The Days After (Big River) by Richardson J

Author:Richardson, J. [Richardson, J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: J. Richardson
Published: 2014-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Storm

It would be at least five days, probably longer, until they reached St. Louis. Glad for a little time, after the dangerous situation in Memphis, Clay felt a huge burden of responsibility for the five other occupants of his boat. Louis, never less than totally competent and trustworthy and he had no complaints about Penny. As the land glided by on both distant shores, he rested his hands on the big wheel and smiled, even the kids had been full of fight and courage. A vision of the pretty auburn haired woman swam into his mind...and damn, why was that? Why did she just pop into his head lately? He had to admit his admiration of her. In each of the bad situations they experienced, in spite of the deep fear that she obviously felt, she stood strong and did her part. Louis proved absolutely right, they were quite a crew.

Arkansas remained their western boundary for a while and then Missouri, on the east Tennessee for many miles and then Kentucky. This was a nearly 300 mile stretch where big cities didn't spread on the shore and the populations were not heavy along the water's edge. This part of the river still referred to as the Lower Mississippi, until they reached the point that the Ohio River flowed in. Louis came up to the control hut, “Well, friend, how long until we reach St. Louis?” he asked.

“Probably nearly a week,” said Clay. “You know it is Spring, we could get into bad weather. This is the time of year when weather systems just choo-choo across the country. I have seen some really threatening looking clouds a time or two and we'll certainly get into rain and thunder storms, at the minimum. Remember a couple of years ago, when we got caught in the real frog stranglin' thunder storm?”

Louis chuckled, “Yeah I sure do. The old Annie Belle rode it out pretty stable, though. Are you familiar with this part of the river, boss? What are you expecting the next few days to be like?” The term boss was much more of a nick name than a description.

“I'm sure hoping we will get a break from trouble. I've been all the way to St. Louis on the river, years ago when my dad was the captain on the boat. There are no big cities along this stretch of water and it is more scenic than populated. Of course, the watches and staying alert will still be the order of the day. We're pretty good on fuel, but will have to watch and not miss any chances to get more,” said Clay.

“Sounds good to me,” Louis said, “I think everybody's nerves are a little frazzled. Matter of fact, I came up to tell you to take a breather this afternoon. Get out of this room, go have lunch. I've got it for the rest of the day.”

He didn't realize how really tired he felt until Louis took the wheel. He walked down to the cabin and the kitchen area behind the bar, opened the refrigerator.

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