The Legend of Michelle Sands
The Indian Rock Vampire
Written and Published by Joe Harwell
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2009 and 2011 by Joe Harwell
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Chapter 1: Shared Dreams - The back story
Chapter 2: Tuesday, February 11, 1958. The pretty young girl.
Chapter 3: Wednesday, February 26, 1958. The phone call.
Chapter 4: 6:45 AM, Thurs., Feb. 27, 1958. Leflore County Sheriff Tom Jackson.
Chapter 5: 7:30 AM, Thursday, February 27, 1958. I will follow my own heart.
Chapter 6: 4:30 PM, Thursday, February 27, 1958. Decision time.
Chapter 7: 6:30 AM, Friday, February 28, 1958. A stiff drink for breakfast.
Chapter 8: 3:30 PM. Friday, February 28, 1958. An ancient warning.
Chapter 9: 12:30 PM. Saturday, March 1, 1958. The first meeting.
Chapter 10: 8:30 PM, Saturday, March 1, 1958. The warning.
Chapter 11: Sunday, March 2, 1958. Anticipation.
Chapter 12: Crossing the line.
Chapter 13: Setting the land deal.
Chapter 14: On the road to Indian Rock.
Chapter 15: A Grandmother’s regret.
Chapter 16: The shocking news.
Chapter 17: The Poteau boys injuries.
Chapter 18: The reemergence of Glome.
Chapter 19: Michelle begins to use her power.
Chapter 20: The end of the big day, the cover up begins and making plans for tomorrow.
Chapter 21: Monday, March 3, 1958. The day things really started to change.
Chapter 22: More of Monday, March 3, 1958. Which is better, justice or revenge?
Chapter 23: The evening of Monday, March 3, 1958. Shifting the balance of power.
Chapter 24: Tuesday, March 4, 1958. Early morning. Father Chris has his suspicions.
Chapter 25: Tuesday, March 4, 1958. Late afternoon. The return.
Chapter 26: Tuesday, March 4, 1958. That Evening.
“She’s just a normal kid as far as I can tell Sheriff.”
Chapter 27: Sunday, March 9, 1958. An early reprieve for Ronnie.
Chapter 28: Final journal entry of Prof. Robert Polk, February 10, 1958.
Chapter 1: Shared Dreams - The back story
Julia and Laura have reoccurring dreams. The girls were born in southeastern Oklahoma before statehood where their fathers worked for the railroad. Both girls are very adventurous and became friends at an early age. To escape the hardship and boredom of life in the small town of Howe, they often hiked or rode horses to a local landmark called Indian Rock with ten mysterious symbols carved into its face.
The rock itself is a ten foot wide, fifteen foot tall sandstone standing vertically in the ground below a picturesque bluff. French explorers named it Indian Rock in the 1700’s, believing native people carved the symbols.
The girls made up stories and performed plays at Indian Rock, trying to imagine the life of the people who inscribed the symbols. In the spring of 1910, they slipped off to Indian Rock one evening to watch a full moon rise, and act out an Indian Princess story Laura found in a library book.
The light of the full moon filtered through the canopy of trees, illuminating Indian Rock. Although the air was cool, both girls began to feel a mysterious warmth flowing through their bodies which grew into a tingle in their tummy, much like going really high in the air on a swing. After that night, they experienced this feeling at Indian Rock many times. Julia and Laura loved their adventures and pledged never to tell anyone about these feelings, vowing to someday decipher the true meaning of the symbols.
Soon after the moonlight ceremony, Julia began having a reoccurring dream about strange looking men surrounding Indian Rock. The men wore odd clothing, and didn’t look like Indians. Another man, whose eyes and mouth were always covered was tied to the rock like a prisoner.
Laura began having the same dream a few weeks later, sensing the prisoner was powerful and had been brought to Indian Rock after a long journey. For both girls the images of the dreams became progressively more violent and disturbing as the prisoner was savagely tortured and at times appeared to be dead. Although frightened by the dreams, they never shared the content of them with anyone.
Their friendship continued into adulthood. Laura married Jake “Hoss” Parker, a local man who worked for the railroad. She became a teacher at Howe, and without children of her own, dedicated her life to her students.
Julia’s academic achievements earned her a rare scholarship to the University of Tulsa, where she met and married Oran Stone who was completing his law degree. Although a city boy from Tulsa, Oran fell in love with Julia and southeastern Oklahoma and wanted to practice law there. Oran and Julia built a house on a hill overlooking Howe and had a daughter named Amanda. Their life together was good until Oran was killed in an auto accident when Amanda was only three years old.
After Oran’s death, Julia asked Laura to accompany her to Indian Rock, longing for the special feelings they’d experienced in their youth. They went alone at first, then Julia began bringing Amanda. The little girl never liked Indian Rock and begged to stay away. Julia wasn’t sure if her daughter experienced the same feelings she did and was frightened by them. As Amanda continued to resist, Julia finally gave up on taking her there.
Amanda grew up and married Jonathan Sands, who also worked for the railroad. During World War II, a daughter was born to them, who they named Michelle. Julia and Michelle were very close. The little girl thought everything her grandma did was special, including visiting Indian Rock with her friend Laura. Although they didn’t discuss their reoccurring dream with Michelle, they took her there to watch a full moon rise just after her twelfth birthday.
A week later, Michelle spent the night with Julia. She always slept in her grandma’s big bed so they could talk until they fell asleep. During the night, Michelle became restless and woke up crying, telling Julia about a frightening dream with strange looking men at Indian Rock. Julia comforted Michelle, sharing the secret she and Laura kept since they were her age. Michelle wasn’t as frightened, knowing her grandma and Laura shared the dream too.
With a few months, Michelle began hearing a word in her dreams. Chanted over and over, it sounded something like “glow bee.” The three of them continued to keep their dreams a secret, renewing the pledge to solve the meaning of the symbols.
In 1957, Laura visited the University of Oklahoma library in search of more clues to symbols. One book on ancient dialects contained symbols and letters similar to those inscribed on Indian Rock. To Laura’s surprise, they were European in origin and indicated many possible interpretations, including a date.
Laura corresponded with the books’ author, Robert Polk, a history and theology Professor at Stanford University. Polk’s correspondence confirmed her conclusion that the symbols were a date. When Laura shared this with Michelle, she’d just experienced the dream again and felt certain the words “glow-bee” represented the name of the prisoner, and the symbols referred to him too. Laura had no reason to doubt Michelle’s interpretation and wrote the professor suggesting another meaning.
This is the beginning of The Legend of Michelle Sands, The Indian Rock Vampire.
Chapter 2: Tuesday, February 11, 1958. The pretty young girl.
“Hey Uncle Bill. Hey Aunt Lou. Thanks for saving me a seat,” Ronnie Majors said as he squeezed in between them on the second row of bleachers in the Poteau, Oklahoma High School gymnasium. “I knew there would be a big crowd tonight. This ought to be good game, don’t you think?”
Ronnie’s Uncle, “Big Bill” Armstrong said, “My money’s always on the small school. “How are you bettin’ tonight?
“Bet with you, Uncle Bill? I know better. I’m not betting at all. I’m sure Poteau’s gonna win.”
Bill laughed and put his arm around his nephews shoulder. “Good answer Ron. You’d lose if you bet with me, wouldn’t you?
Lou Armstrong leaned across in front of her nephew and said, “Bill! Keep that kind of talk down in the gym, will ya?”
Bill nudged Ronnie and said, “If you think bettin’ with me is dangerous boy, just try crossin’ your Aunt Lou.” Bill and Ronnie both laughed, but the crowd noise immediately drowned them out as a Howe player sank a big shot. Bill had saved the seat for his nephew at the Leflore County basketball tournament. Every school in the county, from Arkoma in the north to Talihina in the south looked forward to this tournament every year. The large, medium and small schools all play each other with an equal opportunity to win the coveted county championship, which is often won by one of the smaller schools.
“How’s your baseball practice going Ronnie?” asked Lou. “You boys are probably looking forward to some nice spring weather.”
“Yeah, we are. We’ve been freezing our tails off out there, but I love it. I think this team is the best I’ve played on.”
“They better be good,” said Bill. “Our abstract company donated money to the booster club for new uniforms and equipment this year.”
“Oh, Bill,” interrupted Lou. “Stop pressuring the boy. He’s gonna make us proud like he does every year. Isn’t that right Ronnie?”
“Thanks Aunt Lou. And thank you too Uncle Bill. The guys really appreciate your support. We’re gonna take state this year if we keep playin’ like we are now.”
The crowd roared again as one of Poteau’s players hit a basket. Bill turned to Ronnie and asked, “How are you and that lil Nancy girl doin’? She’s a real cutie.”
Lou Armstrong interrupted again. “Now Bill, don’t embarrass him like that. He probably doesn’t want to discuss his love life with you.” Lou turned to Ronnie and continued, “You’re taking that pretty little girl to the Valentine dance, aren’t you?”
Ronnie smiled and said, “Yes, we’re going to the dance. But, I gotta tell you, I’m not so sure how we’re really doin’. All she talks about is weddings. I’m not ready to see myself in a wedding. Heck, I just turned seventeen in December and got my car. She kinda scares me talkin’ about wedding stuff all the time.”
Bill Armstrong laughed and wrapped his arm around Ronnie’s neck in a wrestling head lock and said, “Lou honey, he’s just gettin’ started with his Tom cattin’. He ain’t ready for the taste of weddin’ cake. She’s got the hook out for you boy. You better run like hell.” Bill and Ronnie both laughed.
Lou wrapped her arm around Ronnie and said, “I can’t blame her. He looks like Elvis Presley. All the girls are after him.”
Ronnie said, “Thanks for the compliment.” Ronnie’s friend Larry Pate drew a foul, and Ronnie yelled, “Hey Larry, flatten number seven next time!”
Bill released Ronnie and said, “That’s the spirit. Never let ‘em see you get mad over a call. Just bust their butt the next chance you get, ain’t that right?”
“You watch,” said Ronnie. “He’ll lay that guy out before the game is over. Larry’s been gettin’ an elbow in the face, and the ref only called a foul when he gave it back to him.”
“You guys are terrible,” said Lou. “It’s just a few seconds till halftime and I’m heading to the concession stand before the crowd hits. Do you boys want anything?”
“No thanks,” answered Ronnie.
“I’m good too, honey. “ said Bill.
After his Aunt left, Ronnie nudged his uncle and asked, “Do you know the name of the Howe cheerleader standing over there on the far right?”
“You mean the one on the end with long dark hair put up in a pony tail?”
“Yeah, that’s the one. Look, she’s turning around talking to a lady in the stands.”
“Oh my goodness. She couldn’t be Julia Stone’s granddaughter?” Bill slapped Ronnie on knee and said, “Yes, I know who she is. The woman she’s talkin’ to is her grandmother, Julia Stone. The one sittin’ next to Julia is the girl's mother, Amanda Sands. That’s her father, Jonnie Boy Sands sittin’ next to the mother. Damn, that girl is cute, and all grown up lookin’ too. It’s no wonder she’s cute considering her heritage. Her grandmother was a real looker in her day, and still looks good for an older gal. Amanda’s a nice lookin’ woman too. I believe the girl’s name is Michelle. I haven’t seen her since she was a little kid. What’s the matter Ronnie? She caught your Tom Cat eye tonight?”
“Well, she is cute. I’ve never seen her before. She must be at least a junior or senior. I thought maybe she just moved here or something.”
“Let me see,” said Bill as he counted on his fingers. “I remember when she was born, and that would put her about…. Oh hell Ronnie, you ain’t gonna to like it.”
What do you mean?”
“Well boy, looks can be deceiving. She certainly looks like she’s your age, but the girl ain’t more than fourteen years old.”
“Fourteen!” Ronnie exclaimed. “You’re kidding me, right? If that’s a fourteen year old girl, she’s the best lookin’ one I’ve ever seen.”
Bill laughed. “Calm down Tom Cat. I ain’t kiddin’ ya. I know her entire family, and remember exactly when she was born. She’ll have her fifteenth birthday pretty soon.”
“I still can’t believe it. Wow, that’s really something.”
“You mean she’s really somethin’, don‘t you?” Bill said still chuckling at Ronnie’s reaction. He continued, “I know some twenty year old gals who’d kill to be put together like that. I’m tellin’ you boy, if you’ve got your eyes on her, you better stick with the Poteau cheerleader. She’ll be a lot less trouble for you.”
“What do you mean?”
“First of all, Michelle’s only fourteen. Damn, I know you like ‘em young and dumb, but fourteen? I’ve been hearin’ some rumors about you and Larry’s shenanigans with some of the freshmen girls in Poteau this year. You better be careful. If you get in that kinda trouble, I doubt if my connections are good enough to save your butt.”
“Don’t believe a word of it Uncle Bill. Those freshmen girls are always throwin’ themselves at me and Larry. Anyway, what’s the harm in showin’ ‘em the way if they’re beggin’ for it.”
“Well boy, you still need to watch it. If you decide to go to Howe and try somethin’ with that one over there, her old man and the rest of the family would probably cut you up into pieces just for lookin’ her way.”
Ronnie started to protest, but Bill stopped him and continued, “You damn sure don’t wanna cross Julia Stone. She and I went to school together in Howe. She helped me with my school work and I would always try to sit across from her when we took a test to look at her papers. Later on she went to college in Tulsa and married a guy from there who settled here with her. He was a lawyer before bein’ killed in a car wreck when Amanda was real young. After he was killed, Julia showed everyone she could handle her own business, even me. I have more respect for Julia Stone than any other woman I know, besides your Aunt Lou of course.”
“Wow, Uncle Bill. I’ve never heard you talk about anyone like that. Was her grandmother your girlfriend?”
“No, it wasn’t like that. The best I could ever do was be friends with her.” Bill smiled and said, “Julia Stone’s granddaughter. Damn, she’s really somethin’, but, I’m not kiddin’. You need to leave that one alone. She’s just a little freshman kid. I know she looks like a grown up gal, and you boys may be out of freshmen girls to have your way with here in Poteau. I’m tellin’ you, steer clear for your own good.”
Lou Armstrong returned from the concession stand and said, “So, how’s the game goin’ boys? Are we winning?”
Bill scooted over so Lou could have more room to sit down. And said, “Lou honey, Ronnie and I have been participatin’ in my favorite sport, people watchin’. We kinda’ lost track of the game.”
“Well, let’s get back on it. We’ve got to win the first round so we don’t have to fight our way back through the losers bracket the rest of the week.” Lou put her hands on the sides of her mouth and yelled at the top of her voice, “Let’s Go Pirates!”
Bill and Ronnie both yelled along with her. Bill looked at his nephew and said, “Your Aunt Lou yells for the Pirates like she was born a Poteau girl. You’d never know she was from Fort Smith, would ya?” Bill leaned in close to Ronnie and continued, “I’m tellin’ you the truth about that other deal. You’d be better off to steer clear of it, OK?”
Ronnie nodded in agreement, and they all cheered as the half time buzzer sounded.
Chapter 3: Wednesday, February 26, 1958. The phone call.
Amanda Sands called out to her daughter, “Michelle, can you hear me? I’m still in the tub. Will you answer the phone?”
“Sure Mom, I’ll get it,” Michelle called back as she raced to the phone. Picking up the receiver she said, “Hello.”
A male voice responded, “Hello, is this the Sands residence?”
“Yes, it is. Are you calling for my Dad? He’s out at the derailment tonight.”
“No,” the caller replied. “Is this Michelle?”
“Yes. Who’s this?”
“My name is Ronnie Majors. I go to Poteau high school, and I’m a junior. I called to talk to you.”
Michelle was very surprised to receive a call from an older boy she didn’t know. She said, “OK Ronnie. Why are you calling?”
“I saw you at the county basketball tournament in Poteau a few days ago. You’re a cheer leader, right?”
“Yes, I’m a cheerleader. Are you a basketball player?”
“No, I was never any good at basketball. I play baseball. I just went to the tournament to watch the games. My best friend Larry Pate is on the team. I called because we have a baseball game at Howe on Saturday afternoon. Will you be there?”
“I’ll be there. The cheerleaders always go to the games. Why do you want to know?”
Ronnie chuckled and said, “Look, I’m a little nervous. I should have known you’d be at the game. I called to ask if I could meet you there on Saturday and talk to you for a while.”
Michelle still wondered why this older boy from Poteau wanted to meet her, and how he even knew who she was. She asked, “How did you get my name and phone number, Ronnie?”
He answered, still stammering a little, “When I saw you at the county tournament I asked my Uncle Bill if he knew you. He grew up in Howe.”
“So your Uncle knows me, is that right?”
Ronnie laughed a little more and said, “He knows your family.”
“OK, I understand. What’s you Uncle’s last name?”
“Bill Armstrong, and he went to school in Howe with your grandmother. He said some really nice things about your family, especially your grandmother. Uncle Bill said she helped him with his schoolwork.”
Amanda Sands could hear Michelle talking to someone, and called out to her daughter again. “Who’s on the phone? Is it mom?”
Michelle said, “Hang on a second, Ronnie.” She held the phone against her chest and said, “No, it’s Brenda. We’re just talking.”
“OK, I’ll be out in a minute.”
Michelle put the phone back to her ear and said, “Did your uncle say anything else about my family?”
“I could hear you telling your mom you were talking to Brenda. It’s OK, I’ll pretend to be Brenda. If your mom wants to talk to her should I use a high or low voice?” Michelle laughed and Ronnie continued, “My parents are always bugging me about who I’m on the phone with too.”
“Brenda’s my best friend. Mom’s taking a bath and hollering at me through the bathroom door. I just didn’t want to get into yelling explanations back and forth with her.”
“Really Michelle, it’s OK. My parents do it to me all the time. Anyway, you didn’t answer my question. Can I talk to you at the game?”
Michelle knew her mom, grandma and maybe her dad would be at the game. If they saw her talking to a boy they didn’t know, they’d ask a thousand questions. Ronnie sounded nice, and he was funny. She said, “Sure. What do you want to talk about?”
“Well uh, I just want to get to know you better. I want to know more about you.” Ronnie laughed again and continued, “I’m still a little nervous about calling you. I know you don’t have any idea who I am, and I’m not trying to pressure you. Just remember one thing, I’m a good guy and I’ll always do whatever you ask of me. I mean it, anything.”
Michelle could hardly contain her excitement over what he said. She smiled and continued, “That’s nice Ronnie. I appreciate it. So, how will I find you? What do you look like? I mean, how will I know who you are?”
“I play short stop. My uniform number is 18. My coach is strict about us keeping our head in the game, but I can stick around after it’s over and talk. How does that sound?”
“Sounds good,” she replied, barely containing herself.
Then he asked, “Hey Michelle, my uncle said you have a birthday coming up soon. When is it?”
Michelle couldn’t believe he’d asked the question. Ronnie was a junior, and probably already seventeen. She was afraid he wouldn’t be interested in her if he found out she was only fourteen. She answered slowly, “My birthday is April 30th.”
“Wow, that’s coming up real soon. Uncle Bill said you were about to be fifteen. Honestly, I thought you were a senior. I turned seventeen on December 18th.” There was a pause and neither of them spoke for a few seconds. Ronnie continued, “The reason I asked about your birthday was something else my uncle said.”
“What is it?”
“He told me I wouldn’t want to cross your parents, especially your grandmother. He didn’t want me to call you because of your age, but I don’t care. I think you’re beautiful and I just want to look into your eyes and get to know you better. What do you think about that?”
No other boy had ever talked to Michelle this way. She stammered out an answer. “Well Ronnie, I think, I mean, well I think I would like to get to know you better too. My parents won’t let me go on dates until my sixteenth birthday. What do you think about that?”
“Don’t worry about it. I just want a chance to acquainted with you. I want to know what you’re interested in, your favorite color, things like that. The rest of it will just have to work out somehow.”
“OK Ronnie. My favorite color is red. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the game. You’re right. The rest of it will just have to work out somehow.”
“OK then, I’ll see you Saturday. I think you’re a very beautiful young woman. I can’t wait till I see.”
Michelle replied with excitement in her voice, “I’ll see you at the game.”
Ronnie said, “Goodbye Michelle.”
Michelle said goodbye hung up the phone. She stood in the living room for a few seconds before turning and running out of the house, across the front porch, down the steps and out into the yard. She looked into the night sky, stretched her hands up and started jumping up and down, yelling at the stars saying, “Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!
Chapter 4: 6:45 AM, Thurs., Feb. 27, 1958
Leflore County Sheriff Tom Jackson.
Sheriff Tom Jackson had been up all night when he entered the office early on Thursday morning. He’d been working the train derailment on the Midland Valley Rail Road in the northern end of the county since receiving the call about it on Wednesday afternoon. Tom was glad spring weather seemed to be arriving early this year. The long night hadn’t been as cold as he’d expected. His Deputy, Under Sheriff Carl Hughes was already in the office with the dispatcher reviewing reports on other activity in the county which occurred overnight.
The two officers had known each other for twenty years. Tom Jackson attended Howe High School where Carl Hughes coached baseball and basketball. They got along very well as coach and player, sharing a mutual respect which still existed today. Tom joined the Army in 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and became a military policeman. Carl Hughes couldn’t join the military due to having flat feet, and continued teaching. He quit teaching during the war and went back to college to pursue a degree in law enforcement after his wife Jennifer drowned in the Poteau River on July 4th, 1942 under what he considered to be questionable circumstances.
Carl was convinced her death wasn’t an accidental drowning, as it was ruled by the Sheriff at the time. Carl finished college and took a job with the sheriff’s office in 1945. There was an upcoming vacancy in the office due to retirement of the current Sheriff, and Carl announced his candidacy for the job when the filing period opened for the 1946 election. Returning from the military, Tom also ran for Sheriff and won the office in a close election over Carl. Tom’s respect for his former coach prompted him to offer Carl the position of Under Sheriff.
“How are you guys doing?” Tom asked as he entered the office. “Is there anything going on I need to know about this morning?”
Carl replied, “No, it’s been pretty quiet. Looks like you had all the action with the derailment.”
“It nor the worst wreck they’ve had out there. Seven cars were off the track, but the rail crew from Muskogee arrived about midnight and already had two of them back on when I left this morning. It’ll keep them busy for a few days. Jonnie Boy says he’ll have the track open by Friday night no matter what it takes.”
Carl chuckled and said, “Jonnie Boy better get the trains runnin’ quick. One of the big bosses from the railroad arrived today. Just bad luck for him to have a derailment when the boss is in town. I’m sure Hoss Parker is out there in the middle of it too?”
“You know Hoss is there,” replied Tom. “Nothing goes on with the railroad that Hoss isn’t in on. He’s the one pushing this right of way deal the big boss is here to sign. They’ve needed to fix that crooked track mess for years. I’ll bet Hoss and Bill Armstrong had the deal worked out a long time ago. You’d never know “Hoss” retired seven years ago the way he still ramrods things. With Bill owning half the county it’s no surprise he’s in on it too.”
“You had a couple of visitors yesterday,” said Carl. “The new man from the railroad named Stanhope came by. I told him you were out at the wreck. Did you see him?”
No, I didn’t. What’d he want?”
“Just said he wanted to talk about Bill Armstrong,” Carl replied smiling.
“Bill Armstrong, huh. This happens every time the railroad buys more right of way in the county. Bill usually has his fingers in these land deals and some guy from the home office comes down to check it out. I guess you told him I was the resident expert on Big Bill, didn’t you?”
“Oh yeah, I told him you were the man with all the juicy information.”
“Thanks a lot,” Tom said as he poured a cup of coffee. “Anyway, he needs to go see the County Clerk if he wants information on who owns property in the county.”
“That’s what I told him. Said he’d already been to the Clerk‘s office, but he still wants to see you.”
“Well, I can’t tell him anything. The only one who knows what Bill Armstrong is up to is Bill Armstrong. He’s usually three or four moves ahead of everyone on these deals. Everybody in the state knows the railroad needs to buy more land and straighten up that short curve. Bill probably bought the property when he was still in diapers and held onto it just waiting to make a killing off them.”
Tom sipped some of his coffee and continued, “Wow, this stuff is thick. I’m going to file this report, check on a prisoner upstairs, then go on patrol toward Spiro and Pocola the rest of the day. Call me on the two way if this Stanhope comes back in. By the way, who was my other visitor?”
“Oh yeah, the other one. We must not be living right these days.”
“What do you mean, not living right?”
“Your other visitor was the Catholic Priest.”
“Father Johansen? What would he want with me?”
“He wouldn’t say what it was about. He only said it wasn’t an emergency, and he specifically wanted to talk with both of us at the same time. I told him we’d get with him in the next day or so.”
“I hardly know the man, but he has a good reputation. Let him know we can see him just about any time tomorrow.”
“I’ll set it up.”
“Thanks Carl. Oh, by the way, I didn’t see your truck in the parking lot. Don’t tell me it’s in the shop again.”
“Yeah, that’s where it is all right. I either broke an axle, or the rear end is finally gone. I just told ‘em to fix it.”
“I swear, you could have bought two new trucks with the money you’ve spent on that old thing in the past five years. Do yourself a favor and let the Ford place keep it this time. I saw two new pickups in the showroom when I drove by yesterday.”
“Oh, I don’t know. The odometer just rolled over for the second time. Besides, it’s a classic.”
“You’re just never going to give that thing up, are you? I could order you to go trade it for a new red sports car. What would you think about that?”
“Sheriff, I’ll buy a new red sports car when you do. Then people could really talk. I can see it in all the county newspapers. Sheriff and Under Sheriff both buy new sports cars. What’s really going on at the Sheriff’s office?”
Tom laughed and said, “OK, you win. If you keep driving that old truck and spending your money on it you should at least paint it green, like money.”
“Maybe I will.”
Chapter 5: 7:30 AM, Thursday, February 27, 1958
I will follow my own heart
“Do you have your coat, honey?” Amanda Sands called to Michelle as she left for school.
“I don’t want to take it. It’ll warm up today,” shouted the bubbly teenager. Michelle burst out the door to meet her friend Brenda Sparks who was waiting outside to walk with her to school. The concerned mother went to the front door and watched as the two girls hurried toward the Howe school gymnasium two blocks away. Amanda’s thoughts drifted back to her own early teen years and how a little chill in the air on a late February morning wouldn’t have been very important to her either at their age.
“Don’t worry about it Dear,” her husband Jonathan called from the kitchen. “I’m leaving now. I’ll give her the coat.” Jonathan Sands had only been home for an hour to clean up, change clothes and pick up some paperwork.
The sound of her husband’s voice brought Amanda back to the present. “OK. Her coat is hanging over the back of the chair by the door. Tell her I love her,” Amanda said as Jonathan approached.
Stopping in front of his wife of almost sixteen years, he asked, “Do you love me too?”
Amanda took his hand, but didn’t look into his eyes. “You know I do.” The couple stood silently holding hands. Finally, Amanda said, “I’m just tired of you not being here for us. This job and all, it’s just not worth it any more to have you out all hours. I want you home with us.”
Jonathan tightened his grip on her hand which made Amanda look him squarely in the eyes. “Honey, I am here for you. You know I have to deal with this accident, and the Operations Manager is in town this week. I’ve always got to deal with the guys from the home office while they’re here. We have a meeting coming up with Bill Armstrong to get a land deal sealed up, and it’s right in the middle of this mess.”
Jonathan sensed his words weren’t changing his wife’s attitude and said, “You and I are going to dinner with Hoss, Laura, Bill Armstrong, and Stanhope on Sunday night. How about if I try and make the ballgame this weekend too?”
Amanda tried to move away, but Jonathan wouldn’t release her hand. She finally answered him, almost whispering, “You know what I mean. Anyway, you’ll probably be tied up all weekend.”
Jonathan released her hand. He picked up his daughter’s coat and walked through the front door without saying another word or looking back.
Amanda went out on the porch and watched as he drove up the road toward the girls. His car stirred up a little dust on the gravel road in the cool morning air. Jonathan stopped when he reached the girls, got out of the car and helped Michelle put on her coat. Then, he leaned in to give his daughter a kiss on the forehead. Jonathan loved Michelle, but the kiss on the forehead and not giving her a hug symbolized to Amanda that Jonathan never really developed a close relationship with his daughter.
Michelle loved her father very much. She immediately threw herself onto him, hugging him with both her arms wrapped completely around his body. He put his right arm on her shoulder and pointed back toward their house with his left hand. Michelle turned toward the house and gave her mother a big smile and wave. Amanda waved back to Michelle as Jonathan got back in the car and drove away. Amanda stayed on the porch to watch the girls until they entered the school building. She would see Michelle after school, but wondered if she would see Jonathan at all before the day was over.
Amanda was very proud of her daughter. Michelle was so beautiful it almost frightened her sometimes. Although she was just a few weeks from her fifteenth birthday, Michelle looked more like an eighteen year old with a well developed figure on a slim, slightly tall frame. She inherited Amanda’s thick, very light brown colored hair which she kept long. She had her grandmother’s smooth, olive complexion and beautiful eyes which were a lively shade of green.
Being physically well developed at an early age caused some of the boys to tease Michelle. Some of the girls were cruel too because they were jealous of her looks. Michelle seemed to handle it pretty well. She was very friendly and had a large circle of friends at school and church. Her mother was most proud because she was a good girl, respectful to all people, who didn’t cause trouble and worked hard to get good grades.
Amanda believed Michelle’s good looks contributed to the fact that Jonathan didn’t have a closer relationship with her. Years ago. when Amanda told him they were going to have a baby, he was so sure they would have a boy that he bought all kinds of boy clothes and toys during the pregnancy. He was noticeably disappointed to have daughter when Michelle was born. He cared for her, but made no secret he always wanted a son. Amanda was not been able to get pregnant again. In some ways she regretted not being able to have another child, but deep down she was thankful they didn’t have more children.
As Amanda re-entered the house, the telephone began to ring. She guessed only her mother would be calling before 8:00 AM. Amanda picked up the phone and said,” Hello Mom.”
Her mother’s voice came from the phone saying, “What if this had been someone else?”
“Well, it wasn’t,” she replied. “Mom, you always said I was a little psychic. I just knew it would be you. And yes, Michelle and I will come over after she gets out of school today.”
“Those were all lucky guesses Amanda. And besides, Michelle is the one who can always tell what either of is going to say before we say it. Everyone says she’s amazing, especially Laura. Is that man of yours at home this morning?”
“No, he’s already gone. They had a derailment yesterday and a new man from the home office is here this week. He’s been tied up with that. We have a dinner meeting Sunday evening at Taylor’s Inn with your old friend Bill Armstrong.”
Julia answered tersely, “If there’s a meeting with Bill Armstrong, I know what will be going on. I guess this will be another one of those meetings where the wives attend the dinner, then go home early so the men can do some business, or God knows what else. Is that about right?”
Amanda replied, cutting her mother off. “Drop it Mom. Yes, I’ve gotta go to the damn dinner. And yes, I’ll leave early and be glad to get out of there. The men do what they’re going to do. I just don‘t care anymore. Anyway, Michelle and I will see you around 4:00 o’clock today. OK?”
“You know I’m always glad to see you and my granddaughter. Don’t forget to bring me some more of your dark red thread. We’ll try and finish the Easter quilt this weekend.”
“I’ll bring it. Quilting has always brought us together, hasn’t it? We’ll see you this afternoon.”
Julia Stone had opposed Amanda’s marriage to Jonathan Sands. In her opinion, Jonathan was brash and full of himself. Julia didn’t see him as the kind of man who would give Amanda the happy life she deserved. Julia and Amanda’s relationship was very typical regarding Jonathan. The more Julia tried to discourage the relationship, the more Amanda wanted to pursue it. Julia finally gave in to preserve the relationship with her daughter. When Jonathan and Amanda were first married, they lived in Muskogee where Jonathan was reared and where his job was based at the time.
Julia thought back to when Jonathan joined the service in 1942 and Amanda moved back to Howe to wait out World War II. Mother and daughter mended their differences and bonded together in support of each other. Julia prayed that her daughter wouldn’t become a young widow during the war, and also hoped Amanda would not get pregnant before the war ended. She couldn’t stand the thought of Amanda having a fatherless child if Jonathan was killed. Both Jonathan and Amanda had grown up without a father in their lives. Julia knew this was one of the things which drew them together. But, Amanda did get pregnant while Jonathan was home on leave. Julia was excited about being a grandmother and decided to focus all her love and attention on the new baby.
Jonathan seemed happy about the baby news and immediately began bragging about having a son on the way. Julia hoped he really was happy about becoming a father. Maybe his time in the military and having a child would settle him down. Julia worried he was too focused on having a son. Would he still be excited about being a father and provide the love and support the child needed if they had a girl?
Michelle Sands and Brenda were getting to school early for cheerleading practice this morning. Their cheerleading sponsor, Laura Parker had another teaching duty in the afternoon and scheduled a rare morning practice for the cheerleaders. The girls didn’t really need the practice. They had the cheerleading down tight, but Laura always kept them on a weekly practice routine.
Like most teachers in rural Oklahoma schools, Laura had multiple teaching and sponsorship duties. She taught American history, Oklahoma history, and civics as well as sponsoring the cheerleaders and the drama club. Laura had been on one of the first cheerleading squads at this school years ago. Her husband made good money with the railroad and drew a good retirement. They didn’t need the money from her job, but Laura wasn’t ready to give up teaching just yet. One or more amazing students would always come along when she would start to look seriously at retirement, and she always decided to teach a little longer. Michelle entered Laura’s high school classes this year and Laura made a commitment not to retire until Michelle graduated.
Michelle and Brenda arrived in the gym before most of the other students. Brenda quickly pulled her friend into a corner and kept talking about the subject which had consumed their morning conversation all the way to school. Michelle had been telling her about the phone call she received from Ronnie Majors.
“I still can’t believe he called you last night,” Brenda repeated for at least the tenth time.
Michelle shook her hands up and down in front of Brenda’s face and said, “Hold it down. I don’t want everyone to know.”
Brenda lowered her voice and continued, “And your mom thought you were talking to me? She really never suspected it was a boy? It’s so lucky you answered the phone.”
“Lucky I guess” said Michelle. “Dad wasn’t home. Mom was in the bathtub and called out for me to answer the phone. By the time she came out of the bathroom I’d finished talking to him. She never knew a thing.”
“So tell me again. What exactly did he say?”
Barely able to contain her excitement, Michelle continued, “Ronnie said saw me at the county tournament. I almost lied when he asked about my birthday. He’s OK with my age, and said I look like a senior. He just turned seventeen in December, so he’s really not that much older. Oh Brenda, he talks so much different than other boys. He was so nice, and just wants to get to know me and find out more about me. Can you believe it? No other boy has ever said anything like that. The way he said it, I believe he really wants us to be together.”
“How did he find out your name and who you are?”
“His Uncle Bill Armstrong told him. He knows mom, dad and grandma. Ronnie said his uncle and my grandma went to school together here in Howe, and grandma helped him with his schoolwork.” Both girls laughed about that. “He also said his uncle told him to stay away from me because I was too young. Ronnie doesn’t care about my age at all. Brenda, he said he just wanted a chance to get to know me, and the difference in our age would just have to work itself out. Can you believe it?”
“Wow! Is that really what he said?” exclaimed Brenda, raising her voice again. Brenda and Michelle had been drifting farther away as the other cheerleaders entered the gym. Brenda could see the other girls were beginning to notice them and seemed to be straining to hear their conversation.
Lowering her voice again, Brenda said, “So Michelle, what are you gonna to do? You’ve never gone against your folks. Your dad would kill you, right? Your mother and grandmother would never forgive you, right?” Brenda raised her voice and said, “What are you going to do?”
Michelle drew her closer and whispered, “I want to meet him. He said I was a beautiful young woman and I looked like a senior. I love his voice and he sounds like someone I can trust. A seventeen year old boy wants to get to know me! I’m going to meet him no matter what it takes or how much trouble I get in. I know it will be worth it even if I do get in trouble. You’re the one who’ll get killed if you tell anyone. I need your help.”
“I won’t tell. You know I won’t. We’ve been friends too long for you to think that. How are you gonna to pull it off?”
“I’m thinking of asking grandma about Ronnie when I see her after school. She might tell me about him without telling mom and dad if I ask her the right way.”
“I know how close you are with your grandma. What happens if you ask her and she tells your folks? You’ll never get to see him.”
“Grandma and I have talked about boys before. I know she won’t say anything to my dad. She doesn’t want me to end up with someone like him. She might tell mom. I’m so sick of how my dad is treating mom lately. He never has time for us anymore, and says it’s all because of his job. I’ve heard some things people say about him. I don’t think his job is what’s keeping him away from us all the time. Oh Brenda, I’ve just got to meet Ronnie.”
Brenda said, “I can’t believe your grandmother would talk about your dad that way. But, I know how it is. My dad doesn’t like my sister’s husband Tim and he doesn’t really care who knows about it either.”
“It’s not like grandma has ever really said she doesn’t like my dad. I’ve just seen and heard enough to know she only puts up with him for the sake of me and mom. I love him, and so does mom. Things just seem to be getting worse between them. You know what’s strange, Brenda? Grandma is the one who’s always trying to keep peace in the family. Even when dad does something that makes mom mad, grandma tries to keep her calmed down. That’s why I can talk to grandma about things easier than I can talk to my parents.”
Laura Parker came into the gym and clapped her hands. All the cheerleaders snapped to attention and ran to get lined up. That’s the kind of respect this long time teacher has with her students. “OK girls,” said Laura. “Thank you for being here early this morning and being on time. Before we go through our routines, I want to talk to you about the field trip we’ll be taking in April. I let all my classes make suggestions and I’ve chosen the one which is the most popular. We’re going back to Indian Rock.”
All the girls jumped and yelled with approval. Laura Parker was their favorite teacher. She’s taken students from Howe on field trips to Indian Rock almost as long as she’d been teaching. “OK, OK let’s settle back down girls. This will be a combined trip with my history classes, and you get class credit for the trip. What do you think about that?” This started the girls squealing and jumping again.
Chapter 6: 4:30 PM, Thursday, February 27, 1958
Decision time.
After school, Michelle and Amanda went to visit Julia. The two of them usually spent the night at her house when Jonathan was out of town or working late. Michelle loved her grandmother’s big house.
“Hi Grandma,” Michelle said as she and Amanda arrived.
“Hello sweetie. Do you have homework?”
“You know I do. It’s Thursday, and I always have homework. I’ll get started on it.
“I’ve put a snack out for you in the kitchen. Spread your books out in there if you want.”
“OK Grandma,” Michelle said, while giving Julia a hug. “Brenda and her mother may come by later for a few minutes. And Grandma, I want to talk to you about something later on.”
Amanda came through the door and hugged her mother too. “Hi Mom. It sounds like she’s got another big secret to tell you. Don’t worry. I’m OK with it. I’d rather have her sharing secrets with you than with someone else.”
Amanda and Julia worked on the quilt for a couple of hours while Michelle finished her homework. Brenda and her mother, Mary Sparks stopped by around six o’clock. Brenda and Michelle talked in the front yard while the adults visited on the porch.
Brenda asked, “Have you talked to your grandma about Ronnie yet?”
“No, not yet,” Michelle replied. “We’re probably going to spend the night here since dad will be out late. I’ll talk to her tonight if I get the chance.”
“So, what are your thoughts about seeing Ronnie at the game on Saturday?”
“I just want to see what he’s like in person. If he’s as nice as he sounds, and good looking of course, I’ll work something out for the next time.”
“Just tell me what to do,” Brenda replied enthusiastically.
“Here’s what I’ve been thinking about today. Mom and dad have a company dinner at Taylor’s Inn on Sunday night. Mom hates these dinners, but dad says she has to go. Mrs. Parker and her husband will be there too. Ask if you can spend the night after the game on Saturday and go to church with me on Sunday. I’ll invite Ronnie to come to youth group with us on Sunday night. Grandma never goes to church on Sunday night. What do you think?”
“You little brain has really been working on this. It’s like you’re possessed. What if other people at church say something to your mom or grandma?
“I don’t think I’ll get in trouble if he just shows up for youth group. It’s a chance I’ll have to take.”
“I can’t believe you’re going through with all of this. It isn’t like you to go against your parents, but I’m so jealous. See if he’s got a friend, OK?” Brenda said laughing. Both girls laughed loud enough so the adults stopped talking and looked at them.
Julia said, “There’s no telling what those girls are up to.”
“Don’t worry,” said Amanda. “Whatever it is, she’ll probably tell you about it later. I know she tells you all her big secrets. I’m depending on you to let me know if anything really big is going on.”
Julia smiled and nodded affirmatively while watching the girls talk.
After dinner, Amanda fell asleep in Julia’s living room in the old rocking chair which belonged to her father. Although the weather had been nice during the day, the house was beginning to cool off because the fireplace and gas heaters hadn’t been burning. Julia and Michelle carried in some firewood to light the fireplace for the evening.
“She still loves that old chair,” Julia told Michelle. Julia took a small quilt off the back of the couch and covered Amanda with it. “She still remembers her father rocking her in it when she was little. It’s one of the few memories she has of him. She was so young when he died. I made the quilt for him when we were first married.”
Julia rolled up a few sheets of old newspaper and put them under the pile of firewood in the fireplace. Michelle sat down on the couch opposite of the chair her mother was sleeping in. Julia lit the newspaper in a couple of places to get the fire burning. She also lit one of the slim, dark cigarettes she smoked occasionally. After making sure the logs were burning, Julia moved to the couch and sat by her granddaughter.
“Grandma, could we go back in the kitchen and talk?” asked Michelle.
Julia smiled and said, “ Don’t want to take a chance your mom might wake up and hear us? It’s OK. Let’s go back to the kitchen and you can tell me what’s on your mind.”
The two went down the hall past the bedrooms and around the corner into the kitchen. Julia poured them up a glass of lemonade before sitting down at the table. She rubbed her hand on Michelle’s head and said, “Tell me what’s on your mind my dear.”
“Grandma,” Michelle started, “How did you know you loved grandpa?”
Julia smiled and placed both of her hands on top of her granddaughters hands. “This must be about a boy. That’s not something we’ve talked about lately, is it dear? Well, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight with me. But, it was surely something special at first sight. Now tell me. What boy has got your attention?”
“Oh Grandma, it’s not really like that. Well, it’s kind of like that. What I want to know is how you knew grandpa was the one for you?”
Julia relaxed into the chair, took a drag on her cigarette, and folded her arms in front of her on the table. “Your grandpa was the one who chased after me. We had two classes together my second year in college, and he put one of his friends up to asking me to meet him. He was very handsome, but I wasn’t looking for a serious relationship, and I really wasn’t looking for a husband when I was that young. I had to work very hard to keep up my studies and maintain my scholarship. I didn’t want to get sidetracked. He was nice, and also very interesting, but we were from very different backgrounds. He grew up in the city, and we went to different churches. His family wasn’t rich, but they were pretty well off. I just didn’t see us getting together at first. However, he was so very sweet my dear.”
“You’re smiling Grandma. There must be a lot of pleasant memories when you think about him.
“Yes, the memories are still very good. You know, he brought his family to Howe for Christmas the year we met. He even got a job as an intern with a law firm in Fort Smith during the summer just to be near me. He asked me to marry him during the last year we were in college. He promised my folks that if they agreed to our marriage he would buy the old Huff place, build the biggest house in town, and we would live here forever. That’s just what he did,” Julia added, continuing to smile. “Yes honey, the memories are very good. But, we didn’t have much time together. You and I have talked about this many times.”
“But Grandma, exactly when did you know he was the one?” pleaded Michelle.
Julia put out her cigarette, coughed a little and sipped some of the lemonade. “Nasty cigarettes. Don’t you ever start with these things. It’s a real bad habit, and not something that makes a young girl attractive to a young man.”
“Grandma, you’re not answering my question. Please, tell me. How did you know?”
“You’re really worked up about this, aren’t you honey. All I can tell you is you just know.” Julia’s mood and the expression on her face turned more serious. “Michelle, at your age you need to be very careful. You can feel something really strong for someone. If you’re too young, you can make a big mistake. You get involved too fast, or get stuck in a relationship you regret, then don’t have the courage to get out of it down the road. I’ve seen it happen to many young people. Now my dear granddaughter, why don’t you tell me what’s really on your mind? Has someone said something to you today that made you feel special?”
Michelle wanted to tell Julia about the call from Ronnie, but she was afraid. If her grandmother objected, or told her mom, that would end it before she got a chance to meet him in person. Michelle said, “No Grandma, not really. Most of the boys I go to school with just stare at me or tease me for looking, you know, so grown up.”
“I know what you are talking about sweetheart. Your mother had the same problem at your age. All the boys see are your breasts, and they don’t think about anything else. Your mom and I have talked to you about it before.”
“Grandma!”, said Michelle.
“Don’t worry dear. Someday you’ll meet a young man who’ll be looking into your eyes first, and he won’t be able to stop looking at those beautiful eyes for a long time. You’ve got plenty of time. Sweetie, you have everything going for you. You’re beautiful, smart, and most of all you are my granddaughter. With all that in your favor, you’ll conquer the world someday.”
“Oh Grandma, thank you. Can I ask why you and Bill Armstrong never get together? People say he was your boyfriend when you were in school. Is that right?”
“I know what they say?” Julia said sternly. “Michelle, the people in this little one horse town say a lot of things, and stick their nose in other people's business when they should be minding their own affairs. The only connection I have with Bill Armstrong is he and I went to school together. That’s it! That man has been trying to put my name in his story since we were kids. I’ll admit there was a side of his personality that was charming. There’s also a side of him you had to watch out for, and he’s still like that today. I promise you Michelle, he was never my boyfriend. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t even want him to call me a friend today.”
“Wow Grandma. I’ve never heard you talk like that about anyone. Something must have happened to make you feel that way about him. Michelle begged, “Please tell me.”
“Your mom prefers me not to talk to you about these things. I worry I’m not doing you any favors by telling you the whole truth sometimes. You’re growing up too fast for your own good anyway, and I may be the cause of it.”
“Come on Grandma. You can tell me, and I won’t tell anyone.”
“Michelle, I don’t want you keeping secrets from your mother. She’s the best friend you have, and don’t you ever forget it. There’s only one thing I advised you not to talk to her about. Have you ever told her about your dreams?”
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