"What If's" Could Make A Country Western Song

 The sheriff let Allie's neighbors go with a stern warning to leave the girl alone. He didn't want to hear of them being on Allie's ranch or even close to it for that matter. He knew that K.R. had bilked them out of money. No he didn't care that his great grandfather had worked the mine and furthermore he didn't want to see them in town unless it was absolutely necessary. No amount of talking would change the sheriff's mind. He was sick and tired of hearing and seeing his small hometown go down hill right before his eyes. Maybe he should retire. He could. He could go fishing or maybe travel a little. I remember the dreams Maxine and I used to have. We were going to conquer the world. Then she up and left me for that no good that gambled away her future. Oh well such is life. As he sat daydreaming he saw Josh walk past the window. "Wonder where he is going. I told him I didn't want any more funny business. He watched and saw him go towards Mike's shop. Soon he saw him drive out in one of Mike's cars that he rented out to folks. "Good. See you later; hopefully a lot later," he mumbled.

His prisoners were all gone now. The president of the bank had been let out on bail. His court date was in a couple of months. K.R. had been labeled a flight risk and had had his passport and drivers license taken away. The Feds had taken him to Dallas for questioning and held until his trial next year. His jail was empty, but his mind was full of questions. "I wonder how the girl is doing? I wonder if Laura talked to Rex. I wonder where Lill went. He chuckled to himself and thought. I should write a country western song. Lost loves, lost lives, lost fortunes, and of course, the state of Texas with all my ex's. Yup, I'd probably make a buck or two", he chuckled. Maybe a book would be a better idea," he mused. This little town of mine would make the best seller list at the rate it is going. So much corruption and disappointment. I never thought I'd see the day."

As the sheriff was thinking about days when he was a young man and carefree. He thought of Laura and Rex; two of his oldest friends and buddies. Whatever and why ever would Rex give up a woman that loved him for that burned out old mine? That mine had been abandoned for years. Rex and former owners down through the generations had picked and poked at that old hole in the ground for the last bit of valuable silver there was. The silver was gone, but so was Naomi. The mine had caused more heartache than good. Maxine's husband had gambled the ranch away to Rex. That's another thing I wonder about, where did his brother ever go? Not that I care what happened to that.. Never mind. It's over and done with now.

                                                                                      *********

Josh's cell phone kept ringing, but he was not one to talk on the phone while he was driving. Mike had given him a good deal on this car instead of renting it to him. He sure didn't want to wreck it. About three hours down the road he stopped to get fuel and something to eat. He looked down at the missed calls. His dad! "Wrong, you are on your own, buddy. I know what you want; money. Not going to happen dear old dad." Then he saw Allie's name. Why is she calling? I'd better see. "Hey there! What's up? Everything alright? What? You are kidding me. Lill's Jeep is in your driveway? Allie, I really can't right now. I have some urgent business in Springfield, but I should be back in a couple of days. You will be alright. Just keep the doors locked. If it makes you feel better you could call the sheriff. He seems like an alright guy. I don't believe in ghosts, Allie. Well, there has to be a logical explanation for that. You probably left a window open or something. I don't know how the will got outside. Well, why don't you look up in that old room behind the dresser where we found all that money and stocks and bonds? Maybe the journal is in there. Allie, I can't. I'll get back as soon as I can. Okay?" Josh chuckled and said, "That's my girl. Get with it. Maybe you'll find another million or two. Ouch! Did you just yell at me? Same old Allie. See you soon. Bye."

Josh hated to not turn around and go back to the ranch, but he had samples of silver ore in the old dog toy that he needed to take and have examined. He knew enough about ore that this was rich with silver. Why did everyone think that old mine was completely played out?" It would take about another seven hours and he would be home. It would take one day to have the professionals prove him right and then he would fly back to Texas. He had to stop and get his birth certificate. He didn't trust that Maxine for some reason. Then he would go back to the ranch, get Allie settled with her new not for profit therapy ranch and he would be off on his own adventures. His dream for years was to be his own boss and run his own company. For some reason that dream didn't make him exceedingly happy today remembering Allie pleading for him to turn around.

                                                                         *****

Her Uncle Bill's ghost was a bit put out with Virginia and Edward's ghostly appearance scaring Lill half to death, but he had to admit they accomplished a great deal. He used to fancy himself quite handsome and he knew that Lill was partial to him, but he just wasn't in love with her. She too wanted the city life. He loved it in the country and the wide open spaces. It just would never have worked out. He had never met a woman that loved the ranch, so his dreams of having a family of his own never did come true. But he had been content with his lot in life. He wanted the same for Allie.

 His spirit lived on watching over his beloved ranch. Oh how he loved it there. His mother had been the old miner's sister-in-law. Naomi had hated the ranch and so had his sister, Maggie. He had loved his mother and aunt. He smiled remembering them. They were two peas in a pod. He was the odd ball out.  Then he found out about Allie. He had a feeling about that young woman. She was the generation that would be the glue to hold the ranch up to the standards of her many times great grandfather. Someday she too would fall in love, have children and the ranch would live on forever and ever. The Double D; Durnhem and Durnhem once again if the cards were dealt right.

He grinned when he thought about the people that came to his dude ranch in past years. He had it set up so that they could help with the horses, go fishing in the pond, ride the horses, and eat! Oh the BBQ's they used to have. They had trail rides and even music sometimes in the evenings.

 He remembered a horse that he had back then. He seemed to be a favorite of the guests. His name was Thunder, but he was a clown. He would pick up the hay from the stall and throw it up in the air and wear it on his head. The children loved him. He was a quarter horse and had the mildest and most gentle temperament. Oh yes, those were the days. I hope Allie gets her wish and makes my ranch a place where once again sad or troubled people visit and leave with smiles on their faces. 

 "Oh, it was Heaven, " he thought. Even as a ghost he felt a rumble and shaking of the earth. "Sorry. I'm going back to the house to watch over Allie. I'm a little new at this."

Dreams And True Love Last Forever

 As the years went by several  families owned the land that Allie now lived on. Those folks fell in love, married, and had children. There were hard times and good times like in all walks of life, but this particular ranch claimed the hearts of all that had lived there.  Those that loved the ranch loved it with all of their hearts and souls. Some, not many, hated the dry hot land and moved off and far away. Many worked the land as small children, others moved there with hopes and dreams of becoming wealthy. Many worked the land and the horses and ultimately died there doing what they loved best; probably the dream of many. A young couple had met at a dance nearly a hundred years ago. They fell in love with each other and married. They both had a dream. His was to strike it rich by mining for gold or silver rumored to be had in this new land not yet a state. Hers was to have a baby to love. They both worked hard at making the ranch a success, by attaining their dreams, but only one came true. Edward found some silver after years of back breaking work, but Virginia's dream of having a baby never did come true. They died forty years later within days of each other neither wanting to leave their beloved ranch. Somehow their spirits remained to watch and wait...

Edward and Virginia had no family to leave their ranch to so it went up for sale to pay the back taxes after several years of being abandoned. There was an auction on the courthouse steps in the county seat; Master City. Another couple very much in love bought the ranch of their dreams as the highest bidder. They couldn't believe their luck. They moved into the shack that was nearly in ruins by then with stars in their eyes. They had a home, a ranch and with any luck children to enjoy and leave their ranch to for generations to come. They were blessed with a little girl. Her antics made their long days of hard work in the hot dry years easier to bear.

They named her Whitlee after their ancestors which was fitting, because after long years of neglect there were trees and brush to clear. By the time she was born there was a beautiful meadow for their horses to roam and flowers and bushes growing for their little one to gather in the spring of her second year.

Whitlee's mother was at times very lonely while her husband worked the mine. It seemed almost futile to her compared to the hours away from their home vs. the small amounts of silver that he would accumulate by the end of each month. She thought that he was so talented in making things out of the silver he found that perhaps he could make a living doing that. At least he would be home. She wrote her thoughts and feelings on small scraps of paper on those lonely days. It seemed like when she wrote these things down she would feel less lonely. It was almost like writing to a friend. She would put them in her apron pocket and eventually they would end up in her old dresser drawer. A dresser that was left by the previous owners.

One day when Whitlee was older her parents decided  to go to town in their wagon. It was the end of the month and they needed supplies for the winter. Winters in Texas were unpredictable at best. It was usually warm, but sometimes Mother Nature would turn a cold shoulder and the weather was cold and often would produce freezing rain. She was almost four years old. At the end of each month Whitlee's father would turn in the silver he had collected and in turn would receive cash. The cash was very important to this young couple. It bought flour, sugar, coffee, dried beans and other things they could not raise. Occasionally a piece or two of candy for their beautiful little girl would find it's way into Whitlee's father's purchases. It was a long and hot ride, but also fun. Whitlee's mother had fixed a lunch and they stopped by a grove of trees to have a little picnic. There was a small stream there which was such fun for a little girl to wade in after lunch. It was an exciting day because today was the day they were going to buy some chickens. With chickens they would have their own eggs and hopefully new chicks that would hatch. Eventually they would have a large enough flock to have fried chicken for a Sunday dinner.

When they finished their lunch Whitlee and her mother made their way to the General Store to shop, but mostly look while Whitlee's father went to the assay office to get his money from the silver that he had gleaned from the old mine that month. The store was run by a friendly older gentleman whose name was George. He smiled at Whitlee as she looked at all of his wares in the showcase.

"What can I help you with young lady? Would you like some candy? I'm in a good mood today so it's free just for pretty little girls like you." 

Whitlee didn't answer him, but smiled and moved to the part of the counter where the owner had books for sale. Whitlee had a secret. She knew that her mother wrote words on little scraps of paper and hid them in her pocket. She didn't know why, but she had a feeling it was important. Her mother had moved to the part of the store where they sold yard goods so she quietly said, "How much is this book with no pictures just lines? Is it really expensive?" George frowned at her and said, "Are you old enough to write?" Whitlee shook her head and whispered, "No, it's for my mama. Christmas is coming. Is it real expensive?" The older man looked over to where the child's mother shopped. She was wanting a new dress badly, but somehow he knew that the journal was the gift that was even better. The child knew what her mother not only wanted, but needed to help get her through the hard and lonely times of a miner's wife. Over the last five years he had waited on the young hardworking couple. He had been so happy for them when they first brought their beautiful baby girl into town for the first time. He smiled and said, "Do you have a penny? It's on sale today. The thing is, I don't know how you are going to get it home without your mama seeing it." Whitlee smiled and said, "I have an apron too like my mama's. I think it will work." She gave the kind man her penny and immediately slipped the slim book into her apron pocket. She could hardly wait until Christmas. It was going to be the best Christmas ever!

*******

Allie woke up to a commotion outside. "What is going on out there?" She ran to the kitchen door only to see a cloud of smoke, and an old Jeep with its tires flat and a thick piece of paper laying on the ground by the Jeep's front tire. The air felt chilly and the smoke was thick. 

She couldn't figure out what in the world had happened. She stooped over to see what the paper was and couldn't believe her eyes. "Uncle Bill's will. She had laid it on the little table by the couch when she was watching television. Where are you? Did you do this? How did your will get out here? Doesn't this Jeep belong to Lill? Lill are you out here? What is going on?"

Virginia and Edward smiled and Virginia said to her husband, "I think our work is done for today. Lill lit out of here like she was on fire when she saw us. Allie will be just fine. The will shows anyone that has the nerve to contest Bill's wishes that the ranch does indeed belong to her. We will always be here when she needs us. Hopefully she will find some entries I wrote and a photo that I kept in that old journal I found when we were first married. Edward grinned and said, "Aren't you forgetting my beautiful handwork making those picture frames?"

 If you listened closely you could hear them chuckle as they urged their ghostly horses to be on their way. Giddyup!"

Allie Had Never Seen So Many Zeros!

 The quiet usually sarcastic Allie was talking nonstop. She was talking and laughing even as they walked in the door of the crab shack that Josh had spotted. "I have never in my life seen so many zeros! The last zero I saw was my old boyfriend that ate the last piece of pizza I had in my refrigerator. I can see him now walking out the door saying, "See ya!" What a loser. Thanks for stopping at the general store here because I didn't even have a handbag. I now have money to put in my wallet," she giggled. Josh grinned at her and said, "Will you quiet down, Miss Heiress? You really don't want everyone hearing that you are the newest millionaire in town do you?"

Allie covered her mouth and said, "I just can't help it. It seems like yesterday I found myself talking to the spider that was weaving a web in the upper corner of my dingy apartment. She was the only one that hung around. I was to be evicted in three days. I had no job, no money, and no friends. My mother had passed away and I thought she was the only family I had. Then all of a sudden I find out I have an Uncle Bill whom I had never heard of, a dude ranch, a Jeep, a little camper and two thousand dollars. Unbelievable. I keep saying that over and over, don't I?" she giggled.

Josh grinned and thought to himself, "Oh, Allie, if you only knew how many zeros you could add onto your bank account. Somehow I need to get myself to the assay office in Springfield. I just have to get myself a car to get back home." He looked up and saw Allie staring at him, "What? Do I have butter running down my chin?" She laughed and said, "No, I just misjudged you and I am so sorry. Just because your dad is a jerk doesn't make you one." Josh smiled back and said, "True, now don't take this the wrong way, but I do have to be gone for a few days. I have to go back to Springfield and take care of some business. I promise, yes, I promise to be back as soon as I can, okay?"

Allie frowned, but only for a second. "Yes, of course, you can. I won't be mad, but I will miss you. I have some things to do at the house too. One of them is to finish looking at the old journal and the pictures and stuff. Maybe I can find the actual history of my ranch. Wouldn't it be fun if I found out who the original owners were a hundred years ago? Don't choke. I just think it would be interesting. I really would like to go visit that old miner and make sure he was the one that put all that money under the wall paper and the hundred dollar bills! Wow! I still can't get over it. I will keep busy so you go do what you need to do. Oh how are you going to get there? Maxine said she had your birth certificate, do you believe her? This whole little town is a soap opera if you ask me, " she said as she ate her lunch. "Boy, this is good. I'm livin' high on the hog now that I'm rich." Josh put his fingers to his mouth and said, "Shh. Not wise to be broadcasting your business." Allie grinned and put her finger to her mouth and acted like she was zipping her mouth shut. But it was too late.

Lill was watching the young couple with interest. She  had stopped at the cafe while her old Jeep was getting fixed before she left town. She couldn't believe it when she saw Allie and Josh walk in the door. She was trying to hear everything they were saying, but she caught enough to realize that the girl was not poor! She had lots of money. She was the one that should have that money and she was going to make sure that she had a piece of that pie. She had dreams, lots of dreams and now they would all come true. She had an idea. She decided to tell Josh that his mother wasn't dead, but alive and well. Soon to be wealthy. But she did not hear him tell Allie that he was leaving town for a few days.

Josh asked Allie if she would drop him off at the small town where Mike's shop was. He needed a car. If Mike didn't have one he had a feeling he could get him one to rent. His car was at home. It sure would be easier to fly. He hugged Allie goodbye and assured her he soon would be back to help her get the ranch up and running to help both young and older people. It was not going to be a ranch for rich people, but one that made people happier, stronger, and willing to make new and different friends. "What a wonderful concept! Not to make money. K.R. would never understand that," he thought.

When Allie dropped Josh off at Mike's shop she stopped at the grocery store and bought a hundred dollars worth of groceries. "Well, I've never done that before. I now have Oreos and milk. And Captain Crunch! I love Captain Crunch. That was fun. When I get home I'm going to put these away, make myself a yummy snack of Oreos and cold milk. Then I'll see what I can find upstairs to answer some unsolved mysteries."

When she got upstairs she went into her study where the big desk was and the journal, but she couldn't find the journal. "Where did I put that thing? I could have sworn I picked it up off the floor and put it back on the desk. Well, there are a few drawers that I haven't gone through. Maybe I can find some old pictures. This is such fun." She continued opening drawers and came up empty. She was so disappointed. She had decided to give up and happened to notice something sticking out of the bottom of one of the drawers. "Hmm, well aren't you just the cutest thing? This picture is really old. Now where did I put that picture that was labeled Maggie 1865. I think this picture looks like about the same age. Yes! Good I did put this away because she has the same name as Mom. So many questions and no one to ask. Well, maybe tomorrow I will go see that old miner. He just might have some answers for me."

Allie was getting tired, "Boy, this being a millionaire is tiring, she giggled. I think I will hit the hay. I don't have to sleep in a barn or the street or a shelter. I have a home with a nice soft bed. I still can't believe it. If I wake up tomorrow morning and I still have three hundred dollars in my wallet and food in the refrigerator I might believe it." She yawned as she walked down the hall to her bedroom. She noticed that the quilt was kind of rumpled, but as she got closer to the bed she saw an envelope laying next to her stuffed toy unicorn. Last Will and Testament. You have got to be kidding me. Okay, now I know this place is haunted." She looked around and even peeked in the closet. Nothing. She walked back to the bed and picked up the thick envelope. As she read the pages the tears ran down her cheeks. It did indeed name her as the heiress to the ranch if her mother no longer was alive. He left this ranch to Mom? Why did she never even say his name? He must have loved his sister to leave her everything he had. Uncle Bill, I don't know if you can hear me, but thank you isn't good enough. I don't even deserve a little bit of what you have given me, but I will try to make others happier when they leave this place than when they first arrived. You or someone has left me enough money to fund this place for a good many years. Well, I sure can't sleep now." She picked up the will and carried it downstairs with her. She was going to watch television for awhile. "Maybe watching television will help me settle down and get some sleep. I have so much to do these next few days. Days? Weeks! Months and lots of years. Thanks again Uncle Bill where ever you are."

Lill grinned as she saw the light go out upstairs in the house. "Lookie here. Josh even left a ladder up against the house. This should make it easy beans. I hate all these weeds and stuff growing up this side of the house. Yuk. She didn't lock the windows silly girl.  Okay now I will just take a quick look around and pick up a few things, she laughed to herself. I deserve this. Hopefully she left her purse where I can see how much cash she has. Oh this is even better. She's sound asleep and there is Bill's will on the coffee table. I will just help myself to this little goodie. K.R. I thought you did better work than this. Bill was on to you and your sneaky little tricks. Well, it's all mine now. Without this, she will have to go to court to get ownership of this ranch. In the meantime, I will just take this little bank book and buy me a brand new Jeep and trash this pile of junk out there. This little book is my trip out of here. See ya later! That's a laugh. See ya never!"

Uncle Bill's ghost didn't stop her. Seeing Lill a bitter middle aged woman made him sad. He and Lill used to be really close friends.  "Let it be. Let it be. Allie will be fine, I made sure of that. I guess I'd better go get that necklace after all. Looks like she's going to need it, if the bank gives Lill all the money. If they are on their toes, they will catch that Lill's signature is not the same, but if there's a newbie on duty it could all be gone in a flash. I know for a fact they won't give all of it to her, but they sure could give her a big chunk. I should have made copies of that will. Dog gone it! Well, what will be will be. Sweet dreams, little one. All will be well."

Will You Be My Friend?

 Allie and Josh were talking and  bumping into each other and moving old dolls and picking up hundred dollar bills all at the same time. Josh said, "Will you quit being mad at me for just one second? I've been trying to tell you that you are rich beyond your farthest dreams for days and you won't even let me talk to you. Look at this. This whole room is probably worth millions! Look there are more bearer bonds here too. Oh, Allie, look at the walls. Tear down a little of that old wallpaper. Yes, a little more. Oh I was right. This whole room has hidden money and bonds. Why would they try to cover it with wallpaper? Why wouldn't whoever did this put them in a safety deposit box at the bank?" They stopped what they were doing and looked each other in the eye and said at the same time, "Because they didn't trust the bank; the miner!"

Uncle Bill's ghost quickly saw his paper will that he had hidden in this old room. As soon as Allie moved Maggie's old doll, he saw it just where he had put it a few months ago. "Here we go. I'll just go put this under Allie's pillow where she will find it tonight when she goes to sleep. Yes, right by Stuffie. Ooops, sorry little fella, I kind of messed up the bed. When the kids leave I'll see where that necklace is. There is no need for Allie to sell it now that she has money and bonds that Uncle Rex left her. I guess that's who did. I didn't realize he was that rich. I always heard that old mine was dry as dust after a few years."

The old room was full of cobwebs, but it did have a single window that overlooked the driveway going out to the road. They both saw the  sheriff's car headed out. "What's that all about? Did you hear him knock? I wonder why he was out here? Josh, Look, there is that dog again. Oh, I guess it's not so bad to have some company now that I can afford some food for all these animals." Josh started laughing and then he laughed some more. Pretty soon Allie started laughing too. She was rich! She had a beautiful ranch, horses, animals, and at least one friend even though she hadn't treated him very nice. "I'm sorry, Josh. Forgive me?" He grinned at her and said, "Of course, but next time, would you just take a minute to listen when I have something important to tell you?" Then they both grinned and continued to sort out all the valuables from the old newspapers in the room. "Someday it might be fun to read some of these old papers, wouldn't it?" Josh didn't answer her. He had seen a headline on one of them from years ago. "Another day, guy, another day," he thought to himself. He slid the old paper under some others with his foot. Soon they were finished. They decided that they would take some of the bonds and the money into Master City and see if they could cash them in. There was a lot to discuss and many decisions to be made. Some of their decisions would greatly impact the lives of many people. People that they didn't even know.

Josh was a little older than Allie and a bit more knowledgeable of financial problems that she might run into. He told her he thought that they should find a reputable financial advisor to help them, but first to the bank. They had to find out if they would cash in the bearer bonds. They also needed to open  more than one account. One that was just for the ranch and one that was just for Allie's personal wants and needs. She really needed some cowboy boots and a cowboy hat in his estimation. "She would look really cute on a horse someday," he thought. "Didn't you say that Haylee knew a financial guy in this town? Yes, that happened before my dear old dad was arrested. Do you want to call her or do it on our own? It's up to you. Of course, I'll help. Friends, remember?" They decided to find the local coffee shop or library. Somewhere where there was free wi-fi that they could use to do some research. But first the bank.

"Hey, Mr. Josh. I'll even buy you lunch. Alright alright, I'm sorry. Okay? Let's just get this done, then lunch, then a quiet place to find a good financial company."

"No, I don't want a flat screen tv. My old television set and I are getting along just fine. I need a lot of other things more than a television set, that's for sure. Crab for lunch? You silly guy, she laughed. Oh alright. I see a cafe down the street. You have to wait. The bank first!"

                                                                *****

The year was 1865. The Civil War would soon come to an end, but to a little boy it was too late. He was sad. His daddy had gone away and hadn't come back. His mama said that his daddy was a hero. "I don't think I like heroes if they don't stay and live with their little boys.. I want my daddy, he whispered to the old horse. He loved you, Sullie. I know he did 'cause he told me so. He said you were his friend when he was just my age. Will you be my friend too, 'cause I am really sad and I might cry. My mama said it's okay to cry. I try not to, but I just can't help it sometimes. My daddy said he used to tell you secrets and you were always there for him when he needed you. Will you please never go away like he did? When I get big do you think that you will let me get on your back and take me for a ride? Do you think it will take a long time to get big enough?"

The gentle horse nudged his nose against the little boy's lap and gently shook his head and gave a soft nicker of reassurance. He remembered the boy's dad. They had trained each other throughout the many years he'd lived here. He too missed the child's dad, but now he had a new job to do. He was once again needed by a small human. He would be his friend and help him smile just like his dad used to. As he closed his big brown eyes he could remember the wind blowing through his mane and his young master laughing and yelling, "Faster, Sullie, faster!" 

The young woman watching the heartbreaking scene from her front porch quietly pleaded, "Please watch over him. He misses you so much. He doesn't understand Heaven yet. He's a little angry at you for leaving us, and he's lonely. Let's hope that the love your old horse gives him will help him get through his grief."

The Grandmas Have An Open House At Marleewood

 Grandma Lu and Grandma B were busy busy at Marleewood. They had invited a lot of friends to come to their open house to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Grandma Lu had been really closed mouthed about her Dude Ranch series that she was writing. B would question her every once in awhile about this or that, and she would always change the subject. Once she put K.R. in jail in her stories, the conversation changed to Josh and Allie and what was going to happen to the dude ranch. There was always the question whether Josh was going to leave town etc. Grandma Lu wasn't talking.

 Grandma B thought she saw her chance to get the inside scoop on the mystery while they were cooking. They decided to not actually cook, but to have finger foods, cookies, bars, and cold and hot drinks. Something simple, but festive and best of all people could come when they could. Grandma Lu loved having open houses. She found that she could visit with folks longer than if everyone came at the same time. She was so excited. Grandma B was a really good cook, but Grandma Lu held her own. She was going to show her friend how to make sandwiches like her mother did for her lady's club when she was the hostess. Aww, those ribbon sandwiches were so good and beautiful too. She grinned to herself, "It's really going to get to her when I tell her that I am going to make the coffee. She's a coffee connoisseur, but I will bet money that she will like my coffee better than hers. I should call Darrell and tell him what I'm doing. He will get a kick out of it. First thing I have to do is get my big old blue coffee pot out of the closet. I haven't used it in years, so it will need washed up. This should be fun."

Grandma B was in the back kitchen making and baking the sweets for the open house. "I love Grandma Lu, but she just should stick with making sandwiches and getting some cold drinks stocked and in the fridge. I've got the handle on the goodies here. I'm going to set the timer for 13 minutes. That's the exact time for these cookies that are my specialty. There, now I'm off to see what Grandma Lu is doing. Maybe she will tell me what Mike had in the envelope for Allie," she chuckled. "Probably not a chance."

Grandma Lu had gotten the old coffee pot all washed and was ready to mix the eggs into the coffee grounds when her friend peeked around the corner and said, "What are you doing? Oh my gosh, girl. You are making a mess that's for sure. What happened did you accidentally drop an egg in the coffee grounds? I'll make the coffee. You don't have to mess with it. In fact I have a pot going in the back kitchen." She looked at the counter and said, "What in the world is this? What are you doing with an electric knife? I thought you were making sandwiches for the party. Oh dear, I guess, I'll have to help you with this. What is Deviled Ham? You must have a dozen dishes with stuff in them. I thought we were going to do simple. This is definitely not simple. A crystal punch bowl? Oh my goodness. Where do I even start."

Grandma Lu laughed and said, "Oh silly girl. Remember you said once when you, Joann and I went to lunch we were the three decade girls? Well, in the 50's this is how my mother served her friends when it was her turn. No one ever stepped foot in the kitchen when you had company. If they did they always found it clean as a whistle. Now you just never mind. I have invited Meta to come and help me. She knows all about this too. Don't you have some cookies and brownies to make? I'll take care of everything here." 

About that time Meta came in the back door and said, "Hey there! Is something on fire! There is smoke coming out the back kitchen window."

"Oh no, my cookies! They are probably burnt to a crisp. Oh Meta, will you grab a fire extinguisher just in case? They are probably just black as coal. Hopefully nothing caught on fire.  Lawd! Just look at this mess. I'm going to have two messes to clean up now. It's okay, Meta. You can put it away. I will need some help putting fresh cookie dough on some new cookie sheets, though. Do you mind helping? Everything will be fine. There are extra cookie sheets in the pantry on the bottom shelf. There is a pie plate on top of them. That Grandma Lu why would she do that? But I know it was her because I keep things orderly. My old friend, not so much." She had a small smile on her face as she started cleaning and getting the windows open. "Burnt cookie smell is not what I wanted for my party," she grumbled.

Meta went to get the cookie sheets and there was a glass pie plate on top of the cookie sheets just like Bonnie said. She smiled, thinking of her old friend. For some reason the bottom cookie sheet was stuck. She gave it a good yank and a book fell on the floor. "Bonnie, come quick. Look what I found. You just are never going to believe it. Grandma Lu has hidden her journal with all the notes in it for her stories. Why would she do that? Do you want to look to see how the dude ranch story ends? Maybe it's in here. Here is the Enchanted Forest notes, and I see the pirate series notes. That was a good one wasn't it? Oh, Bonnie, remember the series she wrote about Marlee prospecting for gold? All the ice cream melted. That was a mess too, she laughed. Oh look! Propunzel. Marlee and she wrote that together. It was such fun. Marlee was just the perfect age to imagine Prince Charming. Well, maybe we shouldn't look. It would be almost like sneaking a peek at a Christmas present before Christmas. Really? You want to? There are people coming I hear them out in the sitting room. We'd better not." We have to get something for them to eat and some drinks out there. Do you want me to run home and get some cookies? I think I have some. Well, okay. People love Grandma Lu. They will just give her a hug and forget about it."

The two ladies walked into the sitting room and there were long tables set up for the holidays. There sat the crystal punch bowl with a frozen ice ring with fruit in it. How beautiful. There were cut glass plates filled with dainty little sandwiches adorned with cream cheese frosting and olives and little flowers on the side.

 On the other wall was a table with a coffee service and crystal cups for the ladies, and big old coffee mugs for the guys or for those that wanted a full cup of coffee. The plates were filled with He-Man size sandwiches of ham and cheese and roast beef. The best part that made both ladies smile was the children's tables. Each table had four chairs and paper plates. There were baskets of chips and coolers with boxes of juice. Grandma Lu had made them sandwiches out of silver dollar buns and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cupcakes!"

Then the ladies heard their dear friend say, "Thank you so much, Darrell. I don't know what I would have done without you. I'm sure Santa will be extra good to you this Christmas." Darrell looked down and grinned and said, "Looks like we have company, Grandma Lu. What is your name young lady?" The little girl grinned and said, "I'm Paisley. I'm Marlee's friend." Marlee said, "Yes she is. She goes to my school. She wants to know if she can be in your stories, Grandma Lu. Can she?"  Grandma Lu smiled and said, " Absolutely. Have you ever been on a ranch or ridden a horse or would like to? That's what I'm writing about now." Paisley said, "Yay! Is Marlee going to be in the story too?" Grandma Lu said, "Of course, she is. I'll let you know when, okay?" The girls giggled and ran off to play. "I just love writing stories and little children. It's such fun to be able to put both things together. Have you tried one of my pretty little ribbon sandwiches? No? She laughed out loud and pointed to the big platter of the big ham sandwiches. Go help yourself. You have earned it."

Bonnie and Meta looked at each other and Bonnie said, "Quick, go put her notebook back in the pantry. I'm not going to ruin her day" Meta agreed and quickly put the journal back where she had found it, and barely rescued another cookie sheet of fresh chocolate chip cookies that were in the oven. They were perfect. She cut some brownies and put them on a pretty serving plate. When she got back to the sitting room she heard people say, "That is the best coffee I have ever tasted! Where did you get this coffee?" Grandma Lu's eyes sparkled and said, "My mother made egg coffee for her lady friends. I'm so glad you like it. Yes eggs. Have a ribbon sandwich, Bonnie. Hope you like them. There's a little devil in each one," she laughed. 

Grandma Lu watched Meta hurry out to the kitchen with her book of notes. "Gotcha, my friend. I just knew Grandma B would want to look, so I put that there on purpose. If they did, I planted the wrong notes in with the Dude Ranch series.  I slipped some from the missing doll mystery. That will get them so mixed up they will think Allie is going to Branson to the Doll Museum. Oh what a fun day this is. I love cooking, company, and children. Oh and a good prank once in awhile."

Happy Thanksgiving everyone from all of our friends at Marleewood!

Mr. And Mrs. Packrat Were Making A Nest

 Josh had no idea where Mike's garage was, but started running down the street trying to follow the directions that Mike had given him. This was the biggest break of Allie's life! Why hadn't she answered her phone when Mike called her? Oh well, I'm going to go get the envelope and get it to her somehow. I hate being without a car. Maybe Mike can help me in that area too. This little town is lucky to have him. He rescued Haylee and Allie when they ran off the road and damaged the wheel on Allie's Jeep. He then  towed it back to his garage and fixed it. Yes, he was a life saver that's for sure. Oh I think I see it down at the end of the street. There's a guy welding something. Yeah, I think that's it. Keeping his face away from the glare of the welder, Josh yelled "Hello" to the man and finally got his attention.  "Hi, my name is Josh and Mike is expecting me. Can you tell him I'm here? Thanks."

Mike chuckled and said, "I'm right here. I got this out of the front seat of the Jeep the day I hauled it in. It looks like to me it has important papers inside. Can I trust you to give it to her? No, I'll tell you what. I'll take them out to her." Josh said, "Well, can I ride along? I'm supposed to go out there tomorrow, but she can only yell at me, right?" Mike shook his head, and said, "Alright, but if she has a fit it's on you.! I've heard that she's not afraid to use her mouth to tell folks off."  He yelled to the man that he would be back in a half hour or so and jumped in his truck. Josh followed suit. "Hey, do you ever clean this thing out? Do you care if I shove some of this stuff on the floor?" Mike gave him his well known shrug and they were on their way. While Mike was driving, Josh looked inside the envelope. It was just like Mike had said, but important papers was not what he would call them. He would call them life changing. He could hardly stand it until they got to the ranch. Ah! She was home the Jeep was in the driveway. Good. He thanked Mike and jumped out of the Jeep. Mike said, "Hold on there a minute. There's no lights on in the house. I think she's asleep. It's a little early, but I heard somebody say they saw her at the fair in Master City. She's probably pooped. I'll drop you off, but I'm not too cool with letting you in the house. You got stuff in the camper? Good. You sleep out here and give her these papers tomorrow. Deal?" Josh wasn't real happy about these conditions, but he agreed and opened up the camper. His sleeping bag was still in there, but no pillow. "Great another night without much sleep, " he sighed. I' think I saw that he had an older car for sale. I need to call him tomorrow. He crawled into the camper and tossed and turned for what seemed like forever, but finally went to sleep.

Uncle Bill's ghost had decided to use his floating ability so that he wouldn't wake up Allie. He actually enjoyed being a ghost, but sometimes wished he could talk to folks, especially Allie so that he could tell her his life story. He could hear her talking to him asking him if he was really her uncle and who all these old pictures were of. Some things she didn't need to know, but right now he needed to find his written will that he had had K.R. write for him and to hide the journal she had found and some of the pictures. He hadn't looked at the journal or had been in his Uncle's study for years. He knew that the adoption papers were either in one of three places. He had not had enough time to look for them. He had watched Allie knock down cob webs and discuss his housekeeping skills or lack thereof when in fact it was the old miner's fault. " Okay, there's the journal laying on the floor with a lot of pictures. I see she picked up the bearer bonds that flew out of the journal. I didn't even know they were in there. She will have enough money to start up the ranch again if the bank will honor them. If they are too old, a lot of banks won't.  I think I will take that old journal and some of these pictures into the room behind that old chest of drawers. They will rot over the years and no one will ever know. Okay, easy does it, Bill, let's move this dresser without making any noise. I sure don't want to scare that little girl again. I have to be more careful." As he moved the dresser he said to himself, "I don't know why I can't move through stuff like other ghosts can. I'm always stuck doing the hard stuff." About that time the leg broke off the front of the old dresser and made a loud snapping sound. "Shoot, I knew something was going to happen. He quickly moved the dresser and slid the hidden pocket door open to the ancient room that was no longer used. As he went to put the journal under the old dolls' skirts he saw the money! Hundreds of dollars on top of more bearer bonds. " Uncle Bill said, "What is going on here?" 

Allie screamed and said, "That's what I'd like to know! What's going on here?" Josh came running up the stairs and said, "What's going on here? Are you alright?" "You again, are you out to kill me? What are you doing here? You aren't supposed to be here until tomorrow!" Then together they said, "Oh my gosh, look at all that money!"

The packrats stopped chewing on the soft green and white paper they were using to make a new nest for their new babies they were expecting. It was a tedious job, but it had to be done quickly because the babies were going to arrive in just a day or two. "Quick, Henry, there's humans up there. Cover up the shiny necklace and earbobs. Let them find the pearls, I don't care, but I love looking at those sparkling stones and the shiney silver when I go to bed at night. It helps me relax. Thank you Dear. Oh don't forget to cover up that old miner's pocket watch. That's my favorite. Poor old soul has been looking for it for years, but it's better off with us."

The neighbors saw the lights go on in the attic of the big ranch house that night. They had waited long enough. Together they devised a plan. They wanted their money.  Through their telescope they had seen Josh put a large envelope in the camper before he got into bed.  As they quietly walked over to the camper to take the envelope Daisy started to bark. "Shush! Quiet!" A deep voice said, "Alright you two. You can join the crowd in my jail. There is nothing in this camper that belongs to you. I need to ask you some questions and it might as well be tonight. Come on! Off with you. Leave the dog here. She will be good company for Allie until I get back out here to pick her up."

Maxine arrived at Lill's house only to find it dark and empty. "Once again you have left me. I love you so much, why won't you accept the fact that I did what I did because I loved you more than life itself."

Uncle Bill Watches Over Allie As She Sleeps

 While Allie was driving back to the ranch her mind was in complete turmoil. "What have I gotten myself into? Uncle Bill are you even my Uncle? I have never heard of you and Mom never mentioned you. I could not even believe what happened in that sheriff's office. Three generations of control freaks! Good grief. I can't understand what Maxine said about me being related to them; no way! The only really good thing that happened today was the County Fair. That was so much fun it almost trumps the bad stuff that happened the last part of the day. Okay, so here we are; the good old Double D ranch. That must stand for dumb and dumber today," she laughed to herself. I'm thinking that that old tv and I are going to have a talk. I would love to just sit and watch the news. No ghosts, no traveling cowboy hats, and especially no Josh, just me and my tv."

 Allie walked into the living room and looked at the old television set. She needed her mom. "Oh how I miss you Mama. I'm going out to the kitchen and get your picture. You need to be here so I can see you." With that she went out to the kitchen and took it off the wall. She looked at the picture of the other woman and wondered just who she was. She took the framed photo of her mother and dusted the frame on her jeans then put it on the television. "Ah, there you go. Now I can see you every day when I relax.. I don't like that the other side of the television is empty though. I need to find something else to balance it out. I know, Mom. I'm weird that way. That's just me. Maybe a plant. I thought both pictures  were you, but I can tell now that they aren't. Another mystery I will never solve, I guess."

Allie sat down on her old, but comfy couch and started watching the news. It was showing a ranch that had horses just for folks that needed a friend. Some were children, some were adults. "Now that is neat. I wonder if that was something like this ranch used to be." As she continued to watch she knew just what she had to do with her ranch. Help people both young and old. She had heard of therapy dogs for physically and mentally impaired and troubled children and adults. What about people that were scared or lonely? What about her horses?! Yes, Uncle Bill! Did you help people? What exactly is your story anyway? Maxine said that you had this ranch full of guests and lots of ranch hands. How did you do that? What happened to this place? Oh I need to find the rest of your video will. Tomorrow, first thing after I pay the ranch hands and give them directions on getting the horses back down here, and getting a vet here, and getting feed here, and paying bills. Oh dear, can I make it happen? After I do all of that it will be time to go to bed tomorrow night with another day not finding any answers. I am so tired..."

Allie fell into an exhausted sleep on her old couch in her old living room unknowing that her old Uncle Bill ghost was watching over her. "Well, little one, I guess you need a helping hand. I'll see if I can't make it happen because you have the answer to reviving this old piece of dirt as K.R. used to call it and helping others. That's what we are put on this earth to do, little one. I wish I would have had more money to leave you, but that necklace is worth a fortune. If you sold that you could run a not for profit and help a lot of folks, soldiers even. Yes, I'd better get started. I'll head upstairs to see if my paper will is still in that chest. I don't trust that K.R. He probably destroyed my video will I had him  make. I moved that old chest of drawers the other day to check, but it scared Allie. She's asleep now, so I'll get started. I think I remember where I put it. I'd better be a tad quieter though. I sure don't want her to wake up. I am going to hide that old scrapbook and journal though. I know just where I will put them. I'm going to have to move that chest again to get to the other room. She doesn't need to see some of those pictures or read any of the past entries of my parents and grandparents let alone my aunts and uncles. I do need to find the adoption papers though and destroy them. The folks around here would have a hay day with that info. Yup that's the first thing I'll look for. I'm glad that orphanage is long gone. Bad business that place was. Glad there are better laws nowadays."

Josh walked down the street to the little chili cafe that he and Allie had stopped at the very first night they arrived. He remembered how Lill had put a hot habanera pepper in Allie's chili. He just didn't understand that. She had seemed like a nice lady years ago when her son, Justin, and he were in college. "Well, here goes nothing. Maybe she will be in a better mood today. I am going to send a message to Laura and see if she will meet me here. I just have this strange feeling that they both are hiding something. I need to find a place to stay tonight too since Allie didn't want me out at the ranch tonight. I don't seem to win with her or anyone else in this town for that matter. If I was smart I would just leave town, but I really do like that smart mouthed girl. I think we could be a great team, but we just don't seem to mesh. Well, it doesn't matter, I want to start up my own business and she will have enough money to run her ranch and that will be the end of things." He looked down at his phone and saw Laura's name  "Oh good. Laura says she will meet me here in a few minutes. I'll order a cold drink and talk to Lill while I'm waiting for Laura. Then to find somewhere to stay in this one horse town. That should be a challenge to say the least. Oh well, one thing at a time."

In the back corner Maxine was sitting in a booth waiting and watching to see what that young man would do  She smiled thinking about him when he was just a babe. He should have been her grandson, not Naomi's.  She heard Josh ask the owner if he could talk to Lill. The owner told Josh that Lill had left her shift the day before and hadn't been back. If she did show up she was fired. He couldn't have help like that because it was bad for business.

Maxine had heard what the owner said. She quickly got into her purse, pulled out some bills to pay for her coffee and walked out the door, keeping her face turned away so that Josh didn't recognize her. "Where did that girl go? I've got to find her." She walked out the door and headed down the street towards the parking lot where she had parked her car. She needed to go to Lill's house and talk to her. Hopefully she wasn't sick. She loved that girl. Always had. She had a disposition of an alley cat, but she was hers and she loved her no matter what.

As Laura walked towards the cafe she saw Maxine head towards the parking lot. "Hmm, wonder where that crotchety old woman is going? Some folks are just never in a good mood. That includes Rex today. Ouch he was grouchy when I took him back to the assisted living center. Well, it was for his own good." She put a smile on her face and walked into the cafe to see what this young man wanted from her. When she saw him he smiled and waved for her to join him. He looked at his phone and said, "Sorry, I need to take this. I'll just be a minute." The call was from a Mike. "Mike, hmm, Oh Mike! Hi, Mike. What can I do for you? You found what? Oh my gosh. I'm at the cafe. I'll be right over." He looked at Laura and said, "I am so sorry. I have to leave. Can I have a raincheck? You  are so nice. Thanks. I'll give you a call just as soon as I can. Thanks, again, Laura." And he was gone leaving Laura to shake her head and say to herself, "Maybe it's best this way."

Josh Put Everything In Motion!

 Allie pulled up next to the sheriff's office and walked in the door. The place was a mad house. It was filled with people all talking at once. The space was so small that she could actually see a couple of cells and to her surprise one of them had her lawyer in it. The other one was empty, but it looked like not for long if the sheriff had his way. Finally he yelled for everyone to be quiet. Josh wasn't having it. He started talking really loud and said, "I've had it with all of you. No one will listen to me. And you, dear old dad, you are exactly where you belong. Who finally caught up with you and your con man schemes?" Haylee said, "I did. You started this whole thing, Josh. You put traps in Allie's Jeep, and I just raised the ante a little and had some money marked that you had put under the seat in the Jeep. You hoped that K.R. would steal it which he did. It was one of  the most fun gigs I ever had. I hoped the dogs wouldn't bark when I was out there."

Allie said, "Wait a minute. My lawyer is your dad? No wonder you are a jerk!" Josh had had it. He looked Allie right in the eye and said, "Listen here, Little Miss Heiress, I've been trying to save your ranch for you and all I get is guff and people thinking I'm just like my dad, but I'm not! I've got proof right here on my phone if anyone would just listen to me."

K.R. yelled from his cell, "Dad, bail me out of here! You owe me that much!"

The older man whom Allie had seen driving the VW bug said, "Not in this lifetime. That's the trouble with you. I've given you too much!"

"Yes you did. You gave me orders and material things. You were so controlling I couldn't breathe. I went to law school like you told me to, but I hated every minute of it. I worked my tail off at that dude ranch like you said. You controlled not only me, but mom and of course, the purse strings. If we didn't do what you said you would cut off our allowance. Yes, allowance. That's what you always called it. I wanted more and so did mom. I don't understand why you don't understand because you were the same way. You swindled the dude ranch from your own brother in a card game of all things. No wonder no one has heard from him in years; not even his own wife. So how is old Maxine nowadays, anyway?" he said with a smirk on his face.

By this time the sheriff had had it. He ordered everyone to be quiet. It was his turn to speak. "No K.R. doesn't get bailed out. He is being held on a federal offense and has to go to court. He needs a good lawyer. The bank president is also being held for accessory to bank fraud. He also needs a good lawyer. Allie? I think that you and Josh should both go back out to the ranch and settle things between you. All this bickering back and forth has gotten neither one of you anywhere. Josh seems bound and determined to tell you something, so you should listen. No buts.... Laura, take our friend here, back to the assisted living center. Tell the charge nurse that once again he got away from her." He looked at his old friend and shook his head, "Rex, rules are made for a reason, and you my friend have had health issues that could cause you to have an accident. Meaning that you behind the wheel could cause harm to yourself or others. No More Driving! Understood? No I don't care if you got a trophy. No More Driving. If you aren't careful you will find yourself in the cell next to your son. And that's another thing. When this is all resolved you and your son need to have a long long talk and many of them. Whether it's at your home or in jail. 

Allie sat in the chair and listened with disbelief as the sheriff talked. The driver wasn't kidnapped. It sounded like he was a friend of the sheriff and the lady called Laura. Her lawyer was that man's son? Josh was his grandson? She was getting a headache. She was going back to the ranch, not because the sheriff told her to, but because she was exhausted. What a day. She had to pay the ranch hands, and then lay down for a much needed rest. As she walked out of the office, she noticed that Josh was following her. "No! I don't have the strength or energy to talk to you or even listen to you. Find someplace to stay tonight. You can come out tomorrow and we will talk. I promise I will listen this time."

Josh started to argue, but instead, he gave a slight nod in her direction and started to walk down the street. He needed to talk to Laura about what he had heard her tell the older man at the assisted living center. Maybe she would meet him at the cafe. That way he could get some answers and see Lill at the same time. He just knew that both women could tell him what he wanted to know, but would they?

Allie Sees #53 Being Kidnapped!

 Grandma Lu felt a little bad about leaving her friend, Grandma B, at Marleewood to finish up the cleaning, but she had the greatest idea about the old miner in her story. She needed to write it down before she forgot it. She walked in the door and sniffed. Yes, her hard work doing her fall cleaning had paid off. Her house smelled like sunshine and lemon and looked like it was ready for the winter months. The windows sparkled and her fall decorations looked so nice. She hung her coat and hat up and hurried into her little computer room. "Yes, you rebel you. You hate where you live, you are disgusted with the town you practically built yourself, and you don't like to follow rules. Especially rules that don't suit you, she grinned. Okay let's get this show on the road. Your road now is a race track at the county fair. It's especially fun because no one knows where you are. Ha! Yes. I know just who will find you, my dear. Little Allie is on her way to the next town to get some money and get away from the memories of the so called ghosts and feeling disappointment in Josh. Let me check my notes first. 

"Yes, that was her plan. Let's see how that plays out." She took a drink of her now cold coffee and started typing on her computer...

 There just so happened that there was a festival going on in town. Allie could see the Ferris wheel and some other rides from the road as she entered the main street. She thought. "You know what? I just might go see what that's all about. I can't even remember going to a carnival or fair. I might even get brave and ride one of those crazy rides. I'd better get to the bank and get some money first though. I have to pay those ranch hands tomorrow. I sure need their help. I'd like to get some of the horses back to the barn to make sure they don't need any medical care. I don't know much about horses, but I know that any kind of animal needs good food and care. I probably should call a vet and have him or her check them out. 

 Allie went to the bank and got the back pay for her ranch hands plus a little extra for some groceries and to spend at the fair. She felt a little guilty because after she looked at the balance of her account she really shouldn't have taken out any out for fun. "Oh well, I'll just walk through and look, maybe get a cotton candy or something to drink.  As she walked she watched the vendors hawking their wares; the food trucks selling their corn dogs and turkey drumsticks and the yummy smelling kettle corn. Her mouth watered as she watched people walk around with fresh fried funnel cakes sprinkled with powdered sugar. Should she? That's when she saw two little boys with stars in their eyes getting ready to get on one of the rides. "Nope, I have to have a carnival ride at least once in my life." She quickly walked towards the Ferris wheel and bought a ticket. Her heart was racing with excitement. When it was her turn to get on the ride the attendant carefully buckled her in and made sure she was safe. Then the music started playing. She thought about the original riders of the Great Wheel in 1893. Many folks thought it was great fun to get married on that original Ferris Wheel. "I don't think I'll ever get married. I don't have time. I have a ranch to get back up to snuff." When the Ferris Wheel stopped at the very top her seat swung back and forth. She was holding on tight, but wasn't afraid. She could see for miles. She looked down and grinned. "I've never heard of such a thing. A VW Bug race. "How fun is that!. I'm going down there to watch when my ride is done. There are bleachers I can sit on. I shouldn't, but I think I'm going to buy a hot dog and maybe even buy a funnel cake. It will be awhile before I can treat myself again."

Allie loved her ride on the Ferris wheel and her face hurt from smiling for so long. She looked over to the smaller children's rides and laughed out loud. One little girl just didn't see the fun of the whole thing while her sister was having a lot of fun. She even had her face painted. Oh she had missed out on so much when she was little. Well, she was all grownup now and even though she didn't have much money she had had a lot of fun today.

She stopped at the funnel cake vendor and took her treat over to the bleachers so she could watch the race. It smelled as good as it looked. "Oh this is heavenly. I've never tasted anything this good."

"Oh look at number 53! He's going so fast. I hope he doesn't crash. The track was a dirt track and she got a spray of mud all over her. She wiped it away and laughed out loud. "Oh this is fun." She stayed to watch the drivers get their trophies. That older guy that drove number 53 got second place, but you would swear he had won a million dollars.

Wait. Isn't that the woman that was out at the ranch? I think that's Laura and a man I've never seen before. They are smiling as they are getting closer to the man. He must know them. He's smiling back at them. Wait. Where are they taking him? "Hey! Leave him alone. What are you doing with him?" The couple continued to walk the man to the parking lot. They were talking to the man and he was shaking his head no to both of them.

Allie ran over to the award stage and almost cried. There lay the trophy that the man had won. She looked over to the parking lot and those two mean people were putting him in their car. Allie grabbed the trophy and ran to the parking lot.

She was going to report these people to the sheriff. "That is so not right. Oh! That makes me so mad!" She threw the trophy in the front seat and took off after the culprits. "Poor man. How could anyone be so mean?"

As she pulled into town she saw the sheriff walk out of his office door and smile as he watched Laura and the man get out of their car. Then he saw who they had in the backseat. He was grinning!  He helped him out of the car and clapped him on the shoulder. "What is going on? The man was just kidnapped and the sheriff is treating him like a long lost friend. Plus the old man is grinning back! I just don't get it. I'm going to stop to see what's going on.