Hortons Bend

around 12 midnight. There’s another guy who’s gonna be checking around this area tonight. I know he’s close to Banner so he’s checking up on us too. If we see him we’ll look like we’re doing our job and maybe he’ll leave us the hell alone. Either way we’re going to have to ride back through here several times before 12’oclock tomorrow before we come back and do it all over again on Saturday night.” Ragland acknowledged the man’s attempt to explain away this shitty after hours work and appreciated it. “I understand Roger. How ‘bout we take a nap in shifts once it gets dark?” Curtis nodded and agreed. “Sounds good…..let’s go get a hamburger” he said as he started the Volvo.
    While the men were discussing their dinner plans, Brody greeted his wife who had stayed in town later than she thought. “Whew honey! This day has just flown by” she said as she hugged him. She looked at her watch and cocked her head. “You’re home a little early.” Brody wasn’t about to catch himself in any lies today. “I called in. Told them I was feeling achy and just couldn’t make it in today. I’ve enjoyed myself just working around here in the yard. And I made us some dinner!’ he beamed. Lacy perked up at the thought of not having to spend any time in the kitchen and her husband knew that he had hit a homerun. Brody knew that he still had to finish the game and decided to speak to her before they sat down to eat. As they walked into the house he announced to her “You know I had a unexpected visitor here today”. His wife looked faintly surprised and asked “Really? Who’s that?” Brody scratched his head and told her. “It was Jeanie King. She came out to ask me a favor.” Initially Brody could tell when he said the woman’s name that Lacy was irritated but her face relaxed and became curious. “She asked me to help her around her house with a few chores. I was surprised since I know how country people can be proud but I told her I would be glad to do it”. Lacy shrugged and said “Well I think that’s awfully nice of you. Seems strange since we haven’t had a social visit from her but…..”she trailed off. Lacy turned to him and suddenly offered help. “Hey Paul I can come over and help out. She’d probably appreciate the female companionship!” Lacy was so enthusiastic that Brody had to think quickly. “No honey…I’m not planning on being there too long. Gonna tar up one of the gutters and move some things in her yard. She wants me to come around 5pm tomorrow since she has to run to town in the morning.” Lacy didn’t seem disappointed but he could tell she felt that it all seemed a little odd especially coming from the ever distant Mrs. King. Brody changed the subject to dinner and began to lay out the salad and grilled chicken that he had prepared earlier.
    During dinner they chatted about her day and the exhibit plans the library had in mind. Brody let his wife carry the most of their conversations but was careful not to seem too distracted. It had been a full day and there was much to think about. After Mrs. King left, Brody knew that he had to call his work to explain his absence. He was lucky enough to avoid Mrs. Peabody and get her assistant to let the museum know that he would not be in today. He explained that he wasn’t feeling well and wanted to take some time to rest. Brody had also accomplished other fence mending that day. After some careful consideration he decided to call Darwin. She had answered her phone in a very terse manner but did take the time to speak to him. “Darwin I just wanted to apologize and let you know that it was a big mistake going out there. I shouldn’t have put you into that situation and I….”Darwin quickly cut him off but was understanding. “Paul….it’s alright. I’m at the museum in the lab right now. What happened out there was a mistake. I wish I had never gotten into the boat but it’s done and I hope you are done with it” she said. Brody started to speak again but instead let his assistant speak.
    Darwin sighed and continued “Paul I don’t know what I saw out there. I don’t know what you saw out there. Maybe it was my nerves but something was out in that flood plain and I’m going to do everything I can to forget about it. Some things just can’t be explained. Look..here’s the deal. I’m not leaving the museum. I’m going to finish up my work just as I said I would. I only have a few more weeks