Hortons Bend

Darwin. He smiled and cleaned his glasses. “Well I do remember my graduate school years so watch out you don’t become crusty like me when you get out of school.” Darwin smiled and then smirked “Yeah…yeah…so how’s it coming on that translation? Do you really think Horton’s Bend could have been a stopping point for the Spanish expedition?” Brody stood from the table and walked toward the stairs where Darwin was standing. Holding the document, he looked at her “It seems to fit and we know they were further downstream into Alabama…but still I need to find something conclusive.” Darwin’s face had a puzzled look “But why would they have stayed such a short time? I mean…both their encounters with native groups east and west of us indicated they stayed for at least a week according to the chroniclers that were with them.” Brody pinched his nose between his eyes “I know…what made them move on? And that’s if they were even here.” He reached for his day bag and looked at Darwin. “I’m going out to the old King place tomorrow morning to see if Mrs. King can help me. She seemed hesitant last time we met and maybe I can convince her to tell me more about her sons and what they found.”

    Darwin’s face showed concern. “You know Paul you might want to let this obsession go. I mean you got a nice name for yourself with that Indian mound find and it brought a lot of attention to the museum. You’re in their good graces, got a permanent position here.” She spoke again before he could interrupt. “You got a nice wife and nice place out in the country….it’s just that well…Horton’s Bend. I mean that place is creepy. I hear stories from the locals.” It was Brody’s turn to laugh “C’mon Darwin….You’ve been on a bunch of digs and have spent a little time around skeletons…so don’t give me that superstitious mumbo jumbo.” Darwin turned defensive “Hey man…even the looters don’t go out there at night. There’s something weird about that place…the fog and how sometimes people see fires burning in the middle of the night. “I didn’t like it there during the day not to mention how that farmer treated me.”

    Brody smiled, “Darwin this could be really important. The Spanish seemed to stop every twelve leagues and yet we don’t have any evidence for them in this particular part of the river…this is our turf ya know. We gotta find it before the big university boys do.”Darwin wasn’t having any more of it. “Look Brody…when my fellowship is up I’m heading out to the Four Corners to finish my dissertation. She knew he hated hearing this. “You’re set…you got it made. No more run down motels..no more eating from a tin can in the field…” Brody’s face crinkled with concern. “Who the hell am I going to find who can run the GIS lab and has your background in archaeology?” he asked. She started to speak but instead said nothing and walked up the stairs. At the top of the landing Darwin turned back to face Brody. “I’ve got a little time before I finish up so I promise I will finish plotting in the maps…..look I gotta run. Got to get my time sheets in and head for Atlanta for the weekend…..Go home Brody and give my love to Lacy. Have a great weekend!” Brody smiled and waved her off “Go!…go have some fun…while you still can.” Brody sighed and looked down at the parchment. He shook his head, looked at his watch and picked up his satchel to leave.

    Brody shifted into second gear as he pulled into his driveway. His old Toyota Land Cruiser creaked and its windows rattled. Never mind she was an old beater. This old rig still turned heads to those who admired the old iron. Its dents and bruises were worn with battle scarred pride. A testament to durability from many a day in the bush but the cruiser was one of the most recognized vehicles on the city streets and back roads of the county. Brody’s wife Lacy was greeting him with a wave as he pulled up to their house. She greeted him with a “Hello Husband!” and a hug. They both stood on the front porch for a brief moment looking at the sun set. “Darling wife….what is for supper cause it sure smells good!” Lacy smiled proudly and said “Honey its biscuits and gravy….bedamned a stroke tonight.” Brody never tired of her breakfast for dinners. They were becoming a little rare as they both tried to eat a little more conscientious for a healthy heart. He put his carry bag by