Sometimes thoughts of our first acquaintance with someone can bring memories that flood our hearts with joy.  Though not always the case, meeting up with new characters in the world of fiction can be nearly as memorable, and that’s what today’s post is all about.

In my last ‘First Acquaintance‘ article, you met the first half of Bluebell’s top ten characters, based on the number of times they were referenced in the novel.  Today, continuing that process, I’d like to introduce three more of the Top 10: Pastor Andrew Lindsey; Judd Connelly; and Heta Rawlins.

116 – Pastor Andrew Lindsey – “…the ominous sounds brought a sense of pending disaster.  Nearly tangible, it saturated the breathless night, and settled about him oppressively.  Fear laid an icy hand at the base of his neck, and he leaned heavily against the porch railing wondering how many of his flock were among those in the streets.”  Though Pastor Lindsey is mentioned earlier in the book, this scene, at the start of Chapter 23, of an angry mob in the streets of Drewsport, is our first personal introduction to him, and within pages, we discover his bravery as he informs his wife, “I’m going down there.”

116 – Judd Connelly – In the first issue of “Bluebell’s Top Ten“, Deputy Stacey Norton is the one who receives horrific news about a citizen of Drewsport.  Not much later in the book, we are introduced to his supervisor, Sheriff Connelly, through Stacey’s somewhat uncomforting thoughts about his ‘superior’.

” Judd’s absence had been no surprise, Stacey knew he was away, knew where he was, and knew approximately when he would return, but….

“Damn,” he muttered softly. “Still gone.”

Hearing the words, and being suddenly cognizant of the thoughts provoking them, brought a sense of shock.  Finding himself at odds with the man, who represented law, order, justice, and all things honorable, was beyond comprehension.  For this uncomplicated, trusting man, the realization that he could view anything Connelly did as unfavorable, no matter how ambiguous the thought, was confusing and frustrating; almost frightening.”

108 – Heta Rawlins – As page 547 opens to view, characters in Bluebell, including the pastor you met at the start of this article, prepare us to met Heta Rawlins, and not always in a complimentary fashion.

“Heta and I had several very frank talks.  She is an extremely intelligent woman.  I had a great deal of respect for—”

“RESPECT!”  Norton exploded, his skepticism giving way to anger.  “She’s- shhhe’s a common whore!  How can a man like… how can a man of your calling have any respect for the likes of her?”

“Being narrow of mind, and refusing to acknowledge the good in all things is what gets men of ‘my calling’ into trouble.  I’m not condoning Heta’s faults, or making excuses for her, but there was great deal more to Heta Rawlins than most people knew about, or gave her credit for!”

Stacey kicked the stone viciously, but Andy continued undeterred. “I used to caution her; because, for a woman in her profession, she was… almost naïve.  I feared for her safety, particularly concerning Aaron.  I was afraid he would—”

“I’m surprised, Pastor.”  The rich contralto came from behind them.  “Of all of them, I thought you would understand.”

Only two characters of Bluebell’s Top Ten remain to be introduced…Dr. Bill Ferguson and Jeremy Claymore, but I’ll save that for another day.  So what’s left…how about an ‘odd’ trip down memory lane?  Here are links to some earlier odd numbered articles you might not have read.

• #9 – February 2, 2018 – As the Crow Flies
• #15 – September 25, 2018 – A Berry Scary Day
• #21 – May 11, 2019 – Young and Poor but Not Out