Rats in a Sleeping Bag

By P J Hoge

The entire group of friends in North Dakota were looking forward to the promised visit of their Caymanian friends. Schroeders had promised the teenaged boys, who were instrumental in saving their lives on the island, that they would have a great trail ride and campout on the prairies with cowboys and Indians.

The solo pilot, Crandall, who lived on the Caymans, had befriended the Schroeders and had invited some of his own guests to the campout. No one knew, including the staff he invited, the reason for the invitation, but they thought it would be fun.

On the way to the Dakotas, the plane was also stopping in New Orleans to pick up Father Landers twin brother and his kids. The two men had been separated as babies and were now going to become acquainted.

They were all looking forward to a fun adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984543769

P J Hoge

P J Hoge grew up in Washington state and North Dakota. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, P J worked as a Cytotechnologist for many years. PJs family farmed in central North Dakota until the mid-1980s, when they relocated to Nevada, where she still resides. PJ is the author of the Prairie Preacher series.

Book preview

1

Late in July of 1972, the aircraft landed on the lonely airport in the tiny hamlet of Garrison, North Dakota. It taxied up the short runway to the one hangar. It was a private airport not far from Lake Sakkakawea, the waters backed up by the Garrison Dam. The plane was a Crandair charter, owned by an expatriate, Crandall. He made his home, such as it was, on the Grand Cayman Islands. Since he traveled constantly, he was rarely there.

Crandall was in his early forties and definitely faced life solo. He rarely talked and when he did, it was not about personal things. He had always been a bit of a rounder when it came to the ladies. Except for once, he had avoided any permanent relationship. Even that relationship ended when the lady left him. He had grown up in orphanages, foster homes, and juvenile detention. Then he joined the military and became a pilot. There in the sky, he found a restless peace.

He was however extremely loyal to a handful of folks and had several that he could party with if he was buying, but for the most part, was a loner. In June, he met some clients, Elton and Nora Schroeder, from North Dakota. Nora had been injured while they were vacationing on the Cayman Islands. Because of her neck and back brace, she couldn’t fly commercial easily. He was hired to fly them back to their home on the prairies. As things transpired, he stayed at their home for a short time until a storm front passed through.

Against his will and better judgment, he became friends with these people. He was now considered part of the family. Even though he hated to admit it, it meant more to him than he had ever imagined anything could. He couldn’t believe that he had a family of his own, even though it wasn’t biologically his. He had found a part of himself he had never known before.

As of late, Crandall was in North Dakota as much as he was at his base. His small operation kept him busy flying business and recreational customers all over the map. He had twelve planes of various sizes and several pilots, whose home base was in George Town on the Caymans. The hangar and repair shop were managed by his Girl Friday.

This lady, who had just turned thirty, kept track of the staff, planes, and the books from the tiny office. Amanda Carlene Devante was a local island girl with a mixed heritage. She was English, Scottish, French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Inca Indian, Haitian, and Japanese! She was medium height and had a good figure, dusty green eyes, thick dark brown hair with a slight natural curl and a lightly tanned complexion. She was very pretty, but never bothered to ‘dress’ for work. Since she rarely saw the public, it didn’t matter. Her office was much like a back of a shop. It was definitely a man’s world. Her only insistence was that she had at least one fresh flower in a vase on her desk every day! Most of the time, she brought it from home herself. Other than that, she didn’t fuss.

Friday handled all the books and business for the charter service. She arranged all the pilot’s necessities for their trips, customer pickups, reservations, and refueling. She was virtually unflappable. She had few rules. She rarely dated anyone and never a pilot. She was certain Crandall was an excellent pilot, but thought he was incapable of figuring anything out without her assistance. He was one of her few friends, but they didn’t hang out or party together.

The pilots and mechanics called her Friday, and felt free to contact her day or night. When anything rattled their little plans, they would call her and have her take care of it. Sometimes she wondered if those men even knew what her real name was, or that she had one.

Friday had started working there while still in high school. Back in those days, Crandair consisted of one small plane. After graduation, she continued working there, throughout the growth of the business, learned its ins and outs as did Crandall.

She married her high school sweetheart when she was not yet twenty. Crandall attended the wedding. When the young man died a few years later in an accident on an oilrig, Crandall was one of his pallbearers. Friday was expecting when he died and already had a little girl, Arianna, who was just one. When the little boy was born seven months later, he was named Gabriel after his father.

The reclusive loner, Crandall, without a word, not only raised her salary, but built two rooms with a bathroom in the back of the hangar. He set up one room like a kid’s room with a crib, bassinet, and playpen. When Friday praised him for his thoughtfulness, he brushed it off. Don’t want you missing work because of the Rugrats.

Friday’s children were now ten and nine. On rare occasions, Crandall had taken her family on short flights to other islands, but none of the Devantes had ever seen a real continent.

Since Crandall recently came in the fold of the Engelmann Clan, the close-knit group of folks in North Dakota of which the Schroeders were a part, he had changed. He was spending a lot of time up north with them. He was still a loner, but slowly beginning to open up. He now even talked in sentences longer than a monosyllable. He actually talked about the clan a lot, which was a very rare thing for him to do.

Friday’s children were there when he was telling Friday about this upcoming trip. He was going to fly to Montana to pick up a family and fly them to North Dakota. The Boyds, their son and his friend wanted to go on a trail ride and sleep out under the stars on the prairie…and meet some real cowboys and Indians! They would be there about a week and then return to the Caymans.

Ten-year old Gabe Devante had never asked Crandall for anything in his life, but the look on his face said it all. Crandall studied the kid a minute and then turned to Friday in a gruff manner, I think you are about due for a vacation. When was your last one?

Never, she laughed softly.

Good. Don’t want you to form a habit. Crandall answered with a scowl, Pack up the Ruggies and you come along. We’re leaving Friday morning, early. I want you to see Garrison anyway. I might expand up that way, since I go in and out of there a lot.

All the time, she smiled, mischievously. I’m anxious to meet the lady.

You’ll be disappointed if you’re sniffing around for some torrid romance. There are some fine women up there, but not what you are thinking, Crandall growled.

Friday grimaced, Sorry. I was just…

I know what you think. That’s another reason I’m dragging you up there.. to get your mind out of the gutter! So, pack up the Rats and get on the plane, unless the Rats don’t want to go.

The kids did want to go, although Arianna was less excited about it than Gabe, who was now bouncing from one foot to the other. Friday glanced at her kids and smiled, Okay. Where will we stay? I’ll call and make reservations.

Don’t worry about it. Got it covered. Crandall groaned. Call that Sienna girl to cover for you. You got work to do, so get moving! You only have today and tomorrow. Be warned, I’m not waiting around for you!

Consequently when the plane landed in Garrison on the shores of Lake Sakkakawea, besides the Tim and Kylee Boyd, their son, Gordon, and Winchester Foccule were Friday and the Ruggies, and also two passengers returning to the Caymans from Moose Jaw, Canada, Dave and Hayley Pennington. Since it was a bigger plane, Crandall had another pilot accompany him. His name was Vance Edmonds. There were three cars there to meet them.

In his mid-sixties, Elton Schroeder, the patriarch of the Schroeder family, and his two-year old adopted son, Clancy Grey Hawk, were among them. Clancy idolized Crandall and called him Creekow! Those two had somehow become a team. The crazy little kid and the gruff loner had a peculiar relationship. Apparently, Clancy, known as High Pockets, felt he was in charge of Crandall’s behavior, including if he closed his eyes when he said grace. Crandall thought the kid was a pain in the neck and in need of his expert training to overcome his ‘twerpness’. There was no denying by anyone their kinship, except by the two of them. Most others just rolled their eyes and let them have at it.

Elton and Clancy nearly always met Crandall when he landed in Garrison. The two other cars were driven by Elton’s sons, since Crandall had called and told the Schroeders of his plans.

2

The passengers all loaded into the cars with their baggage, and headed out in convoy. Even though it was late, it was still daylight. That had afforded the passengers a chance to get a good look at the rolling, treeless prairies. Gabe and Arianna were amazed there were no trees, but Vance explained that was the way it was on the Great Plains. That is one of the reasons that it is wheat country and pasture for livestock.

I didn’t see any buffalo or deer, Gabe said. They were in the book that I read about here. All I see is cows. I don’t even see horses.

There are a lot of deer and antelope, but the buffalo are protected now and most live in National Parks. There are several horses, but you just haven’t seen them. Vance assured the boy.

How do you know that stuff? Did you read a book? Gabe asked.

No, I used to live in Nebraska. It is much like this.

I thought you lived by the ocean like us, Arianna said.

I do now. I moved down to the Caymans when I started working for Crandall.

How did you meet him?

I had just got out of the Air Force and met him in a bar. We got to talking and next thing you know, I’m working for him. The young man smiled at the kids, How did you meet him?

He was always there, Arianna explained, nonchalantly. I think he was my Mom’s friend or something. He’s a nice grump.

Vance chuckled, Yes, that about sums him up.

Friday frowned, You shouldn’t talk about him that way, Arianna. I don’t know where we would be without him.

Gabe rolled his eyes, I’d be home and taking care of the garden.

You poor overworked child, Friday pursed her lips. My heart bleeds.

Gabe shrugged and didn’t let her opinion sway his firm belief that he was a victim.

Vance chuckled again, She makes you do a lot of work, does she?

All the time. I don’t get to sit around.

Do you want to sit around?

No. I don’t like it.

Vance gave him a confused look, So you’re glad to have something to do?

Gabe had to think about that, I guess I might be, but I don’t like to do some stuff.

That’s life, Friday said. It sounds like we will have a lot to do here.

When the cars stopped at a Schroeders’ huge farmhouse, a group of young men came out and helped the travelers with their bag. They transferred Vance and the Devante’s bags to Lander’s car. Their host, Elton, a slight man with a shock of salt and pepper hair, explained that was where they would be staying.

Crandall, of course, had his own room at the Schroeder farmhouse. Dave and Hayley Pennington would be staying over at Zach Jeffries, on their return Moose Jaw. Dave and Zach were friends from a previous trip. Zach and Suzy Jeffries lived just over the fence from Schroeders, so they were very close.

The Boyds and the boys, Win and Gordo, would be staying with Schroeders. Kylee still couldn’t handle stairs, since her knee had been badly damaged in the same accident that had injured Nora, and Schroeders were set up to take care of all that.

Vance, Friday and the Rugrats would be staying over at Jessup’s place. It was further away, but they would be together all the time anyway. Friday was a bit nervous about it. Vance was a bit concerned too, until he saw Father Landers. He had become acquainted with Landers and his friend, Autumn Simms, when he flew them down south. Father Landers explained that Autumn was Jessup’s niece and lived there. Vance relaxed. Then the fair-haired man assured Friday that it would be okay to stay there.

Landers, since he was acquainted with Vance, took the four under his wing. We’ll put your bags in my car and I’ll drive you over there tonight after you meet Schroeders. Okay?

Little Gabe was watching the man with great scrutiny and Landers noticed, What is it, Gabriel?

Nothing, the boy mumbled.

The priest squatted down to be Gabe’s height. Hm. Seems to me that you might have a few questions. If you ask me, maybe I can answer them.

The dark-haired boy shrugged, shyly, No matter.

Landers raised an eyebrow and then smiled warmly, Last chance? Ask away or wonder.

Okay. I thought we were going to see cowboys, Indians, and ride horse. Now we are sleeping over at a girl’s house with a church guy.

Landers nodded seriously, I can see where that could be confusing. Let me explain, okay? First off, you don’t need to call me a church guy or even Father. Most folks call me Landers. Second, Jessup’s place has even more horses than they do here and I also know a secret about the Indians. Guess what? Most of these guys are cowboys! Just wait. Trust me. You will see more of the Indians over there. Autumn is not like a regular girl. She is fun, rides horse, goofs off, and is a pretty good runner. Ask Vance.

Vance nodded, I don’t know about everything Landers said, but I do know that he doesn’t tell lies. So, we’re cool. Besides, do you think that Crandall would make us stay somewhere bad?

I don’t know. I don’t think so, but I never stayed where he said before. I always stayed at my own house.

The young pilot thought, I suppose that’s true, but I usually do. So far, he hasn’t led me astray.

I thought my mom always fixed where pilots stay.

Friday put her hand on her son’s shoulder, I do, Gabe, but only where Crandall says. I’m sure it will be cool. If it’s not, I promise Vance will help us find a different place. Okay?

Don’t be a baby! his sister Arianna crossed her eyes, At least you get to do boy things! I don’t see any girl stuff around here.

Landers stood and smiled, I’m sure there will be. We will make sure that you get to meet lots of girls and do girl stuff. I give you my word. What kind of stuff do you like to do?

Music, sew, dance, like that.

Got that all covered in spades.

The girl looked at her mom and crinkled her face, What does that mean?

It means you’ll be just fine. If nothing else, you can read a book. Friday was becoming impatient, Crandall didn’t have to let us come at all, you know.

I’m sorry, Mom. Arianna said, I think I’m just kinda tired.

I can certainly understand that! It is a long ways from the Caymans to here and you stopped in Montana on the way. Where did you meet up with Penningtons? Landers asked.

One of the other pilots brought them down to Billings, so we picked them up there, Vance answered. We’d never be able to figure all this stuff out without our Girl Friday.

Friday smiled and Landers asked, Is that really your name?

No, it is Amanda, but the guys I work with never call me anything but Friday.

Amanda? Vance gasped, I never knew that! Really, honestly, I never knew that. I’ll call you Amanda if you want.

No, this is okay. It would just cause confusion. Crandall would have to stop and think who you were talking about, She giggled.

We better go in, Landers nodded. Now that the bags are tucked away in my trunk, let’s introduce you to the clan.

Is this the famous clan we’ve heard about? Friday asked.

Most of it, but not all of it. Landers nodded as he led them up the walk, You will get to know most everyone before you go home.

Are we going to the sleep in the tent tomorrow? Gabe asked.

No, I think it was put off until next weekend, some of our Indians couldn’t make it this weekend, so that will be better. You will know how to ride and have met everyone by then.

Gabe made a face, Or it will all never happen.

Landers stopped and reached in the pocket of his suit jacket, Nope, Gabe. One thing you can count on, if a clanner says they’ll do something, they will, unless a humungous disaster changes things. In which case, they will talk to you about it right off! Got it? Here is my card with my phone number. If you have any problems at all, you just call me at this phone number. I’ll help you. Deal?

The boy’s mouth fell open and he took the card with one hand and shook hands with Landers with the other. Then he looked to his mom in complete awe and she nodded, Put the card away and say thank you.

The boy did and before he started walking again, he took Landers’ hand. Gabe was more confident, now that he had this stranger’s card, not that he had any idea what to do with it.

That small bevy of people was in no way prepared for the crowd inside. Elton held the door for them and beamed, I was wondering if you were coming in or if we needed to send out a search party! Come, let me introduce you to everyone.

They met Nora and Grandma Katherine. They also were introduced to Kid Effan, Kathleen Finch, as well as Andy and Annie Schroeder and Schroeder’s daughter Pepper and her husband Chris Holloway. The Grey Hawk children were Schroeder’s adopted children. There will also some close neighbors; Zach and Suzy Jeffries and Kevin Schroeder’s family,

The children were excited when they met the rest of the Grey Hawk kids, who were the brothers and sisters of High Pockets. There was nine-year old Clarence, seven-year old CJ, six-year old Clarissa and Kitten who just had turned four. Gabe was glad to see boys his age, but most impressed that many were real live Indians! They also met Jackson Fielding, who lived there. He was the nineteen-year old stepbrother of the Grey Hawks!

Jackson had a girlfriend named Kate who was fifteen and lived down the road a bit. Kate had a brother, Charlie, who was seven and hung out with CJ and a sister, Ginger who was nine. Things were definitely looking up from the children’s point of view. Win and Gordo were also more encouraged, having met some kids their ages. There were the teenagers: Kate, Becky, Rod, and Ken.

As for Vance and Friday, they shared many glances at each other of shock, confusion, and surprise. As they were being seated in possibly the world’s largest dining room, Vance whispered to her, Would you ever have imagined Crandall in this outfit?

Not in a million years.

They were just about to eat, when the kitchen door opened after a brief knock. Sorry we are late! The thirty-year old man with light brown hair and a big smile grinned, Leaves had trouble starting her Banana.

Banana? Vance asked before he realized he had said it out loud.

That’s what we call her yellow Cutlass. Hi, I’m Joey Jessup. I assume you are Vance.

How did you know?

Well, I know Crandall and Penningtons; you don’t fit any other descriptions, so figured it was you. The friendly, young man chuckled, And you must be the famous Friday?

Her real name is Amanda, Vance added, And these are her two children, Arianna and Gabe.

Hi kids. You’ll be staying with us. Joey sat down and turned toward the door, Where did Leaves get off to?

Who is Leaves? Friday asked.

My cousin, Autumn. We call her that…just because.

Friday giggled, Autumn Leaves.

Or Leaf Pile, when she really bugs us, Joey laughed.

I see her in the kitchen, talking to Landers, Vance explained.

Autumn, come. We’re waiting on you! Folks are hungry in here, Joey said.

Landers and Autumn came in and everyone sat down. A man named Pastor Byron Ellison said grace. He and his wife were the parents of Charlie, Ken, Ginger, Kate and a little girl nicknamed Gopher. By now, the new visitors were dazed.

The entire dining room contained eight tables that seated twelve at each. At one end to the dining room was a massive fireplace with two very tall windows on each side. While they were eating, the diners watched a beautiful sunset on the western horizon.

At the table where Friday sat with her children, there was also Vance, Landers, Joey, and Autumn. Then Clarence Grey Hawk came to sit between Autumn and Gabe, while Ginger and another girl, Iris Suzanne, who was also nine, sat by Joey. Landers explained that Iris Suzanne was Ginger’s good friend and neighbor. The girls included Arianna in their conversation and by the time the meal was over, the three were friends. Arianna was delighted. Clarence and Gabe had bonded at the hip before dinner was over.

Friday felt quite overwhelmed. She watched the other tables and noticed that everyone seemed relaxed and animated. She and Vance both took note that Crandall was the most animated they had ever seen him, even though still the most reticent of the group. He even came back over to the table where they sat to check on them a few times, which was completely out of character for him. It was evident that it really mattered to him that his friends came to know each other and get along.

Friday and Vance learned from Joey all the plans that had been made for the week. There would be a fishing trip to Lake Sakkakawea, a dance, and of course, the big trail ride and camp out. It sounded busy and exciting.

After a great dinner, the crowd began to disperse. The travelers were all tired out and ready for some rest. At the cars, Joey and Landers talked about the bags. Then Joey announced, I will drive Landers’ car and the visitors. Autumn is taking Landers with her. They have to talk over some things about their trip, if it is okay with you all?

The visitors nodded, not really caring about anything but a bed, and climbed into the car. Gabe was very excited to find out that Clarence was coming to Jessup’s, too, for the night. He would get to sleep in the same house with a real live Indian. He had learned Clarence was a Sioux Indian. Not that Gabe knew one from the other, but he thought it would impressive to tell his classmates when he got back to school.

In the other car, Landers and Autumn turned onto the gravel road and Autumn rode in silence a short ways before she said, I’m glad we get a chance to visit. Did you hear any more from your brother in New Orleans?

Yes and that is why I wanted to talk to you. Ben Landers smiled, And I wanted to find out how you have been doing?

Good, in fact. I went to see Dr. Samuels and we had a good session. A lot of things are beginning to make sense now. Samuels seems to think that I wasn’t as duped by Brad as I had imagined. There was something about him that I sensed was wrong from the start. Samuels feels that is likely why I felt such resentment about his Golden Boy image. Anyway, I think I can begin to put it behind me now. Autumn watched Landers, Ben, I want to thank you for everything you did for me.

You don’t need to thank me. You did alot for me, too. Ben Landers said, I want to apologize for not even calling these last couple days. Since I got home, I’ve been very busy. Honestly, it’s been crazy.

I understand. Oh, before I forget, when I went to see Dr. Samuels, I copied those papers of your family tree. I called Mother and got the address for that man who traces ancestry and sent them off to him. My family says to tell you hello.

Tell them hi back for me. Dick and I will pay you for the family tree thing.

Don’t be a dumbbell. No way. On that subject, I opened a banking account at the bank in Merton. I also opened a safety deposit box there.

Really?

Yes, and I put all those things from your Dad’s box in there. I don’t want anything to happen to them. You know, your Mom’s ring, your Dad’s dog tags, and his wedding band. I told the bank that you will sign on the box also, since it is your stuff. The password is Barge Inn, so you can remember it. Stop in to the bank whenever you can and sign the card. You can take my name off it if you want.

That was very thoughtful, Ben looked at her. I want your name on it and I know that Dick would. Oh, they will be coming up in mid-August. For certain Dick and the kids, and maybe Willie. He might have plans to go deep sea fishing. I promise you will get to see them a lot while they are here.

Ben, Autumn was definite, I want to see them very much. The kids and I are best friends.

Very much so. There was also a pile of work to do when I got back. I don’t know why Vicaro thinks the powers-that-be might want him to retire. There is way too much work for only two priests, especially with the grade and high school.

I imagine. Autumn said quietly before adding, Let me know when your brother and his kids will be here.

When I called to say that we arrived safely. Little Aimee is still dragging around her Uncle Auntumn rag doll and Benji is excited about getting to ride horse up here this summer. Dick and Willie think a lot of you. I think either would steal you if they could.

Probably until I took off on one of my sprints across the pasture!

You have a point there, Landers teased. How is that going?

I only have to take my tranquilizers when things set me off and Ben, I haven’t felt like running at all since I’ve been home!

Do you think you want to move back to Dannonville with your family?

No way. I love them, but no. Dr. Samuels helped me realize that my family contributed to my situation by not allowing me to be open. I feel comfortable here. I know I would miss everyone here. I must say, I have missed you.

It’s only been three days, Ben answered, But I missed our talks, too!

Oh, and I go out and curry Redemption every day for you. Your poor horse probably thinks that you have disappeared.

I know. I plan on getting out there as soon as things start to settle down. I think by Monday I’ll be caught up and things can get back on track. Ben stopped the car in Jessup’s yard, If you ever need me, you know you can call. Right?

I do, but I don’t want to wear out my welcome.

Ben Landers reached over and squeezed her hand, Well, let’s get their bags so the travelers can get some rest.

Joey and Landers unloaded the bags and then Landers said goodbye. Inside, Friday, Vance, and the kids met some more people. Alma and George Jessup, both in their sixties, were watching television and waiting to welcome the guests to their home.

Alma was the picture of a smiley, cuddly grandmother and welcomed everyone in. George was a short, slight man with a big smile. He was full of the devil, like his son Joey, and had an easy-going manner. Alma welcomed them in and then offered some refreshments.

Oh, I couldn’t, Vance groaned. I’m stuffed.

I figured as much, after dinner at Schroeders. Alma nodded, If you need anything at all, you just ask someone. My other son is at work, Sammy. He gets home about three in the morning, so if you hear someone rummaging about, don’t haul out your shotgun. Sammy is a weird one, but we are a bit partial to him.

Promise, Vance assured her with a grin.

Thank you kindly. Now, Joey could you take Vance to his room. If it is okay, Gabe, I would like you and Clarence to share the boy’s old room. Will that be okay?

The boy was delighted and Clarence helped him grab his bag. Let’s go. We can flip a coin to see who gets the top bunk.

Then Alma asked, Would you ladies like to share a room or each have your own?

Friday appraised the situation, I think Arianna and I can share. It would be fine.

Good. Joey can carry your stuff up. Alma said, I don’t know what to call you, Amanda or Friday?

Either, the young woman answered, I go by either.

Our routine is pretty loose. We usually eat early, but if you want to sleep in, do it. We will have something available later. I’m not certain but I think that Jerald Oxenfelter is coming out tomorrow with another delivery of horses. He says there are some good ones in this bunch, so we can get you all situated with your own steed for the week!

What time does everyone usually get up?

Autumn answered, About five-thirty. Clarence and I will go over to help my other cousin milk his cows and goats.

Oh, how many does he milk?

About a hundred.

Oh my! Friday shook her head, I bet that takes all day.

About two hours, or less. Depending on the amount of help he has.

We have our noon meal at noon. Then Alma laughed, Probably one of the few things we do that make sense. Then we can sort out what else is going on. So, get some rest and if you need anything, just ask.

3

Friday didn’t hear a sound during the night. When she woke up, it took her a minute to remember where she was and all that had gone on the day before. She smiled to herself and hoped that no one would expect her to remember a soul she had met. Then it dawned on her that she was sharing a room with Arianna. She looked around, but Arianna’s bed was empty.

What a horrible mother! she gasped in a bit of a panic.

She hadn’t heard any screams and her daughter’s pajamas were laid out neatly on her unmade bed, so she decided that everything was okay. She quickly dashed into the bathroom and dressed. She headed down the steps down to the main living room. As she approached, she heard her daughter talking to Alma, seemingly quite content. Only then did she relax. She wondered what time it was.

When she entered the living room, George Jessup looked up from his newspaper, Good morning. Hope you slept well.

I did, thank you, she answered, I can’t remember the last time I slept that much. What time is it?

About ten, George chuckled, But you didn’t miss much. I don’t know about that Edmonds dude. Maybe I should check for life. What do you think, Ma?

Alma laughed, No. If he is dead, he’ll still be dead at noon. We will check before lunch.

Now why would we do that? It could ruin our lunch. I think afterwards would be better, George went on.

Just then, Vance came down the steps, "Nice to