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Join Date: Oct 2008
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JOHNNY REB IN 'SHADOW' Prologue.
Character by Tim Frady Story by Wayne Clayton
The September air was warm and humid, the heat of noon was now tempered by the wind as it raced across the features of Johnny Reb as he flew over the countryside. The patchwork of forests and farmsteads flowed beneath him, unaware of the flying man. No need to worry about the Nazi threat or the Yellow Peril any more, their thoughts set on the up coming harvest and praying the rains would hold off till the corn was safely laid to rest.
As Johnny rose and fell he could almost see in his minds eye the thin white statelines of the Southern States pass by. He had left the baked earth of Texas and was now working his way up through Alabamama and Georgia following the river down stream up towards the place he had once called home.
And soon sure enough he broke through the invisible divide into the air space of his glorious Tennessee.
He continued to track the rivers meandering as it flowed east towards Knoxville. A city which even as he circled high above seemed to be growing out into the suburbs. Engulfing the out lying towns and swallowing up Oakridge and the strange new factory complex which Johnny had heard spoken off in hushed tones while fighting at the front.
Now with his keen vision he saw the Smoky Mountains begin to rise like a gentle wave before him. It was time to set down. He didn't plan on creating a fuss by landing smack down in the middle of Main St. It was over 60 years since he had set foot in Shadow and their parting hadn't been on the best of terms. But deep down inside he knew it was time to come home.
Sheriff Saul too was heading home, but first he had to drop by Jays place to pick up some things for the weekends fishing trip. As he drove up Main St. he saw Jay standing on the long porch in front of his store looking a might preturbed.
"Well Jay all set for heading up to Jacksons Pond? I hear Billy Jo saw The Duke break surface, says he was beggin' to be caught"
Jay's wrinkled his brow as he rolled the tobacca round his gums.
"Billy Jo couldn't catch cold on a winters day"
"That's as maybe" chuckled Saul "Say what you doing out in this heat anyways, thought Doc Brown told you to take things easy?"
Jay jerked his head towards the far end of the porch and for the first time Saul saw a figure sat on the steps leading off the side walk.
" He's been here since dawn Sheriff. Just sitting. Damn boy's making me nervous!"
Saul gave a reluctant sigh, part due to the heat and part due to the fact he didn't want any trouble.
" Okay Jay, I'll see to it, don't you worry none"
With Jay looking on Sheriff Saul began to make his way along the porch, the dull thud of his boots echoed like the old west but the seated figure appeared not to hear his approach.
Saul stepped down back onto the street, and mopped his brow before he began to speak.
" What you doing there Boy? Aint you got something to be doing?" His tone was strong but polite.
The only reply Saul received was the sound of Jay sweeping the same spot over and over as he tried to look busy.
Saul sighed again.
"Y' hear me Boy? You sat here is doing nobody any good. So why don't you just head on home before I have to run you in. And you know I don't wanna do that. "
" I can't do that Sir, Ma says I got to meet him when he comes."
Saul looked down at the old wrinkled face of the coloured man sat before him. This was the last thing he wanted to hear. Old Ghosts Ma had passed on some 20 years ago. There were some folk that said Ghost was just a crazy old fool. And Sheriff Saul was one of them, that was before the Walters case back in 38'. Now he knew that when Ma sent her son on an errand you'd better get ready for all kinds of trouble.
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Awesome!
