High Creek Rising 2: Stand With Me

By B.K. Smith

High Creek, Texas. A small Southern town was reeling from a tragic shooting that left a swath of destruction of pain in its path at the annual Cook-Off. Luckily, the quick response of both law enforcement and brave townsfolk mitigated a greater loss of life. Following the shooting, the town dealt with a great immigration of media and additional law enforcement as well as outpouring of support from the rest of the country.
Now, enough time has passed that the town could get back into its daily routine of life as blue-collar workers filled the streets every morning and ranchers toiled away on their land. The school year had begun again and the High School football team was gearing up for the start of season.
Senior Titus Keller and his group of hell-raising friends were back in the creeks and fields of High Creek, fishing and hunting when they could with the typical infusion of bonfires and barn parties. As Titus gets back into the swing of a normal relationship with Alexis, he begins to enjoy the steady, slow life of a small-town teen once again.
Texas State Trooper Ryan Hightower has enjoyed the little downtime he’s had since the massive shooting investigation and is now back to work as the newly promoted Sergeant, putting him in charge of the local DPS office. His troubled girlfriend Echo is still adjusting to being in a steady relationship with Ryan, having a long history of troubled boyfriends and terrible decisions. With a lot on his plate, Ryan begins to realize he’s going to need help balancing the safety of the town and the health of his relationship.
After the senseless violence that had plagued the town, both Titus and Ryan leaned on each other even more than before. With their friendship and the help of their shared pals, they begin to get used to the everyday workings of High Creek. Unfortunately, tragic events will once again plague the town and force the townsfolk to reach down deep inside themselves for the strength to pull through.
In High Creek, all you need is a good neighbor and a trusty gun. Luckily, both are easy to come by in Texas. All that’s left is facing the unimaginable. Together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: B.K. Smith
• Release date: Nov 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370647699

B.K. Smith

I am 23 years old, a native Texan and currently employed in law enforcement. I have written for many years but have only recently put out public work. I'm a small-town kid who worked the land he was born from. I believe in love and humor as the two most pure paths to happiness in our lives. I also like to crash into trees on a snowboard from time to time.

Book preview

HIGH CREEK RISING 2

By

B.K. Smith

Copyright © 2017 B.K. Smith

This is a work of fiction. Any names or characters, businesses or places, events or incidents, are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. No part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author.

This book is written for all the past and present small-town kids in the country. It’s for the boys with the sunburnt necks who raise hell on Friday. It’s to the red dirt girls who stole our hearts on Saturday. It’s to the Southern mommas who drag their boys to church on Sunday. It’s to the hick-town dads who are constantly missing cans of beer and pinches of dip every day. Finally, it’s an ode to the nights we’ll never remember with friends we’ll never forget.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t have a life that’s inspired it.

Firstly, my parents.

My mother whose endless love and support have motivated me to be more.

My dad who gave me my work ethic and common sense.

My best friend, Dalton, who’s helped me make the worst decisions of my life and inspired the character Cameron (although Dalton is far less successful with the ladies).

To my other best friend Jace whose wild antics and good nature was the basis for Dixon (also thank you to my cousin for Kelsey for putting up with him all these years).

To my two hilarious brothers, wild friends and huge family, who’ve all contributed through experiences they’ve shared with me.

I hope you all enjoy the ride as much as I have.

DISCLAIMER

(PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING)

I set out to write a book that captured the essence of a small town community. The characters portrayed in this series are based on various people in my life whether it be past or present. To maintain authenticity (also, because I refuse to pander nor will I let myself ‘preach’ to the reader), I created accurate dialogue that could be reasonably expected from individuals in the Deep South that were of similar circumstance. There is no political correctness. There are no clear-cut relationship issues. Some situations do not work out how you would anticipate. Love does not allows conquer and hate does not always destroy. Nor will I create a character that you unabashedly love or hate. Nobody is perfect. We are all flawed and so my characters will be, too.

- B

PROLOGUE

The town of High Creek in Southeast Texas was nestled in the middle of a remote wooded area with a population of roughly 2,400. Most of the town folk have been rooted there for generations. In High Creek, everybody knew everybody and treated them like family. The town’s most notable features were a large football field for the high school, a very popular and famous dance hall called The Rowdy Cowboy, and a Walmart which was recently finished. Interstate 21 ran right through the middle of town and brought the few out-of-towners to Ronnie’s Diner and the town’s park. When the local teenagers weren’t causing trouble at The Rowdy Cowboy they would spend most of their time catching catfish and sneaking beer on Hammond Creek.

The town was reeling from a tragic shooting that left a swath of destruction of pain in its path at the annual Cook-Off. Luckily, the quick response of both law enforcement and brave townsfolk mitigated a greater loss of life. Following the shooting, the town dealt with a great immigration of media and additional law enforcement as well as outpouring of support from the rest of the country.

Now, enough time has passed that the town could get back into its daily routine of life as blue-collar workers filled the streets every morning and ranchers toiled away on their land. The school year had begun again and the High School football team was gearing up for the start of season.

Senior Titus Keller and his group of hell-raising friends were back in the creeks and fields of High Creek, fishing and hunting when they could with the typical infusion of bonfires and barn parties. As Titus gets back into the swing of a normal relationship with Alexis, he begins to enjoy the steady, slow life of a small-town teen once again.

Texas State Trooper Ryan Hightower has enjoyed the little downtime he’s had since the massive shooting investigation and is now back to work as the newly promoted Sergeant, putting him in charge of the local DPS office. His troubled girlfriend Echo is still adjusting to being in a steady relationship with Ryan, having a long history of troubled boyfriends and terrible decisions. With a lot on his plate, Ryan begins to realize he’s going to need help balancing the safety of the town and the health of his relationship.

After the senseless violence that had plagued the town, both Titus and Ryan leaned on each other even more than before. With their friendship and the help of their shared pals, they begin to get used to the everyday workings of High Creek. Unfortunately, tragic events will once again plague the town and force the townsfolk to reach down deep inside themselves for the strength to pull through.

In High Creek, all you need is a good neighbor and a trusty gun. Luckily, both are easy to come by in Texas. All that’s left is facing the unimaginable. Together.

Chapter One

Hammond Creek

Friday

3:00 P.M.

River Song

What about fifth?

Cells.

Are you shittin’ me? I got Kowalski. They did that on purpose.

Well fuck, man, can you imagine us all in a class together? asked Titus as he crushed his empty beer can and set it underneath his chair to float away in the shallow creek-bed they were sitting on.

Hell – we saved this goddamn town! hollered Dixon. He leaned more against the tent overhang and it almost toppled over so he stood straight. Dixon readjusted his Costa sunglasses and pulled his cut-off orange Remington shirt over his swim trunks.

That’s a bit of a stretch, laughed Titus.

Yeah Dixon, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you was drunk, smirked Todd who was sitting in the chair to Titus’ left.

Good thing you don’t know shit, Tiddle Toddle, sneered Dixon. The tall, lanky boy began scanning the crowd that was wading around in the creek, sitting in a chair on the water or joining the party on the bank.

There were dozens of trucks parked along the big bank, one large concession trailer that was being used to serve food and a table for the sound equipment.

Besides that, there was a mix and match of chairs, tents, and gaggles of assorted townsfolk for the semi-annual Creek Party. Nobody in town admittedly was good at naming parties.

Dixon, fuck’s sake, you see the tail walkin’ around this damn place? hollered Cameron as he strolled up under the tent in front of Alexis and Sarah May.

The latter took the opportunity to pinch his elbow and then, when he turned around, slap the shit out of him.

Several groups nearby turned at the loud sound which was barely audible over the music but all the bystanders immediately turned back when they saw it was Sarah May who had did the slapping.

Jesus fuckin’…- ow! yelped Cameron who held his face with a big, muscled hand. Although he was easily two times Sarah May’s size, he was definitely scared of her… as was mostly everyone else who knew her.

You want one of these hoes running around here? Pick one and I’ll wear her skin as a raincoat, you big dumb bitch, snarled Sarah May with a hand running through her long blonde hair.

Cameron pressed his hand against his cheek and looked at her gorgeous, toned face and then down at her idyllic body.

In a matter of seconds, he picked her up in a rush and barreled to the deep mouth of the creek.

Despite her cries, he plunged both of them into the murky water in a big splash.

She surfaced first. Cameron! My hair, asshole!

Cameron came up and floated towards her with a devilish grin, You look better wet.

Sarah May couldn’t help but break into a smile. She had pined for Cameron for as long as anyone could remember. Despite how gorgeous she was or compatible they were, Cameron wanted to stay wild and free so he kept her at arm’s length. Though, lately, it seemed that his arm was getting shorter.

Why don’t you do cute things like that with me? mocked Todd to Dixon.

Alexis and Titus chuckled but Dixon looked down at Todd’s big, jiggling beer gut and frowned at Todd, Shit – I could hit you with a combine and you wouldn’t be goin’ in that creek, boy.

Pure muscle, flexed Todd.

Got a permit for that gun? came a familiar and deep voice behind Titus. He turned to see the tall, broad figure of Ryan Hightower, the Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant that had become like an older brother to him. Ryan was holding a big ice chest in both muscled arms. Titus saw he was wearing the bright green fishing shirt that Echo had bought him several weekends ago and orange swim shorts which made him appear fluorescent.

What are you gonna do, Ry? Your handcuffs are still on our headboard, Ryan’s girlfriend Echo came around from behind him holding two folding chairs. She looked like she had just come from a movie shoot with her short khaki shorts, long olive legs, flowered tank top and thin figure. Her gorgeous face had the whole nine – big, brown eyes; button nose; perfect eyebrows; full lips.

She was truly one of the most beautiful women in Stonebrook County – not to mention one of the most unpredictable.

Echo… Jesus, can you not? Ryan muttered as he set the ice chest down and open it to grab a couple of beers.

Oh, sorry – is Titus not old enough to get ‘the talk’ yet? smiled Echo as she bent down and hugged Alexis then Titus.

Naw, none of us did. Where do babies come from? Spare no detail, grinned Dixon. He gave a fist bump to Todd but lowered his hand when he saw Ryan give him a few extra seconds of staring.

Boys, boys, boys – y’all gonna have to find that out yourselves, Ry and I walked through crowds of beautiful teenage girls. What are y’all doing over here? Echo asked. She had set up both chairs and sat in the far one so Ryan could sit next to Titus.

Todd looked at Dixon with a questioning expression but Dixon merely shrugged. Then, both of them shuffled away to go pick up women.

Ryan tossed a beer to Titus and one to Alexis. He took two back to his chair, giving the spare to his girlfriend.

I talked to Lydia – she didn’t mind you having a few while I was here. You got a cool mom, Titus, explained Ryan. He sat back into his chair, took Echo’s hand with his right and drank the beer with his left. His buzz cut hair and Oakley sunglasses gave him the stereotypical cop look.

Oh yeah, your mom is something else. You should hear her stories at the hospital! I tell you what, I’m surprised you don’t have a dozen brothers. Hell, you might have… Echo was cut off with frantic waving from Titus.

Jesus, I don’t need to know… I don’t even want to think about that, gross, Titus spat at the ground. He looked to Alexis to see what she thought but she was just laughing. Although it wasn’t his ideal reaction, he did love to see her laugh.

She always held her blonde hair behind her right ear as she giggled. It let him gaze into her blue eyes and admire her beautiful face. She often blushed when she saw him admiring her. This time was no exception.

Really? Can I get some backup? pleaded Titus, his jaw clenching in mock anger.

What? Your mom’s a player, babe, laughed Alexis. This caused Echo to laugh harder and Ryan to crack a smile.

This is probably one of my least favorite conversations, mumbled Titus who popped the tab on his beer and chugged a good portion of it.

Cameron and Sarah May came trudging up from the creek. Sarah May reached for a towel that Alexis was handing her from the beach bag.

Cameron went over and shook Ryan’s hand then hugged Echo with a big grin, Ms. Echo, every time I see you, you look more… He saw Sarah May’s eyes burning into him from the side of his peripherals. The same. You look the same.

Echo held a hand over her heart and her mouth gaped open. Why, Cameron, that might be the nicest thing anyone has ever told me. My momma always said, ‘Echo, one day – if you eat your greens and love the Lord – one man is gonna think you’re the most same person he’s ever seen.’ Thank you, Cam. I’m honored.

Cameron blushed while the rest of the group – minus Sarah May – laughed together.

Alexis and Sarah May’s friend group finally showed up. They walked off the edge of the bank and set their chairs up right behind Alexis’ chair with an extra for Sarah May.

Carrie, Kasee and Amanda sat in a semi-circle behind their best friend and motioned for her to come closer to hear gossip.

Amanda was a cross-country runner who had been helpful to Alexis and Titus’ relationship.

Kasee was also on the CC team but liked to spread drama – not curb it.

Carrie was a healthy, muscled girl with powerful thighs that came from her dedication to Varsity volleyball team. She was very pretty with long locks of black hair and dark eyes. She was always known to be a cool girl, basically one of the guys. Todd had always pined for her.

I’m gonna talk to the girls for a little while, babe, said Alexis with a soft smile. Titus leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

I guess I’ll go listen to Dixon talk about how his dick curves left or something, smiled Titus. Alexis squeezed his hand then picked her chair up and turned it to face her girlfriends.

Sarah May entered the circle and sat down at her seat, eager to know what the gossip was.

Cameron took the cue to pull Titus over to the bank to find their other friends.

They found Dixon and Todd in a group of three fairly average looking girls. The girls did not seem too interested in the conversation.

Then the second doctor said it was a birth defect and that it can be fixed with surgery but I think it looks like a fish hook so whatever, finished Dixon.

Todd had tears in his eyes from holding in laughter. He turned to Titus and Cameron looking like he was about to pass out.

One of the girls made a bad attempt at smiling then said, We’re going to go… somewhere… else.

All three walked away in a tight circle as they instantly began talking shit about Dixon.

It’s odd how picturing your mutant dick doesn’t bring the inner whore out of these chicks, observed Titus.

Todd doubled over in laughter.

"Well, it does look like a candy cane so maybe you’ll have more luck ‘round Christmas time, bud," grinned Cameron who picked up a half full beer from the wheel well of the concession trailer.

Yeah, maybe we’ll hang a wreath on it, laughed Todd.

You guys make all them jokes but who’s gonna be laughin’ when y’all knock a girl up and I’m over here able to go in through the box, hook around and shoot the load out the ass. Dixon put his hands on his hips like he was a superhero.

You really should’ve paid attention in anatomy, bud, Titus said with a shake of his head.

Ryan takes a big swig of his cold beer and feels the running creek water between his toes as it rushes over his flip flops. Creek parties were always his favorite type as it allowed him to do two of his favorite things – drink and be near water.

Here – put sunscreen on, your nose is getting red, ordered Echo as she took a big white bottle from her beach bag and handed it to Ryan.

He was about to object on the basis that he doesn’t get sunburnt but Echo had put her sunglasses on the bridge of her nose and her eyes reflected how serious she was about his skin condition.

Aw, it’s the rubbing kind? I like the spray kind, whined Ryan as he grabbed the bottle and took off his sunglasses. He set the glasses on his lap and poured a glob of lotion into his right hand.

I actually have some… right here… Echo dug through her beach bag for several seconds while Ryan waited in anticipation with the lotion on the tip of his fingers. Then, she drew her hand out quickly and held up a middle finger to Ryan’s face.

Her smile was far broader than his but he did appreciate a good insult. Besides, this was one of the many times that reminded him he wasn’t dating a typical, cookie-cutter girl. She was definitely one of a kind… for better or for worse.

Ryan spread the lotion over his face in its entirety. Then, he did it a second time at the insistence of Echo with emphasis on his neck, ears and nose.

Jesus, Ryan, did you just watch that Health Channel special on skin cancer or what? snickered Deputy Chase, one of Ryan’s oldest and best friends from his childhood. They had become closer since both choosing a career in law enforcement.

Months earlier, Chase was injured by a cartel shooting which ended only when Ryan plugged the suspect full of holes. Chase recovered fairly quickly but was only recently let back on the streets in a patrol car.

Now, he was standing behind Ryan with a bag of beer in one hand and a chair in the other.

Sergeant Schwarz, one of the senior patrolmen in the Sheriff’s office and another very close from of Ryan’s, was next to him with only a folding chair and a big thermos.

Need my wife to come help you apply your sunscreen? jabbed Sergeant Schwarz as he set up his chair next to Chase’s.

No, thanks, I have two moms and one is sitting next to me, replied Ryan which got him a slap on the arm from Echo. Speaking of – where is Lettie? Usually, your wife doesn’t let you get ten feet away from her when you’re drinking.

She’s with Lydia Keller up the hill. They’re pretending like they’re not smoking, Sergeant Schwarz rolled his eyes. He sat down slowly, making his back pain evident. As if to complete his old man ensemble, he was wearing a safari hat, yellow tinted sunglasses, loose gray swim shorts, and a Budweiser muscle shirt that appeared older than Ryan.

Chase, on the other hand, was in camouflage board shorts and a blue Magellan shirt. Chase was already a fairly short guy but his camouflaged Crocs were not helping him appear any larger. Complementing his ‘I love fishing’ outfit was a pair of extremely expensive Costa sunglasses with green lenses.

Fuck, Chase, you trying to get a bass sponsor out here or what? Ryan shook his head and drank his beer.

Chase looked down at his outfit and up at Ryan in confusion. What? This is what I wear!

Doesn’t mean it’s right, bud, laughed Ryan. Chase flipped off Ryan and sat in between the Trooper and Schwarz.

New guys come in tomorrow, came a very deep and booming voice. Ryan knew that distinct tone from years of working with him. It was Howard, a ginormous Texas State Trooper who had two distinctions – he was the only black law enforcement officer in the county and he was the biggest. Ryan often tried to guess his weight but Trooper Howard wouldn’t tell him. Ryan had guess that the 6’8 trooper weighed around 300lbs and that seemed to be pure muscle.

New guys? Wait – y’all’s new troopers are already here? Deputy Chase appeared worried. He readjusted his sunglasses timidly.

Jesus, Chase, you think they’re going to find your crack house or what? asked Ryan, his eyes piercing through his Oakley’s.

Ryan, new state troopers in this town means one thing to me – I’m forced to abide by the damn law until I can charm them, Chase seemed exasperated. Ugh, I need another beer. Damn troopers, I swear.

Get yourself a wine cooler that matches your purse, drama queen, Echo jabbed. She elbowed Ryan for confirmation that it was a good quip and Ryan gave her a fist bump. It’s the simple things, really.

Chase trudged through the water to another group.

Straight from the academy or what? asked Sergeant Schwarz with a beer can raised to his lips.

Just one – Trooper Chesney, said Trooper Howard, I’ll be his Field Training Officer. The other two, Trooper Bennett and Trooper Rogan, are both from other offices. We had heard that we’d get one, maybe two, new Troopers because of the whole cartel thing from the summer… but – three? Hell, I don’t even know if we can fit three more desks in the office!

Ryan laughed because he knew it was true. It was definitely going to be a tight fit with the other troopers. After the shooting at the cook-off that occurred merely months earlier, the brass at HQ in Austin decided, in their infinite wisdom, that the troopers could use more help.

This had several pros and cons. The biggest benefit derived from having lower ranked officers around to do the work that Howard and Ryan didn’t want to do.

After the shooting, Ryan’s repeatedly valiant actions netted him the new rank of Sergeant. This meant a huge pay increase and more responsibility…in theory. But, the only other Trooper in the office had been Howard, who had many more years in than Ryan. Out of respect, Ryan didn’t flaunt his new rank to Howard. The only reason that Howard wasn’t a Sergeant was because he simply did not care to test for it. He loved the road and he was content being a field jockey.

The cons were mostly based around how forgotten the Stonebrook County DPS office was. This meant that Howard had always ‘altered’ their time cards to reflect that both Troopers’ shifts were back-to-back from each other’s. In reality, they mostly worked at the same time and were on call during their off time. They rotated days off but they preferred to work when another trooper was also on the road.

Hell, there were countless policies and procedures that the two troopers skirted or just ignored altogether. Despite this, they were very good at their job. They didn’t care for the red tape or the needless DPS policies that interfered with their work. If the rule didn’t help their mission or enhance