by Joe Woods
“Your daddy explained that to me in no uncertain terms. But being young teenagers, we didn’t see the dangers and went back many times after that.”
“Yeah, we did, which in retrospect, was stupid and immature. I guess people still use the sandbar, don’t they?”
“Oh yes. Youthful stupidity hasn’t changed. The kids now are as dumb as we were. I want to take you downtown. You won’t believe how much better Vicksburg looks. The main portion of downtown Washington Street is once again paved with bricks. The old abandoned stores that sat decaying have been rebuilt and now house specialty shops. Remember the old Valley Dry Goods Company? It’s now converted into luxurious apartments. And remember the old ad slogan, ‘Meet me at the Valley’? That came from the trolley car days where the two lines, South and Washington met. Now you can use that phrase again with a different meaning.”
“You know Connor, maybe I should rent the top floor while we’re renovating or building my new home.”
“That would be a great idea. You’ve got a beautiful view of the river from the top floor and the sunsets are breathtaking. But I’ve got a big house near Redwood, remember. Why don’t you move in with me?”
“Connor, since we have lived separate lives for so long, don’t you think you would get tired of me under foot every day?”
“I don’t think so.”
“But what about you?” Connor asked with a devilish smile on his face. “Can our love survive with us living together under the same roof? I would certainly be willing to give it a try.”
“That’s a good question. And one we need to answer before we make too many rash, hasty decisions. Regardless, Connor, I want to buy or build a house on Fort Hill. You know that has been a dream of mine since our high school days.”
“Oh, I remember. And do you remember my dream was to buy a house high up on the hill that wouldn’t flood each spring when the river rises?”
“Yes, I remember, and I want to go to your mansion, high on the hill, soon after we visit my dream house on Fort Hill.”
“That won’t take long. You know, I haven’t been up there in a couple of years myself. I sort of lost interest in going there without you.”
When they arrived at Fort Hill, Willow said, “Pull over and stop. I want to get out and enjoy the view.”
Willow stepped out of the pickup before it came to a complete stop.
Fort Hill is the highest point in the National Military Park with the Spiral Observation Tower standing sentry over the Confederate Army Cave.
“I’m so glad to be home. I feel this is right. I’ve thought about this moment for years and now it has arrived. I’m ready to buy that big house or build one right here. And I’m ready to face my demons. I guess all that stuff is still in the cave isn’t it? It is time to settle up no matter what the consequences. I’ve lost enough sleep and worried too much about those foolish things we did so long ago.”
Connor, standing nearby and listening intently, exclaimed: “What? Are you crazy? We can’t open that can of worms. I’m not about to confess to anything to anybody. If word got out, my reputation would be shot and who knows where the judicial system would carry it?”
With the warm updraft wind currents blowing across her face, Willow turned her back to Connor. “I will do this with or without you.”
“Willow this is crazy talk. You have no idea how you would be persecuted in this small community. If Rupert found out, and he will, he would surely lose his will to live. Have you forgotten about his pride and ego?”
“No, Connor, I haven’t. But, the guilt I’ve lived with continues to haunt me. I guess I should have sought professional help and confessed my secrets many years ago. Maybe that would have healed my soul.”
Chapter 4
Back in the day, the Vicksburg National Military Park was the perfect place for teenagers to gather and cruise through the sixteen miles of paved tour roads, untold miles of hiking trails, and more than 1,300 monuments honoring the Confederate and Union soldiers who fought and died during the siege of Vicksburg in the Civil War.
There were so many places for dating couples to play hide and seek. The three spiral observation towers were situated at strategic locations for Civil War enthusiasts to climb and view the battlefield, but they were even more interesting for romantic interludes.
Many times during those high school years, Connor and Willow slipped away from their friends, taking a blanket to the highest floor so they wouldn’t get cold when the north winds blew.
Immediately below and to the south of one tower were caves dug by Confederate Soldiers for storing food and military supplies. One particular cave extended more than 100 feet deep into the hillside and provided a great place to escape the all-day rains during winter and the sudden, severe thunderstorms during the summer.
Connor and Willow discovered that cave one winter day while slipping away from friends. The entrance was grown over and barely visible. Willow, always the more adventurous one, said, “Let’s go inside.”
Connor was reluctant and apprehensive, but Willow put on her “enticing face” and he couldn’t refuse.
Connor grabbed and tugged at the vines as Willow cautioned, “Don’t completely uncover it. I want this to be our secret spot.”
Connor parted the vines just enough to stick his head in.
“We’re going to need a flashlight or lantern.”
Willow looked in beside him. She took Connor by the hand. “Aw, c’mon. I can see.”
The south facing entrance to the cave was partially blocked by many years of soil erosion. But, once inside, even six-foot-tall Connor had no trouble standing straight, except for ducking an occasional spider web.
For the next several minutes, the young couple cautiously explored part of the cave that would become a secret and special hideaway, one they would visit many times during their teenage years.
Chapter 5
Now, more than thirty years later after discovering the secret hiding place, Willow stood atop Fort Hill. During the siege of Vicksburg, Fort Hill served as the anchor of the left flank of the rear Confederate defense line. The fort’s position commanded such high ground and was so strong the Union Army didn’t attack it when the major assault on Vicksburg came. Overlooking the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers, the fort’s cannons and the artillery on the hill bank below controlled all of the traffic on the rivers.
Grant called for naval assistance. The fort’s artillery bombardment sank the Union ironclad USS Cincinnati as it tried to run the gauntlet. But eventually Union supply ships were able to pass, losing only one out of the armada. This was a decisive victory for the Union Army, and some historians say that the true strategic turning point of the Civil War was at Vicksburg, not Gettysburg.
Knowing the history of Fort Hill, Willow stood with tears welling in her eyes as she looked westerly. Connor hung back, allowing Willow a private moment with the view.
“Connor, I surely hope we never have to endure a tragedy like the Civil War again,” Willow said as Connor came up beside her. Then she abruptly added, “Let’s go to the cave.”
Connor was astonished by her sudden request.
“Willow, I don’t think we can find it. You know it’s been thirty years since we were last there. And besides, it looks like it might rain any minute.”
Willow smiled at the old memory.
“Oh, Connor! Just like the day we found it, you’re scared! Come on. I’ll bet I can find it. And if it rains, that would be perfect.”
Connor was still reluctant to move.
“Are you sure you want to go there now? Who knows how grown up it is? And you remember the last time we went there. You know what we did and you felt terrible afterwards.”
“Yes, I remember quite well. The years haven’t diminished my memory. I want to correct some of the mistakes we made. I want to do it right this time. You know what some famous person once said, ‘If you have made mistakes, even stupid ones, there’s always another chance. What I call failure
is not the falling down, but staying down.’”
“I just think we need to concentrate on the house,” Connor said. “Later, when we’ve prepared ourselves, we can go back to the cave.”
Willow considered for a moment. “Connor, you’re right. I was just overcome by emotions when I saw all of those grave stones in that cemetery. Let’s go to one of those sandwich shops on Washington Street and have lunch.”
A smile replaced her sad face.
“And afterwards, we’ll go buy the house.”
“That’s a good plan. I guess you still like Memphis-style barbecue?”
“Yes, I do, and I haven’t had any in several years.”
“Then we’ll go to the Country Junction. The people who run it renovated one of the old sandwich shops that had been closed for years. You’re in for a treat.”
As they drove away from Fort Hill, Willow sat close to Connor on the seat of his Ford truck. “When are you going to get a new truck?”
“Why? What’s wrong with this one?”
“To begin with, it’s old.”
“Yeah, but it’s not worn out. I’ve got only 200,000 miles on it.” Connor laughed and added, “It’ll surely run another 100,000 miles before I have to change the oil.”
“Connor, I don’t doubt that, but I know you can afford to upgrade every four or five years.”
“Yes, I could. Your father’s towing business has provided very well for me.”
“Connor, you’ve worked for Daddy for over thirty-five years. You’ve helped him when I failed and you’ve kept the business moving forward after Daddy’s health failed. So, I think we need to add another name to the family business. It should read ‘McKenzie and Peppler Towing.’”
“Willow, I wouldn’t dare change that name. It’s synonymous with a tradition like no other on the river. This is your father’s company 100 percent.”
Willow’s voice softened and she placed her hand on his arm. “Connor, dearest, it’s great to be home and hear your smooth, sweet Southern voice. This is where I want to spend the rest of my life. Just you and me up on Fort Hill.”
“I guess I’m a bit sensitive about my accent. Most Yankees think we’re dumb.”
“That’s true, but not this Southern gal. I have lost some of my accent but I want to find it again.”
Willow slid closer to Connor, placed one warm hand on the inside of his leg and the other arm across the back of the seat, carefully stretched up and kissed him on the cheek.
“Thank you, darling.”
Connor smiled sideways at Willow as she slid away.
“Are you trying to wreck us?”
“No, darling,” she said.
Is she mocking me, he wondered?
“I’m just feeling warm and amorous at the moment.”
“Well, cool it for a while. I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you call Woody and invite him to join us? He’ll be surprised to hear your voice.”
“I’ll do that. Do you have his cell number?”
Pulling a small notepad out of his shirt pocket, he said, “Yeah—601-555-5299.”
The phone rang twice before Woody answered.
“Woody, how may I help you?”
“Woody, this is Willow.”
“Willow? What a surprise. What’s going on?”
“I’m in Vicksburg. How about meeting me and Connor for lunch?”
“That would be great. Where?”
“Connor tells me the Country Junction has great barbecue.”
“Country Junction, huh? That’s an excellent choice if you like barbecue.”
“Woody, I’ve been gone for a long time, but haven’t lost my taste for good ole barbecue.”
“What time?”
“We’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. How does that sound?”
“Super. I’ve got a favorite table in the back. If you beat me there, just tell the waitress, “Woody’s table.” She’ll know where to seat you.”
“Cuz, I’m looking forward to seeing you and sharing some exciting news.”
“Fine. See you shortly.”
As the pickup rumbled past the National Park Service entrance toward Cherry Street, Willow was looking forward to seeing her cousin, Woody McKenzie. When they were students at Mississippi State University, they never missed a home football or basketball game. Willow played on the varsity soccer team and starred as a goalie. Woody never missed one of her home games. He was more like a brother than a cousin to her. Connor, on the other hand, rarely attended any sporting events.
Connor pressed the accelerator as the pickup ascended the hill that is the northern extension of Cherry Street. At the top of the hill is the “Devil’s Backbone,” a rugged broad ridge that extends about 100 yards from the western edge of the paved road and precipitously drops off toward Historic Highway 61.
Several houses are located there and offer a panoramic view of the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. “Stop—I want to take a closer look,” Willow said. “Maybe I should buy these houses and refurbish them for guest houses. We could build a new one at the end of the ridge and cantilever a beautiful porch over the bluff.”
“That would cost a fortune!”
Willow shrugged. “I’ve got the money. Why not spend it?”
Connor shook his head ruefully, “You’re Rupert McKenzie’s daughter, all right. He always dreamed big dreams and made them come true.”
“So, you’re saying I’m a McKenzie?”
“Without a doubt.”
Connor turned the pickup onto North Washington Street and headed south toward a public parking spot near the Cinnamon Tree gift shop.
The last time Willow visited downtown had been four years earlier, and she was amazed at the changes that had been made.
“We owe all these improvements to our new mayor,” said Connor.
“Should we go meet him?”
“In due time. As you know, his family owns the old Valley building.”
“I didn’t know that, but it makes sense because he’s so proactive in the revitalization efforts downtown.”
“He is truly an asset to this community.”
Connor parked the pickup.
“Okay, I’ll bet Woody’s waiting on us as slow as we’ve been traveling.”
“I’m ready.”
Connor opened the large glass and wooden door to The Country Junction. The hostess smiled and asked immediately, “Table for two?”
“We’re looking for Woody McKenzie.”
“Please, follow me. Woody is a regular and he has a special table. He eats with us about three times a week for lunch and sometimes in the evenings with his family.”
Connor pointed to a table in the back of the room. “Yes, I see him now. Thank you.”
“What can I get the two of you to drink?”
“Sweet iced tea for me with a big slice of lemon,” said Willow.
“And you, sir?”
“Sweet tea sounds good.”
“With lemon?”
“Yes.”
Woody was standing by the table and extended his hand to Willow.
“Please, ‘Cuz,’ you can do better than a handshake. Let’s have a family hug. I haven’t had the pleasure of a hug from you in quite a while. It’s great to see you, Woody.”
“It’s great to see you, too. It’s really been too long.”
Willow took a deep breath of the warm cooking smells. “This is a really neat restaurant.”
“The barbecue is out of this world,” Connor said. “I get the pulled pork plate with coleslaw and beans and a big slice of onion.”
“That sounds good, except for the onion,” said Willow.
“Sweet Vidalia.”
“Maybe some other time.”
The server returned with the drinks and asked, “Are you guys ready to order?”
“Please bring two pulled pork plates, without onion this time.”
“Aw, go ahead Connor,” Willow said, smiling. “I like the smell of onion.”
&nbs
p; “I’ll have the same,” Woody said. “Willow, so when did you get to town?”
“About three hours ago. I flew into the Vicksburg-Tallulah Airport. That’s a pretty nice addition to this community.”
“And how long do you intend to stay this time?”
“I’ve been gone far too long from my family and Connor. I’ve decided to sell my businesses and retire here.”
Woody looked genuinely surprised. “Why Vicksburg? After all, you’ve traveled the world and can afford to live on the French Rivera or some other exotic port. You could always come back here for a visit a couple of times a year.”
“That’s true, but Vicksburg is home and this is where my heart is. If I get wanderlust again, I’ll pack up and move on. But, for a while, I want to plant my roots in the Mississippi soil again. So much is changing about Mississippi that it’s becoming a great place to live. I saw the economic development council advertising in ‘Fortune 500’ magazine that Mississippi is ‘open for business.’ Having been in the advertising business for several years, I appreciate catchy sound bites and phrases like that.”
“Have you visited Uncle Rupert, yet?”
“No. Connor tells me Daddy has a routine and I didn’t want to interrupt that. We’re going later this afternoon. Have you seen him lately?”
“No, I haven’t. You know, he and I had our differences.”
“Woody, that’s all in the past. We should try to mend those family fences.”
“You know your daddy never forgave me for firing those people at Bakersfield,” Woody said bitterly. “One of the guys worked on Rupert’s tow boat while finishing his degree at Mississippi State.”
“I remember Lawrence Wilson all too well, that sorry so-and-so.”
“That’s right. It doesn’t surprise me that a woman would remember him. He treated women like dish rags, just used ‘em and tossed ‘em.” Woody’s hatred suddenly hung over the table like fog. “I know that rat-bastard was somehow responsible for Martha’s death, but I’ll never know how.”
