A Coyote Sunrise

By Russ Stallings

Kelly is forced to deal with the loss of his parents, the loss of a lover at the hands of an old lover, people trying to steal his ranch while trying to adjust back to a world that has tagged him a baby killer. This is the life a Vietnam veteran comes home to.

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Jun 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647534134

Russ Stallings

RUSS STALLINGS is a decorated war veteran deployed in Vietnam with four purple hearts and a bronze star for heroism. He is a published author with a knack for writing that is certain to immense your senses and touch your hearts.

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A Coyote Sunrise

Copyright © 2020 by Russ Stallings. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of URLink Print and Media.

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Published in the United States of America

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020911664

ISBN 978-1-64753-412-7 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64753-414-1 (Hardback)

ISBN 978-1-64753-413-4 (Digital)

04.06.20

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

CHAPTER

1

For good or evil, man is a creative spirit

This produces the queer world we live in,

A world in continuous creation and therefore,

Continuous change and insecurity.

Joyce Cary

(1888-1957)

After a seventeen-hour flight from Japan to Travis Air Force Base in California, Kelly was in no mood to put up with nonsense. He had just finished spending five years in a North Vietnamese prisoner of war prison and another two weeks in a hospital in Japan being examined and debriefed. When they reached Travis A.F.B. all Kelly wanted to do was get a little sleep, climb on a plane and go home. But the army had other ideas.

When he reached the processing center, he was informed that he would have to undergo a complete physical before he could be processed out. The clerk explained that all officers exiting the service were required to take an exit physical and Kelly tried to explain that he had just spent two weeks being evaluated by the doctors in Japan after his release from captivity as a prisoner of war.

The clerk in charge didn’t care he said that there was a procedure that had to be adhered to, he had to have a form signed by a physician. When he began to yell, Kelly was escorted to an area where he could calm down. After a while, another clerk came in and told him the physical exam wouldn’t be necessary. He explained that they weren’t aware of Kelly’s situation. He apologized and said that Kelly would be processed out as quickly as possible. It pleased Kelly that someone finally showed some common sense.

One thing he had learned during his time in the army was that the administrative side didn’t really care about what the fighting side did, they were only interested in making sure that the paperwork was right. To Kelly this was a waste of time. To his way off thinking, paperwork was a pain in the butt that seemed to be necessary for anything he did…. Except getting captured. After answering the same questions to different people several times Kelly was finally told to go to the finance office and pick up his back pay and his travel pay.

When he finally got over to the finance office, he found himself in a line with several other officers who seemed to be waiting for their pay as well. After about half an hour he finally got up to the clerk, the clerk took a quick look through Kelly’s file and then looked at him very strangely.

Sir…. You haven’t been paid in five years? the clerk asked.

That’s correct. Kelly replied.

Why? the clerk asked with a note of skepticism in his voice.

Well…. If you must know, I’ve been a prisoner of war and they didn’t allow the pay officer to come to the prison. Kelly replied sarcastically. Without hesitation the young clerk stood up and saluted him, Kelly came to attention and returned the salute.

Sir…. I will get this processed as quickly as I can. the clerk said excitedly. He then called for another clerk to come over and help him. When he told the other clerk the situation the clerk looked at Kelly with a bit of hero worship in his eyes. Sir, if you’ll have a seat over there, we’ll get right on it. As soon as we have everything ready, we’ll call you to the counter.

Do you know about how long this will take? Kelly asked.

With this much back-log, I would have to say about an hour or so. The clerk replied, Tell you what, sir, why don’t you go and get something to eat, the mess hall serves twenty-four hours a day. We should have it complete by the time you get back. The clerk suggested. Kelly thought for a moment, then realized that he could use something to eat since he hadn’t eaten since the refueling stop in Hawaii.

You know…. that does sound like a good idea. Could you give me directions to the mess hall? Kelly replied in a lighter tone. After the clerk gave him the directions, he set off to find a well-deserved steak dinner.

Kelly found the mess hall after about a two-minute walk straight down the street. To Kelly the sun seemed brighter and the people he passed seemed less impressed that he was a captain. He returned the salutes of the soldiers he passed and thought how strange it felt to be saluting again. For almost six years he hadn’t saluted anyone and now here he was having to do it all over again. He suddenly realized that he didn’t like being saluted because it seemed to bring attention to the fact that he was an officer. He was too used to being a nobody, that was treated like dirt. He assumed that was a product of his being held prisoner.

He entered the mess hall and signed in; he was then directed to the line to order his steak the way he wanted it. After giving his order he picked up a drink and began looking for a place to sit. He finally chooses a table in the back corner where he could have the wall to his back. As he sat watching the room, it occurred to him that this would be the last meal he would be able to take as a soldier. That was a strange feeling, it was elation that he was finally going home and disappointment that no one seemed to care what he had been through. The only one that seemed to care was the clerk over at finance.

Excuse me sir…. Are you Captain Broadwick? a young Sargent asked. Kelly was snapped out of his reverie by the sudden appearance of the soldier.

Yes, Sargent I am. What can I do for you? Kelly replied.

Sir, you’re wanted over at headquarters immediately. the soldier told Kelly.

What for? Kelly asked slightly irritated.

Sir, the major didn’t say. He just asked me to come and find you. the young Sargent replied.

Can it wait until after I eat, I haven’t eaten since I left Japan. Kelly replied irritably.

Yes sir, I think it can. Do you mind if I get a cup of coffee and join you? the young man asked.

No Sargent, I don’t mind. As a matter of fact, while I eat maybe you can fill me in on what’s been happening. I’ve been out of touch for a while. Kelly said.

Well sir, I don’t know what I can tell you, but I’ll do the best I can. He sergeant replied.

First of all, what is your name? Kelly asked.

My friend calls me George. The young Sargent replied.

Well George, what have I missed over the last five years? Kelly asked. George looked at him like ha didn’t understand the question. George, I’ve been a prisoner of war for the last five years and I have no idea what’s been going on.

George looked at Kelly and the light of understanding came into his eyes. Now the question made perfect sense to him. Now I understand the question Captain.

Before Kelly could reply, a server came up with his steak dinner. George excused himself long enough to go and get a cup of coffee. George sat back down and began explaining how the political climate had changed the course of the war. He explained about the demonstrations at the political party conventions and how the military was considered by a lot of people to be the bad guys because of the My Lai massacre.

When Kelly had finished his food, they got up and went over to the headquarters building. They went straight to Major Clayton’s office. Kelly was immediately ushered in. Kelly started to salute, but the major waved it off.

Captain, I have been made aware of your, shall we say, unique situation. I know you want to go home but would you consider giving a class on the Geneva Convention? the major asked.

Kelly thought for a moment then shook his head, Sir I am no longer a member of the army. All I want to do is go home and try to put my life back together.

Well Kelly, I can call you Kelly? Kelly nodded, You have a unique perspective on how it works and how it doesn’t work. I was hoping I could persuade you to give the class to educate some of the men and women that are about to go to Korea. Major Clayton said.

Major…. I totally understand what you’re trying to do but the truth of the matter is that I don’t want to do it. Kelly informed him.

You do realize that I could order you to do it. The major threatened.

Yes sir, you could…. but you won’t because you know I’d go to the inspector general and that wouldn’t look good on your record. Kelly countered. Kelly saw the major’s shoulders slump ever so slightly and he knew that he had won.

Kelly you’re right I won’t. But I thought it would be worth a try. How much more processing out do you have to do? the major asked.

I just have to finish at finance, then pick up my travel orders and I’m headed back to Texas. Kelly replied.

Well, I wish you all the best Captain. The major said as he stood and offered Kelly his hand. Kelly shook it then turned for the door. Before he left, he turned around and saluted the major. The major returned the salute with a grin and a wink.

Kelly walked back out onto the street and looked at the world through different eyes. His conversation with George had been very enlightening. The people seemed to be less caring and more wrapped up in their own little worlds. He mentally compared his impressions before he went to war with what he now thought and found that he really didn’t like people. But since he was one of them, he would try to keep them at a distance. He would try to not let his feelings show, that way they would not be able to use his feelings against him.

During his walk back to the finance building, he caught snippets of the music being played and it sounded strange to him. He didn’t recognize any of the songs. The style was so different from what he had experienced before he left for Viet Nam. There didn’t seem to be a driving beat, but instead a subtle rhythm in the words. But it wasn’t a poetry type of rhythm it seemed to be in the emphasis that was put on various syllables at a regular interval. There seemed to be no guitars but instead full orchestras. He decided he didn’t like the new style of music and would find a radio station that played the type of music he was more accustom to once he got home.

The thought of finally going home brought a smile to his face. He mused about how many of his friends would actually remember who he was. Then there was Doris, he knew that she was married and had a child. But would she still have feelings for him? Why was he worrying about her when she had promised to wait but instead had gone out and married someone else. The thought of that made Kelly angry. Then he thought, ‘the best revenge is to live well’. He decided that was what he was going to do. He would go home, find a good girl, get married and settle down.

But where would he find a girl to marry? Most of the girls hat he had gone to high school with were probably already married or had moved away. He guessed he would figure that one out as he went along. Maybe some of the girls that were in the grades right behind him might still be around. But he also had to consider what was he going to do with the ranch? There was so much running through his head that he walked right passed the finance building he turned around and walked back. Chastising himself for not paying attention.

Kelly walked into the finance office and looked around for the clerk he had first encountered. Not seeing him he approached the front desk. The clerk wearily asked him his name and service number, but before he could get this information out a voice called to him from the back of the room. Kelly looked up and saw the clerk motioning for him to come on back. Kelly pushed through the small bat-wing door and walked back to where the clerk was standing.

Sir, we have a problem. The money owed to you is bigger than we can pay in cash. The clerk said.

Well how are you going to handle it? Kelly inquired patiently. He was aware that it would be a large sum, but how large he wasn’t sure.

Well sir, I have been authorized by our c.o. to give you twenty thousand in cash and then have the treasury send you a check for the rest in about thirty days. The clerk replied.

OK, that’ll cover my travel expenses and living expenses for about a month. I guess that would be alright. By the way, how much will the check be for? Kelly asked, thinking that he would be getting a check for about five thousand dollars.

Sir, you’ll be getting a check for about seventy thousand dollars. The clerk replied. Kelly’s eyes got wide.

Could you repeat that? Did you say seventy thousand dollars? Kelly asked.

Yes sir, that’s what I said. That amount includes your regular pay plus your combat pay, your jump pay, your C.O.L.A. pay, increases for the last five years plus your standard allowances. Is there something wrong? the clerk asked looking worried. All he needed to make this a perfectly dismal day was for this captain to dispute his figures. This had been one of the most difficult pay reimbursements he had ever done, and he worked very hard to get it right.

No, there is nothing wrong, I just didn’t think it would be that much. Kelly replied as he sat down in the chair beside the desk. The clerk breathed a sigh of relief.

OK then, sir. If you’ll sign this form, we’ll get you paid and on your way home. The clerk said cheerfully. Kelly signed the form and the clerk escorted him to the disbursement window. Sir, thank you for what you’ve done. The clerk stepped back and saluted him. Kelly came to attention and returned the salute then offered his hand which the clerk eagerly shook.

The clerk at disbursement counted out Kelly’s money and asked him if he had someplace to put that much cash. Kelly said yes that he would go over and wire the money home through western union. The clerk said that was a good idea. He then asked where the western union was, and the clerk gave him directions. He walked down the street to the western union and sent the money to himself in Plano.

Kelly caught a cab to San Francisco Airport, paid for his flight and started for the gate. As he walked along, he decided that since he had about an hour and a half to wait for his flight, he would stop in the bar and get something to drink. When he sat down at the bar there were two young naval officers setting a short distance away. They exchanged pleasantries after Kelly had placed his order.

Were you in Viet Nam? one of the asked.

Yes sir, I was. I was held prisoner for the last five years and just got back this morning. Kelly replied.

Sir, your drinks are on us. After what you’ve been through it’s the least, we can do to say thank you. the officer closest to Kelly said.

That isn’t necessary gentlemen. Kelly said sheepishly

Oh, but it is Sir, we have been taught that a hero of any branch deserves total recognition. The young officer said. The drinks arrived as Kelly was trying to figure out what to say.

In that case, here’s to you two fine naval officers. Kelly said as he raised his glass and clinked it with his new friends. They sat and chatted for about an hour and then it was time for Kelly to head for his flight. As he got up the two naval officers did the same, they snapped to attention and saluted him. Kelly returned the salute and shook their hands and left.

As he walked to his flight, he thought that maybe George’s analysis of the general public wasn’t exactly right. Maybe there was more good will for the military then he thought. He had not seen the overt distain for the military that George spoke of. Maybe he should let his guard down. Walking along he also noticed that most people paid little or no attention to him as he walked by. When he reached the boarding gate, he was accorded the same cordiality as any other passenger. He boarded the plane and quickly found his seat. After he had settled in and the doors were closed, he discovered that he had the line of seats to himself. He found this curious, as the stewardess passed, he asked her why he was the only one in the row of seats. The stewardess suddenly looked uncomfortable. Then she explained that the other passengers asked not to sit beside him. He asked why. She said they thought that he may go crazy at any moment and they didn’t want to be near him. This was an eye-opening moment. He quietly said he understood, and she said she was sorry, he said not to worry about it.

Kelly sat in his seat and thought that maybe George was right after all. This was quite a shock to him; he had never been exposed to discrimination of any kind and now he was face to face with it. Was this how the world saw Viet Nam veterans, as crazy people that would kill and maim in an instant? That was so far from the truth he couldn’t believe it. Where did the public get this concept? All the guys he knew, all they wanted to do was get back home to their families and live a normal life.

Somewhere in the midst of his musings he fell asleep and was not aware of anything until the same stewardess gently woke him and told him they were on final approach to Love Field. He sat up made sure his seatbelt was fastened and prepared for landing.

CHAPTER

2

"To the man utterly without a sense of belonging,

Mere life is all that matters.

It is the only reality in an eternity of nothingness,

And he clings to it with shameless despair."

Eric Hoffer

(1902-1983)

The plane touched down gently and taxied to the gate. He got up and proceeded to disembark. He noticed that several people stood back away from him as if they feared him. He just passed it off as being their problem not his. As soon as he cleared the boarding ramp, he heard his Uncle George call out There he is! There he is! Suddenly Kelly’s dark mood vanished, and he picked up his pace to meet them. He set down his briefcase and was immediately swarmed by his Uncle George, his Aunt Georgia, Uncle Clyde and his Aunt Claire. Off to the side another person stood, he recognized her and looked at her.

Bonita? Is that really you? What are you doing here? he asked.

Well I didn’t want to miss one of the most important days in the life of Plano. She replied quietly. Then they embraced, and Bonita took it upon herself to kiss him with a kiss that promised more. When they broke the embrace, he looked at her questioningly.

Son, this little girl has managed to put together a whiz-bang welcome home for you. But she made all the politicians promise that there would be no speeches. So, let’s go and collect up your bags and get out of here. Uncle George said.

That sounds like a good idea. Kelly said since he had noticed some of the other passengers that had been on the flight looking at him with distain in their eyes. This was something he couldn’t understand.

As they walked towards the baggage claim area, Bonita moved up beside Kelly and interlocked her fingers in his. Kelly looked down at her and she just arched her eyebrows up and down, then grinned. This brought a smile to Kelly.

After they had gotten Kelly’s duffle bag, they moved out to the parking lot where Uncle George had parked his car. Uncle Clyde had brought his car as well. Bonita had ridden down with Uncle George and Aunt Georgia. The decision was made that they would all meet at the city park where the welcome home was to take place. Kelly commented that after the reception he got on the plane he wasn’t counting on a lot of people showing up. Bonita just smiled.

The trip to Plano was short but very pleasant. Uncle George caught Kelly up with things that had been going on with the ranch and let him know that he would come over every couple of days to help out, until Kelly could handle it by himself. Kelly asked where they had buried his parents. He was told that they had been buried in the family plot next to their parents. He asked what had happened, Uncle George told him that a drunk had gone to sleep behind the wheel and had hit them head on. He told Kelly that they had died instantly but the drunk had lived. This made Kelly very angry, he swore he would get revenge. Aunt Georgia told him not to bother that the State of Texas had taken care of that for him. The driver had been charged with premeditated murder and sentenced to life without parole.

Kelly do you have any civilian clothes? Aunt Georgia asked.

Yeah, I have a couple of shirts and some pants they gave me in Japan. Kelly replied.

That sounds like a shopping trip, Miss Georgia. Bonita said laughing.

Yes, it does! Aunt Georgia replied also laughing.

We can take him down to Cowtown in Ft. Worth. Bonita said excitedly.

Now that sounds like an excellent idea. Then while we’re there, we can go have lunch at Gilley’s. Aunt Georgia replied equally excited.

Kelly, take my advice and don’t fight it. These two are going to get you all dressed up and leave you with no place to go. His uncle chuckled.

Yeah, that sounds like my kind of luck. Kelly answered also chuckling.

In hardly any time at all they were pulling up to the gazebo at the city park, there were a few people around and a banner that said ‘welcome home’ hanging from the rafters. Kelly was not surprised by the sparse turnout, after all George had warned him. When he got out the few people that were there started cheering. Then from somewhere to his left, there came the sound of a band plying the army theme song. He looked just in time to see the high school marching band come around the corner followed by what appeared to be the entire population of Plano.

This took a moment to set in that all these people were here just to welcome him home. He looked at Bonita and started to hug her

Did you set this up? he whispered in her ear.

Yeah, I just wanted to prove to you that we are proud of you. she whispered back.

Thank you. he replied getting choked up. They were soon swarmed by well-wishers and friends alike. In what seemed like only minutes a Texas-sized spread of food had been laid out in the gazebo and around it. The mayor had promised no speeches, so he kept it very short and then invited Kelly to grab the first plate and enjoy the hospitality and love of his neighbors. Kelly climbed the stairs and took the plate the mayor was offering. He stood and looked at all the food, then announced to the crowd that it all looked so good he didn’t know where to start. This brought some laughter and some good-natured ribbing, but he finally started to dig in which brought a cheer from the crowd.

Kelly was followed by his aunts and uncles and then by Bonita, after he had gotten his food the mayor escorted him to a table that had a banner raised behind it that read, ‘Welcome home’. Kelly wasn’t sure where all of this had come from and it sure wasn’t the homecoming he had expected. But he was going to enjoy it for as long as he could. As he ate, many of the guys that had gone to high school with stopped by the table and wished him well. He wasn’t sure where it came from, but someone handed him a beer, this is starting to resemble a real party, he thought to himself.

After most of the food was gone and the line of well-wishers had dissipated, Kelly asked his Uncle George to take him home. Bonita stepped up and said that she would take him home. Uncle George looked at Bonita and then at Kelly, after a moment he grinned and said ‘OK’. The two of them slipped off without anyone noticing, they walked the two blocks to Bonita’s house and got in her car.

Soon they were pulling down the road that lead to Kelly’s boyhood home. The closer they got to the house the more nervous Kelly seemed to become. Bonita couldn’t help but notice that he was becoming increasingly fidgety.

Is there something you want to tell me about? Bonita asked.

No…. why? Kelly replied quietly.

Well, it’s hard not to notice that the closer we get to your house the more nervous you become, and I was wondering why is all. She answered equally quietly as they pulled up in front of the house.

Well for one thing it’s not like I’ve never been here before, but it’s the first time I’ll walk through that door and know that my parents won’t be coming through it after me. Kelly explained, It’s the first time in my life that I haven’t had someone watching my back.

So, what am I…. chopped liver? Bonita asked a bit miffed.

No…. that’s not what I meant. What I meant was that this is the first time I’ve had to face a death that was so close to me and actually effected my life. Kelly tried to explain. When we lost someone in combat it hurt, but they weren’t blood and there was always another body to take their place. We would hear about some of the other teams losing guys and we would say a silent prayer thanking God it wasn’t one of us.

In other words, you’re scared to walk into that house by yourself? she asked.

Yeah…. I think maybe that’s it. I’m scared. But it’s a different kind of scared. It’s not that I’m afraid of what I’ll find…. I’m afraid of what I won’t find. He said.

And what pray tell are you afraid of not finding? Bonita asked in a consolatory tone.

My parents and a future, the fact that I’m truly alone now. Kelly said as he started sobbing. Bonita reached over and cradled his head to her breast and