Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2019 08:45:11 -0700
From: Backwoods Boy . <backwoodsnatureboy@gmail.com>
Subject: The Ranch Boy Next Door - Part 15

Helping Out

I woke up to the ringing of my phone.  It was Gramps.  I checked the time.
It was two o'clock.  I'd been asleep for an hour.

"Toby, do you have some free time this afternoon?"

"Sure, Gramps.  I'm sittin' by the creek on yer ranch right now.  What do
ya need?"

"We've got some cattle out again.  I need your help herding them back into
the pasture.  Then we'll have to do a little fence repair."

"Want me to bring my four-wheeler?"

"Let me pick you up by the field.  You can use one of our machines.  I've
got the fence repair tools loaded on them already."

"Sounds good, see ya in a few minutes."

The task took the rest of the afternoon.  We got the cattle back where they
belonged, and then I fixed the fence while Gramps handled some phone
calls.  I was realizing more and more how much Logan had taught me in only
a couple of weeks.  "Ranch-hand Toby" was very real, and I had Logan to
thank for it.

I stayed for dinner with Gramps and Grams.  I think it gave them a certain
comfort to have me there; it made both of them feel less alone and
isolated.  It was a strangely quiet time for the three of us, like being in
the eye of a hurricane and cherishing the time we had together.

We served ourselves in the kitchen and sat down at the table.  The simple
menu was prefabricated lasagna, canned beans and canned fruit, an
indication that Grams was too stressed and busy to do her normal cooking.

Grams sat down and put her napkin in her lap.  "Thanks for helping us out
for the rest of the week, Toby.  I appreciate it as much as Robert does."

Now Gramps had a name too.  "I'm glad to help as much as I can.  In a way,
I feel like I moved out here and messed yer lives up completely."

Grams objected.  "No, that's not true.  You were just the catalyst that
triggered something that needed to happen, and the sooner the better.
Logan called me while you were fixing fence this afternoon.  He saw a
counselor today and sounded more like himself than he has for a long time.
It will all work out."

Grams was silent for a moment.  "Toby, there's one thing I would like to
know, if I could.  I understand the significance of your question about
Cory's father last night, but I wish you'd warned me that the law was about
to descend on me."

I put my fork down and reflected a moment.  "This goes along with somethin'
Gramps said earlier today when he first talked with me.  There are things
in the evidence that forced both Logan and me to do what we did.  That's
all I can say.  I felt really bad splittin' and leavin' ya holdin' the bag,
especially because Gramps wasn't here, but there was only one person who
could deal with what I'd found and that was my dad.  Both Logan and I knew
that."

Gramps nodded his head.  "It would be like him, and you too, to protect
us.  We may not need protection, but we still appreciate that both of you
are concerned about us."

After I helped Grams clear the table, I walked home.  Gramps offered to
take me, but I needed a little time to clear my brain after a very intense
day.

************

I was home by six thirty.  Mom and Dad were having dinner.  I sat down to
join them for dessert.  After Mom brought me a piece of apple pie, Dad
filled us in on a few things.

"As a result of the governor's interest in the case, I've been appointed
guardian ad litem for two of the victims.  That also means I have access to
more information, some of which I can share because it will become public
soon, and I know neither of you will discuss it with anyone until it does.
The sheriff sent a deputy to interview Logan this afternoon.  He identified
more of the victims and gave a complete account of his involvement.
Additional victims have been identified from evidence found at the former
deputy sheriff's home.  Shortly after that, Cory plead guilty to four
charges of sexual abuse with an agreement to be a witness against his
father in return for a reduced sentence and avoiding being tried as an
adult."

"Thanks for the information, Dad.  I haven't had a chance to tell either of
you yet, but Rusty, Austin and Andy are comin' over at seven.  We'll hang
out in my room, if that's okay.  We all gotta talk about what's goin' on,
and I think Austin and Andy are gonna need some extra support from their
friends."

We were in a strange situation at home.  Dad and I both knew exactly what I
was talking about.  Mom knew less because if it had anything to do with the
evidence in the case, neither of us could discuss it with her.

Mom spoke up.  "Toby, whatever you need to do, do it, and whenever we can
help, tell us.  Like your father, I'm very pleased with how you're handling
this.  Having lived with this lawyer for about sixteen years now, I know
there are things I can't be told.  It's the first time there are things
involving my son that I can't be told, but I know your father will deal
with it correctly.  Having said that, I'm here to help you as much as I
can."

It all hit me at once.  Twenty-four hours of this crap was suddenly too
much.  I was completely overwhelmed with what was going on.  I put my head
down on my arms and cried my eyes out.  Mom got up and stood behind me,
rubbing my back.  It took about five minutes before I settled down.

Mom spoke.  "Toby, some experiences in our lives build confidence and
others build character.  I can already see this is building your
character.  Your dad shared with me how concerned you are about the others
involved, and how you want him to help.  He'll do that, but you are going
to be the one to help your friends the most.  As new as you are in this
community, you've already built some strong relationships.  Help these guys
as much as you can, and we'll be here to help you do it.  Okay?"

This was a different "Mom" than I'd ever seen.  I wiped my eyes.  "Thanks,
Mom.  I'll do what I can."

Dad had a comment too.  "Toby, your room is yours.  You don't need our
permission to bring friends there, but we do appreciate you keeping us
informed when you can.  Now, I'm going to make a suggestion.  You may want
to take them to your favorite place by the creek.  You all may need the
peace and relaxation that you've found there yourself.  Grab some snacks to
take along if you want to.  Like your mom said, do what you need to do, and
we'll be here to help."

I actually smiled.  "Thanks, Dad.  That's brilliant!  I'll do it."

Dad continued.  "And one more thing.  Here are several of my business
cards.  Give them to anyone who is a victim or is innocently involved.
Have them call me.  If I can't help, I can refer them to someone who will."

There were hugs all around, and I went to my room for some quiet time
before my friends came over.  This was going to be like talking to Gramps.
I needed to be kind and understanding - and keep my mouth shut a lot.

************

Rusty arrived first, through the woods as always.  He ate a piece of apple
pie and entertained my parents as only Rusty could while we waited for
Austin and Andy.

Austin and Andy arrived shortly in their pickup.  They hadn't met my
parents.  They were polite, but more quiet and reserved than normal.  There
was also an element of paranoia in their demeanor, like they suddenly
couldn't trust anyone.  We went to my room.  Rusty sat down in my computer
chair.  Austin and Andy looked around like they expected to see a spy
camera in a corner somewhere.  Their eyes quickly settled on the life-size
image of Tom Daley, wearing his Olympics Speedo and nothing else.

Still fidgeting, Austin looked at the poster.  "Hey, that's a great poster,
Toby.  Especially since yer a diver."  Andy joined him in the inspection.

Rusty tried to break the tension.  "No, there's no cum on it.  Sit down,
you guys.  Yer as nervous as a couple of whores in church."  The twins sat
down obediently on the edge of the bed, looking at the floor.

I didn't even ask them.  I just went upstairs, stuffed some chips, dip,
cookies, pop, and water in my day pack, and returned to my room.

My instructions were brief.  "Follow me."

Puzzled, they followed me across the road to the creek where we all dropped
down on the grass.  I opened my pack and passed refreshments around.  I
waited for the babble of the creek and the calls of the evening birds to
work their magic before speaking.

"Okay, now let's get to the subject that's on all of our minds."

Austin opened up first.  "It's like everyone is suspicious of us 'cause we
were friends with Logan and Cory.  We're not victims in the same sense as
others, but we're victims just because of associations."

Andy pitched in.  "I feel like everyone is starin' at us wherever we go,
and I'm freaked out about possibly runnin' into Cory.  We went to the store
with Mom this mornin', but since then we've just worked around the ranch.
I don't wanna go anywhere right now."

Rusty had some information.  "Well, yer not gonna run into Cory.  Pete just
told me that Cory's been charged with four counts of sexual assault and
plead guilty..."

Andy interrupted. "What the fuck did you just say?"

Rusty continued. "Ya heard me correctly.   Cory did a plea bargain to avoid
bein' charged as an adult.  More charges will follow.  He's in juvenile
detention and he's gonna be there for a long time."

Austin came out of his trance.  "I thought it was his father doin' the
abuse."

Rusty made things clearer.  "That too.  Apparently both of them were at
it.  His dad has been charged with eight counts of child abuse, with more
to follow.  He's been denied bail.  I don't think ya gotta be worried about
either of them for a long, long time.  Cory's dad is gonna spend the rest
of his life, which may be short, as the shot caller's bitch."

Austin had more to say.  "Dad says we gotta retain a lawyer, but we haven't
done that yet.  I suppose we'll be interviewed by the sheriff's office
soon, but we haven't heard anything yet.  So, Toby, you've been quiet.
Everyone knows who the 'fourteen-year-old friend of the family is'.  Tell
us what ya found in the bunkhouse.  Are ya gonna get a lawyer?"

I paused to think about what I should say.  "I can't tell ya anything.
It's evidence in the case, and I've been instructed not to say anything.
I'm scared too.  I'm scared I'll open my mouth and say the wrong thing.
I'm sorry, but that's the way it is.  However, to answer yer other
question.  I do have a lawyer.  That would be my dad.  He's told me he'll
help you two and the victims all he can.  Before ya hire a lawyer, have yer
dad call him.  If he can't help ya himself, he'll refer ya to someone who
can."  I handed Andy a card.  "This is his business card.  Here, Rusty, you
take one too, even though yer not involved.  Ya may know someone who is."

None of them were aware of Dad's profession, or his association with the
Governor of Idaho.  They looked at the cards and then back at me, eyes wide
with surprise.

Austin said it for all of them.  "Holy shit, Toby!  Speakin' of friends in
high places.  Why didn't ya tell us about this before?"

"Because I didn't have a reason to.  I don't like to bring the subject up
'cause it sounds like I'm braggin', and it's really just an accident of
birth."

Andy changed the subject.  "Austin and I wonder how the poker club is gonna
play into all this."

I knew the answer, but I couldn't share it.  This was where I was going to
have to be silent a lot.

Rusty was learning new things.  "What's the poker club?"

My personal experience with that wasn't evidence, so I explained it to
him.  When I was finished, Austin had an observation.

"Ya oughta be glad ya didn't know about it, Rusty.  From what I know about
the names of the victims, a couple of them were players."

Yes, my mouth needed to stay very, very shut.  It would be easy to spill
the beans about how close Rusty came to being a victim.  The three of them
were looking at me oddly, and I realized I'd manually crushed my pop can so
completely it looked like it had spent the day on the freeway.

"Sorry, guys.  It's been a long day."

We spent an hour talking.  By the time we were done, Austin and Andy had
settled down a lot.  It was good for them to have the opportunity to
verbalize what they were feeling.

Austin and Andy left for home, and Rusty and I went back to my room.  Rusty
was unusually quiet.  He sat on a chair and looked out the window, deep in
thought.

"What's on yer mind, bro?"

Rusty looked at me, his expression serious.  "You haven't said much, but
what ya can't tell us is bothering you.  I know.  Do ya want me to spend
the night with ya?"

There was nothing sexual about his offer.  It was a friend offering to help
a friend.

"I think that's a good idea.  Do ya wanna call yer parents and check with
them?"

"No, that's not necessary.  They already know I'm gonna spend the night
here.  Do ya wanna check with yer parents?"

It was just about then that I figured it out for sure.  Rusty and I were
soul mates who were meant for each other for all time.  It wasn't something
to talk about then.  That would come later.

I grinned at him.  "This is one of those times when it's better to ask for
forgiveness rather than permission."

My phone told me I had a text message.  I checked the sender.  It was
Logan.  The message was short: "Thanks".

My response was twice as long:  "You're welcome".

************

I was running down a strange dirt road, a ranch road I didn't recognize,
wearing my black leather thong.  Someone on a four-wheeler was chasing me.
I knew I couldn't get away, so I quickly jumped into the swimming hole,
which had suddenly appeared right in front of me.  The ATV driver climbed
onto the diving rock, and now he was wearing my thong and I was naked.

"Ya gotta give that back to me."

The four wheeler driver leered at me.  "Ya ain't gonna need it no more."

He dove into the water, replaced immediately by a faceless man in a
uniform.  As I stared at the man, trying to recognize him, the ATV driver
surfaced right in my face.  I screamed as Cory shoved me under the water
and held me down...

"Toby!  It's okay!  Wake up!  It's only a dream."  Rusty was trying to hold
me still as I screamed and flailed around on the bed.  He maneuvered me to
a sitting position at the edge of the bed and knelt in front of me.
 "Toby!  It's me, Rusty!  Look at me!"

Rusty moved to sit beside me on the edge of the bed and held me as I cried
uncontrollably.  The door burst open and my parents rushed in.

"What is it, Toby? What's wrong?"  Mom was frantic.

Dad had a better approach.  "Rusty, tell us what happened."

"Toby had a nightmare.  That's all I know."

As I became more aware of my surroundings, my crying subsided.  Mom was
sitting on the other side of me, rubbing my back.

"I dreamed that Cory was drownin' me in the swimmin' hole while his dad
watched."

Dad and Mom exchanged one of those knowing looks.

"It's okay, Toby.  No one is going to hurt you.  Would you like me to go
fix you some hot cocoa?"

"Yes, that would be a good idea.  Please fix one for Rusty too.  I probably
scared the shit out of him."

"Okay, if you can joke, you're feeling better.  Your dad and I will be
upstairs.  Come up when you're ready."

Mom and Dad left the room.  It was then that Rusty and I realized at the
same time that we were both stark naked.

************

Wrapped in bathrobes, Rusty and I sat at the table sipping our hot drinks.
We were both silent and embarrassed.  I hadn't checked with my parents
about Rusty staying, and while Dad had told me I could have friends in my
room, I doubted that meant overnight without permission.  Mom and Dad had
amused looks on their faces.  I couldn't see what was funny.

Mom checked in with us.  "Are you feeling better now, Toby?  How about you,
Rusty?"  We both nodded our heads up and down.

Dad spoke up.  "This isn't surprising, Toby.  It's been a rough couple of
days for you, and it's bound to come out one way or another.  Tomorrow,
we'll talk about things we might do to help you avoid more incidents like
this.  In the meantime, I suggest we all go back to bed."

I agreed.  "That's probably a good idea.  I think I'm okay now."  I would
probably hear about my unapproved guest in the morning.

Mom had been looking thoughtful.  "Rusty, I'm glad you were here to help
Toby.  Would you mind spending a few nights with him this week?  I think it
would be a comfort for him to have you here."

That was my mom speaking?  She'd just caught us naked in my bed and she was
inviting him to continue the practice?  Holy, fucking, shit!

Rusty didn't miss a beat.  He gave Mom one of his classic grins.  "Sure,
I'll be glad to do that!"


*** If you enjoy this kind of story, please donate to Nifty to ensure that
this free resource can continue. ***