Sintown Chronicles II: Through Bedroom Windows

by David O. Dyer, Sr.

  “I don't know what it is,” Maggie said. “I was weeding the flower garden in front of the house and found it. I don't know why I kept it. Just toss it in the trash."

  He looked at the trashcan in the opposite corner of the room, assumed a stance as if he were playing basketball and heaved the missile.

  “Two points,” Maggie squealed as the lump of lead bounced off the wall and rattled in the bottom of the metal basket. Frank, what are you going to do tomorrow?"

  “I thought I'd spend the day looking for a location for my garden shop and maybe drive to Charlotte to price equipment."

  “Why don't you go with Greta and me?"

  “Go where?"

  “Panning for gold."

  “You have to be kidding."

  She smiled. “Sit down, Big Brother. I have a tall tale to tell you about a ghost, a diary and a treasure map."

  Frank smiled his toothy grin and sat on the sofa bed. “I'm all ears, little sister."

  Maggie stretched out beside him. “As you know, when I first came to Dot I worked at the Korner Kafe as the manager. Eddie Crow and his wife, Greta, also worked there, although Greta later came to work for the Dollars as their housekeeper. It seems that the house the Crows are renting is occupied by the ghost of the former owner, Miss Ida Jenkins."

  Frank continued to smile. “I haven't heard a ghost story since I was six years old. Go on."

  “Well, Miss Jenkins told Greta there is gold in Dot. Frank, this former schoolteacher left behind a gold map and a huge notebook on panning for gold. I not only have seen it, but also read it. When Greta shared her story with me, I became interested. We've been panning for gold on weekends ever since."

  “Have you found anything?"

  Maggie rolled off the sofa bed and beckoned Frank to follow. She snapped on the kitchen light and motioned for him to sit at the table. She pulled three coffee cans from a cabinet and sat them on the table.

  “Wow,” Frank said. “Are you sure this isn't fool's gold?"

  “It's the real thing, Frank. Panning is easy and fun too. Say you'll go with us."

  “Wild horses couldn't keep me away now,” he replied.

  “You can work on your business Monday."

  “Actually, I have a heavy date planned for Sunday. June and I are going to church and then she plans to show me the big city of Dot. I can search for a location for my business then. Tim made several suggestions I want to check out."

  Maggie stood and stretched. The filmy cloth seemed pasted to her breasts and Frank looked away. “There's food in the fridge. Help yourself, but don't wake me if you get up before I do,” she said as she headed for her bedroom door.

  “Maggie, I need to ask you a personal question."

  “Hurry up, Big Brother. I'm asleep on my feet."

  He stood behind Maggie, placed his hands on her stomach and pulled her to him.

  “Damn, Frank. You have an erection!"

  “Don't be alarmed, Little Sister. It's not in your honor. I still have June on my mind."

  “Your question?"

  “Did it hurt much, Maggie?"

  “Did what hurt?"

  “The first time you had sex."

  “What makes you think I'm not a virgin?” she asked but her chuckle made the question rhetorical. “I screamed bloody murder the first time—and loved every second of it."

  “I don't understand."

  “It's a woman thing."

  “I don't want to hurt June. Is there any way to avoid it?"

  “I thought you weren't going to boink her until you are married."

  “I'm not—at least not until we are as good as married."

  She pulled away from him and studied his eyes. “You've never been with a virgin, have you Frank?"

  “Not that I know of. Please, Maggie. Is there any way to be sure she enjoys the first time?"

  She pulled away and studied his eyes. “You're serious. You really care about this girl."

  He nodded.

  “Frank, some women don't even have a hymen when they have their first sexual experience. The things can rupture from riding a horse or bicycle or from playing with themselves if they use a dildo. Some women have very thin hymens and hardly feel anything when it ruptures. Mine must have been very thick,” she chuckled.

  “Let's assume hers is still intact and is very thick. Can anything be done?"

  “It can be surgically lacerated."

  “Would you talk to her about it, Maggie?"

  “Sure. I'll just walk up to her and say, ‘Oh, by the way, June. Frank wants you to go see Dr. McGee and have your hymen punctured."

  “Forget it,” he grumbled as he struggled with the sofa, turning it into a bed. I sure will be glad when Sewana moves out, he thought.

  Chapter Four

  It was almost ten o'clock Saturday night when Frank knocked on June's apartment door. He fell into her arms and hugged her tightly. “I'm sorry, June,” he said. “I didn't take time to go home and shower."

  “It's okay, Frank. I understand. They broke in on the television with a news report. It must have been terrible.” She steered him into the living room and he sat heavily in a recliner. “Rest a minute. I'll get you a Pepsi."

  “Better make it a beer tonight,” he said.

  She quickly returned with the frosty brown bottle and sat cross-legged at his feet.

  “Like I told you on the phone, we spent the entire day panning for gold. As Maggie promised, it was fun and we found a lot of the stuff. When we got back to the Dollars house, the place was swarming with deputies and others. Tim Junior was missing."

  He took a long pull on his beer and she began to massage his legs.

  “All of a sudden Greta burst out that her husband, Eddie Crow, must have kidnapped Junior. She told a wild tale of Crow coming to Dot to get revenge on several people, including Sandra Dollar. He apparently killed two people—Bobby and Adele Elliott—and kidnapping Junior was another part of his plan."

  “But he didn't kidnap Junior?"

  Frank finished the beer and continued. “No, but we didn't know that then. The deputies went looking for Crow and the rest of us just stayed at the house, trying to comfort the Dollars."

  “According to the TV, Crow died in a gun battle with the deputies."

  “Yeah, and Junior showed up, unharmed. He wandered off earlier in the day looking for Maggie, Greta and me and got lost. Somehow he found his way back home.” Franked smiled faintly. “His biggest fear was that Sandy might spank him."

  She sat in his lap and kissed him gently. “The TV said that the deputies found Sewana in the Crows’ basement in some kind of torture chamber."

  “Frank nodded. Crow was insane. He had to be. I have no idea how Sewana was involved. Poor thing, she was planning to move into a new apartment Monday."

  “She's not dead is she?"

  “No, but they say she's in bad shape."

  “Maybe ... maybe we can help her move when she gets better."

  He slid off the sofa, balanced on his knees and hugged her affectionately. “Lovely Lady, I'm not fit company tonight. I wanted to see you and hold you in my arms. Now I think I'd better go home and get some sleep."

  “You can crash here, if you like."

  “That's an invitation that's hard to turn down, but I need a shower and a good night's rest. I want to get all gussied up in the morning for our big Sunday date."

  She helped him to his feet and walked him to the door.

  He hugged her passionately. “I love you, Lovely Lady."

  She kissed him and said, “I love you too, my handsome hunk."

  * * * *

  June beamed as she stood beside her man who was dressed in a conservative, blue serge suit, black socks and oxfords, white shirt with button-down collar and a plain wine tie. He was one of those people who felt at home with strangers, and it was obvious that the church members would not long be strangers to Frank Skinner.

  Following the benediction, he pumped the hand of e
very man he could corner and hugged the wives and children. Thirty minutes after the service it was well known in Dot that Frank Skinner, Maggie's brother, planned to open a garden shop and become a permanent resident.

  As she listened to Frank issue compliments right and left, ingratiating himself to the citizens of Dot, she felt a sense of triumph. Throughout the service, she felt the eyes of the female worshipers looking at her with envy. It was a totally new experience and it filled her with excitement. She was pleased that Frank included her in the numerous brief conversations and grateful that he said nothing to her neighbors about his intention to marry her. Yet, a part of her wanted to shout to the world, “This man loves me and thinks I am something special. Eat your hearts out, ladies."

  The preacher, Mack McGee, was the last to greet them. He commented on Frank's beautiful voice, which the minister easily identified during the singing of congregational hymns. Frank enthusiastically agreed to join the choir and attend the next rehearsal on Thursday night.

  The Korner Kafe was crowded when they arrived and people were waiting for tables to become available. June tugged on Frank's sleeve and nodded towards Tim and Sandra Dollar, sitting at a booth near the back of the restaurant.

  Frank flashed his toothy smile and waved as Tim motioned the couple to join them.

  Leading June by the hand, Frank approached the Dollars, squeezed Tim Junior's shoulders, and said, “Young man, it won't be long before you won't need that high chair."

  Junior giggled. “Hi Frank. I'm mad at you."

  “Junior!” Sandra scolded.

  “Maggie lets me ride on the mower with her when she cuts the grass."

  As he preceded June into the empty seat Frank replied, “Hey, man. I'm sorry. You can ride with me anytime, and you can help weed the flower garden too."

  Junior wrinkled his nose. “That's not fun."

  “Frank,” Sandra said. “You're new here. You must learn to slip out of the church service during the benediction in order to get a seat at the Korner Kafe."

  Frank laughed. “June didn't warn me. I'll remember that next Sunday."

  June smiled and tugged at his arm. “Next Sunday you'll be sitting in the choir and can't slip out early. Everyone will see you."

  “Not if I do it during the benediction."

  “Mommy,” Junior said, not wanting to be left out of the conversation, “daddy didn't close his eyes during the prayers."

  Sandra looked at him with a twinkle in her eyes. “How do you know, Junior?"

  “I saw him,” Junior responded before he realized it was a confession of his own transgression.

  Everyone laughed and Junior blushed. As the meal progressed, conversation centered on the tragic events of the previous day and then degenerated into less significant observations. June thought she had never talked so much in her life. Frank made certain she was included.

  The first time he slipped his hand to her thigh under the table she was startled, but she welcomed his touch after that. At one point, she returned the gesture while looking directly at Tim Dollar. Her aim was off and she flushed when she realized what part of Frank's anatomy she squeezed. Frank didn't bat an eye.

  “If you folks don't have plans for the afternoon,” Sandra said, “we'd love to have you join us. We're going to do a little fishing."

  “Thanks, Mrs. Dollar,” Frank replied, “but June is going to show me the town this afternoon."

  “That won't take long,” Tim joked.

  “That's what I told him,” June giggled.

  “I want to check out those sites you suggested for my garden shop, Mr. Dollar. I'm in a hurry to get started. One day next week I'd like to go over my plans with you. I sincerely appreciate your offer to help me out financially."

  Tim coughed and no one spoke until the waitress finished serving their desserts.

  “Frank, I hope I didn't mislead you. Sandy and I don't make direct loans. That's the job of the BB&T Bank. We do, occasionally, cosign notes for worthy projects, however."

  For just a second Frank's smile seemed pasted on his lips. “I think I have enough capital to acquire the products and equipment needed for a small shop, but I could not buy the heavy equipment you were talking about the other day, Mr. Dollar."

  “I think you will find Tom Anthony at the bank to be very understanding and helpful,” Tim said, averting his eyes from the young man.

  “Well, we'll see. I have no credit record to fall back on. Getting a loan may require a cosigner."

  “What you need to do is come up with a list of necessary purchases and expenses and contrast that with projected revenue. Let me see your business plan before taking it to the bank. Perhaps I can offer some helpful advice."

  “There is an alternative,” Sandra said. “Tim and I are always looking for good investments. We own part interest in many of the businesses in Dot."

  Frank smiled carefully. “That's a possibility, I suppose, but I was in a partnership with my four brothers in Atlanta. My heart is set on owning my own business here in Dot."

  “I admire you for that, Frank,” Tim said. “Like they say, you have to crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run. There's nothing wrong with starting your business on a small scale. A tractor with attachments will allow you to do the landscaping I have in mind."

  Sandra smiled and her eyes seemed to narrow as she looked at Frank. “Mr. Anthony will probably make you a good offer, and if he doesn't, well, rules can always be bent. Tim's a softie. He won't let your business fail for lack of sufficient capital."

  Frank stared at the slender woman. His pasted smile was back. Her foot was rubbing his leg under the table and he did not dare move it.

  June needed the ladies room and, while Tim was paying the tab, Sandra tucked her arm in Frank's and ushered him into the parking lot. “I'm not as young as June and I certainly don't have boobs as large as hers, but I have money—lots of it. In addition to ready cash, I have a body that makes grown men beg and teenagers have wet dreams. Fifteen minutes a week in back of the barn will make you a happy and well funded man."

  “Mrs. Dollar, I'm not going to play this game."

  “You can't succeed without Dollar money and business. You know that, Frank. I'll meet you in the barn at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon, and I want you in a bathing suit on our dock before the sun sets today.” Her eyes flashed. “That's an order."

  Tim, Junior and June joined them in the parking lot. “You two look mighty serious,” Tim said.

  “You threw him for a loop, Tim,” Sandra covered. “He thought you were going to back him in his new business. I assured him things will work out."

  “Sure, Frank,” Tim said, slapping the taller man on his back. “I'm sorry if I misled you, but there is no shame in starting small. Hard work will have your business expanding in no time."

  “Frank,” Tim Junior said, tugging on Frank's index finger, “please come fish with us. It's fun."

  Frank scooped the youngster up and lifted him high in the air. “Like your daddy said, Dot's a small town. Maybe June and I can join you later this afternoon."

  Sandra grasped June's hands. “Please wear a bathing suit, June. It's a perfect day for sunning and your pasty white skin could use a tan."

  June climbed into Frank's pickup, snapped the seatbelt in place and rested her hand on his thigh. “Frank, I'm sorry about ... you know ... where I touched you before."

  He flashed his magnetic grin. “I'm not sorry. Now, Lovely Lady, show me the metropolis of Dot."

  “I like that,” she said.

  “Like what?"

  “You calling me Lovely Lady. That's what you called me the first time you came in the diner. It took my breath away."

  He picked up her hand and held it gently. “Then that's what I will call you from now on.” He nuzzled her hand to his cheek before kissing it. “Now we need to find a pet name for me."

  “Pet name?"

  “Something special. All lovers have pet names for their sweethearts.
"

  “How about Pretty Man?"

  He laughed. “I don't think so."

  “Is that what we are, Frank—sweethearts?"

  “I'm not certain. I know I love you, but I don't know how you feel about me."

  She looked at her hands, now clasped in her lap. “I love you too, Frank."

  He reached for her and she held out her arms to him, but their seatbelts would not allow an embrace. They burst out laughing and Frank started the engine. “Where do we start, my tour guide?"

  “Well,” she began. “Diagonally across the intersection is Dot's only gas station, the Dot Super Save. It's owned and operated by Dottie Frank's son, Billy. On the corner across from us is Dot's Grocery. The Adams family owns it.

  Frank chuckled, remembering an old television program by that name.

  The Speed Shop is on the other corner, but as you can see, they've built a new garage area and are replacing the old building with another service station.

  “Competition for Billy Frank, huh?"

  She shook her head. “Billy's going to manage both. He went into partnership with Mr. Bennett."

  “Now hold on. You're confusing me. I thought George Bennett owns the Korner Kafe and Motel."

  “He does, but he and Billy went together and bought the other corner of the intersection."

  “You think there is enough business in Dot to support two service stations?"

  She shrugged her shoulders. “There's plenty of traffic at the intersection that doesn't make it into the business district. It comes from Charlotte and turns left on Highway 13. The Dollars recreational complex is two, maybe three miles beyond their farm."

  “What is a speed shop?"

  “I'm not sure. I've heard they build engines for race cars—modified race cars, whatever they are."

  “Oh. There's a short track in Atlanta where the modified cars race."

  “Folks around here go to Winston-Salem on Saturday nights for the races, but I've never been."

  “Lovely Lady, you don't know what you're missing. That's where we are going next Saturday night."

  She smiled at him. “Okay, but they say the cars are so loud you need to wear earplugs. Remind me to bring some cotton."