Answered Prayers - Part 1

Good Morning FFFFs!
I hope your week has been as slow as mine. :) I'm really enjoying this slow paced week and the time I can spend just relaxing with a book. The weather earlier this week was so nice we had the windows open, but it's gotten warmer and we've shut the windows and turned on the AC.


I have to sit here at my desk at an angle because now the sun comes up earlier and nearly blinds me when I sit straight. Oh, well. It could be worse. :)


Saturday I spent about seven hours working out in the yard. I mowed, weeded, planted flowers, trimmed the ground cover (which was trying to take over everything), and did more weeding and trimming.
On Sunday there were babies at church! I got to hold and play with Princess and she even gave me several kisses. I love baby kisses! I also held J-J and his baby sister, Sweetheart. (Don't you like the nicknames I pick. :) ) Oh, I also got a bit of writing done.
Monday came and I chatted with one friend during the afternoon, walked with my best friends after supper and then chatted with another dear friend that evening. I didn't write that night.
When Tuesday came I got to relax and read. :) My sister and I did pit cherries. We do it the old fashioned way with paperclips. And that night I finished a short story.
And on Wednesday I was able to write that night, but had a little bit of an interruption when my brother and his family dropped by to pick up some times. The 3 older kiddos were full of delight at being at Grammy's and Papa's again. I took them out to play on the swings. When it was time for them to go, Funny Boy grabbed on to the swing as I stopped him and said, "No, not me go shopping!" :) He got over it though and gave us big hugs before they left.
Yesterday we went to Connie's to check our booth. Some things were gone which left room for the new things we brought. I also finished another short story and another part of "Dr. Morgan."
And then there's today. I need to clean the house and I'm supposed to go over sometime this morning and watch the kiddos while my sis-in-law goes grocery shopping to fill the new fridge. (She didn't want to have to take all the kids.) Mom is going over to help price since we have another conference in Wichita next weekend. Then this evening, S and I are going over to babysit the kiddos. We haven't done that for several weeks so it should be fun. No writing tonight.


This story was different. I had my three writing class students (in the girls class) each create a character for me and write a character sketch about that person. Then they all had to decide on which calendar picture they wanted to put their characters in and I was left with writing the story. :) And, since it is rather long, I'll be doing it in parts. I hope you enjoy it and tell me what you think.

click on the picture to see it larger

Answered Prayers

Part 1

    The sky was growing overcast. Storm clouds from the south were pushing their way across what had been a brilliantly blue sky. The rocky mountaintops stood half in shadow and half bathed in the light of the yet uncovered setting sun while scattered across them were a few unmelted patches of winter’s snow.
    “Come on, Sare,” Susan pulled at her sister’s arm once more.
    “Look at the clouds coming!” Sarah breathed, gazing in delighted awe at the quickly moving grey mass overhead. The wind, rippling the water of the beaver pond nearby, caused the reflections of the mountains and sky to blur. Swaying gently, the lush green vegetation made a soft noise in the quiet, early evening.
    Susan gave a sigh. “I know, Sare, that’s what I mean. A storm is coming and we’re a ways from home. Please come now,” she begged. “Ma will be worried, and Pa and the boys will come out looking for us.”
    At that Sarah reluctantly turned from her study and allowed her twin to hurry her towards home. The girls were nearly identical with light, curly hair and blue eyes. Strangers never could see the difference between them and even those who knew Susan and Sarah Smith well often second guessed themselves if they weren’t paying close attention. Though they were thirteen, Susan and Sarah were small for their age and often mistaken to be the same age as their younger brother instead of four years older.
    The wind had begun to pick up, whipping the girls’ dresses about their legs and blowing their hair back from their faces.
    “I didn’t know we had gone so far,” Sarah remarked after several minutes of rapid walking.
    Susan nodded. “I think this wind is making it take longer to get back. Let’s catch our breath a minute,” she gasped, turning her back to the wind and drawing in a deep breath.
    Not bothering to reply, Sarah also turned and together the sisters stood until they could breathe easily once more. “Now, we’d better really get moving, Suz,” Sarah looked up at the dark clouds overhead and noticed the fading light.
    Gripping Sarah’s hand, Susan bent her head against the wind which was growing stronger every minute and struggled forward. It was hard work but bravely they pushed on neither one wanting to get caught out in the mountains in a storm.
    “Sare!” Susan had to shout to be heard for the wind ripped the spoken words and tossed them far away to be lost in the great vastness of the mountains.
    Turning her head, Sarah raised her eyebrows questioningly.
    Cupping her hands to her mouth, Susan shouted, “Let’s be like the geese. One go in front for a while to break the wind. Then we’ll switch.” When Sarah nodded in agreement, Susan added, “I’ll go first. Hold on to my dress!”
    With her head bent low behind her twin’s sheltering back, Sarah found it easier to walk and breathe for the winds wasn’t constantly pushing, shoving and trying to blow her across the mountainside. After several minutes of walking thus, Sarah moved in front and led the way so that Susan could rest.
    This way, by changing leaders every few minutes or so, the girls managed to reach the sloping side of a high hill. Here they paused to rest in the shelter of a little hollow.
    “I wish I hadn’t stayed so long,” Sarah sighed. “We’d have been almost home by now.”
    Susan tried to encourage her sister. “I should have made you come, but I didn’t so it’s my fault too.” They both smiled. Both were to blame, but as their mother always told them, it was no use crying over spilled milk.
    “Suz, should we go on now?”
    “Let’s pray first and ask God to help us get home safely,” Susan suggested.
    To this Sarah readily agreed and both girls bowed their heads. They were not strangers to prayer for early in life both girls had found the Friend who sticks closer than a brother and daily committed themselves to their heavenly Father’s care, asking for strength and help for whatever came their way.
    After praying, both girls felt calm and were eager to finish their journey and reach home with its sheltering walls and roof, a warm fire and hot food. Rising from the hollow, their breath was nearly snatched away by the fierce gust of wind which swept down the hill. They had to climb that hill and go down the other side!
    Scrambling up on hands and knees, for the wind was too strong to let them stand, they pushed their way forward. The sharp rocks cut into their skin and the clusters of brambles tore at their clothing. Struggling, falling, panting, the twins continued upward. When at last the top was reached, they lay a moment gasping for breath and trying to calm their pounding hearts. It had been harder to climb that hill than they had imagined.
    Finally, Sarah pulled on Susan’s hand and together they began their descent on the other side. Going down was somewhat easier for they turned their backs to the wind and half slid, half scrambled down the rocky side until they were once again in the grass at the foot. There they turned around slowly.
    It was almost completely dark now, for the storm clouds had covered up the setting sun. The wind cut right through Susan and Sarah’s dresses, and they shivered. Oh, if only someone would find them and help them home, they thought. Neither one would admit it to the other, but they were exhausted and weren’t sure they could make it home.
    Suddenly a large dark shape seemed to appear out of nowhere and a whinny startled them.
    “What are you two doing out in this weather?” the rider hollered. It was Darline Blacksmith, a young lady who lived with and helped her uncle with his ranch. She knew cattle and horses almost as well as he did and loved nothing better than the wide open plains, the mountains and nature.
    “We went too far,” Susan shouted back.
    And Sarah added, “And stayed too long.”
    Darline had swung off her horse and looked at the girls a moment. “Your parents will be worried about you.” She seemed to think a moment. Then, pulling off her warm jacket, she put it around Susan saying, “You’ll have to ride before me. Sarah, you’ll be behind so we’ll block the wind. Let’s go.”

To be continued next week.

What did you think of this first part?

Triple Creek Ranch - Part 19

A lovely Good Morning Faithful Friday Fiction Fans!


We've had the windows open most of the week which has been fun. Yesterday we did turn the AC on after we ate our ice cream in the afternoon. :) We might have to turn it on again today, we'll see. Right now it is quite pleasant.


And now for the update on my week: So wonderful to be home! :)
Well Friday and Saturday were busy at the conference which went well. Packing up Saturday evening wasn't too bad. At least some of the ALERT guys helped with taking the boxes over to the trailer and helping load it. My heart-sister and I took lots of empty boxes to the "cardboard collection dumpster." Mom, S and I left for home about 9:30 Sunday morning. It was a long drive, but at least we had something to listen to. Do you all listen to "books on tape" (or CD or MP3) when you travel? We were listening to "A Tale of Two Cities." Having never read the book, and having an excellent reader to listen to has made it very interesting. We haven't gotten it finished yet, so no telling what happens at the end. :)
On Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday we remained at home all day long. There was laundry to do, things to put away, and lots of ironing to do. I did go walking with my best friends Monday and Tuesday evening which was delightful. We saw a hot air balloon and waved to it as it was low. They waved back. :) Have any of my readers been in a hot air balloon? What is it like? Can you hear if people on the ground talk to you? :) You see, we asked for a ride. :D One of these days I'd love to ride in a hot air balloon.
Yesterday I went over to my brother's to play with the kids while Mom priced, my sis-in-law packed and my brother did everything. That was fun.
Today we clean the house! It really needs it! And on Saturday I'll be mowing our yard and doing some yard work and I might end up mowing my brother's yard as well. I mentioned to Pickle Puss that the weeds were high in her yard. Her reply, "Beh Beh (the name she gave me when she was really little and is still used by her and her brothers), those aren't weeds. I call them prairie grass." So there you have it. If the weeds look too high, just call them prairie grass and it will all be okay. :)


Have I been writing? Every night! :) I'm delighted to be back to it for more than one or two evenings a week. I'm working on several things and wanted to start another short story, but all my files on NEO were full or at least occupied so I have to wait until I transfer things to the computer.


But, since you asked for it, here is the next part of Triple Creek Ranch. I hope you enjoy it.

Part 19

    It was while Jenelle was setting the table that Orlena walked in.
    “Why are you setting so many places?” Orlena asked. “No one told me there was a party tonight.”
    Jenelle continued to lay the napkins carefully at each place as she answered, “It is no party, Orlena. Every Monday night everyone on the ranch eats supper together. It is a tradition your grandmother’s brother started before Norman came to live with him.”
    “Humph,” Orlena snorted, and then continued almost under her breath, “no wonder he has such ridiculous notions. Consorting with the hired help during meal times! Well,” she said aloud, not realizing that her low toned remarks had also reached the ears of her sister, “you needn’t set a place for me, for I don’t associate socially with hired help.” Then she brushed past her sister-in-law and swept to the doorway where she paused and looked back. “Have my supper served to me in my room.”
    She had nearly reached the top of the stairs when a quiet voice stopped her.
    “Orlena.”
    The girl paused and turned her head, looking down to see Jenelle standing below her at the bottom of the stairs. “Yes?” her voice was haughty and annoyed.
    “The choice of eating with the rest of us is up to you; however, the choice of serving meals to you in your room is up to me.” Jenelle’s voice was calm, even a bit cool as she went on, “And I say that no meals will be served to you in your room tonight. If you wish to eat, you may come to the dining room.” Then quietly, with no show of haste or display of temper, Jenelle slipped away.
    Orlena watched her go with her mouth partway open to reply, but Jenelle’s disappearance gave her no chance to speak. For a moment she remained where she was, then with a “Well! I never!” she continued on to her room where she shoved the door shut with a bang, dropped into her chair with a huff and scowled at the wallpaper as though it were to blame for everything.
    To say that Orlena was annoyed at her sister would have been true, she was also annoyed and angry at her brother for letting his wife treat her with such disrespect, seeming to forget the things she had said to Jenelle; she was also confused and astonished. Here she had been at the ranch for six days and never had she heard Jenelle’s voice raised nor seen her act upset about a thing. Also, it was puzzling how this same sister-in-law had a way of saying things and then leaving the room before a fitting retort could be made. “She hasn’t any courage,” Orlena muttered. “If she had she would stay and listen to me.” Suddenly she sat up straighter and her eyes glowed. “That is it,” she announced triumphantly to her reflection in the mirror, “the next time my brother’s wife walks out on me I will follow her and make her listen to what I have to say! No one in proper society would do what she does. It just goes to show what a selfish, ignorant child she is,” and Miss Orlena Mavrich tossed her head making her curls swing and bounce. “And as for Norman,” she snorted her disgust, “he is no gentleman. Expecting me to be happy in the middle of nowhere with no one but a common country housekeeper to talk to! Why Mrs. O’Connor had more manners than Jenelle does!” And so, this poor, spoiled child sat justifying her actions and condemning others until she heard her brother’s footsteps on the stairs. Yes, she was poor. Not poor in the sense that the world counts, for she had money enough waiting for her to come of age, but she was poor because she knew not the love that comes truly from the heart, poor because real happiness had never been known among the riches and spender of her life, poor for her friends had only wanted the wealth she lavished among them and the hint of reflected glory she allowed them to bask in, poor for each thought she had was of and about herself. Have anyone known someone who seemed so intent upon themselves that they shut out all real love and happiness to hold onto the one thing they cherish most, their pride? Orlena’s pride was her most prized possession and thus the enemy of souls used it to rule her life and gave her no peace.
    Flinging open her door, she was about to call to her brother and inform him of the impertinence of his wife, but to her utter disgust, Jenelle’s gay laughter sounded in her ears. Silently she pulled the door shut, moved to the window and stood looking out.
    When Norman’s voice called to her some fifteen minutes later to ask if she were going down, she replied shortly, “No,” and then added in lower tones, “I won’t eat with hired help like common country people.”
    Scowling, Orlena watched the hands striding from the bunk house laughing and talking in the greatest of good humor. “Ignorant nobodies,” she muttered. “This place is worse than the slums of the city and I won’t stay here much longer.” The only things that kept her from packing and walking away right then was her trunk in the attic and the fact that she didn’t know where she would go since school didn’t start for another few months. The only things? There was something else keeping her at Triple Creek Ranch though Orlena Mavrich didn’t know it. Every day earnest prayers had been made for her from nearly every member of the busy ranch. Norman and Jenelle never went to bed without spending time on their knees pleading for this younger sister to find the only Fountain of lasting Joy and the One who is Love. Those prayers, and a Father’s tender plan, kept Orlena at Triple Creek Ranch.

Triple Creek Ranch - Part 18

Hello Friday Fiction Fans!
I'm actually getting this ready to post Thursday night since I'll be leaving about 6:00 AM to head over to help finish setting up for the conference. We spent most of today setting up, but there is still more to do.
Let me see, this week has been busy, but it was nice to be home until Wednesday. On Saturday Mom and I went to Connie's to check our booth since it had been two weeks since we'd been there. I got a new hat. :) Then we went to get our birthday sundaes at Culver's. Yum.
On Sunday there were no babies at church! :( But I did get a nap when we got home.
Monday came and suddenly there were only two days before we left again! Yikes! I had to get things done and that evening we went over to my brother's for supper and to help out some.
Mom and I went over to my brother's and worked. I played with the kiddos some and helped get DVDs on the spinner racks.
Mom, S and I left on Wednesday morning and headed down to TX. I must say the roads in OK aren't that great. They haven't been improved at all since we used to drive down to Big Sandy to visit my brother when he was in ALERT. :P
And like I said, today was busy setting up.


I got a little writing done Monday night, but not much.
Hope you enjoy this next part of Triple Creek Ranch. :)

Part 18

    This she did with her head high and her nose tipped up. She knew she was causing a sensation with her dress and her fine hat, and, if the truth be told, she thoroughly enjoyed it.
    Orlena didn’t hear a word of the sermon that morning, for her eyes were busy taking in every detail of the small country church and her mind was calculating just how much the dresses and hats which she could see before her cost and comparing them in her mind to her own wardrobe. Her lip curled slightly at the thought of the difference between them. Orlena had never been taught to think of much else besides herself and money and had never learned the joy of loving Jesus and serving Him; she had never even known of anyone who followed their Savior in their daily life except Mrs. O’Connor, until her grandmother’s death had brought her to Triple Creek Ranch.
    Even if Orlena didn’t hear the sermon, Norman and Jenelle did, and were helped.
    “Thou hast planted my feet on the Rock and established my goings.” Mr. Kirby read the text once more. “If your feet are planted on the Rock of Jesus Christ,” he said, “your goings, your ways, yes, and even the trials which seem so hard to bear, have been placed before you by a loving Saviour that your faith might be established more firmly. So, if you feel overwhelmed by life, go to your Rock, that Rock in a weary land which cannot change, go to Him for strength and He will establish you.”

    On Monday, Norman drove his wife and sister into town to do some shopping. He had some things to pick up for the ranch as well. Normally Hardrich or Lloyd or one of the other hands would have made the necessary trip for supplies, but Mr. Mavrich didn’t trust his sister’s temper, therefore, he went himself.
    It was several hours before the trio returned to the ranch, leaving busy tongues to talk in town about Triple Creek’s newest member. Orlena had made it very clear that she disapproved of nearly everything she saw. Having discovered that no rich silks or expensive real lace were to be had in the small store, she left everything up to Jenelle, merely sniffing when asked an opinion and remarking that “it might do for a servant or a cook.”
    Jenelle had been much relieved when Norman had left them to do their own shopping while he did his, for she was afraid some of his sister’s remarks would not have settled well with him. It was difficult to deal with Orlena, Jenelle admitted that, but she also realized the wisdom of a quiet answer, or in some cases, no answer at all.

    Being too tired to work on new clothes when they returned, Jenelle laid aside the material for another day.
    “I wonder if Orlena will enjoy sewing her own clothes?” Mrs. Mavrich mused while she drew the curtains in the front room to shut out the afternoon sun. Then another thought struck her and she paused. How could she have forgotten that today was the day the entire ranch ate together? What would Orlena think of eating with the ranch hands? Should she tell her or wait and let her find out when it was time to eat?
    “Perhaps it would be best to wait. At least for the time being.” Jenelle sighed and brushed a few stray pieces of hair off her face. Brightening suddenly, she smiled. “I’ll have help with the meal tonight at least,” she whispered.
    She wouldn’t have admitted it to anyone, but the fierce heat as well as the extra work and stress her young sister was causing had made her more tired that she had been for a while. Tonight would be different for on Monday nights Al St. John, the bunk house cook came to lend a hand. Al also worked with the others, but when it came to cooking, all the hands agreed that no one, with the exception of Mrs. Mavrich, could cook like big St. John.

    Out in the fields, Norman turned to his husky field hand and crew chef. “St. John, be sure you don’t let my wife do much cooking tonight. She’s worn out.”
    “How am I supposed to do that, Boss, when she’s the one in charge?”
    There was a general smile among the ranch hands for it was a well known fact that since Norman Mavrich had brought his wife to the Triple Creek, things about the house had been under the management of Mrs. Mavrich. No one had ever complained, for Jenelle ran the house smoothly and treated the men as friends not just as hired hands.
    After thinking a minute, Norman spoke. “I’ll send Hearter to help out and you can tell Mrs. Mavrich I said for her to take it easy.”
    Al St. John nodded and grinned. “I can do that, Boss.” Then he turned to his future assistant. “How good are you at scrubbin’ taters?” he asked.
    “Don’t know,” Lloyd retorted pushing back his hat. “Never scrubbed ‘em. I just ate ‘em dirt an’ all.”
    A roar of laughter greeted this comeback before the hands returned to their work.

    Thus it was that Jenelle, attired in her kitchen apron with her sleeves rolled up, turned around in surprise as not only Al came in, but Lloyd too. St. John delivered Norman’s message and Jenelle smiled. She understood and appreciated her husbands kindness in sending extra kitchen help.
    “If you both work on the meal,” she complained with a laugh, “what will I do?”
    The two men looked at each other in confusion. How were they to know what the lady of the house should do?
    Smiling at their bewilderment, Jenelle put them at ease by saying, “I’ll tell you what, I’ll set the table and if you should need anything, you can let me know.”

Mystery at Random - Part 8

A lovely good morning from Home!
How are all my faithful Friday fiction fans fairing? (I couldn't resist that alliteration.)


Yes, I'm home again! For six days. As much as I enjoy traveling and seeing new places, there is no place quite like home.
Let me see, last Friday I was at a conference. I spent most of Friday and Saturday playing with some little kiddos while my friend attended sessions and shopped. Sweet Pea, J-J and Baby were such fun. And at other times I got Princess from some other friends. It was great to see people that we usually only see at this conference or at weddings. And, since there are no weddings that we know of for this year, we made the most of our time.
We headed home on Sat. evening. On Sunday we had a guest speaker at church as well as other visitors so we didn't get home as early as sometimes.
On Monday morning, Mom and I headed down to the next conference to help J set up. It took us all afternoon. J got pizza for us in our hotel room and he headed back home leaving Mom and I to stay the night.
Tuesday came and the start of the conference. Dad and S came down to help. It was a rather slow conference. But, there was a booth of used books! Books Bloom is a favorite booth to visit. We had boxes of books we were getting rid of so, we were able to trade books. We came home with only 22 new books, but they were ones we were wanting and that are expensive. It was nice to use credit and not spend any money. :) Dad left to head home that night, but S stayed.
Wednesday was the last day of the conference and I sold five of my books. That was fun. :) We ran out of The Unexpected Request and only had two copies of Home Fires left. My brother and sis-in-law came down with the kiddos about when the conference ended and did most of the packing up. Mom, S and I headed home about 7:00.
Being home is wonderful! I got some things done yesterday, and today we're cleaning house! It hasn't been cleaned for several weeks! I did write some last night. I can't write well when I'm gone. My brain just won't focus. Hoping I can get more writing done before we leave town again.


Thanks for all the comments about this story. It's been fun to see what my readers think of it and who they think might be the thief. And now, since you all have waited so long, here is the final part of Mystery at Random. Enjoy! Remember, this was based on a true event.

Part 8

    “Better call for backup.”
    Jeff thanked his dad quickly and dashed back to the porch and his friends leaving his father to look after him with a smile on his face. “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they do catch the thief,” he mused.

    At the police headquarters, Chief Gallant was having a difficult morning. His phone wouldn’t stop ringing. It seemed as though everyone in Random had an idea about the missing flags and while some blamed the Okeefenokees, many were indignant that anyone even suspected them. Finally he gave an order that if the caller wanted to talk about the Okeefenokees, the missing flags or give advice about the case, the desk sergeant should handle it.

    Charging out to the park after a hurriedly eaten lunch, the second group of Okeefenokees were eagerly anticipating their afternoon in hiding. As they stood tossing the ball to each other, the first group of Okeefenokees silently slipped from their hiding places and joined them. The ball continued to be tossed from one person to the next but without much purpose as the mornings uneventful happenings were recounted.
    “Say Dan,” Jeff said, “why don’t the rest of you all stay over at my place. Mom and Dad won’t care. That way if the thief does come, we can send someone for you all and Dad at the same time.”
    “I thought we were going to catch the thief.”
    “We are, but Dad said we’d better call for backup anyway. Besides,” Jeff added, “we might need an officer of the law to confirm who did it.”
    There was a general laugh before Patsy whispered, “Don’t pay any attention but there is Officer Erikson again.”
    “How many times has he been here?” Levi glanced at the slowly patrolling police car.
    “I don’t know,” Dan rolled his eyes, “but as soon as we’re sure he’s gone, you all in the second group had better get hiding.”

    From his vantage point under old Mrs. Featherwood’s front porch, Jeff eyed the two small flags waving gently in the summer breeze. How he wished someone would come and take them. Then they could find out who was doing the real stealing.
    Beside him Levi, in a low whisper, voiced his thoughts. “Man, I wish the thief would get here. It’s already been two hours!”
    “Me too.” Absently Jeff kept peering through the lattice work in the direction of the flags. At first he didn’t pay any attention to the grey figure peeping around the memorial. It wasn’t until it had climbed to the top, looked cautiously around and then, jumping down had seized one flag that all Jeff’s senses became alert.
    “Levi!”
    “The thief!”
    The second flag was seized and the grey figure was bounding away with them. They had to hurry!
    “Run to my house and get the others and Dad. Hurry!” Jeff ordered, crawling rapidly out from under the porch.
    Levi took off, eager and excited! They had found the thief!
    Racing to the memorial, Jeff was quickly joined by the other four Okeefenokees.
    “No one would have believed us if we hadn’t caught him red-handed,” Tammy grinned.
    “We may have seen the thief, but I want to find the hideout,” Jeff declared. He knew just saying they had seen the thief might not be enough proof for some of the town folk. “Come on, but quietly. Don’t lose sight of him.”
    For several minutes the five Okeefenokees hurried out of the park, down the road, across an empty lot and into a group of trees. There, they halted.
    “Wait here until I get the others!” Jeff ordered softly.
    Red assured him that they wouldn’t go anywhere, so he hurried back to the park where he met his dad and the rest of the Okeefenokees. All wore excited, expectant faces, but Levi hadn’t told them who the thief was.
    “Hold on, Jeff,” Officer Hansen stopped his son. “Perhaps this is a job for the police.”
    Jeff grinned. “That’s why you’re here, Dad, and I don’t think we’ll need anyone else. But hurry. We found the thief’s hideout.”
    A thoroughly puzzled officer followed Jeff and the rest of the eager Okeefenokees until they reached Red, Tammy, Pam and Dwight. All four were standing under a large tree and gazing into it’s branches.
    “So, where’s the thief?” Officer Hansen asked, glancing around and seeing no one.
    Jeff pointed to the tree branches overhead. “Right there.”
    There on a branch high up in the tree, sat a grey squirrel, chattering and scolding while nearby was a large nest from which several American flags showed their bright colors through the other sticks and leaves.
    “There’s the thief, Dad,” Jeff laughed. “A patriotic squirrel wanted to use the flags to build its nest.”
    “Well I never.” Officer Hansen shook his head. “You all certainly cleared yourselves on this one. I’ve never seen or heard anything like it.”
    Neither had anyone else in Random. By the time Officer Hansen and the Okeefenokees had returned to the park, Officer Erikson had discovered the missing flags and had notified Chief Gallant.
    Officer Hansen had the Okeefenokees wait for him at the park, while he went home and called the police chief. Before long, Chief Gallant, Officers Hansen, Erikson and Thompson, Judge Azeria, and several newspaper reporters arrived. It was a jubilant gang of Okeefenokees who led the way to the tree which housed the patriotic squirrel whom they had already named Old Glory.
    Just as the story of the missing flags and the only suspects, the Okeefenokees, had flown about Random, so did the story of finding the true thief. Tammy got back her Okeefenokee pin and Old Glory’s nest was the most visited place for weeks. People began leaving food for her near the tree or at the memorial. Once she had finished building her nest, Old Glory left the rest of the flags alone. Officer Erikson never again doubted the honesty of the Okeefenokees and, last I checked, the Okeefenokees still thrive in Random.

So, now that you have read the ending, what did you think of it?

Did you enjoy it?

Had you guessed who the thief was?

Do you have any questions about it still?

Mystery At Random - Part 7

Good Morning FFFs!
Once again I open the hotel curtains and take a look outside. This morning it is cloudy and breezy. It's a different view from the 8th floor. :) I doubt it will be chilly out today.

Since last Friday I have:
Worked at a Homeschool conference on Friday and then on Saturday. Packed up. Had a relaxing birthday on Sunday with Grandparents, brother and sister-in-law and the kiddos as well as my family.
Monday was busy with lots of ironing, and taking care of things. In the evening, my two best friends and I took a stroll around our blocks and talked. Very nice.
Tuesday was more ironing, more things done and Wednesday was much the same only I got the last of the ironing done.  At least until we get back from the conferences. :)
We left home yesterday and headed off to the next conference. My brother and Sis-in-law are at another conference in NE. We are in MO this weekend. You can check Light of Faith to find out where we are if you want to know.

I was able to get a little written. I'm trying to work on Ria and the Gang, but for some reason it is slow going. I did get some ideas though and am looking forward to writing them when I have time. :)
If you read this part of Mystery at Random and wish there was something else to read, you could go visit another writer's blog. Though I do not like all his writings, this story was a delight. :) I think you will probably enjoy it too. So, to read the Fun Story just click and enjoy. 
But first, I hope you will read the next part of Mystery at Random. The end will be posted next Friday. :) Can you wait that long?

Part 7

    “That sounds reasonable. I’ll go call the chief.”
    Chief Gallant was willing to co-operate with Officer Hansen’s plea for a day without flags. He was tired of the mess and wished it to be over. Never had there been a case quite like this one which was causing such controversy about town. Some of the people sided with Officer Erikson while the rest backed the Okeefenokees. And Chief Gallant was stuck right in the middle.

    It was eight o’clock the next morning when the Okeefenokees gathered quietly and soberly at their club house. There were no shouts, no laughing and teasing, no cheerful waves to Mr. Dutton.
    “Jeff has the floor,” Dan announced once everyone had found seats on the floor or on the few boxes and upside-down pails.
    As he looked about at his friends, Jeff knew that there wasn’t a better group of kids he’d rather hang out with. He also was thoroughly convinced that none of them had stolen the flags. “Well,” he began, “Dad called Chief Gallant last night and got him to agree not to put any flags out today. That will give us a little time to get organized and plan what steps we should take to catch the thief.”
    “Do you have an idea, Jeff?” Dwight asked.
    “Yes, now listen up--”

    When the Okeefenokees departed the old shed some forty minutes later, they all wore grim smiles. Woe to the one stealing the American flags now! The Okeefenokees had a plan!

    There were many surprised and pleased mothers in Random that day for every Okeefenokee flew to do their chores for that day as well as the chores for Saturday with a zeal that quite astonished those looking on. Floors were swept, dusting done, rugs shaken, lawns mowed and gardens weeded.
    Officer Hansen’s prediction that the entire town would soon know about the thefts had proved quite true. Anywhere a member of the Okeefenokees went, someone would make a comment.
    “Hey, have you got a flag I could use?”
    “What do you want with all those flags anyway?”
    “Oh, leave them alone. I know it wasn’t them.”
    “Positive?”
    “I’d bet my whole garden on it!”
    “Of course they had nothing to do with stealing those flags! They’d no more steal than the man in the moon would.”
    As for the Okeefenokees, they neither replied to the teasing, nor answered any questions about the matter. Dan and Jeff had cautioned them against talking. Even a hint of their plan might reach the ears of the true thieves and then it would all be up. So, though some of them longed to speak, they kept their lips shut as they went about their busy day.
    At a quarter past seven, the Okeefenokees again met at the old Dutton shed. Dan and Jeff, having finalized the plans, gave last minute instructions.
    “Since the flags have never been stolen while it was still dark,” Jeff began, “we must assume, at least until we are proven wrong, that the thief likes the daylight. That is why I think this plan will work. We will divide up into two groups and take turns watching the monument.”
    “Don’t worry,” Dan put in. “We’ve figured out just where we can hide and yet see the flags perfectly.”
    “Remember, the thief hasn’t come when we’ve been playing ball, so when it is time to switch groups, the second group will come running out to the park as though to play ball. Then slowly, one by one, in case anyone is watching, those who are hiding will come out and the new watchers will hide. It might take us all day for several days to discover the thief, but I for one won’t give up!” Jeff’s face was grim and his eyes held a glint of determination.
    His words were met with a loud cheer.
    “Now,” Dan spoke. “If any of you don’t want to take a turn watching, speak now so we can take you off the list.
    Not a person moved. There was no way any of the Okeefenokees were going to miss this. Why, the reputation of every Okeefenokee was at stake! No matter how long it took, each member would stick to their assigned place until the thief was caught.
    Dan and half the Okeefenokees were to meet just before dawn. Each person knew where they would be stationed. Jeff and the other half would take the second watch right after lunch. With a rousing cheer, following Dan’s promise to “catch the thieves red handed,” the Okeefenokees charged out of the club house uttering their usual Indian war whoops as they ran. And more than one member found it difficult to get to sleep that night.

    Driving down the street, Officer Erikson noted the two flags Chief Gallant had put out earlier that morning. He didn’t know why there had been none the day before, but they were there now.
    “Humph, I wonder how long these will stay here,” he muttered glancing quickly about trying to catch a glimpse of the thief.
    He would have been very suspicious had he seen any of the six Okeefenokees who at that very moment were watching him from their different hiding places. But, so well hidden were they that Officer Erikson passed them right by without the slightest notice.
    To the six Okeefenokees in hiding the morning passed by slowly, but to the other six who were impatiently waiting their turn to watch, it passed by on even slower feet. Would their time ever come? Would the thief show up during the morning watch or the afternoon watch?
    Officer Hansen, home for the day, wondered what was going on, but wisely refrained from asking. Jeff, instead of being off with the Okeefenokees all morning, was hanging around the house with five other members. Most of their time was spent on the back porch. Once Jeff had come in to ask, “Dad, if we find the thief, should we try to catch him or call for the police first?”

Any thoughts?

Questions?

Comments?

Mystery At Random - Part 5 . . . & 6!

Good Morning Friday Fiction Fans,
When I look out my hotel room it is cloudy and breezy. It was rather chilly last night, so we'll see what today is like. Not that we'll be outside much. I don't have much time to write now.
This has been a busy week. It always is when we are trying to get things ready to leave for conferences. Light of Faith is very busy right now and we're helping this weekend and next weekend and on the last day of April.
Since my birthday is on Sunday, I thought I'd have a little celebration right now and right here. I didn't think you would mind. So, I'm going to post the next two parts of Mystery at Random for you to enjoy. I hope you are enjoying it, but it's hard to know since I haven't had a comment since the first week I posted it. That is one reason I don't like to post the same story several weeks in a row. No one leaves comments. I'm not sure if you all just forget, or are going to do it when the story ends or think you'll leave one next week, but whatever the reason, no comments get left and then I don't know if the story is any good or not. I know I leave you hanging, but I don't like to post too long of stories because then no one would read them. :}
All that said, here is Mystery at Random Parts 5 & 6!

Part 5

    “I did a little quick checking and corroborated that fact. The other person missing was Red Simpson. I haven’t been able to fully verify his absence yet, but I’m working on it.”
    Chief Gallant nodded. “Good.”
    “Where did you say Red was, Hansen?” Officer Erikson asked.
    “I didn’t say. I’m still checking on things. Mrs. Simpson was at work last night and I haven’t had a chance to stop by and talk with her.”
    Erikson frowned. “Just don’t let those kids pull the wool over your eyes, Hansen, just because your boy is one of them.”
    Officer Hansen merely nodded. He knew Erikson was already suspicious of the Okeefenokees. He hadn’t been living in Random long and he had come from a big city. He didn’t know these kids like most of the townsfolk knew them.
    “Keep up the investigation, Hansen,” the chief ordered, “but I can’t take you off patrol right now.”
    “I know, Sir. I can keep my eyes and ears open. This story is probably going to be in every house before night. Surely we’ll be able to get a lead or something. Nothing can remain a secret very long in this town.”
    Chief Gallant laughed. “You can say that again! Well, both of you keep on with the investigations. Erikson, have you put flags out this morning?”
    “Yes, sir. Just before I came in.”
    “Good. Keep an eye on them. We’ll see if there is any sort of pattern to when they disappear.”

    “I can’t play ball,” Red sighed. “I have to go help my uncle mow his grass.”
    Dan and Jeff exchanged quick glances and Dan shook his head ever so slightly. “I’ll come help you,” Dan offered. “That way you’ll be done sooner.”
    Red shrugged. “Okay.”
    “I’d go along,” Jeff said, “but it’s rather silly to have three people trying to mow with one mower. Why don’t the rest of us go play some catch until you two get there?”
    “Yeah,” several voices called out.
    So, the Okeefenokees, minus Dan and Red, raced for the park several minutes later.
    “Say, Jeff, look.” Patsy paused beside him and pointed to the police memorial. “There are two flags.”
    Jeff nodded. “I guess someone put some out not too long ago ‘cause when I went by earlier, there weren’t any. Now we know they were here. Come on,” he urged, “don’t be too obvious. Let’s go play.”

    The sun was right in the middle of the deep blue sky when the Okeefenokees, tired and hungry after playing ball all morning scattered for their homes and lunch. Everyone scattered except three. Dan, his sister Patsy, and Jeff. The three of them paused a moment in the shade of a tree and held a quick, low conversation.
    “Red’s uncle has a broken leg,” Dan began. “That’s why Red’s been helping him.”
    “Any sign of missing flags?”
    Dan shook his head.
    “All was fine here too.” Jeff looked over at the flags blowing gently in the summer breeze. “The flags are still there and everyone is gone. Let’s go eat.”

    Grimly stopping his patrol car, Officer Erikson got out and stalked over to the police memorial. “Gone again!” he fumed. “And those kids were here not fifteen minutes ago. I’ll bet anything they are the culprits. Probably stealing them just to see if they can get away with it.” As he muttered, Erikson had slowly moved around the monument. “Ah ha!” he exclaimed, stopping short and bending down for a closer look. “Another footprint and a broken flower. Hasn’t been broken for long though. It had to have been those kids. I know what gangs are like. And, what’s this? If this doesn’t pin the evidence where it rightfully belongs than my name isn’t Ezra Erikson.”
    During the quick drive to the Random Police Headquarters, Officer Erikson sighed several times. As much as he had been confident from the first about the Okeefenokees’ involvement with the missing flags, he also felt rather sorry for Officer Hansen, for he had been so sure his son was hanging out with an honest group of kids. He half wished he had not discovered that last bit of evidence. But it was too late to do anything about it now.

    “All that is, Erikson,” Chief Gallant said, “is circumstantial evidence. You didn’t see them taking the flags, did you?”
    “No, Sir. But I wasn’t away more than fifteen minutes, and the last time I drove by they were still playing. You don’t think that in fifteen minutes those kids would have ended their game, all gone home, and then someone else came and took the flags before I reached the park, do you? I would have seen them, I’m sure.”
    Chief Gallant heaved a deep sigh. This was getting more complicated. Why would the Okeefenokees take the flags? He already knew Officer Erikson’s opinion on that question. Now he looked at the other officer in the room. “Hansen, what do you think?”
    Josh Hansen had been listening quietly to his fellow officer’s report and thoughts. Now, since the chief had asked for his opinion, he spoke. “I think if we only have this small amount of evidence with nothing to back it up except that the Okeefenokees were playing ball just before the flags were missing, it would be a little premature to accuse them openly. I checked on Red Simpson and his reason for being absent from the Okeefenokees’ fence painting party is satisfactorily accounted for. I would like your permission, Sir, to do a little more checking and talk to my son and a few others about this again before any charges are brought against the Okeefenokees.”
    To this request Chief Gallant agreed in spite of Officer Erikson’s evident disapproval.

    At the Okeefenokees’ club house that afternoon, things were beginning to hum. Jeff had slipped back to the park after his quickly eaten lunch only to discover the flags missing. Hurriedly he raced for the Farragut’s home to talk with Dan and Patsy.

Part 6

    “I tell you they’re gone!” Jeff, panting from his race, stood on the Farragut’s front porch.
    “We’ve got to do something now,” Dan agreed. “Come on! Patsy, get the kids on the east, Jeff, take the west and I’ll take south. We’ll get the north kids on the way to the club house. Let’s move!”
    The three leading members of the Okeefenokees took off at Dan’s last words as though shot from slingshots. This was no time to loiter. They had work to do.
    Uttering the air splitting call of the Okeefenokees, Jeff slowed down only long enough to holler to the kids dashing out of their homes, “Emergency! Club house!” before continuing on his way. No explanations were necessary and within ten minutes from the time Dan had ordered, “Let’s go,” the entire gang of Okeefenokees were gathered in the old shed; some were breathing hard from their frantic race while others still held half eaten sandwiches. Tammy had been in such a hurry that she had left her shoes at home.
    Once everyone had at least somewhat caught their breath and Dan could speak without gasping, he stood up and the room fell silent.
    “Gang, we’re in trouble.” Pausing, Dan looked about. Every eye was fastened on his face. “The Okeefenokees are suspected of stealing the flags from the Police Memorial at the park. Do any of you have any ideas that might get us out of this mess?” When no one replied, Dan beckoned to Jeff. “Since you know all about it, Jeff, suppose you come up and tell us.”
    “I already heard about it,” Red called from the back of the room. “Old Mr. Sanders asked me what we wanted with American flags. I didn’t know what he was talking about at first. Then he told me.”
    “Yeah,” Pam added. “Mom said she overheard Mrs. Wheeler and Mr. Overhead talking about it.”
    “I suppose it’s all over town now,” Jeff sighed. “But does everyone think it was us?”
    Several kids called out “no” and then all fell silent.
    “Hey, Jeff,” Levi said, “the flags were there when we played ball this morning. I made it a point to notice them in case your dad asked about them again.”
    “Well, when I went by after lunch,” Jeff couldn’t keep back a sigh, “they were gone.”
    “Gone?” Tammy snorted. “We hadn’t been gone for more than thirty minutes!” She shoved her hands into her pockets and then quickly pulled them out again. “Hey, where’d it go?”
    “What?” several voices asked as heads turned.
    “My pin.”
    “Your Okeefenokee pin?” Patsy asked.
    Tammy nodded. “I know I had it when we played ball because the clasp was loose, and I put it in my pocket. Oh, bother!” She pulled her pocket inside-out and stuck her finger through a fairly large hole.
    “It must have fallen out,” Addy remarked.
    Suddenly Jeff had a terribly uncomfortable feeling creep up his backbone. Turning slowly to Dan, he said in a voice so strange that every member of the Okeefenokees turned to look at him, “Dan, if Tammy lost that pin anywhere near the memorial we’d better find it, fast. Otherwise . . .” His voice trailed off.
    For a moment the room was so silent you could have heard a pin drop. Then Dan shouted, “What are we waiting for, the sun to set? Let’s go!”
    Mr. Dutton looked out his window in surprise. Never had the Okeefenokees left their club house in such a hurry and with so little noise in the three years they had used his shed. What was going on? They had arrived in a hurry and out of breath too, he had noticed, but that wasn’t unusual. Shaking his head, Mr. Dutton turned from the window as the last of the Okeefenokees disappeared from sight. “I suppose I’ll find out some time,” he murmured.

    Hardly had the Hansens begun their supper that night before Jeff blurted out, “Dad, Tammy lost her club pin while we were playing ball. Did anyone find it?”
    “When did you discover she had lost her pin?”
    “When we met this afternoon for an emergency meeting after I discovered the flags were gone again.”
    “You discovered the flags were missing?”
    “Yes, sir. But it wasn’t any of us who did it. We had all gone to lunch. But we couldn’t find Tammy’s pin.”
    “Hang on a second, Jeff.” Officer Hansen reached into his back pocket and pulled out a little notebook. “Now, suppose you tell me everything you know.”
    So, Jeff, eager to help his dad as well as clear up the misunderstanding about the Okeefenokees, told him the entire story of the day’s doings. When he had finished, he asked, “So, can we have Tammy’s pin back?”
    It was several minutes before Officer Hansen replied. He was studying the notes he had just written down as well as going over a few old ones. “I’m sorry, Son,” he spoke at last. “I’m afraid I can’t get her pin back until this whole mess is cleared up.”
    Jeff was quiet for the rest of the meal. How could the Okeefenokees convince everyone that they had nothing whatever to do with the missing flags from the police memorial? Would they forever be branded as thieves if the real thief wasn’t discovered? They would just have to find the thief. That was all there was to it.
    Later, sitting on the floor building a tower of blocks for Baby Emily, Jeff suddenly leaned back on his hands and looked at his father. “Dad, could you ask Chief Gallant not to put any flags out tomorrow?”
    Putting down the newspaper, Mr. Hansen shrugged. “It won’t hurt to ask. Do you have an idea for catching the thief?”
    “Maybe. I still have to think some things over, but I thought if there weren’t any flags out tomorrow, it might be easier to figure things out on Friday and put the plan to work on Saturday.”

Will you be back next week to see what happens?

Mystery At Random - Part 4

Good Morning Faithful Friday Fiction Fans,
I look out my window this morning and see clouds and some clear sky. Everything is wet for it rained earlier this morning. It is chilly and back to spring weather. Perhaps the weather just mistakenly thought March was May. :) Anyway, everything is really green and I had to mow the yard for the second time yesterday. No, I didn't mean I mowed it twice in one day, just that it was the second time this year.


Life is busy these days. I'm not sure where all the days have gone. Perhaps there are some hiding in boxes or closets. Don't you wish you could pull out an extra day now and then? Let me see, what has kept me busy? Saturday my sister and I babysat the kiddos all morning. I did "school" with Pickle Puss, Goof Ball and Funny Boy. We did "spelling, math & science." (We made paper airplanes and they loved it!)
On Easter Sunday we had a really small group for church, but that was all right, we got to visit.
Monday I mailed several things, and now I can't remember what else I did. I know I was busy. :}
On Tuesday I went over to my brother's for about an hour to play with Funny Boy and Doodle Bug. You see, PP and GB were at their grandparents playing with visiting cousins, so FB & DB didn't know what to do by themselves. When I got there, Funny Boy reached up his arms so I picked him up. Then he wrapped his little arms around me and put his face next to mine. He didn't say a word, just hung on and grinned. That little guy just loves to be held, cuddled and tickled. :)
Last night I had a meeting with the JCRCC. (Politics)
Today I have the house to clean, chatting with a friend this afternoon and then this evening, two of my heart-sisters are coming over to spend the night!!!!!! One has a wedding to help take pictures of tomorrow but the other is staying here!!!!!! I can't wait!
I won't get any writing done tonight. :) However, I did get one story finished, one of Priscilla's letters written and am nearly done with another short story. I'm trying to get as much writing done as I can before we leave town for conferences.
Yep, we'll be out of town next Friday, but not to worry, I will post. And since next week is . . . well, . . . I'm going to . . . But I think you'll just have to come back to find out. :D

But let's get back to the Mystery at Random.

Part 4

    Looking his son straight in the eye, Officer Hansen replied quietly, “I don’t believe you had anything to do with it.”
    Jeff gave a little sigh but still looked worried. “Dad, it wouldn’t, it couldn’t be any of the Okeefenokees. It just couldn’t be.”
    Josh Hansen placed a quiet hand on his son’s shoulder. “I feel the same way, Jeff, but we’ll have to prove it. I might as well tell you all we know. The flags have been missing five different days. All of them taken at different times during the day. The reason the Okeefenokees were thought of at all is because there have been two small footprints in the flower bed. One after each of the last two thefts.”
    “But, Dad,” Jeff protested warmly, “it wasn’t us! I mean the footprints might have been ‘cause sometimes when we play ball we have to step in the flower bed to get the ball, but we didn’t take the flags.” He was becoming quite excited and had stood up.
    “Jeff, I believe you had nothing to do with it,” Mr. Hansen said again.
    Slowly Jeff sat back down, his shoulders drooping. “But you don’t believe it wasn’t some of the others, do you?” he asked dully.
    What should Officer Hansen say? He hadn’t believed it could be any of them, but the story of Red helping out an uncle seemed to throw at least a faint suspicion on him. Today’s doings might be checked into, but what about the other days? Then a new thought struck him; what if it were more than one person in the gang and they took turns stealing the flags? But why? Again Hansen was faced with that same question. Why would anyone want to steal small flags? But Jeff was waiting for an answer.
    “I don’t know, Jeff,” he said at last. “I don’t want to believe any of the Okeefenokees did it, but are you sure Red has an uncle that he was helping?”
    “I’m pretty sure. He’s gone out to help him several times in the past week or two.”
    That didn’t sound right to an officer trained in investigative analysis. “In the last week or two?” he echoed. “Have you heard of this uncle before then?”
    Frowning in thought, Jeff leaned his forehead on the back of the chair and thought. He too was beginning to wonder. Not that he seriously thought Red would steal anything, but what about his uncle? Had he ever heard about him before Red started going out to help? After several minutes, Jeff raised his head. “I don’t think so.” Then suddenly inspired, he asked, “Dad, can I do a little talking to the Okeefenokees about this? Maybe I can find out something.”
    “Sure.”

    After Jeff left the room, Officer Hansen picked up the phone.
    “Hello, Dave. This is Josh Hansen. . . . We’re fine, thanks. . . . I know this is going to sound strange, but . . . Well, I was wanting to verify a few facts. . . . Did Dan and Patsy have dentist appointments this afternoon?” There was a moment of silence in the office. “Can you give me the times again, Dave? . . . Got it. Thanks. . . . Yes. . . . They did? . . . No, they are missing again. . .  You got that right! . . . Sure. Thanks again. Bye.”
    Officer Hansen replaced the phone on the hook and played with his pen a moment while staring at the paper before him. Then he once again picked up the phone.

    The sun had only been up for an hour when Jeff Hansen jogged down the road towards the Okeefenokees’ club house. He had made a detour to check on the police memorial. There were no flags to be seen except for the large one on the flag pole. For a moment Jeff had paused, carefully looking the place over before continuing on his way.
    Arriving at the old shed, Jeff found Dan and Patsy were the only ones there.
    “Dan,” Jeff lost no time in getting to the point. “Dad was asking about the flags yesterday because someone has been stealing them from the memorial.”
    Dan’s eyes opened wide. “Stealing them?” he echoed. “Why?”
    Jeff shook his head. “That’s what we want to know. And who is doing it.”
    “Why did he ask us, Jeff?” Patsy inquired.
    “Well,” Jeff paused and scratched his nose. “I guess we’re suspects.”
    “Huh?” Dan stared at Jeff as though he was crazy. “Us? Why?”
    Patiently Jeff explained what his dad had told him, ending with, “He doesn’t really think it is any of us, but he was asking about Red’s uncle. I don’t remember hearing of any uncle until he started going out to help him, do you?”
    Dan looked at Patsy and she shook her head slowly. For a minute the three members of the Okeefenokees were silent. Surely it couldn’t be one of their number doing the stealing. But, why was Red suddenly helping out his uncle? It just didn’t seem to add up right. But what could they do about it? They had to think quickly because the others would be there soon.
    “Why don’t I offer to go and help him the next time he goes?” Dan suggested.
    “Good idea,” Jeff nodded. “Maybe I should go too.”
    “But who would keep an eye on things here?”
    “I will,” declared Patsy stoutly. “I can do it,” she asserted stubbornly when she saw her brother look doubtful.
    But Jeff agreed. “Sure she can. No one would think that she was keeping an eye open for trouble.”
    There was no more time to talk for shouts and laughter announced more arrivals.

    “I did a little checking last night, Chief,” Officer Hansen was making his report. Officer Erikson was in the room as well. “I found out that three of the Okeefenokees were not painting the fence. Dan and Patsy Farragut were at the dentist.

To be continued . . .

Who did it?

Whose story do you believe?

Have any questions that haven't been answered yet?