Him Who Made The
Seven Stars
By
Waddie
Greywolf
Chapter
11
“The
hope
of
a
secure
and
livable
world
lies
with
disciplined nonconformists
who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood.” ~ Martin Luther
King, Jr.
“Come,
Gentlemen, let’s rejoin our family in the kitchen and have another cup
of coffee. I’m sure they heard me raise my voice and are curious about
what went on out here. Let oily Orville see us walk away and show him
our backsides as a final gesture of our determination we will neither
be pushed nor manipulated,” Billy said.
“Good idea,
Son,” Tron said, and the men walked back to the kitchen. Hank and the
twins got them coffee as they began to talk about what happened.
Everyone in the kitchen was enthralled by what the men were telling
them but disappointed the situation didn’t resolve itself in Master
Billy’s favor.
* * * * * * *
“Mr. McMartin
never said nothing about collecting no deliverly fees. Why
did you do
that, Orville?” Enoch asked walking
back to the lead truck they came in.
“To get money
from them dumb redneck assholes. They got the money. If they got
backing
from some huge agriculture conglomerate whats got enough money to
provide them with expensive machines like these, they’s going into big
time corporate ranching, and you can bet chore’ boots they got plenty.
Look at that mansion. It needs a coat of paint, but it’s worth a small
fortune. Ten thousand is chump change for them people. Country folks
with money don’t show off their wealth like the new money does, but
they got it. I know damn well they do. I can smell money,” Orville
hissed.
“Yeah, but what
you’re doing is a major con job on these folks. If our boss found out
about this, it wouldn’t only be you what gets the shaft, it would be
everyone on your crew, including me. You ain’t only gambling your
future, but ours, too,” Enoch said.
“Look, this is
your second assignment with the company, and I’m suppose to train you.
This is the way us step-n-fetch lower rung employees make a little
extra on the side by conning these rubes. I’s just trying to teach you
the ropes to survive,” Orville said.
“And you get
away with it?” Enoch asked in surprise.
“Sure. We got
three thousand out of that dimwit rancher the other day when we
delivered that hay-bailer to him. We been doing this for several years.
None of them other wealthy ranchers ask questions. They just take added
charges for delivery as an expected thing. They got the money to burn.
It don’t hurt them none. This kid is new money, but I can wait him out.
If that tenderfoot snot nosed cowboy thinks he’s got the upper hand,
I’ll show him a thing or two,” Orville said and foamed at the corners
of his mouth in anger.
“Pardon me for
say’n, Orville, but I think you’re cut’n the kid a mite short. That
snot nosed tenderfoot cowboy, as you call him, just done nailed yore’
ass to the barn door,” Enoch said and continued, “I know you got all
them papers he asked about. I seen ‘em. I’s with you when Mr. McMartin
handed you the document folder. He said they’s all in there; pink
slips, too. I done went through 'em on the way from Houston to double
check ever’thing. Why not just give the kid what he’s asking for and
write this one off. They’s always another fish in the pond.
“If we take off,
and he calls McMartin to complain or to tell him he’s canceling the
order, it ain’t gonna’ go well for you, Orville. As much of a rube as
you think he is, he’s got a loaded bomb in his hand, but you ain’t
hold’n nothing but a bluff and a handful of bullshit. You ain’t
play’n no poker game here, neither. If that’s the way you see it, the
kid’s hold’n all the cards, and you ain’t got shit to draw to. All he
has to do is light the fuse to that bomb, and he can blow you out of
the water. The kid was right. You stand to lose a lot more’n ten grand.
You could lose your job over this,” Enoch said.
There was a long
pause while Orville thought about it. He looked away in the distance
like he was musing about the situation. “Maybe you’re right. Damnation,
I hate to eat crow, and kiss his smug ass. I just know’d he’s got the
money. I could see a wad of bills in his hip pocket that thick,”
Orville said, holding his thumb and forefinger apart about an inch.
“Gimme’ the
documents, and let me handle it,” Enoch said, “Maybe I can smooth
things
over, and you won’t have to eat no crow. You stay out here with the
crew, and I’ll take care of things inside with the cowboy and his
posse. If he gets what he wants, he’ll forget about the rest, and won’t
say nothing. I’s raised among folks like him and his family, I know how
they think,” Enoch said.
Orville took his
good time thinking about it. “All right, I’ll have the men start
unloading the larger machines, and you take care of the arrogant little
asshole,” Orville finally conceded. Enoch gathered
the large document package from the backseat of the lead truck and
headed for the ranch house, climbed the stairs, and rang the bell.
Nathan answered the door, and Orville watched as the mature cowboy
invited Enoch into the living room. Orville turned and walked over to
his crew foreman, Eustace Barger, and told him to have the men start
unloading the heavy equipment beginning with the Deere tractor, the
track-backhoe, and the Caterpillar bulldozer last.
“You already got
the big’un doing yore’ job, Boss?” his foreman asked with a sneer.
“No, he ain’t
doing my job. We ran into a snag with that ignorant cowboy, and Redbone
is playing second string quarterback,” Orville replied.
“Let’s see,”
mused Eustace, “the cowboy balked on the large delivery fee you tried
to suck out a' him. I done told you, you’s get’n greedy, and pushing
too
hard. I told you not to ask a penny over five grand. You didn’t listen
to me, and you dropped the ball. Now you're running in another player
to
smooth things over with him and set up another play. How much is he
going for?” he asked.
“Nothing. He’s
giving him ever’thing he wants just to placate him and hope he keeps
his mouth shut. Maybe there’s more to that big ox than I thought,”
Orville allowed.
Eustace slapped
his leg and fell out laughing. “I say there is. He’s learn’n to take
over your job, Orville.”
“What are you
talk’n about old man? What do you know I don’t?”
“J’ever wonder
what the ‘R’ initial in Thomas R. McMartin stands for, Orville?”
Eustace asked.
“No. Should I?”
“It stands for
‘Redbone,’ Orville.”
“You telling me
McMartin and that giant cowboy is related?” Orville asked.
“McMartin’s
momma is the older sister of Enoch’s daddy. While there’s twelve years
difference in their age, the big cowboy and your boss is first
cousins. She wanted Tom McMartin to carry the 'Redbone' name as part of
his financial heritage. Them Redbones is the richest family in Texas,”
Eustace said.
“Son of bitch.
When were you gonna’ tell me?” Orville asked.
“I just did. I
didn’t know myself until old Bart Tinker told me in the crew cab on the
way out here. He’s worked for the Redbones and McMartins for years,”
Eustace replied.
“Son of a fuck’n
bitch! I’m being set up!” Orville exclaimed.
“Wouldn’t know
about that, but now he knows about chore’ little scam, I’d say it’s
damn near a done deal he’ll go back to his cousin and tell him
ever’thing to make his’self look like a hero. If’n I’s you, I’d start
put’n feelers out for another job,” Eustace said.
“Fuck that!
Orville Higginbothem don’t take no shit off’n nobody. I’ll fix them
two’s wagon, but good,” he said with conviction.
“Don’t go do’n
nothing stupid, Orville. You wouldn’t make a good slave. You’s too damn
used to giving orders to other men, and you’s a mite on heavy side to
do a good days work,” Eustace warned him.
“I always cover
my ass, but I’ll tell you one damn thing, he won’t be telling his
cousin a frick’n thing,” Orville declared, “he’ll have an accident he
won’t walk away from.”
“You’s on yore’
own with threats like 'at, Orville. I ain’t deny’n I done me some bad
things in my time I ain’t real proud of and got away with ‘em, but I
ain’t gonna’ be no part of killing a man,” Eustace allowed.
“Then turn your
back, Eustace, and look the other way,” Orville said with disgust.
* * * * * * *
Nathan returned
to the kitchen from meeting Enoch at the front door and showing him
into the living room. “Only the giant returned, Son,” Nathan said, “he
asked if he might speak with you.”
“Sure, Uncle
Nate, but this time everyone comes with me. My number one, my twins, my
beautiful psyches, my handsome cowboy slaves, and my stunningly
beautiful grandmother, if’n she’d like to join us,” Billy said and
grinned. They all got smiles on their faces, “I want ever’one’s opinion
about the other giant we got in our living room.” They followed
Billy, who walked arm in arm with Kate. Cass and Poly were on one side
and Archie and Edith on the other. Boomer was right behind them, and he
was flanked by Nick and Clyde. Hank, Buck, Andy, Nathan, Moss, Tron,
and Nate brought up the rear. Enoch Redbone’s face registered shock
from the unusual critters mixed with ordinary, everyday down-home
folks,
but it softened into a radiant smile which melted more than a few
hearts in the room. Enoch stuck out his huge ham of a hand, offered it
to Billy, and grinned. Billy took it, and the two men shook hands.
<< You can
hear me, can’t you, sir? >> Enoch sent.
<< Loud
and clear, Mr. Redbone, >> Billy nodded and grinned, <<
Family? How many of you heard our exchange? >> Billy sent.
The twin’s hands
shot up along with Edith and Archie’s. Boomer, Nick, Clyde, Hank, Buck,
and Andy held up their hands.
“Then you know
Orville was lying, and you also know I knew nothing about what he was
doing,” he said out loud.
“Yes, but we
didn’t need to read his mind to know he was trying to buffalo me. I
knew what
he was trying to do from the start. It just weren’t sound business
practice
considering the amount of money what’s involved,” Billy said.
“You’re right,
Mr. Daniels. I got all the documents you asked for in this folder,
including the pink slips in your name. All you gotta’ do is have your
staff go over them, check out the vehicles, and if
you find everything in order, sign the company form
at the bottom of the pile, sir. There won't
be any charge for delivery, sir,” Enoch said.
“Fine. Let me
introduce you to my family, Mr. Redbone,” Billy said and introduced the
giant cowboy to his grandmother first and each man or critter in turn.
Kate seemed charmed by the genuine sincerity of the large cowboy’s
excellent and genteel deportment. He exuded warmth, honesty, and a
genuine
interest in everyone he met. Enoch, was particularly charmed
and impressed by the halflings, the psyches, and Boomer.
“I ain’t never
met me a Bigfoot before, sir, but it’s a pleasure and an honor,” Enoch
told Boomer.
“Boomer is a
genuine Bigfoot, Mr. Redbone, but his kind is better known as the
watchers of our world. Boomer saved my life once, and I saved his
twice. He was given to me by his uncles a while ago to become my number
one slave and my bonded mate,” Billy said like it was common
knowledge, and he just expected Enoch to accept his statement in stride.
“Good to meet
you, sir,” he said.
“Good to meet
you, too, Master Redbone, the pleasure is mine, but if you’ll forgive
me, I must speak with my master for a moment,” Boomer said.
“What could be
so important, number one?” Billy asked gently.
“I been called
by the council to come immediately, and bring Archie, Edith, Hank, and
Buck with me, Master Billy. They received an emergency message from
Madame Spartza’s black slave, and they got some video they want to show
us. I was told we would be returned immediately,” Boomer said.
“Go,
immediately. Take Archie and Edith by the hand. Hank, you and Buck
follow Boomer around the corner and have a safe trip. Don't forget to
give our uncles my very best regards, our deepest appreciation, and a
special hug and kiss for
my uncle-in-laws,” Billy ordered Boomer. The four left with Boomer,
turned the corner, a door sprang up, and they walked through.
“Where did they
go, Mr. Daniels?” Enoch asked in awe.
“They went
through a stargate to visit my in-law uncles, who are Boomer’s blood
uncles on another world called Retikki Prime in another galaxy. They’ll
be back in exactly ten seconds,” Billy said, and counted backward from
ten. When he reached ‘one’ nothing happened. “Wait for it!” he said,
“Now!” he exclaimed, the door sprang up, and the five who left,
returned.
“How is it I
know'd you ain’t lying to me, Mr. Daniels? How is it I know in ma’ gut
you would never lie to me, sir?” Enoch asked.
“I ain’t got no
answer for you, Mr. Redbone, but I damn shore’ got me a shit load of
hypothesis,” Billy replied, “Let’s get on with this, shall we. The
sooner I get that piece of shit, Orville Higginbothem, off’n our ranch,
the happier I’ll be. Moss, take the folder from Mr. Redbone. You and
Mr. Garrett check ever’thing out, make sure everything’s there, and
we’ll start inspection when they’s through unloading the big stuff,”
Billy said, “In the meantime, I need a report from you, my goodly
mate,” he said to Boomer, “Come with me -- Hank, Buck, Archie, and Ms.
Edith -- please join us,” Billy graciously requested. “Clyde, Tonto,
and Andy -- if you will?” Billy motioned with his hand.
They walked into
the parlor, and Billy pulled the two large sliding doors together for
privacy. As he closed the doors, he saw a look on Enoch’s face which
told him the giant was in
awe of what he saw happening. Billy knew at that moment, Enoch Redbone
made up his mind he had to find someway to become a part of Billy
Daniels’ family. He didn’t care if he had to give himself to Billy as
his slave. He only knew the voices in his head he heard for years,
since he was a young boy, were shouting at him, this was the man he
must serve for the rest of his life. In an instant that information was
transferred to Billy, he caught Enoch’s eye, smiled, winked, and nodded
he understood. With the doors
closed, Billy turned to his family. “How long were you there?” he asked.
Boomer looked at
Hank and nodded for the mature cowboy to speak for them. “We weren’t
there long at all, Master Billy,” Hank said, “They retained Madame
Spartza’s handsome black slave Balthazar until we got there. She’s been
following our progress, and because of her strong bond with you and the
twins, has been able to see many things. He related to us what she saw.
The most important bit of information is, the man you just introduced
us to, Enoch
Redbone, is to become another important part of the inner circle of
your immediate family; however, his life is in danger even as we speak.
It's
important, he
must be saved or the balance of the future might be changed
dramatically,” Hank reported.
“Do you have
more details?” Billy asked.
“Not a whole
hell of a lot, I’m sorry to say, Master Billy,” Hank replied, “We were
told the owner of the company, Mr. McMartin, who owns the company what
provided the machines
for you, and Mr. Redbone, are first cousins. The man what tried to con
you into paying exorbitant delivery fees just learned about their
relationship. He plans to kill Mr. Redbone and make it look like an
accident. Remember Boomer's uncles told us they put invisible
robo-cams on us to monitor everything we do? Well, they just happened
to record a conversation between Orville Higginbothem and his foreman,
Eustace Barger. Show him, Boomer,” Hank
said. Boomer
waved
his
big
furry
hand
like a man wiping the moisture away from a frosted
window. A video of Orville and Eustace sprang up and ran through their
conversation ending with Orville telling his foreman he planned to kill
Enoch and make it look like an accident -- then it cut out.
“Don’t sound
good, folks,” Billy allowed shaking his head in disgust, “Boom, can we
convert that signal to a format we can use as evidence?” Billy asked.
Hank reached in
the front pocket of his western shirt, pulled out a memory stick, and
held it up. “Already been done, Master,” he said.
“Damn, our good
uncles think of ever’thing, don’t they?” he asked and grinned, “Do we
know anymore?” he asked.
“That’s where it
gets sketchy, Master. Balthazar apologized his mistress couldn’t be
more specific, but several things will come into play which will tilt
the odds in favor of Enoch’s survival. In a word, if we react quickly
enough to the situation Orville creates, the greater chance we have of
saving Enoch’s life,” Hank said, “We were told you must have all of us
outside watching for anything, and we were directed to use our
individual powers without consideration of being found out,” he added.
“Anything else
we should know, my good slave?” Billy asked Hank.
“Yes, sir. Even
though Madame Spartza sees a large chance of saving Enoch, he will be
badly injured. We must have an anti-grav gurney at the ready to get him
to the barn for you, Clyde, and Nick to wing-up and mend him,” Hank
explained.
“What about
Orville?” Billy asked.
“You leave him
to us, Master Billy,” Archie spoke up.
“All right, but
be careful. My guess is a low-life, desperate man like him carries a
gun, an armed weapon, which he will use if he sees he’s likely to be
detained for the sheriff,” Billy admonished them.
“We will, Master
Billy. Thanks for caring about us,” Edith replied, “We won’t let you
down, sir,” she added.
“Shall I get the
gurney from the line cabin, Kemosabe?” Nick asked.
“Yes. Go, Tonto.
Transport it back to the barn here, and leave it there until we need
it. Walk out of the barn, and join us when you get back. Let us know
we’re set for anything,” Billy said, and Nick vanished. “God, I hate to
see that good looking beefy buckaroo get hurt. If I can get to him
quick
enough, I can stop the pain almost immediately,” Billy said.
“Without yore’
wings, Master?” Boomer asked.
“Yeah, the wings
are mainly for healing and recharging my batteries. I got other powers
I discovered on Nick’s ship what don’t require them,” Billy replied,
“Come let’s join the others,” he added and turned to slide the doors
apart. Enoch was gone.
“Where’s Mr.
Redbone?” Billy asked anxiously.
“His boss,
Orville, come got him to help offload the bulldozer,” Nathan said,
“Moss and Tron went with him,” he added.
“Oh, my God!”
Billy exclaimed.
“What’s the
matter, Son?” Kate asked worried.
“Ain’t got time
to fill in the details, Grandma. I’ll explain later. We just learned
Orville Higginbothem plans to kill Enoch Redbone and make it look like
an accident. Come
Uncle Nate, we may need you,” Billy said and walked to the front door
with his family behind him. “Keep your eyes
and ears open everyone. Use your powers if you have to. We got a good
man’s life to save. I know we can do it. Each of you asked me one
time or another to trust you. You have my trust. Let’s do this,” Billy
said firmly, led everyone out the door, and down the steps of the
front porch.
They walked
toward Moss and Tron who were inspecting one of the two personal pickup
trucks they drove out. One was for Billy, and the other was for his
uncle.
Billy could see Nick coming out of the barn door and knew the gurney
was waiting for them inside. Billy spoke to Nick briefly and
gave him the same speech he did the others. They could see the men
already unloaded the other large equipment and were starting to unload
the bulldozer. It was the heaviest of the lot and weighed several tons.
They used
the
hydraulics produced by the huge diesel engine in the truck to unfold
the massive, heavy ramp they would use to drive the Caterpillar down
onto the ground. There seemed to be something wrong, and it wouldn’t go
past a certain point. They could see Orville operating the hydraulics
in the cab of the truck trying to jam it to make it go the rest of the
way, but it wouldn’t budge past a certain point.
He jumped down
from the cab of the truck, grabbed a twenty pound double-jack sledge
hammer from a workbox on the truck, and handed it to Enoch. “Here, it’s
time you earned your keep,
tenderfoot. You gotta’ get under the damn thing and straighten the
hinge pin. It’s come loose and is causing the ramp to catch. When I
activate the lift and raise it a little, hit it as hard as you can with
the double jack to drive it back in. It will reset itself, and then it
will travel to the ground,” Orville barked.
Billy and his
men were watching all this, but couldn’t hear what Orville said. They
watched as the giant cowboy took the double jack, turned, and headed to
the rear of the long truck. Billy’s first instinct was to run after
him, but Nick caught his arm and stopped him. “Remember you saved my
life, but I suffered some pain before you rescued me. This has to
happen, Billy, or the future won’t play out like them folks planned.
You said you trust your family. Show them,” Nick said.
“I know your
words are right, Tonto, but they don’t help me none. It’s like watching
an execution you know you might be able to prevent,” Billy lamented.
“You’re right,
but that’s the way you are. That’s why you gathered a devoted
family
to help you through times like this,” Nick said.
Nick no sooner
got the words out, when they heard Enoch hit the pin once and then once
again. It gave out a loud ringing sound like heavy metal against
heavier metal. Billy’s sense of perfect
pitch told him it was a resounding G sharp. Why was he thinking
something so mundane as the pitch
of the sound when a man’s life was at stake? They watched Orville jam
in the hydraulics shift again, and the ramp began to lower the rest of
the way. They saw him do something else, and then jump down from the
cab to walk to the rear like he was going to check on the progress of
the ramp when the huge truck started to roll down the incline.
As it went, it dragged the ramp behind it, and knocked Enoch to the
ground.
“Fuck!”
exclaimed Nick, “The bastard released the safety break, and gravity
done
set the truck in motion.”
Billy
immediately found Enoch’s mind and sent him an order, << Drop and
roll to
your left, Enoch, >> he sent firmly.
Enoch heard
Billy, and recognized his voice. He didn’t hesitate and did as he was
told. He managed to get his massive upper body clear of the oncoming
ramp, and his left leg pulled up under him; however, the ramp caught
his
right leg effectively crushing it. The giant man let out a scream you
could have heard in five surrounding counties. Billy’s family
went into action and stopped the truck with the force from their hands.
Archie and Edith were the strongest and stood less than ten feet in
front of the huge truck, set their little feet in the dirt, and dared
it to advance another inch. Nick sprang into action. He jumped into the
cab of the truck, set the emergency brake, and reversed the hydraulic
gears to
raise the ramp up and off of Enoch’s leg. Billy could see he was clear,
but the big
man wasn’t moving. Billy hoped he passed out as he ran full-out to him.
Enoch was awake, laying there with tears running from his eyes, but he
wasn’t crying. He was in such great pain, his tears were involuntary.
When Orville saw
he didn’t succeed in killing Enoch, he ran for the lead truck, jumped
in, started the engine, and pealed out down the road leading to the
exit. Billy saw Archie and Edith take wing and knew in his heart
Orville would never make it to the front gate. He knelt by Enoch,
looked him in the eyes,
and spoke, “This is gonna’ sound crazy, cowboy, but trust me, and I’ll
take your pain away. Kiss me and make it a good one, buckaroo!” Billy
exclaimed.
He put his lips
against Enoch's and kissed him hard and passionately. Surprisingly, the
giant cowboy responded in kind, and threw his huge arms around Billy to
hold him. The longer they kissed the less pain Enoch felt. They kissed
until Billy was sure he absorbed every bit of the big man’s pain. He
eased off and looked him in the eye. “Better?” he asked. Enoch smiled
and nodded, “We gotta’ do that again after I heal you, and get you on
your feet. I want me another big ole taste of yore' brand of cowboy
loving,”
Billy said and grinned.
Nick ran to the
barn, got the gurney, and was by Billy’s side in a few seconds. They
didn’t try to lift Enoch. He was just too damn big. Nick lowered the
gurney to the ground. Enoch managed to get his big butt onto the
gurney, and together, Billy and Nick dragged the rest of him onto it. They were joined
by Clyde and Andy and the rest of Billy’s family. Orville’s crew stood
around with their mouths open watching in awe. They never saw a group
of mixed critters
and
men
take action so fast. They didn’t understand Billy’s family stopped the
truck and had no idea how the gurney flew through the air. Billy told
Nick and Clyde to get Enoch to the barn, and he would be right behind
them.
“Boomer," Billy
spoke to his number one, "Archie
and Edith went after Orville. Do what you can to help them but don't
let him get away. Uncle Nathan, call Sheriff Tate. Tell him we made a
citizen's arrest, and we're holding a man for attempted murder. Ask him
to send some
men out to
take him to jail. Hank, you Buck, Moss, and you Mr. Garrett, make sure
none of these men walk into the barn. We got an injured man to heal,
and I don’t want no interruptions,” Billy said firmly.
“Don’t worry,
Son, we’ll make sure. We can handle our end. Go on and take care of
your brother,” Tron said.
Billy ran to the
barn and found Clyde and Nick already winged-up. They remove their
shirts to accommodate their wings and were bare from the waste up;
however, they were wearing their leather harnesses which made them look
a bit more kinky than angelic. That was fine with Billy. Having an
angelic demon for a dad didn’t exactly place him among the ho-hum
mundane
missionary position herd. Billy stopped long enough to check on Enoch.
“You okay, cowboy?” he asked with a concerned smile.
“I don’t hurt
none, Master Billy,” he said.
“I ain’t chore’
master, cowboy. Just call me, Billy,” he said and smiled
“Then you must
drop the Mr. Redbone, and call me Enoch. Am I hallucinating, Billy, or
did them men really sprout wings?” he asked.
“Naw, you ain’t
hallucinating none, bro. They got they’selves some nice wings, don’t
they?
They’s my slaves; a part of my family, and I gotta' admit, I'm rather
fond of 'em. Hell, I’m downright proud of ‘em. I’ll
leave you with them
for a few minutes while I wing-up. Clyde, grab one a’ them clean horse
blankets in the tack cabinet over yonder. Nick, morph his clothes off
him, cover him, but don’t remove his boots until I return,” Billy
ordered.
“You gonna’ need
help wing’n up, Kemosabe?” Nick asked.
“I gotta’ fly
solo sooner or later, Tonto. Might as well be now, but if'n I ain't
back in a few, come look for me,” Billy replied, grinned, and
vanished. He found his wings and simply reversed the order Nick showed
him when he helped him morph them away. Billy was right proud of
himself; he
blinked, and reappeared in the barn. This time his wings didn’t feel
heavy at all. They were light as he imagined feathered wings might be.
Enoch caught
sight of Billy with his magnificent gold wings, his brown leather
harness, and almost pissed on the gurney. "I know’d ju’ was an angel,”
he
said, “you’s jes’ to damn good to be true; and you ain’t just
any angel, you’s one a them archangels,” Enoch declared.
“Whoever heard
of an archangel named 'Billy'?" he asked and laughed, "I ain’t no
angel, Enoch. Them two right there is as close as you’re ever gonna’
get to real angels, and the one I call ‘Tonto’ can be a demon in the
sack. He’s ma’ surrogate dad. I ain’t nothing but a genetically
enhanced buckaroo. Same’s you, except you ain’t been enhanced -- yet.
We’ll explain ever’thing later, but right now we got to do some healing
on yore’ leg. I’m gonna’ have Nick morph away your buckaroo boots; you
may experience some pain, but it won’t be for long,” Billy said.
“I can’t feel
nothing below my waist, Billy,” he said.
“Good, then
maybe it won’t hurt a’ tall. Let’s hope so. Go ahead on and remove his
boots, Nick,” Billy said and in a flash they were gone.
Nick rolled up
Enoch’s pant leg. The big cowboy’s leg was a bloody mess. The bone was
obviouly broken with bits and pieces of splintered bone sticking out,
but it could
have been much worse if he wasn’t wearing a good pair of heavy
duty buckaroo boots which afforded him some protection and prevented
his right leg from being completely severed. Billy retained enough
presence
of mind to shove his digital camera into his back pocket before they
left the house. He took several pictures of the damage done to Enoch’s
leg from different angles, making sure he got Enoch’s head in the shots
to prove it wasn’t pictures of a wound on another man. Enoch tried to
raise on his elbows to take a look at his leg.
“No. Lie back,
and let us do the work, cowboy. You don’t need to see. Better you
don’t. It might frighten you and raise your blood pressure. That would
make it more difficult for me to heal you. We’ll take good care of you,
and I promise, you’ll be on your feet in no time,” Billy said firmly
and placed his hand on Enoch's chest to keep him still.
“I’ll do what
you ask, Billy. I’d trust you with my life,” Enoch said.
“Yore’ life is
safe with us, buckaroo, but I can’t promise that handsome cock of yorn’
will be. I just might like to make a little love to it one e’nin for
paybacks, if’n you’s a mind to,” Billy said. He looked at Clyde and
Nick
and winked.
“You men don’t
never have to ask. It’s yorn’ when you want it. One cowboy’s word to
another. I believe in the code of the West, and a good cowboy helps his
brother in his time of need,” Enoch declared.
“Well said,"
Billy allowed. He set to work and raised his wings over the cowboy.
Clyde and Nick raised theirs as well to completely surround the giant
man. The
light coming into the barn surrounding Enoch and three angelic
creatures was almost blinding. Billy learned he could gather more
healing energy in an open setting like the barn than in a confined area
of a spaceship. Also, Billy was learning his craft of healing by
applying one situation to another. Nick and Clyde were stunned at how
quickly and expertly Billy was putting Enoch’s leg back together. They
could see everything going back together the way is was before the
accident like a video of Humpty-Dumpty's fall to ruin run backward.
When
he finished, it was perfect like the man was never in an accident.
Enoch was completely healed and repaired.
They heard a
shot ring out, Billy’s heart melted, and ran down into his boots. He
knew Edith was shot. He could feel her pain in her left wing, but she
didn’t stop flying until she and Archie subdued Orville and wrapped his
upper body in an unbreakable silk rope they exuded from their middles
as they flew around him in circles.
Outside the
barn, Tron started
barking orders at the crew to keep them busy removing the bulldozer,
and to keep their minds from thinking about the flashes of bright light
coming from the cracks in the old barn. One man tried to take a look,
but Hank checked him. “If’n you know what’s good for you, buddy, you’ll
get chore’ ass back to work. Beyond unloading them vehicles, you’s
trespassing. We won’t hesitate to make a citizen’s arrest, and have the
sheriff slap yore’ ass in jail along with your foreman,” he growled,
and Buck backed him up.
Before they
could get out of the barn, Andy opened the door followed by Boomer
carrying Edith with a worried Archie close behind. With Clyde on one
arm and Nick on the other, they moved Enoch to a bale of hay. Billy
told Boomer to set his beloved pet on the gurney. Boomer knew Billy
would take care of Edith, excused himself to return to guard Orville
with Andy and Nathan. Billy’s heart broke to see the large hole in
Edith’s upper left wing where Orville shot her. It was still bleeding.
Psyche blood is a dark rust color and has a metalic sheen to it like it
might have a much higher
copper content than humans. Billy took her into his arms and gently
kissed
her. She broke down, and sobbed in his arms; more from emotional
exhaustion than
fear.
“Now, now,
little sister. Your master will make it better. Can you spread your
wings for me, sweetheart?” he asked, and she slowly opened them.
Billy stood
before her and raised his huge wings. Nick could swear they were bigger
than
before. Billy looked like a super-jet liner hovering over a beautiful
butterfly. Everyone in the barn was amazed at the power Billy’s wings
were absorbing from seemingly everywhere at once. Light and energy was
coming to them from all directions as he tenderly waved his hands over
his precious pet’s torn area of her wings. They watched in awe as the
torn filaments and sinews rapidly replaced the hole with new tissue.
Once accomplished, Billy told Edith to relax and lower her wings. As
she did, she fainted, and collapsed into Billy’s arms. Archie was by
her side immediately and took her hand. “She’ll be
alright, little brother. She’s weak from loss of blood, but let her
rest, and she’ll recover quickly. We must get her up to the house and
feed her. We need to get some watcher milk into her. My new brother
sitting over there could benefit from some as well. Come, we’ll take
her to the house,” he tried to console Archie.
“I must be
getting back, Billy,” Enoch said.
“Bullshit! You
ain’t going nowheres cowboy until your angel releases you, and that
probably won’t be until Monday morning. I’ll call your cousin, tell him
what happened, you’re being taken care of, and you’s our guest for the
weekend,” Billy barked.
“How did you
know my boss was my cousin?” he asked.
“I’ll explain
ever’thing later. In the meantime, you think you can walk with us up to
the house?” Billy asked.
“I walked from
there to here with no problem. I’ll need my clothes,” he said.
“Pity, I rather
like you better without them; however, for my grandmother’s sense of
modesty and the current but antiquated social mores of our society,
perhaps we should clothe you. Nick, put his clothes back on him,” Billy
said, and it was done in an instant.
Enoch looked
down and shook his head. “You folks is gonna’ take some get’n used to,”
he said.
“Naw, by this
e’nin, you’ll be one of the family,” Billy assured him.
“I couldn’t hope
for more,” Enoch replied.
“When the
sheriff gets here, how you gonna’ explain Mr. Redbone’s miraculous
healing, Kemosabe?” Nick asked.
“Shit! I didn’t
think about that. I was so rapped up showing off my healing abilities
trying to impress ma' new cowboy brother,
I done plumb forgot reality for a minute. That’s what I got you for,
Tonto, to keep me centered. We’ll bandage his leg, take him to the
house, put him in bed, and show the sheriff the pictures. I’ll print
out copies, and tell him we’re taking Enoch to the hospital as soon as
he takes Orville to jail,” Billy said.
“Sounds like a
solid plan to me, Kemosabe,” Nick said.
“Clyde, we keep
clean old rags over there in the same cabinet where you got the horse
blanket. They’s good enough to tear up and make to look like a bandage.
I think there’s some white duct tape in there, too. Will you grab 'em
for me?” Billy asked.
Clyde rushed to
the cabinet, found what he was looking for, and returned to Billy.
“That’s good
enough. Take your right boot off for me, cowboy,” Billy said.
Enoch did as he
was told and rolled up the leg of his Wranglers to the knee. Billy
proceeded to wrap his foot and lower leg almost up
to the knee. It look professionally done, and the white duct tape was a
nice touch which added
to it’s authenticity.
“Okay. Angel
posse, let’s us de-wing to walk up to the house. We got other business
to take care of, and we need to appear as buckaroos to keep talk to a
minimum. You done a damn good job, and I couldn’t be more proud of
you,” Billy said.
In an instant
their wings were gone. “Good job, Kemosabe,” Nick complimented his
master.
“Ma’ wonderful
demon dad done taught me how to do it, sir. He’s a good’un, he is,”
Billy drawled, and winked at Nick, “But, I also gotta’ give credit
where it’s due. Clyde, your generous help is greatly appreciated as
well. Me and Tonto may have been able to accomplish what we did by
ourselves, but you added to the speed and efficiency getting the job
done. When we’re dealing with folks what’s hurt, every second shaved
off a repair job means that much less pain they must endure. Your
master is pleased and grateful for your selfless contribution,” Billy
praised him. Clyde wasn’t used to being told he was valuable or
appreciated, and Billy’s compliment went a long way to encouraging him
and strengthening his bond with his master. He blushed.
“I’s jes’ doing
ma’ job, Master Billy, but your generous comments are certainly welcome
and appreciated, sir. Thank you, Master,” Clyde said.
Enoch Redbone
was taking all this in like he couldn’t believe such maturity and
thoughtfulness could abide within one young unassuming, unpretentious
cowboy who seemed capable of endless love for his companions no matter
their sex or species. At that moment, he knew he didn’t want to leave
right away. He had to find out more about these people. He wanted to
find someway to join them if he could. He didn’t know how or why, but
he knew beyond a doubt he owed them his life.
Billy and his
family walked out of the barn pushing the gurney with Enoch on it, and
Clyde was carrying Edith to take them to the house. Billy asked Hank
and Buck to accompany Archie and Edith to the house, help Clyde get
Edith to the psyche’s room, and put her in bed; he would be along
directly to check on her. The Caterpillar bulldozer was on the ground
and parked. Moss and Tron were going over every inch of the huge
machine. Orville was being detained by Boomer, Andy, and Nathan with
assists from the twins. When Orville saw
Nick pushing Enoch on the gurney with his leg bandaged, his face turned
ashen white.
He looked like he was going to throw up. He didn’t count
on the big cowboy to make it through. He was hoping his leg was damaged
badly enough he might go into shock and die. Orville looked miserable,
but he didn’t say anything. He figured he was in enough trouble as it
was.
“I’ll be right
back," Billy said, and walked away from the gurney toward the men
guarding Orville. Nick and Clyde stopped the gurney to wait for him.
Billy warned Enoch not to say anything to Orville, but Billy walked up
to him and backhanded him hard across his face. “That’s for shooting
my beloved pet, you low life scumbag,” Billy growled at him.
“Big brave
cowboy,” he snarled, “hit’n a man what’s bound, and can’t defend
his’self,” he challenged Billy.
“Cut the
sum’bitch loose, Uncle Nate!” Billy barked.
“I don’t think
that’s wise, Nephew,” he said. Nathan never called Billy ‘nephew’
unless he was dead serious about something or wanted Billy to heed his
words.
“Am I your
number one, Master?” Boomer asked quietly.
“So say I, my
good slave,” Billy replied firmly.
“Then, it is my
duty to urge you to consider your uncle’s words carefully, sir,” Boomer
said.
“It is, indeed,
your duty, number one, and your master loves you and appreciates your
input. I will heed my uncle’s sage advice. We will see to it this piece
of filth will be convicted of attempted murder, and be sentenced to
slavery for life. I will be on the front row of the auction house when
he’s sold, and I will win the bid. He will become my slave and never be
allowed to wear clothes again. He will be ringed through his ears,
nose, tits, and the head of his cock. He will be castrated, and be made
to watch as I cook his testicles on the grill, and feed them to my
dogs. I’ll leave him with that happy thought to ponder,” Billy said and
smiled at Orville. Billy's vivid description of a possible future for
Orville did more psychological damage to the evil man
than a good thrashing.
Billy returned
to walk to the house with Clyde and Nick pushing the gurney. Enoch
heard the loud exchange, “Would you really do that to Orville, Billy?”
he asked quietly.
“Absolutely, big
'un. He has no soul. He has no respect for the life of others. He was
going to kill you, Enoch. We’ll show you proof, and afterward, I’ll ask
if you want to ask me that question again,” Billy said, “Besides,
he tried to kill one of my most beloved treasures, and I won’t stand
for that,” he added. I can be kind and compassionate, I can forgive and
forget many wrongs, but no man fucks with my family and goes
unpunished. How long will I punish Orville? It will depend entirely
upon him,” Billy said firmly.
They got Enoch
squared away in the small apartment off the back porch next to the
kitchen. It was originally a maid’s quarters, but since Kate like to do
most of the cooking it was hardly ever used. It was bright, sunny, and
comfortably furnished. Billy assigned his halflings to see to Enoch’s
comfort and get him anything he needed. Then, Billy went to the first
floor to check on Edith. She was still asleep, but she was resting
quietly. Archie was by her side. Billy gently placed the palm of his
hand on her forehead, and his mind began to fill with information about
her physical condition. He concluded her systems were within normal
operating ranges, and she would soon start to show signs of recovery. “She’s coming
along, Archie. Just let her rest, and let us know when she comes to.
I may have to leave for a while this afternoon, but there will be
someone here to look after you. We’ll prepare food for the two of you
and bring up a tray,” Billy said
quietly.
“Thank you,
Master Billy. You’re very good to us,” Archie said.
“You’re very
good to me, Archie, and I love you both very much,” Billy said and
almost choked up.
“We love you,
too, Master Billy,” he replied.
Billy went to
his room in the tower accompanied by Nick and Clyde who were standing
in the hall outside the psyche’s room waiting for him. He downloaded
the video from the memory stick Hank gave him into his main frame and
made a copy for the sheriff. He locked the original away in his desk
drawer. He downloaded the pictures of Enoch Redbone’s crushed leg and
printed out hard copies of each picture. He wanted a copy to show
Enoch, and the other to give to the sheriff. He figured he had enough
eye witnesses of Orville’s actions to more than adequately prove beyond
a doubt he intended to murder Enoch.
The sheriff
arrived. He knew the Daniels family well, and was an old friend of Daws
and now Nathan. He was all business, thorough, but polite. Billy showed
him the video on his lap top. “How did you get this video, Son?” he
asked.
“We got
micro-surveillance cameras installed at the corners of the barn and
several other places around here to check things out without having to
trudge out in the rain or cold,” Billy replied.
“Gotta’ love
modern electronic gadgets,” the sheriff said and smiled.
He looked into
the room where Enoch lay. Kate wet a dishtowel, and Enoch was wearing
it on his forehead like it was soothing his fevered brow. Billy
chuckled to himself. Such a simple thing made it all come together. He
made a mental note to give his grandmother an extra hug and a kiss.
“You okay, Son?”
he asked.
“I seen better
days, Sheriff,” Enoch replied convincingly.
“Take it
easy. These folks will take good care of you, and get you to a
hospital,” the sheriff said.
“Thanks,
Sheriff,” Enoch replied.
“We’ll take
Higginbothem in and book him. I think you got enough evidence and
enough witnesses to convict him of attempted murder,” he said.
“Thanks, for
coming out, Sheriff Tate,” Billy said, and shook the lawman’s hand.
“It’s ma’ job,
Son. Some days is easier than others. This one seems pretty cut and
dried,” Sheriff Tate said.
The sheriff and
his deputies handcuffed Orville and put him in the back of the trooper
car. Nathan cut the silk-like cords with which the
psyche’s bound
him. No one asked any questions about the unusual means of restraining
him. Surprisingly, Orville’s crew stood by with their mouths shut
watching their ex-boss being loaded into the sheriff’s patrol car.
Eustace Barger didn’t say shit. He wanted to put as much distance
between him and Orville as he could. He was deathly afraid someone
might finger him as an accomplice. The rest of the men were like sheep.
They milled around, not saying much to each other. A couple had been
with Orville and Eustace for several years, and knew the scam they were
pulling on unsuspecting customers, but never said a word. They never
benefited from the scam, so they didn’t feel guilty, or they owed
either man anything.
After the
sheriff’s patrol car left, Eustace came to Billy. “Mr. Daniels, I want
you to know I had nothing to do with what Orville tried to do to Enoch,
sir,” he said.
“No, but you
knew about it, and you did nothing to stop him; neither, did you bother
to warn us,” Billy said.
“I told him
Redbone and McMartin were cousins. He said he’d fix their wagons. He’d
arrange an accident Enoch wouldn’t walk away from. I told him I
wouldn’t be a part of him killing nobody. I know’d Orville for a good
while. He can be a blowhard sometime. More shit comes out of his mouth
than his ass. I thought he was bluffing; you know, blow’n smoke up my
butt. I didn’t think he’d really do it, sir,” Eustace said trying to
cover his own ass.
“Are you willing
to testify against him in a court of law?” Billy asked.
“If it means
keeping me out of jail for his hotheaded stupidity, you bet chore’ ass
I’ll testify agin him. I don’t cotton to spend’n the rest of my life as
no slave,” Eustace replied.
“I will hold you
to your word, Mr. Barger, but if you fail to do as you promise, I will
see to it you’re fired from your job, and I guarantee you will never
work in the state of Texas again. Do you understand?” Billy asked
firmly.
“Yes, sir, Mr.
Daniels. I won’t let you down, sir, I promise,” he replied.
“All right. My
staff are satisfied everything is in order; I signed the acceptance
paper at the bottom and dated it,” Billy said and handed Eustace the
form. “Take your men and get out of here. Your work is done. You tell
your crew, if they know what’s good for ‘em, they will speak to no one
about anything unusual they saw here today other than Orville
Higginbothem’s attempted murder of Mr. McMartin’s cousin. Do you
understand?” Billy asked.
“I understand,
Mr. Daniels. I’ll have a talk with the men 'afore we leave. What do you
want me to tell Mr. McMartin, sir?” Eustace asked.
“The truth,”
Billy replied, “because if you don’t, I will.”
“I won’t fail,
Mr. Daniels,” Eustace said.
“Okay, you men
take off. We plan to drive Enoch to Scott & White in Temple, but we’ll be back after
the doctors take care of his leg,” Billy said. He’ll be our guest at
the ranch for the weekend, then we’ll drive him to Houston Monday
morning. I got business in Houston,” Billy said.
“How bad was it,
Mr. Daniels?” Eustace asked.
“Pert-damn bad.
Another foot of the sharp edge of the heavy ramp would have cut his leg
clean off. It’s mashed up something awful. It looks like a piece of raw
brisket but he’ll recover,” Billy said.
“Tell him I hope
he’s okay,” Eustace said, trying to sound concerned.
“I will,” Billy
said.
* * * * * * *
Billy watched as
Eustace gathered his crew and talked with them. After they got the rear
tire repaired on the lead truck Orville used to make a run for it to
get away, they got into the two trucks, the six big rigs, and headed
down the long drive to the entrance of the ranch. Billy stood and
watched until he saw the last truck pull out onto the blacktop. As he
slowly walked back to the house he saw his grandmother standing before
the steps to the porch. She was dressed
in a pretty print dress with lavender flowers and wearing her apron.
Billy marveled at how pretty a woman his grandmother was; even with age
advancing on her she kept herself fit and svelte. She was wiping her
hands on her apron. She dropped it and opened her arms for him to come
to her like she’d done so many times when she could tell he was hurting
inside.
Billy went to
her, embraced her, and wept in her arms. The fury and anxiety of the
morning caught up with him in one giant emotional tsunami. She soothed
him and spoke soft words of tenderness and shamelessly stole kiss after
kiss. Billy stole a few in return. “Don’t ever leave me, Grandma,” he
said choking up, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“We all have to
say goodbye some day, Billy. It’s just a part of nature. The old must
move on for the new. Since your granddad died, I was forced to do a lot
of thinking
about that sort of thing, and I don’t have the same faith I used to.
I’m changing, Billy, and so is my ideas about life, faith, and death.
The hardest thing I ever had to do was let your granddad go. I still
think of him every day, but not in a grieving way. I think about the
good times we had, and I see him in Nathan and you; more in you than
Nathan. You’ve grown into such a fine young man, and you’re more like
your granddaddy every day. He would be so proud of you,” Kate said.
“I loved him so
much, Grandma, but you know, sometimes I think Nick must channel him.
He
has the same rough humor and funny sense of wickedness granddad used to
have,” Billy said.
“You love him
very much,” Kate declared.
“Yes, he’s
become my surrogate dad, Grandma,” Billy said.
“Is he really
the devil, Billy?” she asked.
“Only in my bed,
Grandma,” Billy said and winked. Kate laughed so hard she got a cramp
in her side.
“You know what,
Billy?” she asked mischievously.
“What, Grandma?”
he asked in reply.
“So was your
granddaddy,” she said, and they shared a laugh.
* * * * * * *
Kate took Billy
by his hand and led him up the porch steps and into the house. “Your
presence is requested in the kitchen, Master Daniels,” she said in an
exaggerated manner and giggled. They walked hand in hand down the long
hall to the kitchen. Everyone, except Archie and Edith, was gather
around the table enjoying iced tea and a piece of pie. They stood when
Billy walked into the room and applauded for him. Kate’s face was one
big smile, and she was radiant.
“What’s 'at
for?” Billy asked innocently.
“For the way you
handled the situation this morning, and saw it through to a good
conclusion for everyone, especially Enoch,” Nathan said, and they all
agreed.
“Thank you very
much, but you know I couldn’t have done it alone. I’m the one what
should be applauding you people. Without you we might not have Enoch
sitting here at the table enjoying my grandma’s pie,” Billy said.
“Best damn pie I
ever et,” Enoch allowed between bites. Everyone laughed.
“I’m just glad
this chapter is over, and we can move on to the next hurdle. I guess it
ain’t totally over until we call Enoch's cousin and tell him what
happened. Do you have a phone number for him or an e-mail address,
Enoch?” Billy asked.
“Yes, sir, I got
both. I’s thinking on calling him, but I don’t know what to tell him
about my leg. It’s fine now; like it was before. Ya’ll got any
suggestions?” Enoch asked.
“Tell him we got
a retired doctor who’s like family what lives down the road; he come
and took care of you. It was bad, but it could have been much worse if
you weren’t wear’n heavy boots. You been invited to stay with the
Daniels family for the weekend. Me and my posse got us some business to
take care of in Houston Monday, and we can take you home,” Billy
offered, “Tell him I can e-mail him photos of your leg,” he added.
Billy sat,
ate his pie, and drank his glass of iced tea as the others swapped
stories and anecdotes from the morning’s excitement. “You should have
seen Archie and Edith, Master Billy,” Buck said, “You would’ve been
proud of them. When Orville spun around and headed out down the road
they flew in quick pursuit. They caught up with him, and Archie sent an
energy beam of some sort to the back tire of the truck what completely
blew the tire apart. Higginbothem
lost control and drove the truck into the drainage ditch. He got out,
tried to run for it, but they were right on top of him.
"He pulled
out his gun, aimed at Edith, and shot once. He hit her wing, but Archie
zapped him with another bolt of energy. The gun flew out of his
hands into the weeds. He didn’t bother to look for it, and they
proceeded to produce some kind of silk rope which they attached to his
back and front and used his body to propel themselves around him at
rapid speed, effectively binding his hands and arms to his body. By the
time they finished Andy and Boomer were there. Andy found Orville’s
gun, they frog-marched him back to the compound, and Boomer carried
Edith to the barn,” Buck finished his story.
“I’m very proud
of them. They’ve become a great asset to our family. I’m proud of
everyone of you. You responded to a bad situation, with
swiftness, courage, professionalism, and
intelligence; a life or death situation we knew very little
about going into. I couldn’t be more proud to call you my family. I
come
to think on us, and particularly Archie and Edith, as the definition of
what greater families should be about; diverse, accepting, and caring;
working together for the common good of all and not just the few; but
more than that, coming together to love one another,” Billy said.
“Amen to that,”
Tron said, and several others agreed with him.
“So what’s on
our agenda for the rest of the day, Kemosabe,” Nick asked.
“I like your use
of the words ‘our agenda,’ Tonto. Everything we do becomes important
for everyone. We had breakfast and a nice piece of pie. Let’s skip
lunch, and go check out how the repairs are progressing on Tonto’s
spaceship. Nick and I
got some business to take care of, but that will only take a few
minutes. Grandma, I’d like to take you along to get you out of the
house and kitchen for a while. It’s warmer outside, and it will be a
good day for a side trip. We need someone to stay here and look after
Archie and Edith. I need to be contacted immediately if she seems to be
getting worse, and they need to be fed before we leave,” Billy said,
looking for volunteers.
“Me and ma’
ramrod will see to them, Son. We need time to get some things done
around here,” Nathan spoke up, and Tron nodded his agreement.
Billy grinned
real big, winked at Moss, and nodded. “Fine. I want to take Moss,
Clyde, Andy, Hank, Buck, the twins, Enoch, Grandma Kate -- oh, yes, and
my demon dad, Nick,” Billy said, and winked at the big angel. “Twins,”
he addressed Cass and Poly, “bring your fiddles along. The folks on
Nick’s ship might enjoy a tune or two. When we come back we’ll all
pitch in and have a great celebration supper for completing our first
major task on our journey together. We'll cook barbecued brisket, red
beans, and
cowboy potatoes,” Billy said. Everyone had big smiles on their faces,
so Billy took that as a sign of approval. “But first things first, if
you’ll excuse Enoch and me, we’ll go to my room in the tower, and call
his cousin. There, I can e-mail him pictures of the damage done to
Enoch
by Orville if he’d like to see them,” Billy finished, “Any questions?”
he asked.
“Does your dad
really
own a spaceship?” Enoch asked. Everyone laughed.
“E’aup, it’s a
beaut, too, cowboy. It’s like a small world inside a smaller space,
with unusual beasties for guardians, and native people of all kinds.
It’s a wonderful place. There’s even a castle on a beautiful lake with
swans on it where the wizard lives. It's got a moat and a drawbridge.
It looks like something out of the middle ages or a Robin Hood movie.
You’re gonna’ love it,” Billy said with enthusiasm. Kate laughed. She
thought Billy was kidding and having fun with the big cowboy.
Billy escorted
Enoch up to his room in the tower. Enoch called and talked with his
cousin who was very upset his younger cousin was harmed. He wanted to
know everything. He talked with Billy and apologized for Orville’s
actions. He had no idea the man was pulling such scams on his
customers, and he seemed genuinely shocked and concerned. He even
wondered if Eustace
Barger was in on the scam, and what he should do about him. “I ain’t trying
to tell you how to run your business, Mr. McMartin, but you might want
to consider not firing
Eustace, sir. He could be useful -- at least for
a while. I made him promise he’d testify against Orville, and I got him
afraid his freedom might be in jeopardy if he don’t. I explained to
him,
a jury could find him guilty as an accomplice or at the very least
complicit with Orville’s crime; especially, if he knew about Orville’s
plans but took no action to prevent it. I think he’ll testify. Lawyers
often bargain with someone who might be dirty by association but never
slung any mud to testify to make sure they got a solid case against the
perpetrator. I think Eustace thought Orville was just talk’n shit and
wouldn’t really do it,” Billy advised the man.
“In my anger, I
probably would’ve never considered that point, Mr. Daniels. Of course
you’re right. I’ll reel in my gut level animal urges to protect my own
and need for retribution for the greater goal of seeing Orville
Higginbothem removed from society. I can always make a decision about
Eustace’s continued employment with my company after Orville is
convicted. I’d be grateful if you would forward me them pictures of my
cousin’s leg. I’d like to see for myself. Also, thank you for taking
good care of my cousin. While, Enoch is mild mannered and has a big
heart for a man his size, he’s a bit naive at times because he
desperately wants to believe there is good in all people. I'm afraid my
cousin's had
a difficult life until recently. Our family is concerned about him. We
do our best to guide him toward becoming his own man and not the
product of our angry society. You can probably guess from my words, we
also love him very much. Me and my family are in your debt, Mr.
Daniels. If there’s ever anything I can do for you, you only have to
ask,” Tom McMartin said.
“Thanks you, Mr.
McMartin. I will certainly keep your gracious offer in mind. I’m glad
we could help, sir,” Billy said, and smiled at Enoch.
Enoch finished
his conversation with his cousin and told him he’d be back Monday
before noon. Tom told him to take a couple more days if he liked; spend
the week recovering. His job was solid and would be there for him when
he came back. McMartin told him he was proud of the way Enoch handled
the situation by becoming an ombudsman for the company as well as the
customer. Tom McMartin was impressed with his younger cousin. He
wondered, perhaps out of tragedy and pain and the kindness of caring
strangers, a great lesson might be learned which would open new worlds
for his beloved cousin. If he only knew.
“Before we
leave, I have something else to show you, big’un. Sit here next to me,
so’s you can see the screen,” he said.
Enoch moved
closer and draped his huge arm around the back of Billy’s computer
chair. He had the most intoxicating male fragrance, Billy’s warrior
decided to salute.
Billy pushed in
the
memory stick he made of Orville and Eustace’s conversation and how
Orville planned to do away with Enoch so he wouldn’t go back an tell
his cousin about his scam. Enoch watched enthralled by the video and
tears
began to run down his face. Billy turned and saw the big man was in
distress. “You want me to shut if off, Brother?” he asked quietly.
Enoch shook his head. Billy reached over and took his big ham of a hand
in his and held it until the video finished. They sat for several
minutes afterward holding each other’s hand. “Do you need me to take
the pain away?” Billy asked softly.
Enoch shook his
head and looked into Billy’s eyes. “I’m afraid I might become
addicted,” he said without nuance, “My cousin, Tom, tells me I need to
learn to cope with disappointment. Usually, I withdraw into myself for
days at a time to reason with myself, trying desperately to figure out
why someone would be so unkind or cruel to consider doing something
like 'at to me -- just because I was the wrong person at the moment
who unwittingly threatened to get in his way. Orville’s
reasoning simply canceled me out of his personal equation of the
universe; my humanity instantly became a threat, and therefore,
worthless in his eyes. Another human being felt he had the right to
determine my continued existence in this world, decided to erase me
from the time-line, and rob me of my chance to live my life. It’s
difficult for me to imagine anyone being that evil. Lately, with my
family’s help, I think I’m getting better, but to have you suck my pain
and frustration out of me might be too easy. I might come to rely on
it, and that ain’t healthy,” Enoch said wisely.
“How’s 'bout a
brotherly kiss between two buckaroos what feel a need to share a bit of
much needed approval and confidence with each other?” Billy asked
quietly.
“Couldn’t hurt
none, I suppose,” Enoch allowed with a grin.
The cowboys
stood and embraced to kiss sealing a promised they would always
share a small piece of their souls with each other when needed. Billy
and Enoch
bonded as brothers. “Thanks for
that, little brother, you fill me with your unconditional love and
concern. I won’t
deny I need it right now,” Enoch said.
“You’re the only
part of my family left to gather, big brother. I’ve always wanted me a
big, older brother to share with. Seems like them ancients been working
overtime to provide me and you with what we need. Now, would you like
to ask your little brother your question again? Would I really do to
Orville Higginbothem what I said I would?” Billy asked.
“No. I don’t
have to. I didn’t know about the video you just done show’d me. Your
kiss told me you love me enough you would do it, but what if I asked
you not to?” Enoch asked.
“You won’t,”
Billy said, “your heart is almost too big for your body, but you'll
adjust. Sometimes you must let others do what is best for them as well.
Whatever I
choose to do with Orville Higginbothem, will not be a reflection on
you. It will be of my own design and not because of my love for you as
a
part of my family; but make no mistake, he will become my first
punitive slave. My other slaves are family. He will be as cattle; a
piece of livestock; naked, pierced, castrated, and branded. He will
wear a cowbell around his neck to announce his coming and going to
signify what will happen to any man who might consider harming me or my
family. My granddaddy taught me a man must be strong when it comes to
protecting his family, but he must also be kind and generous with those
he loves. I believed him then, and I believe him today. I will be
strong for both of us until you feel you no longer need my support, big
brother,” Billy said.
“I cain’t
imagine that happening, Billy,” Enoch said, and they kissed again.
“Will you be my
big brother, Enoch Redbone?” Billy asked like a marriage proposal.
“I will, and
will you be my little brother, Billy Daniels?” he asked in reply.
“So say I,”
Billy replied.
“And, so say I,”
Enoch repeated.
“That which
formally makes this bond between us one of humanistic grace, let our
love for the other be the well-spring of blessings from which it
flows,” Billy said like a sacred vow between two druids, and they
sealed their troth with another kiss.
They talked for
a few more minutes, and Billy asked his new brother if he should
forward the video to his cousin?
“Yes, with a
note not to let Eustace know he’s seen it. It’s for his viewing only to
confirm what we told him. It was made from a hidden micro-miniature
surveillance camera, and they didn’t know their conversation was being
recorded. The video was shown to Sheriff Tate, and a copy was given to
him as evidence. It’s important Eustace doesn’t know about it for the
time being; otherwise, he might bolt and run,” Enoch said.
“Let’s do it,”
Billy agreed, and typed the message in the accompanying e-mail exactly
as Enoch said. The giant cowboy read it, approved it, and Billy hit
the 'send’ button. Orville Higginbothem’s fate was sealed.
* * * * * * *
Billy and Enoch
walked back into the kitchen hand in hand. Everyone looked up and
smiled.
“Ah, behold,
family! Them what left as two, return as one,” Nick said, and the
others
applauded.
“Family, I’d
like you to meet our new big brother, Enoch Redbone. Enoch completes
our family. There may be others, but we will gather them along the way.
Today, our immediate circle is complete. Welcome him among you as you
have the rest of our family,” Billy said.
Kate was first
to come forward, took the huge cowboy into her arms, and gave him a
peck
on his cheek, “There’s no doubt in my mind, Enoch, you’re the big
brother
my grandson has always dreamed about. Welcome to our family,” she said
sincerely.
Everyone came,
one by one, to shake his hand, to give him a hug and a kiss to welcome
him, or wish him well. Enoch was overwhelmed and shed a few tears. His
family comforted him and assured the big cowboy they shared his
feelings. Hank, and Buck were
particularly gracious in their welcome of the young cowboy. They told
him the door to their room and their hearts were always open for him.
The ever lascivious halflings attempted to climb him like a big tree.
Enoch easily gathered them up in his huge arms, and they smothered him
with hugs and kisses.
Billy took one
from him, then the other. He put them down, and saw the love and lust
for the big man in their eyes. “Now show our big brother how you can
protect him when he might be in danger, morph!” Billy barked at them.
They quickly removed their clothing, and morphed into two white Great
Pyrenees dogs. Enoch looked at Billy with the biggest grin on his
face. He fell to his knees, and the large dogs were all over him,
bathing him with their abundant love. Enoch couldn’t get enough. “God,
I love me some dogs!” he exclaimed, “Just think of the benefits of pets
like these, you don’t have to walk ‘em, and they’re potty trained. What
more could a cowboy wish for?” he asked, and everyone laughed.
“They’s a lot
more to discover about them two little men what’s guaranteed to blow
yore’ socks off, Son,” Nathan said, “or some’um else if’n ya’ ain’t
real careful,” he added, and giggle like wicked school boy.
“Amen to that,”
Kate agreed with her son.
“Okay, you men
morph back, put on your clothes, and go check on Archie and Edith to
see if they need anthing,” Billy said to his halflings. They obeyed
their master, but not before they stole another kiss from Enoch,
naked as the day they were born. The big cowboy got the biggest grin on
his face. “Also,” continued Billy, “we need to get some watcher milk
for our new brother and some for Edith. It’s the most naturally healing
food in the universe, but there’s gotta’ be a better way than sucking
it out of Boomer wiff’ma’ mouth and spitting it into a cup,” Billy said
like it was a bit disgusting even for him.
“I got just the
thing,” Kate said and went to the back porch to rummage around in one
of the cabinets. She came back with a device which looked like a metal
horn a kid might mount on his bicycle bars with a rubber bulb attached
to provide the air to honk it.
“You gonna’ use
a bicycle horn on him, Grandma?” Billy asked. Everyone laughed.
“No, silly, this
sucks instead of blows. I'm sure, by now, I don't have to explain to
you the difference between blowing and sucking," she giggled, "It’s a
breast pump for women,” she explained.
“Good idea,
Grandma. Sorry, I ain’t never seen me one of them contraptions before,”
Billy said sheepishly.
“Not many men
have. We don’t shout, wave them about, or make a big fuss about them,”
Kate said, and grinned. “Come, Boomer, sit here, and let Grandma Kate
relieve you of some of your milk. If you’re as full as I think, it
might help give you some relief,” she said.
Boomer moved to
the chair she indicated. Kate took out her small sewing scissors from
the pocket or her apron and carefully trimmed away the excess fur
around each of the monster’s teats. She took a warm wash cloth and
cleaned them good. She started pumping and didn’t stop until she
drained
Billy’s mate. She collected almost a full gallon. She put a little in a
small glass and took a taste herself. “That’s very good, Boomer. You
give good milk,” she allowed and poured herself a little more.
“Thanks,
Mistress Kate. That feels a lot better, but by this evening they’ll be
full again,” Boomer lamented.
“Then we’ll have
to do this regularly, and I got just the men for the job. One for each
tit,” she said and laughed
“You can’t trust
them two varmints with watcher milk, Grandma, they’ll drink it all
themselves,” Billy said and laughed.
Billy poured a
small glass and handed it to Enoch. “Try it, cowboy. You need it to put
back some of the blood you lost. If’n you don’t like it, to quote an
older cowboy I love very much, I’ll kiss yore’ ace,” Billy said,
grinned, and winked at Hank. Hank fell out laughing recalling his first
meeting with Billy and Boomer.
Enoch carefully
took a small sip and a bright smile crossed his handsome face. Damn,
that’s good!” he exclaimed, drank the rest in one big gulp, and handed
the glass back to Billy for more. “You know that taste is familiar;
like I drunk it somewheres before,” he said.
“It taste’s like
warm vanilla ice cream to me,” Billy said.
“Yes and no.
Yes, it tastes like ice cream, but it’s got its own distinct flavor.
It’s heavier and richer. I know I done tasted it some’ers before when
I’s just a kid,” Enoch insisted.
“Curious. You
can hear my mind, and watcher milk is known for restoring the ability
man once had but lost when he developed language. Uncle Nathan, please
make sure you take a glass to Edith when she feels a little better. She
knows what watcher milk is, and how beneficial it can be for all
creatures. It will help her regain her strength quicker,” Billy said,
“And call me, if you think she’s not getting better,” he added.
“We will, Son.
Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of your pets,” Nathan said.
Billy was
satisfied they got everything done what needed to be done that morning
and sent the halflings scurrying off to gather their fiddles. As soon
as they returned, he asked all those going with them to follow him into
the parlor. Wait here for one minute. Talk amongst yourselves, and
Nick, Clyde, and I will be right back. We gotta’ wing-up for our
little trip,” he said. They vanished
and returned in less than a minute fully fledged. Billy looked at his
family, grinned, and spoke, “Your master whose chin is not yet fledged
hath grown a set of golden wings to raise up or’ your head.”
“Will we be
going through one of them stargates?” Enoch asked naively. Everyone
tried not to, but a couple giggled.
“Not for local
flights, Big Brother,” Billy said, “For local hops we use angel-flight,
and those of you going with us on this little trip have the added
thrill of
joining me in my very first trans-location attempt. Won’t that be fun?
I
will be the pilot, Tonto with be my faithful co-pilot, and the most
handsome of our crew, Clyde, will be our navigator. This will not be a
through flight to our ultimate destination. There will be a short
stopover at the line cabin where we will check everything, open the
barn doors so our ponies and our pregnant heifer can get outside to
enjoy some sunshine this afternoon. Then we will proceed to Tonto’s
ship. Is everyone ready?” Billy asked. Everyone responded positively.
“Wings up, Gentlemen!” he exclaimed to Nick and Clyde. The two ace
pilots and one junior bird-man spread their wings over their assembled
family. “And we’re off to see the Wizard!” Billy shouted, and they
vanished.
End of Chapter
11 ~ Him Who Made The Seven Stars
Copyright ~
© ~ 2012 ~ Waddie Greywolf
Mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com
04/25/2012
WC=13272