The Ozark Conspiracy

By Janet Phoenix

"The Ozark Conspiracy" was written in the time zone of the war of Afghanistan and the war of Libya. The War Department's General Olin Conway decided to create a new, stronger, deadlier soldier to take the place of the human soldiers. Lab Scientists set up secret Laboratories in the top of mountains in open caverns. Their main purpose was to give out fake flu shots child and adult they could find and they disguised themselves as doctors and medical helpers such as RN's and LPNS. As a result, some died and then came back from the dead as vampires and other victims became were-humans. The good people of Center Ridge discovered the ill-fated labs one by one.
White Clouds, an Indian Seer, with the help of his tribe and a family of were-humans found the injured, experimented on victims and set them free.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477205761

Janet Phoenix

Jan Phoenix is working on her second book, a sequel to her first book, "The Ozark Conspiracy" She is from Laurel, Mississippi. She is the mother of four daughters. "The Ozark Conspiracy" was created from dreams, some of enlightenment, along with the darker dreams. In a time of her mother's untimely illness and later death, it opened a gateway to a new world. Whose dream is to live in the Ozark Mountains in Center Ridge, Arkansas again where her dearest friends Ray & Lena live inside the valley of the Ozark Mountains.

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© 2012 Janet Phoenix. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/11/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-0575-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-0576-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012908683

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

own business

The Ozark Mountain folks are friendly but they tend to stick to their own business, such as land and family. Unless it was hay bailing time or one of the neighbors was sick or injured and couldn’t do for them or bail the hay due to injury. That was a particular time to help one another. Especially since everybody needed hay to feed their cows, horses, and elk to make sure the animals would survive the winter. To the north of our ranch lies the great high ridge of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Below there is a valley that has a herd of about eighty long horn very stocky elk, with a huge one thousand pound gigantic bull elk, claiming his territory. Some ranchers and farmers raised deer and elk for the U.S. Processing Plant. Mayor Webster of Center Ridge, Arkansas opened a U.S. Processing Plant to provide meat for the grocery stores near and far and for the orphanage. There is a rumor that President Wilbur Butternut along with the U.S. War Department is pulling together a program that will create a more powerful weapon from were-animals and vampires. They started by experimenting on normal animals like bears, panthers, mountain lions, and wild boars.

A mother bobcat was seen carrying one of her babies across the road. Her baby kitten was black with and yellow stripes on his tail and feet. All the other kittens were gray with a touch of black, with the exception of one kitten that was white as new fallen snow. It looked like she was moving the kittens to a safer place to live. Sarah, our neighbor snapped a picture with her 35mm camera of the bobcats, because it was odd for kittens to look different from their mother.

One cool fall morning, Ralph, one of Mrs. Franks’ farm hands went deer hunting one year to discover an odd looking wolf. Its body was black and white stripes on its back like a piece of peppermint. The long legs and bushy tail were silver. The colorful wolf didn’t bother Ralph, so he let the wolf run off through the field. Ralph was however forced to kill a two-headed boar with two feet long curled tusks, the boar was charging Ralph, blood was already dripping from the boar’s tusks. The fowl family was also experimented on. One day we had an odd-looking duck-chicken to fly into our chicken pen. At first I thought it was a Canadian goose, had a head like a goose, the tail was long and white feathers long enough to drag the ground. But the feet weren’t web feet. The duck sure did lay eggs as large as large as a baseball. It mated with a white rooster that sure was some crazy looking chicks. Some had web feet, with a chicken head and grayish black coloration. Other chicks looked like Canadian geese without the web feet, some look like red, gray, and white chickens. I have never seen such a thing so odd. We won’t tell anybody outside the family.

Our neighbor nine miles away, Mr. Fred went out to check on his livestock about four acres behind his house. He couldn’t be for sure of what he saw, but his cows were running for higher ground up the hillside, away from the twinkling creek bed. When he looked in the water, all Mr. Fred saw was a big head with a long snout at the end of his head, with three horns on its head. It had a strange tail that had a spike on the end of its body. On the end of the head were long curved tusks curling around razor sharp teeth. How would you like for me to run your country, now Mr. Fred, spoke the creature. Mr. Fred stepped back three steps. What did you say? Mr. Fred asked the creature. Mr. Fred held his heart and took a breath. You can’t talk. replied Mr. Fred. Just calm down. He tells himself. Then he tried again to approach the creek. Every time Mr. Fred got close to the creek, the creature would begin hissing at him like a snake would. After the creature hissed it would throw fire through its nostrils. Mr. Fred ran as fast as he could, ducked behind a big round tree, that had to be at least a hundred years old. The cows moved farther up into the mountainside. The creature’s spiked tail swung up in the air and cut off a branch from over its head. Mr. Fred didn’t stop running until he reached his house. Mr. Fred was gasping for breath as he called the game warden to kill the fire breathing creature, hopefully to help save his dairy cows. Financially he couldn’t afford to lose his dairy cows to this fire breathing beast. It took the game warden thirty minutes to drive to Mr. Fred’s farm. Mr. Fred got into Marty’s truck and showed the game warden where he seen the scaly fire throwing creature. Marty walked over to the creek and didn’t see anything in the water. Are you sure this is the right spot? asked Marty. Hell, Yes! Mr. Fred pointed to some burned off grass. Did someone set your field on fire, Fred? asked Marty. No, the creature did that when it hissed at me! yelled Fred. Was it a big snake? asked Marty. Snakes don’t burn things or breathe fire, Marty. said Fred. I know you’re a little excited right now, Fred, but you’re not making any sense right now. said Marty. Well, what ate that cow, then as he pointed toward the head of a cow and its hooves? asked Fred. The game warden examined the cow’s head and found three gold teeth, razor sharp at the end of them. Here are some teeth, but I seriously don’t know what ate the cow. The teeth appear to be gold in color. said Marty. You are going to have to write the cow off as a loss on your book for income taxes. said Marty. I’m taking the head and have some tests run on it. I will give you the results as fast as I can. The cows head is going to the laboratory right now. I will do everything in my power to catch this creature, Mr. Fred. Let me drive you back to your house Fred. I’m truly sorry about the cow. Catch that beast, Marty. said Mr. Fred. Both men drove silently back to the house, thinking. How and what am I supposed to catch, exactly? When Fred got out of the truck, Marty just drove off with the head and three gold teeth. Gold teeth Fred kept thinking, he went back to the field and found an incisor in the creek, where the beast had laid down. I will kill you for this, I promise Fred thought. I will find out where you live and what you are. You ate the wrong cow, buster!

After President Wilbert Butternut and the War department created their secret weapons, the people as a whole, might have been reduced to the bottom of the food chain. I pray to God that’s not true. But if things come to that, the people will fight back as a whole community, to save our people and their homes. Who knows, might even have to kill off all the government folks, along with their precious experiments. Revenge will rule if any life is taken.

On the following day, Mayor Merriam Webster, had paper flyers made up and sent to every store and business in town, one flyer was taped to every doorway of the merchant stores. That included the feed store also, even on the bathroom door at the McDonald’s Restaurant. Rambo pulled one of the flyers off and brought it back to the table where Dot and Fay sat. Are you bringing the paper work back? asked Dot. So what does it say, and from whom, read the flyer. said Fay. Rambo put on his glasses, placed them on the tip of his nose and read the flyer. Mayor Webster requests that everyone in Center Ridge attend an emergency meeting on May twelfth at the town’s horse and soldier statue at 1:30 P.M. The Cattlemen Association has called for all the ranchers, farmers and ranchers in the Ozark valley and Mountain Range to attend this important meeting. When is the twelfth anyway? asked Fay. Why does the mayor want the ranchers and farmers for? asked Rambo. One way to find out, the twelfth is on next Tuesday. said Dot. So much for grabbing a burger. said Rambo. All I wanted to do was relax and grab a hamburger without thinking about work or business in general. Everybody has been quite busy these days. Maybe the meeting is about weather conditions. We haven’t had a good rain in a while now. said Dot. Take one of the flyers in the front when we leave, as they walked out, all they could see were flyers everywhere. Man, the mayor must really be serious about this meeting. Ain’t there supposed to be a giant yard sale set up in the middle of town on the tenth, also. said Fay. I’m going to the yard sale. stated Rambo. Plus school is out, so we will have at least two or three kids with us. said Fay. Not me, I will be on my motorcycle. said Rambo. Tomorrow is the livestock auction, we need to load up several of the elk and sell them. The next day Tyler, Sakutara, Rambo and Fay went to the field to drive the elk up by the loading pen. Sakutara riding Ace, Tyler rode the big Shire. Rambo likes riding the stallion because that horse has an attitude about him. One time he tried to roll Rambo off in the fish pond. That just made Rambo mad, so he made the horse keep the saddle on for three extra hours, after that incident. The stallion was all sweaty from the saddle, so he was more than glad to walk up to Rambo and be still while Rambo remove the saddle. The horse didn’t give him any more trouble. While Fay rode the palomino was a smoother gentler ride. Together they drove two big male elk and eight female elk into the loading pen. Everybody got cleaned up for the livestock auction. The kids rode in the back of the pick-up. Beth and Marie rode on the four-wheeler. Rambo rode his motorcycle after he and Tyler got the elk loaded upon the stock trailer. Tyler and Sakutara climbed into the back of the truck with the kids. Ann rode up front with Dot and Fay. We need to buy a couple of vehicles, Dot. said Ann. Boy do I know, it. said Dot. We had to drive pretty slow going to the livestock auction. But once the elk were unloaded, the kids took off in a different direction. Their mothers trying to keep up with them were like rats running from cats. Dot and Fay got a soda to drink and went to sit down before the auction began, I hope they sell at a good price we need some water-way system supplies. This heat is killing the grass and crops, said Fay. Plus we have too many animals to carry through the winter, so we have to buy grass seed. Maybe we need to cut down on the number of elk, cause we don’t have that many cows, and we always need milk. said Dot.

You have a good idea, but we need to keep a safe number of elk and deer for food supply. Not just for us but for White Clouds and his people also. said Fay. We’ll just buy the grass seed and maybe some of the Indians can help us make a water-way system that will save the whole ranch, said Dot. After all who knows better about survival than the Indians. said Fay. I do. said George. I won’t ever starve to death; I have two freezers full and a refrigerator. Good for you. said Dot. About the water-way I can help you there too. Thanks, you are so sweet when you want to be. Now Folks let’s start the auction, we are going to begin with the calves. Wait a minute, did Mrs. Franks decide to sell some of her cows? asked Fay. Yea, and like you, it’s to cut down on the number of animals or have a way to grow hay and secure water-way. said George. Your Indians could need to do a rain dance. I wonder if Red Bird and White Clouds can arrange a rain dance. said George. George saw Jack Stevens, I’ll see you ladies, later. Where are Rambo and Tyler. asked Dot. Fay looked past the holding gate, and saw them. Oh, I see them now. said Dot. Out of the clear blue sky, it rained children, Ben, Carl, Paul, Marie, Garcia, Crystal, Ann, and Sakutara all started sitting around us. Talking about wild Indians. said Dot. Fay just looked at the kids and replied. In my defense I was drunk at the time. I told you to slow down. Ha! Ha! Let’s keep our fingers crossed, on the auction for good luck. It’s time to find out the verdict. I’ll come with you. said Dot. While talking to the auctioneer, Tyler walked over to where Sakutara and the kids were. Rambo made sure the trailer hitch was still on the truck good, started to pull forward when someone’s horse jumped in back of the trailer with a dog chasing it, he stopped the truck just in time. Did someone buy a horse? The horse kicked the dog right out of the loading trailer, left the blue heeler yelping for its life. Rambo hold the horse, man. Sam yelled. Waiting on you, Sam. Sorry Rambo, Mr. Jones dog scared him. Better check the dog the horse got the blue heeler pretty good. Thanks man. He finally made his way in front of the parking lot, so he could load his motorcycle into the trailer. The auctioneer handed Fay a check for six thousand dollars. It would have been better if you had taken them to the U.S. Meat Processing Plant. said Miel. Next time I might have to just do that. said Fay.

Here Rambo you drive she threw him the keys as she was climbing into the back with the kids. How bad did we do on the elk? Dot asked. We lost some, but we can start taking them to the U.S. Meat Processing Plant, just anything to lessen the financial burden. said Fay. We got enough money off them to get the water-way supplies, grass seed, plus more. replied Fay. The ranch expenses will be covered. That is the most important thing right now. Marie and Beth ran to get the four-wheeler. Let’s go, already. yelled Marie. I’m waiting on you, hot shot. said Rambo. Dot hoped into the front seat, with Ann and Rambo. Fay hit the side of the truck.

*     *     *

The following day was the twelfth, the day of the mayor’s big town meeting. All the kids stayed home with their parents while Rambo, Dot and Fay went to the town meeting. They sat on the tailgate of the truck, cause there wasn’t any other place to sit. People were standing on the sidewalk and standing in the street. A lot of people came out to hear what Mayor Webster had to say, ten minutes, later the mayor walked out by the town horse and soldier statue, with a microphone in his hands, he thumps the microphone several times to get everybody’s attention. May I have your attention folks? Mayor Webster asked. You could still hear a lot of noise in the background. People, please, the crowd got silent. One of the things I’m going to cover in this meeting is the damage the heat index is causing the farmers and ranchers. As of now there is a fire ban, until further notice. Under the circumstances, anyone should have a solid reason for lighting a fire in the fields or lawns, no leaf burning is permitted right now. Please wait until we receive enough rain to soak the ground good. Most of our homes are built close to the woods and open fields. It would be a shame if anyone lost their home due to fire. So, please be careful. replied Mayor Webster. The mayor’s office will let you know when the ban has been lifted. With the lack of rain, the ranchers and farmers are having problems of their own. Problems like crops, hay, and grass dying from the scorching heat index. There is a government program Lend a Helping Hand has been created to do just that. I have an official notebook in my hands, to all farmers and ranchers that need assistance just leave your name, address, and phone number in this official notebook. At the end of this meeting I will place the notebook on that small table with a representative in front of the horse statue. But first there is another program that will benefit the cattlemen, farmers, and ranchers; it was created by the Agriculture and Cattlemen Association. The name of this program is called Help. My office is well aware of that a few farm and cattle ranchers have lost livestock to questionable wildlife. Every time one of you loses an animal, everybody feels the loss. There is less meat for the super market to sell, even the town people get their food supply decreased. For farmers and ranchers this is our way of life for hundreds of years. If any of the ranchers, farmers, or cattlemen finds a dead member of their livestock please call the game warden first. Then call 888-828-4436, talk to a representative about your claim. A special government agent will be working with the game warden. They will help to come up with an estimate on that value of the animal was. Personally, I’m backing support on both of these wonderful programs. I’m closing for now, but take a few moments to think about how they may be able to help secure a living for your family. Now the notebooks will be placed in front of the horse and soldier statue. The representatives will answer any questions that you may have. Rambo replied; let’s sign up for Help and Lend a Helping Hand. I don’t think it would be wise to have a game warden and a government agent on our land. said Fay. Especially, when we have an Indian reservation on the backside of the property. said Dot. But I will sign-up for the Lend a Helping Hand. That will pay for the grass seed, plus the water-way system. said Fay. Well, ladies why are you still sitting on the pick-up? asked Ray. It sounds a good deal. replied Lena. How about ya’ll are you going to sign-up for either one of them? I might, why not after all maybe they will refund my money. The poachers made me lose on my elk. Ray said. Just don’t mention poachers, tell them it was the wild animals. Dot said. Let’s grab a burger while we wait for the crowd to thin out. Yea, sounds like a good idea it will give me time to think about the choices. Fay said. What is there to think about? Ray asked. I might sign-up for Lend a Helping Hand. We need the waterway supplies and grass seed. Fay replied. When Ray, Lena, Rambo, Dot and Fay reached McDonald’s it was packed. Looks like everyone had the same idea. It took five minutes to put in all our orders, but it was cool. Why didn’t you want to sign-up for Help? Lena asked. They are mostly help for livestock that has been killed by wild animals, then the game warden and government agents will come to inspect the crops. Fay said. The Indians in the back section keep all the bad critters off the land. Dot replied. I’m guessing the Indians don’t want to have anything to do with the government. Lena said. I don’t blame them after all everybody done took their land. Ray replied. Nobody is going to mess with them on our place. Rambo said. In fact we will ask them to help build a water-way system. Rambo stated. While Ray was looking out the window, he saw that the crowd had thinned out. Well if everyone is through eating, we can check out our options. Let’s go then. So Ray and Lena decided to sign-up for Help and Lend a Helping Hand then left for home. So Fay talked to a representative by the name of Vicky Grain. She could get a fifty percent discount on the equipment for the water-way system, but the agent wanted to send four workers to help set it up. Would it be okay, if I could get the equipment and supplies I need at three fourth present off discount and let our people set it up. If that’s the way you want it, sure we’ll be more than glad to help anyway we can. Vicky said. Someone will come see how many pipes and supplies that you will need. Vicky said. Thank You. Fay said. You’re very welcome. Vicky said. I will send someone over tomorrow at 3:00 P.M. is that okay? Vicky asked. Yes, I will make a point of being there. Fay agreed. Do you want to sign-up for Help today? Vicky asked. No Ma’am. Fay said. You already helped more than you will ever know. In that case someone from our agency will see you tomorrow. Vicky said. As she turned to leave Ralph walked in front of her and bumped her arm. Why are you in my way woman? He remarked. Cause, I can be, what are you going to do about it? Fay asked. For one take you fishing and throw you in the pond. In that case you know where I live. She said. Pete yelled, Ralph hurry up and sign the book Mrs. Franks is ready to go home. Fay pushed Ralph toward the desk see you later. Then waved to Pete and Mrs. Franks.

The Rainbow Ranch is our family home. It’s an eighty acre ranch that is connected with one of the east section on the Ozark Mountains. What the outside family and neighbors don’t realize is that every house, barn, and building on our ranch, was built eighty percent by White Clouds’ people. As a favor to remain on the land for free, plus they can take any of the livestock for food. There was only an aging home on the land when our family and me purchased the property. That was eleven people in one three bedroom house. When the livestock got populated enough to sell off at the U.S. Processing Meat Plant, that was some funny, but interesting times. We were all (Rambo, Dot, Marie, Beth, Ann, Garcia, Crystal, Tyler, Ben, and Fay) trying to help the Indians with the building of the main house. I remember one evening Rambo asked me to hold a board on top of the wall frame still so he could hammer a nail in the end of the board. I placed my hammer on top of the wall frame. When Rambo hit the board with his hammer, my hammer fell off the wall missing White Clouds head by five inches and hit his butt. White Clouds walked over to my ladder, climbed up one step and lifted me off the ladder and pointed to the old house. Rambo was rolling around laughing uncontrollably. At least White Clouds didn’t spank you, Sis. Hum, White Clouds started walking fast toward Fay. Boy, Fay was trying to run like the wind, but he was right behind me. Then he grabbed Fay’s arm and turned her around trying to spank me. Red Bird yelled, Behave yourself White Clouds, and get back to work, ya’ll can play later. He released her arm and pointed his finger at her, we will play later, go home now! Fine, but not because you say so we will fix dinner for everyone. White Clouds growled at Fay then walked back to start working again. In the very back of our ranch is our very own Indian Reservation. How many people can make that statement? White Clouds is the Indian Seer Guide the Reservation is made up of caves and caverns with a natural waterfall coming off the mountain top. It flows in front of one of the smaller caves; it’s now a bath house. But nobody knows that yet, besides the people on Rainbow Ranch, well the Indians, of course. My name is Fay; I have two daughters, four grandkids, Tyler our ranch hand, his girlfriend Sakutara, Dot, Rambo, Beth, and Ben, all living in a two story ranch-style house with an underground basement. There’s a long roof porch all the way in front of the house. With a long porch on top and bottom level in the back of the house. There’s a roof top cover over the top level porch. Since all the kids live up stairs, at least when it rains the little ones will stay dry. Fay gave ten acres to Rambo and Dot (Fay’s brother and his wife). Since the Indians did such a great job working on my house. Rambo hired six braves to help him build a two story with seven bedrooms ranch house with a wrap-around porch on the first floor. Then they built a smoke house, and a green house. Rambo figured he could start Dot some flowers to plant around their home. Dot picked out two pink Dogwood trees and one Magnolia tree. By her front porch Dot planted one blue rose, one red rose beside it, and then planted one white beside the red rose. On the other side of her porch Dot planted a yellow rose, white and red candy cane striped rose, then a dark red rose. Of course it took Dot and Fay half a day in Morrilton, in the plant nursery just to decide on the different color of Tulip bulbs to plant along the sides of Dot’s house. They have one daughter Beth and her son Ben, their grandson that came live with them. Dot, Beth, Rambo, Red Bird, Blue Jay, Black Crow, and Sakutara helped to paint Rambo and Dot’s house a blue marine shade.

One evening Dot and Rambo went to Mrs. Franks to carry her chocolate cake and visit with her and so Rambo could go fishing with the guys. Two hours past, none of the guys came up from the fields yet. Hey, Dot let’s go check on the men folks. Dot and Mrs. Franks heard gun shots in the back field at least, we know where they are. Rambo, George, Ralph, Pete, and Sam were target practicing. Watch this Dot and Mrs. Franks got out of the truck give me that gun Sam and move over. Mrs. Franks hit the bull’s eye every time she pulled the trigger. Whoa, Mrs. Franks, remind me not to make you mad. Dot said. Now it’s your turn just point and pull the trigger. Dot’s aim was a little high, so George stepped behind her to help her on her next shot. Squeeze the trigger when you feel comfortable. Okay, I’m afraid I’m not good at this sort of thing. She squeezed the trigger slowly, perfect shot. It’s easy Dot. Just think of something you hate and start firing away. Pete said. As Pete showed Dot how to fire his rifle, Rambo was asking Sam about the green 1995 Ford pick-up sitting in front of the house. Rambo! Dot said. I’m just asking, honey. Mrs. Franks laughed; Sam is too cheap to put gas in the thing. Oh, that really hurt. Sam replied. Rambo you can have it for five hundred dollars. Sam quoted. It’s a deal. Rambo said. Since Sam always rides with Mrs. Franks because she is an elderly woman with three other trucks on the farm, it was just taking up space. But Rambo did agree to fishing in Morrilton with Sam every other Saturday. It’s a man thing, women wouldn’t understand. Come on, Dot let’s drive back to the house. Mrs. Franks said. Hey wait for us, all the guys jumped into the back of the truck, as Dot and Mrs. Franks was taking off. Mrs. Franks where did you learn to shoot like that? Dot asked. My husband was a very talented man, he loved going hunting. As Sam and Rambo jumped out of the back of the truck, they strode to the green truck. Boys will be boys. Mrs. Franks stated. Yes, they will. Dot replied. Hey, Dot you drive Fay’s truck back, I’m driving this truck. I’ll see you later. Mrs. Franks. Come back to see me. Okay. As Dot parked the truck in front of Fay’s house, she met Dot at the door. Rambo pulled up with the green truck. How do you like my new toy? Rambo asked. It better be more than just a toy. Dot replied. Get in Dot, let’s go for a ride.

The two houses are facing each other, but they have a distance of less than a mile from each other. We figure if anything goes wrong, there would be a visible sight of the front of the house. Have to admit it, after all Mr. Fred’s farm is only seven miles from the Rainbow Ranch. That over grown fire-throwing lizard could still be making his way to the Rainbow Ranch. In between the Indians and our five grandchildren to protect from the predators is the most important full time job anyone could have. The Indian braves with the solid iron spears and machetes have kept Grizzly bears from our people and our livestock. Mr. Fred was just lucky to have escaped with his life. A White Mountain lion with black stripes down its back, jumped off a big rock in the back field and tried to eat Tyler, but Red Bird and his spear stood between Tyler and the mountain lion. Red Bird pierced the mountain lion’s heart killing it instantly. Red Bird skinned it out, took the hide home with him to the caverns.

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With the Ozark Mountains behind the main house, it was like a warm blanket in the winter, the mountain makes us feel safe. Now that Fay is living on her Social Security retirement. The raising and selling of elk, cows, and hogs to the U.S. Meat Processing Plant, it’s enough money to keep the ranch in good shape, plus pay the taxes on the ranch. The trick is to raise more than you need, especially since the Indians have to eat also. We have a tendency to live and let live. Dot and her family are real good at growing a garden of vegetables, so we always seem to have what is needed at the time. Even the raccoons and squirrels get their share of food from the garden. Good thing it’s a five acre garden. One year Red Bird, Rambo, White Clouds, and Tyler were trying to run a family of raccoons out of the corn. Picture four men running in twenty rows of corn field trying to run three coons out. Three twenty pound raccoons sat on their butt and rear legs, holding and chewing on corn cobs. When Rambo, White Clouds and Tyler were gathering corn from the garden, and walked up on the coons eating on the corn cobs, Red Bird grunted looky, looky, dinner, corn and coon. The three coons, dropped the corn on the ground smacked their front paws together and ran like the wind. The biggest raccoon ran east through the corn rows with Tyler and Rambo trying to catch him. The raccoon next to the biggest one ran west White Clouds grabbed for him, but the coon slapped his hands away leaving White Clouds chasing him in zig zag motions. Red Bird ran after the fat clumsy one that sprinted off into the north direction. Rambo and Tyler each had a hind leg of one of the raccoons. It turned on its butt, Rambo and Tyler bent down to grab it, but with one front paw, the coon slapped Rambo’s hat into his eyes, with the coon’s other paw slapped Tyler’s hair into his eyes. Tyler and Rambo lost their grip on the coon, and backed up two steps. When they looked down one coon had turned into three. How hard that coon slap us anyway? I’m seeing triple vision. Tyler complained. Rambo split up from Tyler to chase them out of the garden. While Tyler yelled, I got one of the huge coons, then the coon placed his front paws over Tyler’s eyes, he fought to see, but the coon jumped on top of his head, and started dancing and swaying his butt and tail around. Just then Red Bird yelled help me Tyler’s coon released his hold on Tyler’s eyes, jumped to the ground, and sprinted away. White Clouds and Rambo came a running through the corn rows. Red Bird was covered in raccoons, four on each leg, and three coons sitting on his stomach. Red Bird’s right hand was held down by four fat coons, the left arm was pinned down by two coons. With a big mama coon about to kiss him on the lips. Busting through the corn stalks, Crystal and Garcia yelling get them coons; the kids jumped on top of the coons and Red Bird, and then here comes Ben, Paul, and Carl all jumping on poor Red Bird at the same time. Shouldn’t we be helping him out? White Clouds asked, who was still laughing, But from who, the kids or the coons? Rambo asked. Tyler grabbed one coon and threw it into the air. This coon is mine. Crystal said. She grabbed the fattest coon from the behind and raced off with it. While the coons on Red Birds legs were running away. Red Bird tried to kick up from the ground. Garcia said, please come here, you are mine. He grabbed the kissing coon then ran toward the house. Oh boy, Ann is not going to be very happy; Paul, Carl, and Ben were grabbing and running the coons off of Red Bird. Ben scooped up a baby raccoon, and took great strides going home. Carl had one coon hanging over his shoulder; Paul was holding a coon like you would hold a baby. O.K. guys give Beth and Dot to the count of three. said Rambo. What are you doing with that thing? Beth shouted. Ben put him outside. Red Bird started yelling, three coons, and three more coons! Ya’ll need to learn how to count! Why didn’t you help me out, that raccoon was about to bite me! yelled Red Bird. The kids were helping you. Rambo commented. I’m outa here. Red Bird said. Oh, don’t be that way, bro. giggled White Clouds. Red Bird put his palm toward White Clouds and walked away, he started making kissing sounds at Red Bird, so Red Bird threw him the finger. Tyler and Rambo chuckled to themselves.

Crystal jogged past Fay with the coon; don’t let your Mama see that thing. Okay. Sakutara saw Crystal, then the coon. In ran Garcia yelling. Oh, Mom, Mom look what I got, ain’t it pretty! Garcia get that thing out of the house! hollered Ann, standing with a broom in her hands. The raccoons got scared, started running upstairs, here comes Paul and Carl. Charge, get the coons! Sakutara headed upstairs with the other four kids to chase coons. Fay slinks in the house, Absolutely, no pets in the house, Ann. sneered Fay, winking her eye. Mom this is not a joke. Put the broom down and go help the kids.

Meanwhile Sakutara and Paul tried to catch one of the coons that climbed on top of a shelf. Carl pulled a chair up to the shelf. Sakutara reached up to grab it, but the coon jumped to the floor and pat, pat, pat ran into another bedroom. Paul and Carl ran after the coon Crystal and Garcia cornered the other coon in a closet in the hallway. We got him! yelled Garcia. Ann went running upstairs to where the kids were. Where are the coons? In the closet. Garcia replied. Ann opened the door slowly, the raccoon ran past them nearly colliding with the other coon at the top of the stairway, then flew as if they had wings down the stairs and out the open front door, as Paul was about to catch up to them. Oh, man let’s go get them, Garcia, Carl, Crystal, and o all ran outside. Dot and Ben turned the baby raccoon loose again. Everyone has an agreement to hunt deer, elk, or to butcher a hog when the meat supply gets low. But nobody adds raccoons to the list, yet.

Sakutara goes twice a month to slaughter an elk, deer or to butcher a hog to fill the freezer. Rambo usually goes by himself to hunt. One day I asked Rambo, where’s your shotgun? A true hunter doesn’t need one. He replied. He bagged a twelve point buck, and then hung the deer up with its throat sliced open. Whoa, that’s a nice deer. Fay replied. But I don’t see any gunshot holes in the carcass of the deer. Didn’t need a gun I told you. Beth came out; you need to teach me how to hunt. Beth said. O.K. you and Ben be ready will go hunting, next week. Fay should have followed them to see for myself then she would know his hunting secret. Fay thought. Knowing Rambo he would just swear me to secrecy about his hunting tactic. The last time Marie and Fay went hunting with Red Bird and White Clouds the only weapons used was a bow and arrows, plus hunting spears. We lay out flat on top of the hill side waiting for the deer to come to us. After twenty minutes of perfect stillness a grey wolf over shadowed us unaware we were on the hillside. The wolf let out a howl then trotted off into the woods. The big grey wolf must have doubled back through the woods cause he ran seven deer out from the cover of the forest. Red Bird threw a spear through one of the deer’s heart. White Clouds downed the other deer with his bow and arrow. Both deer were degutted right there in the field for the wolf’s offering, then we drug the two deer another twenty feet away from the grey wolf. Marie and I brought the truck to load up the deer. Red Bird cut off a hind leg quarter for the big grey who waiting for dinner.

According to Ralph, George is the one you don’t want to go hunting with, unless he’s wearing his glasses, of course. Ralph was in the lower field, below Mrs. Frank’s house. George shot his 12 gauge shotgun from the upper field. Pellets went flying over Ralph’s head. Ralph shot straight up in the air so George wouldn’t shoot again. George did bag a 10 point deer. Ralph picked his hat up of the ground, and then helped pull the deer back to the house. But every hunter needs a good chef. Since Dot has been here; there is not a man chef in the world who could out cook her. When she fixes a deer roast, it is so tender; the meat is so juicy it falls right off the bone by itself. But I especially like the homemade French bread, it’s to kill for. If she got bored at home, Dot could be a perfect master chef. She could get the chef’s job at our local restaurant without even picking up the application for the job. They would hire her on the spot. Dot tried to teach Beth, but she was too busy sneaking of with Black Crow. He started seeing Beth supposedly to teach her how to hunt. Everybody is cool about them being together.

Mrs. Franks our neighbor, who lives about ten miles down the road from us, is the sweetest old lady around. Sometimes, Dot gets in a cooking mode and bakes up casseroles, desserts, main course meals like ham or roast, and fresh bread. Dot and Fay would go to Mrs. Franks’ and carry her love plate of food. Since Mrs. Franks husband died, she wasn’t her old self. One winter he kept getting sick a lot off and on. So he finally went to the doctor for a flu shot. Within a week Mr. Frank died from a high fever of 104 degrees. It was the wish of Mr. Frank to be buried in the back yard close to the flower bed of mixed color tulips, with a large cross headstone at the head of his grave. Mrs. Franks’ four farm hands tried to cheer her up, but once you have been with someone for fifty-two years it’s hard to pick yourself up emotionally and move on with your life. But George and Pete have worked and lived with the Franks family over ten years if I’m correct. When our family first moved to Rainbow Ranch, Mrs. Franks and Ralph came to welcome us to the area as neighbors. They brought the most delicious chocolate cake. That I believe we ever tasted. That is when we learned that Ralph lived to fish. He invited everyone to their place to fish with him. Dot, Beth, Ann, Sakutara, and Carl never did care about fishing that much. So Rambo, Marie, Crystal, Paul, Tyler, Ben, and Fay were more than glad to take him up on his offer. Ralph always kept us stocked up with fish. Sam, however keeps himself busy all the time with chores, said Mrs. Franks. My husband and me have been living in the valley for fifty years. When Mrs. Franks was eighteen years old, she worked at a little sewing shop. That was when she met her husband for the first time. They were married two months later. Mrs. Franks told Dot and Ann, she never would have thought after fifty-two years of wedded bliss, that she was all alone again. It’s hard to imagine loving someone for fifty-two years, with your partner knowing your every move and thought. We see the way Ralph and George hang on your every word when you are talking to them. Sam and Pete, they keep your farm in perfect condition. Them boys would do anything for you, Mrs. Franks. They are good boys. But she was so overjoyed, that the guys didn’t leave her, Mrs. Franks even shed a happy tear. Well we would love to stay longer, but we need to go home, take care of yourself, Mrs. Franks. Dot said.

After arriving home, we had no sooner sat on the couch when the phone rang. Dot answered the phone. Hold on Mr. Jones, I’ll go get Rambo. Dot said. Dot went outside and hollered. Rambo, come get the phone. He came out of the barn and went to the phone. Hello, said Rambo I hated to call, but would you come to my place. There is some wild animal inside my barn, bring your gun, please. Mr. Jones said. I’ll be right there. Rambo replied. What’s going on? Dot asked. Mr. Jones seems to think there’s a wild critter in his barn. Rambo said. Tyler and Jack Stevens, one of our neighboring ranchers drove up in front of the house, as Rambo strides for his Ford pick-up truck carrying his double barrel 12 gauge shotgun. Whoa! What’s up man, with the 12 gauge shotgun? Jack inquired. There’s something tearing Mr. Jones’ barn down. Rambo replied. Tyler go grab your gun, hurry. My gun stays in the truck; brags Jack never leave home without your gun. Tyler hurried back, jumped into the truck. Jack climbed into the back of the truck. What did Mr. Jones say on the phone? Jack asked. He needs our help, come on now. Rambo replied. Upon arriving at Mr. Jones’ house, the guys grabbed their guns and flashlights. Mr. Jones strode out of the house, carrying his gun and flashlight. About that time a creature lets out a very loud crying noise. What is that? Jack asked. Then Rambo, Jack, Tyler and Mr. Jones approached the barn cautiously, then somebody let out a very child-like cry, then hit the back of the door on the back side of the barn, so hard, it fell off. Rambo jumped to the right side and shape-shifted into a five foot tall fell four legs on the ground, he raised up on his hind legs at a height of nine feet tall. With a silver streak going down his muscular back. While Tyler jumped to the left side blasting away with a double barrel shotgun. Just then Jack rushed forward with a 30-06 Mossberg, but before he could a chance to pull the trigger, something heavy and wet hit Jack on his left side. Jack landed on the ground all laid out, not moving a muscle. Mr. Jones jumped forward, the shot off a couple of rounds of buckshot. Rambo in bear form hit the mystery beast in its rib cage, the beast was waist high in height, Rambo and the black creature exchanged blows to each other’s head. The creature fled with Rambo behind it into the woods. The creature vanished into thin air. Rambo snuck around the barn shifted back and put his clothes back on before the other men noticed. Tyler and Mr. Jones were bent down over Jack checking out his wounds. Jack was sore from head to toe, after being hit from that heavy black beast. But he was o.k. Tyler, Rambo, and Mr. Jones took Jack inside the house, took his shirt off to see if he had to go to the doctor’s office. But Jack insisted he was o.k. was that a panther? Jack asked. I don’t think so. Or maybe a bear? Tyler asked. Although without that bears help we could have been hamburger meat. Bears don’t sound like that. Rambo said. Mr. Jones shook his head. Whatever that was, I truly hope to never see or hear that thing again. Mr. Jones said. Jack, did your gun jam up on you, man? Mr. Jones asked. I’m not for sure all I knew was something very fast and heavy, hit me before I knew it. Jack said. It can’t be a bear, because of the animals cry sound, it can’t be a panther it’s too big. There ain’t no telling what that thing was. There is something to be said for this creature. Rambo said. What’s that? Jack asked. It was very huge and mostly black. Tyler said. But why the barn, do you have anything in the barn, Mr. Jones. Jack asked. Mr. Jones skin turned pale, yes, it was a new born calf. Mr. Jones said. Let’s go check on the calf. Wait a minute. Mr. Jones where is your wife and two children? Tyler asked. Oh, I forgot, they’re safe, the wife and kids are in the basement. Let me tell her it’s safe to come out, now. Thanks for reminding me. Mr. Jones said. Ya’ll wait for me on the porch; I’ll be right with you. Mr. Jones said. Poor guy, he is a little shaken up, but Mr. Jones kept his family safe. Rambo said. Tyler strolled right off to the barn, Jack and Rambo behind him. The first sight wasn’t very pretty. The poor new born calf laid still with its legs up in the air. On its head and sides were long shredded up pieces of bloody hide hanging down. The calf’s stomach was slashed open all the way down the middle with a few intestines hanging out and the heart and liver were missing. Since the calf was a new born it didn’t have enough meat to suit the beast’s appetite, so he ate the heart and liver instead, before he was discovered. Mr. Jones walked into the barn. He took a long stare at the dead calf in silence, and replied. It used to be a beautiful calf, now look at the remains. The calf sure is a pitiful sight now, do you want us to Mikel, the game warden to see if he can figure this mess out. Tyler asked. Now how is he going to know? We were here and we still don’t know what kind of critter did that kind of damage. Mr. Jones replied. Sure, why not, Mikel don’t have anything else to do. Jack said. I’m sorry I called you out here just to get hurt. Earnestly. Mr. Jones replied. It is alright, I’m just a little bruised up, that’s all, I will heal, but you on the other hand would have died if you were dumb enough to fight that creature by yourself. Jack said. Call upon us anytime you or your family needs help. Tyler said. Mikel is on his way as we speak right now. Rambo replied. Well in that case I thank each and every one of you, for the help. It’s getting late ya’ll just go home now. Mr. Jones said. All three men jumped back into the truck and drove off. Mr. Jones walked back inside his house, waited on Mikel, the game warden to drive up.

It was getting a little late when Tyler, Jack, and Rambo got back to Rainbow Ranch. Dot walked to the front door of Fay’s house and saw Jack limping a little trying to climb behind his steering wheel. Fay come here, look something has happened. Jack is limping. Dot said. He started his truck up and drove off. Dot and Fay walked outside to the green Ford pick-up to where Rambo and Tyler were talking to each other. What’s wrong with Jack? Dot asked. I guess you could say Mr. Jones’ mystery creature knocked him off his feet. Tyler replied. What mystery creature? Fay inquired. All we