Pasco, Blood Revenge

By Henry Givens

TJ Cole, aka Pasco, had been known as a two-fisted, hot-tempered teenager. That is, until he met Lydia. When they finally started dating, TJ's hot temper turned to passion. And that passion gained him a life-long reputation in Brewster, Missouri in the pre-Civil War days.
It started out as an innocent little picnic in the town park. Mr. Passion became impetuous and kissed Lydia....in public. That next Sunday, the pastor preached on the damnable practices of open displays of affection. Lydia's father just laughed at the pastor's feeble efforts and gave TJ the nickname of 'The Missouri Stud'.
Lydia's father did apply the rod of correction, though. For the next four Saturdays, he forced her to work with him as he mended the fences on their property. And, then he told TJ what portions of the fence they would be working on. But, her father forgot to bring more than one set of tools. Needless to say, Lydia and 'The Missouri Stud' got as much kissing time as they needed.
They married and immediately brought a handsome son, Teddy, into the world. Five years later, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl, Shelby made their family complete. They were interrupted by the Civil War for a few years. But, at the end of the war, TJ was voted in as the pastor of Brewster Community Church.
At first, pastoring drove the couple to distraction. Trying to handle everyone else's problems eventually began to bring problems into their own marriage. God dealt with TJ and reminded him that beginning with Adam and Eve, He had created a family long before there was ever a church of any kind. God's instructions were clear. TJ was to manifest God's love by first loving his wife and children.
TJ and Lydia worked hard at keeping their love affair fresh. At first, their children didn't know how to react to them going for a walk by themselves and holding hands. And then their mother and father started doing dishes together and laughing with each other. Then there was the matter of them kissing. Teddy politely turned his head.....most of the time. But Shelby stopped what she was doing to watch every second. Even when they caught her watching them, she just giggled and went back to what she was doing.
Then one day, the Indians came.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Henry Givens
• Release date: Jan 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301525737

Henry Givens

I was a pastor and a worship leader for ages. When I tried to slow down a bit, I got involved with Savannah Christian Church's Drama team. The idea of telling the story of Jesus Christ through drama and stories began to pull at me. I slowly started writing and began to enjoy it more and more. It's a very rewarding challenge.

Book preview

Chapter One

In the badlands of Oklahoma.....

August, 1874

The firekeeper and his helper brought the last load of wood that would be placed on the ceremonial fire. A hush fell over the tribe. Warrior/dancers went into their tepees to dress. The women and children walked quietly and formed a circle of spectators around the fire. They left a clear path between the tepees and the fire for the men to walk through. Drums began beating out an ancient rhythm as Chief Growling Bear and his two sons, Buffalo Nose and Silver Fox lead the procession of the warrior/dancers to the fire.

Johnny Three-toes had been talking with Gary Lone Wolf not too far away from Gary's tepee. Gary had been showing him some vests with the hopes that Johnny could sell them on his trading trips. This year, Gary had gotten someone to sew some flowers onto the vests. The one that really stood out was the red rose. Gary was especially proud of the dye that he had created for it. Johnny had never seen anything like it and was ready to make a deal. They were about to talk about price when they heard the drums.

Johnny wasn't a part of the tribe. He was just a traveling trader. Gary had fallen out of the chief's graces a few years ago and was considered by the chief to be nothing more than a woman. Together, they walked away from the circle and sat far enough behind the women that they could talk more about their deal without being interrupted.

When he glanced up, Johnny was shocked to see his hired guard, Luther George, walking behind the chief and his sons. Being a Cherokee himself, he knew first hand that outsiders were not allowed to participate in Cherokee rituals. And, to make matters worse, the way that Luther staggered, he realized that he had already gotten into his private stash of tequila.

Johnny's stomach began to knot as he now feared about their safety. Chief Growling Bear was known for his treachery. He loved to show off his power by killing people in front of their friends.

He whispered to Gary in disbelief, What's he doing with the chief? He's not a member of the tribe.

They locked eyes for a few moments. Surely he knew. Gary answered politely, He's the guest of honor. The chief will make a special announcement tonight concerning the prophecy.

What prophecy?

A strange look came over Gary's face. He glanced at the ground in front of him, cleared his throat and asked without looking up, You have no knowledge of the prophecy that Luther helped bring to pass? He has said nothing to you at all about it?

An ill feeling ran through Johnny Three-toes. He strained his mind to remember anything at all that Luther might have said about any prophecy. He removed his hat and pulled his two braided locks of raven black hair over his shoulders until they lay on his chest. Slowly he shook his head as he answered, In the five years that he has been my guard he has never said anything about a prophecy.

Gary closed his eyes and persisted without looking up, It was two years ago last spring. The shaman interrupted the Fire Dance to shout a new prophecy. It was about a white girl.

A white girl?! The words almost came out of Johnny's mouth as a shout. His pulse quickened as he quickly looked around to see if anyone had heard him. But by this time the drums were loud enough to cover his voice. Still, he stepped closer to Gary as they continued to talk. He has NEVER said anything about a prophecy that I can remember, and especially anything about a white girl, Johnny insisted as his hands began to shake. That had to have been the year I took the men from the Whistling Arrow tribe to begin gathering wood for the winter.

Must have been, Gary said as he, too, tried to calmly look around to see if they were being watched. Because of Chief Growling Bear's hatred for him, there were times when his life hung only by a thread. However, everyone's attention was focused on the chief. Without causing a stir, they walked farther away from the fire.

The two of them walked until they rounded a boulder about fifteen paces away. Gary peeked around the boulder to see if anyone was watching them. A lone female figure at the rear of the crowd rose and began walking toward them.

He turned back around and faced Johnny. As he unfolded the prophecy, Johnny's heart sank deeper and deeper. Three years ago, the shaman said that the Danuwa Asgina, the War Ghost, had given him some specific instructions. He said that Buffalo Nose was to take six Cherokee brides and one white bride. This white bride had to have blonde hair and blue eyes.

'Oh, my God, no. It can't be,' Johnny thought. Everything inside him tried to deny the first thought that went through his mind. It couldn't be her. That was too far away.

He continued, All the male children that will be born to this multiple marriage were to be breast fed by the white wife. The Danuwa Asgina said that the cunning and wisdom of the white man would be fed into them making them as wise as the white man in planning treachery. He further stated that under their leadership, the Growling Bear tribe would throw off the bands of the Great White Father and become the national leader of the Five Nations. According to the Danuwa Asgina, Growling Bear's tribe would establish a line of warriors that would hold off the white man for generations to come.

Johnny couldn't believe his ears. The shaman's words were so preposterous it took a moment for them to sink in. Finally, he stammered, How could.....I mean, that is so far-fetched.....it is so ridiculous to believe.......

A female voice was heard as Gary's wife, Esther, stepped around the boulder. ..that a woman could breast feed two babies much less four or five at a time, she finished for him. It would kill her in less than a year. All of the women of this camp know that the prophecy is a lie. And, she's just barely fourteen as it is.

Fourteen? Johnny said as he almost passed out. Feebly, he leaned up against the boulder as he gasped, It can't be her. Dear God, tell me it's not her.

Gary and his wife looked at each other in shock as it dawned on them that Johnny might not know the truth. Gary finally spoke, Three years ago, when the prophecy was given. Luther heard about it and told the chief that he knew where just a girl lived that fit the shaman's description. He offered to meet some warriors the next spring when you two would be returning to Oklahoma. It was near a....river...maybe...or a place called Blue Springs?

Brewster? Johnny barely whispered as his face began to contort.

Yes, that's....

Johnny turned and leaned his arm against the boulder behind him and sobbed, No, no,......Oh, God, I swear I didn't know. God, I swear I didn't know.

Gary knew Johnny to be calm so this outburst caused him some concern. This wasn't just nerves. This was heart-felt anguish. Now he and his wife were the ones that didn't know something. From the way that their friend was crying they knew that something very serious was a whole lot more than just wrong. They did their best to quiet him mainly so they wouldn't be caught being away from the meeting.

Johnny eventually got himself under control. He turned to face his friend and wife and pleaded with them. Between sobs, he begged, Please, please, I swear to you that I knew nothing.......nothing at all about it. Brewster.....is....is just the half-way point that we stop at for a week to........to rest ourselves and our horses before......before we begin our final journey to Kentucky.

Esther began to weep with him. She and Gary tried to console him as he continued, When we got to Brewster, Luther told me that he was going to be gone a..... couple of days. He said he had heard of a great place to hunt and wanted to try it out for himself. He.....he was gone for three days but didn't bring much back. I figured that he must have just wanted to....... get real bad drunk or something. The last two years, the sheriff made it a point to come out and ask us if we had seen anything of the preacher's daughter who was kidnapped. Of course, I told him no.

He fell into Gary's arms and began sobbing again. Esther came up behind him and put her hand on his shoulder as he repeated, But Luther lied. He said he didn't know. He lied. He....lied.

The drums fell silent and Johnny knew that he had to stop himself from crying so that they wouldn't be found out. The three of them peeked around the boulder and listened to the chief.

He had the shaman come out and give the prophecy again. When he finished, Chief Growling Bear made the announcement that at the new moon one year from that month, the great wedding would take place. Buffalo Nose, Silver Fox and the chief's hand-picked warriors raised their war clubs and shouted. For fear of retribution, the crowd shouted with them.

As the people were shouting, the chief made Luther stand up. The shaman staggered over and held his war club over Luther's head and shook it in celebration. Again, Buffalo Nose and Silver Fox made their daring rounds and caused a great roar to go up.

Esther turned to Gary and almost began to ramble as she pleaded with him, Something has to be done soon, Gary. You know that a lot of the men are with you and I don't know ANY of the women that are for him. None of the chosen brides want to marry Buffalo Nose, either. And, Mama Partin is against it.

I agree, he replied quietly as he held back his emotion. There are about twenty five braves that I can fully count on. I will ask them to ramble among the rest of the men to see if we can get some of them committed to us.

He looked at Johnny and sadly told him, The chief has about fifteen braves, including his sons that are solidly behind him. They are the fiercest of the tribe and stay hopped up on ololiuqui much of the time. For that matter, so does the chief. I'm afraid that after years of use, the chief has lost most of his ability to reason. When you combine that with his extreme hatred of the white man, you can see that it is no wonder he is so ready to believe the shaman.

When the crowd quieted, the chief paraded the women that had been chosen from the other clans of the tribe. A couple of the women chose to look at the ground as they walked around the ceremonial fire. The other ones just stared ahead, not wanting to look at anybody. Buffalo Nose walked ahead of them and urged the crowd for their applause of approval as they walked around the circle.

Encouraged by the ololiuqui and the applause of the people, Buffalo Nose yelled for Dalonega Kamama, or Yellow Butterfly as she was known, to come out. Some of the crowd on the opposite side of the circle stood and stepped aside as a rather matronly woman came out dressed in buckskin that was ornately decorated.

Gary announced, Mama Partin has been Yellow Butterfly's personal protector ever since she has been in the camp.

Esther added as she looked sadly at Johnny, She is a good woman with a very good heart. More than half the women in this tribe would be on the 'warpath' if anyone tried to harm her.

That goes ESPECIALLY for Growling Bear, Gary said with a bit of animosity sneaking into his voice. If he harmed her in any way.........

....we women would find a way of retribution against him. And, we would have no problem being sneaky about it either, his wife finished for him.

In the ghostly shadows of the fire, Johnny thought he saw shades of white and yellow fluttering behind Mama Partin as she walked toward the circle. When they got in full view she reached her motherly arm behind her and pulled to her side a beautiful young lady. She wore a thin white cloth that could easily be seen through. Obviously embarrassed, she kept her head down as she tried to hide her private parts with her arms and hands. Mama Partin graciously stepped in front of her and pulled the girl's waist length golden hair over her shoulders and spread it out to cover her breasts. That allowed her to be able to use both of her hands to cover herself in front.

As Mama Partin was arranging her hair for her, Dalonega Kamama smiled up at her. It wasn't just a smile. It wasn't just a Thank You. It was a smile of genuine love that she obviously felt for the one who was old enough to be her grandmother. It was more like the smile of a grateful grandchild. They exchanged words and Mama Partin held her by her cheeks and kissed her forehead before she turned back around and faced the circle again.

That's when Johnny noticed the rope. He pointed but before he could say anything, Gary explained, The rope is for two purposes. The first one is to keep her from running away again. When she first got here, she was bad about slipping off in the middle of the night or even in broad daylight. So they decided to make her go barefooted and wear that sheer cloth so she would be embarrassed to be seen anywhere. He tapped his wife on the arm to indicate that the second reason was hers.

She gladly explained with a little bite in her voice, The second reason is to keep Buffalo Nose's filthy hands off of her. As Johnny looked at her, she explained, After they made her wear that cloth, she made sure she kept near Mama Partin. Buffalo Nose loved to hide somewhere, come up behind her and rip that cloth off of her. He fiendishly enjoyed carrying her naked and screaming into the camp where he would place her so that everyone could see her. Of course, he would laugh at her and provoke the others around him to do the same.

Gary's voice was equally as bitter, That only happened twice. Mama came up with the idea of having her on a rope to keep her within arm's reach AND to keep him from tearing her clothes completely off. He chuckled as he admitted, My mama always carries a very sharp Bowie knife with her and believe you me she is NOT afraid to use it. Temper? She tries to control it and she does.....most of the time. But, if she gets riled somebody better run for cover. Needless to say, old Buffalo Nose has been smart enough not to try that again.

At the end of the shaman's ravings, Mama Partin herded her prize in front of her and left for the safety of her home among the boulders. Instead of a tepee, she had a lean-to built so that her blonde-headed charge could have enough room for all of the dyed thread and needles she needed as well as the articles of clothing she was working on.

As they slowly made their way back to the tepees, Gary mentioned, That little angel is the one who decorates those vests for me. She told us that her mother taught her how to draw her own patterns and put them onto fabric. But, she always adds that it was her father who taught her to make the big red rose.

Bless her heart. She said that she saw Buffalo Nose kill her mother with one blow to the back of her neck. When her father came running up to save her, one of the braves hit him in the head with his war club. She said she saw him fall onto a pile of wood and his head was a bloody mess. Mama Partin says that she still cries in her sleep and every now and then she'll wake up screaming. I don't see how...... Esther couldn't finish.

Johnny stopped and Gary stopped with him. With her head down and her hand over her mouth, Esther continued her journey to their tepee. When he was sure that he couldn't be heard he stepped directly in front of Gary, folded his arms and shocked him with his statement, Her father did not die.

For a moment Gary was speechless. What Johnny had just said didn't become clear to him at first. He wanted him to repeat what he had just said. However, his mouth just opened and nothing came out. He stood there batting his eyes and slowly shaking his head.

What prevented him from speaking was the change in Johnny's face. By the light of the fading fire, Johnny's set jaw and the rage in his eyes could be seen as plain as if it was daylight. His voice was calm and resolute as he answered the unasked question, Yes, he lost an eye but he has never lost his desire to find and rescue his daughter.

There was something different in Johnny's attitude. Was it grit, or audacity, raw courage.......? Call it what you want. There was a definite change in him. Maybe it was anger because there was still a little bit of a quiver in his voice. Whatever it was, it was filled with the conviction of a man that had already made up his mind what he was going to do.

He took a deep breath and began to rock back and forth on his heels. I talked with him this past spring and answered his questions to the best of my knowledge at that time. I made a promise that if I found out anything I would tell him. I fully intend on keeping that promise within a month and a half after leaving here.

He swallowed hard but continued, Until then, I'm counting on you not to tell anyone. If what I saw in that man's eyes when I talked to him is real, he's going to be coming back here with me with a God-filled passion. When he gets here, we'll find a way to get her back safe and sound......no matter what it takes.

The revelation finally sank in and Gary began to weep. The stolid Cherokee didn't give way to sobs but was unable to keep the tears from trickling down his cheek. What kind of hell had his uncle's plan and his cousin's actions brought into the lives of these innocent people?

Mama Partin will have to know, Gary started with a little rasp in his voice. I'm sure you are familiar with the old Cherokee belief of blood revenge. Members of our clan have shed innocent blood. Since she and I are the closest relatives to Chief Growling Bear and Buffalo Nose, we feel it is our duty as clan members to cleanse our clan and restore the harmony that was here while her father and older brother were chiefs. Even though it has been outlawed by tribal council many years ago, we know that it is the right thing for us to do. There just hasn't been an appropriate time, yet.

His jaw was still set and his words were still strong. You and Mama Partin do what you have to. Maybe when the pastor gets here, the God we serve will give us a plan. I will certainly be praying as we ride back. In the same manner, I feel that I'll have to deal with Luther George before we reach Brewster. I'm not responsible for his actions but I am responsible for him being here. He paused and took a quick look at the ground before he continued, I've never been very good with a gun. Right now I'm not sure what I'll do.

Gary still had the vests in his left hand. He handed them to Johnny and replied, Start by taking these to the pastor. Tell him he has help in our tribe and that we await his coming.

How much do you want for them?

My price for these is peace, my brother. This Godly man, his enslaved daughter and our tribe desire peace. When you give these to him, tell him that there are many in our tribe that long for peace. Just bring him quickly. I'll spread the word among the faithful men of all the tribes in this canyon. We will pray without stopping.

Chapter Two

Brewster, Missouri

September 25, 1874

Dawn began to break. From the top of steps to his back porch, TJ could see outline of the barn and a bit of the corral. Blister was already up and standing at the corral gate. He could hear her nickering and almost detect the movement of her head bobbing up and down as she looked toward him. Just how much sense did a horse have anyway? Did she know that today was Friday or was she just hungry? TJ's bet was that she knew it was Friday and was ready for a trip into town.

Sandy, one of his Great Pyrenees, finally lifted her head up off of his lap and looked toward the corral, also. The slight morning chill attacked the warm spot where her head used to be and where she had drooled. He chuckled at her. You're nothing but a spoiled brat aren't you, girl?

At the sound of his voice she looked back at him and lowered her massive head and whined. He was supposed to pet her when he talked to her. Didn't he know that? And, as usual, she got what she wanted from him. TJ rubbed her white furry head with the one brown ear.

He looked toward the corral again and finally saw the outline of her mate, Buster. He was a little bit bigger than she was and he was all white. He didn't like the attention that Sandy craved from humans, but if you were in the field or in the woods, he wouldn't be more than 20 feet away from you. And NOTHING bothered you.

Yep, it was shift change. Sandy padded down the steps and went to sniff him and rub her head up against him. They stood there looking at each other. One or both of them whined or made some kind of noise for a little bit. Were they talking to each other? Who knows?

After a couple of minutes, Sandy trotted away to take her stroll around the property. Buster only came up as close as the foot of the steps. TJ looked at him but knew it was no use to call him. Buster was content NOT to be petted. When he had the house shift, he was always close by and paid attention to what was going on.

The only person that he let have the privilege to pet him was their neighbor and the head deacon of his church, Bro. Ed Renaud. He was a big, crazy, fun-loving Cajun who lived a couple of miles down the road. One of his many business endeavors was slaughtering hogs. That meant that any time he came over, which was often, he had a pretty good couple of chunks of meat for the two to chow down on. While Buster was gobbling down his chunk, he would graciously let Bro. Ed pet him.

The light of an oil lamp made its appearance through the kitchen window. He heard Teddy building a fire in the stove. The door opened, TJ stood up and they exchanged hugs and morning greetings. Then there was the familiar morning question from Teddy, Regular or strong?

With a pat on the shoulder and a big smile TJ said, Strongest.

You gonna talk about it or let me guess? he asked with an equal smile.

Wait'll we get some coffee to sip on and we'll go to the front porch and watch the sun come up, TJ said as he started walking toward the corral. I'll go feed the horses before Blister tears the gate down.

Teddy chuckled and went back inside to fix the 'strongest' pot of coffee. He watched his dad through the window. TJ looked but he didn't stop. It had been six months since he had last seen his father visit his mother's grave. Right after it happened, he would spend hours grieving over her. It had been a rough couple of years for both of them. The healing was far from being over but it was on its way.

Just as the coffee was about through boiling, Teddy heard his daddy come back on the back porch but he didn't come in. Slow footsteps told him that he was going to the one spot on the back porch where he could see his mother's grave. He sneaked a peek out the kitchen window. His dad was standing with his feet spread apart and his arms crossed. Slowly, his dad nodded his head several times.

Teddy wasn't quiet about getting two cups out of the cupboard and pouring them. He opened the front door and then went back to get their hot cups of 'strongest' coffee. He stepped out onto the front porch and put his dad's on the porch rail as usual. Then he took his spot in the other rocking chair and waited. His dad would be there when he was ready.

TJ knew he was being watched as he took a long look at his sweetheart's grave. He heard Teddy's steps as he opened the front door and heard him as he took the cups of coffee to the front porch.

He prayed, God I thank You for Who You are and what You did when You sent Your son, Jesus to die on the cross. Jesus, Your blood was shed not only for my sins but for this moment right now. God, You said in Jeremiah that You watch over Your Word to perform it. I believe that with all of my heart, mind and soul and I bind you devil by the authority of God and by the power of Jesus' blood. I declare your power over this situation concerning my family to be null and void. I believe and will not doubt that all things WILL work together for my good and that God's thoughts and plans are only to do me good and not evil. So, back off in the name of Jesus. Amen.

In his mind he replayed the whole horrible scene from two years ago. It was in the spring. He and Teddy were breaking up some ground to plant their crops. He remembered the clanging of the dinner triangle and Shelby's short scream. He remembered the smoke coming up from his house. He remembered that he and Teddy cut the horses loose from their plows. He remembered he sent Teddy to get the Renauds while he rode the half of a mile back to the house. He remembered the ugly renegade with the crooked nose mount his horse while carrying his screaming daughter. He remembered another renegade swinging his war club at him.

He forced himself to remember seeing the burned remains of their home. He brought back to his mind the hours of agony that he had spent at Lydia's grave. Then he marked in his mind the steps that God had brought him through as He brought him out of his depression. His mind recounted just a few of the boundless promises in the Word of God that had strengthened him.

He spoke calmly but firmly, Devil you're defeated. I'm not your whipping post any more. I will pray until revival hits this place. Sinners will be torn from their sin by the power of the Living God and you won't be able to stop them. I believe my daughter IS alive and my God WILL show me where she is. God helped Abraham and David take back loved ones who were stolen by thieves and He is no respecter of persons. That same God will walk with me every step of the way and He'll be my wisdom and strength. You'll watch me as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death if I have to but you won't stop me from getting her. He paused for a few seconds before he ended with, I call these things done in the name of Jesus.

He had to get all of that out before he went to have coffee with Teddy. There was no way he would let those early morning hours of prayer go by without making a definite statement of his faith. It was bold and brash, but he had God's Word to back it up.

TJ turned, opened the back door and made his way to the front porch. Teddy greeted him by pointing to his cup of coffee on the porch rail. Thanks Son, he said as he picked up the cup and sat down in the rocking chair.

Is everything Ok? Teddy asked.

Yes sir, I should say so. TJ sat down and took a sip of his coffee. He explained, As you know, God has been pulling me out of my torment. Or, should I say that I have finally been obedient enough to allow Him to take me out of my torment.

We've both had that problem, Dad, Teddy admitted.

When I finally relented and began to spend more time in His presence than thinking about my misery, He started strengthening me more than I had ever been. And now this morning, He got me up to drop something into my spirit. TJ paused for a moment to try to control his emotions. Still his voice broke just a little when he told Teddy, I didn't hear a voice. He didn't give me a vision. But, as I sat in his Holy Presence.....the only way I can explain it is...slowly this calm knowing came over me. It was just an unmistakable knowing that came over me that Shelby is alive. She's Ok. God had some special people there who are watching over her.

Oh, my God, Daddy, Teddy exclaimed as he hurriedly set his coffee cup on the porch rail. His hands began to tremble and he began to weep. I've got goose bumps all over me. Oh, my God. I know it's got to be true. I feel the witness of the Holy Spirit inside of me.

As his son bent forward in his rocking chair, placed his head in his hands and wept, TJ continued, I cried for hours this morning too, Son. I cried until the joy of the Lord began to rise up in me. The calm knowing and the peace of the Holy Spirit continues to assure me that I heard from Him this morning.

He gave his son some time to sob and pull himself together before he continued, God's sending me some help. He's bringing me someone who knows where she is. And He's sending me an extra body guard. Right now, that's all I know. But it's more than I knew yesterday.

He took another sip of his coffee and stated firmly. Son, we're going to witness a God-thing. Some things are going to happen that people will only be able to say that it must be God. I sense that there's still going to be some danger involved but God'll settle that when we get to it, I reckon.

Teddy finally calmed down a bit, got up, grabbed his coffee cup and asked his father, You want some more? I need another cup. Almost without waiting for an answer, he took his father's cup and hurried into the kitchen.

Teddy poured the last of the coffee into the cups. He gave the pump handle at the kitchen sink a couple of pumps to rinse out the coffee pot and fill it back up. After he stoked the fire so it would boil the water for the coffee, he went back to the sink and pumped him a double handful of water to splash on his face as he stood there and wept some more. He picked up a dry dish towel to dry with and to cry into.

To some people, what his daddy said would have seemed preposterous. But, Teddy knew his daddy. He knew his strengths and he knew his weaknesses. He knew his faults. But, he also knew that if his daddy said he heard from God, then he heard from God.

He cleared his throat, took out his handkerchief and blew his nose. He didn't put his hanky away. He knew he'd need it again. He picked up the two cups and went back on the porch. As he handed his daddy his cup, he noticed that his handkerchief was out, too.

Thanks, Son, TJ almost whispered as he took the cup from his hand. He waited until his son sat down to say, Of course, you're going to have to gear yourself up to take over the church when I leave. I don't know when that'll be. God has to decide that and I'm sure He'll let us all know. But start preaching every other week instead of just the first Sunday of the month.

Teddy's hand was still shaking a bit as he tried to take a sip of his coffee. That's fine with me, Dad. But, what do you think the church folks will say?

I'm sure there'll be people who will be against it as well as some for it, he began. The most important thing for us to do is to ramp up our prayer lives and bathe the whole subject in prayer. If it's God, He's got the perfect timing for it.

They were silent for a few minutes. TJ got up quickly and said, You'd better put some more water in that coffee pot. I need to call Bro. Renaud and share the information with him this morning. He'll be the one to help you guide the church and to check anybody that tries to run over you. He chuckled as he got up to go get his shotgun.

Teddy chuckled too as he got up to tend to the pot. You're right about that. And, if he's coming, I'd better add a lot more coffee grounds to the pot. He likes it stronger than we do.

TJ brought his shotgun out on the front porch and broke it down. He stood on the end of the porch and faced the Renaud's. Like they had always done when they wanted to talk to each other, TJ put his lips together and tooted his message through the gun barrel. He blew three medium toots three times. That stood for the request, 'please come here'. He leaned the gun against the porch rail and sat down to listen for a reply. Within a minute he heard four short blasts and a long one repeated three times which was their way of saying to each other 'I am coming now'.

Teddy smiled at his dad as he walked back to his rocking chair. What would we do without that big crazy Cajun?

TJ added, Or his equally crazy wife, Shelly? Who else but those crazy two would take us into their home and care for us after the house burned. We had lost everything but the clothes on our back. Somehow they rounded up a couple of sets of clothes for us just like that.

Yeah, and Dad you was still unconscious when Big Ed told me that we were going to live with them until he built us a new house. I said something like 'I always wanted to see what it was like to live in that big house of yours'. The next words out of his mouth were--let me try my cajun--Den I gwine build ma pastuh an' his son one jus' sactly like it, doan ya' know.

They laughed at Teddy's attempt at Big Ed's accent. It was good for them to recount how God had comforted them during their tragedy. Yeah, I just barely remember those first three days. I was lapsing in and out of consciousness......either that or drunkeness.

Teddy reminded him, Sis. Shelly was just following the doctor's orders by giving you that whiskey. She didn't feel right about doing it. But, just like the rest of us, we couldn't stand to see you hurting that bad. Doc Scott said that it was more important for you to rest, or in this case, stay passed out as much as possible so the swelling in your head would go down.

TJ admitted, The pain was so bad that for once in my life, I was glad to get drunk. I still hated to lose my left eye, though.

Teddy teased, Aw, no you don't. Wearing that black eye patch makes you look stud and mean. It drives the women crazy and you love it.

TJ laughed as he declared, I would much rather look sweet and innocent, Son. But, I'm alive and that counts for something.

They were quiet for a minute until TJ remembered, "That Kacey sure was a blessing, you know it? Sister Shelly got the 'heebeejeebees'