Mississippi Nights

by D. M. Webb

“I agree.” Darlene shielded her eyes with a hand. “He racked up quite a reputation in school and out. Everyone believed he was this bad boy when, in fact, he was quite shy. He had a few girlfriends, but nothing serious until Rebecca.”

  “So, he wasn’t this ‘wham, bam, thank you, ma’am’ kind of guy?”

  Sarah shook her head. “Jeremy was the bad boy. I know, kind of hard to believe, isn’t it? The tales I could tell you about him. But David was more daring and reckless. Ever since high school, he has lived life on the edge.”

  Darlene nodded. “I think that is where the rumors started. David liked the fast crowd. But now. . .” She glanced over at the tables.

  Maggie followed her gaze. Coming down the small dirt path was the object of their discussion. His sandaled feet displayed confidence with every step. His shirt, tight across his strong shoulders, flapped in the breeze. Maggie smiled. His legs, long and muscular but definitely white, showed beneath his shorts.

  “He’s different,” Darlene finished.

  Sarah murmured her agreement. “He’s quieter. And sad.”

  “I know.” Maggie sighed. “I see that in him. And I think that is what draws me to him. He’s so sad, but yet I see so much life inside him.”

  Darlene’s hand fell on her arm. “Give it time, Maggie. We can tell you’re in love with him. He’ll come around if it’s meant to be.” She motioned for them to lean in closer. “And I don’t think God would mind if we start pushing him your way.”

  Sarah laughed again. “Definitely not. How cool that would be . . . not only my cousin but also my sister-in-law.”

  Darlene hugged Maggie. “And I wouldn’t mind having you as a sister.”

  Maggie pushed at them and glanced back at David, who was making a bee-line for the tables. “I think it’s too soon to talk about that.”

  “Never.” Sarah checked on the children at the water and then yelled. “Dennis! I said not to do that.”

  Maggie ducked the mud that flew up from Sarah’s flip-flops as she dashed to the children. Darlene chuckled and helped Maggie to her feet. “Let’s go save the kids from Sarah. I told her it was unreasonable to expect the kids to stay out of the deep water.”

  : : : : :

  David watched Darlene and Sarah surround Maggie. Up to no good, they were. Maggie’s hair, pulled into a low braid, glistened under the sun. Bet the freckles were even darker today. Would she smell like cotton candy? Or something different?

  He raised a brow, dodged a protruding root, and headed for the tables. The trio’s eyes burned into him, but he ignored them.

  Sarah’s yell cut across the air as he rounded the edge of the table. He smiled as his sister-in-law took off after Dennis and Sophie. Now what was the problem?

  He shielded his eyes from the sun and watched as Dennis and Sophie pulled Poppy back out of the water. He scoffed. The kids didn’t go in too deep. Darlene and Maggie reached her side. Looked as though Maggie was scolding Poppy. He smiled at the déjà vu feeling. A long time ago he stood where Poppy stood. He turned away from the scene.

  An elderly woman stepped up to the table. His heart lifted at the sight of his old Sunday school teacher. The aroma of fried chicken floated on the air. He stepped up to Ms. Edie as she set her dish down on the table.

  She gasped when he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Oh!”

  “Ah, Ms. Edie.” David dropped his cheek down to hers and held her little frame to his. “You get prettier every day. When are you going to marry me?”

  “Oh.” She giggled and swatted at his hands and then turned in his arms. When he let go, she patted his cheek. “You only say that because you want my chicken.”

  David grinned and pressed her hands between his. “Ms. Edie, you wound me. You don’t look a day over sixty, and I have always had a thing for older women.”

  “Oh, posh.” A soft blush crept across her face. “You say that every time I make your favorite fried chicken. And I’m eighty-one.” She patted his cheek again and handed him a chicken leg. “Here. Don’t tell anyone.”

  David kissed her cheek. “I knew there was a reason you’re my favorite lady.”

  “Oh, posh. Go on now.” She swatted at him again and nudged him away from the table. “Go on, now.”

  He bit into the juicy and spicy chicken. Ms. Edie could put Colonel Sanders out of a job. He glanced over at the water. Satan Sarah had finally freed the children from her wrath, but she stood nearby, guarding them. The woman needed to lighten up. He took the last bite and dropped the bone in the large trash can near the trail.

  A few of the men walked by and greeted him. David nodded back. He spotted Jeremy at the far edge, talking with Marty Sr. and Bro. Johnny. A bobbing redhead at the corner of his vision caught his attention. Poppy chatted beside Maggie. No. She was begging, pleading. Her bony little arm kept pointing at the water where the older kids horse played and splashed. Maggie shook her head. Her own arm motioned at the floats near the edge. Poppy stomped her foot and then walked away, sulking.

  David grinned. So, Maggie wouldn’t allow her in the water. He’d fix that.

  He scanned the water. There were his two lackeys. How to get their attention?

  “What are you up to?”

  He jumped at Jeremy’s voice. Sheesh, the man moved too quietly. “Nothing.” He looked down and spotted a tell-tale bulge in Jeremy’s back pocket. “Hand me your Zippo, will ya?”

  “Oh, now you smoke?” Jeremy passed him the silver lighter.

  “No. That’s your crutch.” David traced the police emblem on the front. “Nice. Present?”

  “Yeah. For Christmas. What do you need it for?”

  “For this.” He angled the Zippo, allowing the sun to glint across it. The beam danced across Dennis’ face. When the boy looked up, David motioned for him and Marty Jr. to come to him.

  “What are you up to that you need the boys?” Jeremy accepted his lighter back.

  “You’ll see.” David started climbing the overgrown trail behind him that led to a group of trees whose branches reached over the river. A few brier bushes grabbed at his shorts. He skirted around another clump and looked over his shoulder.

  Jeremy’s oath hung in the air as he ran into the briers. His brother must have forgotten about them. David circled the tree, peering up into its branches.

  “You think it’s still there?”

  David shrugged. “Has to be. That was a good rope I snitched from Mr. Daniels’ barn. Man, I remember he was mad when he found out.”

  “I remember that Dad made us work to pay for it.” Jeremy pointed at a branch. “There it is.” The thick, yellow rope hung in loops around the huge branch.

  A rustle from below produced a red-faced Marty Jr. and Dennis.

  Marty squinted. “What’s up, Uncle David, Uncle Jeremy?”

  Jeremy shook his head, still staring into the tree. “I don’t think it’ll hold your weight. It’s been years since it was used.”

  “We’ll see. You game?” He narrowed his eyes at his brother. See if he was too cowardly to try.

  Jeremy narrowed his own eyes, mouth set in a thin line. “Fine. But you first.”

  David snorted. “Figures. Dennis, Marty, see that rope up there? Think one of you could shimmy up there and throw it down?”

  They looked at each other, grinning, before Marty stepped forward. “I can.”

  David gave him a leg up. The teen gripped a branch and, like a monkey, leapt from branch to branch until he reached the one with the rope.

  Jeremy stood under it. “Yeah. Just unwrap it right there. Hold up. You got it tangled on the small limb there.” He turned to Dennis. “Is anyone looking?”

  Dennis peered past the tall weeds and bushes. “No, sir. Coast is clear. This is so cool.”

  David smacked his head. “You are sworn to secrecy. Only your granddad knows where this rope came from.”

  Jeremy snorted. “And Mr. Daniels.”

  “Don’t think he’ll be telling anyone unless yo
u got a direct line to God.” David caught the rope as it dropped to the ground. “Hold up, Marty. Can you reach the tie-off?”

  Marty scooted farther down the branch. “Yeah. Whatcha need?”

  “See any marks or cuts?”

  “No, sir. Looks fine to me.”

  Jeremy looked over at David. “Think we can trust him?”

  David smiled and looped the rope into a foothold. “We’ll see. Come on down, Marty!” He finished tying the rope as Marty dropped down from the overhead branch.

  “Dad, Mom looks like she’s looking for you.” Dennis let the bush fall back into place.

  “Go distract her. And don’t mention this to anyone.” Jeremy glanced at David. “Who’s the victim?”

  “Victim?” Marty paused. Dennis looked back.

  David stripped off his shirt and threw it at Dennis. “Hold on to this for me. And you see that piece of driftwood next to Darlene and Maggie?”

  Marty smiled. “That long piece by Mom?”

  “Yeah. See if you can get Poppy over there. I need a clear shot. Way too many briers up here now.”

  Jeremy grinned. “Oh, you are asking for trouble. Maggie had explicit instructions that Poppy not go into the deep water, only along the edge. She can’t swim, David.”

  “No worry. I won’t let go of her.” He winked at his brother as he stepped into the loop and lined up his path. “Sure you don’t want to go first?”

  “No way.”

  “Pansy.” Jeremy’s reply was lost as David jumped off the small ledge, yelling in his best imitation of Tarzan.

  : : : : :

  Maggie turned from Darlene as Poppy passed her in a rush. She narrowed her eyes. Those boys were up to something. Dennis and Marty Jr. had Poppy to stand by the bank. They glanced up at the trees and stepped back.

  Poppy screwed up her face, but she didn’t move from her spot.

  “What are they doing?” She tapped Darlene on the shoulder. “Is that David’s shirt that Dennis has?”

  Darlene looked over at the boys and then at Poppy. “Oh, great. Sarah!” She took a step towards Poppy.

  Maggie grabbed her arm. “What? What’s going on?”

  A Tarzan yell penetrated the air. Everyone paused in their activities, except for the older ladies, as a bare-chested man swooped upon the gathering. Air swooshed as David flew past, scooping up Poppy with an outstretched arm.

  Maggie gasped. She pressed her hands to her mouth.

  Poppy’s scream echoed against the water as they soared overhead. Red pigtails flew out as the rope reached its zenith. David, with Poppy clinging to him, gracefully arced over the water, feet pointing down. His arm wrapped around the child, and they plummeted into the dark river.

  Maggie’s breath slammed back into her chest as the rope came to rest against the bushes at the water’s edge. Dennis and Marty Jr. grabbed it and took off. Maggie rushed into the water. Its coldness enveloped her as she waded in waist deep.

  Stupid man! Where were they?

  In front of her, two forms popped up. David yelped and shook the water from his eyes. Poppy cried and laughed. She clung to him, her eyes wide. She spotted Maggie.

  “Miss Maggie! Did you see me? That was so much fun. I want to do it again.”

  Maggie waded further out. Water lapped at her chest. She clutched at her heart. “David James! You scared me to death doing that. And look at me. I got my clothes all wet now.”

  David grinned and treaded towards her, Poppy clinging to his back. “Loosen up, Margaret Allison.”

  She scowled. “Oh.” Infuriating man. “Poppy, you okay?”

  “Oh, yes. It was so much fun.”

  David stopped in front of her. He tweaked her nose with his fingers as Poppy wrapped her legs around his chest. “She’s fine. I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.” His arm grabbed at Poppy as she slid around until she dangled from his neck.

  “I can’t believe you did that.” Maggie reached up. Her fingers brushed at a trickle of water by his brow. “When did you tie the rope there?”

  “Long time ago. Jeremy and I use to come rope swinging.” His green eyes glinted as he looked over her head. “Uh oh, hold on. Here comes Jer now.”

  Maggie turned as another yell echoed. Jeremy swooped down. He kicked out his feet. The rope snapped as it arced and fell into the water. Jeremy splashed down without the grace David had.

  Within seconds, his head popped up, yelping. “Whoa! It’s freezing.”

  David laughed. He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Pansy!”

  Jeremy responded with a rude gesture.

  “Jeremy Dean!” Sarah’s voice shot out, and Maggie laughed at the furious scowl on her cousin’s face. “You’re in front of the church, you idiot.”

  Jeremy cast her an innocent look.

  Dennis collected the rope from the bank. “You broke it, Dad.”

  Jeremy smiled at his son and swam towards Maggie and David. “Well, I think we can safely say that Marty Jr. was wrong.”

  “Apparently.”

  Sarah’s voice yelled out to him. Jeremy sported a lop-sided grin. “Well, I’m being summoned. How much would it be worth to push her in?”

  David smiled. “Priceless, but I dare you to do so.”

  Jeremy shook his head. “I value my life too much.” Poppy’s squeal filled Maggie’s heart as he splashed Poppy once before he swam to the bank.

  Such a joyful sound. She gasped as David’s hand latched onto her arm. Cold water engulfed her. She pushed against the muddy bottom and surfaced, only to find David treading towards the pier with Poppy on his back. Oh, she’d get him for that.

  She struck out, gaining on his leisure pace. He laughed at her as she neared.

  “Don’t do it. I’ve got Poppy.”

  “Do it, Miss Maggie! Do it!”

  David feigned an injured look. “Oh, little flower, you’re supposed to be my friend.”

  Poppy giggled and splashed a handful of river water into his face. He sputtered. Maggie cast her own handful. “Hurry, Poppy. To me.”

  Poppy jumped from his hold and into her arms. She sank a little from the weight, but quickly swam to the pier. David followed in her wake. When she grabbed the wooden planks of the pier, Poppy scampered up. Maggie started to follow, but her laughter weakened her. She managed to get a leg up on the deck.

  Poppy bounced on her feet. “Oh, hurry, Miss Maggie! He’s here.”

  She let out a yelp as David’s hands gripped her around the waist and threw her backwards into the water. Again dark, murky water surrounded her. She reached out. Fabric met her fingers, and she grabbed the hem of his shorts, tugging him under. Air bubbles escaped as she laughed underwater.

  Poppy squealed as she surfaced. “He’s behind you!”

  Maggie ducked back under and felt for the pier’s beams. She pulled herself along until she was under the wooden deck. When she broke the water’s surface, David was turning circles, looking for her.

  “Where’d she go, Poppy?”

  “I ain’t telling, Mr. David.”

  “Ah, now, little flower. Didn’t I just give you an adventure?” He treaded the water and turned. His eyes locked onto hers. “Ah ha!”

  Maggie squealed and swam away from the pier, heading further out into the river. The current pulled at her, tugging her slightly downstream. David grinned and broke through the water. She gasped. Goodness, he was fast. With as big of a leap as she could muster, she struck for the bank, trying to outdistance him.

  His hand latched onto her shirt and pulled her underwater. She twirled and tried to kick up to the surface, but his arms wrapped around her, bringing her to him. They surfaced in a big splash.

  He grinned at her. “Can’t get away from me, Maggie Goddard.”

  Maggie gazed into his eyes, his arms holding her in the frigid water. Her chin trembled with the cold, but heat emanated between their bodies. His eyes softened. Oh, boy. He was way too charming for her health. “What if I don’t want to, David Boyette
?”

  He pushed a wet lock of hair away from her brow. “Really mean that?”

  Poppy’s voice interrupted them. “Can I jump back in?”

  “No!” Their voices shouted in unison.

  They laughed and swam towards the little girl dangling her feet in the water. A small bit of disappointment flooded Maggie. Poppy had lousy timing, for sure.

  When they reached the pier, David gave her a boost onto the deck and then hoisted himself up beside her. Poppy slid between them, her body shivering.

  “By any chance, did you bring any towels?” Goosebumps pimpled the skin along his chest and arms.

  “Yeah. In my truck. Good thing I had the foresight to bring clothes too.” She nudged Poppy. “Let’s go grab them, shall we?”

  David lumbered to his feet and helped them stand. Maggie smiled at him as they walked down the pier. Her gaze fell to his stomach. She raised her brow at the tattoo.

  “Sarah told me you had a tat. How long have you had that?”

  He touched his stomach. His shoulders rose in a shrug. “Not long. A drunken dare.”

  Maggie tore her eyes away from the muscled abs. “It’s nice. The tattoo, I mean.” Dennis saved her from further embarrassment as he ran past.

  “Here’s your shirt, Uncle David. Can’t stay long. Fellas found a box turtle down the path.”

  He took off but came back and grabbed Poppy’s hand. “Come on, Poppy. You got to see this.”

  Maggie nodded at her. “Go on. I’ll bring you the towel.” Poppy took off with Dennis, her little feet flying across the muddy bank.

  “You’re great with her, you know.”

  She shrugged as they crossed the road to her truck. “I guess so.” The truck door creaked as she pulled it open. Two small beach towels lay on the seat. She handed David the pink one.

  He opened it. “Princess?”

  Maggie smiled. “It’s either that or Dora the Explorer.”

  His face screwed up. “Not much of a choice, but beggars can’t be choosey.” He wrapped the towel over his shoulders, scrubbing at his head.

  She dried her own hair and turned towards the stack of clothes. Her long blue tunic shirt was draped over the back of the seat. She grabbed it. “Think you can stay put while I go to the other side to change my shirt?”