A/U this is just a thought I had one morning. This is pure fiction n will be maybe one more chapter. I thought I'd post it now as few new chapters or stories are being posted. For me I can't see why after dang near 10 yrs on the air, there isn't more stories written. Not even 400 yet thats a bummer if you ask me

Chapter 1

As Lou was fixing dinner Jack and Amy walked in from the barn. They were in a deep conversation as they didn't hear Lou tell them dinner was almost ready. But what she did hear, turned her stomach. She stood in front of the kitchen window staring out, wondering what she was going to tell them.

Tim walks in and asked Lou if dinner was ready. She didn't reply, as her mind was in a panic mode. When Tim put his hand on Lou's shoulder and asked if she was okay. Lou almost jumped out of her skin. "Dad you scared the Hell out of me!"

"I'm sorry Lou, you didn't answer my question and you looked like you were, in a daze. Can I help you bring the dinner out?" Tim asked , as he still could see that Lou was rattled. All Lou did was nod her head.

As everyone took there place at the table Tim listened to what Jack and Amy were talking about. "Look it was my fault for taking the back road home. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I take full blame for the wreck. That said whatever the difference is, between what the insurance doesn't cover for another truck, I will."

Everyone looked at Tim. They couldn't believe, their ears. "Would you please repeat that last statement for us Tim?" Jack asked

"Sure Jack I know at your age, hearing is a problem. I'll cover whatever the insurance doesn't cover for another truck. We need a truck like that. Did you hear me, that time Jack?"

"Yes Tim I did. Amy and I were talking and we are going to look on the Internet after dinner for any auction that might be coming up. Sometime you can find a gem at those things. We aren't in any real hurry. The insurance man, is going to get a hold of me in a couple of day and then we will know how much, we have to spend."

Amy had notice that Lou looked somewhat pale. "Lou are you okay?" She questioned.

Lou just kept looking at her meal, as she pushed it around her plate, with her fork.

"Lou" Jack said loudly enough, that Lou came out of her trance, so to speak.

"What,what, what did you say grandpa?"

"What's wrong Lou? You look like you have been hit by a train?"

Lou started to tear up. "Georgie will you please take Katie into her room for a while?" Jack asked

"Of course" She replied and the two left.

Tim came and sat in the seat next to Lou, who by now was in full tear mode. Amy, Jack and Tim looked at one another, wondering what was wrong, with Lou. Lou quickly got up and hurried outside.

Amy got up and followed.

Low sat on the steps of the porch as she continued to cry. Amy gave her some tissues, to help with her nose that way running and when Lou had calmed down somewhat Amy asked her what was going on?

Lou looked up at Amy took a deep breath, "Get Dad and Grandpa and I'll tell you all."

Amy walked into the mud room and seeing the two men, motioned them to come out. As they came out, Lou stood and asked them to sit. Lou paced back and forth a few time before she spoke. "There is no money in any of the account to help buy a truck." She then pause. "I had to lock up all the money we had in order to help the Maggie's deal in New York. I pretty much have everything we own hocked." Lou told them as she stated to cry even harder.

Tim was bewildered as was Amy. Jack could believe what he heard. "Lou what do you me by everything?"

Lou couldn't look any of them eye to eye. "I put up Maggie's, Heartland and Big River up as collateral for the property in New York."

Tim came off the porch and stood directly in front of Lou. "What did you think we say when we heard about this?" He asked her a louder tone than normal. "What makes you think this is legal anyway? All we have to do is tell them you didn't have the authority to do that."

"Dad, Grandpa years ago you each, signed over to me, power of attorney to your affairs. I had to come up with a million dollars of collateral. What else was I supposed to do? This is a chance of a lifetime and I took it." Lou told them.

Jack had to walk off as did Tim. Amy stood there shacking her head in disbelief. "How could you do this to the family Lou. Why didn't you talk to us about this? I can't believe you'd put our home in jeopardy over some restaurant in New York City." Amy told her and walked back to the loft.

To be continued