by Dossie M Terrell

Created on: June 16, 2009   Last Updated: May 13, 2012

PROLOGUE

Most everyone in the small town of Hawks, Tennessee knew the McCarthy twins because most, at one time or the other, had been a victim of their mischief. The boys were poor and were often left to their own devises while their mother worked long shifts at the local diner.  Because they were so darn cute, most folks ended up feeding the little imps rather than chase them away. Kevin the oldest by five minutes went looking for trouble while Devin probably would not have done half the things they did if not for his older brother. But they were inseparable.

At ten, they probably still needed a sitter, but Lola, their mother could not afford to hire one. They had no relatives in Tennessee that could help out with her sons whom she loved dearly, but admitted they were a hand full. Their father died in the Viet Nam war. He had nothing when he joined the Navy and after he died in combat; the Navy assured he was given nothing at his death, as it could never be proven he died in the commission of serving the country.

At 29, Lola tried not to be bitter. The long hours did not bother her too much as she had worked hard all her life, but she missed being a full time mother to her rambunctious boys. It was time lost she knew she could never reclaim. She could not be the model of behavior and instill values in them because she worked six days a week. She was reared Christian and refused to work Sundays. It was the only day she could have the boys all to herself. She ensured they washed up and the three of them headed off to church. Each week, she tried to instill in them enough love in one day to last the next six.

CHAPTER ONE

Kevin loved playing along Duck River because he was fascinated with all the various vegetations that grew on the huge rocks hanging over parts of the river. Once Kevin insisted on chasing a heron that led them deeper and deeper into the dense lush forest; they were lost for twenty-four hours.  When it was apparent they were lost, he spent the next twelve hours apologizing to his brother for getting them into their latest scrape. Lola was out of her mind with worry and with half the town beside her, she went looking for her sons. When they were finally found, they were dirty, hungry and huddled under a rock. They promised Lola they would stay away from the river, but the promise was not kept, because there was something that lured Kevin and they went back there again and again.

About a month later, Kevin once again felt the wanderlust

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>