The Timberlakes

By Grey Stone

Sometimes an author may write, And the story continues . . . This particular statement is appropriate while describing this novel, The Timberlakes.

The beautiful love story between Clint and Irene continued to burn like an eternal flame. From the deep jungles of Sumatra to the Spanish Trace Ranch in Texas, time and distance would not destroy the love they had for each other.

Even though we were in a world war, the boys out of Chicago would not forget about the money Harvey Timberlake had won in the big poker game one cold Chicago night. They wanted their money backplus Irene or any other woman that might be available!

Our nation and the nations around the world experienced horrors that were unbelievable to mankind.

This story will cover a small portion of the World War II saga in the South Pacific. However, enough is told to help us remember the war, and with Gods grace, guidance, and help, well never let it happen again!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524623913

Grey Stone

BURT NORTHCUTT, a.k.a., Grey Stone, was born in San Angelo, Texas and was taught the 'Cowboy Way' at a very early stage. Life along the Concho River in Tom Green, County, Texas left an indelible impression which would be everlasting. The West Texas plains, New Mexico, Arizona, and California forged a template which helped temper his life style through the years. In addtion, folks he met along the trails assisted in establishing memories of how it used to be! Hopefully, this fictional novel will help others in remembering the old west. SADDLE UP!

Book preview

Prologue

August 1942

And the story continues… . Aboard ship somewhere in the South Pacific, Lt. Clint Timberlake climbed to the top deck and moved along starboard side to the bow of the ship. The weather was favorable with a slight breeze blowing. As the ship’s bow was breaking through the water, it caused bright phosphorus waves to appear. When Clint looked down, he noticed two dolphins racing with the ship. The view was pleasant and the setting would cause one to think all was well with the world. In truth, the world was in turmoil. At exactly 0530 hours Clint and his platoon would be a part of the invasion on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands!

In most cases, life would never be the same and at best it would take years for the scars of war to heal. So it was with Irene Timberlake. She was one of the wives who received notice her husband was MIA. Simply stated, it meant her government did not know whether her husband was dead or alive! It didn’t help matters when her young son, Peyton would cry out for his dad. It was hard for him to understand why his dad was not coming home. So it was with thousands of American families at War!

Chapter One

August 1942 Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

It was 0230 hours when Lt. Timberlake peered over the bow of the ship and saw the dolphins racing with the ship. His thoughts ran rampant, thinking of Irene and Peyton back home. His attention again returned to the dolphins playing. The scene was peaceful and the thought raced across his mind, why war? His thought process led him in several directions. His final conclusion seemed to be, because the greed of man!

At this point in time he thought of the Spanish Trace ranch and what it meant to Irene and the fun times they had together. Line Shack # 3, near Wolf’s Lair was very special. He would like to be home, holding her in his arms but there was a war to be fought. Clint hated killing; yet, he and his country had not drawn first blood. He would kill when necessary!

Clint and his platoon boarded the landing craft at 0530 hours and headed for the landing site. Recon Company was to land on Sector C and join Division Headquarters Company. As the landing craft approached the beach, that’s when it happened!

A Japanese mortar shell exploded on impact, scoring a direct hit on the bow, port side. The explosion was deadly. The landing craft was blown high out of the water, landing upside down in deep water and adrift.

Both Navy and Marine pilots reported the landing craft upside down and afloat, as the swift currents swept it out to sea. All reported the occupants went down with the craft at 1100 hours, August 7, 1942!

Clint and navy seaman, Josh C. Andrews had survived the explosion and found a air pocket underneath the landing craft. The small air pocket was located near the coxswain’s station.

Clint asked, Josh are you okay?

In a faint whisper, Josh replied. Yes, but I’ve got a bad headache.

Josh, we’re drifting out to sea; we’ve got to swim to shore. Can you swim?

Yes sir. I believe I can make it!

With a firm voice, Clint said. Josh, take a deep breath of air. We’ve got about ten feet of water to clear before we reach the surface. Stay close to me. If you get in trouble hold on to me and I’ll tow you in. Let’s move!

The sun had set by the time Clint and Josh reached the beach. It was time to reconnoiter the area in order to determine their position. Suddenly, they heard a small Japanese patrol approaching. They immediately crawled underneath foliage to conceal their bodies. Both Clint and Josh knew they were in deep trouble. If only the landing craft had not drifted so far down shore. It was time to employ all the military training techniques they had been taught. First and foremost to control their breathing and to remain still. One big problem they had was lack of camouflage. Maybe the coming darkness would help conceal their bodies.

As the Japanese patrol drew closer Josh began to breathe heavier as beads of perspiration ran down his forehead and suddenly he felt the scorpion’s sting and he moved. The patrol leader with bayonet fixed ran toward Josh and thrust his bayonet into Josh’s left leg. The fight for survival was on!

Clint managed to put a choke hold on the patrol leader but was overpowered by eight other Japanese soldiers. Clint and Josh were now captives of the Imperial Japanese Army. Soon they would be delivered to the slave ship Kachidoki Maru via the 1-58 Submarine commanded by Mochitsura Hashimoto. Initial destination Kobe, Japan!

Chapter Two

Spanish Trace Ranch, Texas… . .

September, 1942

It had been several months since Irene Timberlake last heard from the War Department. The periodic reports from the government had given her little hope Clint was still alive; yet with each passing day she would pray he would return to her and Peyton.

Over the years Irene and Clint had made many friends like Sheriff McAllister, Will Tanner and Dave Young to mention a few. Dave Young had fallen in love with Irene many years earlier. He’d make sure that Irene and Peyton were protected at all cost.

As the years would come and go Irene continued to pray for her husband’s safe return.

She was still very much in love with Clint Timberlake!

As Irene opened her bedroom windows, she felt the cool fall breeze blowing from the Northwest, and soon the leaves would be turning to shades of red and light yellow. She could not help but remember the fall of the year, the special times she and Clint had shared out at line shack #3, near Wolf’s Lair. She thought if only she could turn back the pages of time and hear Clint’s voice once more. Suddenly, the telephone rang and she came back to the real world. As she picked up the receiver she heard a friendly voice. It was Sheriff McAllister.

Ma’am, this is your local sheriff calling.

Good morning, McAllister. Are you out early this morning arresting lonely ladies.

"Yes ma’am, but not the good looking ones. Irene, the reason I’m calling is I’ve been thinking about what Clint asked me to do. I remember him telling me to help you and Tanner keep those lakes you have on the Spanish Trace in good shape.

Best I recall he wanted me to help you folks catch those big catfish. You know how bad the big ones are about eating the little fellows."

McAllister, how long will it take you to drive out to the ranch?

Well, I need to go by the post office and pick up the mail. I’d say I can be at the ranch in about an hour and a half.

Good, I’ll have Luke saddle the horses and we’ll make a day of it. We’ll take Peyton along. He’s always excited when he knows you’re coming out. Of course, we’ll have to have Mollee trail along since she bosses, Diablo. The horse never gets any rest when she’s around. I do believe the dog feels as though she owns that stallion.

Sounds good to me. Don’t dig worms. I’ll bring some shrimp bait with me, okay?

McAllister, I like the way you fish. I’ll clear you at the gates.

I’m on my way, McAllister replied.

McAllister had more on his mind than just a fishing trip to the Spanish Trace ranch. He had received a telephone call from Mona Hawkins in Chicago. Mona was a friend of Clint’s dad, Harvey Timberlake, the gambler. She was trying to locate Clint.

Clint’s dad had left papers and a bus station key with her for safe keeping. McAllister did not know enough; only that Mona seemed to be one frightened lady. She would not leave her phone number but promised she would call back. McAllister needed to ask Irene about Mona Hawkins!

When McAllister visited the ranch it was always like a family homecoming event.

For some reason it seemed special for Peyton Timberlake, almost three years of age, and growing like a weed longing for a grandfather relationship. Sheriff McAllister certainly fit the image. This time Peyton didn’t wait for McAllister to stop his vehicle as he ran to meet him.

Mr. Mac, Mr. Mac, he called out.

McAllister immediately turned off the car engine and stepped outside his vehicle to share the greeting. Peyton, it’s good to see you. My goodness, you’ve grown since I’ve seen you. Where’s your mom?"

Shading his eyes, Peyton said. She’s out back of the house talking to Luke. He brought our horses up from the stables.

Good, are you ready to catch a big fish?

Sure am. I want to catch a dolphin! The other day we were horseback riding near the lake and Buck showed me where the big fish are. Mr. Mac, Do you think we could catch a dolphin today?

McAllister was not sure how to reply, but he said. Big guy, I don’t know, but let’s give it a try.

Peyton’s young mind was somewhat like a sponge, he was gaining knowledge about ranch life everyday. As the two walked toward the large ranch house, Peyton brought McAllister up to date on what was happening on the ranch. His review included information about new calves, colts, and other ranch animals essential to making a ranch profitable. Within a few short minutes Peyton had given an overview of life on the ranch. McAllister needed to remember to ask Irene about the dolphins!

As the two rounded the southwest corner of the ranch house, they found Irene talking with Luke Bauer. When Irene spotted McAllister she did not hesitate in running to him, while hugging him she delivered a kiss to his right cheek.

Irene, that kiss was worth driving the twenty miles to the ranch.

McAllister, you’ve been away too long. From now on I’m going to kiss you every time I see you. I don’t think your wife Jessie will mind. Will she?

Not at all. Jessie sends her love.

Looking at Luke and extending his right hand, Luke, good to see you. How’s everything going?

Sheriff, I’m doing fine. Thanks for asking. I’ve saddled you a good horse for today. I think you are in luck. The chuck wagon is set up near the lake you’ll be fishing. More luck comes your way. I’ve shown Peyton where the big ones hang out. You might want to keep your eye on this young man, he’ll out fish you if you don’t watch him.

Sometimes the trails on the Spanish Trace Ranch were narrow and Irene and McAllister were riding side by side. Diablo, Irene’s stallion was giving frequent snorts as high spirited animals sometimes do, especially when mares are in the group.

During the ride Peyton and Mollee were trailing ten yards behind. This gave McAllister the opportunity to ask Irene if she had any late report from the war department concerning Clint’s MIA status. Her replay was negative!

Irene, tell me about the dolphin.

Where did you hear that?

McAllister smiling, From your son this morning. He hopes to catch a dolphin today.

Irene started crying. I’m sorry. The last letter we received from Clint, he was aboard ship. It was early morning and he had been near the bow of the ship. He saw a couple of dolphins along side. It appeared they were racing with the ship and he described it as being peaceful and the dolphins were playing. I read the letter to Peyton and to my mom and dad.

McAllister said, I’m sorry. I just needed to know where Peyton had heard the word. I guess I’m just a nosey old man for asking.

Not at all. I appreciate your attention to Peyton. I’m sure Clint would appreciate your interest in watching after Peyton. I still believe Clint will return someday!

Tears came to McAllister’s eyes as he heard her proclaim love for her husband.

As they reined their horses near the chuck wagon, he told Irene about the long distant telephone call he had received from Mona Hawkins. At this point he shared every detail of the phone call he could remember.

Taking off his hat and wiping the perspiration from his brow he asked, Irene, have you received any long distant telephone calls lately which might relate to Clint?

Irene shading her eyes from the glare of the sun, No, I haven’t personally; however about a week ago Luke Bauer answered the phone in my office and it was a long distance call for Clint. Luke said the man’s name was Murphy and he was a friend of Clint’s. After Luke explained Clint was in the Marine Corp, the man asked to speak to me. At that time I was out exercising Diablo. The man said he would call back. I didn’t think much about it. I just felt it was somebody who knew Clint in times past. Why do you ask?

Smiling, McAllister answered, Oh, I just thought maybe a Mona Hawkins may have tried to call your residence directly.

With an inquisitive look, Irene asked, Do you feel she is with this Mr. Murphy?

That’s a possibility. I feel Mona Hawkins has some real problems. It is possible she knew Harvey Timberlake, she may have been a love interest! Anyway she may know something about the missing $126,000. I do know enough about human behavior to know she felt she was in danger! Did Clint ever mention her name to you?

Irene replied. Not that I recall.

McAllister with a serious expression, Tell you what pretty lady. Let’s enjoy the lunch, then I’ll bet I beat you catching fish.

Mister Sheriff, you’re on. Fill your tummy and ready your store bought bait!

The fishing was great, while Peyton enjoyed every minute being with McAllister. Irene won the fishing contest.

Chapter Three

September 1942… . . Aboard the Hell Ship Kachidoki Maru.

The trip to Kobe, Japan aboard the Kachidoki Maru had been hell on earth. Clint and Josh had been placed in hole #1 in the bow of the ship with 110 other prisoners from New Guinea, made up mostly of Australian’s taken prisoner during the battle at Buna, Gona, and Sanananda. Interrogations were tough with frequent beatings, while food was scarce with only rice paddies and water to sustain life. The hole smelled of urine and waste as the death toll mounted. The rough waters northwest of the New Guinea did not help and sea sickness was prevalent throughout the ship.

The Kachidoki Maru flew only the Japanese flag, with no markings indicating she was carrying prisoners of war; consequently on the third day out, she was strafed by two P-40 American aircraft who were supporting the invasion of the Solomon Islands.

The Japanese guards topside continually intimidated the prisoners by throwing slop consisting of human waist, urine and galley water into the hole. It seemed to the prisoners, the guards would spend extra time figuring out ways to employ inhumane treatment to their captives. This type behavior continued for twelve days until the troop ship reached Kobe, Japan. That’s when the situation deteriorated and really got rough!

In Kobe Camp # 31, the interrogation process was stepped up by employing trained officers in applying various techniques. The questioning would last a minimum of six hours, one hour off then the questioning would began again. After six weeks of giving only name and serial number, Clint faced a new officer, Colonel Rakuyo! Rakuyo who knew how to play mind games, some referred to the technique as ‘brain washing’!

The Colonel had the best education Japan had to offer. He held a law degree and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Tokyo.

Rakuyo was a well groomed officer, good mannerisms and you would think he might be a Sunday school teacher the way he handled himself. Since Clint was an officer in the United States Marine Corp, he presented a special challenge to the Colonel. It became obvious to the other Japanese officers that Rakuyo was determined to break Clint’s spirit! The other officers would be delighted to assist!

Clint was beginning to become aggravated after the relentless questioning and the deprivation of sleep. When Captain Okushiri, a Japanese relief officer was brought in to relieve Rakuyo, Clint changed his name to McAllister and gave a new serial number.

The officer did not take a liking to Clint’s gesture. Two Japanese