Unforeseen Turns

By Robert E. Bryant

A failed plan, unexpected visitors, an act of love, a quick decision, a desperate lie.
The author will show the reader that although life can take a turn without warning, something good will come out of.… the unforeseen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798823008372

Robert E. Bryant

Born in Royston (Franklin County), Georgia, Robert E. Bryant moved to Greenwood, South Carolina in 1958 and has called this quiet Southern town home ever since. He has been interested in aviation all of his life and began flying when he was just twenty-nine years old. Later, at age forty-one, he received his pilot’s license (the same month his daughter, Yvette, received hers). Though he is a welder and welding instructor by vocation, he is certainly a pilot by avocation. His experience with aviation has afforded him to meet a number of interesting individuals, most notably Robert Morgan, pilot of the Memphis Belle; Charles Duke, Apollo 16; Charles Boland, Shuttle Commander; Jan Davis, Missions Specialist; Robert L. Scott, author of God Is My Copilot; the living members of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Black Sheep Squadron; and General Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, first to break the sound barrier. Another life-long passion is storytelling. His stories come to him with such powerful imagery and meaning that he believes they must be divinely inspired. When the stories come to him, he feels compelled to share them. “They must come out,” he says. “They must be told.” He truly hopes his readers will enjoy the stories and be blessed and inspired by them as much as he has been blessed of God with them.

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© 2023 Robert E. Bryant. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/11/2023

ISBN: 979-8-8230-0836-5 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-0837-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023908900

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Goldmine In A Cornfield

Sweet Deception

The Flagman

To The Moon and Back

LC Was Here

About The Author

Author’s other books:

Choices

The Model

Land Fill

Maria

Ashley

After The Sun Rose

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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T he author would like to express his sincere thanks to his long-time friends who continue to offer their encouragement and support: Bob and Sharon Underwood. Also, a special thanks to his editor: DD

GOLDMINE IN A

CORNFIELD

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C hris’s dad stood looking out their kitchen window. His eyes followed billows of dust rising up all around the circumference of and in between their wheatfield and cornfield.

Honey, what are you looking at? his wife asked.

I’m watching dust.

Oh, okay. Let me guess. Chris is in the fields again with his racecar.

*           *          *

Chris’s family owns a large 300-acre livestock farm in Lavonia Georgia, having fields of hay, wheat, and corn that averages about 40 acres each.

The tracks that Chris created on the outside parameter and in between, makes it easy for Chris and his dad to drive their large tractors into each field. In addition, Chris uses the same tracks for another reason.

Chris is a dirt track driver in the 602 class. From time to time, he drives his racecar around and in between the fields for fun before his day on the farm begins.

*           *          *

As Chris was racing down the track between the cornfield and wheatfield, two small figures dashed across the track in front of him. He quickly skidded to a stop as he hit the brakes on his super dirt late car.

Chris sat breathing heavily; his heart was beating rapidly. He asked himself, What in the world? Was that what I think it was?

He looked in the direction where he saw the two little figures running into the cornfield. Just a few feet in front of him, he saw two sweet little faces slowly peeking out from around the cornstalks.

I knew it! It was a little boy and girl I saw!

When the two children saw Chris, they jumped back into the cornfield.

Chris unbuckled, removed his helmet, and got out. He walked up to where he saw the little girl and boy but they were nowhere in sight. He turned around and looked across into the wheatfield. He saw a white piece of cloth on the ground, picked it up, and opened it. It was full of wheat. The chaff had been removed and the wheat was mashed up into eatable bites.

Chris looked at the wheat that appeared to have been mashed together with little fingers. His heart felt like it would break when he realized what they had been doing. He said quietly and with great concern, Those children are hungry; they are eating the wheat.

Chris decided not to call out. He didn’t want to frighten them. He laid the cloth back on the ground. He got into his car and slowly drove to the end of the two fields. He waited while looking into his rearview mirrors, hoping to get another glimpse of the children.

In a flash, the little boy and girl ran across into the wheatfield and then quickly back into the cornfield. He saw what the little boy was holding. He closed his eyes and hung his head when he realized they went back to get their wheat.

Chris could hear the rustling of the cornstalks as the children were running away from his direction and said, I think I know where they are going. It sounds like they are headed toward Tom’s old house.

*           *          *

Across the road from the cornfield is a small, 4-room house that belongs to Chris’s family. The house stands empty with only bare beds, a refrigerator, and a few chairs. The family decided not to rent it again after their former tenant, Tom, moved. Because of his age, Tom moved in with his family. He had been one of the farm’s hired hands for over 30 years.

Tom’s old house, what the family still calls it today, sits in the middle of their 300 acres. It is surrounded by dense woods that makes it a perfect shelter for local hunters during hunting season.

Chris keeps the house unlocked and the refrigerator stocked with soft drinks and bottled water. Local hunters are well aware of the house and use it as a shelter when needed.

*           *          *

I am almost certain the children are hiding in Tom’s old house, Chris said. Those children are hungry and frightened. I need to do something.

After sitting in his car and thinking a few minutes, Chris had an idea.

He drove to his house to switch vehicles. He parked his racecar and hopped into his pickup truck.

On the way into town Chris called his mom, Mom, I need to go into town. I am making other plans for lunch so don’t set out a plate for me.

Okay, honey, no problem.

Chris placed a large order of hamburgers and fries. He then stopped at a local grocery store and picked up cookies and more bottled drinks.

While in the store, one of Chris’s friends, Jack, saw him and walked up and said, Hey Chris, I heard that you lost your racing sponsor.

Yeah, but the farm is keeping me busy. I’m still, though, looking hard for a new one. Maybe I’ll find someone before the season ends.

I’m glad I bumped into you. I may know someone. I’ll keep in touch.

That sounds great, Jack. Thanks.

*           *          *

On the way back, Chris wasn’t sure how the children would react if they saw him driving up. He decided to drive into the cornfield from the back.

He quietly walked up to the house. Chris saw the front door slowly close and he knew then they were inside.

He walked up on the porch, laid the food and a blanket down, approached the door, but he didn’t knock. He started talking as he leaned up against the door post, "Hey in there. My name is Chris and my family owns this house. I’m so glad to know someone is putting it to good use. It stays empty and lonely so much.

I was having so much fun in my racecar, I didn’t realize how late it was getting and I got hungry. I drove into town to see what I could find to eat. When I smelled burgers cooking, I couldn’t help myself. I had to stop and get me some hamburgers and fries. I guess my eyes were bigger than my stomach when I placed the order. I sure do need someone to help me eat this food. Man, these fries sure do smell good.

Chris walked away from the door and picked up the blanket. He spread the blanket on the porch floor and laid out the food. He went back to the door.

I have the food spread out and ready to eat. If you want to join me, please come out and help yourself. As for me, I’m digging in now. I’m hungry.

Chris sat down on the blanket with his back to the door. He had just taken his first bite when he heard the doorknob turn. He looked back at the slightly opened door. He saw two little eyes. Above the first two sets of eyes appeared two more eyes. Then, a third set of eyes appeared.

The little girl squeezed out the slightly opened door and said, I’m hungry.

Here you go, sweetie; I am happy to share these burgers and fries with you. Have a seat.

The little boy slowly came out and timidly walked up to Chris and said, I’m hungry, too.

Chris smiled and handed him a burger and fries.

Without looking back, Chris said to the remaining person behind the door, You might as well come on out and join us. I sure don’t like the idea of us eating when I know there is someone else who is hungry.

Chris looked back when he heard the front door open. His eyes became fixated on a beautiful young lady as she walked out and said, I was beginning to get worried about my little brother and sister not having anything to eat but the wheat. We found the drinks and water in the refrigerator. I will find some way to pay you back.

Oh, don’t you worry about those drinks. Those are free for anyone who needs them. Besides, I have more right here. Have a seat. There are plenty of burgers and fries.

Chris sat back and watched while the three enjoyed the food. He noticed that even though it looked like the children have had on the same clothes a while, he could see that their older sister had been taking good care of them. They were clean and their hair brushed. He did, though, feel deep down that they were in some type of trouble. He needed a way to break the ice to make them feel more at ease and said, "I’ve told you my first name. My last name is Stand.

My last name really caused problems when I was in school.

How? the little boy asked.

Well, it was like this. When my teacher called my last name before asking me a question, the whole class would stand up!

The little girl and boy didn’t get the joke, but the older sister did. She almost choked on her burger laughing so hard.

I know; that was a corny joke.

Looking around and pointing, Chris told them, "This little house is mostly used now by hunters and is why you found bottled drinks in the refrigerator. I keep it stocked for them.

This farm has been in our family for years. My house is over on the other side of the fields but I will sometimes stay in the motor home that is parked out back.

Chris looked at the two little ones and said, And we have hundreds of chickens and cows here on the farm!

The little girl’s eyes got wide as saucers and asked, Wow, how do you feed all those animals?

That is a good question little lady. You see, we use the corn from the cornfield to feed the chickens, and we use the hay to feed the cows. It sure is a lot of work and I sure can use some help.

Can we help feed the animals? asked the little boy.

The little girl spoke up with enthusiasm and asked, Can I feed the chickens?

I tell you what. I will discuss it with your sister to see what can be done. Is that okay with you?

The little boy and girl shook their heads yes with excitement and Chris felt that he was gaining their trust.

Chris, my name is Tammy Norman. This is Don; he is 10 years old, and Brenda; she’s eight. We got here about two days ago and I really appreciate the food, your generosity, and kindness.

Brenda began talking without taking a breath, Chris, how old are you? You are cute! Tammy is 19 going on 20. Isn’t she beautiful?

Tammy quickly put her hand over Brenda’s mouth.

Chris said as he laughed, I am 22 and thank you for the compliment, Miss Brenda. And to answer your question, yes, Tammy is very beautiful.

You have a cool racecar. Where is it? asked Don.

"It’s parked at my house right now. I keep it parked under that shed you see over there and I also work on it here. I am a dirt track racer. I haven’t been able to race lately because I lost my main sponsor.

When I saw you this morning, I was having some fun before I started my workday. And oh, by the way, you almost gave me a heart attack when you dashed out in front of my car!

Tammy spoke up, When they told me about that, I gave them a good scolding.

Thank goodness no harm was done, Chris replied.

Still trying to ensure he is gaining their trust, Chris asked them, It may take some time but when I find a new sponsor, you all can come with me and watch the race. Would you like that?

You bet I would! Don said jumping up with enthusiasm.

Brenda answered and said, I want to go, too. Are you any good?

Brenda, watch your manners, responded Tammy.

Chris realized that Brenda was stealing his heart. He told her as he chuckled at her question, I do win every once in a while, and sometimes I will come in second or third. I think I do pretty good.

Tammy told Chris, I know I’m changing the subject, but since we are on your property, I feel I need to explain our situation and why we are here.

You don’t owe me an explanation if you don’t want to.

We need to tell him, Don whispered to Tammy.

Brenda spoke up and said, Yep, we’d like to tell you. You see, it’s been five years since mama died. Is that right, Tammy?

Yes, that’s right.

Daddy got sick and died and we had to get out of town.

Tammy had to speak up, "Thanks, Brenda, I can take it from here.

"Hospital bills, medical expenses, and funeral costs used