The New Madrid Run by Michael Reisig

Author:Michael Reisig
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9780971369412
Publisher: Clear Creek Press
Published: 1998-05-01T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

After storing their newly acquired supplies, they upped anchors and were off again. With his “trip to hillbilly hell” behind him, Travis opted to rest for an hour or so. The preacher, equally worn out, followed suit. The sensei took the wheel of The Odyssey and Carlos kept the shrimper on course.

The winds kept the sailboat heeled and headed in the right direction, and the weather seemed to be warming slightly as they sailed northwest, making the trip even more pleasant. Travis slept for three hours, then went topside with Todd, who had stayed below with him while he slept. The boy appeared to be afraid to let Travis out of his sight.

As they sailed into the golden-red sunset, Travis recounted his harrowing adventure with Ma and the boys.

At the end of the story, Christina shook her head, “Travis, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone with such a propensity for attracting trouble. On the other hand, you seem to be blessed with just enough luck to stay one step ahead of it.”

“If that was a compliment, I thank you,” he replied.

“I’m not sure it was,” Chistina said as she smiled from across the cockpit. She paused for a moment, looking at him. “I’m glad you’re safe, Travis.”

Later that night, after supper had been dispensed with and everyone prepared for bed, Travis and Christina slipped away to the cockpit. They sat together while watching the soft reflection of the stars on the water.

“Travis? When we get to Arkansas, will we be safe? Will you stop trying to get yourself killed then? Couldn’t we just raise some chickens, have a garden and wait out all this madness?”

Travis chuckled. “I bet the only chickens you’ve ever seen were Saran-wrapped and date-stamped. But, to answer your questions in order, yes, we’re going to be safe in Arkansas. As for me trying to get myself killed, I’m real tired of that sport. Dangerous living isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Gives me indigestion. I’d love to raise some chickens, bag a deer or a turkey every once in a while, do some fishing, and cultivate a garden full of Miracle Grow vegetables.” He turned to her. “What about you? A few weeks ago you were worth a fortune, a prominent member of the South Florida social register. Will you, the aspiring attorney, the Miami jet-setter, be content with life in the country, farm animals, first-hand fertilizer for your garden, a potbellied stove and a fireplace for heat when winter rolls in?”

She smiled, gazing at the water. “You have no idea how a part of me has always longed for a life like that. Past the dance lessons and debutante balls of my childhood, I remember more than anything else the summers I spent on my grandparents’ ranch in Mexico. The feel of a horse beneath me, the musky-sweet warmth of a hay barn in summer, new calves calling to their mothers at the end of the day.” She looked at him. “Don’t worry about me.

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