Longtime moonshiners Tim and Tickle are at a crossroads, facing a critical decision that could determine the future of their illicit trade. While Tim is set on going legitimate, Tickle remains committed to the old ways, leading to a heated dispute that has put their partnership in jeopardy.
A Risky Move
Tickle, determined to contribute to the operation, set out to surprise Tim with a key element for their moonshine business—jugs to bottle their product. He arranged a secret pickup and arrived five hours late, hauling an estimated 800 glass jugs in the back of his truck. However, instead of gratitude, his arrival was met with frustration.
“I told Tickle yesterday to be here at 7:00 a.m. It’s now after 10:30, and we’re way behind,” Tim said. “We’re already a month behind schedule, and I needed him here to help finish the Distillery.”
Under the Watchful Eye of Law Enforcement
Deputy Sheriff Chuck and local law enforcement officers remain on high alert for signs of moonshine activity. Glass jugs, especially in large quantities, serve as red flags for authorities.
“Most of our busts come from reports of unusual activity,” Chuck stated. “A year ago, we had a guy in town always hauling court jars and gallon jugs. When you see people without gardens buying a lot of glass jars, it’s a dead giveaway.”
With law enforcement keeping a close watch, Tim is increasingly wary of any missteps. “Man, I have all the jugs I want,” Tim warned. “You’re going to end up in jail.”
A Partnership at a Breaking Point
While Tim is focused on completing the legal distillery, Tickle believes that their best option is to go back into the woods for one last batch.
“We need money,” Tickle argued. “At the rate we’re going, it could be two or three years before we finish the steelhouse. If we do one or two quick runs, we could be done in a year.”
But Tim refuses to budge. “I’m not taking that risk,” he declared. “I’ve worked too hard to go legit. If we get caught, it’ll all be for nothing.”
The Dangers of Betrayal
The conversation took a darker turn as both men acknowledged the risks of letting go of a trusted partner.
“In this business, you need to know who you’re talking to,” Tim cautioned. “If you’ve got trust, it’s like love—you can’t buy it, you have to earn it. And if someone turns on you, it can mean big trouble.”
Tickle, feeling increasingly alienated, made his position clear. “I see now you’re not going to be any part of this,” he said. “But I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.”
As tensions rise and decisions loom, one thing is certain—this once-close partnership is hanging by a thread, and the choices they make in the coming weeks could change their fates forever.
