Backwater
by Morris L. Striplin

[Romance]

Josh Wagner became the pride of Backwater even before his was born. His ancestors had helped settle Southeastern Louisiana. And his great-great-grandfather had been granted the first license to practice law in the state. As a result, his name had been mentioned in court records for over a hundred years. True to form, and as predicted by his father who himself had become one of Backwater's most respected and wealthy attorneys, he begins to live up to his advanced billing by the time he graduates from high school by his popularity and prowess on the football field. A weekend visit home from college brings a chance meeting with an old high school acquaintance, Ellen Pike. Searching for something to say, he asks her to join him for a weekend in New Orleans. Much too both their surprise, she accepts. During a wildly wonderful weekend in the Crescent City, they both recognize that they have finally found what they have so desperately searched for in each other. But after several weekend visits, his father learns of the relationship and disapproves, then Ellen mysteriously disappears shortly afterward. What happened to Ellen? Did his father interfere? Did she leave on her own? Josh wonders if he will ever again find the love of his life...