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There Was Trouble Brewin' In Soup Creek

As morning glowed pale light over the town of Soup Creek, Jenna woke with a start when she heard a floorboard squeak. She raised her gun and took aim at a shadow near the door, "Hold it right there, Mister, unless you're lookin' to start a war." A familiar voice calmed her as Sheriff Koplin tipped his hat. Jenna lowered her gun and moved with the stealth of a cat. The sheriff brought coffee, knowing she'd been up all night watching in case those newcomers were spoilin' for a fight. She'd purchased the saloon and didn't want trouble in it, but if it brewed, she knew she'd have back up in a minute. Sheriff Koplin was always around, just like David the Ranger, protectin' Soup Creek from the guiles of any conniving stranger. Sheriff said the men told him they weren't lookin' for trouble, but one looked real shady as he scratched his beard and stubble. Said they were searchin' for an old friend in these here parts, a gamblin' man who long ago was called 'The King of Hearts.' Jenna gasped in disbelief and hoped they didn't mean Milt, for he was a decent man and part of Soup Creek he had built. They wanted to talk with him before all hell broke loose in town. No ornery hooligans, up to no good, would take Milton down! At a table, Milt was playing with a winning hand, aces over jacks. He sat facing the door to watch for thieves and sudden attacks. Jenna and Mark nodded towards the direction of the kitchen. Just then, the strangers rode up. Their horses they were hitchin. Milt saw them comin' and realized they were lookin for him. It was Dead Eye Fred, lookin ghoulish, his stance was very grim. Old Corny the con artist, was the most arrogant one of the bunch, and Little Willie Turner, who never learned how to throw a punch. Jenna's friends, Jan and Tania, ran out the back to get Deputy Tor and round up a few more men to give those hombres 'what for.' Milt was tellin' Mark and Jenna all about his misguided past. He'd served time for robbery. Since then, he'd become steadfast. Milt said they'd asked him to help them rob all the local banks, but he'd said 'NO!' It was time to stop those dishonorable cranks. A plan was drawn up to rid Soup Creek of the undesirable thugs and Bartender Jeff, said he'd mickey their whiskey with drugs. Darlene, Connie, Paula and Belle wired Mayor Tom of the plot. Deb, Kim and Constance would help Edward and Jim tie up the lot. GW, the Johns, (W & G) were to cart them far off to Deadwood. With the goons gone, Soup Creek would be a quiet neighborhood. When Mayor Tom returns, he'll find everything is in good shape, but the general store is out of rope and needs more duct tape. Everyone goes about their business without fear of gettin' shot and sippin' sarsaparilla at Jenna's cuz it's been so gosh darn hot! Drinks are on the house since everyone drove those varmints away, so, in the Creek the sky is blue and it's gonna be another great day. I heard changes are comin' that'll make things around here better. The stage had mail for Mayor Tom. Hmmm, a mysterious letter. I hope we hear what that's all about in a meeting at the town hall It's been mentioned we need a lawyer in case of another brawl and Soup Creek is sued by some dastardly polecat out for money. You know anyone up for the job? Male or female, serious or funny?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 9/4/2022 7:47:00 PM
Wonderfully written Jenna. I did read it and somehow got distracted and did not comment, so sorry. You are great at creating a wonderful story line continuing what Tom started. Love how you're incorporating all our writers. Who knows this might someday turn into a sitcom, wouldn't that be great? For now though we will have to enjoy it by ourselves the World can wait until we are finished. Thanks for sharing Jenna and let us continue the series. God bless you and we all appreciate your effort...
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Jenna Logan
Date: 9/5/2022 2:23:00 AM
Thank you ever so much, Michael. I'm sure someone will continue the saga, especially since more poets have moved to the Creek.
Date: 9/3/2022 8:23:00 PM
"Mayor Tom" - loved this part the best, but loved the whole thing.
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Jenna Logan
Date: 9/4/2022 5:49:00 AM
Thank you very much, Caren. I appreciate the many comments you've given my poetry.
Date: 8/31/2022 7:02:00 PM
Well done my friend!! A brilliant next chapter spilled and in the books!!! A fave for me
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Jenna Logan
Date: 9/1/2022 4:48:00 AM
Thanks a lot, Mark.
Date: 8/31/2022 6:55:00 PM
Jenna, love it, a great addition to the Soup Creek saga! Love the stranger's names too, ha ha! Thanks for including me, well done!
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Jenna Logan
Date: 9/1/2022 11:30:00 AM
Thanks very much.
Date: 8/31/2022 1:50:00 PM
jenna - you've taken what tom started and have added to it in a most entertaining way! well done!
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Jenna Logan
Date: 8/31/2022 5:10:00 PM
Thank you very much for liking the ongoing saga, Ilene.
Date: 8/31/2022 12:07:00 PM
Magnificent Jenna, a fantastic addition to the Soup Creek story. To write a story through poetry is an incredible achievement, well done. I'm thrilled to have been included as one of the townsfolk who wired Mayor Tom of the plot…. Belle
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Jenna Logan
Date: 8/31/2022 12:50:00 PM
You're very welcome, Belle. I'm so happy you liked this saga. I hope Tom will continue to showcase more citizens of the Creek. Thanks so much.
Date: 8/31/2022 11:16:00 AM
The soup in in safe hands with our very own J.Lo. doing the nightshift, and I see the community is ever expanding which is great, I wonder if mayor Tom was digging graves a bit too close to some illicit gold mine, a lot of dodgy characters are coming around lately, little Willie Turner what a great name lol, cheers David
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Jenna Logan
Date: 8/31/2022 11:20:00 AM
Hiya Ranger, David. The town is always looking for more honest people. I have to give credit for Little Willie Turner to Sheriff Mark. He told me all about THAT outlaw! Thanks, as always for commenting so thoughtfully.
Date: 8/31/2022 11:11:00 AM
Still looks like Old Tucson to me, but enjoyed your write! Aloha!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/31/2022 11:44:00 AM
Just over the mountain where the river bends and that's where you'll find Soup Creek.
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Jenna Logan
Date: 8/31/2022 11:18:00 AM
I think we're just a bit west of Tucson, Rico. Thanks.
Date: 8/31/2022 8:42:00 AM
Great Soup Creek Number 2 Jenna!!…..loved it!! Is that Deb me? Cheers Deb x
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Jenna Logan
Date: 8/31/2022 11:57:00 AM
Your following is appreciated.
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Deb M
Date: 8/31/2022 11:49:00 AM
Aww thanks Jenna for including me….I’m honoured to be part of Soup Creek gang! Ha …..Debx
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Jenna Logan
Date: 8/31/2022 11:18:00 AM
Yep, Deb. It's meant to be you. Thanks.
Date: 8/31/2022 8:15:00 AM
Fantastic! Awesome, Jenna. You've picked up all the vibes of Soup Creek. I have a feeling there's a sequel coming up, perhaps, from Mayor Tom. I loved seeing more townsfolk getting involved. A FAVE for me, too.
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Jenna Logan
Date: 8/31/2022 11:17:00 AM
Thank you, Milt. I wanted to include more poets, but I don't seem to have drawn much interest, so I'll let Tom do the writing from now on.
Date: 8/31/2022 7:10:00 AM
Lol, absolutely brilliant Jenna, good to know Soup Creek is in capable hands. A fave for me. Mayor Tom
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/31/2022 11:42:00 AM
Not at all Jenna, this is a gem.
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Jenna Logan
Date: 8/31/2022 11:16:00 AM
Everyone pitched in to take care of the situation, Tom, and it turned out ok. However, I don't write with your story telling panache and wit, so my saga doesn't seem to be as popular as yours. I'll give you back the pen and ink well. Thank you.

Book: Shattered Sighs