Walker and Jordan returned
from the building site in time to see Yancey and Brodie watering Walker ’s small garden
with the dirty wash water. Walker strolled over
to have a few words with them while Jordan ran to their tent to remove
his shirt. It was going to be another hot day and he was already overheated.
“Maybe, but why?” Jordan
stared back, wide-eyed.
“I would not even hazard a
guess,” Walker
muttered. “Come, we’ll see if Thad has any ideas.”
“Have either you boys had a
disagreement with one of our tent-mates?” Walker
asked minutes later as he glanced sternly from one partner to another.
Thad seemed to be at a total
loss.
“Well, I kinda teased Spyke
when he got his haircut yesterday,” Jordan admitted. “But it was all in
fun, Walker ;
neither of us took it seriously. At least, I didn’t think we did,” he added in
an undertone.
Seeing the trepidation in the
younger man’s eyes, Walker pulled Jordan close and
whispered. “There is nothing you could have said to warrant this type of
reaction, my little mouse.” He kissed his young partner’s head, gave him a
loving hug and set him from him after a light swat on the seat of his pants.
“You help Thad with dinner while I track down Aiden and inform him of what has
taken place,” the ex-magistrate calmly suggested.
Thirty minutes later, two
extremely annoyed men stood side by side surveying the upheaval.
“And ye have reason to
believe that wee rapscallion of mine may be responsible for this wilful demolition act?”
“It is a weak assumption at
best, Aiden. I’ve checked with my partners and neither was involved, which is a
good thing or rest assured the guilty party would be eating his next meal
standing up.”
“Aye, ’tis sure I am that
there’s a verra good explanation for all this; though mind, it escapes me at
the moment,” Aiden grumpily commented. “All will shortly be arriving for the
noon meal and I have every intention of getting to the bottom of this.”
“That’s a first-rate pout you
got there, Slick.” Preston chuckled in a lighthearted fashion as he slid in
beside his partner at the washstand. “Pass me the soap, please,” he politely
requested, turning serious. “As soon as I’ve cleaned up some, we’ll go into
dinner and you can tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Nothin’s bothering me!” Seth
grumbled into the towel as he dried his face.
“Your expression tells me
otherwise, Seth. There is no use bottling it up, you only end up regretting
it.”
“Okay then, I’ll tell you
now.” The disheartened young man leaned against an upturned crate and watched
the older man lather up his hands. “I think it is pretty small-minded of
someone to assume that my gambling in the past means I’m dishonest and can’t be
trusted,” Seth murmured and hung his head in order to hide the tears of hurt
filling in his eyes.
“Who has accused you of being
untrustworthy, sweetheart?” Preston questioned
sympathetically. After drying his hands, he wrapped a beefy arm around his
partner’s shoulders and pulled him into a warm hug. “Hmm?”
“Well, no one came right out
and said it but Wayne kinda insinuated such was the case. I don’t know what got
him so pissed off. Wes and I were just joking around. Wes was telling me
about….ah, I can’t tell you ‘cause it’s a secret. Anyway, I’m not even able to
guess at what Wayne thought we were talking about, but he sure lit into both of
us. He told me to get lost and as soon as I was sure Wes would be alright, that
is exactly what I did.” Seth relaxed into the security of his lover’s embrace
as the negative emotions washed over him and slowly began to drain away.
“Obviously something is
troubling Wayne and he is erroneously taking out his frustration on others.
Just give him some time to work it out, love.” Preston ’s
deep voice rumbled over Seth’s head and had a calming effect on the younger
man. Feeling an agreeing nod against his chest, Preston
waited a few more minutes before suggesting they go eat. He chuckled when
Seth’s stomach rumbled out a sign of agreement of its own.
In a somewhat happier frame
of mind, Seth swung Preston ’s large hand as
they leisurely strolled towards the entrance of the mess hall and gazed up
enquiringly at the big man. “Say, Preston , how
about tonight you and I having some one-on-one time; you know, finding some
place real private like?”
“Yeah, sorta,” Seth said with a gurgle and sidelong glance. “Actually, I wanna test your sexual prowess.”
“Just how do you propose to
go about it, Slick?” Preston grinned down at
the young man walking beside him; “and more importantly, why?”
“Oh, I don’t know, maybe I
heard of someone who apparently can climax five times in one night,” Seth
challenged Preston with a look, before continuing in a sexy growl, “and I
just wondered ...”
“Wondered what?”Preston bent and whispered in
Seth’s ear.
“If you were up to it?” Seth looked so cheeky thatPreston
broke out in a loud laugh.
“We just might give it a try, love. Yep, we just might give it a try.”
“Wondered what?”
“If you were up to it?” Seth looked so cheeky that
“We just might give it a try, love. Yep, we just might give it a try.”
The tension Seth had been feeling dissolved completely as his snicker bubbled up to become a fit of uncontrollable laughter. Preston followed suit and the two men entered the communal tent, drawing attention with their merriment.
Spyke gaped open-mouthed and
wide-eyed, trying to come to terms with the disarray surrounding him and his
oldest partner. He had been on his way to the mess hall in anticipation of a
hot meal to fill the gnawing hollow in his stomach. Instead, he was waylaid by
a heavy paw on his shoulder and marched into their sleeping quarters.
Aiden immediately recognised
his youngest partner’s innocence. “Do ye have any thoughts on who may have done
this, lad?”
“None at all,” Spyke
murmured. “How the hell could a tornado touch down, cause havoc and disappear
without taking the entire tent with it?” He suddenly turned on the older man as
an idea hit, his eyes narrowing. “It’s probably yours or Walker ’s fault!” he staunchly declared as he
stood with his hands on his hips and glared up at the big Scot, not at all
intimidated by the fact that Aiden towered over him by good number of inches.
“And could ye be telling me
how ye came upon that conclusion?” Aiden bit back a smile to hide his reaction
to the scolding he was apparently on the receiving end of.
“Well neither of you are too
damn shy about swatting some of us when the notion takes ya,” Spyke indignantly
pointed out. “Ya know you’re both getting some not so nice reputations. Maybe
one of ya smacked someone and he decided to get even. And I for one wouldn’t
blame him, so there.”
“Ach, my wee toerag, ye could
be giving lessons in cheekiness,” Aiden mused with a slight shake of his head.
“Yer accusations are highly unlikely.”
Meanwhile, Larry had spent the morning going about his duties with
something nagging at the back of his mind. He’d just about get a handle on it
when it would slip away; once again leaving him with a worried impression that
something was amiss. As noon approached, the grumbling in his stomach
overtook his misgivings. He dropped what he was doing and made his way in
search of Spyke and Aiden. He was looking about the dining hall when Thad
quietly stepped up beside him.
“Hi, Thad, what’s for lunch? Whatever it is, it sure smells good.” Larry
grinned at the other man.
“Larry, do you know what happened back at our tent? It’s complete chaos;
it looks like a hurricane found its way through,” Thad excitedly shared
the news.
“Oh shit!” Larry exclaimed as his actions this morning while trying to
find his journal came rushing back. He realised in his relief at
discovering Galen had it that he’d completely forgotten to go back and clean up
the disorder he had left behind.
“Actually, it was a tornado of sorts…”
Thad glanced up in confusion at Larry’s unfinished statement but
waited patiently for the ex-marine to continue.
“And its name is Larry. You see in my haste to find something I lost, I
kind of made a real mess and I guess, no I don’t guess, I know I forgot to
clean it up.”
“Well you better prepare yourself for explaining that to a certain
disgruntled giant,” Thad warned. “When I last saw him and Walker, Aiden was fit
to be tied.”
Larry knew the grumbling in his stomach was no longer from hunger but
from apprehension. Still, he didn’t shirk his responsibilities. He knew
what he had to do. So after thanking Thad, Larry made his way to their
tent where he found Aiden conversing with their younger partner.
Aiden looked up at Larry’s entrance and by the look on his oldest
partner’s face, knew immediately that Larry was the culprit.
“Uh Spyke,” Larry softly requested as he approached his two
partners. “Would you leave Aiden and me alone for a bit, please? There is
something I have to discuss with him.”
Seeing the trepidation in Larry’s blue eyes, Spyke wrapped his arms
around his partner and trying to lighten his spirits with a touch of humour,
loudly whispered in his ear, “don’t worry, Larry, Walker’s food sometimes tastes
better standing up.”
Despite himself, Larry gave a small chuckle and returned the hug before
gently pushing Spyke away.
Aiden gave Spyke one of his infamous looks that told the young man he’d
better get while the getting was good, so Spyke merrily obeyed the unspoken
directive and left the two men alone.
“Well lad, I take it ye have something ye wish to discuss with
me?” Aiden asked in a stern voice.
“Aiden, let me start by apologising. It was I who made such a fiasco
in our tent. In a moment of panic while looking for my journal, I kind of
went a little berserk.”
“Only a little, Lawrence? ’Tis that your explanation for what took
place here?”
“Well, Sir, it’s the best way I can explain my actions as a result of
not being able to find my journal. Then, when I learned of its whereabouts, I
was so relieved that this situation went clear out of my head.” Larry swept his
arm around the area. “I am so very sorry.”
“Larry, ’tis no upset I am at the untidiness as I am at yer disturbing
the belongings and property of others.”
“I know, Aiden, but…” Larry stopped himself. He was mature enough
to come to his own deduction that the big Scot was absolutely right, and mere words
would not wipe away his error in judgement. “I understand, Aiden. I had no right
to do what I did and I am prepared to do whatever you think is necessary in
order to make amends.”
“’Tis glad I’m to hear that, lad.” Aiden’s voice was softer now. He
was an experience enough man to know when it was time to move on to the next
step and not belittle or nag his partner, especially after the fact that
Larry had already admitted the wrongdoing. He placed a comforting hand on
Larry’s shoulder and led him outside.
“Now despite Spyke’s erroneous jump to the conclusion that I am
going to spank ye, ’tis not so. However, I fully expect ye to perform the
following. After ye have cleaned up this disaster, ye’ll write letters to
Walker, Thad and Jordon, apologising for going over to their side of the tent
and searching through their personal possessions,” Aiden stated calmly as they
walked towards the mess hall. “Next, ye’ll write me an essay on each the
following topics; keeping yer property safe and secure, the consequences of
what happens when ye go into panic mode and finally, respecting other people’s
privacy. ’Tis all understood, Lawrence?”
Larry stopped and threw his arms around the big man’s neck. “Oh, Aiden,
I’m so sorry and I fully understand what I have to do. You’re sure you’re not
going to punish me further?”
“Wheesht, and just what else would ye have me do?” Aiden’s eyes gleamed
with delight as he teased his young partner. “Because if ye want a skelping as
well as the writing assignments, I just might consider obliging ye.”
“No! No!” Larry almost shouted. “The expectations you laid out are
fine with me.”
“Aye, ’tis as I thought it might be.” Aiden laughed as he pulled
Larry close for a hug and a kiss. “What ye did is no a spanking offence.
Besides, ye did the right thing and admitted yer error. But if it were to
happen again….” Aiden didn’t have to finish the sentence because Larry was in
no doubt of what next time would bring.
“Alright, now that we understand each other let’s get some food in ye to
build up yer strength for the long housekeeping task ahead of you.”
Taking Aiden’s hand, Larry gave it a squeeze as he laughingly answered
with a resounding “Yes Sir!”
It was mid-afternoon and Walker
was whistling a merry tune as he entered the provisions tent. He had come to
get the daily ration of sugar allotted to the group as a whole. He was thankful
for the discovery of beehives as the honey augmented their supply of needed
sweets. He smiled at the memory of some of the men’s excitement when Thomas
mentioned the possibility of tapping into the maple trees come next spring when
the sap was running. Maple syrup would make a welcomed addition to their food
supply.
Glancing around the tent, Walker noticed a number
of changes. Barrels had been relocated and a made-up pallet was rolled out on
one of the larger crates. He turned as someone stepped up behind him.
“Quentin, nice setup you’ve
got here,” Walker
teased. “And to think we’ve all been under the impression that you actually worked
on the inventory records when you were in here. Who’d have thought you were
napping on the sly?”
The ex-magistrate’s
light-hearted manner became serious when he saw the other man had not so much
as cracked a smile. “Anything you’d care to talk about, Quentin? You seem to be
carrying quite a burden. Maybe sharing will lighten it and make it easier to
bear.”
“Thank you, Walker , but I don’t want to take up any of your
time,” Quentin quietly declined. “I know how busy you are.”
“I am no busier than the next
man,” Walker
assured him. “Besides, at the moment my mess hall is overrun with Kelby and
Troy’s students, so I essentially find myself with time on my hands. Noisy
bunch they are.” Walker
grinned unrepentant at his feigned grievance. Everyone was well aware of how
much the ex-judge love being around the younger men and watching them learn,
especially his two partners.
Quentin pulled up a couple of barrels and after offering one to Walker , sat with a heavy
thud which accentuated his mood.
“The reason I’m sleeping here, Walker ,
is that I feel too uncomfortable sleeping in the same tent with Kelby because
of what I unknowingly allowed to happen between the two of us.”
“You see,” Quentin continued with a self-depreciating sigh, “through no
conscious fault of my own, I somehow gave Kelby the impressing there was more
to our relationship than just friendship. He needed someone to be there
for him, to help him through the adjustment of settling here on the island and
I gladly took on that role. Unfortunately, I didn’t realise soon enough that his
expectations were poles apart to mine. I had planned for a different life here
than I had in the past where partners are concerned.”
“Yes; at least I’ll try my best to. I was a highly respected member of
the business community back home. As such, I had to hide my sexual
preferences. If my customers had even suspected I was attracted to men, it
would have been the ruin of me as well as the business I had worked so hard to
develop and maintain. At community functions and the like, I always had a
beautiful woman on my arm and I openly flirted with all the other women
present. I was known as a real ladies man and dating the daughters and sisters
of highly-placed men led to great connections in the business world. What
no one knew is late at night I would sneak out of town and make my way to an
underground establishment where I had sex with men. I never gave my real
name or my real occupation in order to keep the illusion going. It was
great for a while, until I met this young man who I allowed to sneak into my
heart. It wasn’t what you call love exactly. I guess it was more along the
lines of infatuation, but I let slip where I was from and yes you guessed it. One
day he walked into my establishment and nearly blew my whole world upside
down. I managed to get him out of there before any real damage was done
and from that point on I sort of sealed my heart off to having a really true
relationship.”
“Quentin,” Walker
softly interjected. “You don’t have to hide who you are here, but I think you
still need time to come to terms with that.”
“I understand the truth behind what you are saying, my friend. However,
when I offered Kelby my friendship and was kind to him, I didn’t see the
warning signs and for that I deeply regret my actions. I feel I may have really
hurt someone I care about. So until things can be patched up between us, if
they ever can, I will stay away from him. I believe he needs time to work out
his feelings as well.”
“If I may make an observation,” Walker stood to make his point. “I’ve seen
you interacting with Kelby and at no time did I see you offer him anything but
friendship. You never flirted with him or did anything out of the ordinary
that would suggest to him that you wanted the relationship to go
farther. Remember, I was a judge. Over the years I learned to study people
and I became damn good at it. So believe me when I tell you, you are not guilty
of anything. I firmly believe young Kelby has a crush on you, so in his
mind your actions meant more to him than what was offered. He is an intelligent
man, so in time I think he will come to realise that fact. You’re doing
the right thing by giving him some time and space to think it out. Be patient
and soon things will get back on track.”
“I can only hope you are right in thinking that. It is true that Kelby
often spoke of a special friend named Jonathan; how close they were and how
much he misses him. Hopefully I was merely a temporary fill-in. To be quite
honest with you, I don’t believe I am the right one for Kelby, nor is Kelby the
right one for me. So for now I will have to be content to live alone and make
the best of it until circumstances change. Unfortunately, right now I’m still
concerned with the fact that I may have unintentionally led Kelby on.”
“Hey, are you questioning the judgement of the court?” Walker teased, causing
Quentin to laugh out loud at the little dig.
“No, your Honour, I
would never so much as dream of doing such a thing,” Quentin merrily
returned the banter.
“Do you feel better?” Walker
asked, turning serious once again.
“Yes, Walker ,
I do. Thank you for listening,” Quentin sincerely replied.
“Anytime, my good man. Now how about doling out my daily sugar quota and
coming back to the mess hall with me for a cup of fresh coffee? Surely to God,
Troy is done with his lessons by now.”
Quentin measured out the requested item and followed Walker out, feeling much better than he had
an hour ago. He knew Walker was right and with time, Quentin knew the shell
around his heart would melt and someday allow him the pleasure of finding and
truly loving a special someone who was meant for him alone.
With classes over for the week, Kelby slowly made his way into his tent
to put his teaching supplies away. He wasn’t too happy to see Galen and Raythe
already there. He wanted some badly needed time to himself where he would be
free from having to maintain a façade that all was well.
Too despondent to continue trying to hide his pain, Kelby threw himself
down on his pallet and turned his back on his friends.
“We wanna talk to you, Kelby,” Raythe announced, ignoring the other
man’s obvious hint of wanting to be left alone.
“And w-we feel you gotta talk to us too b-because something’s wrong
here,” Galen offered sympathetically even without knowing what the problem was.
Kelby groaned when he finally
accepted that neither of them was about to leave him be. “What makes you
think there is something wrong?” Kelby countered over his shoulder in an
attempt to forestall the conversation the other men seemed intent on having.
“Well, for instance you came into the tent Monday night and relocated
your pallet to the far corner from where it was beside Quentin’s,” Raythe
bluntly pointed out. “Then the next morning, Quentin packs up his belongs and
moves into one of the storage tents. You’ve been wearing a long face for going
on four days now. It all adds up to a problem from where I stand.”
“W-we’re your friends, Kelby,” Galen reminded him. “W-we just w-want to
help.”
“I don’t know, guys; I mean I don’t like to burden anyone with my
troubles,” Kelby murmured, finally sitting up and turning to face them.
“My Pappous always said a b-burden shared is b-burden lightened,” Galen
quoted, hoping to encourage Kelby to open up.
Giving it several moments thought, Kelby decided he had nothing to lose.
“Someone I thought, that is hoped, felt for me that same way I feel for him,
doesn’t,” he sadly admitted, then sighed
softly and stared down at his hands.
Galen and Raythe glanced at each other and then back at their distraught
friend.
“Do you m-mean Quentin?” Galen softly asked.
“Are you saying you think you are in love with Quentin, but the good
storekeeper isn’t in love with you?” Raythe wanted clarification before asking
more questions.
“He said he just wanted to be friends,” Kelby answered bitterly. “But
friends don’t take advantage of you and use you only to toss you aside.” He
reached for the little dog that had followed him into the tent and sought
comfort by cuddling the little creature. Nestling into the soft fur, he tried
to keep his tears hidden.
“I don’t think Quentin w-would deliberately do something that m-mean,”
Galen murmured, not wishing to upset his friend further but at the same time
knowing he had to voice his true opinion.
“What makes you think he was misleading you, Kelby?” Raythe
none-too-gently inquired.
Kelby glared up at the sudden unsympathetic tone. “What would you think
if Brock, after making a lot of forthcoming overtures told you he didn’t see
you as a lover or partner, only a friend?” It was Kelby’s
turn to get a little belligerent. “I wouldn’t have said anything to you if I
knew you were going to take his side.”
“Hey, I’m not taking sides; I just figure maybe you could afford to take
a closer look at what really happened,” Raythe defended his point of view.
“Kelby,” Galen’s soft approach drew the unhappy man’s attention; “when did
Quentin actually say those w-words about your relationship never b-becoming
anything m-more?”
“Monday evening.”
“Which one of you m-made the first m-move in that direction?” Galen’s
second question caused Kelby to grow warm with embarrassment.
Recalling the events leading up to that particular conversation, Kelby
blushed and whispered, “I asked him how long it would be before we become
partners.”
Galen reached over and laid a hand on Raythe’s arm to signal him to be
quiet. “Up until then, how w-was Quentin treating you?”
“The way a very good friend would,” Kelby replied. “He was always there
offering comfort and support. He’d freely give of his time to listen to me,
answer questions and suggest options for how I could handle things, especially
emotions that were tearing me apart. He also shared his own past, telling me
about the good and the bad things that had happened to him so I wouldn’t feel
like I was the only one afraid and uncertain.”
“And you’re willing to throw all that aside?” Raythe was never one to
pull his punches. He ignored Galen’s silent entreaty that he show a little
extra compassion.
“Nooo,” Kelby wailed. “I just wanted more and I’m trying to deal with
not getting it.”
“I know it hurts, Kelby. Someone I w-was interested in b-back home
rejected m-me too; would hardly give m-me so m-much as the time of day. Heck, I
never even got so m-much as a kiss or a hug from him. He w-was a schoolteacher.
P-probably w-would have w-worked alongside Troy had he ended up here. B-but he
disappeared when the laws were b-being m-more strongly enforced. Funny, but our
local dentist vanished about the same time,” Galen brightly divulged.
His observation resulted in a teary-eyed grin from one man and a cynical snort
from the other. “You know, I b-bet Quentin is still w-willing to be friends. W-why
don’t you ask him?”
“Yeah, I might do that. He’s always been very approachable and seems open
to discussing any subject no matter how personal.” Kelby mulled over the final
conversation he’d had with the man and because of the help from his friends,
was able to accept what had really taken place. Quentin had not taken advantage
of him, nor had the older man intentionally hurt him. He also recognised that
his last discussion with Quentin had ultimately started with another issue so
he ventured forth. “I’d really like to talk with you guys about another topic
while we’re sitting here. That is, if you’ve got the time.”
Both Galen and Raythe shrugged indifferently while nodding their
willingness to converse further.
“I already talked to Quentin about something that was really bothering
me and still is to some extent. I think I would like to hear someone else’s
perception, someone who might actually have some experience with it.” Kelby
hoped his hint would attract their interest and he wasn’t disappointed.
“Our perception on what exactly?” Raythe backed off at the suggestion of
getting too personal at the same time as Galen’s eyes lit-up in anticipation of
the as yet unknown.
“I’ve been noticing things and I believe that some of the guys around
here are being physically disciplined. I am rather concerned about it.” Kelby
leaned closer to keep his voice as low as possible while allowing the others to
hear him. “I didn’t like what happened during the field trip last Monday.”
“I can’t say I was exactly thrilled myself,” Raythe scoffed. He huffed
and rolled his eyes when Galen snickered. “And I wouldn’t have thought you’d have
been too overjoyed about it either, Galen.” He glared at the slightly younger
man.
“Well…” Kelby was embarrassed about asking his next question but found
it impossible to curtail his desire to know. “Have either of you been hit? Quentin
said no one was being beaten, spanked maybe but not beaten. I’m having a hard
time differentiating between the two.”
“I haven’t been either beaten or spanked,” Raythe firmly stated. “Unless
you count what happened with Troy. I don’t think Brock approves of it.” He was
perfectly aware of his partner’s feelings on the subject but wasn’t comfortable
revealing them, so he bent the truth a little. “What about you, Galen? I know
you don’t have a partner, but Thomas sure keeps a tight rein on you.”
“Huh?” Galen didn’t know whether to answer or stay mute. “Ah, I guess
everyone is going to find out about everyone else sooner or later. Umm, you
see, m-me and Thomas m-made up a few rules to keep m-me safe.” He shrugged his
shoulders.
“What are your rules, Galen,” Kelby gently asked.
“W-well, I’m not to go off b-by m-myself; I’m to eat p-properly and
follow any advice Lakota gives me; I’m to obey the laws set out b-by the
council,” Galen rhymed them off, holding up a finger for each one.
“So just what happens if you break a rule?”
“I get p-punished.” Seeing the expression on Kelby’s face, Galen
explained further. “Hey, I’m not b-being abused or forced into something
against m-my w-will. I agreed I needed guidance and that I’d do m-my b-best to
obey Thomas who is looking out for m-me.”
“Ah, have you broken a rule yet?” Kelby tentatively asked.
“Uh-huh.” Galen shyly nodded.
“And….” Raythe demanded to know.
“Thomas spanked m-me,” Galen quietly admitted moments before grinning
impishly. “And I lived to tell you guys about it.” His laughter dispelled the
heavy mood that followed his first statement.
‘Maybe Quentin is right,’ Kelby thought. ‘At least Galen doesn’t think
it’s a big deal.’ He found reassurance in his young friend’s attitude towards
the subject matter and it helped him
somewhat to recognise the distinction between abuse and discipline.
“All I can say is if there was ever anyone who deserved to be walloped,
it’s Seth. He’s the one who caused all the trouble that led to Troy switching us and I think we should do
something to get even!” Raythe was still quite incensed about what he saw as a
gross miscarriage of justice, more so in Galen’s case than in his own. He
adamantly believed something more should be done about it.
“I’d just as soon forget about it,” Galen softly voiced his perspective. “There’s
no p-point in stirring up m-more p-problems and finding ourselves in front of
the council.”
“While I wouldn’t mind seeing Seth get his comeuppance, I do think us
seeking revenge is wrong,” Kelby calmly but with conviction offered his opinion.
“Fine by me,” Raythe verbally pretended to agree while silently making
plans to enlist someone else’s aid in seeing to it that Seth paid his dues.
“Anyway,” Kelby announced, “we’ve wasted enough of this beautiful
afternoon indoors. What say, we find something to do outside?”
“W-wanna go clam-digging?”
Galen happily suggested. “M-maybe Walker can m-make a chowder for supper if we
dig up enough.”
It was a jumped-at activity
as the three friends gathered up buckets and headed to the beach in anticipation
of a couple of hours of fresh air, sunshine and cooling ocean winds.
TBC….
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