In the Blink of An Eye by Jerry Baggett (ebook reader for surface pro TXT) 📕

knowing what was coming. One night they had taken her into a motel room. She had been put into the room with Hans. He put her in the shower and scrubbed her down like a child before repeatedly using her body and falling asleep with her strapped to his wrist. The casket eventually became her safe house. They knew she would relieve herself inside the enclosure and put a plastic sheet down before placing her inside. They would have to take her into a public restroom with Hans and let her clean herself up because of the odor.

She was thirsty. She climbed out of the sack, needing to pee. She would go outside and look for a way out. From wherever this place might be.

Chapter 36

The first-class flight to Mobile, Alabama had been relaxing for Dick. He had tuned out the low conversation between Samantha and Grant to ponder over several matters of importance to him. Her new inheritance had popped into his mind. The lengthy flight gave him an opportunity to consider the added responsibility for her and how they would deal with that and any possible conflicts between her career and his flying. He felt their feelings for one another were real, based upon mutual respect and genuine affection. His commitment to a new career, flying for the foundation supporting Children’s Medical Care Associates, should not interfere. His commission in the navy reserve required little time. He didn’t want to give that up. Samantha’s joy in working for a private doctor, also a consideration. He visualized their future together, as a family. They both felt it would require a mutual understanding and certain amount of flexibility for happiness. They had agreed to table those differences until after the threats on her life were over. His thoughts turned to Robbin, and the huge family-controlled medical foundation he would be part of. He knew immediately, there would be a place there for Sam. She would fit nicely into the children’s medical group.

Dick drove the rental car. The highway system had changed over the years and he was unable to recall specific directions through the rural country side. He had only a general idea where they were headed, depending on GPS. Excitement trickled through his body. Why hadn’t he returned again after his father’s death? He’d matured into a busy adult, that’s why. He’d pushed aside childhood memories, including those of his father’s birth place, to become the man he aspired to be. He glanced at the GPS, and prepared to exit the freeway. He knew where he wanted to go now.

Grant toyed around with the GPS for a few minutes. “There’s a Cracker Barrel restaurant ahead, on the right. Stop there for lunch. If you’re right about no food or water where we’re going, we may want a good meal before we get there.” He glanced back at Sam. She’d moved to the back seat. “What do you say we treat ourselves to some great southern food? Do you think you can handle it?”

She smiled back at Grant. “I’m willing to give it a try. If I turn my nose up or question his opinion of good food, he’ll trade me in for a fine red neck southern girl that eats fried okra and loves grits.”

Dick looked around inside. The restaurant was nearly full, yet they were seated almost immediately. “This is an interesting get-up. I wonder where they pick up all the nostalgia hanging on these walls.”

“Lots of people probably ask that. It’s anybody’s guess.” She picked up Dick’s hand. “I suggest we try the fried catfish with hushpuppies, a side of fried okra and a side of turnip greens. Think that will keep me in your good graces?”

He grinned back. “Let’s go for it. My family grew up eating like this. I can usually eat anything that doesn’t try to eat me first. I once ate a couple of snakes in the Thailand jungle.”

A few minutes later he watched Grant mix up two lightly fried eggs with his grits. “What’s that you’re doing with your eggs?”

“Making Georgia ice cream. A good old southern boy taught me this in federal prison. It’s filling and delicious. You just mix your grits and eggs all together while it’s hot. You can throw a little crispy bacon in it too, or a real pork sausage patty.”

“No thanks,” Dick said. “I’ll stick with the catfish. Everything I’ve tasted is damn good. I may order seconds.” He grinned at Samantha. “I don’t think I’ll trade her in, after all. Did you see how she plowed through that fried okra?”

Dick attempted to answer some of their questions. “There’s so much about this property I don’t understand. The trust has nearly a thousand acres of timberland, plus several hundred acres of farmland in the estate. Trust attorneys have handled everything, including the choice of an investment firm. There are separate management firms specializing in specific areas of expertise. A Wall Street investment firm handles the investments. A timber management firm from Mobile manages the timber production. A large farm conglomerate leases the farm land except for that around the old farm house that once belonged to my great uncle. We’re coming up on that now. The farm, now a cattle ranch, is under a separate lease, handled by the trust’s law firm.”

He spotted a heavy gate blocking a well-maintained dirt road. “Now, let’s have a look at the old McGowin family farm property.” Dick eased the car up to the gate. “That’s the old farm house you see in the distance. I’m glad I called the estate attorney and then talked with my brother again before driving out here. According to my brother, the lease holder has been here for over twenty years. They’re extremely private, pay their rent, and keep the property up, in accordance with the lease agreement.” He sat and looked over the entrance for a moment.