Berries were better than nothing. He found a bush, picked a handful and slapped them into his mouth then stopped mid-chew. Head tilted, he strained to listen then smiled. He spat, wiped a grubby sleeve over his face, grabbed the pack, and started walking.

The sound was calling him. He was defenseless: he the ship, she the siren. She was singing to him, her voice growing in strength with each step he took.

Chuck stopped short of the clearing and watched. She was hanging laundry on the line, singing with the radio, rocking her hips slowly. Auburn hair hung to her shoulder blades, waved back and forth. With her full skirt, a lacy top, and bare feet, she was no fashion model, but also nothing to be cast off out of hand.

Oh my God! People! I’m somewhere! He ran his fingers through the mop on his head, combing it with filthy nails, took a deep breath, smiled, and breeched the tree line. She hadn’t heard him, so he moved closer, stood behind her, and cleared his throat.

Ahem, excuse me…

She screamed, spun to face him, clothespins flying like shrapnel as she dived to grab the radio. In what seemed a well-practiced move, she shut off the little transistor and slipped it into her pocket. He stared at her eyes, wide with fright. She clutched a wet towel to her chest as she backed away from him.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Chuck… He held out his hand, but she didn’t respond to the pleasantry. Sheepish, he slipped it into his pocket, tilted his chin down and tried again. I was just passing through. I heard you singing. Still he got no response. Look, I’ve been walking for a long time. If I could just get a piece of bread or something, I’ll be on my way. He waited, watched her vacant expression, felt his frown growing. Oh, to hell with it. Forget it. He brushed passed her and headed toward the street out front.

Wait.

He stopped, but his frustration at being already snubbed prevented him from turning around.

I’m… I’m sorry. You surprised me. I thought you were my uncle. When I saw you weren’t, I thought you were… Forget it. It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry I was rude. She draped the towel over the line. Crouching, she gathered the scattered clothespins into a basket. Chuck turned then retraced his step, stooping to pick up more of the stray pins on the way.

He searched for some common ground. You like Herman’s Hermits? He nodded to the radio in her pocket.

She smiled. Yeah, they’re sorta groovy, but… she lowered her voice and looked around her. "...My uncle forbids me to listen to any ‘modern garbage’.

Ah. He nodded, dropping the pins into the basket. Look, I just need some food. I’m starving. Then I’ll get outta here. He hesitated, stood up, hands on hips, and looked around him. Maybe you could tell me where exactly ‘here’ is?

The girl wrinkled her face. Here? It’s Sundown. I just arrived here a few weeks ago. If you don’t have to stay, don’t. It’s dead around here.

Sundown…?

Sundown, Manitoba, you silly. Where the hell… she startled, looked around again, cringing. Where the heck else would it be? Where are you heading, anyways?

He shrugged. I don’t know. Just traveling, I guess; seeing the world, looking for a new place to call home. Now, about that food…?

Sit over there. She pointed to a bench across the garden, watched as he plodded towards it then she ran into the house.

Sundown, Manitoba, Chuck mumbled to himself. Canada. I actually found the damned country. He looked around. So, this is Canada. Now what the hell do I do? He sighed, leaned back and thought about roast beef, mashed potatoes and cornbread.

Here. She was back, proud and smiling as she passed him two egg salad sandwiches and a large glass of milk. Dropping to the ground, she crossed her legs in front of her, straightened out her skirt, and gazed up. So, what’s it like?

What’s what like? He spoke around a mouthful of bread, his interest more in the eating than the talking.

Running away. I think I might like to as well. Maybe we can run off together? What are you running from?

He swallowed hard, chased the food down with a large gulp from the glass. I’m not running away. What on earth would make you think that? I got an invitation to a party that I just didn’t want to attend, and I knew some people would be mad, so I figured, since I wanted to see the world anyways, what better time than the present. A new start sounded like a great idea. He crammed more food into his mouth. What about you? What’re you gonna run from? You’re not old enough to run away.

I’m fifteen! She threw a cautious look around her again. I have to run away from this place. Her face fell, shoulders slumped. See, my mom and dad were killed in a car wreck a couple weeks back. My brother – his name’s Marty – and I got sent here to live with my uncle. How old are you?

A lot older than you are. You still have school to finish. Make sure you finish school. He wagged a finger at her. It can’t be that bad here with your uncle, and the town can’t be that bad… it’s probably pretty laid back, homey. I bet not much happens around here. You probably don’t even have a police department here.

She frowned again, gave him another once-over then laughed. Man, you are strange. Where the heck are you from? We don’t have police departments… we have RCMP. Not right here in town: They’re stationed in Steinbach, about an hour north of here. When we need them, we call and they come around. We don’t need them very often, though.

Chuck nodded. His day was getting better by the minute. What about work? Is there work to get around here?

She shrugged. Don’t ask me. I told you, I just got here myself, but my uncle knows everyone here. He might be able to help.

Help with what, Julia?

The deep voice startled them both. Chuck jumped to his feet, his hand reaching for his backpack in one smooth movement. Julia was also standing, brushing the grass off the backs of her legs and trying to look respectful.

Who’s this? her uncle asked, having received no answer to his first question.

Chuck gulped, stuck out his hand, and stepped forward. Good afternoon, Father. My name is Chuck Franklin. I was passing through, and your niece was kind enough to offer me some food and a place to sit for a moment.

The priest accepted the handshake, appraised the guest. Hmm, well, it looks like you could use a shower, a shave, some clean clothes and some sleep as well. You said you were traveling?

Yes, Father. But I was thinking Sundown might be a good place to set down some roots, start a life of my own.

He nodded, knowingly. It’s a good town. Quiet, off the beaten path. Depending on what you’re looking for, it could fill the bill. You’ll need a place to stay for a day or two, some work, and some food. You’re skinny as a rake. He turned to his niece. Run in the house, Child, and make up the guest room on the main floor. Then you better get some supper on. Mister Franklin and I will be here in the garden, chatting. I imagine then he’ll want to freshen up. Look sharp, Child.

Julia trotted off. Chuck watched her climbing the stairs to the kitchen. When he turned back to the priest, he realized he, too, was being watched.

I’m Father Donovan Flaherty. That’s my niece. Her brother is around here somewhere. I hope he doesn’t make a nuisance of himself to you. He started to walk towards the garden, his expression signaling that Chuck should follow. I know why you’re here. I have no intention of judging you on that. You are welcome to stay for a while, so you can figure things out, but there will be rules. The first is to keep your nose clean, especially in regard to my niece. She’s had a tough go of it, and I’ll not tolerate anyone trifling with her. She’s young and impressionable. There are repairs to be done here, the cemetery needs some attention, and the gutters on the rectory need to be cleaned. Maybe by the time you get that done, we’ll have found work for you, if you’re planning on staying around.

Yes, Sir. Chuck clutched tighter to his pack.

And while you are here, there will be no drinking, no partying, no swearing, you will, under no circumstance, go upstairs in the house, and you will attend church. I don’t care if you’re Catholic or not; you’re under my roof, living off the kindness of my parishioners, so the least you can do is know and respect who we are. You don’t have to believe, but you have to understand and respect. If you have any drugs in that bag, get rid of them, and keep them away from my nephew. He has enough temptations already; he certainly doesn’t need that one. If you have that damned draft notice in there, get rid of it as well. I have a safe you can store it in if you must keep it for whatever reason, or I have a fireplace you can burn it in, but for all our sakes, get rid of it.

Yes, Sir.

Father Donovan bent to evict a milkweed from his petunias. Get to know everyone here. There are some who will be more than happy to help you. There are some who would gladly see you hanged, and would take great pride in tanning your hide and dragging you back to the other side of the border. It’s up to you to figure out who is which, but don’t be fooled by first, or even second impressions. Now, let’s get you inside.

Welcome to Canada... and Father Donovan’s boot camp. Chuck followed the priest up the stairs and into the house.

Chapter 2

Father Flaherty nodded approval when the new Chuck appeared in the dining room.

The clothes fit perfectly, he said, waiting for an invitation to sit. The smells from the kitchen had started him drooling the minute he had stepped from the shower.

The priest held out his hand, palm open, indicating the chair across from him at the end of the table. He waited until his guest sat. They’re second hand, donated by the parishioners. We keep a variety on hand in the event someone loses all they have in a fire, or for those who have fallen on hard times and just can’t manage to get clean clothes for themselves. They’re all made here in Canada. I made sure they were. You’ll find some more in the closet, a coat at the door in your size, and I took the liberty of finding you a hat. He looked at Chuck’s hair with a disapproving eye.

The kitchen door slammed; a torrent of loud whispers followed. Father Donovan lifted his eyes to the ceiling, sighed, and waited. Footsteps slapped along the kitchen linoleum, squeaked on the hall hardwood, and a rag-tag teenager appeared in the doorway. Chuck hid his grin as the boy scurried around the table, hands fumbling to sort hair that hung like tentacles to his shoulders, and slumped into the chair between himself and the priest.

Martin, those clothes looked like new when I saw you this morning.

Marty gave his uncle a surprised look, cast a quick glance down at what he was wearing then smiled and shrugged. Sorry. It was a busy day.

Flaherty struggled to maintain patience. Martin, we have a guest at the table. He waited, hoping his prompt would be enough to entice a courteous acknowledgement.

Yeah, I saw. Marty turned towards Chuck and gave a perfunctory wave. Hey, ya. What’s happening?

Flaherty sighed again, more audibly this time. Mister Franklin, please excuse the rude behavior of my nephew. It would seem he has forgotten all that his mother taught him. This is Martin Rosen, Julia’s twin brother.

Hey, Marty. You can call me Chuck. He held out his hand. Marty waved it off, offering a quick ‘peace’ sign instead.

Hey, Chuckster. What disaster caused you to land here?

Father Donovan slammed his palm on the table. Martin! That’s enough. Mister Franklin is a guest in this house. You will address him accordingly.

Julia appeared in the doorway, a large tray in hand. Chuck stood to help, taking the tray and holding it while Julia set the dishes onto the table. Thank you. She blushed. I hope chicken will do. It’s one of the few things I know how to cook.

It smells wonderful. Chuck smiled at her, waiting until she sat down before taking his own seat again. This food has been teasing me all the way down the hallway. You seem to know all the things I like to eat. She turned away, busied herself with dishing up her plate. He could see the smile on her face, slight, intriguing. It reminded him of the Mona Lisa. Thanks for the soap and razor and everything. I feel like a new man. Julia’s eyes shifted to him, only for a moment. She dropped her spoon into the salad.

Father Donovan watched with interest, a fork heavy with mashed potatoes halfway to his mouth, the disapproval deepening on his face. The child did as she was told. It’s what’s expected of her. He turned to his nephew. Speaking of which, while your sister was doing laundry and taking in strays, what were you doing? Marty shrugged, indifferent. More to the point, what were you supposed to be doing?

Marty stuffed his mouth with potato, smacked his lips while he chewed, his eyes daring the priest to take issue with him.

The garden gets weeded tomorrow. Flaherty took a sip of his tea. And if you choose instead to spend your time with Hank Biggins teasing the poor Flynn children as you did today, you can pack your bags, leave this house and fend for yourself elsewhere. Those children did nothing to deserve the harassment you’ve given them today, and I will not stand for that. In this town, you represent this church as much as I do. If you can’t respect that, you can leave. Just know that if you stay in Sundown, I will be calling the constabulary and telling them you are a juvenile delinquent. I will let them deal with you. Julia gasped, Marty glared, Father Donovan speared a pickle on his fork and popped it into his mouth. I doubt Constable Anderson or Judge Phillips will have a problem believing me when I tell them about what you’ve been doing with your time.

The table fell silent. Chuck looked around the room, anywhere but at the three people sharing the meal with him. My God, what a ball-buster. A man of God? They just lost their parents, for shit sake. High ceilings, heavy trim around the doors and windows, ornate walnut furnishings, were all dust-free. The two teenagers looked tiny compared to the intimidating surroundings.

Mister Franklin, I hope you don’t mind my suggesting it, but I think it would be in your best interest to tame that head of hair you have. Father Donovan avoided the interested looks from his two charges. The people around here are farmers. They run a lot of large equipment. If you want to work with it, your hair could cause injury. Now he made a point of looking at his nephew. And it is much more agreeable to the surroundings if you look neat and presentable. He had a disingenuous smile for his nephew. People around here would never recognize you if we took care of that tangle. While Julia does the after-dinner clean-up, you will both make the acquaintance of some clippers.

#

You look very different, Julia said as she passed another soapy dish to Chuck. Her grip lingered as she looked at him with a critical eye. The clothes, the hair, the shave… she let the statement hang then gave an approving nod.

Chuck laughed. It’s been a long time since I’ve had so little hair on my head. I hate to admit it, but it feels kind of good – strange, but good. He wiggled the plate, cueing her to let go. She blushed and looked away.

The silence, broken only by the sound of clinking dishes, was awkward. Chuck watched her for a moment, smiled gently, and grabbed for another plate. Who do you like besides Herman’s Hermits? The Beatles? Elvis?

Julia’s eyes widened, her voice dropped to a whisper. Shh! Don’t let Uncle Father hear you. I like them, a lot, but it’s forbidden to listen to them. I also like The Mamas and Papas, and Joni Mitchell, and Peter Paul and Mary… oh, and Gordon Lightfoot.

Who?

A smug smile and an ‘I-knew-it’ nod replied. Gordon Lightfoot? He’s a Canadian singer. Don’t worry. You’ll hear lots about him soon enough. We hear him a lot on the radio up here. I guess they don’t play him so much in the States.

Chuck was sure his heart stopped. He chewed on his bottom lip.

It’s okay. Let me help. You sound pretty much the same as we do, but you need to know more about Canada, our culture, our politics, that sort of thing. You won’t get by if you can’t talk politics with the people here. They’ll smell a Yank for sure.

His mouth was dry. He tried to choke out some words. Julia, what makes you think I’m…?

Shh! Don’t let Marty find out. He’s bad news. Don’t trust him. I know he’s my brother, but take my word for it. He’s bad. She grabbed the dishes from his hands and put them into the cupboard. I’ll help you with whatever Uncle Father gives you to do, and I can tell you what you need to know. Politics is important… so is the music. You go talking about Elvis in these parts and they’ll string you up. Don’t worry. I’ll teach you. The first thing you have to know though, is that if someone offers you a drink, you want a rye, preferable VO or CC, either straight up or with Canada Dry, or you want a beer… she thought for a moment, a black label, Lethbridge Pil or Labatt’s 50. I would recommend the Labatt’s 50. And stay away from the Lemon Gin. Someone will want to get you to try it… it’s sort of a rite of passage. Make sure you turn it down, make a face and talk about how much you puked your face off the first time you got drunk on it, and you’ll never touch it again. She smiled at him, reached for his arm. Look, we’ll figure out something to tell them. Uncle Father will help, and no one will know that you’re… you know…

Up here dodging the draft?

She shrugged. Yeah. Don’t worry. We’ll turn you into a Canadian in no time.

Chapter 3

Chuck smacked at yet another mosquito on his arm then wiped at his soaked forehead with a gloved hand. It was hot, and the grass was high. There was a lot of trimming needed around each headstone, and some of the stones needed to be straightened. He didn’t mind. It was good, honest work, and it was still a hell of a lot better than crawling on his belly through some disease-infested swamp in Vietnam. Bugs and weeds were nothing compared to shit-soaked punji stakes.

The gate creaked, and Father Donovan waddled towards him. He stopped several times to appraise the work, blessed the fresh dirt over two newer plots, and dropped onto a bench near where Chuck was working. He set a brown bag on the seat beside him. Chuck read his arrival as an invitation to stop for a moment. He reached down for the old vinegar bottle filled with cold water he had stored in a small spot of shade then walked over to join the priest.

Charles, you do admirable work. It would seem someone instilled a good work ethic in you.

Thank you, Father. My mom would be pleased to hear that, although she would argue that she never had the opportunity to witness that trait in me. He leaned against a birch trunk and lifted the jug to his lips. He felt the priest’s eyes on him.

Julia prepared some sandwiches for you. She was going to bring them to you herself.

Chuck knew Flaherty had more to say. She’s a sweet kid, Father… a kid.

She thinks you’re the moon and stars.

Chuck laughed. She’s a bit lost and looking for a friendly face that can relate to her.

A meadowlark sang from an overhead power line. The priest watched it, his eyes sad. Yes… I noticed you seem to relate to her rather well.

Chuck grabbed the bag and pulled out a sandwich. He was famished. That could be because I have… had... a sister the same age as Julia. Well, she would be now. She died when she was about five. He hesitated at the memory then devoured half the sandwich in three bites. Father, I respect you and what you are doing for me. I respect your niece, and am very aware of her age. I will do nothing to harm her.

Flaherty stood, looked to the sky in search of a cloud that might offer some relief from the heat. He lifted the black hat and ran a crisp hanky over his forehead. I hope you can understand my concern. You come here, tramping through the bush, running from the law… I have no way of knowing if you truly are anything you claim to be. I have to trust your word. The hanky went back into his pocket, the hat back to his head. I realize that I am in the business of trusting people, of believing in faith and human kindness, but I’m not an idiot. I will not allow anything to hurt my niece.

Understood. Chuck finished the rest of his sandwich and chased it with several large gulps of water. He nodded his appreciation to the priest, and turned to continue his work.

You seem to be a man of many hidden talents. You any good with a hammer?

Chuck turned and nodded. I’ve managed.

There are shingles on the roof that need to be replaced, and a window as well at the back of the church.

Okay. I was also looking at those gutters. They’re in need of emptying as you said, but the one on the south side of the house needs some repairs. I should be done here about mid-afternoon and will start there.

Thank you.

Chuck smiled and turned again. This time he managed two steps before the priest called to him.

There’s a farmer just north of town. First place on the left. Langley Forestburg is getting ready to build a new barn. He’ll be looking for help in the next few days. Your room will still be here as long as you need it, but you need work that pays. Helping out at a church doesn’t pay at all.

I appreciate the help. I’ll head out to the Forestburg place as soon as I have the church taken care of.

Flaherty nodded, slapped his hands on his knees and hoisted himself to standing. He looked at the heavens again. Damn hot days we have. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter. God has a plan, but on days like this… well, I wonder if it isn’t just a little reminder of what we might face if we choose to not honor His word. He started to shuffle off, eyes watching for weeds Chuck might have missed. "Don’t be late for dinner. I believe Julia is preparing chicken again