He grinned and said, “Maybe a couple in a napkin for my girls?”
“Why not bring those little ladies here ta watch Santa come ta town?”
Before he could answer, the screen door opened and Cal came in carrying what looked like an e-book reader and sat next to his wife on the couch. He looked at Jean who nodded and said, “The governor would like ta know how come we got them new, sequential ten dollar bills.”
“Governor,” he said as he sat forward, “We got a story ta tell ya and all I ask is that ya here us out. Okay?”
“Well,” answered the governor as he sat back in the easy chair, “I did get elected by listening to the people, so, sure, I’m all ears.”
19
Operation Snowball’s Meltdown
For the next fifteen minutes Cal told him of their coming to Rattlesnake Haven even before it was called that and of his parents and the originals who visited on their vacations and finally, of their decision to live in Rattlesnake Haven permanently.
The governor sat with a poker face as Cal continued.
“The reason the money we used was new and sequentially numbered, was that we used money that was printed in 2013 that was never in circulation and kept in the Treasury. Heck, the government printed so many bills in 2013 that there is still a surplus of uncirculated paper money around in my time.” He sat close and said with the shake of his head, “Don’t get me wrong, governor, it’s all legal tender and backed by the United States of America. It’s just that they’ve never been used yet, and we brought back a batch that was all printed at once and that’s why the numbers all run in order.”
He grinned and sat back as Jean patted his shoulder. “Now,” he said looking at the stoic face of the governor, “ya have any more questions, governor?”
“Just about a million,” he answered. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe a word of this. I deal in black and white and this is…”
“Hogwash?” asked a grinning Cal.
“Well, not exactly…“
“Ya say that ya deal in black and white, governor, is that because you’re color blind?”
“What?” said the governor looking at him with surprise and shock on his face, “I’m not color blind. What makes you say that?”
Still smiling, Cal answered, “Well I’ll tell ya how I know that ta be the truth: you told everyone yourself! You said that when you went into the army, you had a girlfriend who just happened to be the daughter of the doctor who gave the physical to become an officer and, knowing that being color blind would hamper your chances of promotion, you persuaded her to fix the test so ya could pass it.”
The governor just sat still with a furrowed brow as Cal went on. “Also, you were married once before.” The governor was about to say something when Cal raised his hand and went on, “Seems ya got drunk in college and you an’ your girl at the time went an’ eloped. The next day ya both decided that her very rich dad would come an’ shoot ya both, so ya decided ta pay the man who married ya an’ kill the record before it went into the system.”
The room was silent and Bob and Anne just looked at each other in shock as the governor shook his head and said in a low voice, “H-How do you know that? I mean, I just told my wife that last week. Nobody knows about that.”
Cal slapped his thigh and said with a chuckle, “Shucks, governor, this ain’t no blackmail or nothing. This information came from the book ya wrote.”
Now the governor sat forward and, knowing he was right on this, said, “But, I never wrote a book and I’d never write those stories…they’d, well, they could hurt my career.”
“What if ya wrote the book after your career was over an’ ya was retired? Ya see where I’m comin’ from?” He held up the e-book reader and said, “I been tryin’ ta tell ya, governor, in the time period that we come from, 2013 is all old news and it’s in the history books. I borrowed one of the children’s history e-book tablets and brought it here in case ya didn’t believe us. Now, I guess ya should see for yourself.”
Still shaking his head as he tried to debunk Cal, he said, “But this history book that you have could have been staged. You could have put anything you wanted in it and showed it to me.”
“Yup! That’s why I decided ta tell ya some o’ the stuff that nobody in this time period knows yet. They don’t know it yet, because like I said, you didn’t write the book yet…but you will. I know, because I read parts of it before returning here with it.”
The governor grinned and admitted, “Well, I do have a draft I started a few times…”
“Do ya have a title for the book?”
“Yes,” nodded the governor, “God Lives in Nevada and I Was His Caretaker.”
Cal smiled as he passed the e-reader tablet to the governor. The picture on the screen showed a sandy colored cover with a cactus silhouetted in a large round brilliant sun with the red lettering across the top saying, ‘God Lives in Nevada and I was His Caretaker,’ and beneath the title in smaller lettering: Mike Ekuland.
Governor Mike Eklund simply shook his head as he looked at the screen and mumbled, “Oh my God…it’s true!” He looked at Cal and Jean and said in a low voice, “The future? This is nothing but fantastic!” he sat back and still shaking his head went on, “There’s so much I’d like to ask you two.”
“Well,” said Cal, “now that we got that settled, can we talk turkey?”
“Can I read a few of the pages?” asked the governor looking at him with pleading eyes.
“Cal shrugged and answered, “Do ya really want ta know what happens in yer lifetime, governor?”
The big man chewed on his lip and slowly handed it back as he said, “No, I guess not.” He suddenly looked up and said, “But, can you tell me if I get reelected or…no wait, change that. Can you just tell me if this is the end of my political career?”
Cal grinned and answered, “Not by a long shot, governor. Not by a long, long shot.”
A smile crossed his face as he visibly relaxed. “So,” he said with a shrug, “is there anything I can do for you people?”
“Can ya keep a secret?”
“Sure. But if you’re worried that I’m going to tell the world that you guys are from the future, don’t worry about it because they’d think I’m nuts and never vote for me again.”
“Well, that’s all we ask,” said Cal sitting back. “And just ta sweeten’ the pot, we got a nice deal for ya to help ya out with your reelection.”
The governor’s eyes lit up, “What’s that?”
“Our history books say that Bransville, Nevada, becomes the center for cell research. Bone grafting, bone cell growth and lots o’ other cell related things that leave me dizzy. Now living right here with us is one of the top doctors in that field and he volunteered ta come an’ teach the doctors of Bransville Hospital some of his learnin,’ if ya want. I think that if you cut some o’ the red tape and get his foot in the door and became his sponsor, the newspapers and television will report it and the voters will look at ya as much more than a football player with broad shoulders.”
Seeing the opportunity that Cal was offering him, the governor asked, “And you say that he lives right here in Rattlesnake Haven with you folks?”
“Yep, and not only that but the daughter of Doctor Bains, another of our townspeople, is governor of Nevada in our time and she blessed the idea of us staying here and startin’ that program up. So ya see, we got bright governors in our times too.”
The governor’s brain was working a mile a minute. “Cal, I think we all think the same way, however, can I ask one more favor of your mayor?”
Bob nodded as he sat forward, “Anything you want, governor.”
“My wife and I are looking for a small house as a get-away from the hustle and bustle of the capitol and I wonder if any of these homes are available for us to buy?”
“Well,” Bob said facing Jean, “I’m all for that but I’ll have to refer that question to the lady who knows who lives where and let her answer that q
uestion for you.”
Jean nodded and said, “Well, governor, Peg and Keith Ferris just this morning became grandparents and are leaving at five o’clock this evening and their home is cute as a button and the neighborhood would love the sound of two more little ones trottin’ around.”
“That would be great and,” he said as he looked at his watch, “what time is the wedding?”
“Eleven tonight,” answered Anne with a shy grin.”
“Well,” said the governor, “it’s three o’clock now and I can have my wife pack up the girls and have them flown in by seven this evening. Would that be okay?”
“Jean and me will make sure the place is ready fer ya, governor,” added Cal.
“Well, okay, but we need to talk price. How much does it go for,” he asked Bob.
With a shrug he answered, “The same as everyone else, governor, chip in for the taxes and keep the grass cut.”
Knowing that there was no grass in the area the governor laughed and shook his head, “This town is quite unique, Bob.” He thought for a moment and said, “I saw a ladies dress store in town and wonder: my wife used to sew and design dresses, and I know she’d love to pitch in and help, is there a chance that she could do that?”
“Oh,” said Jean as she clasped her hands at her breast, “The Ladies Linen group will be thrilled to have another seamstress.”
“Then it’s settled,” said the governor, “I’m going to call the base and have the helicopter pick them up.”
“Do you have radio reception out here?” asked Bob.
“Yep! We better. The military spends enough money for those radios.” He stood and said, “Please excuse me a moment so I can start the ball rolling.” He stepped out on the porch and keyed the mic attached to his jacket.
“Colonel Ekuland here,” he said into the mic.
The reply came back instantly, “Colonel Meyers here, is all well?”
“Fine Berni, just fine. All’s well and I have a favor to ask you: will you send a copter to pick up my wife and two girls and have them flown directly here? They’ll be at the base in Carson City by six o’clock this afternoon and make sure the pilot is savvy about landing in a dust storm because that’s what’s going to happen as those rotors kick up the sand.”
“Roger that, Colonel. Should the pilot wait?”
“Negative. Have him return to base and I’m going to release the two troopers you sent along with me. I’ll be coming back in a day or two so if anyone asks, just say I’m doing some military study or something. Good?”
“Fine with me, sir. Will you give me the ‘Santa’?”
Ekuland knew that the code word ‘Santa’ was to confirm that it was he who was speaking, and that he was not under any duress by someone forcing him to do this. He thought hard for a second and suddenly it came to him: Sleigh ride!
“Roger that, Colonel,” he answered, “Santa is ‘Sleigh ride’, repeat, Santa is ‘Sleigh ride’. Over.”
A happy-sounding Colonel Meyers came through, “Thanks, Mike, have a Merry Christmas.”
“You too, Berni. See ya soon, and Berni…”
“Yes, sir?”
“Coming here alone was a great idea.”
Berni smiled and said, “Thanks boss. Anything else?”
Eklund thought momentarily and added, “Actually, yes. Can you patch me through to a telephone number?”
“Sure, shoot.”
He gave him the telephone number and in a moment he heard the call going through.
An annoyed voice answered, “Terry Hardin here. Who’s this?”
“Relax, Terry. It’s me Mike Ekuland.”
“Oh, hi Mike. I didn’t recognize the number.”
“It’s not mine it’s a military patch. Now listen close: That story your reporter dreamed up is nothing more than a pipedream. I almost stepped in a bucket of crap that would have cause me the election had I gone ahead with investigating the town in force, and lots of other heads would have rolled too…get my drift?”
“Uh, well, are you sure? I mean the way he wrote it up was…“
“The way he wrote it up was open for anyone to interpret it anyway they wished. If I were you, I’d keep a close eye on him as he could easily have dragged you and your station down. And make sure that Anne Dallas is taken care of. She got a bad rap. Now I got to run, I’m going to a wedding. Bye.”
Harden heard the click and dead air, which lasted for one second as he quickly dialed Pete Higgins who answered, “Channel…” he never even got to finish his introduction as his boss interrupted, “Pete, this is Hardin. That damned story about that town in the desert is a bunch of hogwash and I am pissed! Do you hear me? Pissed!”
Higgins sat down and wiped his suddenly damp forehead as he fought the fear welling up inside him. “Wha-What story? You mean the Rattlesnake Haven story?”
“You are damned right: the Rattlesnake Haven story. I just got my butt reamed by the governor who personally investigated it and he is pissed! Now, who started this mess?”
Happy to remove his head from the chopping block he answered, “Tom Madren. He was an up-and-coming investigative reporter.”
“Listen, let’s not do anything crazy like firing him…right now anyway. We don’t want anyone looking into what the television station was going to investigate, and become the laughing stock of the business before we even start up. But, keep him where he can’t do us any harm. Got that? Oh, and Terry, make sure that the Dallas girl is reinstated. That clown almost destroyed a great up-and-coming asset. Got it?”
“Got it, Terry. And Terry? Merry…“
“Yeah. Merry Christmas to you too.”
Higgins heard him slam the phone down and immediately looked at his organizational chart. Sliding his finger down the paper, he saw that there was an open position for a weatherperson and grinned as he dialed Tom Madrin’s extension.
Standing on the sunny porch, Mike Eklund felt a sense of relief as he looked around him at the homes and businesses of the town he almost gave the ‘go-ahead’ for a small invasion. Wow, he thought, I pride myself on listening to the people and almost destroyed my career by listening to a nut-job. Glad I stopped this snowball before it crushed us all. He smiled as he thought of his little girls riding a pony on Christmas morning and phoned his wife.
A few minutes later he and Mildred made plans for her and their two girls to pack clothes for a few days, drive down to the Carson City Army National Guard Air Station, hop the waiting helicopter and join him in Rattlesnake Haven to meet Santa Claus. He then called Sergeant Lang who drove the Humvee around front.
Mike grinned to himself as the soldier stood and saluted him still dressed in full battle gear, “Yes sir?”
“Sergeant, you and the corporal are dismissed. I spoke to Colonel Meyers and he is expecting you both back at the base. No rush, and if you wish to stay here for the night I’m sure we can set something up.”
The sergeant shook his head and answered for them both, “Thanks anyway, colonel, but if we leave now we can join the outfit for the maneuver. Will that be all, sir?”
“No,” he answered as he stepped off the porch and handed them something wrapped in tissues. “Some homemade gingerbread men for the trip back. Thanks for the ride and say hi to your family for me. Merry Christmas, gentlemen.”
The two troopers were torn between saluting and shaking hands and Eklund made up their minds by grasping both men’s hands before they rode off.
Mike watched the whip antenna fly back as the Humvee accelerated in a cloud of dust on it’s way out of town. Boy, he thought with pride, these men were ready to fight and defend me with their lives if needed, and they kept their gear on even in this heat. God bless them!
A smiling, relaxed colonel walked back in and sat down. “I feel so relaxed just sitting here and chatting with you folks. My wife is going to love this town so much, as will my little girls.”
“Ever see a cow-town wedding, governor?” asked Jean as she passed him another c
ookie.
Cal glanced out the window and nudged Jean as he said, “Ah, Jean, why don’t we show the governor around some more? I mean if he’s gonna be livin’ here with us, best we show him where he’s gonna be livin’. Right?” He winked as he tilted his head towards the front of the house.
Jean saw what he was alluding to and agreed as she almost grabbed the governor’s arm and said, “Right you are, Cal. Come on governor and we’ll show ya the house that’s all set up an’ ready ta move into.” They left in a haste that made Bob and Anne watch in wonder as they led the man away.
“Boy!” said Bob watching them head towards town, “They must really want to show him around.” He looked slightly left and seeing a black Jeep coming, said, “Hey, looks like we’ve got company coming. I don’t remember ever seeing this Jeep before.” He looked harder and went on, “Looks like they’re coming straight towards us. Wonder who it is?”
“Well,” quipped Anne nervously, “it is the time of the year for surprises.”
He looked at her than back at the Jeep and back at her again. “What sort of a surprise?”
She shrugged but the nervous look on her face made him ask, “Anne, do you know something I don’t?”
“Honey,” she said as she dragged him away from the window, “come and sit here next to me. I need to tell you something, real fast.”
He sat, “So? What’s this all about?”
“Please, don’t be angry with me.”
“I can’t be angry with you,” he said tweaking her nose while at the same time trying to look out the window. “Now what is it?”
“When I was in New York I went to your old job and met some of your old friends. I had lunch with Tommy Wallace and picked his brain. He told me lots of stuff about you and your love of the old west…and a few other things.”
With raised eyebrows, Bob asked, “A few other things? Like what?”
She nodded, and with her hands tightly clenched, answered, “Uh hum. Like your mother’s address in Florida.”
Romance in a Ghost Town Page 38