Death in the Black Patch by Bruce Wilson

Author:Bruce Wilson [Wilson, Bruce]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Artemesia Publishing, LLC
Published: 2018-10-03T03:08:00+00:00

* * *

Wes came outside to the bench after he walked John Stanley back up to his bedroom. He sat looking at the yard, listening to Zora working in the kitchen. He wanted to tell her about the storm inside his head because he thought she might understand and would maybe even comfort him, give him some sense of peace. But he was unwilling to let her see his weakness. This is my problem, not hers, he thought. He knew he needed to act as if he was strong and in control, even if he truly wasn’t.

When Connie came around from the back of the house, Wes motioned for him to sit on the bench.

“I’m countin’ on you to keep an eye on things today.”

“I know, Pa. I will.”

“I’d stay and help, but I need to go to a meetin’ in town. I know your ma will be watchin’ your brother, but I want you to check in on him a few times too. You oughta be able to see if he’s really gettin’ better or just tryin’ not to work.”

“I’ll look in on him, Pa.”

“I thought of another thing I want you to do today. Maybe you could do it out in the barn so you don’t concern your ma.” He paused, looking first at Connie and then over his shoulder. “I want you to take the shotgun out to the barn and make sure it’s clean. With all of the rain and mud lately, it might need to be checked.”

“Sure, Pa. I can do that. Do you want me to leave it out there?”

“No. Wait ’til your ma is upstairs with your brother and then put it back where it belongs.”

“Pa, are you sure it’s okay for me to go see Maud tomorrow? I could stick around here if you want me to.”

“I’m sure. You just do this for me today, and I’ll stay home with John Stanley tomorrow. Anthie can take your ma and sisters to church.” He stood up and put his hand on Connie’s shoulder. “I need to get goin’.”

Wes waited until Connie left and then stepped up to the open door and asked Zora to come outside. After a moment, she walked onto the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. Wes looked up at her and then patted the empty spot on the bench.

“Sit down for a minute,” he said.

Zora straightened her apron and sat silently next to Wes.

“I need to get goin’, but I wanted to tell you somethin’ before I left. The things that are goin’ on around here—the things I been thinkin’ about—are all important and need to be looked at.”

“I know they are, Wes,” Zora replied.

“I’m gonna figure out a way for us to get through all of this,” he said, gazing out into the yard. “I’m gonna meet with Art and Mark this afternoon, and we’re gonna come up with a plan that’ll work for all of us. Mark may have some good ideas, too.” He paused again and then sat up straighter.

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