Rebellion

By Lamar Smith

Although he is rescued from poverty, a seven year old boy is unable to cope with those who adopted him. When he grows into manhood, marriage, and fatherhood, he seeks freedom from his marital and parental obligations. His dominant desire is to be completley independant.

Following World War 2 combat, he "escapes" to the Florida Keys. After a half century of promiscuous indulgence throughout Florida, the 84 year old man in 2001 is lonely and utterly dissatisfied.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 17, 2004
• ISBN: 9781465320278

Lamar Smith

LaMar is a Christian who believes we serve a God that loves us unconditionally. A veteran of the US Air Force and current Fire Code Inspector. LaMar believes we must serve others in order to be a service to God. God's knowledge is for everyone, we should spread His message to all we come into contact. We all have a gift God has given each of us, use the gift to honor Him.

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Copyright © 2003 by Lamar Smith.

All rights reserved. No part of this book 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 permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty One

Chapter Thirty Two

Chapter Thirty Three

Chapter Thirty Four

Chapter Thirty Five

Chapter Thirty Six

Chapter Thirty Seven

Chapter Thirty Eight

Chapter Thirty Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty One

Chapter Forty Two

Chapter Forty Three

Chapter Forty Four

Chapter Forty Five

Chapter Forty Six

Chapter Forty Seven

Chapter Forty Eight

Epilogue

THANKS TO MY WIFE, HATTIE FOR HER PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING

Prologue

May 1989

Carol can you answer the phone? I’ve got my hands in the paint out here. Larry knew very well that Carol also had her hands busy with this week’s laundry, but he surmised, I guess she won’t mind. She likes to talk on the phone. Especially when she’s expecting her call from Sarah. It was Sarah’s turn to drive, and they had planned a morning of shopping and lunch.

It’s for you … it’s Susie, Carol soon responded. She said it was very important!.

Did she say what it was about?

Carol knew by the tone of his voice, Larry was very frustrated. The paint would have to be removed from his hands, the brush laid aside, and Susie had picked a lousy time to call … . eight in the morning ! No, Larry, she didn’t say what it’s about, but she seems quite excited.

Well, tell her she will have to wait ‘til I get this darn paint off my hands. And also, Carol, you’d better bring me the cordless phone. If I come into the house with paint on my pants and shoes, I know you’ll get excited, too!

Larry was well prepared for such emergencies. A supply of rags and a can of mineral spirits eased the process, and he kept Susie waiting only a minute or two. Hi Susie. How are things in Florida?

We’re fine, Dad. Did I catch you at a bad time?

Well … . yes, you did. But that’s o.k. I wish you were here. I would let you help me. I’m finally getting around to giving our garage a coat of paint.

Susie knew her Dad was not serious. I’m glad I am not there, Dad. You wouldn’t want my kind of garage painting. But let me tell you why I called. It’s about Jim. You know … . your cousin, Jim Arwood ?

The lengthy moment of silence did not surprise Susie. It had been several years … . at least … . since Jim’s name had entered into the family discussions. Her Dad’s response at the mention of Jim Arwood, showed astonishment and doubt Are you sure? Who have you been talking to?

Actually, I haven’t talked to anybody about this. But I’ve been busy on my computer. Jud and I have that program which let’s us search for a person … . any person, any where in our country. I found only one James Arwood! You won’t believe this, Dad … . he has a Lake Wales address. Susie waited in silence for a response. She knew her Dad would need time … . first, to deal with the shock of suddenly hearing about his cousin, Jim, and then, to accept the idea that anyone could possibly be found on a computer. Also, although she had fond memories of her Uncle Jim, she remembered that her mother and her Dad seldom talked about him.

Finally, her Dad broke the silence. Oh, my gosh! How could this be? … . I just can’t believe it! … . On the computer?

Y’a, Dad, I know! And this may be all wrong. Susie waited again. She hoped she had not chosen the wrong way to bring up the subject, and that, perhaps, it would have been better to write her Dad a letter about it, or, even better, wait until she could tell him in person. I just thought I’d let you know. You’ll be coming back to Florida soon. You can try to locate him then, if you want. Or, you can forget it. O.K.?

Sure, Honey. That’s right. I’m glad you called, but I can’t believe what I’m hearing! The possibility of having contact with Jim is something I haven’t thought of for many years, and I’m glad you called, he assured his daughter. I need time to think about it. O.K.?

Of course, Dad. There’s no hurry. Just let me know what you decide.

Larry was still standing there holding the cordless phone in one hand and his paint rag in the other when Carol came out to satisfy her curiosity. What did Susie want? Is she all right?

Yes, Honey, Susie is just fine! He paused thoughtfully. Do you remember my telling you about my cousin, Jim Arwood? He’s the guy who suddenly disappeared … . leaving his wife and two kids! Susie has this thing on her computer that helps her locate people. She thinks maybe she has found Jim

Really?

Well, she says it’s a possibility!

I remember seeing a TV commercial that said this company … . or, this person … . could find anyone in the country, Carol recalled. Maybe Susie learned how to do this!

"Y’ea, Honey, maybe she did!". Larry began putting away his supplies and making another effort to get the paint off his hands. I could enjoy a ham-and-cheese on rye and a cold beer right now. Could you? Then, he remembered.

But, you and Sarah were going out for lunch and shopping. That’s o.k., Honey. I’ll fix my sandwich. You and Sarah have a good time!

Sarah Miller had been Carol’s close friend and shopping companion forever, it seemed. Especially following the battle Carol’s husband lost to cancer ten years earlier. They had many common interests. They shared the joys of having children, grandchildren, and now, even great grandchildren, and they also shared the deep roots of their families in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. It’s rolling hills and valleys of Amish farms gave a beauty unique to each season of the year.

For Carol and Sarah, it was a good life! Nothing spectacular. But their family activities, church life, and shopping at the Mall in New Philly or a meal at an Amish restaurant in Sugar Creek … . they made life enjoyable at their homes near Port Washington.

For most of his adult life, Larry’s career took place in the area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Due to the illness of his wife, Ethyl, her doctor urged she should resign from her position, and you must get her out of the cold north. They soon retired to Polk County in Florida. Ethyl’s sudden retirement ended with her death a few years later. It was also in Polk County Florida that Carol had frequently visited friends, and it was there that she met Larry. One year later she became Mrs. Larry Johnson.

Larry Johnson’s entry into their ‘picture’ did nothing to interfere with Carol and Sarah’s bond of friendship.

Her friend, Sarah, was waiting in her driveway when Carol drove in and rolled down the window. Have you been waiting long? Sorry! I was delayed somewhat with Larry.

Sarah raised her eyebrows. Oh, yea? Making love in the morning?

Carol responded quickly. "No, no! Nothing like that ! Although it might have been! There was a pause before she responded. Larry got a call from Susie … . Larry’s daughter in Florida. Remember? I told you about our occasional visit with her and her husband in Florida. They live near Mt. Dora. It’s about seventy miles north of Winter Haven".

I can tell … . you’re either surprised or worried about her call. Is Susie all right?

She’s O.K., but she gave Larry a shock, and I know he’s deciding what to do about it. It was a mile over the next hill before Carol reminded Sarah Larry and I will soon be driving down to Winter Haven for the winter. I’m sure he will be thinking about Susie’s call all the way down there!

Does Larry have a problem?, Sarah asked.

No, not really. Larry has a cousin. His name is Jim Arwood. Jim has been missing for a long, long time. In fact, he just disappeared! And his family has not heard from him in all these years. It’s been forty or more years! And this is the big shocker … . Susie’s call was to tell her Dad that she thinks she has found this guy, Larry’s cousin, Jim. She has something on her computer that let’s her locate people … . wherever they are!

Sarah was amazed. Oh, my gosh! That’s unbelievable! Does Larry intend to try finding his cousin?

"I’m not sure, Sarah. Actually, cousin Jim is now a stranger! Maybe he wants to keep it that way. His family has not heard from him since his disappearance … not even his wife and two children".

Larry and Carol were in no hurray to begin their thousand-mile drive to Florida. She was in her mid 70’s and he in his early 80’s. They were enjoying the slow pace of

retirement, and, with Mother’s Day approaching, Carol preferred to remain with her family in Ohio.

It was early, the Monday after Mother’s day, when Larry and Carol headed south on I-77. It was a familiar route. They had driven it several times going to and from Winter Haven, Florida, and they always looked forward to the beauty of the Ohio hills and the mountains of the Virginias and North Carolina. Often there was little or no conversation. There was so much to see! I 77 south from Charleston gives one breath-taking scene after another as it winds through the West Virginia mountains and valleys and passes the coal mining area at Beckley to the Virginia border at Bluefield. From here the route goes through the scenic Appalachian Mountains to Wytheville and through the North Carolina mountains to Charlotte.

This trip was different. They had been on the road on hour, and they were crossing the Ohio River at Marietta. Carol was aware that Susie’s phone call was of deep concern to Larry. When he asked Would you like to hear more about my cousin, Jim?, she was pleased. Of course, I would! But only if you want to tell me. It was Carol’s nature to be tactful and considerate.

I can’t recall what I told you before. Did I tell you that Jim was my adopted cousin?

‘Yes, Larry, you did. But that is about all you have told me".

It’s been such a long time ago when my Aunt Jane and Uncle Boyd adopted him, and for many years I have seldom thought about Jim

Chapter One

December l922

Grand River Avenue was almost covered with light snow, and the strong, gusty wind coming down from Ontario was rapidly turning the snow into drifts. It should have been no surprise. The weather forecast had predicted snow And, with Christmas rapidly approaching, it’s to be expected, he thought. But why did it have to be tonight?

Boyd didn’t mind driving around Detroit in all kinds of weather for his business. It just ‘went with the territory’. When a customer needed a new wiring job, no bad weather would keep the Arwood Brothers Electric Contractors from keeping a promise. The good reputation of Boyd and Harry Arwood had spread far out Grand River beyond the Six and Seven Mile Roads where land developers and contractors were enjoying a booming business. Dynamic Detroit was on the move!

But tonight was special. Jane had reluctantly promised she would get away from her office early, meet him at the shop, and they would have time to see the Red Wings play the Montreal Canadians. Jane hated hockey. She always objected when Boyd suggested it. But tonight she actually agreed! What a surprise! Jane had said she would be at the shop about 5:l5. That would give them time for a quick meal, probably at Charlie’s Steak House, and they would easily make it to the game before ‘square-off’ time.

Boyd had been checking the delivery dates he had received from a supplier of out-let boxes and conduit. Why don’t they ever keep their delivery promises? he argued to himself. His disgust was interrupted by a phone call. That’s Jane. She probably has an excuse for not going, he surmised.

The call was an inquiry from a prospective new customer, and Boyd was glad he had been delayed at the shop. A building contractor had three new homes almost ready for wiring. I heard you were reliable, he informed Boyd. An appointment was made for the following Monday.

It was now after five, and Jane had not arrived. Out on Grand River Avenue the wind and snow had increased to almost blizzard conditions. Street—cars and autos moved slowly. Walking was treacherous. Boyd was watching intently for Jane when he saw a man slip. His cane was not enough to keep him upright. In obvious pain, he was struggling to his feet. Strangely, Boyd suddenly remembered a man he had seen during a snowstorm in France during World War I, and this memory quickly brought back those tough times with the l33rd division. The Armistice Day celebration just a few weeks ago was bigger than ever, but Boyd Arwood did not need a celebration to recall the horror of war.

Suddenly he heard the door of the shop open. Jane was stomping the snow off her boots and brushing her coat. Don’t you think we should skip the damn hockey game?

"No, I don’t think so! Boyd was putting on his over-coat. Come on. Let’s go!"

This is crazy, Boyd. Going out in this snow and wind just to see another one of your dumb hockey games!

"It’s not just another hockey game! It’s the Red Wings and the Canadians! Boyd closed and locked the shop door. Here comes our bus. Come on, hurry!"

Boyd hurried ahead to give the bus driver a signal to stop, and Jane’s frustration turned to a violent outburst as she tried to keep up with him. Damn it, Boyd, go on to your hockey game! I’m going home … in a taxi!

He was about to tell his wife she could go wherever she damn well pleased. Then they saw him. A little boy was poorly dressed and unfit to be out in this kind of weather. He was no more than eight years old. And he was alone!

Boyd spoke first. Are you waiting for someone? Your parents?

No, sir.

Then, what are you doing here? Are you lost?

The boy looked down and gave no answer.

How did you get here?

Some boys brought me here. The little fellow hesitated. Then they ran off without me.

Jane came close to the boy, put her hand under his chin and asked Where do you live?

Somewhere on the other side of the city. He shrugged his shoulder as if to say I don’t know.

Do you know the address where you live?

The boy looked down again and shook his head no.

What is your name? Jane was desperately hoping for an answer.

It came quickly. James.

James what? Do you know your last name?

Hollander.

So, your name is James Hollander?

Yes, mam.

Boyd and Jane’s eyes met with mutual concern. Something must be done! Come with us, Boyd directed. We’ll go inside where it’s warm.

Boyd led the way, and Jane took the boy’s cold, gloveless hand as they fought the wind and snow to the Arwood Brothers door. Boyd quickly took them to the shop office. The boy was still shivering from the cold wind. Boyd picked up a sweater he sometimes wore on the job. Here. Let me put this around you, and as James pulled it closer, Jane asked Wouldn’t you like to go home?

After a long pause, James’ feelings became clear when he reluctantly answered I guess so.

Boyd said cheerfully, I’m sure we can do that for you! Do you know the phone number where you live?

We don’t have one. There was an awkward silence as James stared despondently at the floor.

Jane changed the atmosphere as she suddenly announced I have an idea! There’s some chocolate milk in the icebox, and we can heat it on the hot plate. Maybe James would like some hot chocolate!

The boy’s reaction gave the answer expected. A minute or two later Jane had one of Boyd’s big coffee cups filled with the hot chocolate. Here, she added, I found two donuts for you, too!

The food was devoured hurriedly. Boyd asked How long has it been since you last had something to eat?

There was a pause of uncertainty. Last night.

And what did you eat last night?, Jane asked.

Some corn flakes and milk.

For Boyd and Jane Arwood, it was a reprieve from their hockey-game argument. They had removed their

overcoats, and were pleased with themselves as they watched the boy, James, devour the hot chocolate and donuts. Their serious concern, however, was what can we do to help him?

Jane suddenly had an inspiration. You can’t remember your home address, but I’ll bet you can tell us what school you go to! Her raised eyebrow told Boyd the school records would help them find James’ home.

Boyd quickly killed her enthusiasm. The schools are closed now for the Christmas holidays.

Jane demanded action. "We must do something… . now! It’s a terrible night out there. That kid is hungry … . he’s scared, and … She glared at her husband as if to say What are we going to do?"

Boyd looked thoughtfull at Jane, then at James. Come on. Get yourself ready to go out into the wind and snow again. He quickly found an old mackinaw coat he sometimes wore. Here, James, I know it’s too big for you, but it will keep you warm. Just put it on over the sweater and let it hang! And, turning to Jane