Excerpt for Bayou Duprey


Late June 1966

Ralph could hear Molly barking but could not see her. Not unusual for that to happen because Molly, his Dachshund, was only a miniature. But now she sounded panic-stricken; it was almost a screaming bark. He rushed through the bushes toward the sound, near the edge of the bayou.

When he found her, the reason for Mollys panic was obvious. She was perched on the end of a fallen log which projected out over the water. Between her and safety were six feet of log, at the base of which was a mean-looking alligator with hunger almost written on his face. Molly saw Ralph and whined softly.

He stared at Molly but remained quiet; if he spoke, he knew that the beast might turn on him. But Molly was dear to him, his only close companion. The stand-off continued for what seemed hours but was probably no more than a half minute. Suddenly there was a shot, and the immediate impact of the shot next to the alligators head. It immediately dived into the water.

Ralph saw where the shot had come from, a small aluminum rowboat. The person in the boat was a surprise to him: A rather tall woman, slender and graceful with long straight dark hair and a pretty face. She was wearing trim jeans, a white sleeveless blouse, and low-cut sneakers. In her hand she held a shotgun, a pump model.

Im grateful to you, he said. And I know Mollys grateful. Too bad you missed.

She smiled and paused before answering. I didnt miss; I only wanted to scare him. That was old Bully. Somebodys been feeding him, and hes losing his fear of people. I just wanted to bring back some fear to him for his own good as well as ours. Here, catch this, and she threw him an empty soda bottle which Ralph caught. Now, throw it up high in the air, out over the water.

Ralph did as she directed, a high arcing toss out over the water. At the top of the arc, her gun blazed again and the bottle shattered. I don't miss very often, she said.

Molly scampered down the log and over to Ralph, where she begged to be picked up. He did so, and held her close, trying to comfort her. You can tell that Molly is not a hunting dog. My name is Ralph Woerner, and I was just giving her a comfort stop.

My name is Lorena Duprey. I was just out on the water to relax and unwind. Our house is only a few hundred yards, that way, she pointed. Lucky for your dog that I usually take my gun along for protection. But its more to scare off two legged beasts than those with four. She put the gun down carefully. Are you visiting here or just passing through this area? I dont think that Ive ever seen you around here.

Neither, I guess. I retired from the Air Force recently. I made several trips to Keesler Air Force Base while I was still in the Air Force. Im looking for an area to settle down in and start a new career, and some of my friends are always talking about how they love the Mississippi coast. I thought Id spend a few days here and look it over.

I love it here, she said. But this is where I was born and grew up. I guess that that may make me a little prejudiced toward it. She had beached the boat and stepped out. When she stood, he could see that although she was tall, her figure was well-proportioned with a beautifully straight back and dark hair hanging all the way down to her belt. Her eyes were dark also, and her lips mirrored every change of expression in her eyes. Where are you staying? she asked. Is your family with you?

Nowhere yet. Molly is my only family; my wife died several years ago before we had any children. I stayed in Mobile last night and was going to look for a motel around here after Mollys comfort stop; one that allows pets.

Come to our house for coffee and perhaps we can help you. I live with my Dad, Dr. Duprey, my brother Emile, Aunt Mary--our housekeeper and her husband, Deacon Henry.

Id be happy with that. A minor problem, though. You have a boat, and I have my car back at the edge of the road. How do we all get together at your house?

Simple. Go in your car a few hundred yards further in that direction, she pointed, and youll come to a collection of buildings. The small one nearest the road has a gravel parking lot in front and a sign which says Dr. Nathan B. Duprey, Family Medicine. Park there and wait. It may take a while until I get the boat back. If anyone inside asks you, tell them that Lorena said wait for her. She pushed the boat back into the water and jumped in lightly. The boat had a battery electric motor in addition to oars, and it moved the boat away with a soft purr.

Come on, Molly, he said. Lets get away from the alligators. Youll have to leave them alone from now on. They walked briskly back to the car.

At the car, he lifted the tiny Molly inside. Come on, girl, he said. Were having coffee with a very beautiful woman who just saved your life.

Molly curled up on the seat next to his seat, happy to be back in the familiar comfort and security of the car.