Aug 12th 1942, Somewhere in Germany
"Rusty are you all right?" asked Lt. McCullum after crashing his bomber in a field in Nazi Germany.
"I think my arm is broken, but forget me go check on our gunners."
Lester scrambled into the back of the plane to check on the rest of his crew. A few minutes later he rejoined Lt. Wells and said "Rusty its just the two of us left, we gotta get out of this plane before the Nazi's find us."
They scrambled out of the plane and made a dash for the treeline. As they entered the trees their plane exploded sending a giant fireball rising into the sky. A panting Lt. McCullum looked over at Lt. Wells and said "Yall think anyone noticed that?"
"Lester what are we going to do now? I've heard some terrible things about what the Germans do to captured pilots."
"Don't worry about it Rusty, I aint gonna let nothing else happen to us.
---------------------Tonambao Island
"Fitz can you see this guy?" yelled St Pearly Johnson.
"Pearly I can't see crap, evertime I move this guy starts shootin at me. Pearly he has got me totally boxed!"
"Moore, Patterson come here I got an ideal." As Moore and Patterson scrambled over to Sgt. Johnson he motioned for the rest of the squad to spread out to the left. "Moore you still got a couple of grenades, right?" asked Sgt. Johnson.
"Yea Pearly, but we aint got him spotted yet!"
"I know, here's what we are gonna do, I'm gonna yell WAVE ONE and the three of us will throw grenades. Then grab your gun and watch. After two minutes I'm gonna yell WAVE TWO and every one else is gonna throw rocks into the bush. Now if we don't get him with the grenades, that second wave ought to scare him into moving and we'll get him."
"Ok Lets do it" Snapped St Johnson. The men spread out. "WAVE ONE" the three Marines threw the grenades. After two minutes Pearly screamed "WAVE TWO" and twelve rocks went flying into the bush. The two Japanese snipers moved to avoid the "explosions". All three men opened fire, both snipers went down.
"Medic get over there and check on Fitz, Moore Patterson yall go make sure they're dead. Everyone else up and reload. We are moving out in 10 minutes."
-----------------------Greenville Memorial Hospital
The Doctor walked into the waiting room and smiled "it's a girl, 6lbs 11 oz. Susan said the name was Clarissa Marie Margison"
Everyone started whooping and hollering and smiling.
"Joan Margison looked at her husband and said "I wish Brain would have lived to see this, he would have been so proud."
"That he would Darlin, that he would. Joan I'm going back out to the ranch and check on Wyatt." Said John Margison.
30 minutes later as he turned into his drive he spotted the burning cross. John sped into the yard, jumped out of his car and started looking for Wyatt. After a few minutes of searching he found the badly beaten boy. He carried him to the car then ran in the house to call Dozier.
"Dozier, I just got to the house and found a cross burning in the front yard. Dozier there's more I found Wyatt the have beaten him something turrible."
"Yea Dozier I know, it was probably Tolly. I'm taking the boy to the hospital in Greenville. Them I'm gonna talk to The law."
"Dozier calm down you can't just go shoot him. We gotta let the law handle this."
"Dozier just meet me at the hospital and then we will go talk to the law."
Aug 14th 1942, General Eisenhower appointed Anglo-American commander of Operation Torch - The Invasion of North Africa.
-----------------Aug 14th Somewhere in Germany
"Rusty I just don't like the way your arm is swelling up. We gotta find you a Doctor."
"Lester the only Doctor's around here are Nazi's. My are is gonna be ok. Have you figured out a way to Switzerland yet?"
"No I aint. We are a long way from safe and we gotta scrounge some more food tonight."
"Lester are we gonna be alright?"
"Rusty I aint gonna lie to you. I just don't know but we are gonna keep trying. If we keep moving at night and hiding during the day I figure we got a shot."
Lester motioned for Lt. Wells to be quiet and he slowly moved to the edge of the barn they were hiding behind to see what was making the noise he heard. He peeked around the corner and spotted two German soldiers heading straight to the barn. He ran back to Lt. Wells and said "Come on Rusty quiet as you can we got to get out of here!"
They took off across the field behind the barn running as fast as they could. The sound of Machine gun fire shattered the silence. Both men went down as the German Troops strafed the field.
"Jawohl, They are both still alive, but one is badly wounded." The German soldier reported after examing the two men.
The German Officer walked up to the two wounded Americans. He pulled his luger out and shot Lt. Wells six times in the head. "Now he is not badly wounded, we will turn him over to the Gestapo. They like American Flyers."
"Sieg Heil"
Aug 21st, 1942 US Marines on Guadalcanal turn back the first major Japanese ground attack in the battle of Tenaru.
--------------------Sept. 1st Marine HQ Tombago Island
"Sgt. Johnson we are transferring your squad to Guadacanal to support our operations there." Said Major Scatterwaitte.
"Yes Sir, Major. Will you be assigning a new Lt. To us?" asked Sgt. Pearly Johnson.
The Major smiled and said "In a manner of speaking yes. Based on your recommendations we are promoting Pvt. Fitzgerald to Sgt. and Pvt. Moore to Corporal. Effective immediately you are 2Lt. Pearly Johnson in command of Baker Squad. Johnson you have done an excellent job during the 3 weeks of fighting here on Tombago. We are going to reward you be giving you more men and sending you into that meat grinder Guadacanal. Good Luck and Dismissed."
Later that night Lt. Johnson and his thirty man squad boarded a transport and slipped across the few miles of open sea between Tombago and Guadalcanal Islands.
--------------------September 4th ---- German John's Mercan'tile
"Ling Pau how is Wyatt?" Asked Ben Abrahamson as he unlocked the Door.
"He doing good. He up and walking around. Doctor said he gonna be AOK. Ben, is AOK a good thing?"
Ben started laughing "Yea Ling Pau it's a good thing, I guess you are still trying to get used to the way we talk around here."
"Yes, I speak English, sometimes I wonder if people here do."
"Nah, we speak Texican. You ready for a big day. We always get a lot of business this time of year."
"Ben what is this festival again?"
"Ling Pau we call it a fair. The Founders Day Fair. School is out, all the town leaders are gonna be dressed up like pioneers. Of course we got all our meals at half price and the Parade and Dance are tonight."
Ben turned as Joey Beddenfield walked in with Aaron Smithson. "Ben we need two cups of coffee and some of those little donuts Ling Pau makes." Joey said as he sat down. "Aaron, I know its legal but I don't think this is a good ideal."
Aaron Smithson frowned and said "Sheriff I really don't care what you think. Tolly sent me over to get a Parade permit and that's what I am gonna do! Whats taking so long with that coffee."
Ling Pau brought out the coffee and sat it down on the table "No donuts, you come back later" she said to Sheriff Beddenfield.
"Stupid Jap, too lazy to make the food on time." Growled Aaron.
Ling Pau jerked back and said "I Chinese not Japanese."
Joey Beddenfield said "Aaron shut up we don't play that game around here. You will treat her with respect here in Nomocotton."
Ben walked up to the table and said "Sheriff you and your friend are gonna have to leave. We don't want his business or yours when your with him."
"You best watch your mouth Nazi, I heard them Night Riders already got your name."
"Aaron, that sounded like a threat if you don't shut up and get out of town I'm gonna arrest you." Snarled Sheriff Beddenfield.
Aaron Smithson stood up and said "I'll leave but I will be back for the parade. Permit or no permit. It's about time some of you people in Nomocotton got reminded where you are and what a real American is."
As Smithson stomped out Ben said "Joey you wanna tell me why you brought that piece of trash in my store and what is he up to?"
"Ben I'm sorry I just wasn't thinking. That fool showed up at my door before I had my morning coffee. Tolly sent him down here to tell me they are gonna show up to march in the parade."
"Wonderful, this ought to be a real fun parade."
Ling Pau came back into the dining area and asked "Those men the ones who beat up Wyatt, they gonna be in Parade?"
"Ling Pau I hate to say it but it shure looks like it." Said Sheriff Beddenfield.
Ling Pau looked at him and said "does that mean yes?"
Ben said "Yes, they are gonna march in the parade. But don't worry Ling Pau there wont be any trouble."
Ling Pau stomped her foot "No trouble! They beat up Wyatt. Sheriff don't do nothing! You say no Trouble! What wrong with you we should be giving them trouble!"
-----------------Noon----The Bullen Kitchen
Adaline Traywick was frying chicken while Cindy Jean fed the boys. "Cindy Jean what time is that Dozier Lunsford coming by to pick us up for the parade?"
"He's supposed to come by around 3, so we can take all the stuff to the dance. Are you gonna have all that chicken done by then?"
"Of course. That will even give em time to go get my costume."
"Are you going as a Southern Belle again this year?" asked Cindy Jean.
"No, I went up to Dallas last week remember. I bought a special dress. I am going as Maudel Adams this year."
"Adaline I'm Shocked what would Hiram say if he saw you dressed up as a Dance Hall floozy."
Adaline started laughing "You know that boy he would say Momma you can't go out in public like that. I swear that boy thinks all I should do is stay in the kitchen and cook. Cindy Jean I may be 50 and a widow but that don't mean I forgot what a mans good for. My boys are gone now Joseph to Heaven and Hiram to war so there aint no one to tell me to behave. Cindy Jean it's been almost 15 years since Mathew died and to be honest I'm tired of waking up alone."
Cindy Jean smiled and said "Adaline I understand, its kinda nice to have something besides a blanket to keep you warm during those long winter nights. Have you got your eye on anyone in particular?"
Adaline smiled and said "Well you know it's been 5 years since Julie Abrahamson died and Ben is kinda cute."
"You mean your planning on going shopping in German John's for something besides milk and eggs? Got your eyes on some German Food do ya?" Cindy Jean said with a laugh.
-----------------Lunsford Ranch
"What the devil do you mean you want me to skip the parade. Sheriff Joey Beddenfield you're pushing your luck just coming out here. I still don't understand why you aint arrested Tolly, now you want me to skip the Founders Day Parade! A Lunsford has been in that parade every year for 50 years you wanna tell me why I should break the tradition?"
"Now Dozier just calm down. I aint telling you that you can't be in the Parade. I'm just trying to make sure there aint no trouble. At least do me a favor and just this one year please don't dress up as the Lunsford Gang."
"Joey, what the devil are you getting at? It's been a long time since anyone in my family has had any trouble with the Law. Just what's going on?"
"Dozier, the Klan is gonna march in the Parade."
"Sheriff, I am really beginning to wonder about you. Stop the Klan not the law abiding citizens of Nomocotton."
"I give up. All I'm gonna tell you is don't throw the first punch. Dozier we both know there is gonna be trouble so be careful and make sure it at least looks like Tolly started it."
"Joey, I know you can't do nuthin to Tolly's bunch so why don't you just set back and enjoy the Parade."
-----------------------Somewhere in Germany
"Lt. McCullum we are sending you to a POW camp but I want to ask you one more time. Who is your Commander?" Asked the Gestapo Captain.
"Colonel William Barret Travis" answered Lt. McCullum
"Your Unit Designation?"
"13 Days of Glory"
"Unit Strength?"
"183 planes and about 5000 men"
"Home Base"
"San Antonio Texas"
The Gestapo Captain frowned and consulted his notes "Last time your commander was Jim Bowie, then Davey Crocket and Sam Houston. Who are these people? I don't think they even exist, don't you understand things will be a lot easier if you just answer my questions?"
Lt. McCullum smiled and said "I been answering them, can I help it if you don't like my answers?"
The Gestapo Captain slapped Lt. McCullum across the face and said "SwineHund, the war is over for you. You will rot in a POW camp until our tanks are driving down the streets of your precious Texas!"
Lester looked at the Captain and said with a big smile "Yall wouldn't wanna bet on that would ya?"
-----------------German John's Mercan'tile
"Hi Uncle Ben, Momma sent me over to get the mail." Said Kary Kay Beddenfield as she walked into the store.
Ben Smiled real big and said "Kary Kay, you wouldn't be looking for a letter from a certain Marine would ya?"
Kary Kay blushed and said "You aint told Dad or Uncle Joey about Pearly have you? They just don't understand that we are in love. They think we are too young."
Ben laughed "Kary Kay you know I wouldn't do that. Let me see if you got any mail."
As Ben was checking the mail Ling Pau asked "This girl is your family?"
Ben smiled and said "No not really, my wife and her Momma were best friends. She just sorta adopted me."
"This town drive me crazy, everyone related or pretend they are related. Ling Pau muttered as she went back into the kitchen.
"Kary Kay I do believe you are gonna be a happy little lady tonight, I got a letter here from a Sgt. Johnson."
"SGT! oh Pearly must have got a raise."
"Kary Kay, its called a promotion not a raise."
"Ok Unka Ben, if you say so" Kary Kay said as she took the letter and headed out the door.
"Hi Kary, is that a letter from Pearly?" asked Margie Lunsford as she came into the store.
"Don't worry I'll be there to keep Clarissa and CG." Answered Kary Kay without looking up from the letter.
Margie laughed " I guess she is a little distracted. Ben have you seen Mr. Beddenfield?"
"You mean the Sheriff?"
"No, Dozier sent me into town to find Abner Beddenfield and to buy all the Axe handles you have in stock."
"Sorry Margie I aint seen Abner all week. Let me get them Axe handle's you want them put on the account or you gonna pay cash?"
"Dozier said to put them on his account. Oh one more thing he wanted you to keep an eye out for his two brothers. They are coming in from Can'ton for the Founders Day Parade."
"Margie you mean Dozier called his brothers John and Wyatt and told them to come over? Why does he want these Axe handles? Margie was is Dozier planning?"
"I don't know Ben, but he's been on the phone since the Sheriff left the house. I sware every Lunsford, Wesson and Hogue in 5 counties are gonna be here for the parade. I mean can't you just see it 20 or 30 of them good ole boys in their Dusters riding down main street. It's gonna be like the old west has come back to life."
"That's what I'm afraid of Margie, that's exactly what I'm afraid of. Tolly and his pack of fools is planning on marching in the Parade."
"So? Oh you don't really believe all that stuff about Mr. Tolly beating up Wyatt do you? I still think he got beat up for messing with someone's girlfriend and he just made that other stuff up. Ling Pau I hope you arranged a ride home with someone because I'm not gonna miss the dance just to take you home."
"Margie why in the world would Wyatt make up something like that?"
"I don't know, I just know Daddy Dozier don't like Mr. Tolly and neither do any of the other Lunsfords. Mr. Tolly has always been nice to me and he did help run off that uppity Pugh family a few years ago. Imagine their nerve trying to attend our Baptist church."
"Margie I can't believe you said that. Your Momma and Daddy would tan your hide if they heard you talking like that. The Pugh's were nice people and what happened to them was wrong."
"Ben I'm not gonna argue with you, just let me have the axe handles. I guess I am gonna have to drive out to Abner's ranch. I really wish that old coot would get a phone."
----------------------Across Town at the Margison Ranch
"Susan Margison now you stop that nonsense right now. Kary Kay and Ling Pau can take care of little Clarissa tonight. You are coming with us to the dance. Don't you wanna see John and all those other clodhoppers trying to dance." Joan Margison said with a laugh.
"Joan I'm Just worried that Karry and Ling have bitten off more than they can chew. They are gonna have Clarissa, CG, the Bullen Twins and Little Enoch Jones. I'm not trying to be mean but you know as well as I do that Enoch has to be watched all the time. I mean he is a nice enough boy but he had to be the dumbest 8 year old in Texas."
"Susan you be nice, it wasn't his fault he got his head stuck in that staircase banister, and he was just trying to help when he tried to brand the dog."
"Joan what about when he traded two of his Daddy's Cows for a baseball glove."
The two women started laughing and Joan said "Ok, he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer but you gotta admit he's as cute as a button."
Susan Margison said "yes he is cute with those big ole Monkey ears stickin out but I'm afraid it will be too much for Kary and Ling to handle."
"Susan you worry too much, Clarissa will be fine and you really need to get out. You been hiding here in the house every since we found out about Brian. Susan I miss him too but its time to start living again. Besides if you don't go John will insist we come home early to make sure you are ok, and I really wanna do some dancing tonight.
Susan laughed and said "Ok Joan I'll go, I wouldn't want to mess up your plans to do some sparkin with John."
---------------2:30 PM the Lunsford Ranch
"John I'm glad you could make it. Good Lord your boys have grown. I can't believe that's John Jr. he is as big as my Tommy."
John Lunsford shook his brothers hand and said "Dozier you said you might need some help so we are here. Yea JJ has gotten kinda big for a 15 year old. Is Wyatt here yet?"
"Yea John, he got here about 20 minutes ago. He is inside talking to my Wyatt."
"How is that boy and exactly what happened to him? All you told me is that yall had some trouble with the Klan. Don't tell me that fool boy has gone and joined that bunch of idiots."
Dozier frowned and said "No, Big brother he didn't join them. They beat him half to death. It's the same bunch I told ya about a few years ago. You Remember the Margisons?"
"Yea nice folks even if they are sheep herders."
"Yea well they took in this itty bitty Chinese girl and her baby. I sware this girl aint no bigger than that Teresa Jean girl we got in a fight over 40 years ago. Anyway, Tolly and his Ku Klux Klowns burned a cross on the Margisons front yard and beat up Wyatt when he tried to stop them."
"Dozier if you mention that Teresa Jean in front of my Peggy one more time I'm gonna stomp your butt ------ again. As far as this Tolly fool is concerned if he starts any trouble today we'll wear them shouts out. Who all is coming?"
"Well let's see there's you me and Wyatt. John Jr. and both of Wyatt's boys, Frank, Jimmy and Sam Wesson are here with their boys. OH and you remember Cousin Charlie Houge, he should be here any minute will all six of his sons. Abner Beddenfield and Russell Traywick are gonna ride with us too. All together I figure there ought to be about 25 of us."
"You got enough horses for everyone to ride" You know Dozier this is gonna be like in Great Grandpa's days. People are gonna see the Lunsford gang ride into town and start messin them selves." John Lunsford said with a laugh.
----------------5PM Main Street Nomocotton Texas
Four cars pulled into the City Hall parking lot. Jim Tolly and his little bunch of Klansmen started getting out of their cars. Sheriff Joey Beddenfield walked up to them and said "Tolly why don't you and your boys just get back into your cars and go home."
Jim Tolly looked at him and said "Sheriff we aint breaking no laws and you can't stop us from marchin!"
"Tolly I don't plan on trying to stop you, but I just want you to look over there." Sheriff Beddenfield pointed towards the 25 members of the Lunsford family sitting on their horses. The Sheriff smiled and said "Tolly you do what ever you want to do. I'm going over to German John's for an ice cream." The Sheriff then turned and yelled "Hey Dozier didn't you want to have a few words with Mr. Tolly and his little band of bedsheet bullies?" With that he walked off whistling and smiling.
"Boys I think we got a problem!" Said Tolly as Dozier, John and Wyatt Lunsford walked towards them.
Chapter 5: The Invasion of North Africa
Sept. 4th 1942 ---------Nomocotton, Texas
John Lunsford said "Hello Aaron Long time no see. I was real sorry to hear bout your boy."
Aaron Smithson smiled and said "Yea John it's been awhile. I don't think I've seen ya since I married Teresa Jean, and thanks John, Danny was a good boy."
"Aaron your son Danny died a patriot. I'd be proud to tell anyone he was the only son of one of my oldest friends. Aaron do you think he would have been proud of what yall did to young Wyatt? How proud would he be about yall threatening that poor little Chinese girl?"
"John, I don't know. We're just trying to defend America!"
"Aaron you know this is wrong don't cha? I dated Teresa Jean before you married her, does she know you're up here threatening that poor little girl and her baby?"
"Well no, she don't. I told her I was going fishing with Randy."
"I didn't think so. Aaron if your to ashamed of this to tell Teresa Jean do you really think it's the right thing to do?"
Aaron Smithson slowly shook his head and looked at Dozier Lunsford and said "DL I'm sorry, can you ever forgive me?"
Dozier smiled and said "Aaron you aint the smartest man I ever met but I know it was the grief that was driving you crazy. Why don't you take off that stupid sheet and ride with us?"
Aaron Smithson pulled off his sheet and said "Jim, I think I'm gonna ride with the Lunsfords."
John Lunsford said "Randy McCullum is that you?"
"Yea John it's me" Randy McCullum said as he pulled off his hood.
"Randy what are you doing in that sheet? Don't I remember seeing you at he Barn raising we did for the Pugh's when they moved down to our place in Van Zandt County?"
"Yea John I was there. I just felt wrong about what happened. Tolly said they were trying to start trouble but Rufus Pugh always seemed like an honest hard working man to me. I helped run them off cause Tolly said we had to but it just didn't feel right."
"Randy why are you doing this now?"
"Well John, Tolly told me that they were protecting some Japs over here in Nomocotton."
"Randy, she's a Chinaman and an American citizen. Her husband is in the Army protecting our country. Tolly lied to you --------------AGAIN!"
Randy and three other Klansmen pulled off their sheets. Randy said "Tolly I don't think I want this thing anymore. John if yall will let me I'd like to ride with yall today."
"Anytime Randy" John said. He then looked at Jim Tolly and the two remaining Hooded Klansmen and said "Tolly why don't you and your two dimwitted brothers just go home. You aint wanted or welcome here. Here in Nomocotton they don't care what color a man is all they care about is what kinda man he is. In case you are wondering Tolly from what Dozier told me Ling Pau is good people and a lot more welcome around here than you."
Susan Margison walked up to the group and said "Mr. Tolly why don't you take off that sheet and come meet Ling Pau Mhin. She is a real sweet girl and I'm willing to bet she wouldn't scare you if you knew her."
Tolly frowned and said "Yall just wait, we will be back not everyone around here loves Japs. Get in the car boys we're going back to Greenville."
Susan smiled and said "Mr. Tolly we don't want you to feel unwelcome but next time I would suggest you bring fried chicken and mashed potatoes instead of bedsheets and hatred. Here in Nomocotton we are willing to accept crazies just not mean crazies."
As Tolly left town, the citizens of Nomocotton watched the largest Founders Day Parade ever.
--------------------Later that Night
"Ben why don't you ask Adaline to dance?" suggested Cindy Jean as she waltzed with Ben Abrahamson.
"I don't know Cindy Jean, I guess I never thought about it. I gotta admit she shure does look aaaahhhh nice tonight." Ben Laughed "She shure don't look like someone's Momma tonight."
As the evening wore on Ben Abrahamson and Adaline Traywick danced many a dance. Margie Lunsford spent the evening dancing with all the young men. Joan & John Margison danced till eleven and the whole town managed for one night to forget the war and the world.
----------------------Sept 10th A POW Camp in Germany
Colonel Jacobs looked at the battered form of Lt. McCullum and asked "What happened to this man?"
Colonel Berger, Commandant of the POW Camp said "He Crashed his Plane."
"These bruises don't look like they are from a plane crash!"
"The SS captain who brought him in said he is very clumsy and falls down a lot."
"Colonel Berger this man has been beaten and probably tortured."
"Colonel Jacobs he is alive, be thankful. The SS are not known for there sense of humor and this American pushed it."
After the RAF Colonel managed to get Lt. McCullum to one of the POW barracks he asked him "What did you do to anger the SS?"
"Well Sir, I answered their questions but I don't think they liked em. To be completely honest I made up the answers using Texas History for names and places."
"Lt. I don't expect you to reveal any military information to the Krauts but from this point on you will follow orders and cooperate. The war is over for us and I intend to ensure the survival of my men."
---------------------Sept 1st 1942 - Seattle Washington 1st flight of the B29 Super Fortress
---------------------Oct 2nd 1942 - British Troop transport Queen Mary rams the British Cruiser Curanco off the Irish Coast. The Cruiser sinks with the loss of 338 men.
-------------The Night of Oct 14th Guadalcanal Island
"Cripes Lt. Johnson is this shelling ever gonna end?" asked Sgt. Fitzgerald
"Fitz, yea it will end. As soon as it ends either will all be dead or the Japs will land more troops. We aint won this island yet, the Japs are gonna keep throwing everthing they got at us.
"Pearly are we gonna win?"
"You bet your life on it. We aint never been beaten and we never will be. Remember Sgt. Fitzgerald you are a United States Marine and if you cant be a Texican that's the next best thing."
------------------Oct 23rd Hampton Roads Virginia
"Pvt. Lunsford you might as well sit down and relax. It's a long way to North Africa."
"Yes Sir, Sgt. Thomas, I'm just trying to get one last look at America. I got the feeling its gonna be a long time before I see it again."
"That it will be son, that it will be. Why don't you tell us again how you ended up in the Army not the Marine Corps. I'm sure we could all use a good laugh to start the trip."
Private Tommy Joe Lunsford sat down and smiled "Well it's like this. I went into Greenville Texas the morning after my wedding. I told yall about sweet Margie didn't I?"
"Yes a thousand times, get on with it!"
"oh ok, well to be honest I didn't get much sleep the night before and was still about half drunk. My Uncle John has sent some of his moonshine as a wedding gift and me and Margie had celebrated all night."
"Hey Tommy I bet that was the ride of your life." Yelled one of the other privates.
Tommy Joe turned beat red and said "Well anyway I went into the recruiters office and told him I wanted to join the Marines. He said sit down boy and we will get you signed up. I sorta looked hard at him and asked are you the Marine recruiter? Then he said boy if you wanna fight you just sit down and fill out this form. I'll make sure you go where you are needed. So I sat down and signed up. After I signed the form he reached across the desk and said welcome to the US Army private."
Everyone started laughing and Sgt. Thomas asked "Private cant you tell the difference between an Army uniform and a Marine uniform?"
Tommy Joe looks at him and said "I can now."
----------------------Somewhere in England
"Get your stuff together, we are moving out!"
Pvt. Bullen asked the Sgt. "Where are we going now another trip across this blasted Island?"
"Bullen, get your stuff, we aint staying in England. I hope you like sand."
--------------------Somewhere else in England
"Cowboy what are you doing now?" Asked Pvt. Traywick
"Hiram, I got a betting pool going here on when and where they send us. You wanna make a guess, only cost a buck?"
"Yea why not, give me Nov 8th in Normandy."
---------------Nov 8th 1942 Nomocotton Texas
"Cindy Jean what is wrong with you today?" asked Adaline Traywick after watching Cindy Jean put the oatmeal in the Ice Box.
"Oh Addy, I just don't know. I woke up this morning with a real bad feeling that my Bobby was in danger."
"Well calm down Cindy, didn't that last letter you got say he was still in England?"
"Yes it did, but it was a month old. I'm sure it's just those lamb chops we had for supper last night coming back to visit. Speaking of last night how did your date with Ben go?"
Adaline smiled and blushed "When Ben walked me home last night he finally got up the nerve to try and kiss me."
"Did you let him?"
"Cindy Jean you know a lady never tells about things like that."
------------------German John's Mercantile
"Ben u been bouncing around and humming all morning. Don't tell me you had another date last night with Mrs. Traywick?" asked Ling Pau.
"Ling I wanna tell you that Addy is about the sweetest lady I ever met."
Ben was just starting to tell Ling Pau about his date when Sheriff Joey Beddenfield came in the front door.
"Hi Joey you want a coffee and a doughnut?" asked Ben Abrahamson.
The Sheriff shook his head and said "No Ben, I came to speak to Mrs. Mhin."
Ling Pau got a scared look on her face and asked "Whats wrong Sheriff? I not done anything wrong. I just work and take care of CG."
"Mrs. Mhin you told us you are Chinese. I received a telegram this morning from the FBI. According to the Immigration records you were born Nov 17Th 1926 in Tokyo Japan! I need you to explain this inconsistency."
Ling Pau sat down at one of the tables and started crying. "I knew this wouldn't work, I knew it."
Sheriff Beddenfield sat down at the table and said "Ling Pau, talk to me. Tell me the truth the whole truth. Ling let me help you before the FBI gets here."
Ben grabbed the Sheriff's arm and said "Joey I cant believe you called the FBI about Ling Pau."
"Ben I didn't they received an anonimous tip. When they checked it out they discovered Ling was Japanese and they wired me with instructions to detain her. I just want to help her."
Ling Pau said "Yes I was born in Tokyo but I'm not Japanese. My parents were in Japan trying to buy passage to America. They could not get Visa's from China so they snuck aboard a ship to Japan. The immagration Quota's from Japan are higher than the ones from China, they bribed some Japanesse officials to list them as Japanesse so we could get to America. My husband told me to leave California when the war began. He was afraid someone would find out I was born in Japan. Everyone so nice to me I thought everything would be ok. I not want to start trouble. I like it here I just wanted to raise CG and live my life."
Sherrif Beddenfield asked "Ling Pau is that the whole truth? Is there anythign else you need to tell me? Ling I want to help you but you have to trust me."
Ling Pau gave the Sheriff a real scared look and said "I don't know what you mean."
The Sheriff shook his head "Ling Pau this is your last chance to explain without going to jail."
Ben Abrahamson said "Now wait a minute Joey you cant just come in here and start threatning Ling Pau!"
Sheriff Beddenfield Said "Shut up Ben or I'm gonna have to arrest you for obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit espinage. Ling Pau what is your husband's full name and what Army unit is he in?"
Ling Pau started crying harder and said "I'm not married."
------------------------------ North Africa
"Move, Move come on you grunts get ashore and return fire."
Pvt. Bullen asked as he ran for the beach "I thought the French were our allies."
"Bullen shut up and get ashore." Yelled the Sergeant.
"Yes Sgt. I'm going as fast as I uuuggghhhh!" moaned Pvt. Big Bobby Bullen as the Vichey French machine gun fire raked across his legs.
"Jordan, grab him and get him on the beach. We cant do anything for him out here." Screamed the Sgt.
---------------------------Elsewhere in North Africa
"Get ready to jump and men remember the Vichy French are allies of the Nazi's. The brass think they will surrender the moment they see us but be ready for anything." Yelled the Sft. As the plane closed on the drop zone.
"Cowboy you ready?" asked Pvt. Hiram Traywick
"I'm Ready, lets go kick some Nazi Butt." Yelled Pvt. Cowboy Zahn.
Moments later the Sgt. gave the GO signal and the Airborne invasion of North Africa had begun.
------------------------Casablanca, North Africa
"Pvt. Lunsford get that blasted 50mm set up." Yelled Sgt. Thomas.
Pvt. Lunsford quickly set up the machine gun and asked "Sarge I thought the French were supposed to welcome us with open arms?"
"So did I Private, so did I."
Chapter 6: The War rolls On
--------------------The City Jail in Nomocotton, Texas
"Joey have you lost your mind? Why the dog did you arrest Ling Pau?" Yelled Dozier Lunsford as he stormed into the building.
"Dozier I had no choice. She refused to explain some inconsistencies and she forced me too." Sighed Sheriff Beddenfield.
"Joey what is going on? What is she charged with."
"Dozier, I got a wire from the FBI. Ling Pau was born in Japan, she is only 16 and unmarried. Dozier CG is not her son and there is a warrant for her arrest in Tucson Arizona. The FBI thinks she is a spy. Now I know that's nonsense but until we find out what's going on she has to stay in jail."
"Joey I got Susan out in my truck, let her talk to Ling Pau. I'm sure Ling will tell Susan the truth."
"Dozier the FBI is coming down from Dallas. They should be here in about two hours. If Susan can get Ling Pau to tell the truth maybe we can help her."
Dozier went to the door and yelled "Susan get in here, Joey's gonna let you talk to her."
Sheriff Beddingfield escorted Susan Margison into Ling Pau's cell and said "Ling Pau Susan wants to talk to you, I'm sorry but I can't leave yall alone but I will sit over here and try to give yall some privacy."
Susan hugged Ling Pau and said "Ling Pau why don't you tell me what happened. You know me I'll do my best to help you out of this. So will Sheriff Beddingfield. We are your friends, let us help you."
Ling Pau slowly started talking "Susan I am sorry I lied to you. I was born in Japan, but I am Chinese. I am not an American citizen and I'm in this country illegally. My Father was Japanese but my mother was Chinese. We stowed away on a ship for San Francisco and bribed a man to issue us papers after we got here. CG is my brother, my mother died giving birth to him. We lived in San Diego near the big Naval base. When the war started my father started acting strange. In February I found a radio hidden in his room. When I asked him about it he told me to be quiet and not tell anyone. He said he was doing what he was sent to America to do and that when we won the war the Emperor would reward us. I got scared." Ling Pau started crying.
Sheriff Beddingfield started shaking his head and said "Ling Pau was your Daddy a spy?"
Ling Pau sobbed and said "Yes Sheriff he is, but I am not. I love America. I want to live here forever. When I realized what he was doing I took CG and ran. I didn't want to help my father."
The Sheriff asked "What about the warrant in Tucson? What happened there?"
"I needed food, no one would sell it to me. This man offered to help me so I went with him. He said we were going to his room to get his money but when we got there he tried to -----" Ling Pau started crying again "We struggled and I hit him with a lamp. Then I ran back to the bus station."
The Sheriff stood up visibly angry and said "I'm gonna call the sheriff in Tucson."
------------------------------North Africa
"Is he gonna be alright?" Pvt. Jordan asked the Corpsman working on Pvt. Big Bobby Bullen.
"He's gonna live but only the Doc and the Good Lord knows if he gets to keep the leg."
"Can't you do something for him? Give him something to ease the pain till the Doctor gets to him?"
"I better not, the Doc's are gonna have to operate on him."
---------------------Tolly's Store Greenville Texas
"Jim Tolly you called the FBI about little Ling Pau didn't you?" Demanded Ben Abrahamson as he stormed into the store.
Jim Tolly got a big smile on his face and said "What's the matter Nazi Ben, did they arrest your pet Jap? But to answer your question yes I called the FBI. Someone has to make sure that Jap gets taken care of!"
Ben Abrahamson walked across the store and punched Jim Tolly in the nose. "Tolly if anything happens to that girl I'm coming back with my shotgun!"
-----------------------------North Africa
"Sgt. the perimeter is secure it looks like we are here to stay" Said Pvt. Traywick
"Yes it does look like it. I'm just glad we didn't meet any resistance."
---------------------------Nomocotton City Jail
"Sheriff Beddingfield I am Agent Smith, this is Agent Townsend. We are here to speak to Ling Pau Mhin."
"Why don't yall walk down to the café with me and we will talk about it. I'd like to know a little more about what yall got in mind." Said Sheriff Beddingfield
"Sheriff I don't think that's necessary just let us interview Miss Mhin."
The Sheriff started to object again and Agent Smith said "NOW, Sheriff!"
--------------------------------North Africa
"Pvt. Lunsford you keep your eyes open. We might not have had any serious resistance here but don't take it for granted that it will stay that way."
"Yes Sir Sarge. Do you really think these Witchy French are gonna fight us?"
"Pvt. That's Vichy French and No I don't really think so but the Captain said one of the landings was opposed."
------------------------The Margison Ranch
"John Horatio Margison what do you mean you cant do anything? Asked Joan Margison.
"Joan, it's the FBI not Joey."
"John go down there and tell them she aint no spy. Ling Pau is a nice girl and she needs our help."
Margie Lunsford said "Momma it's all over town that she really is a Jap. Maybe Mr. Tolly was right about her. You know out in California they rounded up all the Japs and put them in Camps."
Joan said "Margie shut your mouth, you know better than that, Ling Pau is a good person."
"Momma I'm a married woman now, not your little girl you cant tell me to shut up. I don't think we can trust her, I mean look at her. She aint like us."
"Margaret Anne Margison Lunsford this is still my house and you are still my daughter. If you wanna talk like one of Jim Tolly's bedsheet bullies then maybe you need to leave!" Joan Margison said in a frosty tone.
"Now Joan calm down and Margie you don't really believe that do you?" asked John.
"Yes Daddy I do, CG is always crying, that food she cooks smells bad and they aren't even Christians. I don't like her and I don't want her around. Daddy everyone knows you can't trust those people."
--------------------------------Bullen Family Kitchen, Nomocotton Texas
Cindy Jean hung up the phone and said "Adaline you aint gonna believe what's going on in town. Can you watch the boys? Ben needs me to come watch the store for a couple of hours."
"Cindy what in the world is going on? Have you and Ben both forgot you don't work for him anymore? Why isn't Ling Pau watching the store?"
"Addie Ling Pau is in jail. Arrested for being a spy. Ben is up in Greenville trying to hire that Female Lawyer Winifred Dabney. I've still got a key to the store and he can't afford to close up for the day if he has to pay that Yankee Lawyer."
"Cindy Jean call Kary Kay I'm going with you."
----------------------The Lunsford Ranch
"It aint right" muttered Wyatt Lunsford as he loaded his shotgun. "Someone needs to teach that Tolly a lesson and I'm just the man to do it. I can't believe anyone would want to hurt a girl as pretty as Ling Pau. I aint gonna allow it."
-----------------------------Nomocotton City Jail
"Miss Mhin we need to ask you some questions about your father." Said Agent Smith.
Ling Pau cried " I don't know anything, I haven't seen him in months."
"Miss Mhin we know that, Do you know any of the people he was working with?"
"No Sir, I don't. I don't even know where he is."
"Miss Mhin your father is dead. He was killed in a shoot out with the San Diego Police three months ago. We know you weren't involved with his espionage but we need to know who he was reporting to."
"I don't know"
The FBI continued to question Ling Pau for another three hours. When they finished questioning her and left the cell they discovered a large crowd outside in the Sheriff's office.
"Sheriff what are these people doing here!" demanded Agent Smith.
"Well Agent Smith they were concerned about Ling Pau and they come over to ensure that she was treated properly." Answered the sheriff.
"Sheriff we are going to get some thing to eat. When we get back to collect the prisoner I expect you have these people under control."
"Agent Smith what are you charging her with? I spoke with the officials in Tucson and they have dropped the charges. In fact the Sheriff there said he never wanted to press charges but the FBI convinced him to."
"Sheriff she is Japanese, we are going to send her to an internment camp."
"What about CG, the baby. He was born in America." Asked Adaline Traywick.
"Frankly Ma'am, that's none of your business." Said Agent Smith.
The Two FBI Agents left the Sheriff's office and headed for German John's. As soon as the two agents were out of sight the Sheriff picked up the phone and called Greenville.
"Miss Dabney? Yes, it's just like you figured"
"Sheriff stall them, don't let them leave before we get There. The Judge has already agreed to issue the court order." Said Counselor Winifred Dabney.
Almost an hour later the two agents walked out of German John's . Agent Smith said "that has got to be the slowest service I have ever seen. You would almost think that waitress was trying to keep us here as long as possible." The two agents looked at each other and started sprinting for the jail.
As they burst through the door of the Jail Agent Smith Demanded "Sheriff where is my Prisoner?"
"Agent Smith my name is Deputy Joe Bob Anderson of the Hunt County Sheriff's Dpt. I have here a court order for you to cease and desist. The minor children Ling Pau Mhin and Custer Grant Mhin have temporarily been declared wards of the State of Texas until a determination can be made of their legal standing."
Agent Smith said "Are you people crazy? Turn my prisoner over to me before I start arresting people for obstruction of Justice!"
"Agent Smith I also have here a warrant for your arrest for the illegal detaining and interrogation of the minor child Ling Pau Mhin. Sir we take a very dim view of the kidnapping of children here in Texas but the Judge and the DA are willing to sit on the warrant if you agree to leave the area until the legal status of Ling Pau Mhin has been clarified."
---------------------------Greenville Texas
"Tolly I sware to God if they do anything to Ling Pau I am gonna kill ya."
Screamed Wyatt Lunsford "Next Time I won't settle for shooting out your windows."
Tolly cowered inside his house on the edge of town and wished the local cops would hurry up and arrive.
Wyatt Lunsford got back in his truck and sped off. Twenty minutes later the Greenville Police showed up at Jim Tolly's house. They refused to take any action because Tolly did not actually see who did the shooting. As they were leaving one of the officers said "What's the matter Tolly you been hiding behind that law for years, don't cha like it anymore
November 10th, 1942 Admiral Jean Darlan orders French Troops in North Africa to stop fighting the American Invasion force.
November 12th, 1942 Congress approves the drafting of 18 and 19 year old men.
December 1st 1942 A member of the British Parliament reports the Nazi's have killed 2 million Jews.
--------------------------December 7th 1942----------Nomocotton Texas
"Addie are you ok?" asked Cindy Jean Bullen as a bleary eyed Adaline Traywick came into her kitchen.
"Cindy I'm ok I guess. It's just that I can stop thinking of Joseph today. It's been a year and Lord I miss him so much. Sometimes I just sit in my living room and cry. Joseph is dead, Hiram is in North Africa. Bobby is in North Africa, that McCullum boy is still missing in Germany, Lil Pearly is fighting in the Pacific, and Poor Brian died in the Pacific. Tommy Joe is in North Africa, Ben's son Dale is in England flying a bomber, His other son Jimbo is somewhere in the Pacific. How high a price are we gonna pay for this war. I heard on the radio that some Englishman said the Nazi's have killed 2 million Jews. Are the Nazi's pure evil? Just what are we gonna have to do to stop this madness?"
"Addie, I don't know the answers to those questions. All I know is that Bobby is fighting and I'm proud of him. The price you have paid is high but Addie you just gotta believe we are doing what is right and necessary. Everynight I pray that Bobby comes back to me but I'm proud that he went."
"Cindy I know and I'm proud that Hiram went I just get scared."
--------------------------Margison Ranch
"Margie what do you mean you are going to the Memorial with Frank Tolly?" asked her sister-in-law Susan Margison.
"What's wrong with that Susan? I've been sitting at home or working since June. I'm bored why shouldn't I enjoy myself a little."
"Margie you're married your husband is off fighting the war. Do you honestly believe you should start dating again."
"Oh Susan, you're such a prude, I'm not doing anything wrong. You're just jealous because he asked me out instead of you."
-----------------------German John's Mercantile
"Joey I honestly think you convinced that Judge to release Ling Pau into my custody so you could come over here and mooch donuts while checking on her." Laughed Ben Abrahamson.
"Ben if you don't stop saying that I'm gonna tell Adaline Traywick about that weekend in New Orleans last year." A smiling Sheriff Beddingfield said.
"Ok Ok Joey, you win." Laughed Ben.
"Ben how is Ling Pau doing today? I'm kinda worried that there might be some trouble today."
"Don't worry Sheriff I'm being extra careful today. I know some of the folks from Greenville might wanta hurt Ling Pau. Of course every since he found out she was only sixteen Wyatt has been hanging around constantly. I sware the boy is smitten."
"Speaking of being Smitten, You taking Adeline Traywick to the Memorial tonight? If you are please make sure Ling Pau aint left alone tonight."
Chapter Seven: The Klan Strikes Back
---------------------A POW camp in Germany
"Lt. McCullum you want to explain to me why we found a pair of homemade wire cutters in your belongings? Asked Colonel Jacobs.
"Colonel it's the duty of all American POW's to try and escape. Sir your nonescape and cooperation with the Nazi's strikes me as collaboration. I don't intend to sit out the rest of this war!"
"Lt. McCullum I am ordering you to stand down! You will stop trying to escape and you will submit to my authority."
"Colonel I will escape from this camp and I will get back into this war!"
"Lt. Don't force me to turn you over to the Nazi's."
------------------A Military Hospital in England
"Pvt. Bullen we are gonna be sending you back to the States. It's possible with a lot of work you may walk again."
"Captain how the devil can I walk with only one leg? I would have been better off if I had bled to death on that beach!"
"Pvt. We don't have the facilities here but when you get stateside they will fit you with an artificial leg. They will train you to use it and Pvt. A lot of good men did die on that beach you are lucky to still be here. We don't have the time or the patience to listen to anyone whine. So Shut UP and Soldier!"
----------------------Guadalcanal
"Hit the deck. We walked into an Ambush " Screamed Lt. Johnson as his squad came under fire. "Fitz, get that 50mm set up, Parkinson, Taylor yall give him some cover."
"Lt. Johnson, Sgt. Fitzgerald is hit. I think he's dead." Shouted Pvt. Palance.
"Palance can you get to the 50mm? If we don't get it going we are all gonna be dead." Shouted Lt. Johnson
"Lt. I got the one on the right zeroed in. Do we got any grenades left? He is in to good of cover to get him with my rifle."
Pvt. Taylor raised up and tossed a pouch of grenades to Pvt. Parkinson. As he released the pouch machine gun fire stitched across his chest. Pvt. Palance scrambled forward and grabbed the 50mm. He jammed an ammo belt into it and opened fire on the Japanese position on the left. The withering fire laid down by Pvt. Palance flushed out the Japanese Soldiers. Two of the Japanese Soldiers threw grenades as they fled the battle. Pvt. Thompson shouted "Grenades" and leaped on top of the explosives. He was killed instantly when the grenades went off. Pvt. Parkinson stood up screaming and tossing grenades at the Japanese machine position on the right. The Japanese machine gun fire cut him to pieces before the exploding grenades silenced them.
Pearly Johnson looked around the scene of the battle . In the space of 5 bloody minutes he had lost seven men and another five wounded. Sgt. Fitzgerald, his Medic and the Radio Operator lay among the dead. Suddenly Pearly felt like the boy he really was.
------------------------The Lunsford Ranch
"Wyatt, are you taking Ling Pau to the memorial tonight?" Asked Dozier Lunsford
"Well Dad she is meeting me there and I am kinda hoping she will let me drive her home." Answered a blushing Wyatt
"Boy, you be careful there is gonna be a lot of hotheads out there tonight. You drive her straight home no parking and Wyatt make sure you take a shotgun."
----------------The Night of 7 Dec 1942 First Baptist Church, Nomocotton, Texas
As Reverend Smith started to wind down his sermon Enoch Jones came running in the front door yelling "Fire, Fire German John's is on fire!"
Chaos broke out as everyone started scrambling out of the church to fight the fire.
Margie Lunsford looked at Frank Tolly and said "I guess this means we will have to go into Greenville for some supper tonight."
Frank said "Nah let's go up to the lake. I stopped and picked up some fried chicken, I had a feeling we wouldn't be able to eat at German John's tonight."
---------------------3 Miles out of Nomocotton
"Wyatt what am I going to do if Ben can't reopen. I need that job!" asked Ling Pau
Wyatt said "Ling don't worry, we will figure out" BOOM. Wyatt struggled to control the truck when the front tire blew out as a second shot rang out. The front windshield shattered and Ling Pau screamed. Wyatt slung the truck off the road, crashed through the fence and took out across the Pasture. They heard three more shots before they got across the pasture and out of range of the hidden shooter.
"Ling are you ok?" screamed a Panicky Wyatt.
"Wyatt I am not shot but I am cut up from the broken glass and Wyatt you are bleeding" sobbed Ling Pau.
"We are only a mile or so from the Margison Ranch. I'm gonna go there they can help us." Said Wyatt.
--------------------------Just North of Town
"Kary Kay are you sure you didn't just see Bertha the cow walking past the barn?" asked Sheriff Beddingfield
"No Uncle Joey I sware it was two men. Mom and Dad went to Dallas for their anniversary and I don't know why but it spooked me."
"OK Kary Kay, I'll go check it out but you owe me a kiss and a piece of your Momma's Sweet Potato Pie" Sheriff Beddingfield said with a smile.
Sheriff Joey Beddingfield stopped at his car and picked up his flash light then headed for the barn. As he turned the corner of the barn he heard someone say "Goodbye you Jap Loving Traitor!"
Kary Kay screamed when she heard the shotgun blast. She ran back onto the porch and saw two figures come running from behind the barn. She screamed again and ran back into the house slamming and locking the front door.
---------------------The Margison Ranch
Susan Margison was just putting her young daughter in the crib when she heard a noise outside. She walked to the front door thinking I can't believe they are back already. As she walked towards the door the noises got louder and began to make her nervous. She decided to look out the window before opening the door. When she looked out she saw six men in white sheets. Three of them were erecting a cross while the other three were killing the sheep with sledge hammers.
Susan ran back into the bedroom to check on Clarissa and CG. She then went to the Den and grabbed John's 30 aught 6. She ran back to the front door, threw it open and started firing. The Klansmen killing the sheep dropped their hammers and ran to their trucks. Susan took careful aim and shot the Klansman that was lighting the cross. Then the Klan started firing back. The hail of bullets forced her back into the house.
The Klansmen lit the cross and started dragging their wounded comrade to the trucks when they heard a truck roaring across the pasture. They quickly loaded into the trucks and tried to flee the scene.
Wyatt could hear the gunshots and he cut across the pasture. He told Ling Pau to grab the steering wheel while he got his shotgun out of the rack. As he came into site of the house he saw three trucks heading for the gate. He floored the gas and laid the shotgun on the dash. Wyatt fired both barrels of his shotgun into the cab of the last truck, shattering the windows and spraying the Klansmen with shotgun pellets. He shoved the gun to Ling Pau and yelled "Reload, we're gonna catch that last truck and find out who has declared war on Nomocotton." The Klan truck crashed into the gate post and tow of the Klansmen jumped out. Ling Pau bent down to pick up the shotgun shells she had dropped just as the Klansmen opened fire on the truck.
--------------------------Nomocotton Texas
"Ben at least it aint a total loss. You may have lost your living quarters but at least we saved the café and the store." Said Dozier Lunsford
"Yea Dozier I know, but I got a bad feeling about this fire. Have you seen Joey? I want him to look into this cause I really have my doubts about this fire."
"I saw him before the memorial service he said he was gonna go check on Kary Kay but I could have swore he said he would be back by now."
"Dozier do you think we ought to head out there and make sure everything is ok? Joey seemed to think something might happen tonight."
"I guess it wouldn't hurt anything if we did but don't you need to take Adaline home? Tell you what you take Adaline home and I'll run the ladies out to my place. You meet me at the ranch and will go out to check on Kary Kay and Joey.
The Preacher came running up and said "Dozier where is the sheriff, Susan just called and there has been a shooting at the Margison place!"
"Oh Lord what now, Reverend Smith can you go out and check on Kary Kay? Ben and I will head for the Margison place. Reverend do we know if anyone was hurt?"
"Dozier, Susan wasn't making a lot of sense she said Ling Pau and Wyatt were both bleeding real bad but she couldn't get to them."
-----------------20 minutes later at the Margison Ranch
Ben and Dozier pulled up to the gate and Ben Said "My God Dozier isn't that Wyatt's truck smashed into the tree?"
"Yea Ben and look at that gate, its been mangled real bad."
Susan yelled from the house "Who's out there? I warn you I have a gun and I'm more than willing to shoot another one of yall!"
"Susan its Ben and Dozier, where is Wyatt and Ling Pau?" yelled Dozier
"Oh Thank God, they are in here! I bandaged them up but they got cut up pretty bad."
Ben and Dozier rushed into the house and Ben asked "Susan what happened out here? I can tell the Klan was here by the burning cross but how did Wyatt and Ling Pau end up here?"
"They were waiting for us right outside of town! They started shooting and Wyatt cut across the field to get away. We heard guns when we got close and Wyatt said he was going to help the Margesons. When we came out of the Pasture they were leaving but Susan was shooting at them. Wyatt tried to stop the last truck but he wrecked his truck when they shot at us. There are dead sheep everywhere out there, I think they wanted kill us too." Gushed Ling Pau.
Susan picked up the ringing phone and saw John and Joan Margison pulling through the gate. "Hello".
"Susan is Dozier out there?" Asked Reverend Smith.
"Yes Reverend he is. Let me get him for you."
Dozier took the phone and said "Reverend did you find the Sheriff?"
Susan and Ben went in the other room to explain to John and Joan What had happened.
A few minutes later Dozier joined them and said "Ben, John I think yall better go with me. They found Joey out at Abner Beddeingfields place."
"Dozier what are you leaving out?" asked Joan Margison
"Joan he's dead, he was shot to death."
"Oh my God, who would kill Joey?" asked Joan
John Margison said "Joan baby I don't know but we will find out. We will find them and punish them for killing Joey!"
--------------------Lake Trinity 10 miles from Nomocotton
"Frank, I don't know. I mean I am married."
"Margie, Tommy Joe is on the other side of the world. He is probably poking a bunch of English women every night. I know you enjoy it, Girl I aint forgot them picnics last year."
Margie Lunsford smiled and started to remove her dress. She said "Your right Frank but we have to be careful. The Lunsfords don't like yall and weren't happy about me going to the Memorial with you."
"Who cares, that bunch of Jap Loving traitors aint gonna have much to say about anything anymore. Now lets quit talking and start having some fun."