Exigent Circumstances Ch. 02

This story is part of an ongoing series. The chronological order of my stories is listed in WifeWatchman's biography.

Feedback and constructive criticism is very much appreciated, and I encourage feedback for ideas.

This story contains graphic scenes, language and actions that might be extremely offensive to some people. These scenes, words and actions are used only for the literary purposes of this story. The author does not condone murder, racism, racial language, violence, rape or violence against women, and any depictions of any of these in this story should not be construed as acceptance of the above.

There may or may not be discussion of political issues in my stories. If you are a Snowflake that feels you need to be protected from any mention of politics, then click the Back button now, and never attempt to read any of my stories ever again. You've been warned.

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Part 5 - Louisiana Lawmaking, Cajun History

Saturday, July 2nd. After breakfast, the Bessemer Cookies van left Lake Charles and got onto Interstate-10 for the two-and-a-half hour drive to Baton Rouge, the Capitol of Louisiana. In the first van, security man Craig was driving and Clarissa Belvedere Esterson was riding shotgun. In the seat behind them, Teresa sat with Beatrice and Eugenia Windham. In the rear seat were Phyllis Troy, Carole Troy, and Marie Steele.

In front of them were Louisiana State Senator Robert 'Bobby' Edwards and his wife Clara Bessemer Edwards, riding in an official State Legislature sedan with a driver/security agent supplied by the State. And in a hybrid-electric Toyota Prius behind the van were Colin and Wendy Esterson. While the others would be touring the State Capitol and the campus of Louisiana State University, the Estersons would be meeting with Progressive Democrats devoted to the cause of Climate Change.

As they drove through the Lafayette area, Carole looked around with great interest. Clarissa noticed and asked "Does Lafayette interest you, Child?"

"Yes ma'am." Carole said. "One of my Daddy's Detectives is from here."

"That's right." said Teresa, also remembering that Detective Kerri Ambrose was from here. "She was in Afghanistan with the 82d Airborne Division, too."

"Impressive." said Clarissa. "Is she a good Detective, Carole?"

"Yes ma'am." replied Carole. "She has to be, to be one of the Iron Crowbar's Detectives."

"And you, Child?" Clarissa asked, her voice bemused.

"I have to meet a higher standrrrrd." Carole replied simply and sincerely. "I'm going to be the next Iron Crowbar... unless Daddy gives it to Aunt Teresa first."

"That will be the day." Teresa replied.

Clarissa was chuckling. "I love your confidence, Child. Don't ever lose that. Beatrice, Genia, you should face Life with the same confidence Carole does."

"Yes ma'am." Beatrice said. "But I don't think being the Iron Crowbar nor a Police Detective is in the cards for me. No offense, Cousin Teresa."

"None taken." said Teresa. "But with a Tulane education, I'm expecting a lot of you in whatever you do...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They drove right through Baton Rouge to the State Capitol, and thanks to State Senator Edwards's status, they were allowed into a limited-access parking area. As they clambered out of the van, Marie said "Wowww!" as she looked at the 350-foot tall central portion of the Capitol building.

Senator Edwards and his wife Clara came up to the group. "Bobby, where are we going first?" Clarissa asked.

"Let's go to the State Senate Chamber." replied Robert. They were admitted into the building, and went to the Senate side. Going into the chamber, they saw that it was more long and narrow than 'golden rectangle'. The desks were not in a semi-circle like the U.S. Congress and many State legislative chambers, but in rows. The chamber was full of ornate columns around the sides. In front was the bench, made of rich brown woods.

"How many Senators does Louisiana have?" Phyllis asked.

"We have 39 Senators." Eugenia said.

"We have 36 in my State." Carole said.

There were a few other families in the Senate chamber. One boy, who was about 13 years old, went up to the front. Carole said "Come on, Marie!" and took off for the front. Beatrice and Eugenia followed. When they got there, Carole said to the boy "You should sit there, in the middle seat. It's going to be yours when you're the Speaker one day."

"That's my goal." the boy said. They sat down as photos were taken by their families. Carole wrote on the post-it pad at her seat "Carole T., Town & County, Future Iron Crowbar."

After going through the Senate Chamber, Senator Edwards led them into the Hall, the central portion of the Capitol. They took the elevator to the Observation Deck near the top of the building. The kids loved the panoramic view. Phyllis, not so much. She did not get near the fenced edge, but stuck to the side of the building.

"Vertigo." Phyllis said, when Clarissa asked if she were alright. "Heights like that didn't bother me for years, but as I've gotten older, I get dizzy."

"I understand." said Clarissa. "I'm getting that way, too..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After the tour of the Capitol, Robert and Clara Edwards stayed behind while everyone else visited the campus of LSU. Considering that Carole and Marie's mothers were college professors, and Carole had also been exposed to (Wildcat School), they were not awed, but they were respectfully interested.

As they drove by Tiger Stadium, Genia said "Tiger Stadium holds 102,000 people. They caused an earthquake once. You have to go to a game to truly understand it."

"I did go to an LSU-Auburn game here, with Carole's dad." Teresa said. (Author's note: 'Big In Japan', Ch. 05) "And yes, it was an awesome experience."

"LSU has 12 SEC Championships in football, too." Genia boasted, taking a mild dig at her older sister.

Beatrice said "And Tennessee has 13, Georgia has 14, and Alabama some 29 or 30." (Author's note: Georgia has 15 now. But who's counting? :-D)

Teresa said "They're not sure because Alabama fans can't count."

"No doubt. How many does Auburn have?" Genia asked.

"Eight." Teresa said.

Carole, sensing Beatrice being miffed said "And Tulane has three SEC football titles, too."

"Nowhere near 12." Genia replied.

Carole said "Be proud of what you've got, sister." Beatrice turned and fist-bumped Carole over the seatback...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Clarissa said "I've arranged for us to attend a low country boil in Lake Charles this evening, with some country music as well as a 'Louisiana Voodoo' show. So what do y'all want to do for lunch, that's not too much?"

"McDonald's!" exclaimed Marie.

"Wendy's!" Carole countered.

"Nooooo." said Eugenia. "Burgersmith is close to Campus, and it's got good burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. It's one of the 'in' places with the LSU students, and even Aunt Clarissa will be able to find something she likes."

So they went to Burgersmith. "Good suggestion, Genia." Teresa said as they ate. "My burger is great!"

"Thanks." Genia said.

Teresa: "I've always loved (air quotes) 'greasy spoon' burger joints and good bar food. But only in moderation. Gotta stay in shape. And I'm not sure what my family's health history is, on either side."

"We've been lucky that way." said Clarissa. "Yes, I'm overweight, but I haven't had too many problems with heart disease or diabetes. And Colin, Jenna, Tessa, Dora Clara, and Clara were always healthy. What about your family, Phyllis? We know your son Don is a specimen of a man, but what about the rest of your family?"

Phyllis said "We've been fortunate, as well, for the most part. Elizabeth was healthy, and Todd is a specimen now---"

"Yeah he is." Teresa interjected dreamily.. Everyone laughed.

Phyllis then said "Harvey Eckart and Cindy are both healthy, as far as I know. And my family---" She cut herself off, then said "Well, they were all healthy." She looked over at Carole, and realized that her near-slip had not gotten past the Junior Crowbar; Carole was peering at her grandmother, and not even Phyllis's mental powers had been enough to keep her from being read like an open book...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As the sun dipped towards the horizon, two Bessemer vans headed to the open park between Lake Charles and the Belvedere mansion. In the first van were Robert and Clara Edwards, Phyllis Troy, and Beatrice and Eugenia Windham, as well as Charles the Butler driving. In the second van were Craig the Security Guy, Clarissa Belvedere Esterson, Teresa Croyle, Carole Troy, Marie Steele, and Colin and Wendy Esterson.

"Did you have a good day in Baton Rouge?" Teresa asked her cousin Colin, to be polite and start conversation.

"It was productive." Colin said. "My company, the Global Climate Change Trust, is working closely with enlightened elected officials both here and all over the nation to enact laws and administrative policies on behalf of saving the Earth. Today was one of many such meetings."

Wendy said, pride in her voice, "One of our recent successes was to persuade New York officials to outlaw gas stoves and heaters."

Teresa said "Louisiana is a major oil and gas State. Do you expect them to change their policies to their own detriment?"

"Social reforms are slow." Colin Esterson said coldly. "We must be cautious in our approach. But as a starfish slowly but persistently exerts pressure on a clam to eventually open it, we consistently exert steady pressure upon those who oppose us politically to achieve our ultimate aims."

He did not really see Carole peering at him, but Wendy did. "Carole, are they teaching you about Climate Change in your schools?"

"Not really, ma'am." Carole replied adroitly. "I just left fourth grade, and they're too busy teaching us reading, and writing, and math."

Teresa said "Her school is a magnet school. They really don't fool with fringe or political stuff."

Marie said "My mommy is an Astronomy professor. She was even nominated for a Nobel Prize. She says global warming and cooling has more to do with the earth and the sun than anything mankind has ever done."

"The science is settled." said Wendy, a bit more angrily. "Manmade Climate Change is real. And we must take steps to stop the damage the heartless Elites are doing to the people of the world."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar, and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou."
---- Hank Williams, Sr., 'Jambalaya (On The Bayou)'

Fortunately, the vans arrived at the Park for the picnic. Everyone disembarked and seated themselves around the long row of tables. There were three other extended families there, all of whom knew Clarissa.

A massive amount of food was brought out and poured onto the paper covering the tables, and everyone eagerly loaded their plates with seafood and veggies. As they ate, Teresa observed members of a country band setting up on the raised platform to play.

"Who's playing?" Teresa asked Clarissa.

"It's a special surprise." Clarissa replied. "And he asked me if he and his band could play for us. Of course I said yes."

As the band members came out and began setting up and tuning their instruments, many people recognized the band's leader. Whether or not Carole recognized him, she unerringly observed the fiddle he'd brought out. As he tuned his guitar, she got up and approached the stage.

"Hello, young lady." he said as she stopped in front of him.

"Hello, sir." Carole replied. "That's a really neat violin."

"Thank you. It was my grandfather's fiddle." the man said, then with a small vibe of his own added "Do you play?"

"Some, sir." she said. "But I've still got lots of learning to do."

The man chuckled, then picked up the fiddle and offered it to her. "Let's see what you've got."

Carole accepted the fiddle and put it under her little chin, then accepted the bow. She began playing the most basic melody of Hank Williams Sr.'s Your Cheatin' Heart. She quickly had the attention of everyone, band and audience alike: she was playing it perfectly.

The band leader began playing his guitar in harmony with her, and one by one the other band members joined in. No one sang any words, but many at the tables began to clap in rhythm. When the song was done, everyone applauded.

"Thank you for letting me play your grandfather's fiddle, sir." Carole said politely as she handed the fiddle back to its owner.

"My pleasure, young lady." the man said. "You played it very well. You keep it up, okay?"

"Yes sir, I will." Carole promised. She went back to her seat and fist-bumped Marie as the band began their show.

After several songs, the band leader went up to Clarissa. "Hello, Mama Clarissa. Is that young prodigy part of your family?"

"Extended family." Clarissa said. "She's my niece's cousin-in-law. And speaking of my niece, this is her: may I present Teresa Croyle?" She indicated Teresa as she spoke.

"It's an honor to meet you, ma'am." he said, touching his hat in greeting. "I've heard about the work you're doing with those sick kids. I'd like to make a contribution to your fund." He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to her. "Just please keep it anonymous."

Teresa was stunned, but quickly recovered and thanked him profusely. The amount in the mid-six-sfigures was breathtaking enough, but it was the signature of the donor that surprised her even more:

"Hank Williams III"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As darkness enveloped the land, Tiki torches were lit, and a moment later drums began playing. A group of Voodoo worshippers, most of them wearing white, danced their way into the open space around the stage. Then the woman that was the group's leader began explaining the ritual ceremony they were performing.

"There are four phases to a Voodoo ritual, all identifiable by the song being sung: preparation, invocation, possession, and farewell." she said. "The songs are used to open the gate between the deities and the human world and invite the spirits to possess someone." She went on to explain the rituals in more detail as they were being performed.

Sometimes the dancers came close to the people watching, but not too close... with one exception. The woman leading the dancing kept looking over in Carole's direction, enough to get Teresa's attention, and concern. But Carole herself whispered "It's okay, Aunt Trresa."

A few moments later the woman danced up to them. "You have a very powerful spirit, Child." she said. "You must promise to use your power wisely, and only for good."

"I will." Carole said agreeably. The woman nodded, then began calling in the deities...

Part 6 - July 4th, North and South

Monday, July 4th. It was overcast in the morning. and it felt very muggy at the beginning of the Town & County Triathlon. Fortunately, the first part of the race was the swim, so the participants were in the water.

Command Deputy Sheriff Cindy Ross rode with me in my Police SUV. I'd tried to get Laura to take the day off, but she said she could get a lot of paperwork done. She did agree to stop work by 4:00pm and go to the picnic and fireworks show at the Fairgrounds, and she knew I'd hold her to that.

Former champion Todd Burke started the race. I was pleased with the number of entries. Threats of protests and boycotts by people who think Independence Day should be renamed 'White Slaveholders Day' did not deter participation nor spectating.

"Lets go check out the Wheelchair Race." I said to Cindy. We matriculated our way into Town and parked at Police Headquarters, then walked along Courthouse Square to the starting location. I heard the starting gun fire up ahead.

"Our most entries ever!" gushed Tanya P. Muscone as we came up to her.

"Congratulations!" I said. 'Who started the race?"

"Edna Carter." Tanya said. "It'll be good for her campaign, too."

"Yes, it will." Cindy agreed.

"We had a lot of professional and near-professional racers enter." Tanya said. "There are no cash prizes, so I'm not sure why the high-level interest."

"It's getting prestigious." Cindy said. "Especially with all the proceeds going to Teresa's sick kids."

I added "I know some of them are using it as a tune-up for some upcoming pro races. But yes, the prestige and name recognition of this event is growing..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The University Army ROTC team won the Triathlon, and beginning with the swim they had obliterated the competition. I had been told that they were Freshmen, but when I saw them at the Finish Line I thought they looked much older than teenagers.

"The winners wanted to meet you, Commander Troy." said Alison McFarland as she brought them up to me and Cindy. They saluted me and I returned it, then shook their hands and introduced Cindy.

"So you're representing the University's Army ROTC," I said, making observations, "but that's the Navy SEALs insignia on your shirts."

"Yes sir." one of them said. "We were given the opportunity to go to college if we entered the ROTC program. They don't have Navy ROTC here, so we got in the Army ROTC program."

"What are you majoring in?" Cindy asked.

"Uh, Psychology." he answered.

"My wife's favorite." I said.

The other one nodded, then added: "And we report to Airborne School next week. Any advice for us, sir?" He'd observed the wings affixed to my Tilley hat.

"Just to keep your feet and knees together." I said as Cindy tried not to scowl and largely succeeded. "Good luck to you." We shook hands with them again, and Alison led them towards the podium for the medal ceremonies.

"They're Navy SEALs, but they're going to Airborne School?" Cindy asked. "Department of Redundancy Department, there?"

I replied "The only explanation I can think of is that they're going to Army Special Forces advanced training after they graduate, and that would require them to be Airborne qualified. Ditto that for Psyops training with 1st SOCOM, if what they're majoring in is a clue. And besides," I added with a grin, "who would pass up the chance to jump out of perfectly good aircraft while in flight... present company included?"

"Hardee har har." Cindy retorted as a green crowbar was waved in my general direction. "But seriously... that's a hell of a lot of money being spent on their training. What would they be expected to do with all that?"

"CIA work." I replied. "They might go in somewhere by land or sea with a Green Beret or SEAL team, but would have (air quotes) 'additional duties' as part of their mission. But again, that's just speculating---"

"Don?" I heard Cindy's voice call as if from a distance. I realized I had stopped dead in my tracks, and was in a full-blown reverie. "What is it?"

"Uhhhh." I said as I came out of it. Seeing her staring at me, I said "I just thought of something that may explain Mark Cooper and Nat Cole's deaths..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As everyone else got ready to go to the Lake Charles fireworks show, Teresa was 'invited' into her Aunt Clarissa's drawing room. Only Phyllis Troy was in the room with them.

"Teresa, we need your help with something." Clarissa said, keeping her voice quiet.

"Sure." Teresa said. 'What is it?"

Clarissa said "We need you to help keep Carole awake today. Don't let her go to sleep, not even for a minute."

"O-kayyyy." Teresa said uncertainly. "May I ask why?"

"Yes, you may." Clarissa said. 'When we get back from the fireworks show tonight, I am going to talk with her. I need her exhausted and sleep-deprived for that conversation."

"I don't understand." Teresa said, this time more skeptically.