Quazum

A CONFRONTATION 176

Ben drove carefully into the parking lot of a “Guns-R-Us” store in a cleaner part of Back-Bayou. He read the sign in the window highlighting special prices on shotguns and hunting rifles, all sold with a box of bullets included. Ben parked the car and walked in looking around nervously.

“Hi!” said Buddy, the salesman and owner of the business when he looked up. “Welcome to Gus-R-Us! What can I help you with? Are you looking for the new Grand Laser Rifle, or maybe just a new ZAC shotgun?”

“I’m just looking.” Ben nervously walked in and looked around the small store. There were a multitude of guns and rifles on shelves and attached to the walls behind the counter.

Ben avoided making eye contact and nervously checked out the display. Buddy finally stepped out from behind the counter and followed Ben around. “You see we’ve also got a special deal on digital shotguns right now while they’re in season. Are you interested in a six-round blast? Shells are included.”

“I just need a simple handgun... just for defense purposes.”

“Oh, a pistol? Well, you’ve come to the right place,” replied Buddy as he pointed to a glass counter filled with various shapes and sizes of handguns. “We’ve got pistols with all digital emission, with both centerfires to a rim fire primer. You can’t go wrong with some of these state-of-the-art handguns. I can guarantee that.”

Ben looked confused and finally replied, “Just a basic little pistol for protection. That’s all.”

“We got a special deal today on the twenty-four-caliber,” answered Buddy as he pointed to the glass counter. “And these pistols will come with a holster and a single cartridge of bullets. No added cost.”

“I guess that will be alright.” Ben nervously pulled a credit card from his wallet. “Umm, I don’t have any kind of g*n license. Does that matter?”

“Not around here,” answered Buddy with a laugh. He then recited a code, “Open purchase of self-defense firearms can be sold without permit, as long as the g*n user is not under seventeen years of age. That’s state and federal law.”

Ben nodded and asked politely, “Do you need to see an ID or something?”

“No, not here. Buyers have a complete right to privacy,” said Buddy with a laugh. “Unless you’ve been arrested for armed robbery in the state, that is. But I think you’re okay.”

“Thank you,” said a confused Ben.

Buddy scanned the g*n and typed information into his computer. “You just need this pistol for defensive purposes, right?”

“Yeah. I’m just trying to protect myself while talking to a local right here in the Back-Bayou. That’s all.”

“And who is that?” asked Buddy as he loaded the case and bullet cartridge into a bag. “I know everyone around these parts. Someone after you?”

“His name is Meaux,” answered Ben nervously as he handed over the credit card. “Owner of an unregistered one hundred forty-seven acres of swampland.”

Buddy stopped to think. “You want to talk to old Gabriel Meaux? That is scary.”

“It’s just concerning some research done by his daughter Lacy,” answered Ben formally. “She performed some exploration for a Space Exploration years ago.”

“Oh Boy... Since Meaux’s wife died and his daughter left, we don’t see him but about once a year. He walks all the way out here to buy a dozen cases of twelve-gauge shells, and some twenty caliber bullets.”

“His daughter,” answered Ben. “Her name is Lacy. What can you tell me about her?”

“I remember her. She moved out to California I believe. And was doing some special work at some big space company...”

“Yes, Space Exploration. Do you have any idea if she may have come back, maybe just to visit?”

 Buddy scanned the credit card and typed into his register. “I don’t know, to tell you the truth. Gabriel Meaux ain’t the talkative type. You know?”

“I just want to talk to him, but he’s not really interested. In fact, he tried to shoot me.”

“Meaux tried to kill you? I heard he may have undocumented bootleg whisky out there in the swamp land... And he sure don’t want to talk to nobody. I wouldn’t want to go near that area without a g*n. That really could be dangerous.”

“Well, I just have some questions for Mr. Meaux,” replied Ben with a polite smile. “And I just want to feel safe and have a little protection. Just in case.”

Buddy handed Ben the g*n in a shopping bag and then said, “Maybe you should get some local cops behind you.”

“Police? I don’t want to involve armed policemen. This is strictly personal business.”

“Let me call Neil. He’s the Sheriff. He can just gather up some cops to stand behind you. Just to keep everyone safe.”

“I don’t know if that’s going to help. Mr. Meaux doesn’t want to answer questions from anybody. Me, or the police.”

“Just let me check.” Buddy then reached down to turn on an old computer and scrolled down the list of names.

“Neil? This is Buddy at the g*n shop. I got a gentleman here who wants to talk to Gabriel Meaux. You got any men that can get behind him... just for a little protection? To keep everyone safe?”

Sheriff Neil was sitting behind a desk, wearing his full police uniform and sat up when he heard the question. “Why does this gentleman want to see Gabriel Meaux? I ain’t seen him in years.”

“He’s from Space Exploration. That’s in California,” answered Buddy. “Says he knows Gabriel’s little girl, Lacy. He just wants to ask him some questions about her.”

Sheriff Neil looked up when he heard Lacy’s name. “Questions about Lacy?”

“Yeah. That’s all he wants.” Buddy then smiled at Ben and nodded his head. “It should all just take a few minutes.”

Sheriff Neil looked around and thought before laughing. “Yeah, I think we can follow him out there to Mr. Meaux’s property. Just send him over. I’ll line up a force.”

“Okay,” said Buddy with a smile. “His name is Ben Thomas. I’m going to send him over right now.”

“I really don’t want to start any problems,” replied Ben. “Are you sure...”

Buddy hung up the phone and smiled. “Okay. Sheriff Neil wants to meet you. And he said the Back-Bayou Police can cover for you, just to keep everyone safe.”

Ben seemed confused, “Do I have to pay a fee for involving the police?”

“Hell no! Protection is the number one business of the Back-Bayou Police. Just head about a mile up the road to police headquarters. Sheriff Neil will ask you some questions and will then help keep Gabriel Meaux under control.”

Ben considered his options, then put the pistol into his pocket. He nodded his head thanking Buddy, then headed back out to the parking lot.

“This way nobody gets hurt,” said Buddy as the door closed.

* * *

Lacy was dragging barbed wire fence posts and blocking off access to the gravel and dirt road leading to the Meaux swampland. Gabriel and Quazum were reluctantly following directions and moving branches and tree limbs.

“We must block off all signs of the gravel road,” said Lacy as she laid down hay and oak leaves along the street opening. “Cover the driveway entrance.”

“What’s that gonna do?” asked Gabriel skeptically. “He knows where we are, and I told him he’s not welcome.”

Quazum held the barbed wire fence posts as Lacy attached hooks. “I don’t understand, Mom. Why are we even doing this? Just let me talk to him. He seemed nice.”

Lacy looked around then pointed at the “No Trespassing” and “Shoot First, Ask Questions Later” signs hanging along the old road.

“Take down all those signs,” yelled Lacy. “Clean it up!”

“What difference do signs make?” answered Gabriel in a confused voice. “I got these signs to ‘stop’ people from coming around and asking questions.”

“They just draw more attention. Create more curiosity... We don’t want that,” explained Lacy before turning to Quazum. “Just pull them down, and cover the gravel road entrance, so nothing can be seen from the street.”

“I got it, Mom.” Quazum immediately ran off towards the street entrance, quickly climbed wires and easily pulled down random warning signs nailed onto trees.

“This is crazy,” said Gabriel as he stood watching. “The more we try to cover up, the more curious that investigator is going to be.”

“We don’t want anyone asking questions, Dad. If it’s just one man from Space Exploration, we want him to just give up and return home. No harm done.” Lacy then grabbed a shovel and began scooping dirt and leaves across the gravel driveway. “Now help me hide this gravel. Cover it with leaves. I don’t want any signs leading to the cabin.”

Gabriel skeptically followed Lacy and began kicking leaves over the gravel. Quazum raced back and forth breaking branches and covering the driveway entrance out of sight.

* * *

Ben was nervously driving into the rundown parking lot and saw the old sign hanging, “Back-Bayou Police Department”. Ben looked unimpressed as he got out of the car and curiously walked into the front of the building.

In the lobby sat a crying older woman, several children, and several men who looked like criminals. Ben walked up to the receptionist and politely asked, “Hello. I’m here to see Sheriff Neil?”

“What’s it about?” answered the receptionist. “The sheriff is too busy for chats.”

“It’s just about some simple protection,” answered Ben with a polite smile. “I was told he approved the request.”

Sheriff Neil then walked out of a side door and said to the receptionist, “I got this, Shirley.” Neil then turned to Ben. “Come on back. I just want to hear some of the details of Mr. Gabriel Meaux’s threats.”

Ben followed Sheriff Neil down the old hallway as police officers and arrested criminals looked on curiously. When Ben walked into the office, Sheriff Neil closed the door and walked around.

“So, you’re from Space Exploration, right?” asked Neil.

“Yeah, we just call it SEA for short.”

Sheriff Neil seemed very curious. “And you’re looking to investigate the Meaux Back-Bayou property. Am I right?”

Ben looked around the room at Sheriff Neil’s credentials and finally responded, “Yes, I just have some simple questions for Mr. Meaux.”

“And you know Lacy? His daughter? I know she used to work for that agency.”

Ben was surprised. “Yes. Do you know her?”

“I met her a few times... a long time ago. She grew up ‘round here and went to the local school. She was a really beautiful girl back then.”

“I haven’t seen her for a while, but she really was a strong force at the agency. You could say we were very good friends.”

“I remember when her Mom died, Lacy ran off to California, and then started flying out into space. I used to see it on the news.”

“Yes,” answered Ben as he was getting impatient. “I remember that too. You know I just...”

“Her Dad, Gabriel, just locked himself up in that old cabin in the swamplands. No electricity, no phone. And he’s just been living off the land for a long time now. Ain’t been seen in the last twenty years.”

“Well, I just want to ask Gabriel some simple questions about Lacy. But I don’t want any violence or gunfire. I really just want a peaceful meeting.”

Neil looked surprised. “Did you try and talk to him already?”

“I did,” answered Ben with a nod. “I just tried to introduce myself, but the guns started firing. And I just felt lucky to escape.”

“Is that what he did? He started shooting at you because you asked about his daughter?”

“I don’t think he even cared what I was asking,” answered Ben. “I think he was just out hunting, and just panicked when I approached. Not a big deal.”

“I understand. We can help you. We’re gonna make this peaceful and easy.”

Ben looked relieved. “Great. I want to keep this simple. Maybe you can just stand behind me so I can ask some questions. No guns. No fights.”

“Not a problem,” answered Neil with a smile. “You can go in there and have a peaceful discussion. We’ll be out there, just in case.”

“Thank you.” Ben then stood up and looked around the room. “When will a visit to Mr. Meaux be convenient?”

Sheriff Neil thought for a second, then got up and hurried out the office door calling out names. Policemen began gathering as Ben looked on nervously. “Having my guys behind you will keep everything clean. So, you can ask your questions in peace. I guarantee.”

* * *

Lacy was grabbing plants and other decorations around the cabin and was carrying them inside. Quazum helped by laying down branches to cover the front porch of the cabin. Gabriel was annoyed with cleanup and walked out carrying his shotgun. “He ain’t even coming back. I think you’re going way overboard.”

Lacy looked around the house and noticed the solar panels and satellite dish on the roof shining in the sun. “Just cover up those hi-tech looking gadgets you got up on the roof, Quazum. This is just an old cabin with one man living alone.”

“Maybe I can pull some of the moss from the old trees and cover the panels,” answered Quazum nervously.

“Don’t cover that solar stuff. We’ll have no electricity. Right?”

“The panels will just be out of sight till the next rain,” said Quazum as he climbed. “And that’ll probably be tomorrow afternoon.”

Quazum grabbed a handful of leaves and moss and quickly climbed up the side of the house. He carefully began laying out the moss, branches and leaves on the roof until the solar panels and dish were not reflecting the shining metal.

Lacy then jumped into her car and backed it up out of sight at the rear of the cabin.

“You’re hiding the car too?” yelled Gabriel. “They’ll think I’m just a scary old man living alone in the swamps.”

After climbing out, Lacy ran back over to the front porch. “You don’t have a car, Daddy. You just live alone. And you’ve been living off the land for the last twenty years. That’s all.”

“Why would anyone care? I ain’t committed no crime.”

“And if they ask about me, Space Exploration, or your grandson,” said Lacy looking around. “You haven’t seen me in a long time. And you have no knowledge of my family, or anything I did at Space Exploration.”

Quazum climbed down the side of the house. “Mom, that’s as much electronic equipment I can hide without taking stuff apart.”

“Fine,” said Lacy while she carried in decorative plants. “That looks a lot better. Now Dad, I want you to hang out by the street just in case.”

“That’s crazy. When they see the road blocked off, they’ll turn away. Ain’t no one coming out here.”

“If you see someone trying to get in... Anyone! You approach them nicely and answer their questions. Like you got nothing to hide. I moved out when mom died, and you haven’t spoken to me since.”

“And what if they’re not satisfied with that? Can I shoot them then?”

“You act respectful. Last thing we want is a fight.”

“Maybe they’re just looking for me, Mom.” Quazum stepped up wearing his visible shirt and cap over his partially invisible body. “I can go with Grandpa.”

“You’ll stay here with me. We are not to be seen. Got that?”

Gabriel finally picked up his shotgun, and started heading out the door. “I’ll handle this.”

“And you leave that here,” yelled Lacy.

“What? Why? I gotta have some form of protection.”

“No violence. No g*n. You’re just a peaceful old man living alone on an old piece of property. You got that?”

“I ain’t peaceful, and I don’t want no trespassers,” mumbled Gabriel as he put his g*n back up on the rack. Lacy then watched through the window as he walked down the long driveway.

Quazum seemed confused and stepped up, “Does this have something to do with me or Quazmopolis?” Quazum then held out his strange invisible hand and looked down at the changing colors and body shape.

“No, you’re just a normal little boy growing up in the Back-Bayou.”

“Momma, just let me talk to them. They won’t hurt me.” Quazum paced around nervously and looked out the window. “I’ll just say hi.”

“You can’t open that can of worms, Quazum. Or they’ll never leave us alone. I can guarantee you that.” Lacy picked up the rifle, emptied out the safe rubber bullets, then began loading real twenty-two caliber shells.

“Now take off those clothes and go hide under the bed!” yelled Lacy. “Stay invisible. Go!”

* * *

It was late afternoon, and Ben was driving slowly down the same old road followed by a line of police cars. He curved around old trees and drove through puddles in the road before getting to the covered gravel road. His car computer voice then spoke out, “Entrance to the swampland owned by Gabriel Meaux is to your right.”

Ben saw no open driveway and followed the continual closed barbed wire fence. There was new dirt and grass covering the gravel entrance, and he was confused. Police cars continued slowly driving behind him as Ben drove slowly along the roadside.

“You have now passed the entrance to the Meaux property,” said the computer.

“This doesn’t look familiar. Are you sure we’re at the Meaux property?” replied Ben as he finally came to a stop. “There were signs and a gravel road entrance. I don’t think this is the same place!”

“Previous turn was made earlier one hundred yards back, on the south side of Highway one eleven. That was the entrance used,” answered the computer.

Ben finally looked back and waved to the line of police cars. He then made an awkward U-turn and headed back with the confused policemen following. Ben parked his car on the opposite side of the road and studied the closed fence.

“Property owned by Gabriel Meaux is now on the left side. Land was purchased forty years ago...” Ben turned off the car computer voice and began to climb out looking around as police cars also pulled over.

Ben first walked over and spoke to Sheriff Neil. “I know this is the entrance. This is where I went in before. It’s just been changed.”

“I don’t know. The Meaux property always had ‘No Trespassing’ signs. And his gate was always open. I drive by here once a week.”

“It’s about a hundred fifty acres of dangerous property,” said another policeman. “This whole area has got no entrance, and we ain’t got no warrant. I don’t like this.”

“Just stay outside the gate,” said Ben as he walked up to the gate. “We don’t need confrontation, just a peaceful conversation is all.”

“Fine,” answered Sheriff Neil. “We can wait out here. Take your time.”

Policemen then all gathered around the cars holding rifles and guns as Ben walked over to the barbed wire fence. He stopped and examined the marsh and leafy surface to reveal the covered gravel road. He then continued down muddy paths looking around old trees and moss. Ben searched for familiar signs as he stepped in mud and over the dead bushes and leaves.

“What do you want?” asked Gabriel.

Ben stopped and looked around as the bright sun was setting in the distance. Gabriel then stepped out from behind the trees and stood motionless twenty yards away.

“Oh! Hello,” answered Ben. He looked back and saw the sheriff and policemen were out of site. “Are you Mr. Meaux?”

“Who wants to know?” Gabriel answered with a shadow covering his face in the marsh.

Ben stepped forward again and said politely. “I’m from the Space Exploration Agency in California... And we’re just investigating one of our scientists...”

“So, what? That ain’t got nothing to do with me and my swampland, and nothing to do with you trespassing on my property.”

“I just wanted to ask for some information about Miss Lacy Meaux. Are you her father? Gabriel?”

“I ain’t seen or heard from that girl in a long time. She’s been out on her own since her Mom died. Now get off my property, and go back to your exploration space home.”

“Not a problem, Mr. Meaux.” Ben stepped closer again. “Do you have any record of a current possible location? Maybe a place I could find Lacy? Just to talk to her?”

“Now I’m going to ask you again politely,” answered Gabriel remaining motionless. “Just get off my land, and head on back where you came from.”

“Mr. Meaux, can you just give me some idea of what Lacy might be doing. Maybe someone I could contact?”

“I done told you. I ain’t seen or heard from Lacy Meaux.” Ben stood quietly thinking before Gabriel continued in a threatening voice. “Now you’re trespassing on my property. Just turn around and start back down that same path you came in, or you might be in serious danger.”

Ben looked at the shadow of Gabriel and continued moving closer. “I just need information that could help me trace her. It’s truly important. Lacy and I have things...”

“I’m giving you a final warning mister,” replied Gabriel. “You got three seconds. Three!”

Ben reached into his pocket and nervously gripped the neck of his new pistol. “I’m not leaving without at least an answer.”

“Two!”

“Mr. Meaux. I need to know!”

“I warned you” yelled Gabriel before he jumped out and moved towards Ben.

“Wait!”

“Pow!!!” Ben pulled the trigger in fear, firing the shot in a panic.

* * *

Sheriff Neil and several policemen looked up surprised and quickly began racing down towards the barbed wire fence, holding pistols, rifles and automatic weapons.

“Keep your guns drawn,” yelled the sheriff as the police ran up to find an emotional Ben leaning over Gabriel’s body.

Lying on his back and bleeding from his chest, Ben mumbled, “I’m sorry Mr. Meaux. I didn’t want a shoot-out. I’m sorry.” Ben tried to wipe blood and keep Gabriel alive, but the bleeding continued.

Police ran up looking confused before one yelled, “Search the swampland. There may be more guns.”

Ben continued, “I just need to find Lacy. I just want to help her. That’s all.”

Gabriel finally looked up and mumbled to Ben, “You just leave them alone. Both of them.” He then closed his eyes and lost consciousness.

“Them?” Ben seemed confused as Sheriff Neil ran up.

“Did he pull a g*n? Did he try to shoot you?”

“I don’t know. I thought he might shoot me. I panicked,” answered Ben as he leaned over the bleeding body. “I was just trying to warn him. I didn’t want to hurt him.”

“I understand,” replied Sheriff Neil as he took a pistol from his holster and dropped it into the hand of Gabriel. “You shot him strictly in self-defense. It’s not a problem.”

Ben stood up in shock as the policemen raced by carrying heavy rifles and guns. Other police began rescue efforts for Gabriel. They picked him up by the arms and began dragging him out.

Sheriff Neil ran behind and yelled, “We must search all of Meaux’s swampland property. We are only looking to investigate criminal activities. Keep your guns drawn, and prepare to fire. Fire weapons only in retaliation.”

“Wait!” Ben jumped up and followed Sheriff Neil towards the Meaux cabin in the center of the property.

* * *

Lacy heard the gunshots and commotion, and stared out of a crease in the window curtains. She held up Gabriel’s rifle and watched the policemen lining up around the cabin.

“What do I do?” Quazum stood in the bedroom doorway wearing only a hat. His body changed colors as he moved quickly from side to side. “They’re looking for me. Maybe I can explain my situation...”

“You stay undercover. You are not to be seen by anyone. Do you understand?”

“But why?”

“Take off that hat and climb under the bed!” yelled Lacy as she pointed. “No one is to see you!”

“Mom... I’m scared.”

“Do it! Now!” yelled Lacy as she held Gabriel’s shotgun up to the window.

Quazum removed his hat, ran into the bedroom, and climbed under the bed. Lacy then raced around the cabin peeking through windows as the armed policemen surrounded the cabin.

* * *