But enough frivolity.... how many people are left to be rescued? After all this work, I'm 'bout ready for a vacation.
you mean a 'rude North Carolina country girl'.. A vacation. That sounds just like the ticket Shirley.. reckon we've earned one. What say you Terence.
Where do we want to go? Let's make it somewhere safe and sound. Maybe a cruise to Hawaii. What possible trouble could we get into there?
Fly to LA and then onto Hawaii? We'd have to return the boat and drop off those we rescued. Easily done.
I'd rather take a cruise ship to Hawaii. I've never been on a Hawaiian cruise. OK, let's get this last group of survivors to safety. Then how about if we return the boat to Sister Philomena and spend a few days there with her and the kids? It will take a while to get passports, plane tickets and other details. Of course, I'll have to have time to shop for clothes.
You women and shopping for clothes. Ok what cruise company will we cruise with. Not the Princess line after so much trouble with the virus. How about a Scandinavian line that cruises to Hawaii..... She looks like a beaut.
Sounds great Craig. I'd like a room with a balcony and a good view. Shirley, I better go shopping too for summer gear. I had my second Covid jab today and promised the nurse I'd haunt her if I died. Apparently that joke's old hat.
As we approached the orphanage, someone ran up and handed Terence an envelope. There was a note inside.
Thanks for the reading of the letter for me Craig, Shirley, Bridget and Kathlyn. My eyes ain't good for reading. I have a good idea where she went. I'll take Fred to help me track her movements, I'll take her spare shoes and socks, and know some to ask for information on the way. Many Hill folk like a little moonshine. A jeep ride to the foothills Kathlyn or Bridget would be appreciated, and if Hawaii can wait, Craig n Shirley, come help please. I think Philomena may want to take the children back to the Orphanage, and care for them there, educate and spiritualise them. That's her nature I feel, to put others before herself. Even the grief stricken father whose actions seem erratic from the letter. But not to return by now bodes poorly. I think she's in trouble and all I can offer is my rifle, and Fred. The Orphanage sorely needs at least one of the sisters to keep it running. At least one, sister Kathlyn has been overwhelmed, what with the storm damage and repairs. The money we gave and insurances helped greatly, also good godly tradesmen as you see. "Hiya George! God bless you!" The orphage has four riding horses too, and a double float for the jeep, as a thought. Fred can run all day, as I bet Jetson could too.
Of course, we will help in the search for Sister Philomena. How could we not after all the kindness she has shown to us? Hawaii will still be there. Jetson says he can sense that Sister Philomena is in danger but there are so many obstacles between us and her that he can't tell what kind of danger. There are three trails that lead into the backwoods. We should each take one so that we can cover more territory. We must hurry so we will travel light. We will only take enough rations for us and the horses a few days. We can find water on the trails.