Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 15:24:15 -0800 (PST) From: Waddie Greywolf Subject: "Cabbage Patch Cowboy Part 12" DISCLAIMER: WARNING!! This is a work of homoerotic fictions written by an adult for the purpose of entertainment for other adults. If you are not eighteen year of age or you have any problem with this type of literature then this is a warning to read no further. The author will not be held responsible for any reason if you do. (Codes: M/M M/b M/t Gay Incest Anal Oral True) Comments/questions: waddiebear@yahoo.com Copyright 2002 Waddie Greywolf =============================================================================== CABBAGE PATCH COWBOY PART 12 "He what?!" yelled Buck at Morgan. "He vanished, Buck! I swear to God, I saw him, then he disappeared! He was there one minute, ----the next he was gone! Poof!" Morgan snapped his fingers, "Like that! I was coming down the front steps with a towel full of ice cubes to bring him around." "He passed out,----from you beating him?" challenged Buck. "No, from whipping him." Morgan corrected Buck. "Jesus, Morgan! The boy passes out,---- how could you call that a whipping?" asked Buck, disgusted. Morgan didn't answer. "All right! All right! Go on! Then what happened?" Buck insisted of Morgan. "I saw Waddie sit up on the bail of hay, he looked like he saw me, stood up and vanished into thin air! I looked all over for him. I went to Dan's. Jimmy Sue said he hadn't been around, she hadn't seen him. I swear to God, Buck, I watched him just disappear!" "Who do you think's gonna' believe your story, Morgan? Even if I believed you, as your Brother, who am I gonna' be able to convince that you ain't lying, ----the boy vanished into thin air? If you weren't my brother I'd haul your ass off to jail for suspicion of attempted murder." "Attempted murder? That's pretty rough, Brother. I give my kid a spanking and you're gonna' slap an attempted murder charge on me?" "Don't talk to me about rough, Morgan. I've seen what you've done to that boy, all in the name of getting him to admit doing something he didn't." "Aww, he's got you brainwashed just like all the other people in this community. All three of my family witnessed him doing what he did. He's doing it just to punish me. He wants me for himself. He doesn't want to have to share me with his other family." Buck shook his head in disbelief. He wanted to punch Morgan's lights out but he couldn't. He had a better idea. With a little help from an old buddy, Buck was going to nail Morgan's ass to the barn door. "Lemme' use your phone a minute, Morgan." Buck didn't wait for an `okay' he just walked up the front steps and into the house. The phone was in the front hallway. Buck dialed a phone number. A man answered. "Hey, this is your old friend, Buck. Well,... I'm doing fine but we got a problem and I wanted to give you a call to let you know what's going on. Morgan's hurt Waddie pretty bad; he's run away. Is there a chance he ran to you or do you know were he is? I see. Yes. Yes. No. Now, might not be the right time. I know, but that might only add fuel to the fire. I wouldn't ask you to do that. Well, you got a point there. I'm calling as a friend, not as sheriff. I know you know I know. Yes. He tells me everything, you should know that. I'm his buddy, same's you. There's things he won't tell me `bout you because he's bonded with you and loves you. He thinks the world of you. No, absolutely not! No, of course he doesn't. He doesn't and I don't! He's not that kind of kid, and you know it! And you know me well enough to know I don't condemn nobody. Yes. No. Yes. That's true, he's my brother but he's wrong. No. No! I wouldn't ask that of you! That's not why I'm calling! You should know me better'n that. You're right! No. No. You and me, we go back a long ways. I wouldn't do a thing like that. I couldn't wear this badge and live with myself if'n I did. We all love him, and I know you do, that's the reason I'm calling as a friend. No. Sure, I'll stay here if you want me to. Yeah, I `ll be here for a while. Don't want no mayhem, Darlin,' `cause then I have to stop being a friend and become sheriff. Understand, old friend? I knew you would. Never told you I loved you, did I? Take it to the bank, Brother! See ya'!" Buck walked out and told Dan, Don, Lyle and Quinton what he'd done and they agreed with Buck but couldn't believe he did it. (Dan and Buck decided it would be best to leave Gip at home with his mother) Less than thirty minutes here comes Ed Bloomquist in his plumbing truck madder'n an old wet hen. You could see it in his eyes. Buck walked up to Ed threw his arms around him and hugged him. "Easy, Brother. I know how much you love him. You don't love him a whit more'n the five men standing here. I'm your friend, Ed. We're on the same team. No rough stuff. Promise?" "I promise, Buck. It's in my heart to kill `em but I know that wouldn't solve nothing." Morgan saw Ed Bloomquist drive up. Ed and Buck walked slowly over to the group of men. "Howdy, Ed. Nobody called a plumber." Morgan joked as he stuck out his hand to shake Ed's. Ed took it and shook Morgan's hand. "Well, yes, they did, Morgan." Ed let his hand drop and looked Morgan in the eye, "Your Brother, Buck, called me a minute ago as a friend `cause he knows how much I love and admire your boy, Waddie. Waddie and me, well, we've grown pretty damn close over the last couple of years and we've seen a lot of each other. I'm proud to call him my little buddy. I think of your boy as my little brother. He means one hell of a lot to me, Morgan. I'm the only man he ever let see his ass after you get through with him. "Glad to hear you like my boy, Ed. When you been visit'n with Waddie?" "Once, maybe twice a week when I come to fuck your old lady." Morgan went white and started towards Ed. He was grabbed by three big deputies. "You son of a bitch! You low life mother fucker, I'll kill ya'!" "Maybe we better talk about low life mother fucker's, Morgan. I'd say you fit that category right along side a' me. I can't believe you beat that beautiful boy the way you do and he still loves you. Loves you so Goddamn much he wouldn't tell you about me fucking Judy for the last two years because he didn't wanna' hurt you. Now, you may wanna' get your gun and shoot me. I'll take that chance because I love that kid enough to tell you the truth despite the consequences. The main thing you have to know is Judy admitted to me that she and Dorothy lied to go along with Willie framing Waddie so's to drive you two apart. They hate that boy and for the life of me I can't figure out why. I don't think they know. Judy can't even tell me. She just shrugs every time I ask. I don't think they have a reason. I think they're just bad people. She thinks it's funny. Told me you were fool enough to beat a confession out of Waddie even though he didn't do it. Waddie's never done a thing you've beat him for. It's all been Willie. Waddie never lied to you. In fact, I was fucking Judy the afternoon Willie cut your pony. I watched him do it. I can't help but feel sorry for you, Morgan. Not because Judy was unfaithful. By the way, I'm not the only one, there's at least two others I know. I feel sorry for you for having lost your son. Waddie's the best thing you ever bought in your life. Yeah, she told me about that, too. After this he'll never be your son again. You just couldn't trust him when everybody in town was telling you he was a good boy he don't lie. How blind can you be, Morgan? He'd take your beatings and never admit he did it. Why? Because he didn't? He wasn't lying to you and wouldn't lie to you no matter how hard or how much you beat him. I saw what you did to that boy and you should be just ashamed of yourself as I am of myself. So let's talk, `low life mother fuckers,' Brother! Through his pain, frustration and anger he never told you about Judy's whore'n around because he didn't wanna' hurt you. He'd take your abuse yet never try to get back at you by telling you about Judy. You're a fool, Morgan,... to let those worthless son's of bitches cost you your greatest treasure. Tell me, Morgan, are they worth it?" Morgan went weak in his knees and Buck grabbed him for support. Buck sat him on the tailgate of Dan's truck. He put his head in his hands and started to sob. None of the men but Buck would console him. No matter what he'd done, Morgan was his brother. Brother's don't let their brothers down. They're there for each other. Buck finally got him settled down. "God, help me! You're right, Ed. As much as it hurts, I know you're right. It'll be hard forgiving you, but no matter what you did I have to admire you for standing up for Waddie and telling me the truth. I won't ever forget that. Thanks for having the guts to tell me, Ed. My beautiful boy will never forgive me. He was right, too, God took him away from me. I don't deserve him. I didn't believe all that angel talk of his but I gotta' tell ya,' something happened here this afternoon I can't begin to explain. I have to believe it's a higher power at work. Nobody just disappears into thin air." "All I can say, for what it's worth, Morgan, is, I'm sorry. I shouldn't a' done what I done, but I was weak. She was sell'n and I bought. Don't make me any better'n her though. I was wrong and I ain't looking for excuses. I may lose my wife over this but I couldn't let this go a moment longer without telling you the truth. I don't feel good about what I done to you, but I feel damn good I stood up for my little buddy. Somebody had to get through to you. No matter what it cost me, I couldn't stand by and see you do that to my little buddy no more. I love Waddie as much as any man standing here. Buck looked his brother in the eye, "Morgan, I want every gun in your house including Willie's. I'll hold `em until the heat of this day cools down. If Judy or Dorothy has a gun, I want it. Don't make me have to search the house. You're my brother and I don't wanna' have ta'do that. I'm only doing it for your protection and theirs. You'll get `em back when everything calms down." "There's my three in my closet. Judy and Dorothy don't have guns and Willie has a .22 in his closet. That's the only gun he has." "Deputy Tate, Deputy Rayborn, would you get `em, please?" Quinton and Don proceeded into the house to collect the guns. Willie wasn't home but Judy had an extra key to his room. She let them in and they took Willie's gun. Buck walked Ed to his truck and thanked him. Ed didn't have much to say he was almost in tears from his frustration over the news that his little buddy was hurt and ran away. "If you hear from him, Buck,---- tell him I love him." Ed asked with tears running down his face. Buck took him in his arms and held him. "I will, Ed, you know I will. You might hear from him first. If you do and he swears you to secrecy, just tell him you have to let me know you heard from him and he's all right. I won't ask you any more than you wanna' tell me. Deal?" "Deal, Buck! What if he wants me to come to him?" "Then go, Ed! If you can get away. If there's any man I'd trust with my nephew, it's you. By the way, he says you got the best taste'n come." Buck laughed. "I wiped some off'n his ear couple weeks ago and it did taste pretty damn good!" Buck got Ed laughing. "I told him, I'd arrest your ass one of these days, get me a big ole taste and I'd be the judge of that!" Ed blushed beet red but smiled. Buck continued, "If you need to get away in a hurry, Ed, need help with your place, let us know and we'll be there. Gip, Oatie, Clyde, me, Dan, Don and Quinton will be there to pitch in." "Thanks, Buck. Anytime you want a sample, Sheriff, it's your's for the asking. Shit, Buck! You know I've had a crush on you for years; be a dream come true. But I love Waddie as much as I do my own boy. You're right, I'd see to it he's safe and being cared for." "By the way, Ed, what did you mean about Waddie being the best thing Morgan ever bought?" "Didn't you know? I thought you knew? Judy told me they ain't Waddie's parents. Morgan can't have no kids. Bought him on the black market from a group of nurses in Dallas. Begged Judy to let him put her name on the birth certificate." "No. I didn't know, Ed. Thanks." Buck looked into Ed's eyes and Ed saw Buck's pain. Ed new from Buck face his brother, Morgan, hadn't told him the truth. "I'm sorry, Brother, I thought you knew because of you and Morgan being,----Oh, God, I'm so sorry, Buck." Ed grasped Buck by the shoulder with his big hand. "That's okay, Ed. I'm all right. I appreciate you sharing that with me. For that, Son, you might get that blow job sooner'n you think. `At's a sure fire, "Get out of jail free" ticket, Son!" Buck smiled real big at Ed. "Love you, too, Brother." Ed smiled at Buck as he offered his hand. The men shook hands and Ed drove off. Buck walked back over to Dan's truck and Morgan was still heaving and sobbing. Reality began to set in. It was rough for Buck and as much as he hated what Morgan did to his Godson, his little buddy, he couldn't stop loving his brother. He put his arm around him and consoled him. Buck all ready heard Gip and Dan's story of the disappearing truck. Dan didn't say a word to Morgan. The Sheriff, C. D., Dan, and the two deputies left Morgan and drove back over to Dan's to pick up Gip and the six of them set out for Mrs. Jessup's house. Lyle and Quinton knew where she lived. She lived in a valley on a little farm on the other side of the interstate. Mrs. Jessup was sitting on her front porch shelling black eyes peas in a big, mixing bowl when the men drove up. Buck and his deputies took their hats off. "Afternoon, Mrs. Jessup." "Well, I do declare! Sheriff Claymore, Chief Deputy Rawlings, Deputy Tate, Deputy Rayborn, Mr. Justin and Gip. How nice to see you fine gentlemen. Come! Sit down! Sit a spell! Can I get you gentlemen some iced tea. It's an awfully warm today." "No Ma'am. We appreciate it but we just had lunch a while ago with Mr. Justin and his family." The men sat down on the porch. Gip sat on the railing. Mrs. Jessup smiled at Gip. "Forgive me Mr. Justin and you, too, young man for not waving when I passed you yesterday but I had to stop and pick up Mr. Claymores Godson, Waddie, to take him to the interstate. You couldn't see him `cause he was invisible to everyone but me and our friend Urial. I think you've met him, Sheriff Claymore? After that he told us he made my truck invisible. Waddie and I weren't aware that we were invisible but I guess we were." "Yes Ma'am. You sure were." Spoke Dan. Gip nodded. "My son almost had a stroke when he saw your door swing open and close by itself and then your truck disappear." "I'm so sorry, Son. I know Urial didn't mean to cause you any discomfort." "That's all right, Mrs. Jessup. He spoke to me and told me. He gave me your name. That's why we're here. I told my dad and my Uncle Buck here. We wanted to know if you could help us locate my brother, Waddie." "Well, I was to drive him to the interstate and tell him a trucker would be by in about five minutes by the name of Mr. Hershel Franz and he would take care of him. I waited on the other side to watch Waddie and he sat down. Then he looked like he fainted. I turned the truck around to go back to wait with him and Mr. Franz pulled up in his big rig and lifted Waddie into the cab of his truck. He drives for Rio Grande Trucking Company out of Del Rio, I believe. No cause to worry. He's a fine man and a friend of Urial's as well. He's taking good care of your nephew, Sheriff, I'm sure. You'll be getting a letter from `Bubba,' that's what everyone calls him, in about two days with two rolls of color film. Twelve on each I believe." "Is it twelve?" She looked right by the side of Gip then nodded her head like someone was confirming something, "Yes, that's right Sheriff, twelve exposures on each roll of that poor child's rear, back, and face." "Is Mr. Urial sitting next to Gip, Mrs. Jessup?" "Why, yes, he is, Sheriff." Buck looked right next to Gip and spoke. "Mr. Urial, I know you can hear me. You've listened to me many times for which I'm grateful. Thank you for taking care of one of our most precious treasures, my nephew. We all love him, but you know that, Sir. We came to see if Mrs. Jessup could help us but I can see Waddie's in good hands and we shouldn't worry. Forgive us, Sir, but it's hard not to when we love him so much." "No. Of course not!" Mrs. Jessup spoke to the invisible person next to Gip. "You know I wouldn't mind. Go on ahead!" "Okay, Sheriff Claymore, Buck, good to see you again, Son. Mrs. Jessup was kind enough to let me speak through her. I can't do it unless I ask permission but she's such a gracious person she doesn't mind. I know you're all worried about Waddie, that just shows how much you love him, but he's fine, trust me. You'll get a letter and a package from Mr. Franz, fine man that Bubba, probably tomorrow or the next day. Mrs. Jessup all ready told you what would be in it. Take it to Dr. Dyer. He has a dark room and is an amateur photographer. He can develop them. It's pictures of Waddie's wounds before and after Mr. Franz cleaned them. He needs to see them anyway to make a recommendation to you as sheriff for removal of Waddie from the Lovejoy's home. He's to live with the Justin's and of course he may visit freely with you, Deputy Rayborn and Clyde, the Rawlings, the Tates, the senior Lovejoys, Claymores and Davenports. Oh yes, the Dyer's and his Aunt Agatha. He's not to see his dad without adult male supervision and by that I mean you, Sheriff Claymore, one of your deputies, or Mr. Justin. A visit may be arranged at everyone's convenience but only if Waddie wants to; not at Mr. Lovejoy's demand. They're not to be left alone at anytime for the first six months. If Mr. Lovejoy says anything remotely threatening to the boy their visit is to be terminated immediately. Right now, Waddie's still with Bubba. Bubba's gonna' have a hard time letting go and so is Waddie. I'm afraid the two of them have bonded and become quite fond of each other. But they'll see a lot of each other over the years. "Is he a big man, Mr. Urial?" "A giant, huge, bear of a man, Sheriff." "Yeah, Waddie would love him." said Buck winking at Dan and Gip and they all chuckled. "My Boss insists Waddie has time away from any influence of his family; that's you, the Justins, the Rawlings, the Rayborns and the Tates... oh, yes... and Ma and Pa Lovejoy. He's afraid for Waddie to come home right now so we can't tell you where he is. I'll have him call you regularly but please don't make it hard for the boy. Don't ask him where he is. You know he won't lie to you. I'm with him around the clock so don't be worried. He'll be staying with two wonderful men I know well and have been tested by me an my Boss many times. They're good men, Sheriff. Buy the way, Mr. Justin; Gip and I have met but I've never had the pleasure of meeting you. Nice to meet you too, Chief Deputy Rawlings. Fine boy you're going to have with Oatie. The Boss picked the two of you to be together. Course you knew that all ready. Oatie was right, you'd lose your ass at poker if he didn't become your son!" Lyle blushed beet red, he hadn't related that story to the other men and they laughed. "Only Oatie could come up with something like that, Mr. Urial. We love him, too; hell, we love all our boys." said Buck. "I know you do and Bubba put his phone number where you may call him and he'll stop by your office on his way back through within five or six days. He'll call you and let you know. Don't expect him to betray his little buddy. He won't do it. I know you folks better anyway. Trust in the Lord and he will see you good folks through this. Waddie will be returned to you whole and sound. When he returns he has one more trial, and I won't whitewash it, it's a bad one. Don't leave his side, Sheriff, he's gonna' need to draw from your strength, but he'll rise above it an bring you a miracle that will shake you to your foundation and move your world, Sheriff. You will be born again to life. Am I right, young man?" Mr. Urial spoke to Gip. "Yes Sir, Mr. Urial." "Deputy Rayborn, it's good to meet you, Sir. You've felt my presence on several occasions. You weren't sure but you knew someone was there `cause you kept looking over your shoulder. That was me. You got a fine, handsome, intelligent, sensitive boy. Let him run free with his brothers and he'll bring you great joy, pride and honor. You've tried praying several times and you sort of felt funny. Just talk to him, Don. Like you would your best friend. Hell, tell him a joke if you feel like it. Just let him hear from you, let him know you care. He cares about you." "Now a word to Mr. Tate. Quinton you're an intelligent, fine looking young man with quite possible the biggest heart of any man on this porch. Open your heart, Son, and let his love in. Don't be such a doubting Thomas. Thomas was there for folks like you. He doesn't mind if you have a healthy doubt. He loves you anyway. Ain't nothing you can do `bout that. You're one of my sheep the Boss gave me to look after. I know you listen to me but sometimes you can be more stubborn than a damn Kentucky mule. Loosen up, Son! Don't be such a tight ass,---- unless,---- of course, you're with the Sheriff or the Chief Deputy." All the men giggled and nudged each other. They knew exactly what Urial meant, "I know you don't believe me but when you were ten years old you told a secret to a boy you've never told another soul in your life. It was on a Halloween night in the loft of your parent's barn when you had all the boys in your class over for a Halloween night sleep over. That boy became a man and would never betray your trust. He's the only man standing here that knows your middle name. You were named after one of your presidents if I'm not mistaken." Buck hooted because he was the person Quinton told his middle name to; Fillmore. Quinton smiled funny, turned white and look constipated. "I have ta' go now, Gentlemen. I've imposed on Mrs. Jessup too long. By the way, Waddie wants Mrs. Jessup to become one of his Grandmothers. She needs family. Help him with that, Gentlemen. Gip, since your Waddie's brother that would make Mrs. Jessup your new Grandma, too. Let's go easy on her though and ease her into the idea of Clyde and Oatie." The men laughed. They knew what he was talking about. "When my Boss gets ready for Waddie to come home, I'll send you to him, Sheriff. Go by yourself and I'll lead you to him." "Thank you for speaking with us, Mr. Urial. You've at least put our hearts at rest for the moment to know he's with good people that will take care of him. We'll trust you and the Lord, Sir." Mrs. Jessup sort of shook her head like she was waking up. "I'm aware of the words I'm speaking but they don't come from me. It's the strangest feeling. I don't think I can describe it but I heard every word he said. He just waved goodbye and went away." "Thanks so much, Mrs. Jessup, for letting us speak with Mr. Urial. It meant more to us than you can know. Thank you, Ma'am. Call us, come visit. You're welcome anytime. After all, you're going to be one of my nephew's Grandparents. You're part of our family now, Mrs. Jessup. If you need help. If there's anything we can do for you, call the Sheriff's station and they'll be a man here as soon as possible." assured Buck. "Here's our phone number, Mrs. Jessup." Dan Justin handed her a small piece of paper, "We're practically neighbors. If you have an emergency, call. Gip and I can be here in a matter of minutes." "Well, thank you, Gentlemen, and God bless you all. I appreciate knowing that. Being an old woman by herself out here you never can tell what's gonna' happen. I've lived for so long without anyone to call it will be a luxury, but I promise not to take advantage. Thanks so much for dropping by. It's nice to have company visit, and it certainly was nice to be the center of attention of six fine looking young men." Mrs. Jessup giggled like a school girl and the men laughed at her mischievousness. She waved goodbye to them with tear in her eye. Urial once again provided for her. She wasn't so afraid anymore. She didn't feel quite so alone. She felt like she had family again. She did. The men were quiet on the ride back to the Justin's place. They were lost in their own thoughts waiting for Buck to say something. Sitting in the back seat next to his dad, Gip could see his dad thinking deeply about something. All of sudden this glow came over his face, he clamped his hand on Gip's leg, looked at him winked and smiled real big. Gip grabbed his dad's hand and held it the rest of the way back. "Gentlemen, everyone in this automobile is sworn to secrecy about Mrs. Jessup. We know now that Morgan did, indeed, see Waddie disappear. However, at this point, I don't want him to know we know anything. Does everyone understand?" All the men agreed and thought it was a good idea. "I don't want him going out there to bother Mrs. Jessup. She wouldn't tell him anything anyway. Mrs. Jessup can be invited to anything your families want to include her in and I hope you do. I plan to. Morgan doesn't need to know who she is nor how we know her. Agreed?" Once again the men agreed and assured Buck Mrs. Jessup would certainly be included. Buck pulled the patrol car onto the Justin's road and pulled around in behind the house. The men got out and Jimmy Sue came out to greet them. She wanted to see if they had any word of Waddie's whereabouts. Buck motioned everyone around, he wanted to tell the men and Jimmy Sue something. "Momma Sue," Buck smiled as he addressed Jimmy Sue, "Dan and Gip will tell you what we found out but I need to say something first to everyone here. I don't want it getting out what we know. I know I can count on the six of you to keep it to yourselves. I don't even want the three other deputies to find out what we know. They probably wouldn't believe us anyway. I'm gonna' tell Doc Dyer. When Bubba comes we'll get our family together to have dinner with him to thank him for his goodness and help. Could we do it out here at your place Dan, Jimmy Sue, away from town and prying eye? We'll all pitch in. Maybe a pot luck dinner or homemade hamburgers. It don't have to be fancy. I'll let you and Linda Sue coordinate that, Jimmy Sue, if you will." Buck asked Dan and Jimmy Sue. "Sure Buck, no problem. Glad to have ya' all out." replied Dan. "As far as everyone else is concerned, Bubba is an old friend of mine. Let's keep everybody thinking we're turning every leaf to find Waddie and we will be. I don't want a word of what we know getting back to my brother, Morgan. I'm not trying to be mean but I feel he needs to be more concerned than we are at this point. There's not a lot of punishment I could bring down on him and I'm not sure I want to do that to my brother. It's gonna' be hard enough on him losing his kid. I'll be the one to decide what and when he should know anything. As far as the community is concerned we're busting our butts to find our boy. I wouldn't ordinarily ask this of you folks but I think everyone standing here know why." Buck looked at them. Everyone did know why. Jimmy Sue threw her arms around Buck's neck and hugged him. "He'll come back to us, Big Brother. I know he will." Jimmy Sue knew how much it was hurting Buck. "I know, Darlin,' but it weighs heavy on my heart he didn't run to us." Buck said in sadness. "I don't think he had a choice, Buck," spoke up Don Rayborn, "he was probably scared out of his wits and Mr. Urial told him to run. I think we have to do what he said and trust him and the Lord. I was never quite sure until today. Now I have no doubts. I'll start talking to him regularly." "Yeah, Brother, I don't think it was because he didn't want to run to us. He was instructed to get away for some reason we don't know about. My guess is, it was to save his life. I think he's in good hands. I'll sleep better tonight after visiting with Mrs. Jessup." said Dan quietly. "Yeah, Uncle Buck," Gip spoke up. He'd been very quiet since the visit to Mrs. Jessup's, "I know my brother's safe. I only wish I could be with him. He needs me and I need him." Gip started crying and Buck scooped him up in his big arms to hold the boy and steal a kiss. "Mom was right. She usually is. He'll come back to us safe and sound." Buck stole another kiss and hugged Gip. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At dinner that evening Dan, and Gip recounted the entire day to Jimmy Sue who listened in awe. She knew her husband and son wouldn't lie to her but what she was hearing was nothing short of miraculous; however it fit right in with what Gip and Waddie had been telling the adults about their angel. After dinner, over dessert and coffee, Dan was talking to Jimmy Sue about Waddie. Gip had finished his dessert and was clearing the table for his mom while she enjoyed a moment with Dan. "Buck has to have Mrs. Anderson fill out all these state and county missing persons information forms with detailed descriptions of the missing person. Buck asked me if I remembered any outstanding scars or blemishes Waddie had on his body. We've been swimming lots of times in the raw and the only thing I could remember was his wine colored birthmark near his groin on his right leg in the form of a perfect cowboy boot." Jimmy Sue dropped her coffee cup and broke it. Gip saw the look on his mom's face and knew his Aunt Linda Sue probably told her about Waddie's birthmark. "Oh my God, a cowboy boot?!" her voice rose as she asked her husband. Gip stood behind his dad waving his arms like crazy to his mother and pointed to his dad shaking his head back a forth to warn her not to tell him what she knew. Jimmy Sue knew enough to trust her kid. Gip ran over and started cleaning up the broken piece of her cup. "Can I get you another cup of coffee, Mom?" "Oh yes, Sweet heart,....I'd like that. That's thoughtful of you, Hon; thank you." Jimmy Sue knew what Gip was doing and went along. "Oh by the way, Mom, remind me to tell you something later. I'm sorry, Dad, I didn't mean to interrupt. You and dad go ahead and talk, Mom. I'll just finish cleaning this up." Jimmy Sue knew that meant he'd explain later. She was proud of her boy but her mind was racing like crazy. "Something wrong, Dear, about Waddie's birthmark?" Dan asked. "Nooo.---- I... was just surprised .... at what a coincidence it was with Waddie wanting to be a cowboy and all. It's almost like he wears God's stamp telling him to be a cowboy." she bluffed her way through almost sure her husband was buying it. "I never thought of it that way, did you, Son?" "Yes, Sir. Waddie, Oatie, Clyde and me; we've talked about it. We're convinced." Gip went on cleaning up the broken cup. He swept up the pieces with a broom and dust pan. "Darlin,' that was a great meal. Thank you." said Dan leaning over and kissing his wife. "Yeah, Mom, it was great, you got a real good scald on that one." Gip and his parents shared a laugh. Gip had heard his granddad Claymore say that to Grandma Claymore after she'd fixed a fine meal. "Well, Son, we'd better be getting out and put up the stock for the night." Dan said to Gip. "It's early, Dad. That was such a fine meal mom fixed tonight. Would you mind waiting a little bit while I help mom with the dishes? Then I'll go out with you soon's I finish." "No. Not at all. That's thoughtful of you, Son. I've got a couple of things to do out there. I'll be out there,... come on out when you get done. I'll be waiting for you." Dan smiled, proud of his boy for wanting to help his mom. Gip went to his dad and hugged him. "Thanks, Dad. She looks a little tired tonight, don't chu' think?" Gip winked at his dad. "No, Son, she just... always looks beautiful to me." That got Dan a hug and a kiss from his wife. "We won't be long, Hon, there's not that much to clean up." Jimmy Sue told Dan as he was going out the back door. Gip had all ready started putting the hot water and soap in the sink for his mom. She walked over and put her arms around him and gently kissed him on his forehead. "Thanks, Mom, I needed that. Damn near messed my pants the minute I knew you put two and two together. Thanks for trusting me, Mom. I'll tell you all I can." "Do you mean to tell me Waddie is Linda Sue and Buck's son?" Gip nodded his head `yes' to his mother as a tear rolled down his cheek. "And that's the miracle he'll bring the two of them." She took Gip in her arms and wept. Gip wanted to cry, too, but he was going to be strong and be a man for his mother. She felt him comforting her and knew her boy was growing up. "And you and Waddie have known for almost four years, well, since Buck and Linda Sue got married?" she asked quietly. "Yes, um. Except Mr. Urial told Waddie the day we moved in here. So he's known for almost five years." he replied. "That poor kid. What he's gone through but on the other hand, it's just too wonderful for words, Gip. It truly is a miracle. Can you imagine when they find out. When will they find out?" "You can't tell them, Mom. Neither can Waddie, Doc Dyer, Aunt Agatha or me." "They know?" Jimmy Sue asked in amazement. "Yes, Ma'am. I can't tell you everything tonight, but I promise I'll make time to help you tomorrow with any project you wanna' get done. I'll answer all your questions I can at that time. I can fill you in on a few while we clean the dishes." "Well, that's enough for me to digest tonight, Hon. Look at me, I'm still shaking. I can't believe it. I thought he was Morgan's son, but he always looked so much like Buck." Gip gave his mother a brief overview of the situation and told her why she couldn't say anything to Linda Sue nor Buck. Waddie was going to come live with them for a while until Linda Sue discovers he's her son. Then she has to tell her husband the truth. "When is all this to come about?" "Very soon, Mom, after Waddie gets back and starts living with us." They finished the dishes and Gip put away the last dish in the cupboard. His mother took him in her arms again to hold him and kissed him on the cheek. "You're growing up too fast, Gip. You're almost a young man. No, I take that back...you are a young man. This year there will be major changes in your body that I know your dad has all ready talked with you about. I've started to see them happen all ready. I guess I'm selfish. I want you to remain my little boy but I know I have to let you grow up. I love you so much, Gip, and your dad and I are so proud of you." "Mom, there's a part of me that's always gonna' be your little boy. I don't never want to loose touch with the little boy inside of me. He'll always be there for you, Mom." Jimmy Sue started crying again as Gip was comforting her and kissing her on the cheek. Dan walked in the back door and saw Gip holding Jimmy Sue. He smiled at the two of them. "Uuh, am I interrupting something?" "No, Hon. I's just thanking Gip for helping me and I insisted on holding my little boy one more time. He's growing up so fast, I'm gonna' turn around and tomorrow he'll be a man." "I stopped thinking of him as a boy a while ago, Darlin.' I started treating him like a young man." "I'm ready, if you are, Dad. Let's go do it." Gip winked at his dad and rolled his eyes behind his mom's back like I know you understand, Dad. We have to humor them sometimes. "Your men'll be back in a bit, Darlin.' Love you." "Love you both." Jimmy Sue said as they were going out the door. Dan walked with his arm around his son to the barn and stole a kiss on the way. "Want your old man to stop stealing kisses now that you're a young man?" "You better not, Dad. You'll have one long faced, sad ass'ed puppy wander'n around here not knowing which way to go. I depend on you sealing at least a couple of kisses every evening to let me know you love me. I ain't never gonna' be too old for my old man to steal a kiss from me. Lord knows I've stolen enough from you. Seems to me like it's only fair." Gip said in all seriousness to his dad. Dan laughed and hugged him tighter. "I never was a kiss'n bandit until that big uncle of your's walked into our lives. My life ain't been the same since. Ain't complaining. My brother taught me some things about love'n I would've never known. Your mother's love and my love for her has grown more and more because of things I've learned from that big man. I'm glad he came into our lives. We're the richer for loving him." "Yeah, well, he and my brother have taught me many things. One of them is I ain't afraid to tell my old man I love him and I'm damn proud of him. Waddie and I have the best dad in these here parts." The two men finished their chores and stood together behind the new barn in the warm summer air under a full moon. It was a beautiful early summer night with fireflies lighting up the night like bejeweled fairies flitting about. Dan took Gip into his arms and held his boy close. Gip looked up and found his dad's mouth and gently brushed his lips across Dan's as an invitation. Gip was surprised he didn't have to asked twice. His dad was more than ready to welcome this young man, his son, into manhood. It was a kiss filled with the love a father had for his beloved son and his son returned his love to him in kind. They needed to feel this closeness for sometime. It was a lingering kiss of passion. A passion between a father and son that had come a long way. It hadn't been easy for Gip and Dad to break down fences, walls, and barriers until this moment, this communication became possible and welled to the surface within in them. It was something that didn't just happen. They worked toward this goal or closeness. They spoke of it many times and knew because of their hard work to trust and love each other unconditionally, they were spiraling into each other. They kissed again. A tender kiss of promise. A promise to always love and be there for each other. No words needed to be spoken. Gip wasn't shy and didn't hold back from his dad. They finally broke but Dan continued to hold his boy and look into his eyes, gently stealing a kiss from him, from time to time. "Thanks, Dad. I needed that from you tonight. I've been wanting it for months but the time wasn't right. You couldn't have picked a better night. I love you so much dad. I'm so proud of you." "You can thank the sheriff for that, Son. I wouldn't ever have been able to do that for us if Buck hadn't talked to me by the hour and taught me about the ways of love. Things my old man should have taught me years ago and never did. He didn't know how to love himself. Somehow, I felt you needed some love'n from your old man tonight. And to tell the truth, your old man was ripe for your offer. I been wait'n for it, Son. Guess you felt I could use a little love'n myself tonight. Something happen this evening between you and your ma you can't talk to me about but you need my love right now more'n ever. You don't know how long I've wanted to show my love for you with a kiss like that, Gip. Look at me." Dan looked down at his hard dick in his pants. Gip looked at his own, they looked at each other and the two men laughed as they hugged each other again. They started walking slowly towards the house arms around each other holding each other tight. "You're right, Dad. Something did happen tonight I can't tell you about but soon I'll be able to tell you everything, I promise. Don't feel left out, Dad. It will thrill you beyond your wildest dreams." "Is it the miracle that Waddie will bring to Buck?" "Yes, Sir." Gip replied softly. "It's okay, Son. Don't fret. I all ready know. Buck told me today Ed Bloomquist said Judy told him Morgan bought Waddie from some nurses at the Methodist Hospital in Dallas. Morgan can't have kids. I'm the only one Buck told. I don't think he plans to tell your Aunt Linda either. It all came together for me in the car on the way back from Mrs. Jessup's. Remember when I grabbed your leg. That was the moment I figured it out. I was trying to think what the miracle could be? It had to include Buck, Waddie, and Linda Sue. I started with what clues I had; Morgan bought Waddie from some nurses at the Methodist hospital; your Aunt Linda worked in Dallas all through the war and lived with your Aunt Agatha who's daughter was a nurse at the Methodist hospital. Waddie had to be born and purchased by Morgan almost exactly nine months after Buck left for the war. Your Aunt Agatha figured out who Waddie really was at Buck and Linda's wedding. I remember her telling Buck and Linda Sue that Waddie would provide them with a great miracle. Too many coincidence's not to add up to something. Linda Sue got pregnant by Buck before he left for the war, she had his baby and gave it up for adoption. I can't figure out the reason. Waddie is Buck and Linda Sue's son. Linda Sue told your mom about her baby's birthmark. She put two and two together tonight and you very maturely shut her up and covered for her like a Russian spy. Did a damn good job, too. I almost couldn't keep from laughing but I was proud of you. That's why I had to give you that kiss tonight. I told her the truth, Son. I don't think of you as a boy no more. I think of you as a young man." Gip turned to his dad and started crying. Dan took him in his arms to comfort him. "I hope you never get too old to come to your old man for comfort, Son, and never be ashamed to cry in his arms." "I won't, Dad, but I don't know if'n I should confirm your deduction. Just promise me you won't tell Uncle Buck nor Aunt Linda what you've discovered. You can't dad. It's not time for them to know. It will be soon and then I can tell you a lot more. I know I can trust you." "I won't say a word but Mr. Urial and you today hit the nail on the head. It will be the miracle that will change Buck and Linda Sue's lives. I always thought Buck and Waddie looked too damn much alike right down to their dicks. But you know what, I think Waddie's gonna' have the edge on his old man in the dick department." "I do, too, Dad. I---- " Dan felt Gip jump like something frightened him. Gip was staring over Dan's shoulder. Dan turned and saw the light of the angel himself as he nodded to Gip to confirm his dad's statement. Gip waved and smiled, he smiled back and disappeared. Then Dan looked funny. "I gotta' get to the house, Son, I think I just messed in my pants." Gip started laughing at his Dad as he ran as fast as he could to the back door. He remembered having the same reaction the first time he saw Mr. Urial. Waddie warned him. He'd come to you at the damnedest times and scare the crap out of you. Gip was still laughing as he walked in the back door of the house. His mother look puzzled at what her two men were up to. Gip went to his mother and held her still laughing. A little while later, Dan came back in the room wearing a clean pair of jeans. He was white as a sheet with a funny look on his face. Gip took one look at his dad and could contain himself. He was rolling on the couch laughing. Dan went over and started tickling him. "Would some one please tell me what's going on?" Jimmy Sue was laughing herself. "Dan, you look like you've seen a ghost!" That really set Dan and Gip off. They were holding each other laughing. "Guess you might say that, Hon." Dan laughed again and set Gip off in another round of giggles. "Dad messed in his pants, Mom. Mr. Urial appeared to us on the way back from the barn. Right after Dad told me he all ready knew. I wasn't going to confirm his suspicions but Mr. Urial told me it was all right." "I should've known better than to ever underestimate my old man. Not much gets by him. That's why Waddie and I have to be good boys. Our little act only confirmed what he figured out today when he found out from Uncle Buck, Morgan bought Waddie." Jimmy Sue went to Dan and cried in his arms and apologized to him. He assured her there was no apology necessary. He wouldn't have wanted her to react any other way than the way she did. He was proud of her and proud of his son. That night the Justin's joined hands before going to bed and gave thanks for a miracle that was yet to come. They prayed for their other son who they knew was under the protection of their Lord. Give him courage and strength to heal quickly and come home to them. The Old Man took their prayer himself, he was as proud of Gip as his parents were. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Bubba woke up holding a pretty little man with a bruised face and one hell of a black eye. He'd taken the boy to his heart in only one night. A brave, loving little man that didn't cry out once last night when he cleaned him real good. Bubba tried to be gentle but the tears ran down his big face every time he cleaned another area of shredded flesh on the boy's butt. Waddie stirred, opened his eyes, and looked into the biggest, kindest, dark brown eyes he'd ever seen. He reached up with his head and kissed Bubba gently on the mouth. Bubba returned it with all the gentleness of a saint. "Good morning, my big, handsome Grizzly bear." Waddie said softly. Bubba laughed. "Oh, so, now, this morning, I'm handsome, huh, Little Buddy?" Bubba stole a kiss behind Waddie's ear. "Hell, Bubba! You're the type man the grows on you. Y'ain't to impressed with `em when ya' first meet `em, but after you get to know `em a little bit, they're like a pretty fly'er, they bloom right before your eyes. Now that I slept in your big arms, felt your love and warmth surround me, made me feel safer than I've felt in months, and look into those beautiful eyes of yours, I see what I missed the first time I looked. The face of a strong, good hearted, handsome, brown eyed man." Waddie smiled and reached up and stole another kiss from Bubba and giggled. Bubba threw his head back and enjoyed a good laugh. "Yeah, no doubt about it. You're Buck Claymore's boy. Well, what about below my neck?" he grinned wickedly at Waddie. "Aww, hell, Bubba! That's like a surprise package you open on Christmas morning. You know it's got a pretty bow on it and it might be something special but nine times out of ten it's clothes. Then one Christmas you open that surprise package and there's the cutest, prettiest, damn puppy you ever did see underneath all that wrap'n. That's you, Bubba, the prettiest, damn `teddy bear' a kid could ever hope for." Bubba stopped smiling and looked into Waddie's dark blue eyes for a minute and almost lost it. "You mean that, don't cha'?" Bubba asked without emotion. "All my heart, Big Man." Waddie said with love. Bubba leaned toward Waddie and he met him half way; threw his arms around Bubba's neck and pulled him into a kiss that was a bit more than brotherly. Both men got roaring hard. Harder than their morning piss-hards. "You really love me that much, Big Man?" Waddie moved against Bubba's big dick. "Times ten, Sweet baby." Bubba stole another kiss. "We gotta' get up, get dressed and hit the road. Louise washed your clothes last night. I gotta' go pick `em up and get you dressed. Feel any better this morning, Angel?" "With the dirty thoughts running through my mind about the nasty things I could do to my teddy bear I don't think I could pass for an angel, Big Man." Bubba just hooted. "Go on with ya,' you're gonna' get us both into trouble." "I was kinda hoping I would." Waddie giggled and Bubba laughed. "Is that how much you love me down there, Little Buddy?" "Times a hunnerd." replied Waddie with a wicked grin. "That' ud be enough to make me happy for a night, Young'un. We get chu' feeling a little better I just might find out what nasty things you had in mind for your big teddy bear." "Well, Bubba," Waddie said stretching and yawning, "I guaran-damn-tee ya' it wouldn't be just a picnic." Waddie winked at Bubba and he roared with laughter. "More like a prick-nic, huh, Little Buddy?" "Prick-nic," Waddie giggled, "I like that, Bubba. Close enough!" Both men fell out laughing and hugged each other. They got up and Waddie was able to walk unassisted. They went to the bath room with roaring hard-ons and decided not to even try for the toilet. They stood in front of the tub/shower. "You need help holding that big thing, Bubba?" Bubba roared. "How `bout chu, Cowboy? That damn thing ain't no toothpick." "Gets awful heavy, Bubba." Waddie complained, "I know your's must." Bubba reached down and gently grabbed Waddie's dick and Waddie reached over and took hold of Bubba's manhood. Immediately they started pissing together at the same time. "Fuck!" said Waddie leaning back just a little, "now this is the way two buddies should take a morning piss. Right, Big Man?" "Can't gain say that, Young'un. Feels mighty fine. Best piss I've taken in a looong time." They finished and shook each other to get the last bit out. Except Bubba cheated and shook Waddie's a couple more times than socially called for. Waddie just giggled. Bubba put the lid down on the toilet and sat down. "Turn your backside to old Bubba. Lemme' take a look." Waddie did and Bubba looked him over good. Turned him around and looked closely at his face. "You know what? I don't think you're gonna' have much more bleeding. We'll put some more ointment on you after we shower and you can lay across the bed while I go get your clothes. I don't see any problems with wearing your clean levis. Is it still real sore?" "Not as bad as it has been in the past, Bubba. I think that stuff takes a lot of the pain away. Sure appreciate you taking such good care of me. Wish I could do something for you." Waddie looked Bubba straight in the eye and smiled. Bubba didn't miss his meaning for a minute. "What if I said, if you're feeling better this evening ...?" "Better not! Make me ole dick hard all day." replied Waddie with a wink. Bubba roared with laughter. "Damn, you make me laugh, Waddie. You make my old heart feel good. Let's get in the shower, Cowboy." They showered and Bubba was again supremely gentle with Waddie and it hurt some but not as bad as the night before. Waddie kept looking at Bubba's beautiful dick. It reminded him of Ed's except it was quite a bit bigger than Ed's. He thought it might present a challenge but he was so confident now with a little over a year and a half's good solid practice under Coach Ed he felt he was ready for the big leagues. `Naww,' he thought to himself. `I could do it. Swallow that sucker so fast it'ud make that big bear's head spin. I'd wrestle him to the floor, him just a' yell'n and a' holler'n;---- steal me some big bear honey!' Waddie got roaring hard thinking dirty thoughts to himself and giggled. Bubba didn't miss the giggle and saw Waddie's dick sticking straight out in front of him. "Stop that! Ain't no fair think'n dirty thoughts `bout your buddy less'n you share `em." Waddie smiled his impish grin and giggled. "Be glad to share that one with ya,' Big Bear, if'n I'm feeling better this evening..." They shared a laugh. Bubba gently toweled Waddie dry then dried himself. Waddie dried his big back for him. Bubba laid him across the bed and put more ointment on him; front and rear. Waddie didn't wince like he did last night. The stuff was working. Bubba threw a sheet over Waddie and told him to take a nap he'd be back in a minute with his clothes. Bubba walked over to the diner. The sun was just coming up over the badlands. Looked like it was gonna' be a beautiful day. He walked in and all the truckers were there from last night and more he knew. He thanked all of them for their kindness and another six slipped him another roll of bills for the boy. Bubba almost cried when he hugged Red Dog. "You guys are the best. I'll have him over here in a minute. Save us a couple of seats." Louise had to pull a double shift `cause the new girl didn't show. She walked over and handed Bubba the bag of Waddie's clothes. Bubba kissed her on the cheek and thanked her. She just blushed like a school girl and that was enough to send the truckers into major hoots and hollers. Bubba left and took Waddie's clothes back to the motel and ask him if he could dress himself while he went to pay Sid for the room and give him the key. Waddie told him he could and was ready when Bubba got back. He carried Bubba's blanket and his shaving kit to the truck for him. Bubba threw the stuff up in the sleeper behind the cab of the truck and the two men walked slowly to the diner. They walked in to fifteen or twenty good looking truckers all sitting around a big table with a couple seats saved for them. Bubba introduced Waddie all around and he shook every hand. They were all impressed he was a little gentleman. "Well, he should be, he's Buck Claymore's boy." they allowed. Bubba ordered breakfast for the two of them and Waddie was happy he did. He didn't know what he wanted and Bubba was good at that sort of thing. Lousie brought him some more orange juice and milk, scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, biscuits and gravy. She brought Bubba his favorite. A side order of grits'n red eye gravy. Grits with a clear reddish gravy poured over them. Made with ham or pork chop drippings, water and a shot of bourbon. It would sure get your eyes open. Ninety-five percent of the alcohol was burned off in making the gravy but damn,...the taste was a little bit of heaven. Bubba offered Waddie a taste and he tried it. His eyes lit up like a pin ball machine that just went `tilt.' "What'du ya' think, Young'un?" Bubba asked. Waddie smiled real big at Bubba. "I think you better order yourself another help'n, Good Buddy." The men laughed at the look on Bubba's face and Waddie's impertinence with his running buddy. "He's Buck's son, fer damn sure, Bubba! Ain't no doubt in my mind!" said one of the good looking truckers. Bubba motioned to Louise to bring him another. She smiled and turned in the order. "Waddie talked to all the truckers. They were amazed he remembered every one of their names and was respectful to add `Mr.' in front of every name. He had them eating out of his hand. He made a brief `thank you' to all of them for their kindness and generosity. He would never forget them. They all were in love with Waddie when he and Bubba got up to leave. The all hated to see Bubba pull out so early. Bubba left Louise another ten dollar tip and Waddie hugged and thanked her for washing his clothes. He hoped to see her again sometime under better circumstances. She hoped so, too. Louise spoke to Bubba. "When you be back through, Sugar?" "Not real sure but probably in about five days. I'll stop by, have a bite and let cha'll know how our cowboy's doing." "We'd all `preciate that, Bubba." Lousie gave him a kiss on the cheek. Bubba blushed and once again the truckers were a' hoot'n and holler'n at Bubba and Louise. Waddie giggled, too. She just smiled and wave them away with her hand. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Two days later Mrs. Anderson had a parcel on her desk with two ordinary rolls of film and a hand written note. Dear Sheriff Claymore, I picked up your Godson, Waddie, on the interstate two days ago. He was passed out, laying on the side of the road. He'd lost a lot of blood. He suffered a bad beating and had facial wounds he said his dad done to him. He was in pretty bad shape, Sir. I took him to a truck stop and fed him. A waitress friend of mine cleaned his clothes. I washed and medicated his wounds. He cried himself to sleep in my arms. I didn't stop for him by chance, Buck. A friend of ours, Urial, told me he'd be there and to stop for him. Urial is with him and you don't need to be afraid for him. I though you might need these photos of his wounds to get him away from his dad when he's ready to come home. I took care of him for several days and took him to some good folks that will see he's cared for. He's healing nicely and not as sore as he was. To be honest, I didn't want to let him go. He's one hell of a fine little running buddy. You may contact me through the following phone number or I'll stop by your office on my way back through in five days. Please understand, I can't and won't tell you where he is. No disrespect intended, Sheriff, but I'm under orders from a higher authority. I know you understand anyway, Sir. The folks I'm taking him too were recommended by Urial. I know and love them, too. They're good people and will take good care of his wounds and his heart. He's a fine young man, Sheriff. Perhaps the greatest compliment I could give the boy is, I only wish he was my son. You might want to seriously consider adopting him if you and your wife have room. He's stolen my heart, Sheriff Claymore. Yours truly, Hershel Franz "Bubba" Rio Grande Trucking Co. (phone number... ) Buck read the letter in private in his office with his door closed. He sat there for fifteen minutes weeping into a handkerchief. At least he knew Waddie was in good hands and they were up-front with him. He could deal with that. He wouldn't press Bubba when he dropped by. He'd shake his hand, give him a big hug, offer him a pull off his hip flask, take him home for dinner, have him meet his family and treat him like a valued friend. `He was, indeed, a valued friend,' thought Buck. `He was kind to my boy.' `Your boy, Buck?' he asked himself. `Damn it! I never wanted anything so bad in my life than for Waddie to be my boy; my son.' he thought. `Is that fair to your brother?' he asked himself. `My brother's done had his chance and he fucked it up royally. Waddie ain't his no more'n he's mine. My brother lied to me.' Buck reasoned to himself. Waddie wasn't Morgan's kid and Buck didn't keep much truck with folks that went around buying children. Then Buck thought about how many sweet, wonderful children there might be out there, somewhere, just like Waddie, needing love, a home and didn't have one. Damn it, he'd buy them all if he could and give them a good home. `God forgive me,' he prayed silently, `I know it's wrong to think about profiting from my brother's misdeed, but ain't I been better to the boy than my brother? I know I have to love him more'n my brother, Sir. I'd never do that to that beautiful boy. I'd never have to. He's a damn good kid.' He took the photos to Dr. Dyer who developed them immediately and Buck was with him in his basement darkroom when they came out. Doc was clucking his tongue like he couldn't believe what Morgan had done but when the pictures of Waddie's face with Morgan's hand print became clearly visible, tears began to fall from his eyes. "Be kind to the man that was good and thoughtful enough to send us these photos, Buck. This is enough evidence for me to make a strong recommendation to have Judge Potter give us authorization to remove Waddie from the Lovejoy's home. I'll write up the recommendation tonight and have it on your desk first thing in the morning." said Dr. Dyer. "Have you seen worse, Doc?" Buck asked with no emotion. "No, Buck, I haven't. Now I know why Waddie wouldn't let me see his previous beatings. He knew I'd insist on removing him." replied Dr. Dyer. "Why do you think he stayed this long, Doctor?" "Love. He loves Morgan so much he kept hoping he'd see the light and come to love and trust him like he needed. Waddie has a community that loves him but it's not the same as getting it from the one you need it from. All the world could line up to tell that boy what a good, loving and trustworthy kid he was but if he doesn't hear it from the one that means the most to him, ...he can't hear them. By the same token, to be told you're a liar and a bad boy by the main person in your life can be devastating." "Did you know he ain't Morgan or Judy's child?" "Yes, Buck, I've known for sometime." "How did you know, Doc?" "I'm Morgan's doctor, too. I did a sperm count on him several years ago and he's incapable of having children. I never saw Judy pregnant after their wedding and I'm the only doctor in town. Waddie's birth certificate had to be a fake." "I wonder who his real parents were? Do you think we should try to find out?" "As much as that boy loves you, Dan, Gip, Oatie and Clyde to say nothing of an entire community that loves him. Do you think that would be wise?" "I see your point, Doc. `Sides, I don't think I could give him up. I'm his Godfather and I take that job seriously. But we were told that the Big Man wants him to live with Dan, Gip and Jimmy Sue. That kinda hurt me a little." "Don't let it, Buck. I never was a believer until I met Waddie, Gip and you. I've seen enough and witnessed enough that I've come to believe strongly. I believe you have to wait and see what God has planned. Wasn't there something about a miracle that was suppose to happen?" "Yeah, Doc. I've heard it from several different sources and I can't figure it out, neither can Linda Sue. Maybe that's the miracle part. By the way, I ain't gonna' tell anyone about Waddie being adopted, not even my wife. I think that's something only a few people need to know right now. What do you think?" "Absolutely! I couldn't agree more. The less said the better and you know you can count on me not saying a word. Right now, let's get the order from the judge so we can tell Waddie it's safe for him to come home. Other than missing a part of my life in that boy I think this `vacation' away from us may be the best for all concerned. Give tempers around here to cool down and Waddie a chance to heal." said Dr. Dyer. "I've been thinking the same thing but his and Gip's tenth birthdays are coming up in about five weeks and it would break my heart if he weren't here." "You could always talk to his brother. I know Gip well enough and know how much he loves Waddie. He'd postpone his birthday in a minute so he could celebrate his with his brother." "That's a thought. It's just..." Doc Dyer put his arms around his big friend and hugged him as Buck lost it for a minute. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Morgan had reached the bottom. He could barely pull himself out of bed in the mornings to go to work. Life didn't mean much to him anymore. For the first time in ten years he had to admit to himself he had strangers living in his house. He realized how litte they cared about him to do that to him. He couldn't put all the blame on them. He could've tried to give his son the benefit of the doubt or alternated punishment like Waddie said. He contracted with Dan and Gip, he'd pay Gip a dollar a day to care for his stock while on his train runs. They agreed. He wouldn't speak to Judy or Dorothy which only added to his feelings of loneliness. Willie wasn't home. At least Morgan didn't have to kick his ass out. He'd been accepted as a rookie on a minor league baseball team. For all purposes Willie had left home. The only time he'd be around was when he came home to visit his mother. Buck invited his buddy Audey Murphy to visit several times and he finally did. By accident Audey saw Dorothy in town one day and wanted to meet her. Buck wasn't one to talk bad about anyone so he introduced them. They dated off and on for almost a year. To everyone's shock and surprise he asked Dorothy to marry him. She turned him down. Unknown to everyone, she'd been seeing a rough neck oil field worker from Lubbock and married him within six weeks of turning Murphy down. God saved a good man the day she turned Murphy down. Thank God for unanswered prayers. Folks said that the old saying, `Water seeks it's on level' was true enough; especially where Dorothy and her new husband "oil field Mike" were concerned. He was a dumb, insensitive, opinionated, loud mouth, crude son of a bitch. He's picture was in the dictionary under the term "red neck bastard." He was that and more. He met his match with Dorothy. A pathological liar. Not being the sharpest knife in the drawer, oil field Mike discovered too late Dorothy's hidden charms. Took him two kids to do it but what do you want? Between him and Dorothy they didn't have one complete brain. Both of them shipped out without a full seabag. By the time Dorothy popped out oil field Mike's second little no-necked monster, he was so hooked on the sex and the love/hate relationship they developed he couldn't pull away. It was symbiotic pathological addiction of the first magnitude. They successfully created a living hell for each other. They dearly loved hating each other and hated themselves for loving each other. A marriage truly made in hell. They had eight screaming little monsters, each one louder and more mean spirited than the next. They gave the term `survival of the fittest,'new dimensions and `devil's spawn' was not nearly descriptive enough. Anyone that was around them for any length time of time were convinced that at least six of them would end up in prison or on a mental ward. Oil field Mike made an effort to love his kids by carefully instructing them in all his narrow minded, bigoted, opinions and prejudices. He encouraged their meanness and physical acts of violence on each other as toughening them up for the hard world out there. Anything that wasn't the roughest, toughest, kick-ass sport or male image was "queer" or "fucking homo." If one of the kids came to him because another one beat the crap out of him oil field Mike would yell at the kid and call him a `homo,' a `sissy,' and worse. He would threaten the kid with his belt if he came crying to him again. Learn to take care of his own problems. The kids quickly learned they were on their own. The one that had the crap beat out of him would patiently wait, would sneak up behind the bigger one with a two by four and lay him out cold. Oil field Mike would then laugh at the bigger one for crying. It was dog eat dog. Aside from all that oil field Mike was a lovely man. Dorothy was virtually out of Morgan's world within months of losing Waddie. All that was left was Judy. Morgan slept in Waddie's room and used his bathroom. He opened Willie's room to air it out from the still lingering fragrance of Ms. Pearl's cologne. Her's was the gift that kept on giving. He removed the lock from the door so Willie could never lock it again. Waddie had been gone about two weeks. Morgan finally sat opposite Judy at dinner one night. "Well Morgan, you haven't spoken more'n a couple of words in two weeks. What do you want me to do? I don't have any excuses for what I done but neither am I gonna' crawl on my belly to make up to you. So make up your mind what you want me to do. You tell me what you want and I'll do it. You want a divorce? You want me to leave? I can go live with my sister for a while, but you might as well know, I'm pregnant." Morgan didn't even react. At that point nothing Judy could tell him would surprise him. He couldn't be more defeated. The announcement to him of her pregnancy was only a straw in the stack. "Who's child is it?" he asked with no emotion. "I can't say for sure. I don't think it's Ed's but I don't really know. It might be." Morgan just nodded. "Ain't chu' angry with Ed?" asked Judy. "Naw, disappointed but not angry. He's a man. You offered to sell it; he bought it. I probably would've done the same thing. Besides, Ed was the only one to get through to me. Told me the truth no matter what it might cost him. I guess Waddie beat you again. Ed loved Waddie a hell of a lot more'n than anything he felt for you. If a man get an offer put in his face, chances are he's gonna' take it. He had the balls to stand up to me, tell me the truth, when I wouldn't believe no one else. Can't fault a man for that. He ain't been back to visit you since, but he's asked every day if there's been any word from Waddie." Judy didn't ask how Morgan knew Ed hadn't been back since he was gone two, sometimes three, nights a week. She was there by herself now but she knew she was being watched. "We ain't living like husband and wife no more." Judy shot at Morgan. "We never did. You had your family and I had mine but you couldn't be happy with that. You had to destroy mine. You and your two half-wit kids." "They must've had some wits, they made a fool out of you." Morgan didn't get mad he just sat there numb. Judy had no sense whatsoever about sparing another persons feelings. He never really realized until that moment what hard core trash she really was. He began to see what Waddie must have gone through those first five years of being under her and her kid's domination. God forgive him he couldn't see what they and in turn he was doing to the boy. "Your family? That kid kept calling me a bitch every time I tried to get him to do something. He'd refuse and tell me to get my `dumb' son to do it. Said he was too damn busy. He'd laugh at me an tell me not to bother him by asking again. Said he had better things to do than play servant to a bitch and her ignorant children. He called me a bitch, Morgan." Judy yelled in anger. "Well, I learned the hard way,...the kid never lies. I told you when he came back you weren't to tell him to do nothing. He didn't have to answer to you." They sat there for some time not wanting to look at each other. Morgan was through with his dinner, got up from the table with his plate, utensils, and glass to take them to the kitchen sink. He turned to walk out of the room. "You didn't answer my question, Morgan. What do you want?" "I don't know what I want. You've left me with nothing. Nothing from nothing leaves nothing. I don't plan to sleep with you anymore. You disgust me. I don't know why I ever married you. You never were very pretty and you come form the worst kind of white trash. But while you live under my roof and still have my name you'll never get fucked by another man in my house again or I'll kill you. Pure and simple. I'll take my double barrel shotgun and blow your Goddamn head off. I have nothing left to lose. After what you put me through and the people I know in this community; my brother's the Sheriff, and the Judge is my second cousin; I'd get off on probation for manslaughter. You wanna' be a lying whore, a slut,----do it own your own time. Divorce me, get out of my life, then you can have men line up to fuck you silly if you want to. I don't give a damn what chu' do after you leave here, but this is a small town, Judy, not Ft. Worth, Dallas, Austin nor Houston. Everybody knows who's sleeping around. I won't be made a fool of again by you or anybody. You only have to remember one thing while you're here; you wanna' live, you'll never fuck a man again on my property. If I come home and find out you did, I won't bother to discuss it with you. I'll get my gun and unload both barrels in your face. I think the question is, what do `you' want, Judy? You have nothing left in this house. It isn't yours. You signed a prenuptial agreement. What was mine before marriage remains totally mine afterward. You leave with nothing. You even so much as hint that child's mine to anyone and I'll drop kick your ass so hard you'll land on the interstate. Now you're pregnant with no place to go but your sister's and her husband. Knowing how you get along with them, that won't last more'n a month. To bad you don't know who the father is at least you could stick him for support. That's one of your fuck-ups you can't blame on me. Looks to me like you sort of painted your ass into a corner. You've had things your way with me up `til now but I don't plan to bail you out. I ain't making any suggestions. You think about what you wanna' do then let me know; we'll talk about it. You never listen to anything I wanted anyway. You treated my son like he was a piece of shit and then you moan because he called you a bitch. I'd say the kid nailed you to the wall! You are a bitch, Judy; a whore and a slut. You be the one to think about it. I don't want to think about you any more'n I have to." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Bubba and Waddie rolled out of the truck stop headed for Austin. Waddie was in good spirits even though his ass was beginning to hurt from sitting through breakfast. Bouncing up and down every now and then in the truck was hurting him pretty bad, but he didn't want to complain to his buddy. "Get that big pillow in the sleeper there, Son, and lay down on you're stomach next to me." Waddie did as Bubba suggested. He needed to get off his ass it was hurting worse than pretty bad. He stretched out on the seat next to Bubba with one arm thrown over Bubba's lap. Bubba reached down for a second and patted his little hand to let him know it was all right. Waddie tried his damnedest to be strong but his butt hurt him so bad he started weeping silently with his face shoved into the pillow so Bubba wouldn't hear him. Suddenly he felt a big hand gently on his head, lightly stroking and petting him. Bubba didn't say a word he just wanted to touch Waddie and let him know he was there for him. Bubba had been there and back. His old man would tie Bubba up and use a black snake, bull whip on him as a boy of seven to fifteen until Bubba ran away from home. He never went back; always wanted to. For all he suffered, he still loved his old man in his heart. He knew some of Waddie's pain was his disappointment in his dad's inability to love and trust him like he needed. Bubba was going to make damn sure he didn't let the Old Man and Urial down. He was going to give this kid as much lovin' as he could handle. Finally, Waddie cried himself to sleep with the rocking motion of the big truck, the whine of the big engine, and Bubba softly humming `Rock of Ages,' an old hymn Waddie knew from church. He wasn't loud but Bubba's humming was so soothing to Waddie's spirit and soul he forgot about his pain. It began to go away as he drifted off to sleep. He was warm, comfortable, loved and safe in the protection of an angel and a huge bear of a man that would cause any demon with a lick of sense to drop his load and run the other way. Waddie knew it was all right to love Bubba. Waddie woke up and lay there for a while looking up at Bubba's strong face with the sweetest smile as he hummed his songs. He was a good man and a happy man. He was needed and doing something for someone special. Someone he'd fallen in love with; his little buddy. Waddie started to move over into Bubba's lap when he felt a big arm under his armpit helping him over. He lay there for a minute and Bubba didn't say anything. "I love you, Bubba." Waddie said to the big man in a quiet voice but loud enough for him to hear. "You gotta' know I love you, Waddie. You're mighty special to me, Cowboy. Old Urial knew what he was doing when he put us together. We make a good team, you and me!" "I think we do, too, Big Man. We are a good team." "Feeling a little better, Sweetheart?" "A lot better, Bubba. Just being here, ride'n in this big truck with you,----can't think of a place in the world I'd rather be right now." "Now, stop that, Darlin.' Old Bubba's gotta' drive and get us there safe. He can't do it with tears in his eyes. You gettin' hungry again? I didn't stop for lunch, we had such a large breakfast. You ate everything on your plate, half of mine and half of Red Dog's." Bubba roared with laughter. He was glad to see Waddie eat. It would build up his strength. For a boy his size he was too damn skinny to Bubba's way of thinking. "I could go a good while longer if you wanna' wait, Bubba. You're right, that was a lot of food. I guess I pigged out, but it was so damn good. Thanks, Bubba, I appreciated it." "No problem, Cowboy. We're buddies, ain't we?" "You know it, Big Man." "I gotta' fuel up and my favorite truck stop for fuel is coming up in about fifty miles. The food isn't good there so we'll fuel up, stretch our legs, bleed our lizards, and....." "Bleed our lizards, Bubba?" Waddie fell out laughing. He knew what Bubba meant but he'd never heard that expression before and couldn't stop laughing. He had Bubba laughing, too. "Y'ain't never heard that one, huh, Buddy." Bubba was still laughing at Waddie. "No. You're special, Big Man. So we stop, stretch our legs and bleed our lizards." They fell out laughing again. Bubba was thrilled to hear relaxed laughter coming from his little buddy. He knew he was gonna' make it. "Yeah, Young'un, we'll get a snack and a soda to tide us over `til dinner. I though we'd get another room tonight and clean you up again real good. You're getting better, I can see it in your pretty little smile. Then we'll roll into Austin `bout noon tomorrow. I ain't gonna' push it too hard. I got a valuable cargo." "You got something back there that's worth a lot?" "No, but I do up here, sittin' next to me." Waddie looked at Bubba and smiled. Waddie prayed to the Old Man that he'd forgive him but he just had an awful dirty thought that made his dick shoot down the leg of his levis. Bubba didn't miss a thing. He got a big smile on his face and Waddie watched as his big ole wanger started snake'n down his trouser leg. They both looked down to their crotches then over to each other and started laughing again. "You sure you love me that much, Big Man?" Waddie asked with a smile. "Hell, wait a minute,----it ain't through grow'n yet!" declared Bubba and threw back his head in laughter. He broke Waddie up again. They laughed for the next fifty miles and neither one lost their hard-ons. Bubba pulled into the truck stop and left his keys with a station attendant. He certainly didn't miss the two mens hard-ons and smiled knowingly. That only added fuel to Waddie and Bubba's funny fire. "That your boy?" the big man asked. "Naw, Sir. He's my brother's boy, but he's my running buddy for this trip; good company." "Somebody socked him pretty damn good." the man said slowly almost like he was wondering if Bubba hit Waddie. "Yes Sir. I had a disagreement with a bigger kid and he stomped my butt." Waddie came to Bubba's aid. The big man accepted that answer and roared with laughter. Waddie and Bubba walked away laughing. "Saved my butt, Sweet baby. Didn't know what to tell him. I almost told him the truth but you told him your truth. Your dad had to be acting like a big kid to hit you like that. So you didn't lie to him." That only made them laugh more. They headed straight for the trucker's head and bled their lizards. Waddie started giggling again as he was pissing and that started Bubba off again. It made them lose their hard-ons. Bubba bought Waddie an RC cola and a big Moon Pie. He hadn't tried one since he was a kid and decided to get the same thing. They stood around waiting for Bubba's truck to be filled and walked back over. Bubba took a big bar and went around the truck hitting each one of the tires. He was satisfied and put the bar back. The guy finished and Bubba paid him. He pulled the big truck over the side and told Waddie to get up in the sleeper and take his clothes off. "Gee Bubba, ain't cha' even gonna' with `til we get a room?" Waddie giggled and that did it. Bubba couldn't stop laughing. He laughed and laughed. "No, you little shit,- I'm a' gonna' put more medicine on your butt. I should shove the whole tube up your rear for that!" Bubba was still laughing. "You don't wanna' do that, Bubba!" "Oh God, I'm afraid to ask,-----all right, why?" "You open that hole,---- the vacuum will suck that Masonic ring right off your hand! You'll never see it again!" Bubba had tears rolling down his face he was laughing so hard. They laughed and laughed. "Serious time, Cowboy. Lemme' put some more of this stuff on you." Bubba gently applied the ointment to Waddie's butt, back, shoulder and face. Waddie was amazed it hardly hurt at all. The food, the nap in the truck and the medicine were working. "Feels better don't it, Cowboy?" Bubba asked Waddie. "A hell of a lot better, Big Man. I'm really surprised. Can I put my clothes on now?" "Naw, I want you to lay up there in the sleeper. You can put your little head up this way so's you can talk to me if you want to or you can take another nap if you like. I want to leave it uncovered to let the air get around it to heal it. If you get chilled throw that blanket over you. You gonna' be all right up there?" "Damn straight, Bubba. It's comfortable up here but laying on my stomach I can't play with myself." Waddie joked with his big friend. "That's the idea, Buckwheat! You save that for old Bubba." Bubba reached up and stole a kiss. Waddie stole one back. They were both back to laughing again. Bubba wanted to make another couple hundred miles before they stopped for the night. Bubba's favorite truck stop was about that distance and had a motel there with special rates for truckers. Waddie wasn't sleepy and talked to Bubba almost all the way. He found out a lot about the big man and Bubba asked Waddie questions about his life and brothers. He wanted to know all about how he got adopted. Why his real parents didn't know he was their son. Bubba was amazed by Waddie's story and was genuinely touch. Several times he got out his big red bandana and wiped his eyes. He didn't realize this wasn't the first beating. There had been many more before this one because of Willie, Dorothy and Judy's treachery. He told Bubba everything including the story of Willie's silent disease. Waddie thought the poor man was going to have stroke he laughed so hard but it wasn't until he started telling Bubba the story of Ms. Pearl that Bubba had to pull off at a rest stop to get himself together. Waddie didn't even get to the good part. He told Waddie not to tell him anymore of the story until dinner. Bubba knew a waitress and a couple of fellow truckers that would be at the truck stop where they were stopping for the night. He wanted Waddie to tell them his stories. There's nothing a group of truckers love better than an outrageously funny, real story. Waddie heard Oatie tell his version of `Ms. Pearl's Shoot Out at the Lovejoy Corral" so many times he memorized Oatie's words and delivery. He was good at it too. He also told Bubba about his B.J. coach. He kept telling Bubba how much he thought of Ed the plumber and all about how they were good buddies. He was careful not to say anything about what coach Ed and his relationship was but he told Bubba enough to get the idea he thought the world of coach Ed. Bubba was taking it all in but Waddie could see every time he called Ed Bloomquist his B.J. coach, Bubba was trying like crazy to figure out what B.J. meant. Waddie kept telling him coach Ed did this for him and coach Ed did that for him. He had poor Bubba stumped. It was so obvious what B.J. stood for but Bubba was trying to think of a sport that fit the letters for something more difficult. Waddie could see the gears turning in the big man's head but didn't give him a clue. He knew Bubba would cave at any minute. "Okay! All right! Something tells me I'm gonna' regret this, but what the fuck's a B. J. coach?" Bubba asked disgustedly with huge grin on his face. "Blow job coach, Bubba!" Waddie replied matter of factly to Bubba's explosion of laughter, "I begged coach Ed to teach me tio give a man a good blow job `cause I thought if I could get my dad to let me suck him off he wouldn't have to beat my ass so hard to get his rocks. Coach Ed taught me real good how to give a man an indecent blow job. Say's I give `em the bestest blow jobs he's ever had." Waddie tossed off as an afterthought. He smiled to himself as he watched Bubba's snake crawl down his trouser leg again. "Now who's think'n them dirty thoughts, Big Man!" said Waddie laughing and started Bubba in again. Bubba collected himself once more. "Okay, I understand, but what's an `indecent' blow job?" "Well, Bubba, if it's in tight enough and deep enough it's in decent!" Waddie giggled like crazy `cause he set Bubba up and he bit. Bubba told Waddie they weren't gonna' get to the damn truck stop if he didn't stop making him laugh so much. Still he was laughing and chuckling to himself. The two hundred miles flew by and they were pulling in to the truck stop for the night. The sun was just setting in the West out over the vast expanse of the bad lands. It was beautiful sight. It was a magic time of evening and the two men felt it. It was almost like the Old Man was telling the two new buddies their lives were richer for sharing a laugh and being with each other. You wouldn't have stopped to enjoy the painting I placed in the sky for you if your hearts weren't filled with love. Bubba gently picked Waddie up in his big arms, stole a kiss and they stood there for a good while, watching the colors change. Bubba thanked the Old Man for a beautiful day, a wonderful little running buddy, and a beautiful sunset. Waddie said `amen' and stole another kiss from his big buddy. End of Part 12 Cabbage Patch Cowboy Copyright 2002 Waddie Greywolf Questions/comments: waddiebear@yahoo.com