Rusty Zipper: Seventeenth of the Prairie Preacher Series

By Xlibris US

Elton and Nora Schroeder were looking forward to their trip to the Cayman Islands. It would be the first time the couple had been alone in years. When they checked into the luxurious hotel, there was the promise of a relaxing vacation of renewal and romance. Little did they realize how quickly the shimmering, crystal seas and balmy breezes can become a blackened, raging tempest. They also found that isolated islands can harbor more than hidden fishing spots, but may also harbor treachery and dangers that could change their lives forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499063752

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by P J Hoge.

Library of Congress Control Number:          2014914962

ISBN:          Hardcover           978-1-4990-6374-5

                    Softcover           978-1-4990-6377-6

                    eBook                   978-1-4990-6375-2

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.

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.

Rev. date: 08/20/2014

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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With special thanks to

Mike, Terrie, Dorie and Lisa

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It was a bright beautiful June morning the North Dakota farm, when the family gathered around the station wagon to tell Nora and Elton goodbye. They were leaving for a long planned trip to the Grand Caymans for a week. It would be the first time the couple had been away, alone together. Even though they had been married for years and had a huge family, this was a new adventure for them.

The family was more excited about them leaving than they were. Elton’s surrogate father had died a little over a week before and Elton thought he should stay. But since the tickets had been set for months, and were a gift, it would have been difficult to cancel.

Besides, Grandma wanted them to go. Lloyd wouldn’t have wanted you to hang around here and look at me! My goodness, I have all these young folks to watch over me. We’ll be just fine. Then she giggled, with her bright blue eyes sparkling, You’re just afraid you’re going to miss something!

Not really, Elton got a serious look on his face, I just know what this outfit is capable of when someone doesn’t keep a short rein on them!

They have me, Carl Kincaid, the gift-giver, blustered.

He was a neighbor and dear friend from across the road. He was retired FBI and had even lived for a time at the farm with Schroeders. That was why he and his family gave them such a nice gift. Carl assured him that he would keep an eye on things.

Yea Gads! Elton glared at him and crossed his eyes, That doesn’t make me feel one bit better! You are worse than they are!

Oh Dad, Elton’s son Andy spouted, Just go, already! We have more folks here than you can shake a stick at! I think you don’t know how to have fun.

I know how to have fun, Elton grumped. I used to do it all the time.

Fifty-eight-year old Nora, a gentle and gracious lady, took her husband’s arm, Let’s go, honey. She smiled, We’ll show them!

Yah, the sixty-five year old Elton opened the car door for his wife, We may just enjoy it so much, we won’t be back.

Kitten, their youngest adopted daughter who was just four, opened her eyes very wide, Aren’t you coming to our house anymore?

Elton picked the little girl up and gave her a hug, Of course, I was just being windy. I will always come back for my little Kitten.

Kitten not like windy. She hugged him, Come home with Missus. Promise?

Cross my heart, Elton kissed her cheek. Will you keep an eye on Grandma?

She nodded, Kitten watch Grandma.

After another round of hugs and kisses, they got in the station wagon with another of their sons at the wheel. Kevin grinned as he looked at his parents, I hope you are ready to go because we are running behind! We still have an hour’s drive to the airport. I didn’t fuss as much when I was sent overseas.

Yes, you did! Elton grumped. I was there. I remember.

Kevin winked at his Mom, When you two get home, you might consider taking a trip on your own to recuperate after being alone with him for a week!

Watch it! Elton growled at his son. You are treading on thin ice!

Kevin chuckled at his joke, I’m so worried.

They boarded the plane for the flight to Minneapolis. From there, they would fly to Miami and then on to George Town, on the Grand Caymans. It would take most of the day with layovers and time changes. They would arrive in George Town that evening.

We will probably have a late dinner, Elton pointed out. The man was only about five-seven with a slight build, but never missed a meal, if possible. I hate to eat before going straight to bed. The food sits in my stomach like a rock.

His auburn-haired wife looked at him and laughed, You have got to be kidding! You eat a huge dessert every night before you go to bed!

I know, Elton nodded, oblivious to the point, And it sits like a rock in my stomach.

Nora crossed her brown eyes, You goof ball! I think the kids are right. You just want to grumble.

He gave her a sheepish grin, Yah, I guess I do. I should be happy to finally get time alone with my girl. When is the last time we were alone together?

Try never, unless you count driving to Bismarck or some such thing. I almost feel nervous.

He got a flash of worry across his face, Really? Nervous about what? Don’t you think you want to be with me?

For heaven’s sake! We’ve been married since 1956! That’s sixteen years! My goodness, we have about a dozen kids, not counting their spouses and the grandkids. We have been through everything from death and disaster to good times! It would be rather silly to be nervous about being with you now. Nora said, Although, maybe I should be.

Elton looked at the beautiful woman who had chosen to live her life with him, I couldn’t stand it if you ever left me. I know I never say it, but you are everything to me.

She took his hand, I know, but you do tell me. You are everything to me, too. Although sometimes I wonder why we keep taking kids into our family! We just seem to absorb them.

I know, but which ones would we do without? Elton asked, None of them. Unless you count Carl!

Carl Kincaid is not a kid! He is a good friend. Why do you two squabble all the time?

Because he’s such a wind bag! He thinks he knows everything.

Nora laughed, Sounds like someone else I know.

I’m not like him. I’m more sensible.

I know, dear, Nora patted his arm. Looks like the stewardess is bringing coffee.

The couple had a long day, but did enjoy each other’s company. They always did. Even when they disagreed and were upset with each other, neither ever doubted their decision to marry and neither ever considered parting. They had a good, strong marriage based on faith, love and lots of forgiveness. Their family and friends all thought of them as the ideal of what marriage should be.

It was hard to believe that Elton had been married twice before he went into the Army. He was divorced the second time before he was twenty and remained a rowdy bachelor until he met Nora when he was almost fifty. Elton did an about-face and decided to become someone Nora could respect. Nora was a widow with four children, although two were her brothers. He and Nora married and adopted them all and that was the beginning of their family.

Over the next years, although they never had any children together, they brought more into the family, some young, some old. None of them ever doubted that they were beneficiaries of the strong bond that Elton and Nora shared.

The couple slept a lot of the way from Minneapolis to Miami. By the time they boarded in Miami, they were both tired of traveling. I’m certainly glad this is the last leg of the trip. I’ve about had it. Nora stated, If I hear that schpiel about fastening my seatbelt again, I may have to use my flotation device when I bale out at 30,000 feet!

I know, huh? Can you imagine having to say that over and over again to folks who are paying no attention? What do you bet, if the oxygen masks dropped, they would have to repeat it all again?

Most likely. Sort of like telling the kids to close the screen door when they come in the house.

Yah. Do you think they got the chores done on time tonight? Elton worried.

No. They won’t milk the cows again until you come home! Nora frowned, You dumbbell! Almost anyone of those kids could do it blindfolded.

I know, but I worry.

That’s why you turned so gray.

I’m not any grayer now than when we met, Elton said.

Oh, I forgot you were always salt and pepper. She giggled, I just thought there was more pepper back then.

You want pepper? You’ll see how peppery I can be!

Nora laughed softly, Yes, dear.

At the airport, they were met by the brightly painted shuttle bus, which took them and their bags to the Conch Shell Hotel. It was a beautiful light pink stucco hotel, with white colonial trim. It was very high-end and they were treated like VIPs.

This vacation was a thank you gift from Kincaids and the Harringtons. Nora and Elton had helped them through a tragic summer, offering them a home and health care while they recuperated. So, the three couples went together and got them an all-expense paid week-long vacation. Nora and Elton felt it was unnecessary, but the Kincaid-Harrington family insisted. So, here they were in the Grand Cayman Islands, checking into a luxury room that overlooked the white sand beach.

Nora gasped, This room is gorgeous and look at that huge balcony!

The couple went out onto the balcony where there was a coffee table and two chairs which overlooked the hotel’s manicured grounds with the street and beach in the background. Then was the Caribbean Sea. There was a balmy, fragrant breeze.

This is really fantastic! Nora hugged her husband.

While the couple unpacked their things, they opened the sliding balcony door and the breeze gently moved the sheer white curtains into the room. Outside was the sound of calypso music from a dance near the hotel pool. When Nora finished hanging their clothes and Elton put the bags into the closet, he took his wife in his arms.

This is very romantic, isn’t it? I have to say, Carl did himself proud. Elton kissed her neck, Want to change before we get something to eat?

Nora shook her head, How did we go from romantic to getting something to eat so fast?

Hey, if you want Paul Newman, you better look elsewhere! Elton kissed her again, Although, I may be convinced to be romantic before we go eat.

Never mind. How about we get a bite to eat before we cash in for the night?

Elton laughed, You’re hungry, too, aren’t you?

Yes, even though fed us on the plane, it isn’t quite the same as real food. What kind of cuisine do you think they have here? I’m not feeling very adventurous tonight, so I might be happy with something very ordinary.

Me, too. I imagine they have dessert here, too, huh?

Yes, Elton. They will have dessert.

2-

The couple was used to getting up between five and five-thirty every morning on the farm. There was a time change, so it was an hour later, but they also had slept in. It was almost eight local time when Elton jolted upright in bed, Where are we?

Nora giggled as she turned over, In George Town on the Grand Caymans. Remember? There are no chores, no responsibilities and—

Elton finished her sentence, "No coffee!

He looked around and got his bearings. Then he smiled and moved to give his wife a loving kiss. I suppose I could order room service coffee and just stay in bed with you all day.

Nora laughed softy, I know you! Not without your coffee!

Elton chuckled, No, but remember I only drink the coffee for you. I’m less than pleasant without coffee!

You always make great sacrifices for me, Nora teased. I’m so lucky.

They cuddled and necked a bit before Elton asked, Think the chores went okay at home this morning?

Nora shook her head and brushed him back, Okay, Don Juan. I’m getting up. Why don’t you call home? I promised the kids I’d let them know if we made it okay anyway.

Elton bounced out of bed with a grin, You are a good wife!

Nora slowly threw the covers back, Oh spare me.

The phone only rang a couple times before Kathleen answered with a laugh, We were talking about you! Actually, we have a bet on how long you would last before you checked on us!

Cute, Elton grumped. I have to keep an eye on my property, considering the bunch I left in charge. How are things going?

Great, Kathleen replied. Grandma, Kitten and Clancy are over at Kincaids. They are plotting some grand dinner for us all. Gilda is there and the little kids’ friends. I just put away our coffee break dishes. The boys are all out and about. Clarence is working over at Darrell’s and CJ and Kid are cleaning out the rabbit hutch. Little Charlie is over helping them. Then they are going up to check on the auto paint shop. The crew is supposed to put up the walls today. Kid is very excited. Andy and Jackson are working at their repair shop and everything is calm around here. It’s almost spooky.

Elton nodded, I know. See, you will develop a nervous twitch when things are too quiet. How’s the weather?

Great and the boys are going to start haying tomorrow. They wanted to let the moisture dry some before they start mowing. How is the weather there?

Gorgeous. It is warm with a balmy breeze. This little island is only about 22 miles long and 8 miles wide and flat as a pancake! Don’t imagine it would take too much wind to cause havoc. Well, tell everyone we are fine and that we called to let you know we arrived.

Or I can tell them the truth….. that it has been bugging you to death with worry about what we’ve done to the place in twenty-four hours. By the way, I think Kevin won the bet.

I don’t know why I talk to any of you, Elton grumbled. Here’s Mom.

Nora took the phone, Don’t mind him, he hasn’t had his coffee yet!

He hasn’t? My word! That must be a record! Kathleen giggled.

I know, Nora laughed, We had a sandwich last night when we got settled in our rooms and a cup of coffee. My goodness, that was the strongest coffee I’ve ever drank! I think it was even strong for the Elton Bird, and you know how he loves his coffee. We diluted it with half cream and sugar, but it was still strong. We will have to get used to it. Oh Kathleen, it is so beautiful here. The beaches are white sand the water is like glass. I have never seen anything so beautiful! I never imagined it would be so wonderful.

What are you going to do today?

We haven’t decided. I think we will probably walk around and see some sights. Then we might get some more ideas. There is a lot of snorkeling and scuba diving here and I can see why. I won’t be able to do some of it because of my missing arm muscle, but Elton can.

That’s too bad. I bet it would be interesting.

I saw an ad for a glass-bottomed boat. Maybe I will do that. Nora suggested. The forecast is for great weather the first part of the week, but then stormy for a day or so. How is Grandma doing?

She is fine. You know she is a very grounded person and doesn’t let a lot throw her. She and I were talking yesterday and she spoke about Lloyd’s death. She said she knew it was coming and in a way, was grateful that he went fast. It may not have been a good way to go, but he didn’t linger. For that, she is thankful. Nora, does she ever get down?

Nora said thoughtfully, Yes, rarely, but never for very long. She has a great appreciation for the good she’s enjoyed, and holds on to that. I don’t know about you, but I tend to forget that most the time. I can list off everything that I don’t have, but not what I do.

Me, too, Kathleen agreed. Like I was feeling so sorry for myself about the car accident and then not being able to get back to work within the six months so they could hold my job. But look, I got to know Jeff better than I ever would have and Dr. Samuels offered me a great job in his office. Had the accident not happened, things wouldn’t have been nearly as well!

Well, maybe one broken leg would have done it. Don’t think you needed to smash your pelvis and both legs!

That was just for good measure! Kathleen teased. And now that Pepper is here, she is giving me physical therapy all the time. I will have to learn to walk again quickly just to escape her. I know now why everyone says she’s small but mighty! Mighty mean, I think.

I know. She can bring her brothers to tears. Poor girl, always had to fight to hold her own with those three bigger boys. Speaking of which, how is Miss Puffer?

Clarissa is fine. She is over at Maddie Lynn’s this morning. They are decorating the tree house with curtains or something. Her mom is helping them and her dad took Clark fishing so that he wouldn’t have a fit. It sounded like there were great plans afloat.

Well, you guys take care and have a good time. I’d better get some breakfast into this old boy, or pay the consequences. Give everyone my love. Bye.

The two wandered down through the lobby to the patio café. It was very Victorian and placed in a tropical garden. The wrought iron chairs and tables were sitting on tile stones amongst the plants and orchids. It was fabulous. They had real cloth table linens, fine china and coffee from a silver service … and this was for breakfast. Nora smiled at her husband, I wonder how long it would take me to get used to this?

He winked, Not long, I suspect. But I would have to go buy me a coffee pot and make some of my weaker coffee. They must use a pound of beans per cup.

The tall, lanky waiter overheard and said politely in his proper British accent tinged with Caymanian dialect, If I may make a suggestion, sir?

Yes? Elton turned to the man with a smile, What would that be?

I see that you take cream and sugar in your coffee. You might want to try our specialty. It is a caramel-coconut flavor. Our coffees are strong because they are meant to be taken with cream. Most Americans drink their black.

We do at home, Elton agreed. Although I like it both ways. How about your tea? Is that weaker?

The man smiled broadly, Not at all. Very strong and meant to be drank with milk and sugar.

The couple both chuckled and Nora said, I will have to try that later.

I will try some of that caramel-coconut coffee, now. May I ask is there a place on the island where we could get some weak coffee?

Yes, I might suggest the Bay Market. They sell Folgers and Butternut brands. Then you can use the coffee maker in your room. A lot of guests do that. The finely attired waiter brushed the croissant crumbs off the table into his hand, I’m not supposed to tell you that, so I didn’t. Okay?

Okay. Elton held out his hand to shake it, but the man’s hands were full. Elton smiled, My name is Elton and this is my wife, Nora. We will be here for the week.

My name is Adrian. I work over the breakfast and luncheon times. If you need anything, just ask for me. I would be obliged to serve you any way I can.

Thank you, Adrian. Nora smiled, It is nice to know we have someone who will give us good advice.

My pleasure, Ma’am.

The man nodded and left the table to get the coffee for Elton. The couple watched him as he gracefully and adeptly refilled the coffee service and brought the service back to the table. He set it down with a grin, I brought you a clean cup so you may try it.

After Elton tasted it, he was hooked. That does it! I’m selling the farm and moving down here. I love this!

Adrian’s dark eyes gleamed with pleasure, I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Where is your farm located?

In the middle of North Dakota.

Oh my, I’ve heard about the weather. What are those snow storms called again? Something like buzzards.

Blizzards.

I saw a film about one once. It took me two weeks to warm up! I can’t imagine! I don’t even own a heavy coat.

Well, if you were up there, you would.

Nora asked, What would you suggest that we do today so we can make our plans for the rest of the week?

There is a bus tour morning and afternoon from the hotel. It gives you a drive-around of the whole island. There are many things to do, but you must decide what suits you. You can always just sit on the beach and let the waves cleanse your soul.

Sounds nice, but my soul would get antsy after about an hour, Elton said.

Many folks from the mainland feel that way. An islander can walk from one end of this place to another in a day, so feels no compunction to rush. We will always end up on the shore.

I think relaxing is good for everyone from time to time. Nora said, Maybe you could advise me. I had a serious injury about fifteen years ago and lost most of the muscle on my one arm, so I don’t swim. Is there some way I can snorkel or maybe find a glass-bottomed boat?

Sorry to hear of your injury. I do not know if you can snorkel, but I would suggest you only go out with a licensed person, if you do. Same with the glass-bottomed boat. I will bring a brochure for you, if you wish.

That would be wonderful.

A few minutes later, the man returned with a brochure. He pointed out the tiny symbol to look for. If the tour agency has this symbol, it is licensed. The equipment would be safe and the workers reputable. Only use one of these companies. Others may be okay, but this helps you know who to trust.

Elton looked over the small government seal, Thank you, very much. That was thoughtful of you.

Not difficult, I try to care for my good customers, he grinned. Have a nice day, North Dakota farmers. I hope I see you again.

We will try to make it a point. Thank you, Adrian, Nora said. You have a fine day.

And yourself, Ma’am.

On their way back through the lobby, they signed up for the tour bus ride. They had enough time to go to their room, change into good walking shoes and leisurely make it back to the front of the hotel to meet the brightly decorated bus.

As the eighteen-seat bus, with hot pink seats, pulled up in front, Elton chuckled. I can’t imagine what Clarissa would say about this.

Nora laughed, I can! All she would need is sparkles and it would be the mostest, bestest in the whole wide world!

The tour was fun, mostly due to the crazy tour guide. She was a chubby, good-natured lady named Genevieve. She told anecdotes and bits of history about all the sites on the island. She gave good advice and sensible tips on how to best enjoy the Caymans. If you be from the North land, don’t forget the sun is closer to the earth here. Your skin will bubble like bacon under a broiler if you aren’t careful. I am telling you the true facts on the matter. As black as I am, I have burned so that my skin purpled and peeled. Your paper white skin would buckle in an hour. Mind you, even if you are swimming and snorkeling. The water works like a magnifier and cooks your tender hide to well-done even faster. Keep applying sunscreen. Or you will be spending the rest of your trip sitting in a tub of ice water, begging for more rum. So, you all mind ole Genevieve!

Everyone on the bus giggled and then frantically went through their bags to find their sun lotion! Within minutes, the whole group was unapologetically greased up in coconut-smelling lotion. Genevieve laughed, It always happens! But don’t be forgetting.

Several passengers shouted back, We won’t.

She showed drove them through Bodden Town, the East End, the North Side and the West Bay. They drove past an orchid garden, Stingray City, the habitat of the Blue Iguanas, the Turtle Farm, the Wreck of the Ten Sail and various local historic sites. They ended back at Seven Mile Beach, the crescent shaped white sand beach that was the home to most of the tourist activities. They saw so many things, they were almost dizzy.

When she pulled up in front of the hotel again, she said, There is much to do, but mostly, don’t forget to be happy. Don’t want to run around this island and wear yourself out. Take time to just let the sea wash away the world. Then your visit will be worthwhile.

As they disembarked the bus, Genevieve handed them each a couple brochures that explained in more detail of the activities available, how to sign up and what the hotel offered. Elton and Nora took the things with them to their room and then sat on the balcony to look them all over. There were a few things they definitely wanted to see; for instance, the Blue Iguanas. Neither of them ever even thought about an iguana in their lives before, but felt that since they were endangered, they