Moonshine Marley Part 2

Marley MacDougal can't catch a break. He's a small time moonshiner who finds himself on the wrong side of the law, the mob, and a woman.

Today starts the first in a serial story I am creating just for you my dear blog reader. Today I am posting the first part of the story that began on August 27, 2010 and after that is installment #2. Tune in each Wednesday to be the very first on your block to read the unfolding story.

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Glancing first over his shoulder to make sure no one was around, Marley slipped into the cool darkness of the forest. The trees were thick along the road and Marley was grateful for their shade and shelter. Moving steadily deeper into the woods he went carefully making sure to leave no tracks. One could never be too safe in days like this. Finally after many minutes the dense undergrowth gave way to a small clearing. Marley dropped the burlap bag that contained the jugs and ingredients for a fresh batch from his shoulder.


“Good Evening Bella.” Marley stroked the copper still lovingly. He had worked hard to create this little retreat. It was something to bring in a little extra money. Filling his cup he sipped the liquid and sat on a log. “My goodness Bella, who would have thunk that I would end up running moonshine? It was never in my nature to go against the laws of this country, but what’s a fella to do when the country goes crazy with this prohibition? Humph, look at me out here in the woods talking to a chunk of copper like it was real.”

Getting up from the log he went over to empty the contents of the sill into two brown jugs. Plugging them with a cork he placed a flat rock on each to hold the cork in place. He filled the still and checked to make sure everything was running smoothly. Grabbing the jugs he headed back the way he came. With any luck he could make it into town and deliver the hooch tonight so he’d have some bucks in his pocket tomorrow.

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An old black pickup pulled onto the dirt drive next to the house. Marley hopped out and grabbed a box from the bed of the truck. Walking to the door he saw Vinny sitting in his old Model T across the street. He quickly turned away hoping Vinny hadn’t seen him looking. He pounded on the door.


“For pete’s sake, knock the door down will you.” Joseph’s voice came loud and clear through the wood. As soon as the door opened Marley pushed past him into the living room.

“Hey, just calm your pants Marley. You act like a coyote’s chasing ya.”

“Let’s get this over with so I can get home. I ain’t got all night.” Seeing Vinny really got his nerves up and he didn’t like feeling this way. He set the box on a table and began pulling apples off the top, revealing 6 Mason jars filled with amber liquid. “I brought ya my best stuff. Same price as last time.”

“Well, now, Marley. I don’t think I can buy anymore.” Joseph twisted the edge of his shirt as he spoke.

Marley moved closer to Joseph and grabbed his shirt. “What do ya mean you can’t buy anymore? We had an agreement and I made this batch special for you. Don’t back out on me now. I counted on the money on account you said you was good for it.

Joseph pulled back so hard he hit a chair with the backs of knees. He thudded into the chair and rubbed his hand across his forehead. “I just can’t take anymore. I really shouldn’t drink the stuff.”

“Oh heck, Joseph, you been talking to that temperance lady again? Just cause she’s purty and makes goo-goo eyes at you ain’t no reason to swear off the hooch. You always did enjoy a good long sip of an evening. Anyways, you promised and I need the money.”

Joseph rose, picked up the box and forced it into Marley’s unwilling hands, which gave him no choice but to take it or watch it crash to the floor. He looked at Joseph with disbelief as he opened the door and pushed Marley out. Joseph leaned out the door for a quick look up and down the street. “You go on now and don’t come back with anymore. I ain’t gonna buy no more.”

Marley stomped to his truck, dropped the box heavily into the back. He climbed in the driver’s seat, slammed the door and throw the truck into reverse. Barreling out of the driveway he rammed into Vinny’s car across the street.

“Son of a monkey.” Marley glanced over his shoulder at Vinny, then jammed the gear shift into first gear and raced off down the street.