Ghost River Jon Coon (free reads TXT) 📖

on the road, Bob was on his cell. He followed up on the APB on Rogers’s truck and then had the office go through the state directory until they found the engineering office for bridge construction and maintenance. He called and asked to speak to the supervisor. That call ended with, “First thing in the morning would be great. Thanks.”

“Tomorrow we see how high up the food chain this goes,” Bob said. “Oh, the weather fox says big storm tomorrow. Better bring an umbrella and your rubber ducky.”

“You’re just full of helpful advice. Anything else?”

“Might help if you take another shower.”

CHAPTER 14

1900

The River Camp

When floods are coming, snakes and ants go for higher ground

That night after dinner, Gabe and Carol retreated to the porch, leaving the kids with cleanup and video games. “What was the encounter you mentioned last night?” she asked as they walked down the sagging steps to a woodpile.

Gabe put down his mug and picked up an eight-pound maul. Carol sat on the steps and leaned back against the rough-hewn railing. He positioned the first oak log from a storm-fallen tree and hit it with a mighty blow. The maul bounced off.

“This old oak has dried, and it’s hard as a rock,” he said. He repositioned the log, hit it again and then a third time. This time it split enough to start a steel wedge. He struck the wedge fiercely and the log split. He picked up the halves and split them into fourths. Then he stacked the quarters in a canvas wood carrier. She waited.

He told her about the attack and damage to his truck. He finished with, “Very few people know about this place, but he was waiting for me, so someone is talking. We need to be careful.” He picked up another log and struck it with a vengeance. Again the maul bounced.

“Do you think we should leave? Find someplace safer?” she asked.

“Like I told you, I got Bob to ramp up our security, but keep your eyes open. It’s me he wants. I don’t think he’d come after you or the kids.” Red-faced and determined he raised the maul again and split the log, picked up the halves, and quartered them.

“I’m just glad he didn’t hit you. You must not have been his range instructor.”

“I liked that truck.” He clenched his teeth. The veins in his neck bulged. One blow. The pieces went flying. He gathered them and used the carrier to go up the steps and dump the wood in the box by the door. Then he sat on the top step with Carol.

“Did you get that out of your system?” she asked.

“Better. I still want to catch that guy. But it’s better.”

“Then if you think it’s safe and we’re staying, how would you feel about me doing some work on this place? Just for something to do. The kids could help. We could fix this porch before we fall through it.”

“Big job, don’t you think?” Why would she want to invest time and energy in this old wreck?

“If the support joists aren’t rotten it wouldn’t be too bad. If they are we could sister frame them rather than tearing everything apart,” she answered.

“You’re amazing.” He was smiling, looking at Carol as though seeing her for the first time.

They sat quietly for a while, listening to night calls and watching the trees. Loons called from the river, checking on each other while fishing. Turkeys settled in the trees, clucking to each other while unseen a panther worked her way along the bank, looking for an unsuspecting deer. Hooves pounded a warning when the does caught the cat’s scent. The dogs came to full alert when the deer crashed through underbrush making good their escape. Perhaps picking up the cat’s scent as well, they chose to stay close to Gabe on the porch.

Carol broke the silence. “Mickey asked me about birth control this afternoon.”

“Are they?”

“I don’t think so, but they are pretty serious. She wants to wait. He’s ready now.”

“I can’t imagine a college boy who’s ready. That’s got to be a first. What did you tell her?”

“Enough. I warned her nothing is guaranteed. I think she gets it.”

“Do we need to put locks on their doors?”

“They were on their own in Atlanta. If they’re that hot, locks won’t stop them. Regardless, I think she can handle him. I like her.”

“This family stuff sure isn’t boring, is it?” He observed.

“Too much for you?”

“I’m learning.”

“Good. What about the porch? Can I order materials?”

“Go for it.” Gabe rocked back, watching, listening. An owl screeched then flew off into the cold moon. The dogs raised their heads, aware of movement in the tree line, then, curiosity satisfied, relaxed. Carol slid closer on the step and took his hand. She leaned into his shoulder. They watched and listened as the night closed in around them. They didn’t speak.

0440

Overcast and windy

Gabe left the camp before five, met Bob, and got coffee to go. They were on the road to Tallahassee by six. Three hours later they were in the James Peterson Engineering Complex awaiting the arrival of Steve Overstreet, the department head. A perky administrative assistant led them down the hall to the conference room and brought them coffee. Twenty minutes later Overstreet joined them.

“I understand you have questions about the old iron bridge on the Chattahoochee,” Overstreet began. He was fiftyish, portly from too many years behind a desk, and a tad arrogant. “I don’t have much time, but what do you want to know?”

“You know the history and the deaths associated with those bridges,” Bob answered. “We’ve discovered an inspection diver on that bridge was murdered fifteen years ago, and now there’s been another death. What happened there that would justify murder?”

“None of the reports have ever suggested anything other than accidental deaths. Do you have new evidence?” White shirt, skinny tie, used to giving orders.

“We do,” Gabe answered. Uniform polo shirt, no tie, used to listening to hogwash.

“And just