Flutes and Fiddles: Eighteenth in the Prairie Preacher Series

By PJ Hoge

The public school music instructor Gary Larson was dismayed at the loss of his familys rented home. They lost everything, except their lives and that of their family dog. All they could salvage was in a cardboard box. Gary worried, however, that he stood to lose even more. He could lose his wife and beloved daughter in the ashes of the fire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781503518841

PJ Hoge

P J HOGE grew up in Washington state and North Dakota. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, PJ worked as a Cytotechnologist for many years. PJ’s family farmed in central North Dakota until the mid-1980”s when they relocated to Nevada, where she still resides. PJ is the author of the Prairie Preacher series.

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Copyright © 2014 by PJ Hoge.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 12/03/2014

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With special thanks to Mike, Terrie, Dorie and Melissa

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The sun was finally winning the battle with the rainclouds over the summer skies. Many folks in the North Dakota prairies had been wondering if they should be searching for gopher wood to start building their ark. It was a very stormy spring and the Schroeder family had paid a big price. Their beloved patriarch, Lloyd Engelmann, died in one of the storms. Then Elton and Nora Schroeder went to the Cayman Islands. Nora was injured when a freak wind snapped a sail and hurled it toward the back of her neck. She was nearly paralyzed, but now was recovering.

The English doctor, Dave Pennington who cared for the fifty-eight year old Nora and his wife, Hayley, flew back with Elton and Nora from the Caymans, since they were going to travel to Canada to visit with his cousin on their summer respite. It was very kind of them to attend to her during the flight. The couple was now staying with Schroeders in the big old family farmhouse until the next set of X rays were taken to check Nora’s progress with her neck injury. They had all arrived a couple days before in a small plane piloted by an American ex-patriot, who went only by the name of Crandall.

They were met at the Minot airport by members of the Schroeder’s closely-knit family, a large and diverse crew who proudly called themselves the Engelmann clan. The clan was made up of people that had been friends of Lloyd’s. If he cared for someone, he and his Alzheimer’s somehow managed to make them part of his family. The clanners were an extremely loyal group who truly enjoyed being together and shared all sorts of adventures, disasters and joys, while each maintaining their individuality. Although some folks thought they were cliquish, because they were together a lot, they were very open to welcoming new folks into the fold. In fact, since the beginning when it was just Elton and Pastor Byron Ellison, the clan had now grown to about sixty, varying in age from baby to elderly.

While Nora and Elton were in the Caymans, a friend of the clan, the music teacher at Merton Public School, lost his home to a house fire. Elton’s son, Kevin, invited Gary Larson and his wife, Beverly, and their eight-year old daughter Iris Suzanne, to come stay at the huge Schroeder farmhouse until they could get things sorted around. The Larsons had lost nearly everything, except a small box of things and the clothes they were wearing the night of the fire. Iris Suzanne was spending the night with her little friend and classmate, Ginger Ellison when it happened. Beverly and Gary were each at a different function, so no one was home when the fire in the rented home began to burn. Thankfully, their family dog, Trinket, an old Labrador, was outside and survived unscathed. Trinket also came to Schroeders, but usually remained solo, rather than running with their two dogs, Elmer and Rags.

Gary had insurance on the contents of their rental home, which included coverage for a place to stay until they could find a new dwelling. He had insisted paying Elton rent, who insisted he give it back to Gary. Since Larsons had nothing, they needed everything; Elton suggested that it would be a good idea to use the money to replace those things.

While the clan had gathered some clothing and the basics they needed; everyone needs to own their own things, like underwear, toiletries and shoes. They would need the insurance settlement on contents to refurbish their new place when they got one.

The landlords, Braddocks, wanted Gary to buy the property where the old house had stood, but they were not planning to rebuild it. Buying it seemed a good idea since the location was great and there were not many places available in the tiny rural town of Merton. The school was too remote for commute from a larger nearby city. The Braddock property was on the edge of Merton, handy to the school.

Braddock seemed to understand Larson’s situation and decided to take advantage of it. Braddock wanted to sell the property, as is, without any buildings, at a highly inflated price. Gary and Bev balked. They still wouldn’t have a home for a couple months, minimum, and the water well was terrible. They would have to pay for a new one. Other than a couple trees, sixteen feet of picket fence and Trinket’s doghouse, there was nothing there. They didn’t know what to do.

Beverly’s family wanted them to move back to Ohio, or if not all of them, at least Beverly and their granddaughter. Gary liked it in Merton and had just signed a new three-year contract. He wanted to stay. Beverly hadn’t been very happy there the previous year they were there. Until they recently became acquainted with the Engelmann clan, she had few friends and their daughter had no playmates nearby. There were a few children in Merton, since the majority of the population of the tiny hamlet was elderly. Since Iris Suzanne met Ginger, they were best friends, but lived five miles apart. They couldn’t just run out and play together, but had to have a ride down the country road.

Beverly was a short, petite, pretty and very quiet. She had soft blonde hair and big brown eyes. Gary was quiet, but had a deadpan sense of humor and was quite funny. He was about five-foot ten and had a good build, but had a wonderful deep whispering voice and of course, knew how to play nearly every musical instrument ever invented. His students all loved him, because of his friendly and encouraging way. The thirty-five year old man was nice looking with a tanned complexion, dark brown hair and very expressive deep brown eyes. Iris Suzanne was a bit on the tiny side for her age, but she was a devilish tomboy. Her blonde curls, dark brown eyes and delicate body secretly housed her tomboy nature. She and Ginger managed to jump off high places, wallow in mud, play in the creek and climb trees. Few boys could outdo them in sports or simple daring.

They had only been at Schroeder’s about a week and were already settling in. Gary could be comfortable most any place, but it was more difficult for Bev. She had become friends with Kathleen Finch, who was living at Schroeder’s also.

Kathleen had been a psychologist in Montana until a car accident. Because of a series of bizarre events, she ended up at Schroeder’s and her beau, Jeff Wilson, lived across the road. She had broken both legs and her pelvis, so her recovery was torturously slow. Her job in Montana held an opening for her for a long time, but finally had to fill the position. She was now just beginning to walk with a walker. As fortune would have it, she had just been offered a job in Bismarck after she recuperated.

Bev and Kathleen found they had a lot in common and were becoming good friends. When Hayley Pennington arrived, she was like the third musketeer. Gary noticed this was the happiest that Bev had been in months.

Ginger lived less than a mile away from Schroeders farmhouse, an easy walk, and the two little girls were now inseparable. Iris Suzanne had been an only child, but now shared a room with one of Schroeder’s adopted daughters, Clarissa Grey Hawk. There was also another younger girl and three boys, seven and eight and a toddler, nicknamed High Pockets. At first, Larsons worried that Iris Suzanne might have a problem coping with so many children, but instead she seemed to relish it.

The only reason that Beverly had not already left for Ohio, was because Iris Suzanne. She was doing so well and was very devoted to her father. Of course, she loved Gary, too, and now things seemed to be getting better since she had Kathleen to visit with. However, her parents were nearly insistent that Beverly and Iris Suzanne at least come to spend the summer with them.

Gary didn’t want her to go, since he felt there were so many decisions to make about their home. He didn’t want to make them alone and he was secretly concerned that she would never come back.

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The breakfast dishes had just been put away that morning and folks were beginning to disperse to attend to their daily activities. The phone rang and Elton, the patriarch of the household, answered, Johnny! Great to hear from you!

They began talking and the Grey Hawk children gathered around Elton. Mister, I really need to talk to Mr. Johnny, CJ, the seven-year old, pleaded.

Johnny, do you have a minute to speak to CJ? Elton asked, and when he said he did, Elton handed the phone to CJ.

Mr. Johnny? This is CJ. Remember me? I’m Mister’s kid, the one with the rabbits?

Yes, CJ, Johnny Standing Elk chuckled, I remember you. You and I are partners in making the pemmican for the cookout.

Yes, did Mister tell you that Missus broke her neck? CJ asked, and without waiting for an answer, continued, But she says that we can still make those crackers and pemmistuff. You coming? Mister said you don’t need to bring a truckload of buffalo meat. A little would be okay, since we are practicing.

Oh, Johnny said, with a laugh, That’s a relief.

So, when are you coming to my house? We have company from that Island place, but there is still lots of room for you.

I was just talking to Elton about that. Does this weekend sound good?

I think I will have time. Little Charlie and I will clean out the chicken coops and rabbit hutch before you get here, so we will have time to cook. Why do those things poop so much?

Johnny answered, I think because they eat a lot.

CJ frowned, Maybe we should quit feeding them.

Then they would die.

Oh, I guess, huh? CJ rattled on, That’s okay. Me and Little Charlie are good cleaners.

That’s great, CJ. I will see you this weekend. Could I speak to Elton again?

Sure, bye, the boy answered and then yelled at the top of his lungs to the man who was standing three feet away, Mister, can you talk to Mr. Johnny?

Elton took the receiver, Unless you’ve deafened him. Don’t yell that loud into the phone.

Oops! I forgot. CJ said absently as he dashed out the door to get the wheelbarrow and pitchfork so he could start cleaning coops.

Sorry about that, Elton apologized, I hope he didn’t blast your eardrums.

My nephew does that, too. No problem, Johnny said. Is it honestly still convenient for me to come? I mean, with Nora and your guests?

Of course, Nora is looking forward to it. She won’t be able to help like she had hoped, but she wants to watch and be involved. We are all anxious to see you again. Please come.

You know, I’m looking forward to seeing you guys, too.

Don’t sound so surprised!

Well, actually I am. Not because of you, but as you know, I’ve become a bit of a recluse.

One weekend here and you will be a loose wreck! Elton laughed.

Johnny laughed, too, I’ve been around you enough to know that’s likely true. Hey, I am bringing some meat. I have about twenty pounds of buffalo but not a truckload. Is that enough?

I think that will be more than enough. I have chokecherries and Juneberries in the freezer. Grandma says we have stuff here to make tallow. Anything else you need?

I have no idea about that hardtack.

Me either, but Nora and Grandma have that under control. So, what time do you plan on arriving?

I will work the morning trail ride on Thursday and then leave from work about two. I should be there late. Thanks for the directions. I doubt I could get lost if I wanted to.

You Sioux are noted for finding your way around the prairies, but if you do get lost, there is this white man thing… the telephone.

Cute, Elton. Real cute.

I know, but usually it’s the ladies that tell me that! the older man chuckled, his bright blue eyes sparkling behind his bi-focals.

I think I’m going to be sick. Johnny groaned, See you late Thursday night.

When Elton hung up, little five-year old Clarissa demanded, Mister? How come didn’t he say he needed to talk to me?

He was at work.

She frowned and put her hands on her hips, I think I might be mad about that!

Miss Puffer? Elton said, I thought you were going to practice not getting so huffy?

She dropped her eyes to the floor and said, I’m sorry. I just do that sometimes because about my head. Will it ever stop?

Her stepbrother, nineteen-year old Jackson patted her back, It will get better and you’ve been working on it. I’m very proud of you.

Really? You are proud about me? she asked in genuine surprise.

I am. Are you coming with Kid and me when we go over to Matt and Diane’s greenhouse? We are going to help Matt repair the rollout window. You could help Diane with the weeding?

I will. That would be most best, because I am the greenhouse helper girl and they are my godguys. Right, Mr. Kid?

The thirty-year old man nodded, Yes Ma’am, you are right.

I’m not that Ma’am thing. I’m just a little girl.

Oh, well then, little girl, grab your jacket.

Iris Suzanne asked, Mr. Kid, are Ginger and I greenhouse helpers, too?

You certainly are! Kid nodded, Why do you ask?

Should I get my jacket, too?

I think Ginger is on her way over and you guys are going across the road to help Kincaids with their greenhouse. Did you forget? Kid answered, If you don’t want to go there, you are sure welcome to come with us.

I did forget, the little girl giggled, I will go with Ginger.

Okay, see you later.

After they left, Iris Suzanne asked her mom to put her hair back in braids or a ponytail. I don’t want to get my curls all dirty.

Good idea, Beverly nodded. Let’s go get it done before Ginger gets here. You don’t have a lot of time left to play with her before we go to your grandparent’s house.

The two went upstairs and Elton noticed the expression on Gary’s face. He didn’t say anything in front of the others, but asked him if he could walk with him to the garage. Gary shrugged slightly and followed him out the door.

When the men arrived at garage, Elton went out back and sat on a bench. He motioned for Gary to sit down and then lit a cigarette. Look, if you want to tell me to butt out, I would completely understand.

Gary sat down and leaned back against the steel siding. Nah, it’s okay. I guess I need to talk to someone. I suppose you heard what Bev said this morning. Elton, the man leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands, She is planning on taking Iris Suzanne and going to Ohio to her parents.

Elton frowned, but didn’t say anything. Then he put his hand on the younger man’s back. I’m very sorry to hear that. I need to know, is it something that we did?

Heaven’s no! If she hadn’t been with you all, she would have left before the fire was put out. Elton, this is the happiest she’s been since we’ve moved here. She really enjoys visiting with the ladies. She had few friends in Merton and none her own age. She and Kathleen hit it off, and she likes all of these women. Then he sat up and looked at Elton, Her parents were never happy we moved so far away from them. The fire was the frosting on the cake. They feel their only little girl was drug out into the demanding wilderness by her ne’er-do-well, uncaring husband. I guess they’re right. Her two older brothers are partners in a successful law firm and then there’s me.

But she married you, not her brothers.

Well, that didn’t thrill her parents, but Beverly wanted to, so they relented. They had hoped I would go back to college and become an attorney. Her dad said he would promise me a position in his law firm to start out. I couldn’t do it.

Did you talk it over with Beverly before you decided?

Yes, and she understood and supported my decision. Then he shook his head, But I think that she never realized that a public school teacher makes nowhere near the money an attorney does.

Beverly doesn’t seem to be interested in money.

She’s not, but she also isn’t interested in the lack of it.

Elton looked out across the prairie, I know what you mean.

Then her parents decided I should work at a Music Conservatory in Columbus. I thought it over and felt it might be a solution.

Sounds like it. What happened?

Iris Suzanne was just three and our baby boy Casey was only a couple months old. As I made the move to the Conservatory, Casey became ill. Since my insurance hadn’t kicked in yet at the Conservatory and my school insurance had dropped, there was a two-month window. So, naturally, that’s when Casey was diagnosed with leukemia.

Oh Gary, Elton put his hand on Gary’s shoulder again, I’m so very sorry.

He was gone in a five months. He likely wouldn’t have made it anyway, but not having insurance didn’t afford him the best care. Elton, I did everything I could. We sold everything we could, used up every penny of savings and then borrowed to the hilt. Her folks paid for his casket and my family paid for the funeral. Then the man broke down in tears. Her folks were right. I am a total failure.

Elton rubbed his back, No, it was a rotten break and it could happen to anyone.

Then I lost the job at the Conservatory, because I missed so much time being at the hospital with Casey. I didn’t know where to turn or what to do. I wanted to be with Casey and I wanted to keep my job. I ended up failing at both!

Good Lord, Elton said, I can see where you feel that way, but there was nothing you could do. It is sad, but you are not the only one this sort of thing has happened to. But some of Casey’s care must have been covered when you got your insurance through the Conservatory.

His leukemia was pre-existing, so no. Gary shook his head in despair, I tell you, that time of my life was almost my undoing. After the funeral we were bunking in with her family, I found this Merton job. I grabbed at it. Her parents really thought that I should have gone to law school since we were living with them anyway. I couldn’t take it! If I had done that, I would have had to put a gun to my head. I felt so badly for Beverly. She wanted so much for everything to be good and for her family to be proud of her. Instead I was a burden.

Look, I’m not going to sit here and listen to you berate yourself. It was a tragic, but logical set of circumstances. It’s not over until it’s over. I don’t know why this kind of stuff happens, but I do know that things can be good again.

I wonder. This last year in Merton was good for me, but not for Bev. It was hard for Iris Suzanne until she discovered Ginger.

Their friendship has been good for Ginger, too.

If Beverly goes home, I know it’s over between us. I don’t want to lose her and I can’t face losing Iris Suzanne. I guess I will just have to bite the bullet and go to law school. Then his shoulders sagged and the tears silently rolled down his cheeks. After all, we tried it my way and it was a disaster. Maybe that is what God was trying to tell me. I was being selfish.

Elton rubbed his back for a minute and then he shrugged, What about your contract with Merton Public?

Her father said he would get that dissolved.

Elton uttered sarcastically, Guess it is nice to have an attorney in the family!

Why can’t I just buck up and do what I can for my family?

Or do you mean, become a Malcolm Milk Toast? Accepting the position as the family failure and turning control of your family to her parents? Gee, I don’t know why you don’t jump at the chance.

Gary turned to look him in the eye, and studied him for a minute before he said, You do get it.

"Of course, I do and so does her father. You can count on that! Certainly, we all want the best for our children, but they have to make their own choices and live their own lives. We don’t always know what is best for them. Sometimes we do, but us knowing isn’t the same as when they know themselves. I have cringed and pulled my hair out more than once; but in the end, the kids did okay. And they did it, not Nora and I. We will help as best we can, but we try to leave things up to them."

But they all live here.

Pepper and Chris are only here until they move to Chicago for his resident internship-deal. They were in Grand Forks until a few weeks ago. Kevin lived in Billings after the Navy, and Keith and Darlene lived in Wisconsin until last year. They know they are always welcome here and this can be their landing strip, but they need to live their lives. Elton slapped Gary’s back, "So, what’s