Between Two Creeks: The Riddle of the Girl from the Blue Mist My Second Summer

By Terry L. Burden

Between Two Creeks: The Riddle of the Girl from the Blue Mist, My Second Summer continues the story of a rural Kentucky community introduced in the first publication in 2022. The beloved people of Two Creeks once again give the story its rural charm. Amy’s second summer in the Valley of Two Creeks proves to be even more challenging. Our present story has the terrorist group Dawn Robin returning in a second attempt to assassinate President Victoria Washington when she visits the Valley of Two Creeks. The mysterious blue glow reappears to assist in the defeat of the terrorists. However, a new visitor, a young girl, enters the story. She is sent to the Valley by the blue energy to assist in the struggle. This young girl brings with her no memory of her past or even her name. The Sheriff and others try to discover her identity, and, in so doing, a cold case is reopened that will lead to the capture of the leaders of Dawn Robin. The local intrigue expands to include a range of participants from Washington DC, the Pentagon, and Fort Campbell, who join forces with the local people of Kentucky. Amy Hawkins continues her heroic work and becomes friends with the President and other members of the President’s task force. The story is filled with action and miracle as Amy is called upon to save many people who suffer from forces of the natural world, an assassin’s bullet, murder, and even assassination when the President is shot by a newly developed infrared weapon that fires ionizing radiation. This nuclear technology was stolen from a research facility in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Themes central to the story include love, family values, rural humor, and patriotism.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Feb 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9781665756792

Terry L. Burden

Terry L. Burden is assistant professor of comparative humanities at the University of Louisville.

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Copyright © 2024 Terry L. Burden.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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.

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ISBN: 978-1-6657-5678-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5677-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5679-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024903142

Archway Publishing rev. date: 02/23/2024

In Memory of

Karen Michele Hannah

Beloved Friend Never Forgotten

The Valley of Two Creeks

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CONTENTS

1.   Cort Bennett

2.   The Chandler Estate

3.   The LaMonts Arrive

4.   Miss Julie and the Oasis

5.   The Girl from the Blue Mist

6.   Take Me Back

7.   A Penny for Your Thoughts

8.   Familiar but Unknown

9.   The Hunt Festival

10.  Elkhorn Lake

11.  Sheriff Woodson’s Puzzle

12.  The Sheriff and Missy

13.  The Pastor and John LaMont

14.  Missy and Kitten

15.  Return to the Knoll

16.  Missy’s Dream

17.  George Thomas

18.  The Stonecalf Farm

19.  The Girl in the Fountain

20.  The Delbert West Estate

21.  Healing Miss Candy

22.  She’s Gone

23.  Miss Candy’s Secret

24.  Return to the Oasis

25.  Jack Hanover and Missy

26.  Interstellar Mystery

27.  Colonel Charlie Jones

28.  Goodbyes are Not Forever

29.  The President and Amy

30.  The President’s Team

31.  The Terrorist Plan B

32.  Return to the Valley

33.  The Picture

34.  The Blue Bubble

35.  Amy and Gena

CHAPTER 1

Cort Bennett

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W hat’s that smell?" Mister Dalton blurted out. A big man in his later years, he seldom refrained from expounding an opinion or a response to something he didn’t understand. This was one of those mom ents.

Well, finally you noticed, Mister Touchy sarcastically remarked. You’ve got the lowest water bill of anyone in the Valley. Like his friend sitting beside him at Miss Cosby’s bar, Mister Touchy was a large specimen of a man. The entire Valley of Two Creeks considered both men family. Most of all, Mister Touchy loved to pick an argument with his dear friend.

Mister Dalton promptly replied not realizing in the least that he had been led into a fuss, I have you know that it was a hundred fifty dollars last month. I even asked George one day about his. You know, he lives just down the road from me. This prompted a hopeless shake of Mister Touchy’s head as if to say Da! Mister Dalton defending himself, argued, They’re the same. So there. And I never forget to pay my bills.

Mister Touchy interrupted him, It’s a joke, you old bottlehead.

Ignoring his remark, Mister Dalton continued, Now if you want to talk about something expensive, take a look at automobiles. The last time I was in Manitou I looked at a new truck. Forget that. I’ll just keep my old Chevy, thank you.

Now that’s odd. You haven’t driven that old clunker in years. Mister Touchy laughed while looking at Miss Cosby who was also shaking her head. She has been privy to their useless conversations far too many times.

Well, it needs fixin’. Can’t afford it, Mister Dalton admitted.

I hear ya, Mister Touchy said as he sipped from his cup.

Mister Dalton is a loving old soul. Everyone likes him even if he’s a bit slow on the uptake. Clueless when it comes to people poking fun at him, everything for Mister Dalton is filtered through his literal mind. Mister Touchy knew his friend’s reaction before he said what he did. And yet Mister Dalton always gets drawn into such battles of wit. The two men have been close friends over the years. There’s nothing Mister Dalton wouldn’t do for Mister Touchy.

Now Mister Touchy, there’s a different story. A huge black gentleman, he’s been family to the Chandlers and the LaMonts. Since their youth, he essentially adopted both Mister John and Miss Julie as his own. Immediately upon my arrival in the Valley of Two Creeks, he’s been my protector. I might say he’s become my most trusted friend. He claimed Maddie, my beloved mare, as his responsibility and gave her one of the best stalls in the Chandler barn. It didn’t take long for him to win me over too, even in my most vulnerable state when I arrived at Henry Manor.

The two men sat at the bar while Miss Cosby poured their coffee. Mister Touchy sipped his brew while staring at the huge mirror behind the bar. Chuckling as he read the sign Long Branch Saloon and the cast pictures, he said, You know, I still watch Gunsmoke.

Looking around but trying to ignore the strong smell, Mister Dalton replied, Yeah, I like Chester and Miss Kitty. Marshall Dillion’s just too tall. They both nodded in agreement and continued to drink.

The morning was bright. The wind was sharp, with a little of winter still loitering about in the early morning. A faint snow still clung to the edge of the roof of the Grill and along the walkway and front windows. Both men wore their camouflage coveralls, their orange hunting hats hung on the coat rack next to the pot-bellied stove in the corner. Two men sat at the Liars Table, arguing over some project at the church. Pastor Owen Ray had just entered the Grill and headed over to meet them at their table. He first stopped at the bar to pay his usual morning greetings to those he knew.

Hello, Dalton. You doing better? That stomach’s still troubling you. Missed you Sunday. The two men greeted him with a handshake.

Yeah, Preacher. Ain’t life grand? Dalton said with a wink. Say, Owen Ray tell this pot belly how much you paid for your water last month?

The Preacher wasn’t surprised by the question. Often was the case that he was called upon to referee a silly argument whenever these two men were at the bar or sitting at the Liar’s Table. The fact is that men with their gift of gab were what gave the table its reputation. The Liar’s Table has hosted a range of tall tales over the years.

Laughing while winking at Mister Touchy, Now I can’t really say. Becky takes care of our monthly bills.

Could you please put it to rest Dalton? It’s a joke.

Smiling in agreement, the Preacher changed the subject. Touchy. I hear Claudie bought a new filly.

She sure is a pretty thing. I think Amy’s about to claim her for her own.

Yeah, she just might do that. I see her and Jeff over there. Pastor Owen Ray waved from the distance but proceeded to the Liars Table. The Grill this morning was unusually busy, being a Tuesday in early April. The sun was out, and the day was bright with life.

"What is the smell? And it’s not me," Mister Dalton said again.

Miss Cosby overheard his comment. Reaching to touch Mister Dalton’s forearm, she tried to get his attention. Dalton Sweetie, lower your voice.

What? Dalton said.

The table behind you, she nodded.

Both men looked around to see a man sitting right behind them. He looked to be in his forties. Long stringy hair, a badly groomed beard, and a scar over his left eye. He wore a ragged, torn coat with an equally worn shirt and pants. He ate as though he was eating his last meal. Never paying attention to their comments, instead, he focused on his meal and didn’t look up to see the two men staring at him.

Mister Touchy turned back around, Another stray cat little Darlin?

Yeah, you seem to know how to feed them all, Mister Dalton agreed. As I recall, you’ve even given me a good turn a few times. Miss Cosby’s Grill was well-known for its food and especially her passion for the homeless and hungry. Neither Mister Dalton nor Mister Touchy were surprised at this sight, though the smell was really bad.

Where’d he come from? Any idea? Mister Dalton asked.

Don’t know. He was sitting out back this morning when I came in, almost frozen.

Well, at least he’s warm, Mister Touchy said.

After a few minutes, the man finished his meal and stood up just as Miss Cosby walked by his table. Ma’am, he said as he held his dirty hat with both hands.

Yes, she responded.

I want to thank you for your kindness. God bless you. And then he started to leave when she stopped him.

What’s your name?

Cort. Cort Bennett, Ma’am.

Listen Cort. Follow me.

Yes, Ma’am. Miss Cosby showed the man a room in the back of the kitchen area where he could bath. She also had a closet of clothes that she offered to anyone in need. Miss Cosby’s Clothes Closet, as it is known by most, was maintained by the local people. Inside the room was a twin bed which many a person had used throughout the years.

Okay, Mister Cort. Of course, you can do as you choose, but you are welcome to take a bath and put on some clean clothes. You can even rest for a while. At least until the day gets warmer. Do whatever you wish. I’ll be out front. And then Miss Cosby returned to the dining room.

Mister Dalton looked at Mister Touchy and said, She’s a peach.

You got that right, Mister Touchy said. An angel.

At our table, Jeff and I became engrossed in each other’s company. Our private conversation was definitely tuned into each other, and our eyes told the whole story. I believe I’ve fallen in love with this man. Mister John and Miss Julie often kid me about my obsession with him though I naturally disagreed.

Hey Dad, Jeff said. We were sitting at the round table in front of the big picture window.

Mister Goble Gentry had stopped by for a cup of coffee on his way to the Feed and Seed. And what are you two up to today?

Nothing important. Just having a few minutes. Heading back today, Jeff replied.

But you only arrived yesterday, Mister Goble said. Your mother’s going to be disappointed.

I seem to be chasing the wind these days. I’d like some time with this beautiful young lady, but not this week. Jeff’s work required him to be in DC where he has an apartment.

Well, be sure to tell your mother goodbye. As for me, I need some fertilizer, but coffee first. With this, Mister Goble went to the bar.

When did you say John and Julie were coming home? Jeff asked.

I’m not sure but I believe they will be here by the end of the month. School’s not out until around the 25th.

You seem to always be looking for them to drive up your drive at any moment.

I guess so. I miss them. Something’s missing without them around. This winter’s been long. Nothing much to do. Miss Candy keeps me company most of the time. Looking into his eyes, I tried to lure his sympathy. Not complaining. Just lonesome at times.

You spend a lot of time with Uncle Claude and Aunt Geneva? Jeff said. He well knew that I spent just about as much time with them as I did at Maple Grove. I didn’t like to be alone at night. So, I often went to the Manor. On occasion, Miss Candy stays with me. She’s such a good friend. I simply love talking to her. She acts like a mother hen around me.

I suddenly grabbed Jeff’s hand and sat frozen. Jeff immediately noticed the fear covering my face. My eyes rolled around in my head as if I were sick or something.

Listen, I said in a whisper.

Listen for what? Jeff tried to mock my secrecy.

Call the Sheriff. Quick! Do something, Jeff!

What’re you talking about? The Sheriff?

Across the dining room, two men sat close to the front door. They were visitors to the Valley. Perhaps passing through. They were in deep conversation, whispering to each other. Their coats still on, they were watching Miss Cosby work behind the counter, as though they needed refills for their coffee.

Jeff! You have to do something. They’re going to rob Miss Cosby. Now! And then I looked over at the front door. The two men stood up and continued to talk to each other, their eyes glancing at the bar.

Jeff quickly but calmly rose from his chair and walked over to the front door, looking as if he were leaving. Once behind the men, Jeff stopped and walked up behind them. He could see that each had a pistol in their coat pockets.

Speaking calmly from behind, Jeff said, Now gentlemen don’t move. Don’t turn around. Take your hands out of your pockets.

Both men were startled by Jeff’s words. They pulled their hands from their pockets, not looking around.

Take off your coats and put them on the table, right there in front of you. Slowly. Don’t make me do something you’ll regret.

The two men did as Jeff asked. By the time they laid their coats on the table Miss Cosby, Mister Touchy, and Mister Dalton, as well as most of the other people in the Grill were watching. There was complete silence.

What’re you gonna do? one of the men asked.

Yeah, you have no right to do this to us. We’re just eating our breakfast, the other man said.

Shut up! Jeff demanded. Step away from the table. Sit down on the floor. Right there in the open aisle.

But just as the two men began to sit down, one of them plunged his shoulder into Jeff, knocking him back, Still retaining control, Jeff struck the man across the head with his Glock. But in a split second, the other man made his move and bolted for the door. Now, I had already started to move towards them. Jeff’s hurt, I thought. I ran to him and charged at the other man and tackled him before he could touch the front door. Although I gave no thought to what was happening, my response took about two seconds, to the amazement of those looking on. Jeff was too occupied to notice the quickness of my reaction, but others in the Grill didn’t miss a thing.

Call Woody, Mister Dalton yelled to Miss Cosby. And then he and Mister Touchy ran over to help. Now, in Two Creeks no two men are bigger than Mister Touchy and Mister Dalton. Their presence was intimidating to the two men who were now lying on the floor, one in extreme pain. One holding his head and the other his shoulder and stomach. But all eyes were really on me. I was now standing over the man I tackled. Totally unaware of how my actions appeared to others in the Grill, I simply stared back as though nothing happened.

Remind me never to get you mad at me, Mister Touchy said. You bolted like that damned old bitch of a mare that kicked me again the other day.

Miss Amy, you alright, Mister Dalton said as he reached for me. With his hands on my upper arms, he drew me to himself, and I gently became limp in his arms as though I might faint. I can’t explain it but I really felt weak as a kitten.

And then a funny thing happened. As I recall, I immediately regained my strength, but the rest of the folk in the Grill began to clap. Jeff looked around and then back at me and smiled. They applauded the both of us, but I think they were more amazed at my daring charge. I don’t know what came over me. Miss Cosby rushed to help me. She gave me a great big hug. With thankful eyes, she didn’t have to say one word.

In a few minutes, Sheriff Woodson walked in with two deputies. Okay, what’s going on here?

Jeff responded, Woody, these two men tried to rob the Grill. Amy and I detected something strange about them, and then I saw their pistols hidden in their coats.

Well, it looks like they got something they didn’t plan, the Sheriff said. It looks like you two have some explaining to do, let alone being charged with concealed weapons.

And then Sheriff Woodson escorted the two men outside.

Okay. What shall I do with you guys.

Sheriff, I don’t know what to say, the one man said. My name is Hibbs, Curtis Hibbs. This is my friend Lemar Littlejohn.

Yes, we know we had bad intentions, but please hear us before you take us to jail. The man called Lemar reached for his hip and limped as he spoke. Feeling embarrassed, he said, We’ve been talking about doing something like this for a long time. Never able to agree. You know, what we should do. But now. By the way, who was the young girl? She hammered me in there.

Sheriff Woodson nodded his head and smiled. She’s a fine young woman. Count your blessings that you didn’t hurt her. She has lots of friends, including me. Pausing, looking at both men, he continued, Well, there’s no law against planning a robbery. The only thing you two are guilty of is having a concealed weapon.

But I have a license for my revolver, the one named Curtis said. Lemar has one too. But that’s not the point Sheriff. You see both of us have been out of work for four months. We lost our jobs when Lockyear Propeller closed last winter and moved the plant to Mexico.

I heard about that. A lot of folks lost their jobs.

We’ve been trying real hard to find something. No luck, Lemar said. Sheriff, we are not bad. Really. We just didn’t know where to turn. We’ve been talking about robbing something for a long time. Couldn’t make up our minds. And now we are caught, he continued. In my mind, the man and the girl saved us from making a big mistake.

I tell you what boys. Stay here and I will see what I can do. Look, I’m not going to arrest you today. So, you have no reason to run. Just stay here for a few minutes. I’ll be right back. And then Sheriff Woodson came back inside and walked over to speak to Miss Cosby.

You want to talk, she said. I saw the whole thing.

I think I have all the information I need. I’m going to do something here that may look odd, but I have a feeling about these two men.

She looked confused. What do you mean?

Didn’t you say about a week ago that your brother was looking for someone who could work on tractors and other machinery? That Bill had to retire for health reasons?

Yes, the job’s still open. He also needs someone to assist the farmers with fertilizer and seed. You know, buy and sell supplies.

Is Tom in the feedstore now?

Yes.

I have an idea. Thanks, Sweetie. And then the Sheriff went back out front to speak to the two men. He told them they should come with him to speak to Tom the manager of the feedstore.

The Sheriff with the two men walked up to the front counter where Mister Tom was sorting through some papers. He looked up with surprise on his face and then stood erect.

Morning Tom, Sheriff Woodson said.

Yes, and what can I do for you? he said but with hesitation.

Tom, I have a special request of you.

Of course. Shoot, Tom said.

I want you to meet Curtis Hibbs and Lamar Littlejohn. I have a vested interest in them for now. And both need a job.

Okay. Sounds interesting. I need two good souls.

I have an arrangement with them. Don’t worry. They appear to be good men. They just need work. You remember the old propeller plant that closed last year?

Yes. We all suffered from that decision. A lot of fine people lost their jobs.

Exactly. These men are two of them. Now it’s up to you, but if you would give them a chance, I’d appreciate it. I’m only asking you to see what you can do. You should check their work records, and I’ll be checking in on them from time to time.

Curtis, Lamar, I’ll give you the usual 90-day trial. When can you start? Mister Tom asked.

Right away, even now, Mister Lamar replied. Mister Tom could easily see their eagerness.

Sounds good, Mister Tom said. Handing them some papers, he added, Fill these out and I’ll check your backgrounds in the meantime. You can start in the morning. Be here at 8:00 am sharp.

Tom, I’ll leave these two men with you. Fellows, the game is in your corner now. Good luck.

The Sheriff returned inside and immediately came to our table. Miss Cosby followed him and asked him What was that all about?

I am not sure just yet, the Sheriff said.

Cosby, could you bring us some fresh coffee? Jeff asked.

She nodded and retrieved the coffee pot and cups. As Miss Cosby returned to the bar she kept repeating Amazing. Simply amazing.

What’s she talking about? Sheriff Woodson asked.

Well, you’ve seen some really strange things over the past few months. Remember the Oasis last fall, Jeff said.

Well, yes. Amy, what’s he getting at?

I didn’t welcome any attention and didn’t say anything. I was embarrassed by the entire affair.

Amy, you have nothing to hide. Looking at Sheriff Woodson, Jeff said, She helped me with the men. Yep, she tackled one of them at the door. Right there in front of God and everybody.

Sheriff Woodson smiled and laughed. Young lady, one of the men paid you a compliment. The one you tackled. You did it again, the Sheriff said with a chuckle. Jeff, you recall last fall when she was absolutely amazing. You know, when she tackled Lewis French.

The discussion had become even more embarrassing. Could we change the subject, I asked.

Well, alright. You’re certainly right, Miss Amy. I do apologize for poking fun, but I tell you, Honey, you should be more careful. Pausing to reflect on something, the Sheriff looked at Jeff and asked, By the way, how could you tell they were going to rob the Grill?

It was her.

Looking at me with an I should have known look on his face, Sheriff Woodson said, How?

She heard them talking.

From over here. You heard them?

Yes, I heard them. I don’t know how I could, but I did. And that’s that, I said with frustration. Remember, I was able to hear the men who took Miss Julie, you know last summer. I can’t figure out how I could hear them any more than I can understand how I could hear the men at the Grill. I just could. Look, Mister Touchy just told Mister Dalton he had to go into the feed store to buy feed for a new mare Uncle Claudie just bought.

The Sheriff and Jeff looked over at Mister Touchy leaving the bar. As he drew close, the Sheriff asked him, Touchy, just curious. No problem now, but what did you just say to Dalton?

What? Oh, yes, I told him I needed to pick up some feed for that new mare Claudie just bought. Why do you ask?

Sheriff Woodson boldly laughed as he reached for Mister Touchy’s arm. Nothing my friend. You’re fine. Just curious.

Padding the Sheriff’s shoulder, Mister Touchy said as he walked away, I need a drink. Woody, you do too. And then he gave out a big laugh and disappeared around the door to the store.

Miss Hawkins, you amaze me, the Sheriff said with a chuckle. I’m not surprised by anything anymore. I’m just going to have to be careful about what I say when you’re around.

I was not amused but wanted only to be left alone.

By the way, what was your impression about the two men as they talked? the Sheriff asked me.

I’m not sure what you mean. All I can say is they argued about whether they should do it or not. I may be wrong, but I don’t think they actually wanted to do it.

Just as I thought. This was the version they explained to me outside. Thanks for clearing this up.

You let them go? I asked.

Not exactly. I will keep an eye on them.

By this time, as the events of the past summer had become seasoned in the minds of the Sheriff, Jeff, and others in the Valley, my unusual talents were becoming more accepted. Now, as I recall, I could never understand just how I was able to do these things. Mister John was unable to control what happened to him either. It seemed that when an occasion arose, I found the energy and courage to act, and never thought of myself. On that day at the Grill, all I could think about was Jeff. The thought of him being hurt; well, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

CHAPTER 2

The Chandler Estate

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I arrived at Henry Manor just about a year ago, my first summer. Upon learning of the death of my parents, Sarah Moody and Darren Hawkins, Geneva and Claudie Chandler insisted I come to live with them. My mother and Geneva were half -s isters . The Chandler house or Henry Manor has become my second home. I now live at Maple Grove just over the grassy plain from the Chandler Estate. Julie and John LaMont invited me to move in with them. Miss Julie is the daughter of the Chandlers. That makes Miss Julie and me first cousins. I still consider Henry Manor my home in the fullest sense. Aunt Geneva keeps a bedroom for me on the second floor of the Manor. Much of my things from my home in Independence, Louisiana, have made their home there. Pictures of Mom and Dad fill one wall next to the closet. My school pictures from LSU hang on another. My vanity, of course, has a nice portrait of Jeff. He and I are what they call a thing. His work takes him away from me much of the time. Aunt Geneva keeps a portrait of John Junior on the wall next to the window. J.J. is the LaMont’s son. In a strange way, I feel I know him, a little. Jeff speaks of J.J. when prompted, but he is usually very quiet when John Junior is mentioned. I enjoy spending time at Henry Manor during the winter months when the LaMonts are away in Murray. Mister John teaches at the university while Miss Julie manages her book shop t here.

This morning, I’m standing on the front balcony just off my bedroom. The beautiful day awaits me. Should I go into town or just stay here? I choose here. Looking out across the plain in the direction or Maple Grove, I can see four horses grazing on the horizon. Looking to my left, the knoll looms above the plain below. A hawk jets down from its summit looking for its morning meal. So, I step back and pull a chair closer to the balcony rail. Sitting back with my sock feet propped atop the rail, I sip my coffee and relax. Still, in my sleeping attire, I cuddle a velour blanket about my legs.

Now, that’s a sight, Aunt Geneva softly said. You look completely useless on this fine morning.

Yep, and I intend to be nothing more. She bent over and enclosed me in her arms. I’ve grown so spoiled by her loving touch. We immediately became mother and daughter when I visited last spring. Uncle Claudie also claimed me as his own. However, this morning my thoughts are on Mom and Dad. Their faces hang on the walls of my mind. Aunt Geneva has an eerie ability to know when I think of them.

"Thinking of Sarah and Darren, Sweetie?’ she asked.

Don’t know when I’m not. Pushing my head against her arm that still snuggled me, tears began to appear. Continuing to look out across the plain, I said, How long does it take Aunt Geneva? Before the pain goes away?

It never goes away, she said as she began to stroke my hair with her fingers. We just learn to live with it. We can’t have memories of only the good.

Mister John and Miss Julie miss J.J. I can tell, especially when Jeff is around. I’m afraid that we bring back the pain.

Now, don’t go thinking that way, she said. I see a difference in them when you are with them. This is one reason Claudie and I wanted you to stay with them. They loved Sarah, and in a real sense, when you are with them it’s like your mother is there. Just give it time Sweetie. You’re home now. We love you. Everyone loves you. With these words, she kissed me on the head and quietly left my room.

This is a morning for thought. The struggle at the Grill keeps replaying in my mind. Someone could have gotten hurt, even me. All I could think about was Jeff. Because of what happened at the Grill, Uncle Claudie insisted I stay at the Manor for a couple days. As to the events of last summer, I can only say that the Valley was shaken by evil forces. Local and national law enforcement subdued them in a climatic struggle at the Oasis. From my chair on the balcony, I can see the knoll that looks down upon the creek bottom that locals call the Oasis. My second summer in the Valley of Two Creeks was to become equally eventful.

You okay Honey, a familiar voice came from behind me. Uncle Claudie had slipped upon me.

Yep, I’m doing fine, I replied without being surprised by him. Got my coffee and blanket. Life is good.

Well, it’s a perfect day for doing nothing. Ginny said you were a bit melancholy. I can’t think of anything more important this day than being melancholy.

Oh, I need to do something senseless and meaningless. You know, one of those kinds of days.

I certainly do, he chuckled and said, I need one of those days but not today.

So, what’s up? I asked.

Jimmy Don needs some help with his cows. He’s not doing so good lately. Kind of worried.

Anything I can do?

No. He just needs another set of hands, Uncle Claudie said. Why don’t you go riding for a while? I know Maddy needs the exercise. Mom can make you a snack.

Taking my feet down from the balcony rail, I sat up firmly, looked across the plain, and said, That’s an excellent idea. You’re amazing my Uncle. Then I stretched my arms out and stiffened my back and stood up.

You be careful young lady, he cautioned me with a gentle hug about my neck and returned downstairs.

So, I shall go for a ride on my faithful mare. Maddy came with me to Henry Manor, and Mister Touchy has taken excellent care of her. He works for the Chandlers and is, in fact, a professional horse caretaker and trainer. Some say he’s a horse whisperer though sometimes he doesn’t seem to be. He gets his name from being kicked. I just know he’s really good with horses. Mister Touchy was a major help in building and organizing the Chandler horse business. One of his contributions is he wading pond that lies in front of the horse barn. He often exercises horses in the cool water at the sloping end of the pond.

One of the unique characteristics of Kentucky is the changing seasons. In Independence, Louisiana, the year seems to be one long season, hot and humid. I’ve come to love the spring in the Valley. Henry Manor in the early spring is bubbling over with growth. Daffodils line each side of the driveway, boasting in white and yellow royalty, and encircle each Bradford Pear that shades the drive from each side. South Creek Road runs from Cherokee Trail Road and ends at Lake Henry. Along its winding path, an occasional cluster of daffodils can be seen among a small grouping of trees, reminding us that a house once stood there. Today, Henry Manor is the only house still standing on South Creek Road.

Daffodils and Azaleas are partners in the spring. Azaleas are strategically positioned throughout the Manor, especially across the front and along the backside of the patio. Their colors are just about to break free from their winter hibernation. Aunt Geneva’s rose garden monopolizes the front lawn, embracing the full sun. Greenery fills the garden as it slowly awakens, and in a few days, the garden’s colors will dazzle the eyes. This is Aunt Geneva’s pride and joy.

I take in a deep breath as I walk out onto the back patio. It was here at the grand party last spring that I met Jeff. He’s the son of Mister Goble and Miss Sandy Gentry. Jeff was beautiful to my eyes as he stood in the middle of the dance floor and looked at me. I still remember how sexy he was as we danced so close together. I still simply love him touching me. He and the LaMonts’ son J.J. were best of friends. J.J. died in a freak accident and, because of his grief, Jeff left the Valley for several years. Jeff is like a son to the Chandlers and the LaMonts, and they love seeing us together. I only wish he were here with me today.

Aunt Geneva put together some necessities for my daypack that always accompanies me when I ride. Looking towards the horse barn, I see Mister Touchy leading Maddy out into the sunlight. He waves from the distance and ties her to a hitching rail extending out from the left side of the barn door. I’m dressed in my favorite winter riding boots that come up to my knees. I’m steadier in the saddle with my riding boots. I’m also wearing tan britches. I love how they cling to my legs and fit snugly across my bottom. My white blouse and black riding jacket complete my riding attire. I decided today that I would let my hair and ponytail flow with the wind. Also, sunglasses are a must.

You be careful Baby, Uncle Claudie said. Don’t forget you have an emergency flair in your daypack if anything were to happen. If I don’t see you in a reasonable time, I’ll come after you.

Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. And then I blew him a kiss.

Aunt Geneva rushed through the back door to hug me. It’s a perfect day to be out. Wish I could go with you, she said. Aunt Geneva hasn’t been on a horse in years. Mister John told me that her last ride ended was a disaster. Her mount threw her as she was crossing a small ditch. She incurred a fractured spine that caused pain in her hip. But she still dreams of riding. I’ve seen her in the horse barn on many occasions talking to the horses as though they were her children. She and Mister Touchy are like brother and sister. Now, Uncle Claudie has broader interests, and anyone can see him riding his four-wheeler across the plain. He often visits Maple Grove on his four-wheeler rather than his old faithful truck.

Thanks, Mister Touchy, I said as I untied Maddy and the two of us began to walk past the pond where we came to a stop. Mounting my lovely Maddy, I looked back at Mister Touchy to see him waving as he walked back into the barn. I gave Maddy a nudge with my right heel and she knew what to do. We galloped a distance into the huge grassy plain in the direction of Maple Grove. I wanted to take a look at the house since I had been at the Manor for a couple of days. Topping the rise and looking down at my second home, I could see Mister Goble riding a mower and just about finished. He still cares for Maple Grove when the LaMonts are away. I do my part in mowing, but Mister Goble loves to ride Mister John’s mower about as much as me. Mister John speaks very kindly of him. As he tells it, he and Mister Goble served in the Gulf war. Mister Goble flew an Apache helicopter while Mister John served in an armor division. Mister Goble was shot down and hurt badly. He has suffered throughout the years, that is, until last summer when his