Percy & Johnny and the Swamp Creature

Life in the bayou is that of its own pace. The secrets of the swamp reveal themselves slowly, not for man to judge or set a time table too. Families have lived here for generations and further back than the Revolutionary War. The Swamp is alive, ever changing. Waterways disappear, then reshape and become new unexplored routes into the deep woods of the past.

It was a warm September day in the Bayou. Percy was back home on a well deserved vacation. He was anticipating Johnny's arrival back home. The fishing trip would be the highlight for them both, so he thought.

The big news for Momma was that she was seeing a man she worked with at the canning factory. Now this wasn’t news to Percy because Momma had hinted she fancied a fellow she worked with over the telephone. Her only complaint was he worked in the oyster shucking department and had some pretty rough hands to show for it. Percy wondered how she knew how rough his hands were but that might entail a story of them being frisky, something he didn’t wish to hear. Momma said his hands were rough, but his heart was pure with affection for her. Percy was content just enjoying a lazy day watching the river go by with his faithful dog Roscoe. Age had caught up with his ol fishin buddy. Percy would need to pick Roscoe up and put him on his lap. He no longer could navigate the steps well. He had kept Percy safe growing up. Something he would always be grateful for. He wondered how he would handle the dilemma to not leave Roscoe to suffer before he left for his trip back home.

Coming home brings back many memories. Growing up in the bayou is something city folk can’t understand. Bayou people never think of themselves as being poor. With a roof over their heads and the bountiful harvest of the land and water, there was no complaints about social jealousy. The sounds of the swamp was music to Percy’s ears. It created a calming effect that city folk only get from those dang white noise machines on their night stand. Percy did some chores for Momma, rightfully so. The loose porch floor boards and rickedy step needed some attention, mending a window screen and that squeaky screen door begged for the oil can. All, were put to bed. The Jon boat that transported him, Johnny and Roscoe on so many adventures had fallen into such a state of disrepair, it was no longer river safe. Percy cut it up and put in the woodpile to be used for evening campfires.

For Percy, it’s been a long stay away. His work for the FBI took precedence over vacation time. But finally, his reunion with Johnny Lee was about to start. Their fishing trips were always something they both looked forward to. Catching up with the latest news was always the best part. Percy was happy to be back at Momma’s house for a spell. Although Percy cast a wary eye on the new man in his Momma's life, his investigative instincts were hard for him to not look into Mr. Luke. It had been twelve years since his father died in that boating accident. In all those years, Momma never showed an interest to move on with another man. Luke had been married once before, a widower who moved to Louisiana from Galveston Texas. Momma had told Percy she was getting tired and wanted some stability and the company of a good man would be nice.

Of course Percy wanted to believe Luke was this man, but still a nagging bug a boo haunted him. Imagine he thought, what if it was YOUR Mother. Still, Percy was cordial and friendly. When Luke learned Percy’s background as an FBI agent, the color left his face. It was very slight but was a tell that showed Percy there was something Luke was nervous or hiding about. The two shook and Percy now understood about those sandpaper hands!

Percy loaded the fishing tackle in the boat, leaving Roscoe to enjoy a nap on the porch. He headed up river to pick Johnny Lee up at the main wharf in town.

As Percy’s boat slowly went by Madam Lauvea’s place, he was stunned at all the changes that had been made. Maddie had made a name for herself and a good living as well. Her Momma used to put on a show for the tourist boats of Mr. Alvin passing by. Instead, Maddie turned it into “The Bayou Mystery, Curiosities shop and Dining Emporium.” With river front dining for those wanting Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, Jambalaya, BBQ, and Catfish. An authentic Bayou experience! Not only enjoyed by the many tourists, but the locals as well that would come to hear the music and enjoy fine eats. Her Momma would be proud of the enterprise her daughter had started. Percy gave a loud waving hello to Maddie who smiled broadly running and waving to the river's edge, shouting out an invitation for him and Johnny Lee to return for supper later. News travels fast on the bayou, that Johnny Lee was coming home for a visit.

Percy nodded, and off he went. There, waiting at the town dock was Johnny. “You look green in the gills” said Percy. Johnny hurriedly got into the boat saying, “It’s been awhile since the smell of the old cannery permeated my nose, Can’t say I missed that!” He said with a grin. Percy raced down the river so Johnny could get home and settled. No sooner did they tie up to his dock when they heard “Johnny Bug!” from the booming voice on the porch. Earl was grinning ear to ear at seeing his boy.

The invitation was extended to Johnny's Dad to join them in the days fishin but Earl was taking the missus into town for groceries. “You boys be careful ya hear?” said Earl. “That last flooding knocked a bunch of trees down and changed the path of the river. Take the branch by old man Beecham’s place. The Crawdaddies got washed that way so un jes be careful dem gators will be lookin for a free meal.” The boys thanked Earl and headed down river. There was lots of debris and logs in the water so Johnny watched from the bow pushing branches away with an oar. Finally, the danger zone was passed and the water opened up into a nice broad basin. The lazy afternoon started and was filled with stories from their training and the previous years events. Their line bobbers barely moved in the still water. Catchin fish would be nice but mostly secondary to their friendship.

Just then, without warning, an object nearly flipped their boat, seemingly raising it up then slamming it on the surface. Johnny almost lost his balance as Percy raised the engine not wanting to jamb his propeller into something. As they caught their breath from that first shock, a second wave struck again. Percy tossed Johnny a life jacket to put on just in case. They were barely in twelve feet of water and a large shadow below could barely be made out in the murky water. Both men pulled their pistols from their waist belts. Mother Nature doesn’t give you a second chance in the Bayou. Many a soul had been lost being less prepared. The shadow rose up again seemingly headed straight for the middle of the boat from the starboard side. Johnny took aim but at the last second Percy shouted “hold your fire. It’s a sea cow, he exclaimed!”

Sure enough a giant behemoth of a manatee surfaced next to the boat in a frantic manner. “Look said Percy, he’s gotten himself caught in an ol fishin net!” The poor manatee’s tail was twisted inside a channel gill net. It was clear something needed to be done to help. Without regard for his own safety, Johnny slipped into the water with his knife in hand. Percy kept the boat next to the manatee's body, close as possible, as Johnny began cutting the netting away. Some spots were so twisted Johnny would take deep breaths and go under to continue. Finally success! The creature, although exhausted from the struggle, became docile once again. Johnny passed the cut netting into the boat for later disposal. Percy helped Johnny back in and tossed him a towel.

“That was some mighty fine work there Mister Jacques Cousteau!” Percy added with a grin. “I hope she makes it” said Johnny. “There’s a pretty big gash in the tail” said Johnny, drying himself off. Percy picked a leech off Johnny's shoulder. “Dang you best check your shorts cause you don’t want one of these stuck to your ass or ball sack!” said Percy as he flipped the leech into the bait bucket. For the better part of the afternoon, the Manatee stayed close to the boat in a friendly, thankful way. All well and good it was, but his presence sure scared the fish away! Finally, figuring it was gonna be a waste of time they carefully moved the boat back up river away from the grateful mammal. They decided to swing by the still existing river branch that would take them to the old civil war steamboat Tom Sugg. For many years that boat was a favorite spot for these two growing boys.

As the remains of the steamboat came into view, the ravages of time had taken more of a toll on its deteriorating condition. The once proud smoke funnel had collapsed onto the upper deck and laid partially in the water, the bow, now sat significantly deeper in the mud just above the water line. More of the ornate wooden spindles were now absent from its handrail. The boys figured in just a few short years, this proud riverboat will be no more, consumed by the Louisiana mud and will soon enter into the annals of local folklore.

As they approached, two young voices could be heard coming from the vessel. Up popped two youthful heads playing in the wheelhouse. Percy and Johnny called out to them as if they were seeing ghosts of themselves many years ago drawn to this playground of fantasy they too enjoyed as kids.

Percy hollered up there was nothing to fear and learned the two were brothers. They climbed up the rickety paddle wheel for one last look. Percy and Johnny felt like kids again walking on the deck. Johnny showed the boys the cargo hold they could catch bucket loads of crawfish from and retold the history of this once proud vessel. Percy secured a length of rope next to the paddle wheel to make it safer for the boys to get on and off. Soon they waved goodbye to the new crew of Tom Sugg. Just as it should be.

Time to head back to Maddie’s place as promised for dinner.

The unmistakable Cajun music drifted along the river as Percy and Johnny got closer. Maddie had done wonders to Madam Laveuas place now making it her own. Maddie even hired two employees, Jess, a fine Cajun cook from New Orleans and Doris a local, as a waitress.

The place had the feel of something straight out of the French quarter.

Maddie welcomed the boys, tying their boat off to the new dock cleat. “You look powerful hungry” said Maddie with a smile. She greeted Percy with a big hug, extended her hand to Johnny for introductions, then picked a chunk of seaweed from his hair. “I declare she said, I didn’t know it was quite the swimming season here yet!” Johnny smiled and said he had to help a “friend” in trouble in the water. “Well sir, Maddie continued, “I loves me a hero, an you’s gonna tell me all about it too!”

Maddie set the two friends at a table near the fire pit. The chilly evening air was creeping in down on the water and the warmth of the fire agreed very much with the still wet Johnny. “Madeline, your Momma would surely be proud of you!” said Percy. Two hot bowls of spicy chicken Gumbo were now put in front of the boys alongside icy cold beers to wash it down and extinguish the gumbo heat. Maddie had become a fine business woman. With future plans to build cabins out back to give tourists a true Cajun Bayou overnight experience. Maddie explained that in the letter from her momma details to find hidden cash in the house was for her to make a new life. The boys and Maddie talked into the night, long after closing hours. Retelling tales and how their lives had changed, and what great opportunities they had been given. It was a joyous occasion.

Farewell Dear Friend

Roscoe has been Percy’s dog for as long as he could remember. He came to them as a pup from a litter left in a box for free in town.

Roscoe knew his place, always vigilant keeping Percy safe. He enjoyed boat rides with Percy taking his post in the front bow sniffing the air for any lurking dangers. He lived a mostly solitary life as neighbors were far inbetween up and down the river. He did pay occasional visits to a female terrier named Sofia. Many of the other dogs he showed no interest in except for an occasional bark of acknowledgment. He did love to swim on those hot days to cool himself off. Always a warning given with his gator growl when he sensed danger.

Johnny Lee's sister, Savanna, was visiting her house when Percy came over. She was his first crush and he was happy to see her for the first time in a handful of years. She was more mature but just as beautiful. They would sit out evenings as kids on her porch swing watching the stars in the sky, watching the streaking meteors. They had also snuck away together to the Steamboat wreck where they would ponder how their lives would turn out. It was also the place Percy had his first kiss.

Unfortunately, she married a fellow with a wandering eye. His drinking and womanizing destroyed their marriage.

He was an absolute bum that lost his job and deserted her and two beautiful twin daughters. They both had long blonde hair like their momma. Aurora and Astra were their names, just three years old. Even Johnny was unaware of her divorce until he got back home. She was too embarrassed to even tell her brother over the phone. She did a wonderful job protecting her two daughters from their father. He agreed to the divorce then quickly disappeared. There would be no child support, not surprising. Some say he never returned from a gambling junket out to sea. A card cheat out on the vast ocean had a very short shelf life.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Savanna again. Percy invited her out for dinner down at Maddie’s while Johnny's momma watched the girls. Johnny was just happy to come home. His duties with the Secret Service made it more difficult to get time off taking time to catch-up with the folks. Maddie’s was busy for a Wednesday night but still the food was excellent. As they talked, or tried too, some guy was attempting to get his old Johnson boat engine going. He must’ve pulled that rope a hundred times interrupting their conversation with the constant frapp frapp wheeze…. of the engine. Finally Percy excused himself and went dockside. Looking over the situation, Percy pointed to the gas shut off valve. “Lookie here, you best open that line up before your arm falls clean off from pulling on it!” The man did as he was directed, apologized, then thanked Percy. On the second pull there after, the motor started right up. The other annoyed dinner guests gave Percy a round of applause and thumbs up as he made his way back to Savanna. “Just being neighborly” exclaimed Percy with a smile addressing the others. Savanna replied “You always were a good and kind gentleman. I only wish I would have realized that years back. I’m so full of regret, '' she said tearfully. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, you have two beautiful daughters that you can be thankful for.” said Percy. He took her hand and assured her that life could bring second chances for her and her children. The words he just spoke were hauntingly familiar from the lines written in Madam Laveau’s letter to him stating “a friend from his past will return and to look to the stars.” Was this the premonition she had seen Percy thought?

The next morning Percy took Roscoe out on the boat to see Savanna. Percy lifted Roscoe out, carrying him up unto the porch. Savanna came from around back chasing the two girls playfully. She greeted Percy and again thanked him for asking her out for dinner. She petted Roscoe but the old dog barely lifted his head to acknowledge it. The girls wandered off the porch as children do, playing near the river bank tossing sticks into the water. Just as Savanna was warning them to stay close, Roscoe’s ears stood erect. His body went tall and rigid and assumed an attack position with his growl. Percy jumped to his feet, he knew that growl meant danger! Sure enough a large gator quickly shuffled up from the mud grabbing the hem of Aurora's dress. As he pulled her down the bank Aurora screamed. Roscoe leaped from the porch with the vigor of his lost youth and threw himself atop of the gator. Roscoe bit hard into his snout and eye, making the gator release the little girl still clinging to the mud bank. The gator grabbed and tried to flip Roscoe into the air and with one painful bite he yelped but Roscoe kept his teeth squarely into the gator. Percy raced down and grabbed little Aurora and took her from harm's way handing her to Savanna.

The gator rolled down the bank with Roscoe still in his grips into the water. In seconds he submerged, rolling and taking the last gasp from Roscoe’s lungs. Percy drew his pistol and fired one shot into the gator's head. It’s body rolled over, belly up with the lifeless broken body of his devoted friend now being released from the gator's jaws. Percy waded out into the waist deep water carrying Roscoe back in his arms up to the porch. Savanna’s father Earl come running from the house after hearing the commotion. There was nothing to be done for Percy’s dear companion. Percy kneeled over him, petting him most lovingly. Earl went back into the house and brought out the finest bed sheet linen they owned. He folded it carefully and had Percy lift Roscoe unto it. They tucked him inside like the most important package that he was. Showing reverent respect to a most deserving animal. Earl hugged Percy and said they would be forever grateful for Roscoe's one last act of courage in saving his granddaughter. Savanna came forward still shaking knowing that had Percy not brought Roscoe along she could have lost a daughter.

Percy was without words and nothing could console him over the loss of Roscoe. Still he was ever so proud that his very last act on this earth was saving the life of that little girl. It was a quiet, tearful boat ride alone back home. He gave Roscoe a fitting burial near the dock where Roscoe could remain on eternal watch. Percy walked to the woodpile and selected two nice pieces of the Jon boat wood to fashion a marker which he carved “Roscoe” on it.

The next day, Percy needed some serious fishin with his friend Johnny Lee. Instead of heading deeper in the swamp to fish, they chose upstream where the water was brackish, mixing the fresh with the saltwater from the gulf. This area usually created an unusual assortment of fish to be caught. Percy navigated the boat just so with Johnny tossing the anchor. The boat swung around gentle like until the anchor firmly seated in the soft Louisiana mud of the channel.

Now Johnny wanted to talk some about Roscoe but the hurt was to fresh to bring that topic up. Instead he told Percy about the agent he’s been dating. The girl with a dragon tattoo on her back who’s tail wrapped around her boob. Percy laughed and exclaimed “That’s some whopper Johnny Lee!” He refused to believe that a woman would get such a tattoo. Johnny just smiled and asked, “well what about you Mr. Don Juan?” Percy baited the hook and cast it out into the water. “Well” said Percy, “working long hours and stakeouts doesn’t give much free time for romance.There was one gal I was interested in. That was Lady Bird Johnson’s personal aid, Miss Kelcie Dalton. The problem was she was in Texas, and I’m in Louisiana.” Johnny was familiar with her name but had only spoken to her on the telephone when he was given Ladybirds recommendations for his appointment to the Secret Service.

“What do you think of my sister Savanna?” Asked Johnny. Just then Percy had a fish on. His answer would need to wait until he reeled this lunker of a fish in. It was a nice size Red Drum that normally schools. “Quick Johnny get in there! Johnny casted and almost immediately hooked into another Red Drum and soon the cooler was filled. Taking a break now, Percy thought on the question posed. “Well sir,” Percy said, “you know I’ve always been sweet on Savanna. We had a nice talk at dinner but I don’t think she’s ready for any meaningful relationship yet.” Johnny added, “You know, she didn’t stop talking about you last night. She will never forget you or Roscoe for what you did.” “She still makes my heart skip a beat just seeing her” said Percy. I just don’t want to be that rebound guy after her divorce. I was devastated when she broke it off with me years ago.” “Well” said Johnny, “give it some thought she thinks the world of you!”

Percy smiled and continued fishing. Taking a woman that has two small children is not a decision to take lightly. The subject was not brought up again that day.

The boys fished the afternoon away, taking far more than they needed and headed back. They stopped and dropped off a cooler filled with red drum fish to Maddie, where Doris immediately added it to the days menu on the chalk board. Maddie brought out two boxes of fresh fried Baguettes for the boys to take home, thanking them for their fishing fortune. As Maddie walked the two back to their boat, walking between them, her hands touched them both on the shoulders, She stopped in her tracks, then went into a transcendental state. Looking at Johnny square in the eye saying “You watch yourself with Memphis” then turning to Percy saying “ What is lost, will be found, look at the Mothers tears.” With that she returned to herself as if nothing had happened. Johnny looked at Percy who shook his head slightly to not question what she had just said. Heading back home Johnny believed that the girl was “touched in the head” but Percy was aware of the “gift” her and her Momma had and told Johnny “don’t be too quick to judge”

The boys had just barely returned to Johnny's house when the firehouse horn was signaling an emergency. Earl was listening to his police scanner and heard there was an emergency at the canning factory. “Oh Mercy” exclaimed Earl, "there's been an explosion and fire there!” The blood drained from Percy’s face as the boys and Earl raced to the boats. What seemed like an eternity skimming across the water, they arrived to see smoke rising from the cannery. The volunteer fire department was on the scene with flames shooting out the second story windows. The scene was chaotic and injured employees were scattered about.

Momma! Momma! Percy screamed out, his eyes scanning the wharf of the injured. Percy spotted Mr.Thomas, who was his mother’s supervisor. “Sir, where’s my Momma?” Said a frantic Percy.

“I was the last one out when the wall collapsed. The door was stuck and I couldn’t free it! Lord knows I’m sorry boy” said Mr. Thomas. Percy called out to Johnny and Earl for help. The three ran into the rubble and found the stuck door. They could hear coughing and banging on the door from inside. The three strained to move a concrete pier that was blocking the door along with bricks and rubble. Earl singlehanded wrestled that pier off to the side while Percy and Johnny moved bricks and attempted to pry the door open. The smoke was thick as the screams from inside were now just the sounds of coughing. The three were becoming desperate, that fire door wouldn’t budge. Percy looked around for another entry point. “Across the way under a billboard” Percy screamed “Over there!” Pointing to the storm drain under the billboard. Earl lifted the steel grating while Percy and Johnny climbed the ladder into the underground drain system. Quickly they worked there way back coming up into the basement. Directly above, were the trapped workers including Percy’s Momma.

Racing up the stairs into the warehouse they ran into the thick smoke. Percy moved everyone to the side as Johnny jumped on a fork truck. Putting it into gear, he maneuvered around the tight space, spinning it around and backed the rig squarely into the door, ripping it from its mounting bar knocking it to the ground. Their escape was now possible.

Percy carried his Momma out as Johnny guided the others to fresh air and safety. Firemen were giving oxygen to those who needed it including Johnny's mom.

Hearing that all the employees had now been accounted for came as a sigh of relief. Percy looked up to the sky to give thanks that there was no loss of life. His eyes now focused on that billboard. It was advertising the local shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mother statue in town. It is said the statue miraculously cried tears that were witnessed by many for miracles. Percy got Johnny's attention who’s eyes were staring and finger pointing at the rear end of the fork truck. There, emblazoned on it, the name “Memphis Towmotor Co.!”

The two looked at each other, both remembering Maddie’s words. Percy was about to speak when Johnny interrupted with “NO Sir I’m not touchin that coincidence for nuthin!” They both laughed, shaking their heads… It had been a most trying day, one they were happy to see conclude.

Earl had just spoke to the fire chief who told him it was a gas explosion in the drying room. Percy was very emotional now, with the adrenaline rush now subsided, he reflected how in less than twenty four hours they had both saved members of each other’s families. A group hug of the smoky, dirty three showed what a bond these two families have. Percy, always the smart ass, said to Johnny “Well Mr.Evil Knievel how ya gonna top that stunt?” Johnny laughed and said “maybe I needs to speak to my psychic to find out!” With that, the three rescuers and Mother Fran returned to the boats…

Coming up in Chapter 5 : Who, and Where is Luke Braxton?