As June slipped from spring to summer, Mae found herself sitting near a moonshine still deep inside the hills of Hickory Mountain.
“That might be the damnedest plan I ever heared of in my life,” Elmer said with a chuckle as he sat on a stump and watched the fire cook the contents of the liquid inside the still.
“You really think it’ll work?” Mae asked.
“Yeah, yeah I do. We got the jars and the white wash. It’ll work. Take a look,” he said as he held up painted jar.
Elmer laughed.
“Never thought I’d ever be a dairy farmer,” he said.
“Which reminds me, we need to get a couple of milk cows just to make things look right. ‘Sides, wouldn’t hurt to have fresh butter to sell with the jars of fresh milk we’ll peddle in the camps,” Ed said.
“You plan on selling real milk too?” Mae asked.
“Might as well. Money’s money if we get from selling milk or selling ‘shine,” Ed said.
“You got anybody lined up to help out?” Elmer asked.
“Hill Dunlap. He’s a good feller and a hell of a fighter if it comes to it,” Ed said.
“You trust him?” Elmer asked.
“Yep. I know I can trust him. We pulled each other’s asses out of slings too many times during the war,” Ed said.
“Good. When do you want to start?” Elmer asked.
“We’ll hit the camps on the next payday. I’ll head across the mountain to Davisburg and head on over to Pruden. Mae can take Newman — she knows as many people there as I do. Hill can go
with her. I don’t think she’ll get any trouble but just in case, he’ll be along,” Ed said.
“Sounds like you got it worked out,” Elmer said as he rolled a cigarette.
“I got a plan Uncle Elmer. We’re gonna grow as quick as we can. I want to hit the camps in Fuson County and Harlan County too — even Whitley County. If this prohibition bullshit becomes law, they’s a ton of money to be made selling liquor. I aim for us to get rich,” Ed said.
“You do that, we’ll need more help and more stills,” Elmer said.
“I already thought about that. While you was recoverin’ from the flu I was out walkin’ the mountains. I made a map of the best places to hide a still here and in Fuson County. Me an’ Hill’s been talkin’ to some of the boys we was with in France. We’ll have the help when we need it,” Ed said.
***
John walked into the office of Dr. Carter “Cat” Banks, which sat on Main Street across from the front of the Fuson County Courthouse.
Victoria Banks, the doctor’s wife and nurse, sat at the desk in the front. She was a short, heavy woman with salt and pepper hair. Victoria had a gentle smile and kind eyes but was as tough as nails when the situation called for it.
“Why come in John and get a seat. Cat’s with Mrs. Johnson right now. He’ll be out in a few minutes,” she said.
John nodded with a smile and sat down.
“Looks like he don’t have a lot goin’ on today,” he said.
“Not too bad. He had a couple of house calls this morning. Of course one of them was the mayor and you’ve been here long enough to know how he is. Treat him for a cold and wants to make sure his leg isn’t broke. Poor man looks for any reason to be sick,” Victoria said.
“I’ve noticed that. Makes you wonder if he likes bein’ sick,” John said.
“Or if he likes being sick enough to not have to work,” she said.
The door opened from the examination room and a very pregnant Mrs. Johnson stepped out followed by the doctor.
“That baby’ll get here when it feels like it Mary. I wouldn’t worry about it. Just go on home and get some rest. Tell Frank I’ll see him at church Sunday — if not before,” the doctor said.
John studied his mentor.
Cat Carter was 5’7 and weighed at least two hundred and ten pounds. His hair was silver and wire rimmed glasses framed his youthful looking green eyes — despite being fifty—five years old.
“John, my boy! I understand classes are over for the semester,” Cat said as soon as Mrs. Johnson walked away.
“Yes sir. Took my last final this mornin’,” John said as Cat took a seat next to him.
“Tell me, you have anything planned for the summer — a job maybe?” Cat asked.
“I figured I’d go back to Maple Creek and see what I could find until school starts back in September,” John said.
“You like it here in Crystal Springs?” Cat asked.
“Yes sir, I like it just fine,” John said.
“Would you like to stay here this summer?” Cat asked.
“Yeah, I reckon I would but since the college won’t be open I don’t have a place to stay,” John said.
Cat listened and nodded.
“John, I want to offer you a job. Dr. Mitchell was right — doctorin’ comes natural to you. You could help me out a bunch,” Cat said.
“Like the mayor?” John asked with a half—grin.
“Exactly,” Cat answered. “And if you’ll take the job, I can guarantee you room and board at my house. You know Victoria’s an excellent cook.”
“I’ll take the job. Thank you for the opportunity,” John said.
“You’re helping me out. And besides, this will only make you a better doctor down the road,” Cat hesitated. “There is something else I want to talk to you about.”
“Yes sir?” John asked.
“I think you’re ready to get licensed through the county court clerk’s office. I want you and me to walk over to the courthouse and take care of it right now,” Cat said.
“You really think I’m ready?” John asked.
“You still need to finish at least one year of medical school but yeah, I figure you can handle anything but surgery — and there’s probably some of that you could do if you had to. You got training on the battlefield in France that no medical school could ever give you,” Cat said as he rubbed the back of his own neck with his right hand.
John looked down at the floor and kind of shuffled one foot.
“I appreciate it Doc, I really do. It’s, uh...,” he groped for the right words.
“Don’t worry about the license fee. I’m bringing in a new physician to the practice. The least I can do is spend two dollars for his license,” Cat said with a smile.
“Doc...I don’t know what to say,” John said.
Victoria stood and walked around the little desk to John and placed her hands on his shoulders.
“Now you hush up. That’s a piddling amount to pay to get another good doctor for the people in these mountains,” she said.
“Consider it an early graduation present,” Cat said.
John just nodded and the two of them walked toward the door.
“If anybody comes in Vick, I’ll be back in a few minutes. Just take their temperature and tell’em to take their clothes off and wait. Or if you feel like it, tell’em to take their clothes and then take their temperature — don’t really matter to me,” Cat said.
Less than five minutes later Fuson County Court Clerk Edgar Snow stamped the county seal on an official medical license.
“You probably did good to get this now. I hear there’s talk in the General Assembly that they’re gonna change the law and not let counties issue medical licenses anymore. Bunch of folks up in Frankfort want the state to issue’em from now on,” Snow said.
“That might be for the best. We got too many incompetent men acting like doctors now. We need more young men like John here,” Cat said.
Snow smiled.
“Congratulations Dr. Fulton,” Snow said as he extended his hand.
John smiled softly and shook his hand as Cat slapped him on the back.
“How does it feel Doc?” Cat asked.
“Pretty good,” John said as his grin widened.
“Good. Now let’s get back to the office and go to work. I’m sure the mayor is working on a new malady even as we speak,” Cat said as Snow snorted in appreciation.
“Ain’t no cure for drag ass,” the clerk said.
***
Bob continued to work in the mine. Walking every morning from his home on Maple Creek to the mine at Newton and then back every night. He tried to save money when he could, but no matter how much he worked, he never seemed to be able to put as much back as he wanted.
John was now doctoring in Crystal Springs and doing well enough to make a living while finishing college. Bob was happy for his big brother but troubled over the way things were going in his life.
He had a job — and a respectable one at that — even if it left him bone tired and perpetually broke. Things weren’t all bad though. Upon his most recent visit, John left another batch of books for Bob to read. He went through each book several times. He enjoyed American Literature as well as all books on political theory and U.S. History.
Slowly but surely, Bob was growing more and more educated — informal learning, but learning nonetheless.
He was lost in thought and about halfway home, he noticed a movement ahead in the deepening twilight. As he got closer, he saw who it was. Sixteen—year old Daisy Colford and her younger sister Millie. Daisy was a slim girl with a pretty face, long dark hair, and bright blue eyes. She carried a canvas bag.
Millie was shorter and rail thin with red hair and green eyes.
The movement behind them startled them.
“You ain’t no reason to be scared. It’s just me,” he said.
“Bob Fulton! I couldn’t see you for the all of the coal dust,” Daisy said.
“Goes with the job I reckon. What are you all doin’ out this time of night?” Bob asked.
“We’re goin’ to Aunt Sudie’s. We’re gonna help her with her cannin’ this week,” Daisy said, holding the bag up.
Bob walked along with them.
“What are you cannin’?” He asked as he took the bag. She let him carry it.
“Green beans, okree, pickles, ‘maters — just about anything you can think of,” Millie said.
“Sounds like a lot of work,” Bob said.
“It’s not so bad. Aunt Sudie makes it fun,” Daisy said.
“And she always makes blackberry cobbler,” Millie said.
Bob just smiled and nodded.
“Heard about John goin’ off to be a doctor. You must proud,” Daisy said.
“He’s done real good in Crystal Springs. He stays so busy I don’t get to see him real often,” Bob said.
Daisy hesitated as Millie walked a few steps ahead of them. Bob stopped too.
“Daddy’s gonna be makin’ molasses in about three weeks. We’ll have a big stir off on the last night. You’re more than welcome...and so are Matthew and Charlene,” Daisy quickly added.
“Sounds fun,” Bob said, his smile highlighted in the darkness by his coal dust—covered face. “I’ll let them know.”
“Do that. We’d love to have you all over,” she said quietly.
“Will you all be going to church Sunday from your Aunt Sudie’s?” Bob asked as they started walking again.
“I reckon so. We won’t be missin’, I know that. Daddy would cut a switch if we did,” Daisy said.
Bob nodded and looked off for a couple of seconds.
“You reckon it’d be alright if I was to walk you to church Sunday mornin’?” He asked.
She smiled.
“I think it’d be alright but I need to ask Aunt Sudie first. She’d stripe my legs quick as daddy would,” Daisy said.
“How ‘bout I walk by there Sunday mornin’ and if it ain’t alright with her, you just wave me on and I’ll keep walkin’?” Bob asked.
“Okay, I’ll do that,” she said.
“You need to hurry Daisy. You know how Aunt Sudie is about going to bed late,” Millie yelled back to her.
“Lord, it’s almost seven o’clock!” Daisy exclaimed. She took the bag from Bob. “We do need to hurry on up.”
“I reckon I’ll be by Sunday mornin’,” he said.
“I’ll see you then,” Daisy said as she rushed to catch up to Millie.
***
“Whooo son! Look at all that money!” Elmer said as he stared at the stacks of cash on the kitchen table in front of Ed.
“That’s what two thousand dollars looks like,” Ed said as Elmer grinned.
“And you’ve already paid Hill and the boys?” Elmer asked.
“I’ve paid them and set aside money for parts for three new stills,” Ed said.
“Set aside money for more corn, sugar, and yeast?” Elmer asked.
“For sugar, yeast, and whitewash. We can swap shine for all the corn we’ll need,” Ed said.
“Ye got a head for business boy,” Elmer said.
“We’re gonna have to bring on some more men to run the stills. I think we got enough people to deliver it,” Ed said.
Mae, who was sitting at the table across from Ed, spoke up.
“You know, we might ought to get a couple of more cows. We’re sellin’ butter, cream, and milk like you wouldn’t believe,” she said.
Ed looked up.
“That’s not a bad idea. We are making a little money on actual milk and butter. We get a couple of more jersey cows and it will make the business look more legit,” he said.
Elmer shook his head.
“Why hell, why don’t we get a bunch of hens and sell eggs too?” He said sarcastically.
Ed and Mae looked at each other.
“Can you sell eggs?” Ed asked her.
“With the way butter and cream goes? We’ll sell out of eggs every day,” Mae said.
“You spendin’ a lot of money outside the business,” Elmer fretted.
“No, it’s part of the business too. It’s a good front and besides, if it makes money, it makes money. Never forget that’s why we’re doin’ all of this,” Ed said.
“You gonna have the boys milkin’ cows and churnin’ butter too?” Elmer asked.
“No, we can hire somebody for that. They can feed the chickens and gather the eggs too,” Ed said. “In fact, we can use milk, butter, and eggs as part of their pay,” Ed said.
“Well...that does make sense,” Elmer said.
“I’ll tell you somethin’ else we need — automobiles,” Ed said.
“We can’t afford that!” Elmer said.
Ed patted one of the stacks on the table.
“We can get a new Ford for about five hundred dollars. Enough in this here stack to buy two,” he said.
“Two? You want to buy two?” Elmer asked as his voice went up a couple of octaves.
Ed laughed.
“No Uncle Elmer, I want to buy four trucks. I want each of them painted with a sign that says ‘Elkins Dairy Farm’ on the side of it. I saw some trucks like that in New York and later in Louisville. We can haul just as much but a whole lot faster and that means we can sell even more,” Ed said.
“How much more?” Elmer asked.
“What’s on the table is a drop in the bucket to what we’ll make,” Ed said.
Elmer offered a mostly toothless grin.
“Get some automo-biles boy...and some more cows,” Elmer said.
***
John rode the train from Crystal Springs to Silver Point. December brought cold air and snow flurries to Southeastern Kentucky. The fall semester was over and Cat sent him home for a few days to enjoy Christmas with his family. He carried his medical bag with him. Among his baggage was a suitcase and a canvas bag full of books for Bob.
It was his first trip home since October. He had been busy between school and the practice. Cat started allowing him to assist in minor surgeries after his last visit home. He had a great deal to talk to Bob about.
John was finally able to make arrangements to get Bob enrolled in college and live with him in the dorm. He still hadn’t managed to find him a job but John had some money coming in. He wasn’t rich by any means but he wasn’t starving and he wasn’t doing without decent clothes.
John stepped off the train and onto the platform. He figured he’d have to wait an hour so until Matthew finished up everything and got there to pick him up in the wagon. As he started to carry his bags inside the little depot, a familiar voice called out.
“Hey John!” Ed yelled across the platform and started walking toward his friend with a big grin.
John watched him. Ed wore a pinstripe suit with polished shoes and a white straw boater.
“Good Lord Ed, you look like a Republican,” John said.
“Ha! I do? Good! They’re some of our best customers,” Ed said with a chuckle.
“I have to say you look like you’re doin’ well,” John said.
“Well, I can say the same for you,” a smiling Ed said. “C’mon, let’s get out of this cold air. Let me buy you a cup of coffee in the depot.”
Ed grabbed the suitcase and John took the other two bags and followed him to the little diner inside.
After they settled at the counter, Ed held up two fingers and pointed to the upside down coffee cups on the countertop.
“Dr. Fulton. How’s school?” Ed asked.
“I like it just fine. I’m learnin’ a lot between the classroom and Cat — Dr. Carter,” John said as a waitress filled their cups. “In fact, I’m gonna take my brother Bob back to Crystal Springs with me and get him started in school.”
Ed nodded.
“That sounds like a fine idea,” he said as he sipped the coffee.
“You know, if you wanted to, I could get you in down there pretty easy,” John said as he raised his cup.
Ed chuckled.
“I appreciate that John but I ain’t altogether shore I’m the college type. ‘Sides, I’m runnin’ a successful dairy business now,” he said with a crooked grin.
John looked at him in disbelief.
“Dairy business?” He asked.
“Yep. We sell milk, cream, butter, and eggs to folks from Harlan to Middlesboro and everywhere in between. The mine camps are our biggest customers. We even sell in a couple of commissaries — we can thank Mae for that,” Ed said.
John took a sip of coffee and shook his head.
“The dairy business,” he said quietly.
Ed laughed.
“And it’s boomin’ right now. We own dairies in Middlesboro, Harlan, Barbourville, and we just opened one in Williamsburg. I’m gettin’ ready to buy the one in Crystal Springs too,” Ed said.
“From the Church family?” John asked.
“You know them?” Ed asked.
“I know of them,” John said.
“Well, Mr. Church is willin’ to sell and I’m willin’ to buy,” Ed said.
“And you and Mae are sellin’ milk?” John asked.
“Ain’t just us. Hill Dunlap and a few of the boys that went to France with us. They all workin’ for Elkins Dairy now,” Ed said with pride.
“And what does Elmer think of it?” John asked.
“He’s happier than a hog in slop with the money we’re makin,” Ed said again with a knowing grin.
“What is it you ain’t tellin’ me?” John asked.
“Tell you what. Let’s finish our coffee and I’ll give you a ride home. We can talk on the way,” Ed said.
“Alright,” John said as he picked up his cup.
A few minutes later the two of them walked outside as Ed carried the suitcase for his friend.
John let out a deep breath and a trail of steam escaped his lips.
“Where’s your wagon Ed?” He asked.
Ed chuckled.
“Right here,” he said as put the suitcase in the backseat of a 1919 Ford Model T.
“Yours?” John asked.
“Bought and paid for,” Ed said as he walked to the front of the car and turned the crank.
“Milk must be popular these days,” John said as he opened the passenger door.
Ed got behind the wheel and hit the ignition button and the engine fired up. He put the car in gear and pulled out.
“Let me tell you, this beats the hell out of smellin’ a fartin’ mule for seven miles. And it’s faster too,” Ed said as they headed for the city limits.
“So you was gonna tell me about the milk business,” John said.
Ed grinned.
“Well, there’s milk...and there’s milk — the kind cooked in a still and sold in whitewashed jars by the quart and by the gallon,” he said.
John nodded.
“And Elkins Dairy is just a front,” he said.
Ed shook his head.
“No, the dairy is real. It started out as a front and we still use it to help sell the shine but we’re actually makin’ money off of milk and butter. As a matter of fact, I’m gettin’ to enter a bid on a state contract to supply fresh butter and milk for the work farm in Fuson County,” Ed said. “Plus we’re sellin’ most of our shine up north now.”
“Up north?” John asked.
“Yeah, we made a few deliveries to Middlesboro to friends at the diner in the train depot. Turns out there was a feller in there from New York that liked our liquor. He wanted to meet with me and we cut a deal. We’re sendin’ a lot of it up there now and they pay more’an we could get here,” Ed explained.
“How are you sendin’ it?” John asked.
“By truck. We’re sendin’ out at least ten truckloads a week headed north,” Ed said.
“You got trucks for that?” John asked.
Ed shook his head.
“No. Al and the people he works for do though. They’ve got trucks and drivers too. And they’ve got money. They pay cash for each load. Good folks to deal with,” he said.
“Who’s Al?” John asked.
“That’s the feller from New York. Nice guy. You’d like him. Funny as hell but don’t put up with shit,” Ed said.
“I’ll hand it to you Ed: It’s a smooth set—up. Smart, real smart,” John said as he shook his head.
“How long are you gonna be home?” Ed asked.
John started rolling a cigarette.
“I’ll go back after Christmas. Like I said, I’m takin’ Bob with me. I got him in school,” John said.
Ed nodded.
“That’s good. Bob’s a hard worker and sharp as a tack. He’s wastin’ his life in that damn Milner mine,” Ed said.
“I think so too. That’s why I want him to go to school,” John said.
“Got a job lined up for him?” Ed asked.
“Not yet. But I’m hoping somethin’ll turn up when we get back,” John said.
“You know, if I’m able to buy that dairy ‘fore the end of the year I’ll be needin’ some help,” Ed said.
“No offense Ed, but I don’t want Bob tied up in sellin’ shine,” John said.
“No, I mean I’ll need somebody to take care of the milkin’ and gatherin’ eggs and the like. And I pay a fair wage,” Ed said.
As John considered the offer, he pursed his lips.
“That sounds fine. I’d appreciate you givin’ him a chance,” John said.
“He’d be helpin’ me out,” Ed said.
***
Bob sat on the front porch of the Colford house just down the road from the house he had lived in his whole life. Daisy sat next to him. Even though it was cold outside and the familiar smell of burning wood and coal filled the air around them.
It was Christmas and Bob came over for Christmas dinner with the Colfords. He liked the family and they liked him; of course he had known them his entire life.
“So you’re goin’ away with John,” Daisy said sadly.
Bob’s tone matched hers.
“Yeah. Don’t hardly see how I can’t. I told him I’d go to college and he’s done gone to all of the trouble of helpin’ to get me in — even got a job lined up for me,” he said.
“I don’t blame you a bit for goin’...I just hate to see you go,” she said.
He turned his head and looked off in the distance.
“I hate to go. To tell you the gospel truth, I don’t want to,” he said.
“I know,” she said softly.
“But I’ll come back here every chance I get. John’s told me that I can take the train back to Silver Point at least once a month and shoot, I can walk here from there,” Bob said.
“You don’t think you’ll get to Crystal Springs and forget about the people here? You might just find some pretty city girl,” Daisy said.
Bob turned and looked her in the eye.
“I won’t forget nobody here and I ain’t lookin’ for a city girl or any other girl when I got one right here in front of me,” he said.
Even though she had tears in her eyes, she smiled.
“I’m gonna marry you one day Daisy Colford. Don’t you doubt it for a minute or ever forget it,” Bob said.
Again she smiled softly.
“You ain’t even asked me yet,” Daisy said.
“And I ain’t gonna until I have a ring in my pocket either,” he said. “But I will, one day I will. Mark my word.”
***
With the change of the calendar on January 1st the “Roaring Twenties” began – at least that’s the newspapers said.
True to his word, Ed acquired the dairy in Crystal Springs and made Bob his first employee. The Church family agreed to stay on and manage the day-to-day operations and they welcomed the new hand. It meant long days for Bob, up at four o’clock every morning to help milk cows and then to gather eggs. He worked hard and fast to finish by seven—thirty, have a quick breakfast — usually just a biscuit or two with sausage or bacon. From the farm he hustled his way back to town and up the hill to the college in class by eight o’clock.
It was hard work but it paid well. Bob made double what he made digging coal and didn’t have to work nearly as long — or hard. John was around to help him if he struggled with a class — and he did in general science.
John was also instrumental in helping Ed get a contract to supply fresh dairy products to the college. In gratitude, Ed bartered the bulk of the milk to the school to cover the tuition of both John and Bob.
By May the semester was winding down but Bob still put in the hours at the dairy; even on Saturday and Sunday.
Adam Church, the former owner of the dairy, was a good and decent man. Bob enjoyed his company. When he showed up on Saturday morning he found Adam in the barn as usual.
“Mornin’ Adam,” Bob said as he walked over and picked up a milking stool.
“Mornin’ Bob,” the older man said. Bob noticed Adam coughing.
“You still got that cold?” He asked.
Adam’s face contorted as tried to catch his breath.
“Don’t rightly know what is. It started about a week ago and don’t seem to be gettin’ better. Feels like it’s gettin’ worse. I can’t hardly get around without bein out of breath,” he said.
“Why don’t you let my brother come and take a look at you? Just call Dr. Carter’s office and he’ll be here as soon as he can. It beats sufferin’ when you don’t have to,” Bob said.
About hour later John arrived and followed Adam into the house. While he conducted his examination in back bedroom, Adam’s wife Marlene called for Bob to come in for breakfast.
“Good mornin’ Bob,” said Rachel Church, the only child of the Church’s.
A beautiful 20— year old woman with jade green eyes, platinum blonde hair, and a lovely hour glass figure. Outgoing and friendly, Rachel worked as hard as anyone on the family farm.
“Good mornin’ Miss Rachel, Miss Marlene,” Bob called both by the prefix “miss” although Marlene was obviously married.
“Wash up and eat before your eggs get cold,” Marlene said. Although she hadn’t known him long, she treated him like a son.
While Bob was washing up, John walked into the kitchen followed by Adam.
“I appreciate what you’re saying Doc but I can’t be laid up that long,” Adam said.
“What is it?” Marlene asked.
“Mrs. Church, your husband has pneumonia,” John said.
“Are you sure?” Marlene asked.
“Yes ma’am. Dr. Carter and I have treated folks with it hereabouts all spring. I’ve got pretty used to seein’ it,” John said.
“You gave me medicine, shorely that ought to be enough,” Adam said.
“You need rest to go with it. If you don’t get plenty of rest, it’ll only get worse,” John said.
“How much rest?” Marlene asked.
“At least a week — maybe ten days,” John said.
“Work still has to get done around here,” Adam argued.
“Mr. Church, the semester is almost over and I got more free time. I don’t care a bit to help out with any chores that need doin’,” Bob said.
“Daddy, I can do whatever needs to be done,” Rachel said.
For the first time, John took notice of her. He was struck by her beauty.
“And I can help too,” Marlene said.
“I ain’t gonna have women doin’ my job,” Adam insisted.
“Mr. Church, you have to rest. If you don’t, you’ll only get worse,” John said.
Before he could respond, John cut him off.
“Listen, I understand. And I’ll make a deal with you. If you’ll take a few days, get some rest, and take your medicine, I’ll help Bob with the chores. I’m pretty certain Dr. Carter will give me the time to do that,” John said.
“I can’t ask you to do that Doc,” Adam said.
“You ain’t askin’, I’m offerin’. Don’t let stubbornness kill you,” John said.
“Listen to the Doctor dear,” Marlene said.
“I ain’t the best farmer in the world but I do know which end of a mule to walk behind to plow. Listen, just rest for five days and let me reexamine you. It could be you’ll be well enough to get back to it then,” John said.
“Five days?” Adam asked.
“Five days and we’ll see what happens,” John said.
“Okay, I’ll try it,” Adam said.
“Good. Go ahead and have breakfast and get back in bed. And don’t forget to take your medicine — one this mornin’ and one at bedtime,” John said.
“What do I owe you?” Adam asked.
“Nothin’, not a penny. It really wasn’t any trouble to come out, but you will have to get some more medicine from the drug store before the week is up,” John said.
“You can at least join us for breakfast,” Rachel said.
“That’s a good idea. Please Dr. Fulton, join us,” Marlene said.
John looked at the two of them and to Adam, who gestured for him to sit down. Bob, who was sitting at the table waiting to eat, simply shrugged. He reached over and pulled a chair out.
“Thank you. But please, all of you, just call me John,” he said.
True to his word, John came by the farm each day and worked no less than six hours each time. With Bob putting in even more time there than normal the farm functioned as if Adam was working full time.
John examined his patient after five days and determined he still needed two more days to be sufficiently recovered to go back to work. He had just finished feeding the cows when Rachel came out of the house carrying a glass of cold lemonade.
“I figured you could use it,” she said as she handed him the glass.
“Thank you, I could indeed,” John said.
“We really appreciate everything you’ve done for daddy and he might never say it, but he appreciates it too,” she said as she sat down on a bale of hay.
“What good is a doctor if he can’t help his patients?” He asked as he looked at her smiling face. John couldn’t help but notice how nicely she filled out the simple pale green dress.
“Bob said you fought in the war,” Rachel said.
John nodded.
“That must’ve been awful,” she said.
Again, he nodded wordlessly.
“Is that when you found out you wanted to be a doctor?” Rachel asked.
“Pretty much. I was the medic for our outfit — not that it did much good most of the time. There’s not much you can do for a man after he’s had a dose of mustard gas or been shot up by a machine gun,” John said.
“Bob said you helped save a lot of lives during the influenza outbreak, includin’ the man that bought our farm,” she said.
“I don’t know how much I helped but he’s a friend of mine. We grew up together and made it through the war...I just couldn’t stand the thought of goin’ through all that and then dyin’ on a ship on the way home,” John said.
“I guess not. But you saw the world. Me, I ain’t been out of Fuson County but a couple of times in my whole life — and I didn’t even leave Kentucky either time,” Rachel said.
“You ain’t missin’ much. I’d take Kentucky over Paris and New York any day,” John said. “Far as that goes, I’d take Crystal Springs over Louisville and Lexington from what little I’ve seen of each of them.”
“Don’t you ever get tired of seein’ the same things and the same people day in and day out?” She asked.
John offered a slight smile.
“Not if I saw you every day,” he said.
Rachel blushed a little and then laughed.
“Well, I could say the same thing about you John,” she said.
“Would you mind if I asked your daddy about callin’ on you Rachel?” He asked.
Her smile was radiant.
“Mind? I’ll be mad if you don’t,” she said.
***
Ed and Hill helped load a truck of moonshine.
“This is the last truck today. We’ll be back next week. Do you think you can make enough to fill a coupla more trucks?” Al asked.
“Yeah. Shouldn’t be a problem. I’m gettin’ a few more stills up and runnin’ in the next few days. Give me a month and I can fill three times as many trucks.
Al smiled and there was a gleam in his eyes. When he was happy, one didn’t notice the ugly scar down the left side of his face nearly as much. “Listen Ed, I’m thinking about moving to Chicago and I’ll need as much as you can supply. We’re having a much harder time getting the Canadian liquor across the border. This might just be the ticket to helping out my friends in Chicago,” Al said.
“Just let me know. We’ll make as much as you want to buy,” Ed said.
Al grinned.
“Good. That’s what I like to hear,” he said as he handed a bag full of cash to Ed. “Feel free to count it.”
“No need. I trust you. You’ve always kept your word,” Ed said.
“That’s why I like doin’ business with you Ed. We have a mutual trust. By the way, my people in New York want you to meet with a friend of theirs from Boston. He’s due in on the Middlesboro train from Louisville tomorrow. He wants to start buying from you as well,” Al said.
“Sounds fine. Boston money spends as good as New York money. What the man’s name?” Ed asked.
“Kennedy. Joe Kennedy. He’s supposed to be some kind of big shot banker if you can believe that,” Al said.
“Sounds about right. Bankers usually know where the money’s at,” Ed said.
Al laughed.
“I hadn’t thought of it that way but you’re right,” Al said.
The next day Ed wore his best suit to meet the train in Middlesboro. Hill — also dressed in his finest — accompanied him. When the conductor stepped off of the train, Ed asked him if he could point out a passenger from Boston.
The conductor pointed to a well—dressed man in round glasses with slicked down hair, which was neatly parted in the middle.
Ed approached him.
“Mr. Kennedy, I’m Ed Elkins of Elkins Dairy Farms,” he said with his hand extended.
“Nice to meet you Ed. Please call me Joe,” Kennedy said with a smile that revealed a mouth filled with almost too many teeth.
“I can drive you over to the Four Seasons if you’d like. You can get settled in and we can meet if you want,” Ed said.
“That sounds like a grand idea,” Joe said as Ed nodded for Hill to carry Kennedy’s luggage.
As they traveled the short drive from the depot to the hotel in nearby Harrogate, Tennessee, Joe looked over to Ed, who rode in the backseat with him.
“Tell me, Ed, is there any available women looking for a good time around here?” He asked.
“Plenty. What are you in the mood for?” Ed asked.
“I like blondes,” Joe said.
“After we drop you off at the hotel, Hill will go pick up a girl for you. You’ll like Frankie,” Ed said.
“Frankie? That sounds like a man,” Joe said.
“Her name’s Francine but I call her Frankie. Trust me, she’s all woman,” Ed said.
Joe grinned and nodded in satisfaction.
“Why don’t we meet for dinner in the hotel at say, seven o’clock? We can talk business while we eat,” Joe said.
“That sounds fine Joe,” Ed said.
Three hours later Ed walked into the Four Seasons restaurant. Hill remained in the car waiting. Ed didn’t wait for the maître de, he walked to Joe’s table.
Joe stood and shook his hand.
“Ed! Good to see you,” he said as they both sat down.
“I hope you’ve rested up from your trip,” Ed said.
Joe’s eyes twinkled as he grinned.
“I must say your recommendation of Frankie was an excellent one. You’re right. She is all woman,” he said.
“She’s yours for the night if you’d like,” Ed said.
“Wonderful!” Joe added, his full grin beaming. “Now let’s order dinner and get down to, ah, business.”
The waiter approached the table.
“I’ll have a steak, baked potato, and whatever fresh vegetable is in season. And a cold glass of milk to drink,” Joe said.
“Bring me the same, except I’ll have coffee to drink,” Ed said as the waiter nodded curtly and walked away.
Joe looked to Ed suspiciously.
“Did he seem queer (it came out as qu-whee-uh) to you?” He asked.
Ed nodded and laughed.
“I was thinkin’ the same thing,” he said. Ed liked this funny talking Bostonian.
When they were finished laughing, Joe looked to Ed.
“I understand we have some mutual friends in New York,” he said.
“We do,” Ed said.
“I’m told your...dairy...supplies a good portion of their business,” Joe said.
“They’ve been good folks to do business with — we’ve made money with’em,” Ed said.
“Would you be open to considering a similar arrangement with me?” Joe asked.
Ed shrugged.
“As long as your money spends we can do business Joe,” Ed said.
Joe smiled but not the grin he offered earlier. It was more cold and calculating.
“You have a firm grasp of the business world. You’d be amazed at how many people at Harvard (it sounded as if he said Have-ad) do not understand such a simple principal,” Joe said.
“All I know is money talks and bullshit walks,” Ed said.
Joe laughed heartily.
“I’ll have to remember to share that with some of the fellows on Wall Street. You invest in the stock market Ed?”
“No, don’t really trust bankers — no offense,” Ed said.
Joe smiled.
“I don’t either. But there’s money to be made. The market is booming right now,” he said.
“How much money?” Ed asked.
Joe grinned.
“Millions my friend, millions. And if you’re willing to trust me and put up some money, I can guarantee you’ll make more money in the stock market than you could in ten lifetimes in the, uh, dairy business,” Joe said.
“I’m listening’,” Ed said with a small grin.
***
“And if you elect me sheriff, I’ll run the bootleggers out of Evans County. People need to understand that dry means dry. Prohibition is the law of the land. The decent people of this country have spoken. It’s time to end the nonsense,” said Clyde Ward, the Republican nominee for sheriff.
He stood on top of an automobile on a corner across from the courthouse in Silver Point among a crowd of well— wishers. An angry looking man with dark brown hair and a red face stood behind him with his arms crossed and a nickel—plated Smith & Wesson .38 special openly displayed.
Ed and Hill stood on the other side of the street watching and listening.
“I see you out there Ed Elkins. You might think you’re foolin’ people with that dairy business of yours but we all know better, don’t we folks?” Ward said to the cheers of the fifty or so people gathered.
“Pick on somebody else Clyde! I’m an honest businessman!” Ed said as the angry looking man behind Ward glared at him.
“We all know about your business and your Uncle Elmer too!” Ward screamed.
Ed took a step toward Ward and as Hill grabbed him and pulled him back, the angry man took a step toward Ed.
“Let’s go Ed. You can’t fight him here,” Hill said quietly.
“Why don’t you go to hell Clyde? And kiss my ass on the way!” Ed yelled as the women in the crowd gasped.
The angry man headed toward Ed at double time.
He looked at Hill.
“Get him out of here now before I lose my temper,” the angry man hissed.
“You can kiss my ass on your way to hell too!” Ed yelled as Hill drug him back.
“I’ll get you Elkins. I can’t wait to slap you in cuffs and parade you and your white trash uncle in front of this whole county,” the angry man said, his face suddenly more purple than red.
“Let’s go Ed. Now ain’t the time,” Hill said as Ed calmed down and nodded.
“You’re right Hill. We’ve got business to take of,” he said.
“Just remember Elkins: I’m comin’ for you! I’m comin’ for all of you lawbreakin’ bootleggers!” The angry man exclaimed as the crowd cheered and Ed and Hill walked away.
“Who was that bastard with the pistol?” Ed asked.
“Lee James Milner. He used to be a deputy over in Fuson County. I hear tell he killed five men. He lost his job ‘cause a lot of people think he just murdered a moonshiner. Clyde paid him off to come work for him as a bodyguard,” Hill said.
“And if Clyde gets elected sheriff he’ll make his pet bulldog a deputy,” Ed said.
“That’s what folks figure,” Hill said.
“He seems like a real mean man,” Ed said.
“That’s what I hear,” Hill said.
“Milner? He related to the asshole that owns the mine in Newman?” Ed asked.
“His son,” Hill said.
“You got all kinds of information,” Ed said.
“Pays to listen, that’s all,” Hill said.
***
Summer passed quickly as Bob spent the hot months working at the farm and saving money. The Church family took him in as one of their own. He still made it back to Maple Creek a couple of times each month to see Daisy.
John spent more than his share of time at the farm too.
For the first time in his life, he was in love. The fair Rachel loved him too so the summer nights with her on the porch swing were the sweetest moments he had ever known.
One night in late August they were sitting together on the swing looking at distant lightning in the warm sky.
“School’s gonna start back soon. You won’t be out here as much,” Rachel said sadly.
“I know. I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout that,” John said.
“Don’t tell me you’re lookin’ forward to gettin’ away from me,” Rachel said with the smile that made his heart flutter.
John shook his head.
“No, I’ve been dreadin’ it. But I think I’ve got a solution to the problem,” he said.
Rachel stopped the gentle swinging.
“What is it?” She asked. “You’re not quittin’ school if that’s what you’re thinkin’,” she said.
“I ain’t quittin’ school. I’m too close to bein’ done with college and well, Cat says I need maybe a year of medical school now to get a degree,” he said.
“Then tell me what you’re talkin’ about,” Rachel said.
“Now before you start floggin’ me like a mother hen, listen to me. I think the answer might be if you an’ me was to get married,” John said.
“Do what?” Rachel blurted out.
“Get married, I mean if you want to,” he said.
“Are you askin’ or are you tellin’?” Rachel said.
“I’m askin’. Rachel, will you marry me?” John asked.
She looked confused.
“I...you...I...yeah, I reckon I will,” she said as she leaned into him. “You got all the romance of an old mule, you know that don’t you?”
“All I know is I love you Rachel,” he said as he pulled her into an embrace.
“And I love you too – romance or not,” Rachel said. “But you better ask Daddy first.”
***
A few weeks before classes began, Bob paid a call on the administration office to make an advanced payment before the fall semester started. As he strolled by a large field on his way back to the Church farm, he saw a crowd of young men about his age. They were dressed in an odd assortment of gear — long—sleeved shirts, shoes that looked like baseball spikes, and leather helmets.
He stopped and stared at them for a few seconds.
“You like football?” Said a voice from behind.
Bob turned and there stood a short barrel-chested man with curly dark hair.
“I’ve heared, uh, heard of it, but I ain’t never seen it played,” Bob said.
The short man smiled.
“You’re a big guy. Think you might like to try it?” He asked.
“Me? Football? Mister, I told you I don’t know nothin’ about it,” Bob said.
“Not much to it really. If you’d like to come by tomorrow about this time, I’d be happy to teach you the game. You are a student here right?” The man asked.
“Yeah. Just finished my freshman year. Does that matter?” Bob asked.
“Well you have to be enrolled to play for the college team. My name is John Dalton. Most people call me Stump — probably because I’m built like one. I’m the coach of the team,” he said as he extended his hand.
“Bob Fulton,” Bob said as he shook the man’s hand. He noticed the firm grip.
“So you think you’ll give it a try tomorrow?” Stump asked. “Look, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to play. But I think you’ll enjoy it.”
“Let me talk to my boss and make sure I can take the time off,” Bob said.
“That’s fine Bob. Hopefully I’ll see you tomorrow,” Stump said.
Later, Bob talked to Adam about going to practice.
“Football huh? Well, if the coach asked you himself he’s got a pretty good idea you can cut it. I don’t see nothin’ wrong with it. You might want to talk it over with John first but you’re always done with your chores before then anyway,” Adam said.
“Seems like a fool thing to do, bunch o’ boys knockin’ each other down but if you want to try it, it’s alright by me,” John said later.
Bob arrived at the field house the next morning and Stump was grinning.
“Glad to see you made it. Let’s get you into a uniform and some pads,” he said as Bob followed him into the equipment room.
The smell of stale sweat smelled as bad as any barn Bob had ever set foot in. There was also another strong odor — lineament. Stump patiently explained to Bob how to put on the pads and the helmet.
“Are you from around here Bob?” Stump asked.
“Evans County. How about you?” Bob asked.
Stump grinned.
“Me? I’m from Chicago. I was in the navy during the war. I played some football before the war and we had teams at the base in Maryland. Since I had experience with the game the guys made me a coach. When the war was over, one of the muckety-muck admirals asked me to stay on and help coach the Navy team at Annapolis. One of the fellows I served with is a professor here. He wrote me last year and said they wanted to start a team so here I am — a guy that talks funny in the middle of these hills teaching country boys to play football,” Stump said.
Bob simply nodded as they walked outside to where the rest of the squad was gathered.
“Boys, this is Bob Fulton. We’re going to give him a try at guard,” Stump said.
A player who stood a head shorter than Bob stepped up and extended his hand.
“I’m Scooter Barkley, I’m the quarterback and this here’s Josh Daggett, our center,” he said as Bob shook hands with both of them.
Blonde haired and blue eyed, Scooter couldn’t have weighed more than 160 pounds soaking wet but Josh was another story. He was about an inch taller than Bob and weighed a solid 220 pounds. Josh had light brown hair, hazel eyes, and an ugly arrowhead—shaped scar on his chin.
“Let’s get to work boys. Scooter, take the boys out and run about ten laps. Josh, you stay here. I want you to help me teach Bob how to be a lineman,” Stump said.
“You heard the man! Let’s go! C’mon, follow me boys!” Scooter said as he jogged to the far sidelines.
“Now, this is what is called a three-point stance,” Stump said he got in a stance. All linemen use this stance. Get down here like me,” Stump said. “Good, good — attaboy.”
Bob nodded in acknowledgement as Josh looked on with a grin. This would not be the first farm boy he punished. It was an unspoken test for Stump to put an inexperienced play against Josh just to see how much a player could take physically.
“Now when I blow this whistle I want you fire out of your stance — like so — and hit Josh as hard as you can,” Stump said.
Bob looked up at Josh and then back to Stump.
“What if he wants to hit me back?” Bob asked.
Stump chuckled.
“I’m sure he will, but the trick is for you to be faster and hit him first. Now get down,” Stump said as he placed the whistle in his mouth.
Josh smiled as he got ready to welcome the new guy properly. He saw the glint in Stump’s eyes as the coach nodded for him to put Bob on the ground.
Stump blew the whistle and Bob charged at Josh like man possessed. Josh fired out toward Bob and it was too late.
Bob shot a stiff right cross to the chin that knocked Josh cold. As the big man tumbled to the ground, Stump looked at him in amazement.
“What the hell was that?” He asked.
“You said hit him before he hit me and I did,” Bob said.
Stump smiled sheepishly.
“I guess I did at that. Looks like we have more work to do,” he said. “First things first, help me get Josh back on his feet.”
***
Adam and Marlene were thrilled when John asked for their daughter’s hand in marriage. The couple wed on Sept. 6, 1921 and moved into a small house on Sizemore Street in Crystal Springs. The house belonged to Cat and he allowed the newlyweds to stay there rent-free.
With an empty house, the Church’s asked Bob to stay in their house. He could continue to work on the farm and play football while he went to school.
One football season turned into another and year followed year.
Though he wasn’t wild about the sport — it wasn’t baseball after all — John followed it because of Bob. He even became the unofficial team doctor. Along the way, he became close friends with his fellow veteran, Stump.
Following the next to the last game of the season, a 12-3 win over the Knoxville Military Institute, John walked into Stump’s office.
“Season’s almost over,” he said.
Stump pulled a half-pint bottle from his desk drawer and poured a healthy amount in a cup. He held the bottle up as an offer to John who shook his head.
“Don’t touch it anymore. Rachel don’t approve of it,” John said.
Stump shrugged and grinned.
“I hope you don’t mind if I partake, because I love to partake,” he said as he raised the cup.
“No, not at all,” John said as he looked around the tiny office. It was actually a former closet someone had moved a desk and couple of chairs into.
“You know, that brother of yours has talent — a real aptitude for football. He’s probably be our best lineman. It’s a pity he can’t get paid to play football,” Stump said.
“That’s just foolish talk. Baseball’s the only sport that pays and football will never, ever be that popular,” John said.
“That may well be but Bob plays guard as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. I appreciate everything you’ve done for the team this year,” Stump said as he took another sip. “And if we beat Commonwealth State we’ve got an excellent chance of getting invited to the Rose Bowl.”
“Well I didn’t do much, set a couple of broken bones and stitched a few boys up,” John said.
Stump shook his head.
“You might think I’m crazy but I think the day will come when all college teams will have doctor right on the sideline just in case somebody gets hurt,” Stump said.
“I don’t think it’ll last. Football is just another college fad. Mark my words, in a few years people won’t even care about it or that Rose Bowl you’re talkin’ about,” John said.
“Well until they stop caring, I want to keep coaching. I enjoy the game and the college pays me pretty well to teach too,” Stump said.
“As long as Bob gets through college it don’t make no difference to me if he plays checkers as long as he graduates,” John said.
***
“Mr. Capone sends his regards,” said a short, stocky man with a flat nose. He handed a briefcase to Hill.
“Tell him the folks at Elkins Dairy appreciate his business. He’s always welcome in Kentucky — and not just Newport either,” Hill said.
The stocky man smiled.
“You people are real friendly down here. I gotta say, your dairy products are top notch too,” he said with a thick New York accent. It reminded Hill of some of the guys he served with in France.
“Maybe we’ll head up your way one of these days — deliver a load ourselves,” he said.
The man grinned. His smile showed chipped and broken teeth.
“I think Mr. Capone might like that. He enjoys entertaining associates,” the man said as he climbed up into the cab of the truck.
“Be careful and I’ll see you next week,” Hill said.
The man nodded.
“Next week,” he said as he started the truck and led the convoy of ten trucks back out the main highway.
Hill took the briefcase back to the car. It had been three years since Ed started dealing with Al Capone. Business was booming and getting stronger.
***
“Down! Set! Hut!” Barked sophomore quarterback Jimmy Dale Woods. He took the snap from center and wheeled to his right with the football tucked away high and tight. Bob led the way from his spot at right guard. He rounded the corner with Jimmy Dale on his outside hip.
A Commonwealth State linebacker stepped in front of Bob, his hands were in front of his chest — ready to take on the coming block. Bob headed toward the chest of the linebacker at the last second he lunged up toward the face of the defender. He almost laughed when he saw the look of surprise and fear on the face of the CSU player.
Both forearms crashed into the face of the linebacker as blood squirted from his nose and he tumbled backward. Jimmy Dale squeezed through the opening and ran nine yards for the game—tying touchdown. Joshua Gildan kicked extra point and Southern Kentucky took the 7-6 lead with exactly three minutes left in the game with a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line.
The Lancers didn’t get much time to celebrate as CSU lined up to take the kick-off. Archie Clark, the left end, also handled kicking duties. Early in the third quarter he sprained his left ankle and it hampered his speed he continued on. Before he took the field, Stump pulled him aside as Bob stood and listened.
“Kick it high Archie. Give our boys time to get down there. Don’t worry about kicking it too deep. Your ankle is hurt and you can’t put into the end zone,” he said as Archie nodded and ran onto the field.
Bob watched as Archie hobbled forward. As he planted his left foot his ankle gave way. The kick went forward in a slow line drive. A CSU up man grabbed the ball out of the air and started forward. The Lancers’ coverage team swarmed him on the CSU 44-yard line.
“Dammit!” Stump howled as Archie limped badly back to the sideline.
Stump called the defense together.
“We’re less than three minutes away from going to the Rose Bowl. Stop them. Hit them harder than you’ve ever hit anything. Bob, you slide down to end and take Archie’s place. Garrett, you take Bob’s place at tackle. Remember boys, stop number 47 — he’s the key,” Stump said as the defense took the field.
Bob looked into the backfield and watched number 47, a quarterback named Donahue. At the snap Donahue took the ball and ran to the left — away from Bob. He crashed through the line and was brought down six yards downfield by an ankle tackle from linebacker Jack Rockwell.
“He’s gettin’ too far downfield! Bob, you and Joe crash down and pinch off the inside,” Jack said.
“We can’t let him get outside,” Bob said.
“If they run a reverse we’re screwed,” said Joe Davis, the other end.
“I’m the captain and I say crash down!” Jack said. At the snap, Bob and Joe crashed and sealed the inside. Donahue wheeled and tossed the ball back to a halfback who bounced to the outside and streaked downfield. Safety Connor Carroll pushed him out at the 20—yard line.
As the defense huddled again Jack stepped in.
“Same thing. Ends crash,” he said.
“We can’t do it again. He’ll kill us off tackle,” Joe said.
“If you can’t do what you’re told, get out of the game!” Jack said angrily.
Bob shook his head in disgust.
“Joe’s right and you know it Jack,” he said.
“Same thing goes for you. Get out of the game if you don’t like it!” Jack snarled.
The CSU offense came to the line of scrimmage. Donahue called out the signals and the ball was snapped. Bob and Joe crashed down. Donahue wheeled and faked a toss left and ran off tackle to the right. He was tackled on the two—yard line by several defenders as precious seconds ticked off the clock. Less than two minutes remained in the game.
Jack stepped into the defensive huddle.
“Ends contain. The linebackers will close off the run,” he said.
Two plays later Donahue crossed the goal line to give CSU a 12—7 lead with less than a minute left in the game. The Lancers were shut down and CSU got the invitation to the Rose Bowl.
The SKU locker room was hushed and somber after the game. Stump was dejected. Bob noticed Jack sharing a small smile with Archie.
Stump walked into the locker room. He too was taking the loss hard and the look on his face displayed his feelings as he climbed up onto a bench.
“It didn’t go the way wanted today. I know you’re hurting right now because I’m hurting too. But I want all of you to keep your heads up. We almost made it to the Rose Bowl — a lot of colleges would love to have been in this position. Seniors, I’ll miss you guys. We’ve went through a lot together and I’ve watched you grow up,” Stump said.
“The rest of you, we’ll get back to work. We’ll get there next year — and we’ll take care of business,” he said.
After he climbed down, the head coach went to each senior, shook his hand, and had a word or two with him. Bob watched him talk to Jack and Archie. They didn’t seem especially disappointed and something caught his eye — something that bothered him quite a bit.
When Stump got to Bob, he looked like a man on the verge of tears.
“I thought we had them. I really thought we had the game won,” he said.
“Me too,” Bob said as he looked over at Jack and Archie who were talking and laughing.
“Notice anything odd?” He asked as he nodded in their direction.
“Looks like two guys glad to see the season over,” Stump said.
“Look again. Why ain’t Archie limpin’ anymore?” Bob asked.
The coach looked stunned.
“He’s not, is he?” Stump asked.
“And maybe it’s me but they’re the only two people in this locker room smilin’ right now. It just don’t seem right,” Bob said.
“No, it doesn’t. Listen, don’t say anything right now. Let’s just watch and wait. I gotta tell you Bob, I’ve got a real bad feeling about this,” Stump said.
“So do I,” Bob answered.
Lee celebrated. He made out pretty well. The bet he placed on Commonwealth State netted him five thousand dollars – not to mention the five hundred he won from Joe.
It was also a cheap way to earn the money. A quiet payoff of a hundred dollars each to a couple of key players guaranteed his win.
“Not a bad deal,” he said to himself as he counted out his winnings.
Jack and Archie frequented a brothel in Crystal Springs that Lee favored. After overhearing they played football at SKU he set his plan in motion. He approached them one night when they were ready to leave. Both were eager to take his money, especially when he dangled possible post-graduate jobs with the Milner family.
Now that he had his money Lee had to make a decision about adding two college boys to his family’s staff. In the two weeks since the game, he managed to avoid their calls and visits to the offices of Milner Coal. He locked his money inside a safe in his office.
Lee shook his head. He hated having an office. He preferred being muscle in the field. He was not the office type. Maybe one of the college boys could fill his slot in the office, freeing him up to do what he wanted to spread his family’s influence. Lee missed his status as a special deputy for the Evans County Sheriff’s Department.
***
Jack and Archie sat upright and stiff on straight-backed wooden chairs inside the team locker room on the campus of SKU. They were not alone as Stump, the seniors, and university president Floyd Arnold stood in front of them.
Stump looked at them.
“How much?” He asked.
“How much what?” Jack asked as he and Archie tried to look as innocently as possible.
“You know damn well what. How much did you two get paid to throw the Commonwealth State game?” He raged.
Jack smirked but a little color drained from Archie’s face.
“What? That’s ridiculous,” Jack said.
Archie sat quietly.
“No, it’s not. We know you did it,” Bob said.
Jack made to stand up but Frank Rodinsky, a huge tackle from Easton, Pennsylvania stepped forward with clinched fists.
Jack remained seated as Archie looked to the floor.
“You can’t prove anything,” Jack said dismissively.
“How much Archie?” Stump asked more calmly.
“Don’t say a word,” Jack said.
“Shut up Jack! One more word from you and I’ll turn the boys loose,” Stump said pointing to the nine angry seniors. “Tell me Archie.”
“A hundred each,” Archie said softly.
Stump’s expression did not change. He was already indignant.
“I see the price has gone up from thirty pieces of silver,” he said.
“It was too much to pass up. Plus —,” Archie said as Jack fumed.
“Enough Archie. What are you gonna do Stump? Kick us off of the team?” Jack asked.
“Last warning Jack. Plus what Archie?” Stump asked.
“We were promised jobs by the Milner family,” Archie said.
“You know we can’t kick you off the team now but you two are expelled from SKU. Get your things and leave campus. You have one hour,” Floyd said.
“If you’re smart, you’ll keep your mouths shut about what happened. The official story will be you two got caught cheating on an exam,” Stump said.
“Let me guess. If we don’t keep quiet you’ll go to the cops,” Jack scoffed.
“No, I’ll join you in talking. I’ll tell everybody I know as loud as I can. Somewhere along the way the gamblers will pick up on it — the gamblers that lost a shitload of money on that game. They won’t be as generous as we are,” Stump said.
The sneer left Jack’s face. Archie looked even more scared.
“One hour,” Floyd repeated.
The players stepped aside as they stood to leave. Both looked down as they walked past their now former teammates.
***
“Ol’ Kennedy didn’t lie. It’s been three years since I started puttin’ money in the stock market and take a look. We’re makin’ more money now than we ever have — and it’s legit,” Ed said as he showed Elmer the bank deposit slips.
Elmer just whistled when he saw the numbers.
“Just how much money is that Ed?” He asked.
“That’s five million dollars. But we’re gonna put even more money into the stock market. Joe bought a movie studio out in California. I’m gonna invest in that,” Ed said.
“How about the dairy business?” Elmer asked.
“It’s makin’ almost as much as we are in sellin’ shine to the fellers up north. I think it’s high time we bought some land and build a new house,” Ed said.
“No, I’m happy in this shack. I got a bed and a good outhouse. Ain’t got no tele—phone and don’t want one. Nobody bothers me. I like it here. If you want a new house, build you one,” Elmer said.
Ed noticed Mae outside and a woman following her to the barn.
“Who’s that with Mae?” He asked.
“Don’t know,” Elmer said.
Ed stepped out on the porch and looked at Hill.
“Who’s that?” He asked.
“That’s my cousin Lucy. Her an’ my Aunt Sarah just moved back here from Whitley County,” Hill said.
Ed looked at her as she stood talking to Mae. She was tall and slim with long, raven dark hair with eyes to match. Lucy had high cheekbones, tan skin, and a beautiful face.
“I was kinda hopin’ she could get a job,” Hill said.
“She’s got it,” Ed said quickly. “Put her to work helpin’ Mae with the dairy business. Give her five dollars a week.”
“Five dollars a week?” Hill asked in disbelief.
“You heard me. We’re — what is Al calls it? A first class operation and we pay like it,” Ed said.
“You’re the boss,” Hill said.
“Tell me about her,” Ed said.
“Not much to tell. Her daddy was full-blooded Cherokee name of Joe Sequoyah. Got killed in France early in the war. Real nice feller too. He was a miner. They lived in a camp near Jellico. Aunt Sarah was able to hang on in the camp by takin’ in washin’ and mendin’ clothes. After the influenza outbreak there was plenty of houses open in the camp but when the mine went back to full shifts they kicked them out,” Hill said.
“How old is she?” Ed asked.
“Just turned eighteen,” Hill answered.
Ed nodded and was silent for a few seconds as he watched the new girl.
“That property up at Freeman Holler, is it still for sale?” Ed asked.
“Far as I know,” Hill said.
“Let’s go see Ancil Freeman. I’m buyin’ that place and I’m gonna build me a house that will make this county sit up and take notice,” Ed said.
“Don’t wanna get too much notice. Clyde got elected sheriff and he’s promised to come after you. And you remember what Lee James Milner told you,” Hill said.
“I remember,” Ed said.
***
Bob sat at the kitchen table reading by the light of a coil oil lamp. Christmas was fast approaching.
“Be sure and put out that lamp ‘fore you head to bed,” Adam said as he walked into the kitchen.
Bob glanced up and nodded.
“Looks like you’re all wrapped up in that,” Adam said as he leaned against the wall.
“Yeah. Just readin’ about the union movement in the factories up north. Makes me wonder why coal miners don’t do the same thing — unionize, I mean,” Bob said.
Adam just shook his head.
“Unionize? Here? I don’t know that folks hereabouts is ready for somethin’ like that. The only thing a union could do for a miner is get him killed. Mine owners won’t stand for it,” he said.
“If the miners would stand together the owners wouldn’t have a choice,” Bob said.
“Yeah, but they won’t ‘cause they know the Milner family will throw’em out on their ass and replace’em with somebody else if they do try to,” Adam said.
“A coal miner ought to have rights,” Bob said.
“You sound like that feller down at the newspaper. He’s all the time writin’ about stuff like that but it won’t happen because the owners have the money. And you get down to it, that’s all they need,” Adam said.
“A feller at the paper in Crystal Springs has been writin’ about the miners gettin’ a union?” Bob asked.
“Yep. But it’s a bad idea. Ain’t no good could come of it,” Adam said.
“Do you know his name? The feller at the paper?” Bob asked.
“Raymond Ballew. Why’d you ask?” Adam asked.
“I’d like to talk to him,” Bob said.
“Well just be careful he don’t put no foolish ideas in your head,” Adam said.
“It could be that that the foolish ideas are already there,” Bob said.
***
In early December, Ed stood next to a still deep in the most wooded part of Mahan Mountain in Fuson County. It was a cold day and the fire from underneath the still felt good. Since Clyde Ward was elected Sheriff of Evans County, Ed and Hill quietly moved almost all of their stills and distribution into Fuson County and the confines of a well-paid sheriff’s department.
“I told you I’d get you.”
Ed turned and saw the smirking red face of Lee James Milner who was pointing the .38 special at him.
“Deputy, you’re in Fuson County. You need to leave,” Ed said.
“Bullshit. I don’t see no county markers up here. Besides, I’m a deputy sheriff. Ain’t nobody gonna believe you. You ain’t nothin’ but white trash. As soon as I haul your ass in I’ll go arrest that no good uncle of yours. While you’re in jail you think about me with that half-breed whore you’ve been shackin’ up with,” Milner said with a sneer.
Ed’s eyes narrowed. He was angry.
“And what if I don’t let you arrest me?” He asked.
“Do you know who I am boy? I’ve killed bigger and tougher men than you with my bare hands,” Milner said.
“I’ve heard of you. You’re a bastard that likes to shoot unarmed men in the back and crow about it,” Ed said.
“You stupid hayseed. If you don’t shut up I’ll cut a switch and whip your ass all the way into town. Hell, I might anyway just for fun,” Milner said.
“You are one tough talkin’ asshole. I’ll give you that. If you’re so big and mean, how is it you didn’t go to France and fight for your country? Must be that yeller streak up your back,” Ed said.
“You son of a bitch!” Milner growled and started toward Ed. He didn’t see the trip wire that released the six-foot log from the tree. Before Milner took another step the log — supported by a rope on each end — swung down and knocked him in the back of the head.
Ed walked over and picked up the .38 and stuck it in the back pocket of his overalls. He rolled the unconscious Milner over and ripped the badge off of his shirt. Ed dropped the badge in the bib of his overalls.
When Milner came to his senses he quickly realized two things. One, he was hugging a huge oak tree and his hands were cuffed so he couldn’t escape; and two, he was naked.
Ed walked around in front of him.
“Damn. Looks like you’re cold. A few more degrees and you’ll be a woman,” Ed said as Milner heard a couple of men laughing behind him.
“You let me go or so help me —” Ed cut him off.
“You’ll what? You’re bare-assed naked and chained to a tree. I’ve got your gun and badge,” Ed said.
“The sheriff will get you. You won’t get away with this,” Milner said.
“Bring him around boys,” Ed said as Milner’s eyes widened.
Before stood Sheriff Clyde Ward wearing nothing but the metal handcuffs that linked his wrists behind his back. Hill held a double barrel 12-gauge shotgun at the back of the sheriff’s head.
“I want you to pay attention Sheriff,” Ed added to Hill, “If he looks away, shoot off his right foot.”
Ed picked a thick hickory switch and walked behind Milner.
“What are you doin’?” The cuffed man cried out in fear.
“You’ll see. You’re such a mean man you’ll like this,” Ed said as he brought the slender tree branch around hard and fast. Milner yelped as it left an angry red welt on his butt cheeks.
The next time he made contact with the switch it was near the shoulder blades. The third time the hickory landed it struck Milner across the back of his thighs.
Each time he was struck Milner cried out in pain. After the fifth blow landed, Milner started sobbing like a child. After the seventh blow he started begging for Ed to stop.
“You’re a mean man! You’re tough! You can take it!” Ed yelled.
As he watched his deputy take the beating of a lifetime, Ward turned ghost-white pale. He didn’t even notice he was urinating.
The beating didn’t stop until Milner’s back, backside, and legs were a bloody mess. Ed still seethed and the clouds of steam bellowed as he was breathing heavily from the exertion. Ed took one final swing with the switch. He struck the upper portion of Milner’s left ear. He hit it with such force that it lopped off half an inch of the upper ear.
“That’s for callin’ my woman a whore. You say anything about her again, I’ll cut your balls off,” Ed promised.
Milner passed out and collapsed, sliding down the tree until his knees hit the ground. His limp body slumped against the tree.
Ward didn’t pass out but his knees buckled.
“You ready for your turn Sheriff?” Ed asked.
“Please, no, please,” Ward begged, sobbing.
“You’re gonna put an end to me and my family. Remember sayin’ that?” Ed asked.
“Please. I’ll never bother you again. I’ll never say another word against you. Please...please just don’t whip me,” Ward sobbed.
Ed looked over to Hill who was grinning and simply shrugged.
“You better never cross me or any of my people again — you or that bleedin’ piece of shit over there. If you do, so help me I won’t be so kind next time. No, next time I’ll be mad and I’ll make you watch me do your whole family like this and then I’ll whip you the same way before I kill every last one of them right in front of you before I kill you. I don’t make idle threats. You understand?” Ed asked.
Ward nodded profusely.
“I understand, I understand,” he said quickly.
Ed produced the .38 special and the badge.
“I’m hangin’ onto these. You can tell your gun thug there if he wants’em back to come take’em from me,” Ed said.
“Yes, yes. I’ll tell him,” Ward said, still sobbing.
“Get’em out of here,” Ed said.
“What about their clothes?” Hill asked.
“Burn’em. Let’em go back to town like that,” Ed said.
“You can’t do that! I’ll be a laughingstock around the state!” Ward said.
“Put his Republican ass against the tree,” Ed said.
“Wait! I’ll go, I’ll go!” Ward said as several of the men snickered.
Ed threw what remained of the hickory into the fire under the still.
***
A couple of days after his conversation with Adam, Bob walked into the offices of The Crystal Springs Democrat located at 1776 Main Street across from the Fuson County Courthouse. The building was only a couple of years old and the sound of the press running shook the building.
The pale green walls already smelled of ink but the tile floors were polished to a high sheen.
A short, heavyset man with wavy white hair looked up from his desk in the front office.
“Can I help you?” He asked.
“Yes sir. I wanted to talk to Raymond Ballew,” Bob said.
“Well, you’re talking to him. I’m Raymond Ballew, editor and publisher of The Democrat,” he said.
“My name is Bob Fulton and —” he was interrupted.
“You play football up at the college don’t you?” The older man asked.
“Yes sir — well, I did. I’m a senior and football is over for me,” Bob said.
“I thought you looked familiar. Heck of a game. That Donahue fellow is pretty good. But I’m sure you didn’t come here to talk football. What can I do for you?” He asked.
“Well Mr. Ballew, I want to talk to you about somethin’ you wrote about the coal miners needin’ a union,” Bob said.
“My friends call me Ray. Don’t tell me you’re against a miners’ union,” he said.
“No sir, uh, Ray, I am all for it. What I want to know is, how do you go about gettin’ one started?” Bob asked.
Ray grinned broadly.
“Finally, a bright young man. Come on over here and get a seat,” he said.
***
“Supper was good,” John said as Rachel walked out onto the porch to join him in the porch swing.
“Just fried chicken and biscuits,” she said with a smile.
“How many scraps was left?” He asked as he started rolling a cigarette.
She giggled.
“Not enough for breakfast,” Rachel said.
“Not enough to feed a bird,” he quickly corrected her as he struck a match and lit the cigarette.
“Sometimes I think you’d eat a pine tree if I cooked it,” she said.
“I would — if you cooked it,” John said.
“Have you talked to Bob lately?” Rachel asked.
“Ain’t seen a lot of him since he started hangin’ ‘round the newspaper a couple of weeks ago. He goes from the farm to classes and to the newspaper,” John said.
“Yeah, Mama said she don’t know how he finds time to eat,” Rachel said.
John chuckled.
“Ah, don’t worry ‘bout that. I know Bob. He ain’t gonna go too long without eatin’. I’ll tell you what I think. I think he may have found out what he wants to do after college and it won’t be law school,” John said.
“Could be. Do you think he can make enough money workin’ at a newspaper to support a wife?” She asked.
“I think we’ll find out soon enough,” John said.
“So you talked to your mama today? Her an’ your daddy doin’ alright?” He asked.
“They’re fine. Since we got a telephone and they got one, it don’t hardly seem like we see each other that much,” Rachel said.
“Why don’t you go out the farm tomorrow and spend the day. I’ll come by after I leave the office. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see Bob too,” John said.
Rachel smiled.
“Well, we ought to have plenty to talk about,” she said.
“Really? Somethin’ happen?” He asked.
“Maybe. I need a doctor to make sure. Know where I can find one?” Rachel asked.
John looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“Somethin’ you need to tell me?” He asked.
“I think I’m gonna have a baby,” she said.
“You sure?” John asked.
“Not until you tell me,” Rachel said.
He grinned.
“I think I can do that,” John said.