The Untitled Story

Chapter 5

Being in law enforcement was not always Todd Hinkys dream. Just so happened that he was in the wrong frame of mind at the right time as he referred to how it happened. Growing up in Gunner, for some, was a peaceful way of living. For Todd, it was ravished with guilt, shame, and death. Although, the past had not been kind to Todd, he always wore a bight smile, a clean shave, and a well-groomed crew cut. He made friends easily, and for many years was called the town number one eligible bachelor.

Todd had dreams and goals, as does any young man from a small town. Dreams of leaving and starting all over in another city. Going to extravagant dinners with lavish woman. Seeing the sites of the world. Although for Todd the closest he ever got to world travel was joining the Army. He was stationed in Germany for most of his tour and while he tried and considered making a career, after 4 years, he left and headed back to Gunner.

He was a Senior in high school when Lillian Smit moved to Gunner. Just moving from out of state she was shy, more of a wall flower. Didn't talk to many, even though her spry smile could have made the meanest of all men smirk. Todd was fairly removed himself. He didn't play on any of the sports teams, wasn't part of any clubs, and really didn't attend any school functions when you look back on it. More or less, it was thought because he grew up in West Bend that he simply couldn't afford it. Some of that was true even though his parents would have done anything for him and James. That of course didn't stop him from trying, and eventually succeeding at asking Lillian Smit to be his girlfriend right before summer break. To some they seemed perfect, two quiet kids falling in love. To others, it wasn't going to last.

James and Todd were like two peas in a pod, even though they were twins, they weren't identical. Just know when you see one, you'll be sure enough to know the other was right behind them. This was true to the point that when summer rolled around you could always find James driving his Ford F-150 and Todd would be riding right along in the passenger's seat. James was a senior at Hidden Oaks High School. He like Todd, didn't partake in the school's clubs or sports, but he surely did make a name for himself.

James was the wild card out of the Hinky Twins. Skipping classes, doing drugs, sneaking the girls that would have him in through the back window of their parents double wide. Not that they would have noticed if they walked in the front door. Exhausted from working 7 days a week, pretty sure they would have let them slide. It was this type of thing that made Todd start to slip away from James that summer. While Lillian was the star in his eye, it made James angry. He was losing his road dog. The one who helped him alluded to the cops, almost every time. That summer for some was going to be the best. Full of love, boating, swimming at Tuttle Lake, cook outs and grand fire work show hosted by the town of Gunner.

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When the 4th of July day finally came the trio Loaded into F-150 to meet up with all the others at Tuttle Lake. Grill loaded and the cooler full. James had gotten a local to grab a few cases of beer from the gas station for a quick $10.00 tip. James made the ever-familiar turn onto Tuttle Lakes dirt road, listening to the truck rattle and shake as it hit the dry dirt potholes, they laughed questioning if the truck would make to the lake. It always did.

The lakeside party had begun. They fired up the grill, the smell of charcoal and burgers filled the beach. The girls dancing, the boys chugging down beer. As the night wore on, more stragglers came and joined. Some leave before the firework show. At 9 as scheduled the sky lit up with thousands of speculating lights. As Todd wrapped his arms around Lillian giving her a small kiss he whispered, "I love you". She turned up to him and whispered back, "I love you". They swayed together to the music as the show continued, sharing that magical moment together.

James, in a drunken stupor loaded the truck and hopped in the drivers' seat, as he started the truck he motioned for Todd and Lillian to get in so they could head home. Todd's hesitation to get in the truck was new. He was used to James driving drunk. They always made it home but tonight something felt different.

"James, let me drive!"

"No, I-I-I am good! Common just get in."

"No, let me drive us home, you're more drunk than normal."

Lillian took to Todd's defense," James, seriously, let Todd drive, I want to make it home in one piece."

"Lillian, oh sweet Lillian. Get in the fucking truck."

Lillian put her head down and went in. Todd, feeling defeated followed. The truck tires burned out as they hit the dirt road, James wasn't slowing down until he hit the main road. The truck was as normal, shaking and rattling, even more violently than normal. As they fly to the end of the road James slammed on the breaks as they continued to slide across the dirt road on the asphalt, he couldn't gain control.