Gerald Brence - Old Money

Old Money

Copyright 2019 by Gerald Brence

Published in the United States of America

ISBN Paperback: 978-1-950947-82-9

ISBN eBook: 978-1-950947-83-6

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

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Chapter 1

T he old Johnson County Bridge was a terrifying site. There it was, right in front of us. It was a hunk of gray, decaying wood and metal that stretched a good fifty yards across the Kansas River. The structure sagged in the middle at an angle that made your heart sink. The wooden tracks grabbed most of your attention. Drivers had to hit them just right or risk sliding into the water. There were no side rails for protection. And of course, the bridge creaked like a rocking chair when the wind blew.

A hundred feet below was the river itself. It was muddy and black. The three of us just stared at it, but nobody said anything. It was me, Hayden Lewis, who had gotten us into this mess, so I needed to think of a way to get us out of it.

It just looks scary. I said it like I was even trying to convince myself. If we stay on the tracks and go slow, well be okay.

Maybe I sounded like I had a lot of confidence, but in reality, I had none. I was scared to death. There was no way I was going to drive that old pickup truck across the bridge. On top of that, we were pulling a trailer full of cattle. I needed one of those other two boys to do it for me.

Johnny Suggs was a scrawny kid with a big mouth. He said what he wanted to say, and he never backed down after he said it.

Riley Archer was big and thick- shouldered. He stood nearly a foot taller than Johnny and a half a foot taller than me. He didnt talk much, and he rarely smiled. It seemed to me that he was mad about something.

Our job that summer day was to haul thirteen head of cattle from a farm near Olathe, Kansas over to another farm about ten miles away. We would travel through the back roads of Johnson County. Halfway between the two farms hung the bridge.

We were working for a man named Mr. Clinton Derryberry. I was a city kid from Olathe who didnt know anything about farming or hard work. Mr. Derryberry spotted me in the barber shop a few Saturday afternoons ago. He was stepping down from the chair as I stood next in line.

I need a hand just about like you, he said. You looking for a job, Boy.

I never had a job before. I was only thirteen. I also had never spent much time around a grown man. My dad passed away when I was little. School had just let out for summer, so I thought it was a good idea.

Sure, I answered, I could use a job.

That little conversation in the barber shop would change my life forever. Mr. Derryberry was a nice man, but he only paid three dollars an hour. That was the going rate in 1973. It didnt take me long to understand the truth about physical labor. I figured out fast that getting somebody else to help me do all the work was a good idea. Plus, it got lonely working out on a farm.

On the third day of my employment, I brought the subject up to Mr. Derryberry. This is a lot of work, I stated. Three good hands would be a lot better than one, and it would only cost you nine dollars an hour.

Mr. Derryberry took his straw hat off with his left hand and rubbed his chin with his right hand. Soon he was nodding his head.

Hayden, he said, youre pretty smart. Thats what I like about you.

A couple of Saturdays later, Riley Archer showed up to work. A week after that Johnny Suggs appeared. Mr. Derryberry found them down at the barber shop, too.

My confidence in wheeling and dealing started to grow. Then one day I went a little too far. There is more work than can ever be done on a farm, and Mr. Derryberry was farming a lot. We were behind on everything, but those cattle had to be moved. There was nothing left in the pasture for them to eat.

Mr. Derryberry, I said, me and those two boys can take the cattle over to the other pasture. I can drive!

Mr. Derryberry was a little astounded. You can drive? he questioned me. You dont have no drivers license, do you Boy?

I decided to go for it.

Sure I can, I answered. Let me show you.

It was easy for me. My mama taught me to drive a long time ago. I convinced him that I could do it in ten minutes.

The two other boys jumped in the front seat with me and away we went. At that point, we didnt even know each others names. Nobody said a word until we got out of Mr. Derryberrys site. Then suddenly, Johnny Suggs broke the ice.

Watch out, Kid! he screamed out of the blue. Youre gonna get us all killed!

I slammed on the brakes. The trailer crunched into the back of the pickup. The cattle mooed and hollered. Johnny Suggs laughed like a hyena. Riley Archer growled. I tried to compose myself.

Slowly and surely, I continued driving. After a couple of miles, Johnny did it again.

Look out for that snake, Kid!

Once again, he screamed out his laughter, but this time I kept on driving. I was going really slow. I was startled and scared, but it was important that I didnt show him how much he was bothering me.

We drove on a good way, and Johnny Suggs talked the whole time.

How would you like to have a name like Derryberry? he asked. Id run away if I was him. I bet his first name is Harry. How bout that name, Harry Derryberry?

He laughed so hard that he had to lean over and hold his stomach.

I glanced over at him and frowned. Riley Archer didnt say a word. He just looked straight ahead.

Old Harrys so fat, Johnny continued, I bet he cant see his private parts over his belly button!

Just as soon as he said that, I turned left. At first, I didnt realize how intimidating the bridge looked. But as we got closer, I was stunned. I shut down the truck and pulled on the emergency brake. My eyes were as wide as silver dollars.

Riley Archer opened his door and got out of the vehicle. Johnny Suggs was right behind him. I sat in the truck for a while.

What in the world had I gotten us into ? I thought to myself.

Come on, Kid, Johnny yelled at me. Get out of the truck!

He and Riley had made it to the foot of the bridge. It took me a few minutes to get my wits together. By then, Johnny Suggs and Riley Archer had gotten into an argument.

The Kid aint got the cahoonies to drive across the bridge, Johnny said.

Riley finally spoke. Yeah, he does. You just need to shut your trap, you little Runt. Im already sick and tired of listening to you.

Johnny Suggs retaliated at the insult by trying to hit Riley. However, Riley stuck out his left arm, and he put it on Johnnys forehead. That stopped him cold. Johnny couldnt even reach him.

Finally, Riley pushed him aside and walked back to the truck.