Wyoming Trucking, 6 free porn video

Wyoming Trucking, 6 By: Malissa Madison It was a short half hour drive to the Midwest Military Academy, and we were all required to park in the lot outside the gate, except for Old Elk who was going to the loading docks to load up the grey Freightliner his son was driving. It was still fairly early, and classes had been delayed by the snow causing students to be late returning from the extended two week vacation. Tim accompanied the girls and I, as we made our way toward the administration offices. "Elk, it's good to see you again. Long Reach said you guys were working with Wyoming trucking on a huge contract," said a young man wearing a Cadet Captain's uniform. "Donnie, may I present Tim Wyoming, and your wife Malissa's half-sister Missy, and their girls." "Good to meet you sir," Tim said. "You too," Donnie Pierce smiled at me, then noticed Jill standing there. "Perhaps we should move inside," he suggested. "Thank you," Jill giggled. "I hear our families share a lot in common. Your first wife is pregnant and Tim's second wife is as well," she let him know her status. "What else do we share?" "Our first wives are Blessed Spirits, as are several of our daughters," Tim answered him. A young girl who appeared too young to be wearing the sergeant's stripes on her uniform appeared with Long Reach and another young man. "Oh, I remember you folks, you were driving the trucks," she said. "And you were driving that pretty Red Mustang," I confirmed. "So you are here following in your fathers' footsteps?" "No My father is dead to me, this is my Daddy." "I'll remember that. I also hear you are quite the huntress." She actually blushed. "And your boyfriend killed a bear with his bare hands," Red had finally joined us. "Don't mind Red, he's jealous because I got Five deer without even trying," chimed in Rose. "I can't believe they let a girl go along on a hunt like that. Hunting is warriors work," now even Tim was staring at his son in disbelief. "Really? Have you even started your war training yet? What's the farthest you've ever tracked anything?" Erika Challenged. "I wouldn't want to hurt your feelings, you being a girl and all." The silence that followed was deafening. We could see the anger rising in her as she stood and stared at Red. "Tell you what, you pick out two people from Easy Company, they'll go in different directions. That should give us a chance to see who knows how to track," She counter challenged. Before he could respond though two young girls stepped out from behind her and grabbed Running Water. "Girls should be easy enough for him to track, but finding his girlfriend should give him a bit more incentive. Don't you think Erika?" "Just don't hurt her ok Destiny?" "TooTall, how about you and Long Reach give her a trail to try and follow?" suggested Red, his over confidence showing in his broad grin. TooTall grabbed Darlene. "We'll just take your sister along with us that evens up the sets of tracks. Give us a half hour head start," They took off toward the heavily wooded area, Darlene carried over TooTall's shoulder as he trotted along not even trying to cover his tracks. "I can understand why they took Running Water, but why Darlene?" Rose asked. "No reason other than to spend a bit more time with her," suggested Old Elk. Thirty minutes later Erika handed Red a signal flare. "If you get lost just follow the directions. You 'can read' can't you?" We watched them racing off over the snow covered ground. Then five minutes later both Running Water and Long Reach rejoined us. "Where are the rest?" I asked. "Watching Red get even more lost," she giggled. "It's a good thing I love him, at least he won't starve with my cooking and Roses hunting." After a bit of waiting we got some serious visiting having been joined by the Colonel and a Lt for the Girls platoon. "Wow your Pete looks a lot like the new/used M916 the National Guard donated last summer," Pointed out Gretchen looking over Hopper. Suddenly she was backing away from it, a frightened look on her face. "You, you have a bomb wired up under your hitch plate!" "Oh that's the life saver," Rose said with pride. "But don't worry it isn't armed. And the key is locked up in the safe." Suddenly everyone who hadn't seen one before was now interested in the lifesavers. "We haul sand trailers in the winter, and up in Alaska we sometimes pull a load as well as clear the road ahead. If a trailer slides out of control it's the safest fastest way to disconnect," pointed out Tim. "Yeah those welded plates are actually structural repairs from when I had to blow a trailer," confirmed Rose. Suddenly she was more popular with the other cadets. We were given a tour of the Academies ancient line of fifteen Semis, old retired M818's and M916's. As I was looking at one of the 818's I noticed several similarities between it and Bigfoot. Then I realized what it was, Bigfoot had a Military Bumper on the front. We visited a while longer, then it was time again to hit the road. We made good time all the way to Salina, Ks before we had to shut down or run over our driving time. As we pulled into the truck stop I saw Hopper belching steam. "Hopper shut it down, you're overheating," I called out. Before we got our own trucks refueled Tim and the rest of us were crowded around Hopper as Rose and Prairie Dog released the hood latches and pulled it forward. "What'd I tell you Sis, I know the sound of a fan belt shredding," Sunrise said. "We'll let her cool down then get her over to the garage for a new one," Tim said. "At least it didn't cut loose with a load behind you. At the garage they said, "Sorry we haven't got one, but we can have one here in two days." I knew enough of the Sioux dialect to know cursing when I heard it. "Sunrise, enough. We'll make do," I said. "We can always tow it behind one of ours. Like Old Elk is doing." "Or we could scavenge one from that one." "If it was a have to case I would ask," Tim told him. "But it isn't, so we'll just draw straws to see who gets to play tow truck." Sunrise took off across the lot. "Sunrise, what are you doing?" asked his older sister. "Look I got Bigfoot running and kept her running, right?" he challenged. "You know I can do it for Hopper too." "We can't just steel parts off someone else's truck. It was different with Bigfoot, all those were already in a bone yard." "But we need a belt. They trusted us to take care of Hopper, it's my duty to see she gets back the same way we got her." We'd slowly gathered around the two as they stood arguing. "Tim, what's going on?" asked Old Elk. "Hopper shredded a fan belt and they don't have a spare here. Sunrise wants to 'Acquire' one." "TooTall, go get one of your sisters spares," Old Elk said. "How's that?" he reached out and ruffled the boy's hair. Something was bothering Tim, Jill and I could see it. Then as Sunrise and several from Ute Trucking were fixing Hopper I saw Tim and Old Elk huddled over a map. "So what's bothering you two?" I asked. "Bigfoot is," Tim said. "There's only one boneyard full of Semis anywhere near their reservation." "So?" I asked in ignorance. "The trucks there are decommissioned because of radiation," it hit me like a sledge hammer. "Oh shit," I muttered. "Exactly, we have to know where that truck came from. But not here. As soon as they're finished we're pushing on down to the rest stop." Forty miles later, having listened to Tim and Old Elk talking with Hatchet Man on the radio in their native tongue I understood why they wanted to be as far away from the truck stop as possible. I'd listened to the two chattering enough to know that it wasn't good. "Tim," it was Wolf. "I got a few friends with me. Tell Hatchet Man to roll it out next to the road. We know how and where to dispose of it." "Are you sure?" "Yes, just don't be surprised if you hear UFO stories when you get back tomorrow. This sort of thing happens more often than you want to know about." "Ok, we'll leave it in your hands. How're Star and Lorelei doing?" "Just fine. And anxious to see everyone when y'all roll in off the road. I think maybe the Tomahawk might need a bigger Parking lot though." We were just about to get back on the road again when Sunrise and Prairie dog came to the truck. "What are you doing with our truck?" they demanded. Tim and Old Elk laid out the map and showed them the area marked off where it came from. "Yeah so what? It's our truck," said Sunrise indignantly "I won't argue that you both know how to drive," Old Elk said. "But you can't keep driving that truck. If you get caught in it they would throw you both in a hole so deep we'd never be able to get you out." "That truck was used to haul radioactive waste. And the fact that they didn't bury them like they were supposed to means they're trying to keep the Rad count up enough to scare people off," Tim added. "But why?" "That's close to the streams where the tribe gets most of our Gold and Silver for our jewelry," said Prairie Dog. "It's on sacred ground." "Son of bitch," breathed Old Elk. "If they get the Rad count high enough the government can seize all that land for Safety reasons." "We need to get the Tribes together on this one fast. Get them investigating before they hide those trucks," Tim said. The two kids were looking nervous. "Umm, There's a body there. The, the man who killed our Dad," Sunrise looked more nervous. "My brother kind of freaked out when he found the body," Prairie said. There was no sign of the old truck when our families pulled in off the road. But squirrel came running out to the kids, hugging them hard. Looking around the diner I realized the Elders Council was all there as was Rain and two other wise looking women that could only be Medicine women by the way the council was deferring to them. The younger was Old Elks wife, and I soon discovered the older one was my half-sister Malissa's, Great Grandmother in law, Night Bird. As soon as Night Bird had found out where the children had gone she had a vision that she should journey to Wyoming. She spent a great deal of time talking with me though. "Sarah is learning to take her place in the tribes meetings," she explained. And I saw the much younger girl about my age for the first time. "You are a very powerful voice among your chosen people," she said. "Like your sister, you draw the Spirit children to you like a magnet." "You know about my children?" "I've seen them in shadows as you surround your sister. Her shadows surround you as well." She reached out and took Darlene's hand gently. "Would you ask someone to fetch my Rocker please?" "Yes grandmother," Darlene took off to find someone. Next she tasked Rose with fetching her pipe. And then Running Water was sent for her tobacco. "These soft stools are too hard on my poor old back," she complained. "Grandmother are you alright?" asked May. "Ahh the young worrying about the old. And the old worrying about the young," As she filled and lit her pipe she began to rock gently in her Handmade Cedar Rocking Chair. Her gaze falling on Running Water and Rose. Then she looked over at Turkey, as if considering her for some reason. "Missy, would you fetch me that young maiden?" she asked. I found Turkey and told her that Night Bird wished to speak with her. "You wanted to see me?" she asked half afraid. "Yours is not the path you are hoping for," she said then reached forward to touch her stomach. "This one will grow strong and he will become a leader. But you need to return with us so he can know his father." "My,,,, what?" A sly smile on her face the old woman said, "The ties between people never lie child. And there is a tie here stronger than either you or the nice young man who drove me here can deny. I will speak with your father, Flint in Fire is a good man." "What ties? We just slept together once," Turkey whispered to her and every head seemed to turn her direction. "This one ties you together. I see much happiness, and many more children," After a pause the old woman said, "He has inherited his father's business. A business you know much about." "I don't know anything about business, I just keep my father's books and help my mother in the diner." "And he needs someone to run the diner and keep the stations books," The confident all knowing smile was there. "Rose go fetch her father and mother here. Water, go find Flint in Fire," The two hurried off. Rain, Sarah Pierce, and Fox all followed close behind those she had sent for. "Grandmother what's going on?" the young man asked. "Did I not tell you the answer to your biggest troubles would be found here?" she smiled. "Turkey, is there something we should know about?" asked Gladys. "Mom, Dad, ummm, I'd like you to meet Flint in Fire. Grandmother Night Bird says he is the father of my children," She bit her lip, "Starting with this one," she gently rubbed her stomach. "Flint in Fire just inherited the Truck Stop at our Reservation," provided Sarah quickly. "But he also needs help since he was away at school most of his teen and young adult life." Hatchetman looked the boy up and down for a moment then clapped him on the shoulder pulling him into a bear hug. "She is a fine cook, and a shrewd poker player," He finally said. "And not afraid to get greasy in an oil change pit either." "Daddy!" "It is true, don't deny it. I know you helped change the oil in half of Wyoming's trucks last week," grinned her father. They began talking and then the three elders who had come with Night Bird made an announcement. "Prairie dog, Sunrise, you have chosen to make this journey. To make this, your new home. As is our custom, we have decided to give you a gift from the tribe to help you in your new home," said the one who had been introduced as the Elder Chief. "We will buy your inheritance in the Store your mother owned. And you may use it to invest in your future here," said another. Two hours later: "Holy cow, look at that," someone in the public part of the diner said. Looking we saw about a hundred Warriors in War paint, mounted on horseback across a road in front of a set of broken down gates, they extended out in each direction along the outside of a twelve foot chain link fence topped with razor wire. Spread out on foot were Surveyors measuring the land. A news reporter was busy trying to interview some of them. "We have discovered that the government has extended illegally, a waste dump into our lands. The things they have there threaten to poison our land and we intend the world to see how deep their disregard for our peoples Holy Grounds is." "You heard it from Running Swift, he is the Acting Chief, and has promised to lead us personally into the grounds so that we can film what has been dumped there in secret. But the military is sending in special units to see that the site is properly cleaned up to the tribe's satisfaction. They, the military has forbidden us entry. But the tribe has granted us access to their holy grounds. So we must go by horseback to where they say a break in the fence will allow us to cross on what is Indian land," "Tom Bradshaw reporting live." "Running Swift really moved fast on this one," Tim said. Then he turned to one of the Braves standing nearby. "White Eagle we will join our brothers. I'm going to ask Dark Wind if he wants to go for a ride." "Dark Wind? That rogue stallion?" I asked. "The one Tina and I dug out of the snow when he was a yearling colt, yes." "Tim," I said. When he turned and faced me I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I love you, and I know you will always do what is right." "Old Elk was busy on his phone as well. We are sending more brothers to help," he announced. We sat and watched the news from the house as it unfolded. By that first night warriors from the Seven Nations of the Great Plains had gathered at the site. "Tom Bradshaw reporting live again. Since the Little Big Horn, this is the biggest gathering of the Seven Nations in history. All together for the single purpose of protecting Sacred Ground. As you can see the huge government trucks are loading up the dozens of Semi's dumped here in the open during the late sixties after they were contaminated with rad,,,,,," his broadcast ended abruptly. "Sorry we seem to be experiencing technical difficulties," announced a studio anchor, as the screen shot continued to show the last footage of the radioactive symbols plastered to the doors of the trucks being loaded and covered by tarps. We got a call from Wolfe saying that he and Tim were on their way home. And that the last of the offending trucks and buildings were gone. All that remained was the fence, which the tribe was taking care of. It only took two days for the Government to respond after the news media had been admitted by the local Tribe. Tim said, "I know they said dozens on the news. But there were nearly a hundred there, and evidence that there had been even more." "The scary part is how they could manage to put it there without anyone noticing," Joseph commented. But of course we don't have as much Sacred Ground to keep watch over." "Old Elk says that they are sending scouting parties into all the Sacred Grounds in the other reservations." "But why that place?" I asked Tim. "Love, Crazy Horse was buried in those hills. But no one has ever found his grave. The Tribe keeps a much higher presence in places they would rather people suspect." I thought about that and realized that, that would tend to throw off the average person, of course most people never thought about Crazy Horse anymore. But of course now my interest was piqued, I'd fallowed every tale and legend about the man since I was five years old. The ones I remembered and believed the most were the ones told to me by me great grandmother Nadonna Brightmoon. I was seven when she passed away, but I remembered the stories she told to me of one of the greatest warriors of the Sioux Nation. It irked me how the stories told by White Men always claimed he was just a savage bent on murder. And also the way they portrayed Sitting Bull as War Chief, he was not, he was the Medicine Man of the Nation. A position which meant he only advised the warriors and participated in defense of the tribes when attacked. But his influence and guidance were well respected, he was a man of power and influence. "What are you thinking Missy?" asked my husband. "How much I would love to pay my respects at his grave," I answered honestly. "But I would not want to be responsible for the wrong people finding it." "Only two people in the tribe know its true location," he said. "The Medicine Man, and the Medicine Woman." After a moment he corrected himself. "Sarah, the Apprentice Medicine Woman will know, she would have passed the test of the guardians by now." "The guardians?" asked Rose in curiosity. "The Wolves of the Mountains," he answered. "But you will learn about that in school soon. All the more reason to stay and finish your education," He gently caught her nose momentarily, his way of saying don't pry until you're supposed to know. I noticed Running Water looking sad. "Tell me daughter, what has you so sad?" "I miss Turkey. I wasn't ready for her to go off with a husband yet. It isn't fair, if I got." She fell silent before finishing her sentence. "Well I'm sure she wasn't ready for you go getting hand fasted to Red either," I pointed out. "And if you are thinking about what I think you are young lady, just let me remind you of the promise you made to your Mother." "I might think about it, but I'm smart enough to know I'm nowhere near ready for motherhood." "Good, because I'm not ready for you to make me a grandmother so soon like I did to your grandmother. Besides listening to you two always has a wonderful effect on your father." Now Gladys blushed. "They bonk like rabbits," giggled Fox, Running Water's next older sister. "I prefer stallion and mare myself if you must compare us to animals. Water and Red are more like Rabbits," Gladys said. "Now go find out what those two drivers want to eat," She motioned toward a pair of Drivers in a nearby booth. When Fox turned to look at them though, she huffed and spouted off a string of Crow that would curdle milk, then stormed out. Hatchetman came in and suggested they move on down the road for their own health. "Oh yeah? Last I heard this was an open Diner," spouted off one. "The last time I looked at the Deed it was in my name asshole. I'm giving you a chance to get out of here with your scalp still intact." "What, over a stupid Lot Lizard?" Hatchetman's fist drove into the first driver's throat so fast he was down in a split second. The other driver started to move only to see the rest of the drivers in the diner standing behind the older man. "Get him out of here before I do more than just cripple him for the way you two treated my daughter." "Oh gods," breathed Gladys as she started towards the two men. But Hatchet wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. "The reservation ends at the highway, I suggest you not get caught on this side again," he said. "Our customs and laws are much different than your own." When he let go of her, Gladys ran to the back of the diner where her daughter had retreated. Until then no one had a clue who it was that had so badly abused Fox. All anyone knew was that it couldn't have been anyone from the tribes. Sure Fox liked to play, but she was far from qualifying as a Lot Lizard. "Hatch," another driver caught his attention. "If we'd known those two wouldn't still be driving." "You're all good men, don't get your selves in trouble over this," he said. "Fox made the choice to let them leave. I made the choice that they are not to return." "If they do tribal law will fall fast and furiously upon both of them," promised half the diner. When I got home I backed Beauty into her stall in the barn. Then did my post drive walk around. Darlene was going over Makenzie, checking the hydraulic lines on the blower. She had the cleated chains stretched out on the cement floor, Red was busy inspecting them before rolling them up. I knew what she was worrying about, or so I thought. They were leaving in the morning for Alaska. "Hey Sis, what do you want with this set of chains? Your chain lockers are already full," Red pointed out. "Uhhh, someone might need to borrow them," she blushed. Shadow bounced around the truck sniffing all the tires then began to growl near the front passenger side tandem. "What is it boy?" she knelt next to him, looking at the inside dual that he was growling at. I was standing near the driver side looking across. "We gotta get the inside tire replaced Honey," I said. "Why Momma I don't see anything," she admitted. "And the pressures good." "Reach around and feel the back side about two o'clock," I suggested. When her hand ran across the goose egg starting to form she responded with, "Son of a Bitch, I just put those on before we made the run to Branson." Tim keyed the mike on the radio in the tractor barn. "Little Joe, you there?" "Yeah Jumper, what's up?" he answered. "Makenzie needs a new inside dual, if we get her there in the next hour can you change it out?" "What's wrong with it?" he asked. "Got a goose Egg on the inside sidewall," Tim told him. "Damnit, no don't drive her down here. I'm bringing the Roadside Service truck. I bet that isn't the only one, I'm bringing a new set. I'll be heading up that way as soon as I finish fitting this last set of chains." "Oh someone else needing chains?" Tim was curious now. "Yeah that Big Black Mack that pulled in on Makenzie's tail when you all got back from the big run with Ute Trucking." I looked over at Darlene and she was blushing. "I think TooTall is at the Truck Stop," I said. "He's early Momma, he was supposed to meet us when we roll out in the morning." "Just as long as you do your homework during your downtime," I answered. "I will Momma, my books are already in the sleeper," Darlene answered. "Little Joe, why don't you bring that driver with you. He can get a good home cooked meal and I don't have to worry that his truck isn't ready," Tim told him. About an hour later Little Joe following the Black Mack pulled up in front of the tractor barn. "No way! You really did it," Darlene gushed as she ran out to jump into TooTall's arms. "Can you afford that?" she had to be talking about the new blower attached to the front of the Mack. "If it lets me keep making runs with you, it's worth the cost. Besides this run will let me pay off both the blower and Mack Attack." "Mack Attack? You finally named her?" Darlene asked. "Yeah, Dad's been after me to name her, or get a Pete or KW," he smiled as he ran his hands over her shapely bottom. "Hey we've got time for that later. We need to help Little Joe with Makenzie's tires first." I don't know who had more fun Darlene or TooTall, they were helping get the tires off and back on and in just under two hours Makenzie had ten new tires on the ground. We heard a horn honk outside and then Fox was at the door holding a lunch basket for Little Joe. "Fox, you didn't need to bring me dinner all the way out here, but thank you," he told her. "Well you said you wouldn't be long. It's been over two hours." I picked up the hint of jealousy in her voice. He leaned in and kissed her tenderly, she wrapped her arm behind his neck and turned it into something much more. By the look on his face I knew she had to be driving her tongue down his throat. "Whoa girl, don't start something you can't finish," he joked. "I have no intention of not finishing what I started. Prairie Dog is taking the rest of my shift at the Diner." "Your Dad is going to kill me if we get caught, you know that right?" "No, he'll be happy to have you in the family if we get caught," she told him. "Besides, maybe it's time I got caught." "Will you stop chasing Drivers for me?" "I will if you let Daddy buy you a new Wrecker." She blushed. "What's wrong with the one I already have?" he asked curiously. "It doesn't have a full sized sleeper. How're we supposed to be comfortable in that tiny bed you sleep in?" "Love, for you I would rent one of the cottages to live in." "The one on the end closest to the trail head?" she asked. "Do you really think we need a three bedroom cottage?" "Not right away, but we'll need another room in about seven months." She bit her lip and looked around at us as if remembering we were there. "Really? You aren't kidding me are you?" he sounded excited. "Joe, I think we can handle the rest if you two want to go be alone together," I suggested. She giggled. "I'll meet you at the cottage." Darlene caught her and whispered something in her ear. She giggled and then said, "I'll be waiting, Naked." When I saw her tail lights turn off at the old draw I knew Darlene had told her about the new short cut her brother and sister had created for the jeep. She would get there well ahead of him, and wouldn't have to go past her parents to do it. We got another foot of snow during the night, so we all headed out together in the morning. TooTall watching as the rest of the family pulled forward and locked into our plows, lining up with Tim in the lead. We followed Tim as he threw snow ahead of us all the way to the diner. It was still snowing and coming down heavy. As we pulled up to the pumps I saw smoke rolling out of the chimney at the last cottage. Hatchet stood smiling waiting for one of them to emerge. "Missy, Tim do you two know why my little girl is parked in front of the cottage with Little Joe's wrecker parked next to her?" Gladys asked stepping out to greet us. "Love, if they have decided to live together I am happy." "Is that why you were looking at those new Wreckers in the catalogue?" she asked. "I heard them both pull in last night. She tried sneaking in from the trail though. So why aren't you concerned?" he asked Gladys. "Because she is going to make me a grandmother before Turkey does, Grandpa." When Prairie and Sunrise arrived with Squirrel, he motioned them over to his usual morning table. "How would you two like to drive today?" "Really?" "Yes I have to go to Recovery Concepts and pick up two new Wreckers. It'd be easier if I don't have to hire someone to deliver them. And you both know about plows. They're supposed to have the smaller blowers." "Why don't you drive one back?" asked Sunrise. "I can't work a clutch anymore. Not on a rig for that long of a drive," It was true, he'd had an accident in the garage before I met him and had five pins in his leg. It was too stiff to work a clutch the way he needed to, to drive a big truck. We watched our group roll out headed north and still the young couple hadn't showed up. As we headed out to begin clearing the roads, Rain walked calmly into the diner and sat waiting. I wondered how she always knew what was happening. I turned my radio up as I led Rose and Flower out to begin on the highways going to the south and east. Tim had GreyHorse and Raven with him as they started through the pass. I pushed the switch opening the live link. "Rose, you and Flower take the lead. I'm going to start teaching Night Wolfe to push a blower." We were running three staggered across the interstate with the states push blades running clean up when it happened. A semi running too fast on the other side began to slide. The heavy trailer pushing the rear of the tractor toward the median. Rose laid on her horn as she cut the blower, and started gearing down in case it came across into our lanes. But when the tractor jack knifed just before the rear wheels hit the guardrail it flipped rolling under the weighted trailer. The trailer burst open its contents scattering everywhere as it continued to roll the tractor, grinding it beyond repair. The sleeper broke loose and skidded out into the driving lane in front of us as we managed to stop. Rose and I were out of our trucks in a dead run toward the wreckage, fire extinguishers ready in case we needed them. The two state patrols following us had stopped and began radioing to have the interstate shut down to avoid a bigger disaster. The scream of air horns told me it was too late as I screamed for Rose to get out of there. Three more trucks had topped the hill, the lead truck seeing the accident had made the mistake of hitting his brakes. The rest was predictable as his trailer fishtailed before jack knifing his rig, the others followed suit. The big problem was the second trailer. It was a tanker loaded with fuel. The driver fought it all the way in, almost recovering before being clipped by the third truck. The impact pushed the trailer ahead and the driver tried feebly to power out into a straight line. He almost made it before sparks ignited the fuel gushing from the ruptured tanker. Flaming fuel went everywhere engulfing the first and third truck before washing into the median toward the initial accident. I grabbed Rose pushing her to the ground as the ball of flaming fumes shot over the top of us before burning out. "Rose, are you ok?" "Yes Momma, oh god we gotta do something." She was half panicked. "Get in your truck and follow me," I scrambled up into Beauty. "Switch your blower on full and throw as much snow onto the flames. Get as close to the other rigs as you can. Flower sit tight, your safe where you are." "Missy, what's going on?" demanded Tim. "Four rigs just went in on the other side, the tanker blew and we're throwing as much snow as we can on the flames," I told him. "Where are you, talk to me Babe I'll get you some police out there." "I already have two here Tim. They saw the whole thing as it unfolded." Rose and I turned around to make a pass from the other side when I spotted the driver of the tanker rig. She was rolling in the snow to put herself out. "Rose pick her up," I called. Then spotted something next to her in the snow. I stopped Beauty where I was and jumped out to help Rose. Together we got mother and son into Beauty's Sleeper. Then I pulled back across to sit next to Flower and wait for the Medevac's. "Missy, where are you guys at?" called Hatcetman. "We're on 90 just south of Banner," I told him. "Hold on to what you got we're cutting through Massacre Hill, I got two wreckers with me and I think the Fire department is following us." I suddenly remembered he'd taken both Prairie dog and Sunrise to pick up two new wreckers for the Truck Stop. We helped the State police pull the other driver out of his tractor, then I made the kids go wait in the trucks while the two Troopers and myself set about getting to the original driver. It wasn't easy, and thankfully he was unconscious as we worked feverishly to save his life. He was pinned in, the dash had collapsed and his broken leg was trapped just below the knee. "Shit we need a tourniquet on that leg fast," one of the Troopers said. We could hear the wreckers followed by the ambulances and fire trucks, but they were still too far away. I ripped off my belt passing it to the Trooper who reached under to get it around the leg. When I reached from the other side to help all I felt was the severed foot laying in the floorboard. Grabbing my boot knife I cut a length of seatbelt and wrapped it around just below the knee and began twisting. "Forget it," I said. "Get his foot and pack it in something with as much snow as you can. I've got the leg." Prairie Dog, her eyes wide watched as Hatch pulled the cable through the remains of the windshield. Then hooked it under the dash as best as he could. "Ok Sunrise, easy in the slack," he directed. As the cable tightened he eased out of the way, "Just a bit more, more, more, Hold it there," he shouted. Then scrambled up to help us pull the driver up and out the missing passenger side door. He was slid down onto an airlift litter, as a Medic took over holding the tourniquet from me. "We got the foot, we'll get him there in time now." The woman driver and her son were still pretty shaken up, but doing ok. The other driver was in an Ambulance on his way to a local hospital to treat a broken arm and ribs. "I, I almost had it straightened out. Just another second and we'd of been home free," She kept saying. The sleeper of her truck had taken the brunt of the explosion. Her son had been buckled in the passenger's seat for safety, instead of in the sleeper like so many other women drivers preferred for their children to be. She knew that her sleeper wasn't really safer than the cab. Her son had a mild bump on his head, but was otherwise uninjured. She had a few tender spots from the heat where her jacket had caught fire while she was getting her son out. It took two hours to clear the scene. And Little Joe and one of the mechanics showed up with the other two wreckers. Prairie Dog had the woman's tractor hooked up in a backwards tow since most the rear frame was twisted and mangled. "Hey what's your name?" I asked. "B J, short for Bobbi Jo." "You got any place to stay. Home, something?" asked the older Trooper. "My truck was my home," she answered in despair. "Hey we're going to follow the wrecker in, you can ride with us. I'm sure Gladys can find you something until you can get some place," I offered. "Yeah, we got plenty of room," added Hatch. "I got nowhere else to go. That truck was all we had." An army of state plows had showed up so we let them clear the road the rest of the way into Casper, and we cleared the road back to Ranchester before turning and heading to the truck stop. "Crap, I was so close," she breathed. "Billy, wake up honey." "Mommy, where are we?" asked the four year old boy. "The end of the line son." She looked at him wondering how she was going to make a living now. "Maybe your Grandparents will take us in." "His grandparents?" I asked. "Yeah his Dad was a Carney. He came from the reservation here, maybe you heard of him, George Singer?" I went white as I heard the name. "I take it you know who he is. The bastard." "Listen BJ, I'll call his folks for you. But don't mention his name around my kids, please. I had no idea he was out of prison." "Prison? He was never in prison," she said and fished out a picture of the man. Before I could react Rose glared at it white with rage and stormed off toward the diner screaming for Joseph. "What? Why did she react like that?" "George Singer beat her mother to death in front of her and her older brother." "You must be mistaken, he would never do something like that." But I could see it in her eyes. She knew deep down that he could. "BJ do you know where he is?" I asked. "Dead, dead and gone. Stabbed in a bar fight in Amarillo Texas," The way she said it, I knew she was secretly glad he was gone, though she still had no one else to turn to for help. "He's dead Rose, he can't hurt anyone else. I was going to tell you about his escaping, but then he got himself killed before I had the chance. So I left it alone," Joseph told her. "Joseph, this is BJ, and her son Billy," "BJ, Joseph is the Reservation Police Chief." "Is what they say true?" "I'm sorry, but yes. I think you and Billy are lucky to be rid of him." "He got mad when I told him I was pregnant. He went and got drunk and got killed, I, I couldn't stay with the Carnival after that so I started taking short runs. My truck and Billy are all I have. I guess I only have Billy now," She was tired, in shock and rambling. I called Tim and Jill to give them a heads up. I knew Tim would talk to Red before they got there. When they walked in Tim surprised me. He walked right over to her and Billy and gave them both a hug. "You're survivors, and you're welcome here." "Do you know where his parents live?" she asked us. "Oklahoma," answered Joseph. "He wasn't from around here. But they wouldn't even own him during his trial." "Oh god. I really don't have anywhere to go." She began to cry. "What do you mean you have nowhere to go?" asked Gladys. "I've got a few empty cottages. And I can always use extra help around the diner. But if you know your way around a truck there's plenty of jobs you can find around here. Besides Billy needs a home where he can go to school." "But you don't even know me." "I didn't know Missy six years ago either. And now her son is going to marry my youngest daughter. That's how friendships start, between people who don't know each other. One step at a time." She smiled. One at a time everyone began introducing themselves. Bobbi Jo never felt more welcome in her life. These people, who ever they were, really did want to help her. I got busy watching my girls for any signs that they were having trouble processing the fact that someone had died right in front of them on the highway. After we let Gladys and Squirrel take over with BJ I led my girls back out to finish up. We met the other wreckers coming in with the remains from the accident. I wasn't sure whose trucks the state had called in with the flat beds to load up the portions that couldn't be towed. I was just thankful that it seemed like only big trucks were brave enough to venture out when the accident occurred. "Momma, that accident happened because they panicked, Didn't it?" asked Flower. Yes the first two trucks and the last one. B J wasn't panicking though. If the one behind her hadn't panicked and tried to swerve, she would have been able to pull it out and there wouldn't have been any fire or explosion," I explained. "She was the only one running chains on her tractor." "I'll be sure to always run chains on Kanuti Princess in this kind of weather," assured Flower over the radio. "Hey, did you just name your truck Sweetheart?" asked Tim. "I know it sounds silly but," "Not at all, Honey. Besides you're Kanuti, and a Princess in our eyes. Your truck also identifies the driver," he explained. It took Tim Red and Jill only about half the time to get their roads cleared. But then we'd been stalled during the accident. When we began finding roads that had already been cleared closer to home I asked, "Tim did you guys already clear some of our roads?" "Not yet we're refueling, getting ready to give you a hand though." "Hey Beauty, I hope you don't mind us helping out," Called Prairie Dog as she pulled up to a stop sign ahead of us. The smaller blower on one of the new wreckers throwing snow. Sunshine in the older, bigger one right behind her. I had to laugh. "Now that's making one hell of a big footprint into the community here. Thank you for jumping in like that." "Hatchetman said I can work her off, and name her whatever I want," said Prairie Dog. "Honey, he means it too. You two really impressed him the way you handled things at the wreck," I told her. "There aren't many young people your age that can handle a wrecker the way you two did. I knew it had been a long time since the old Diamond 'T' wrecker had been out of the truck stop. And I began to evaluate Sunrise in a different way. That had been Hatchetman's personal Wrecker. And the fact that he had never let anyone else drive it told me how he was beginning to think of the young boy. My next thought turned to Barking Squirrel, I knew that Gladys often welcomed her into their bad. So I was sure that he was looking on Sunrise as a potential son. "So where's Little Joe?" asked Rose suddenly. "He's working on the roads around the reservation. Said he needs to get them cleared for the school buses to run in the morning." I heard my girls groan their disapproval, and laughed. "Yes whether or not the rest of the roads are clear you all have to go to school," I said. "Hey Da, Hatchetman? Can I name her Bigfoot II?" "Didn't I tell you, that you could name her whatever you wanted to? Besides I'd kind of like to hear what you started to say first. That is if you really want to of course." "What was that?" she asked. "You started to call him Dad, or Daddy, Sis. It's ok I think dad would understand," Sunrise said. "Mom would too." A sort of long silence followed. "Kids?" prompted Squirrel. "Yes Mom?" they both answered. "Thank you both so much." I could hear the tears in her voice. "What time do you want us home for Supper, Mom?" asked Prairie Dog. "Whenever you two feel like eating," she answered. "Are Dad and Mom Gladys going to be there too?" Sunrise asked. "We'll be here Son," answered Hatchetman. "How's that old Girl handling? Is she giving you any problems?" "No she handles like a dream," he answered. We headed back in about an hour later as it began to get dark. Everyone topped off and Tim and the rest joined us. "Come on lets head home. I feel like cooking tonight," I said. "Can we make snow ice cream?" asked Rose. I had to laugh, any time it snowed he wanted ice cream. Night Wolf looked sideways at me from the driver's seat. "You can make ice cream out of snow?" "Oh my, you are in for one fun treat," I told her. "But not till after we eat." Two pairs of red eyes greeted us from the front porch as we pulled in past the house. Half Tail and Molly were waiting for us so it really was going to be a special treat. As we turned around to back into the barn, we each dry spooled our blowers to clear out as much snow as possible. Tim had thought ahead when we remodeled and added onto the barn, by widening the doors to accommodate the width of the blowers. Once inside we each plugged in the Maintainers to keep the batteries warm, as well as the fuel and oil. Still in the morning though we'd have to let them warm up for about twenty minutes for the hydraulic fluid running the blowers. "Daddy, should we take shifts tonight to cold start and keep them warmed up?" Rose asked about the Blowers. We could turn on the pump and it would run the fluid through the bypass, warming it up. "I hate to burn that much fuel if we don't have too," he answered her. "I don't think it's going to get that cold though." Molly edged into the barn going toward the back door, then howl talked. It set my nerves on end. "Tim, I'm going to see what she wants out back," I started saying as I followed her. Suddenly I could hear the scraping, and banging sound against the door. Before Tim could get there though I twisted the handle and pulled. A fore hoof barely missed my head as Dark Wind Pawed again at the door that was no longer there, his mane and muzzle were frosted with ice as he pranced into the barn. Carefully he side stepped around me, a dozen mares and yearling foals following. The horses were in bad shape, and if Dark Wind was bringing his herd into our barn for shelter we knew something huge was coming. After looking out the door for a long minute Tim pushed it closed, then grabbed the wall phone beside the work bench. "Joseph, something big is coming. Dark Wind just brought his herd in. Old Bay is missing though. See if you can get the rest into shelters." "Tim, are you talking about the Bay with all the grey in her mane?" I asked. "Yeah, she has a foal that's only about four months old." "Kids go inside and get buckets of water, and all the loaves of bread. Tell Jill I'll be on the walkie talkie," I began pulling the cover off one of our snowmobiles. "I'm going with you Momma," announced Flower beginning to uncover another one. "Hell, you two don't have a clue where she might be," Tim said. "Maybe not, but I bet Molly does," I said. Molly rushed out the door ahead of us. As we turned to go around the back, Tim hurriedly following on the other snowmobile. It took us twenty minutes to find them. The old mare had lay down curling herself up to keep the foal warm. But the cold had, had its effect on them both. The foal was listless, as I loaded him onto the seat in front of Flower. Tim was still trying to get the mare to her feet, but not having any luck. "Flower, take the foal up to the barn," he said. His right hand reached to the small of his back. "Tim, no." "Missy, she's been down too long." "Please Tim let me try something," I pleaded. "Ok, but just remember, I have no intention of letting her suffer one second longer than need be." "Go get me something to use for a sled," I said. "We don't have anything big enough." "Shit, Tim please. Wait until I get back, please," I begged. "I'll wait, but please hurry." I raced along behind Flower as she neared the barn. We had to have something, somewhere. Then I spotted it leaned against the side of the tractor barn, the hood of the old dodge pickup. Red had removed it when he pulled the engine to start rebuilding it. As soon as Rose and Flower had the foal inside I hollered for them to bring me a chain. I flopped the hood down to lay upside down. "What are you doing Momma?" asked Rose. "Making a sled," I answered as I hooked the chain to it then to my snowmobile. "Come on you two, we're going to need your help." They piled on top and I took off. When I got there Tim was on his knees in the snow. "He got them to the barn, you can be proud of your son old girl," Tim was saying to her. Tim, Flower and I managed to roll her upright and hold her as Rose pushed the back edge of the sled under where she'd lay down. Then we rolled her onto her side on top of the hood. We pushed and pulled a bit more until we were satisfied she wasn't going to slide off. Then Tim got on the Snowmobile and started pulling. It took half an hour to get her into the barn. By that time the snow had begun again, growing heavier as the wind began to pick up. We worked slowly moving her legs rubbing her down to warm her up. Slowly getting her circulation going again, it took several hours but finally we managed to get her onto her feet, her foal never stopped nudging at her until she finally stood. "Where are you going?" I asked Tim. "To get some Coffee, someone needs to stay with her so she doesn't lay back down," when he opened the side door the wind was howling, you couldn't see the house, the snow was so heavy. "Damn, I'm going to need a rope, I'll go to the house, tie that end to the porch pole and then we'll stretch it tight so no one gets lost." He'd been gone about two minutes when the phone on the wall rang. "Yes," answered Jill. "No I can't see anything, the snows too heavy," "Missy, Tim's bringing back supplies. He say's we might as well stay here tonight." I climbed up into beauty and turned on the radio. "No damnit, we can't stop. If we get stuck out here we're fucked. Now keep that damn truck moving." "Look we just turn around and go back." "Listen you shit head, you leave this convoy you're on your own. We can't give you a blower to clear the road for you," Nikki was reasoning with another driver. "If you aren't going on, then get the fuck out of my way dick head. Or I'll push you out of my way." "I don't care whose son you are boy. You don't tell me what to do." "Red, Get out of my way, Makenzie's got a better blade to move that piece of shit Freightliner off the road." "You got it Siss, I'm right behind you," Red told Darlene. Five minutes later I heard, "Ok Elk, step it out we're past the bastard." "Hey I don't want to sound negative here but how do you plan to get across the river if we can't see twenty feet ahead?" I recognized TooTall's voice. "I need two co-driver volunteers," Elk said. "We're going to use the ten foot chains to keep us together. I got two bags of flares. But that means I need two people on foot ahead of the lead truck to light the way across." "Momma what's going on?" Flower asked as Tim returned with supplies. "They're getting ready to cross the Yukon," Jill said. "Elk," Tim jumped up in the cab. "You're doing good. Everyone just stay cool and follow the chain ahead of you," he advised. "Thanks Tim, we're going to be creeping at about ten to fifteen." It only took a second for me to realize he wanted to talk on channel twenty five. "You there Tim?" "We're here, go ahead." "Wish me luck, I only know two people that ever made it across this bridge in a blizzard this bad without losing half the convoy over the side." "Yeah well you were with me the last time I did it, so I have confidence in you." "Thanks Tim." We sat listening for over an hour. Several times we had to remind ourselves they didn't need any outside distractions. My cell phone rang causing me to jump. "Hello!" I answered it a bit sharply. "I take it you're all listening to the convoy." "Yeah, and sitting on pins and needles." "I tried calling the house but no one answered. Water is about to freak out." "Hatch we already got about three feet up here. Don't let anyone out on the roads till this blows out," Tim advised him. "Ok, Elk I'm across now," Red called over the radio. "Do we unhook now?" asked Darlene. "No we, keep moving, but you can start the blowers turning again as soon as I finish picking up the last co-driver." Twenty minutes later we heard Darlene. "Stop fighting it, you're slacking the chain too mu," we heard the sounds of metal in the blades of her auger, then the crash of glass. "Fuck, oh shit that was close. I gotta stop Red." "What happened?" called Elk and Red at the same time. "Bastard slacked the chain and the augers caught it. It took out my passenger side windshield. But my blades aren't turning." "Ok we'll go slower until you catch up. Can you still make it to Kanuti Station?" asked Nikki. "Oh yeah, and when I do," she didn't elaborate any more. "Tim?" I was getting worried. "They'll make it Babe, have faith in your children." "You're doin fine Sis, just keep moving," Red said. "Keep it between the snow banks Bro, and don't forget to flash your tail lights," she told him. "Can you go any faster Shadows getting cold?" We sat listening, I could hear her teeth chattering as they talked. An hour later we heard, "Red, he's all mine you hear me? Shadow, stay in the truck." "Sis, shut your blower down, he isn't worth it." She'd been rocking her augers by reversing the spin back and forth until finally it worked enough of the chain free to let them spin. We heard her blower whining as it spooled down. "Just stay out of it Red. No one calls me a Truck Slut then almost kills me by slacking a chain that way." Red called us on his cell phone. "Momma, Dad, Darlene's like really pissed." "I don't doubt that Son, you got her back?" Tim asked. "Hey asshole, you don't fucking walk away from me." We heard a meaty smack. "You owe me a Windshield, I figure yours ought to just about fit." "Hey Dickhead, you damned near jerked the rest of us off the road hitting your brakes back there," another driver said in the background. "Excuse me gentlemen," Little Elk said. "Buddy this is the end of the road for you. And your last Ice Run. I suggest you count yourself lucky the only thing she's taking is your windshield. "You need any help Darlene?" "No I think TooTall and Red are all I need, thanks Elk." "I thought she was going to kill him Dad," Red said. "I'll call you back after we get the windshield in." "Daddy, Momma, Thanks for teaching me to stay calm." "You're a damned good driver Honey, Your Momma's and I are proud of you. You and Red both," Tim told her. Elk and Long Dog were met by the Mother of their new wives who was carrying fresh cooked Caribou and fish stew. Darlene, Red, Nikki and Shadow were invited to join in. We sat and talked for a while, then they asked why we were all out in the tractor barn. We had to get Wild Winds herd in out of the blizzard, and then there's the five feet of snow outside," Tim told them. "Five Feet? Are you making Snow Ice Cream?" asked Red. "Yes Son, and I'll even put some back in the freezer for you and your Sister," I said with a laugh. "You just keep driving safe for me." We finally made our way back to the house after checking on Lorelei and the rest. The old mare was still on her feet and the foal was doing well. "We're going to need feed and hay soon," commented Tim. "But there's no way of getting to it while this stuff is still coming down." Jill, Tim and I sat listening to the radio long after the kids fell asleep. This was the worst storm in twenty or more years, even worse than the one six years before. I woke up around five to the sounds of the kids on the radio. "You're really something Sis, maybe you should change your Handle to Bandit or something," Rose was telling Darlene. She giggled, "I could just see that, we could become the Wyoming Bandit Drivers." I let them talk until Tim woke up. "Ok, who are you three talking to?" he asked. "Darlene, we want her to change her handle to Bandit." "No, Hell No," he said. "What's wrong with Bandit, Daddy?" "I'm not raising you to become show offs and risk takers. And with a Handle like that you're asking for trouble. The Bandit always drew every cop and wanna be out of the woodwork." "Tim, I think we should just show them. Do you have a copy of the movie around here someplace?" We ended up having Jill order it from Netflix, and we sat watching it with them. That was followed by the second and then Jill informed me there was a third. But at least now the three at home understood our aversion to the Handle. We heard from everyone else by noon, and the snow had dropped to a gentle dusting. So we began getting ready to hit the roads again. The ice drivers had left out at first light and had been driving for six hours already. "Ok," Tim said. "I'm going over to get a bale of hay before I join you at the truck stop," We had to dig our way into the barn, but the horses were all ok. I was worried at first because the old mare had laid down in the night. But she got back up when we came close. I was glad Tim had changed from the traditional swinging doors to the overhead rollup doors. One after the other we opened our doors and spooled up the blowers before leaving the barn. Closing the door before the next was opened. Halfway down the road we met Sunrise and Prairie Dog. "Hey Jumper, where do you want Bigfoot to drop this bale?" asked Prairie Dog. "Sunrise has another one if you need it." We had them drop one close to the back door of the barn, then they followed us down to the truck stop. "We got the sugar and eggs you asked for Mom," Prairie Dog smiled as she and her brother carried in about four dozen eggs and ten pounds of sugar. I laughed out loud as Squirrel and Gladys began making snow ice cream for everyone. We sat taking our time as we waited to hear what roads were in the worst shape. The kids all went outside and started rolling up snowballs. The first was about five or six feet in diameter. "They'll never get the next one on top," Hatchet laughed. But then Little Joe and Fox showed up with the big forklift and before long there was a twelve foot tall snowman wielding a Tomahawk out front of the diner. The state had declared the highways closed to all but emergency vehicles, and said their plows would handle everything. Tim and I weren't worried, we just sat back and waited for the call while the kids cleared roads around the reservation. It was beginning to get late when the news helicopter landed out front on the highway. Gladys rushed to the big TV and put in a blank DVD to record the live broadcast after hearing the news lady saying they were at the Tomahawk Truck Stop to interview the drivers of Wyoming Trucking. "Janet St James, KLIK News. We're here at the Tomahawk truck stop where the plows of Wyoming Trucking are just sitting lined up. As you the viewer's know, every year this family group has been called on to help clear the roads. So now we have to ask, 'why are these trucks just sitting here idle?" "Mr Wyoming, could we have a word with you?" she asked coming through the door of the diner. "You want to know why our trucks haven't left the reservation, right." "Sure, you have an explanation?" "When we called to ask where they needed us, we were told the states plows could handle the roads. So we've been plowing the reservation and waiting to see if they come to their senses," Tim told her. "So this has nothing to do with money?" she smiled like she knew a secret. Tim leaned in toward the camera. "It has nothing at all to do with money young lady. Wyoming trucking has never been paid one dime for plowing any of the States Roads. The state pays for our fuel, and our maintenance, in return we help keep the roads clear." "So the rumor that Montana's governor has offered to pay for your services are," "False," Tim finished for her. "Unlike the states drivers, we do it because it's the right thing to do. The only compensation is the fuel and maintenance of our trucks." Little Joe came running in halfway through the interview. "Tim, Elk needs you on the radio." "What is it?" "It's bad Tim. They're at Three Rivers." Gladys turned up the radio as we all approached. "No you keep going, we'll get them out if we can. But we gotta push that trailer over the side to clear the way for the rest," I heard Red's voice. "Hey Red, forget it. That damned thing blasted half the bridge away." "Elk, Red, what's happening?" Tim almost shouted. "Someone slipped an explosives truck into our convoy, it slid and went in taking half the second bridge with it. We lost four more trucks too." "I'm calling Stan, I'll have you some answers by the time you get to Dead Horse. How many of the trucks are stuck on the wrong side?" "Nine of them. Three blowers and six supply rigs," Elk said. "Dad, we'll get these trucks through. It might take a bit longer though." "Son, don't take any chances." "I won't Dad." "Those plows are the ones that aren't here?" asked the reporter. "Yes, they're driving the Ice Roads up in Alaska. A prior commitment that's longer standing than clearing the roads here," Tim said. "How many of your plows are up there Mr Wyoming?" "Five, plus one from Ute Trucking in Colorado." And the three that are on the wrong side of that bridge?" "My oldest Daughter, my Son and my oldest Daughters Fianc?. But at least if they can't get across the bridge they can make it home from there. The other three only have one way to go." "Did they say an explosives truck blew up?" "Yeah they did, but those trucks aren't supposed to be in regular convoys. And they only run in the summer. It gets flown in during the winter." It was shortly after that, the State Highway Dept. called wanting us out on the road. "I'm sorry, we'll hit it first thing in the morning. I have a situation up north that I'm waiting to hear from and I'm not sending my plows out in the middle of the night. Not this time," Tim told him. About two hours later we heard Darlene. "Red are sure about this? If this ice breaks," "Trust me Sis, if it breaks, the waters only three feet deep here. We cross one truck at a time, we'll be fine," Red assured her. "Son, where are you?" Tim asked. "Crossing the head waters of the Tooiik, Dad. We'll be getting back on the road as soon as the last truck is across," I saw Tim begin to grin. "Watch out for Polar Bears, Son. Can you lead Elk back the same way on the return trip?" "Hell he better," Elk said. "Red, Darlene, I'll have five gallons of Snow Ice Cream waiting for you when you get home," I promised them. The news reporter asked if they could ride along in the morning. "You and one cameraman," Tim told her. "But only if Missy agrees to let you ride with her." "Night honey, if they ride with me, can you ride with Daddy and let him start teaching you?" I asked. "What, you're going to let a kid drive a plow?" "Lady, I'm not a kid," Rose said. "How old are you?" "I'm eleven, and that truck out there, the fourth in line is mine. That's Hopper." "Oh, you're the one that got hit in the avalanche earlier this winter." "She's one of the ones that was at that big accident two days ago too," pointed out her cameraman. "These kids get a hell of a lot of respect." "Tim, Missy," Frank said coming into the Diner. "Are Darlene and Red ok?" "Yeah Frank, they actually found another way around the bridge. So what brings you here this time of night?" asked Tim. "I heard Gladys was serving up homemade ice cream. That and channel nine wants to know why there chopper hasn't left here yet."