Hortons Bend

human characteristics bring about the desire to explore this place but Paul…..I want you to let it be.”
    Brody had had no desire to interrupt Horton earlier. He had known better. A warm surge grew through his body when Horton spoke the last words. The old farmer was much, much more than he had ever expected. The man put off an uncanny energy and an indescribable warmness. His intellect was obviously beyond….anything. Brody’s scientific desire to know more would have to be set aside for the greater good. He knew this and it felt good to make this choice. But all the while he had to ask himself; why? Where did he fit into this strange but yet inviting scenario? He was being chosen for a task but he was unsure if he could fulfill the obligations. Brody’s knees began to slip yet again but the steady hand once again guided him.
    “Paul. I know what you’re thinking. Don’t let this overwhelm you. You won’t be alone in this endeavor. You’ll have an internal guidance that will direct you.” Horton made sure Brody could stand and put his arm around him to direct him away from where he was standing. The old sentinel stopped suddenly in realization. He looked back to Mrs. Peabody. “Dear Barbara I have almost forgotten my obligation to you. Ruby will make sure you are returned home safe and sound.” Horton faced Brody and spoke to him. “Don’t worry. She will not be harmed. Your museum director is going to wake up in the morning and have a change of heart. Her desire to work with antiquities and continue the study of museology will cease. Mrs. Peabody will soon be retiring to Tennessee to visit family and there she will decide to reside until her dying days. What her husband decides to do in regards to their relationship will depend on him.” Horton turned and motioned to his spouse. “Ruby please help Miss Barbara home. When I see you again shortly everything will be in place just as we discussed.” Mrs. Peabody did not resist and stood up with assistance. Her face was revealed in the glow of the torches only once as she glanced back before disappearing into the dark.

    Chapter 20
    Herschel Banner threw his cell phone down on the leather sofa in his office. This was his home office that was off limits to members of his residing family. He had often called it the one place that he could relax from both work and irritating relatives but this night was not going well. Frustrated, he had given up on Price after repeated calls. If there was any hope in Curtis it soon became apparent that he also was not dependable. “What in the hell is going on?” he thought angrily as he circled his desk. Banner had almost got into his Lexus and drove out to the farm but decided against it when he looked at how dark it had become. Besides if there had been any trouble he would not want to be part of it. Banner knew that he was the lynch pin of this plan. Without his coordination and forethought there would not and could never have been the type of progress envisioned. Banner sighed again and silently prayed for the weekend to be over, the Horton’s evicted, and contractors in place to finally get the ball rolling. He paced again and finally sat down on the sofa.
    What if they didn’t call him tonight? Should he drive over to Price’s house and demand an explanation? Maybe the best course would be to leave things be until the morning. It just seemed odd that Price left him hanging during their last conversation. He was certain that Barbara from the museum was there and that left him mystified. What the hell was she thinking by putting herself in what could be a potential spotlight? Banner would deal with her later. Was her damn archaeologist at the Horton farm or not? The commissioner began to second guess himself again. Driving out there would do no good but he also wanted to be ready if any type of media barrage was in store. Banner lost his composure and screamed out “Goddamn that bone digging sonofabitch!” Embarrassed at his outburst, he looked around the office and calmed himself by looking at his many self imposed accolades. Banner’s mind relaxed somewhat as he glanced at the framed photo-op 8”x10” glossies of himself and the governor and other political figures. He needed time to think and sort this mess out. But the question remained if it really was a mess. Banner sat down on the sofa and held the telephone in his hand. As he was about to try Steve Price again, the lights dimmed in his office.