1. Future Perfect - Chapter One


    Date: 11/14/2015, Categories: Novels, Author: BrassRing

    ... drive away. Leave the dog. That’s what I should do. Who knew what could happen? I couldn't leave the idiot behind. And did I want to miss the chance to see other people after all of these years. I stood up and walked down the sidewalk to the road. I heard screams. Coming from the direction of the Kohl’s across the road. I started running that way. I didn’t think that anyone would be in danger from Biscuit, but someone could shoot him thinking he was feral. “Biscuit!” I called out, all hope of secrecy gone. “Heel!” I called as loudly as I could. I saw three people in the dark doorway of the Kohl’s store. I had unlocked it several years ago to get some new sheets. They were nice. It looked like a mother and two girls. They were inside the first set of doors while Biscuit stood outside the doors barking. I yelled at him, and he turned to look at me and continued barking. Looking around, I slowed to a jog. There were no cars, and no other people visible. I looked at the ladies behind the door. The girls looked at me with amazement, the mother with fear. I probably did look kind of scary. Ten years ago I had been 45, fighting a losing battle with my waistline, and with white that was crowding out my darker hair. Now, I was 175 lbs., lean and hard. My hair was more white than black and I usually pulled just the top half back. My beard was long and darker than my hair, but was graying in streaks. I had the .357 strapped to my hip and carried a huge hickory cane. I was wearing a ...
    ... black t-shirt, hiking boots, and a homemade kilt. I tried to comfort the mother by holding up one hand, palm out while I yelled at the dog. Finally, he came to my side and sat down. “Good boy,” I said. “About damn time.” I went down on one knee to pat his head. I didn't want him to jump at the girls and scare them when they opened the door. I stood and slipped a leash around Biscuit’s neck. The girls and their mother seemed reluctant to come out. I couldn't blame them, really. I lifted a hand again, waved, and turned to go back to my truck. Biscuit fought me, but couldn't get away. “Wait!” a voice called. I turned. “Thank you,” the mother said. “He’s harmless,” I replied. “Just a goofy dog.” Biscuit sat and his tongue lolled to the side. “We weren't sure,” she said. “I’m Kelly. These are my daughters, Amanda and Bethany.” “Kelly?” I asked. I took a step forward and looked at her closely. “Kelly Wilkins?” The shock on her face was obvious. Both girls looked at her in surprise. “Y...yes,” she said. “Do I know you?” “Bruce,” I said. “Bruce Clevenger.” “Bruce?” she repeated. Suddenly recognition dawned. “Bruce! Oh my lord!” She ran the few steps between us and hugged me. Kelly and I had worked together at the market. She and her husband, Kyle, had been starting a church, and had several daughters. I was taken aback at the sudden human contact after ten years of isolation. I stumbled back a step, but she didn’t let go. I awkwardly patted her back with my free hand. Finally, she leaned ...