One Foot in Hell

By Russ Stallings

Kelly Broadwick had a problem. He was fighting an enemy he couldnt see because the enemy was inside his head. His enemy was PTSD, and it invaded his sleep and tainted his life in general. To deal with it, he must control his emotions to a point of being callous at times. But sometimes, the dreams are so real he cant tell the difference from reality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543428810

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.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.

Les Brown

(1945-)

As it happens in some years, a light snow was heralding the beginning of winter; even though the calendar didn’t agree. This was what the talking heads of the weather world called an event. But to the children of northern Minnesota this was what they had been waiting for; it meant that hockey season was just around the corner. The boys sat in their school rooms looking out the windows not really paying attention to what the teacher was saying. Their minds were concentrating on what they needed to do to get their hockey gear ready. The girls were trying to concentrate on what the teacher was saying; since most of them could give a flip about hockey.

The air had been crisp for the past few weeks, but not cold enough to freeze the innumerable ponds and lakes where the boys could play their beloved game.

They had watched the great Canadian Geese as they had headed south on their annual migration to warmer climates. Their V-shaped flights and honking could not be ignored. As beautiful as the sight was, most people didn’t take time to pay them any attention, but they looked up anyway. Now with the weathermen predicting snow, the children were excited with anticipation of the time when they could get out on the ice and have some real fun. To the adults, the snow just meant that the heating bills were going up before they should and it was only November.

On small farms the preparations for winter kicked into high gear. This meant snowplows to mount on tractors and pick-up trucks. Checking stockpiles of hay and cattle feed and countless other smaller but equally crucial details made the days long and there seemed that no matter what, there was always some small detail that was forgotten and not discovered until sometime deep in the winter.

At the Tall Timber Cafe, the usual morning crowd was coming and going in what seemed to Angie Jensen an endless procession. She had worked at the cafe ever since she could remember. He father had bought it when she was very young. When he had first bought it, her mother was the waitress and her father was the cook; she would come in from school and sit at one of the back tables and do her homework. As time progressed and she got bigger, she would help by clearing tables and helping her mother bring out larger orders. Her father had always said that people liked their food hot not at room temperature.

Then in her sophomore year of high school, her mother had a heart attack that left her bed-ridden for the remainder of her life. That was when Angie quit school, much to her father’s dismay, and started working at the cafe full time. A few months later her mother passed away from complications of pneumonia. This was a challenging time for both her and her father as they were both grieving, but, the work had to be done and the cafe had to remain open. For many days after the funeral Angie didn’t want to get out of bed, but she knew that she and the café were all her father had to lean on. If the cafe closed for more than just a couple of days the loss in revenue could be catastrophic.

The regular crowd of old men had gathered at their usual table as they did every morning cussing and discussing the politics of the day. When they would get a little too loud she would tell them to calm down and they would always immediately obey because they knew that she would kick them out. The normal drone of conversation was broken by the sound of a motorcycle pulling into the parking lot. Most heads turned to see who it was; as there were very few in the community who rode motorcycles and this one didn’t sound like any that they knew. Besides most people in northern Minnesota knew it was already too cold to ride and the spiting snow didn’t help. The deep throaty rumble told all within earshot that this bike had plenty of power and was proud of it.

The rider pulled into a parking space a short distance from the door, revved the engine a couple of times and shut it down. As he climbed off the bike the restaurant patrons could see that the rider was dressed all in black leather from head to toe and wore a black helmet with a dark tinted face shield. The rider seemed to resemble the specter of death. He stood beside the bike and stretched like he had been on the bike for a long while, then he removed his helmet to reveal a face that spoke of quiet strength. The tight leather of his riding garb rippled as he strode towards the door.

When he entered the cafe, he was very aware that most eyes were on him. This was something Kelly Broadwick was used to, standing a bit over six foot two and weighting in at about 250 pounds he was big but not overly so. He looked around for a place to sit and spotted a table in the back of the room; that was just where he wanted to be. After two tours in Viet Nam he had developed the habit of trying to sit where he could watch not only the door, but all the patrons. The doctors at the V.A. had told him that it was normal for combat veterans to do this and that as time passed he would be able to let go of the paranoia. Kelly just wished the time would hurry up and get here. He was so tired of always being tense around strangers; he was also tired of the nightmares that seemed so real that he would swear that he could feel the bullets striking him. But, he always woke up in a cold sweat and in panic and each time the bullets didn’t touch him.

He moved to the table, removed his jacket and sat down with his back to the wall, as was his habit. Angie watched him as he took his seat. She was struck by the confidence in his manner and yet something just seemed to be missing. He was good looking and from the looks of his bike he wasn’t scraping by like most of the people she knew. Then she realized, it was his eyes, they had that vacant look. Like he had put living on hold for some reason. When he removed his jacket she involuntarily sucked in her breath since she had never seen such a build on any man in the community. Broad shoulders, slim waist, and muscles that threatened to rip the fabric of his shirt. Oh, my god…he’s beautiful she thought. He’s Adonis in person!

She stood staring when she realized he was looking at her too. Angie snapped back to life, grabbed a menu and headed over to his table. All the way she hoped he didn’t notice that she was blushing. She had been at the Tall Timber for almost sixteen years and had rarely blushed. This could be very embarrassing if he did say something about her blushing. If he did say something she thought she would melt through the floor.

Can I get you some coffee? she asked.

Yes, please and what are your specials? he asked.

They’re up on the board over there. She said pointing to the dry erase board mounted above the pie case.

He studied the board for a moment then said, I think I’ll have the timber faller.

…and coffee? she asked.

Yes ma’am, please he said

She smiled at him, Coming right up.

A southern accent, good looking, no ring…oh man I’d like to get to know this one better. If he is half the lover he appears to be…OH MAN! she thought.

As the young waitress walked away Kelly could observe the cute little wiggle of her butt and the pronounced bounce of her breast. "Now that’s some package." he thought as he pictured her riding behind him on the bike. As he watched her work he was struck at the efficiency of her movements, she was proof that practice makes perfect. He watched her as she wiped down a table, observing the pleasing sway of the various parts of her body. "A girl that good looking and with a body like that probably has a boyfriend that kicks locomotives off the tracks just for fun." he thought.

While he waited for his food, Kelly causally looked at the decorations on the walls. They were what you would expect to see in a small mom and pop type cafe; pictures from days’ past, a few small pieces of home-spun art and the little trinkets that make up small memories in peoples’ lives. On one wall behind the cash register he saw the picture of a lady that was surrounded by black crape paper. He assumed that it was someone of importance to the owners of the cafe that had passed away. Seeing the picture made him feel a twinge of guilt, because he had shipped too many of his buddies’ home in a box and he knew that in all those homes there were similar pictures. Sitting there seemingly just staring off into space, the images of his buddies’ drift through his mind and once again he feels the pain of loss and the guilt of having survived. Kelly is snapped out of his reverie when the cute waitress sets his food down on the table.

Here you go. Is there anything else I can get for you? she asked.

A little more coffee if you don’t mind, please. he replied.

Sure, thing coming right up. she said with a bright smile, as she turned to retrieve the coffee pot.

Angie returned a few moments later and began to pour the coffee when the tinkling of the doorbell distracted her. She finished pouring the coffee before looking up to see who had come in. Kelly could tell by the slight downward turn at the corners of her mouth and the sudden hardening of her features that the two men that had entered were not real high on her list of favorite people.

The two men were obviously not favorites of anyone in the cafe since almost all conversation stopped when they came in. Kelly guessed them to be about six foot and tip the scale at about 225 pounds. They were both dressed in canvas coveralls that had plenty of stains. They both looked kind of scruffy and unkempt in general. They were, by appearances, not the type you could put a lot of trust in. They sat down at a table just a short distance from where Kelly sat.

Angie, get me some coffee. the older one barked.

In a second Brad, can’t you see I’m taking care of another customer? Angie said not trying to hide the irritation in her voice.

No, I want it now! he said with more emphasis.

Well you’re just going to have to wait. she replied.

Before anyone could do anything, Brad had grabbed Angie’s arm and snarled, I said now.

Quit Brad you’re hurting me! she cried out. But no one in the café made a move to help her.

Let her go buddy Kelly said in a voice that was pure steel.

Now for the first-time Brad took a real look at the stranger. Inside his head bells were going off that said "Don’t mess with this one." But he dismissed the warnings, after all his family ran this town and what they said goes. The stranger started to get up, moving slowly, never taking his eyes off Brad.

Mister, you better sit back down before you get yourself hurt. Brad said with confidence. This isn’t any of your business.

I just made it my business. Now I said let her go. Kelly’s voice was calm and steely. He spoke in a conversational tone; his Texas drawl obvious.

Brad looked at the stranger in a new light. Then he looked at Angie with nothing but malice in his eyes. He then looked around to the man that had come in with him. A silent signal seemed to pass between the two. By this time, he too had stood up. Brad gave Angie a shove and turned to face the stranger. Angie fell over one of the chairs at an adjacent table and landed on the floor with a thud and a crash as the coffee pot shattered.

My family owns this town and what we say goes. You got that? Brad hissed. How dare some no-account drifter come into his family’s town and challenge his authority.

No, I don’t got that. Just because your family has money doesn’t give you the right to go around bullying people, especially young women. Kelly said.

Around here mister I do what I damn well please and ain’t nobody going to tell me different. Especially some no-account drifter.

At this Kelly smiled and chuckled.

What the hell are you laughing at? Brad screamed.

You.

And just what do you think is so funny about me?

Just that you’re stupid enough to try pushing someone around that you don’t have a clue about. In my book that’s pretty damn funny.

Why you…. Brad never finished speaking because his temper broke and he was swinging at the stranger.

Kelly could see the punch coming and with a quick move caught the man’s hand before he could connect, gave it a twist and heard the bone in the forearm snap. Brad hollowed in pain. Kelly then grabbed Brad by the back of the head and smashed his face into the tabletop. This broke Brad’s nose and knocked him out. Brad just slid to the floor. Out of the corner of his eye Kelly saw the other man start to make a grab for him, he turned and threw a jab to the solar plexus, and this stopped him dead in his tracks. Kelly did a side kick to his knee and everyone heard it snap. The man immediately fell to floor screaming in pain.

Everyone in the cafe just looked at Kelly in pure amazement. They had never seen anyone with such quick reflexes. They were sure that this stranger was about to get the beating of his life. They had all seen it happen before, someone would challenge the authority of Brad and Jared Wilson only to have the two of them gang up on them and beat them to within an inch of their lives. But now the tables had been turned and everyone was in shock. No one moved to help the two men lying on the floor, as a group they didn’t know what the stranger’s reaction would be if they moved.

Kelly looked at Angie, Are you alright? Did he hurt you? Could someone call the police, please? The paramedics too, I think these guys might need them.

Angie shook her head No I’m ok. From the direction of the kitchen a male voice called that the cops were on the way. Thanks Dad Angie called

Here let me help you up. He said as he pulled her to a standing position. In the distance police sirens were growing louder as the cars grew closer. A quiet murmur of conversation had begun mostly about what they had just witnessed. Still no one moved to help the Wilson brothers; to Kelly this spoke volumes about what the locals thought of the two men. It had not entered his mind that maybe the other customers were afraid to move to help them for fear that their moves might be mistaken as an attack.

As Kelly and Angie stood just looking at each other, the door burst open and several cops poured in. They stood looking around trying to figure out why all the tables and chairs were still in order.

We got a report of a fight in here. the largest of the officers said in a confused tone.

Wasn’t much of one, these two… Kelly said pointing at Brad and Jared, started roughing up this young lady here. I told them to quit, but they decided to come after me and I defended myself.

Everyone in the cafe nodded in agreement. The officer turned to Angie and asked if that was what happened. She nodded in the affirmative; then added, Brad threw the first punch and this guy just defended himself. As the big officer was talking to Kelly and Angie, the other officers had been interviewing the other patrons and assessing Brad and Jared’s injuries. The ambulance arrived to take the two men to the hospital.

While the paramedics got the two men ready for transport the officers gathered outside to compare notes on the incident. After the ambulance left the lead officer came back inside and approached Kelly.

Your description of the incident has been confirmed by everyone we talked to. So, you won’t be arrested or ticketed. But if I were you, I’d leave town before they get out of the hospital. Those two men have a nasty habit of getting even with anyone that challenges their right to run rough shod over anyone they feel like. The big officer said.

Well when they do why don’t you guys, as police officers arrest them? Have they got immunity or something? Kelly asked.

Well, you could say that they do because their father owns about three quarters of the county. Any time his boys get into trouble he simply buys their way out of it at the courthouse. Most everyone in the county works for the Wilsons in some form or another; if we go against them we get black-balled and then life gets real rough. I’ve seen it happen, you challenge them and suddenly you’re laid off from your job, the local store keepers won’t sell to you because they’re owned by the Wilsons. The local judges are all in Jackson Wilson’s pocket; they either do things his way or they don’t get re-elected. Do you understand what I’m saying to you? asked the officer.

Yeah, I do. Kelly replied. But I think that’s a pretty poor way for you folks to live. It almost makes you’re slaves to this Wilson family and that isn’t right. If you don’t do what they want they basically run you out of the country.

That pretty much sums it up.

Then why live here? There are other places where you can live like you want to. If that doesn’t work for you, why don’t you band together and fight them? Kelly asked.

Before the officer could answer the front door flew open and a man in his mid-fifties came in, pushing his way towards the big officer.

Where’s this guy that busted up my boys? he said in a loud voice as he strode towards where Kelly and the officer were standing.

He’s right here Mr. Wilson. The officer said.

Have you arrested him yet? Mr. Wilson asked.

No… and I’m not going to. It was a clear case of self-defense and all the witnesses back it up. The officer said.

I don’t care what the witnesses say; I want him arrested for assault. My boys don’t get into fights unless they are pushed into it. Mr. Wilson said in a loud voice.

Mr. Wilson, this is one time when the law trumps what you say. The officer said in a calm tone.

I don’t give a hang about the law, Brown, in this county I am the law and I said arrest him. Mr. Wilson said angrily.

Before Officer Brown answered, Kelly got out his cell phone and was dialing. The other two men just looked at him. Who the hell are you calling, a lawyer? Mr. Wilson asked sarcastically.

That’s exactly who I’m calling. The United States Attorney in St. Paul, I think he would be very interested in how the law works around here. Kelly replied. I’m sure he would want to meet someone who has the power to write his own laws and run a judicial system his way. Maybe he could learn a thing or two.

Now it was Jackson Wilson’s turn to back-peddle. The one thing that he didn’t need was for the feds to start nosing around. He had worked too hard getting into the position of power he now enjoyed.

There is no need to get them involved in this. Perhaps I was a little hasty, Brown, did you say that my boys started this?

Yes sir.

And the witnesses all back that up?

Yes sir.

What’s your name pal? Mr. Wilson asked turning to Kelly.

Kelly Broadwick

Mr. Broadwick, I think I would get out of town if I were you; because we don’t like troublemakers around here. Isn’t that right, Officer Brown?

Officer Brown just stood looking at Jackson Wilson. Getting no response from Brown, to back up his veiled threat Jackson Wilson turned on his heel and stormed out. After the door had slammed shut and everyone saw the big black pickup pull out onto the road a loud mummer of conversation started. From the kitchen, a voice called for Angie to pick up her orders while the food was still hot.

Angie hurried off towards the pickup window to get her orders and get them delivered. Kelly watched her as she efficiently moved about the restaurant delivering the various orders and apologizing for the delays. The apologies were accepted with a kindness born of knowledge of the facts. After she had delivered the last load of plates she came back to Kelly’s table and started to pick up his plates.

Let me get you a fresh breakfast; that one’s gotten cold and besides it isn’t often that we get treated to watching Jackson Wilson back down. She said with a smile. Are you going to be here in town long?

No, I’m going to call a friend of mine and have him bring me my truck and I think I’ll load the bike in the back and drive home.

Where’s home? she asked, hoping that it wasn’t too far away.

Plano Texas he replied with pride dripping from his voice.

If you’re from Texas, what are you doing up here; particularly this time of year and on a motorcycle to boot. She asked.

Well, I just picked the bike up at the factory and thought I’d put some miles on it. I didn’t figure on the weather changing so fast; I thought I had at least another month or so before the snow would fly. Boy, did I screw that one up. He said chuckling. No matter how hard she tried to suppress it, she found herself laughing loudly and quickly discovered that the entire restaurant was watching. She could once again feel the heat in her cheeks and thought, "This must be some kind of record; blushing twice in one day."

How long do you think it will take for your friend to get here with your truck? she asked; after finally succeeding in controlling the laughter.

Oh, I don’t know maybe 3 or 4 days. Depending on the weather and how soon he gets on the road. Kelly replied. By the way, is there a motel here in town that I can stay at while I wait on him?

Well, there’s the Green Door about half a mile down the road. She said after some consideration. It’s clean and some of the hunters stay there during deer season. It’s been around for almost 40 years, but Jake and Millie Baumbaurer, they’re the owners, they keep it up and we haven’t heard any complaints. The heat works in the winter and air conditioning works in the summer. They’ve also got cable T.V. with some decent movie channels.

Suddenly the voice boomed from the kitchen again, Angie, would come and please get these orders out!

Keep your shirt on, I’ll be right there. She shouted back. That’s my Dad; he gets kind of testy when there are orders in the window. I’ll get you a fresh breakfast. She said picking up his plate. Before he could protest that it was fine she was gone.

As he watched her walk away, he once again observed the sway of her hips and the gentle jiggle of the upper portion of her body. He guessed her to be in her mid to late twenties. But he had noticed that her eyes seemed sad and had wisdom born of pain and sorrow. It was a look that he understood very well; because he had seen it in his own eyes. Kelly was all too