Him Who Made the Seven Stars 53

Him Who Made The Seven Stars
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 53

Of course, it all makes perfect sense! Gay marriage and marijuana being legalized on the same day? It's absolutely Biblical. Leviticus 20:13 reads: "If a man lays with another man he should be stoned." Well, duh! Of course he should. Everyone knows a little toke before sex enhances the experience. Like so many other teachings, the religious bigots got it wrong. ~ Uncredited quote from the Internet

"You wanna' talk about it, Brother?" Jack asked Bubba on the drive back to Jack's place.

"Ain't much to talk about. I gave Earl a chance. I laid it on the line. I done told him I loved him, I wanted to be his man, I would take care of him, but he had to put-out for me. I done it after I discovered Uncle Brad left me comfortably well off, but I never told him about my good fortune. I'm glad I didn't. If he knew I come into money he might have considered my offer only to get what he wanted by making himself a whore to me. I didn't want that. I don't want to have to drop a quarter in his ear ever' time I want a blowjob. Bought love ain't sustaining. I want somebody who wants me, loves me, and needs me, and I got enough of the proud-bull in me, I wanna' call the shots. I know my position probably ain't a popular one. A lot of men ain't into giving their charge to someone else, but it's what I want, and damn it, I won't settle for less. As I see it, we got one go-round in this life, and if we don't make the most of it and follow our bliss, we may never get another chance. For right now, old Orville will do right-fine for me. I'm in complete control. I don't have to make no commitments to him or do him no favors, but just be myself. How sweet is z'at?

"I come to realize, I'd never have a comfortable situation with Earl, so the afternoon he drove away from my ranch after telling me he wanted none of my brand of cowboy love'n, I made a vow to myself I was gonna' wash my hands of him; but, I really didn't. Look what I done for him even after he robbed me and lied to me? I still plan to see to his ranch and his mom for him. I'll do anything I can to help Master Billy and the Grange see he comes through his slavery okay. I just ain't gonna' allow myself to be manipulated by him no more, and I think he realized it this e'nin. I stood up to him, and rather than understand, he got angry and pretended to be hurt. That's okay, I want him to grow on his own and understand he's got to learn how to give unconditionally. He wouldn't learn that wiff' me, Brother," Bubba replied.

"Do you think your enhancement had something to do with your firm stand with Earl?" Jack asked.

"I ain't thought about it, but now you mention it, yeah, probably. That, and my Uncle's letter and video to me. Uncle Brad was right about everything including his warning to me about Earl. Since then, I done noticed a lot of things about me have changed considerably. I don't knows I could have formed as strong bond with you as I have without it. I was too undecided and unsure of myself to make friends with an educated person like you, Jack. I always been shy and intimidated by educated men. I probably wouldn't have if'n you ain't been s'damn pushy," Bubba declared, threw back his head, and laughed.

Jack laughed at his nonsense. "Fuck! You needed an older little brother, and I needed a younger, big brother; it come together like peas and carrots; and, don't even suggest to me you can't be pushy, Cowboy," Jack declared, and they shared another laugh.

"I liked the bedroom furniture you picked out for your room. I noticed you got Hoss's approval before you made up your mind," Bubba said and grinned.

"I can dream can't I?" Jack asked.

"Hell, yes, dream'n is free. Lord knows I done my fair share," Bubba said, and they laughed again.

"They's due to deliver the other bedroom furniture tomorrow morning. How 'bout I drive over and take you to breakfast after they deliver?" Jack asked.

"I suppose you's gonna wake me and my sweet beast up at the crack of dawn bang'n on our front door just so's you can be here when that big sexy cowboy delivers the goods," Bubba said.

"Of course, but there's method in my madness. We gotta' get that room cleaned out first. I'm willing to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. I don't think that's too much to ask of your brother when you done offered to treat him to breakfast at the Willow Creek?" Jack asked.

"No, I suppose not," Bubba replied and grinned.

"When are you and Orville scheduled for your sexual smack-down?" Jack asked.

"I think it was suppose to be the second weekend in May, but Billy's talking about moving it back another week. He said some'um about making an angel-flight visit to Oatie's younger brother and his mate. He wants us to go along. Don't know for sure when. We should ask this weekend," Bubba replied, "I'm just about ready for Orville's grand opening. I'm done with his training, but one more week will even make me more sure of myself and Orville's response to me. I plan to give him several good workouts this weekend," Bubba said.

"Do you think it would be all right with Master Billy if I invited Hoss to this coming Saturday afternoon barbecue and evening barnyard concert?" Jack asked.

"I don't think he'd mind, but it's always best to ask. I don't think he's got any large plans what would give a newcomer anything more than glimpse of a strange and wonderful place," Bubba replied.

"I'll call him after I get home and ask his permission," Jack said.

"I'll look forward to breakfast, Brother," Bubba said and grinned.

* * * * * * *
Breakfast around the Daniels' kitchen table was like something out of an old family picture album from long ago. Everyone was talking at the same time and catching up on each other's lives. One conversation easily led into another and back again. Ludo and Boomer were sitting at a sideboard eating their slave chow and a biscuit. They weren't forced to eat it. They preferred it to the food humans ate.

"Did you learn any of those piano pieces I asked you to try, Randy?" Vox asked.

Randy looked sort of sheepish, "Yes, sir, I did, but I didn't like none of 'um much. I can play them okay, but they ain't got much meat on 'em. They done left me hungry for more, sir," Randy replied.

Vox laughed. "They're just learning pieces. I told you if you wanted, you could try the Bach Two-part inventions. They should have all the meat you need for a while. Did you have time?" Vox asked.

"Yes, sir, I did, I already learned the first one before you gimme' the music," Randy replied playing with his food.

Billy was watching his little brother closely and got a big grin on his face. He remembered his grandmother making him play through the Thompson books and how hard he worked so he could get to something what, as Randy aptly described, had more meat. He remember his first recital piece was 'The Pony' by Hazel Cobb, a Texas lady who taught and wrote music for beginning children. Billy was four years old. He also played her Sonatina in C on his second recital, but his young heart yearned for more. It wasn't until he got to Bach's Two-part Inventions he finally got some music he could sink his teeth and fingers into and feel sated for a while. He also remember Randy ripping off Bach's first invention in the music store when they went to buy instruments for everyone.

"And how did it go?" Vox asked.

"Do Re Mi Fa Re Mi Do So!" Randy sang the first few notes, and Billy almost spit his coffee across the table. Everyone around the table broke up laughing.

"No, no, I know how the music goes. I meant, how far did you get?" Vox asked and laughed with everyone else.

"I learned 'em all, Mr. Vox," Randy said.

"No! All fifteen of them Inventions?" Vox asked surprised.

"Yes, sir, I thought that's what you wanted. You handed me the music and said, 'here, learn these, if you have time,'" Randy said.

"I meant the first one. Oh, never mind," Vox said and smiled.

"He cheats!" Kayla interrupted, "He listens to them on his computer with his ear phones and learns them by ear. He don't bother with the music," she accused.

"That ain't true! I learned the notes from the music. You ain't around me all the time. I practice in my bedroom in the foreman's house so's I don't disturb nobody. Master Vox done taught me notes, the spaces is F-A-C-E and the lines is Every Good Boy Does Fine, and I watched several tutorials on the Net. I can read the music just fine, but I can learn it faster when I make a game of it, and I'm playing along with Glenn," Randy said.

"I'm afraid to ask," Vox said and Billy laughed.

"Glenn Gould is his new best-boyfriend," Kayla volunteered.

"I won't gainsay that, Sister Dear, but other than play together, we ain't got much of a relationship. He's been dead over forty years. Other than saddle-up a Steinway, he never rode the range, and my buddies is mostly cowboys. I'm almost sure he never owned a ten gallon hat or a pair of buckaroo boots. I watched videos about him, and he was a hydroconderact!" Randy exclaimed.

Everyone broke up laughing. "A what?" Billy exclaimed.

"A hydroconderact. You know, one of them folks what imagine they got every disease they hear about," Randy replied to his big cowboy buddy. Everyone laughed again.

"Oh, good! For a minute there, I thought you's talking about them dinosaurs what had them big leather wings, little Brother," Billy said.

"No, no, that's a Hypercondrosoarus, Brother – an easy mistake to make," Randy carefully explained.

"You think they suffered from imaginary diseases?" Billy asked.

"Don't rightly know, Brother, they's way before my time," Randy said.

"Glad you cleared that up for me, little Brother. We'll be sure to take you with us on our next fossil hunt down to the riverbed," Billy said.

Randy returned his attention to his big sister, "Besides, I done played along with several other performers and picked up some things old Glenn never considered. I play with others to learn variation. I play with Glenn because he's like a living metronome. I make it a game. If you miss one beat – you done screwed the pooch," Randy replied. Everyone broke up laughing at him again.

"Randy! Mind your manners. You represent our family, and please, for both our sakes keep that in mind, Brother," Kayla scolded him quietly.

"Sorry," Randy said to everyone, "My sister's right. I apologize. I didn't mean to offend nobody," he added.

"After breakfast, we'll take you to the Steinway in the ballroom and see how well Mr. Gould taught you to play Bach. I'll see you after your cello lesson with Roz, Kayla," Vox said.

"Yes, sir, I'm looking forward to it," she replied like an angel. Randy rolled his eyes like she was such a hypocrite.

"May I sit-in and listen to your lesson, little Brother," Billy asked. "I ain't hear'd me no Bach Two-Part Inventions in a coon's age, but I can still remember them and the Three-Part inventions," he added.

"Shore! Other than the music store, it'll be the first time I ever done played for you big Brother," Randy said.

They finished up breakfast and moved upstairs to the ballroom. While Vox and Randy uncovered the Steinway, Billy, Boomer, and a couple of his cowboys went around the room opening the windows. It was a warm May morning, and it was a bit stuffy in the big room. As soon as they got the windows opened on each side, a nice breeze swept through the auditorium replacing the dead stale air making it much more pleasant. Billy and his men got out enough chairs for themselves and a few extra for anyone who might wish to join them. Vox got the Steinway set up for Randy and helped him adjust the plush seat. His feet couldn't touch the pedals. Vox told him it didn't matter, because if Bach is played right, he didn't need to use the pedals. A sustain pedal would only run the notes into each other, and that wasn't what Bach was about. Bach was about the individual notes presented in sequence and not jumbled together like a pile-up on a freeway. Randy wasn't sure he understood the analogy, but he nodded like he got the idea.

Everyone was seated and Vox started his lesson. "Did you practice the scales I gave you to learn? Separately and together?" Vox asked.

"Yes, sir," Randy replied, "You gave me the white keys "C" through "G" and I practiced them," he added.

"Let me hear them," Vox said, "Separately and then together," he added.

Randy began at middle C. He slowly went up two octaves with his right hand and down again. He did the same with his left beginning an octave lower. He moved up one whole tone and did the same with D and so on until he finished the five scales. He started again with both hands and flawlessly did the same.

"Very good, young man, for your second lesson. After I've heard more from you, I will assign you more scales, and I brought along a book of exercises I want you to start playing before each practice session. Now, will you play Bach for us?" Vox asked.

"Yes, sir, but don't nobody applaud until I finish and stand up to take a bow," Randy said and adjusted his seat a bit.

"Cheeky little monkey," Vox whispered to Billy.

"Rather have him cock-sure of himself, wielding a vorpal sword, than be eat'n up by the fear of the two headed performance monster," Billy shot back.

"Good point, Son," Vox agreed.

Randy started out with the first invention in C and played it flawlessly. After playing the first invention all the way through, he repeated it adding more passing tones and ornaments to his playing than just the basic Bach. Everyone in the room was stunned. After hearing the music from the kitchen, the ladies and the twins dropped what they were doing and made a bee-line up to the auditorium. By that time, Randy started into the second Invention and played it perfectly. It was stunning and left no one doubting they had a prodigy on their hands bordering on genius. Randy didn't add variations on every Invention, just the ones he particularly liked and felt deserved a different reading. He didn't stop until he finished the final note of the last Invention. He learned them all; fifteen Two-Part Inventions in one week's time and played them from memory flawlessly.

He jumped down off the piano stool with the biggest grin on his face. It was obvious he was proud of himself. The room was filled with applause, cheers, stomping of boots, and several of the cowboys tossed their hats at him. He took bow after bow trying to catch the hats thrown his way and laughed with joy from their expression of approval and appreciation for his talent. Billy walked up to him and took him in his arms. About that time, all hell broke loose outside from the cattle and the slaves who stopped what they were doing to stand under the windows and listen to the beautiful music from the ballroom. It was no secret among the slaves and Irin cattle, Bossman Randy would have his first formal music lesson that morning. Billy carried Randy over to the balcony and sat the boy down to raise his arms to his outside audience and take a bow. They went crazy applauding, stomping of hooves, and calling his name. Randy experienced the rush of hearing his hard work received with great acclaim bordering on hero worship. A new star in the Daniels' firmament was born.

* * * * * * *
Kayla had a fine lesson on her cello with Roz. Aunt Helen sat in with her. They were most impressed by the end of Kayla's lesson. She worked hard and was coming along much faster than the average student. She admitted the cello came to her more quickly than the keyboard, which caused her to believe she wasn't as talented as her little brother.

"Nonsense, young lady, I've heard a lot of string players in my day and a lot of fine pianist. They didn't make great splashes on their second lesson. Have faith in yourself. You have a fine talent and you will progress faster than your little brother in the string department, I promise you," Aunt Helen said firmly and Roz agreed with her.

"I'm going to start you sight-reading more with your cello, Kayla. Then when we have ensemble playing of less difficult pieces you can sit in with the group. The real joy of string playing is ensemble playing with others in an orchestra. That's where you learn to get better and quickly become a good musician," Roz said, "Solo playing will come more naturally for you after experiencing the support of your fellow musicians," she added.

"Then my little brother playing with Glenn Gould was like a form of ensemble playing?" she asked.

"In a way. He was certainly correct describing it as a video game. If he made it a game by keeping up with Gould, he was learning at the same time. It's a great way to learn dexterity and your way around a keyboard; however, music isn't a game. Once you sit on a stage by yourself, you're alone to perform. That will be your time to shine, Sweetheart," Helen encouraged her. "You have a computer. Use your earphones and play with the greats. Beat your little brother at his own game," Helen suggested and the three women shared a laugh.

"I've been reading up on musical history and one of the greatest musicians who ever lived was a child prodigy who had a sister four years older than him. She was a fine musician in her own right, but she lived in his shadow for years simply because she was a woman and her father wouldn't allow her to become more than her little brother. We don't live in those oppressive days of gender discrimination today. Unfortunately, we have government programs which are oppressive to all of us, but women today are allowed to develop their talents and encouraged to do so," Roz said.

"Was she Mozart's sister, Maria Anna?" Kayla asked.

"Yes, do you know about her?" Roz asked.

"I watched a movie about her life with mom and my grandmother one evening. I thought she was mistreated by her father," Kayla replied.

"They didn't look on it as mistreatment in those days. It was simply what was expected of a woman. Times have changed and today she probably would have become as renown as her brother. You won't have those problems to contend with, Kayla. You're free to become the woman you choose to be," Helen said.

They could hear Randy playing the Inventions.

"He's very good for one so young," Helen allowed.

"He's a show off!" Kayla exclaimed.

"Your time will come, Dear-heart, trust us," Roz said.

"The first cowboy who calls me 'Nannerl' will get a black eye!" Kayla said and the three women shared a laugh.

"If you're willing, I'll try to see to it, your next lesson will be at Bubba's ranch in the belly of the whale where I live. I have a music studio there and we won't have to be disturbed or distracted by your little brother's lessons, and if you will allow me, I think I might be as good a piano teacher for you as Mister Humana," Aunt Helen suggested.

"It's difficult to concentrate with all that racket going on. Certainly I would consider you for my piano teacher, Aunt Helen, but let's clear it with Miss Kate, Master Billy, and Master Vox," Kayla agreed.

"Of course, Dear," Helen replied.

The two ladies were more than a little impressed by the progress Kayla made, and she managed to complete her scales and fingering with the ease of a more advanced student. When the hour was up they waited until Randy came to them for his string lesson, and they sent Kayla to Mr. Vox. Randy wasn't as well prepared for his string lesson as he was his piano lesson and was a bit shy playing for Roz and Aunt Helen.

Kayla climbed the stairs with a heavy heart. She just knew she would be humiliated because she wasn't able to keep up with her little brother at the keyboard, but she remember the words of her string tutors, and it raised her spirits some. They were waiting for her but not as many people were sitting around as there was for Randy and her heart sank like she knew they wouldn't like her. She took her place at the piano. Vox asked her to play her scales for him. Kayla played them perfectly. He asked her what she learned to play for him?

"I learned the Thompson pieces you assigned me, one of the Mrs. Cobb's pieces, and a couple of the Bach Inventions, sir," she replied.

"If you don't mind, start with the Thompson pieces, then the Cobb, and last, what Bach you wish to play," Vox asked.

Kayla started in and played almost the entire Thompson book, the Hazel Cobb piece, and started with the first Two-part Invention in C by J. S. Bach. She played everything with grace and style. There were no starts and stops. Once she started a piece she played it through to conclusion. Vox didn't stop her or comment the whole time she was playing, but Kayla was sure she was terrible. By the time she finished the Cobb piece, she was getting angry. She thought Vox could at least say something; make some comment. No one said anything, and it was very quiet. Her anger translated into her playing, and she attacked the Bach first Invention like it was a demon she would control from the minute her fingers on her right hand played the theme and was picked up a measure later by her left hand. She played it perfectly with a small retardando at the very end; subtle and very tastefully done.

Vox opened his mouth to say something, when Kayla started in again and played the second Invention. She played the first five from memory, and where Randy played with male macho bravado and pride, Kayla played with subtle nuances, lovely phrasing, and took her time. She wasn't in any race to get through the piece. She milked each of the five inventions to the max. The two students were diametrically opposite each other's style and approach, but neither was better than the other. Kayla stood when she finished the fifth Invention with tears running down her face. She felt like she failed her piano lesson miserably. To her amazement she received a standing ovation, and the audience listening from the outside went crazy for her to come to the balcony. Billy and Vox went to her. Billy handed her his big cowboy bandanna for her to wipe her tears away.

"Why are you crying, Daughter?" Vox asked.

"I'm sorry I wasn't better prepared, Master Vox," she said and shed a few more tears.

"What are you talking about, little Sister, you were wonderful," Billy said in awe, "You played with a maturity your little brother don't have yet, but he will in time. Don't you never put yourself down. What we heard here today from both you kids is nothing short of amazing, and if we don't get you out to the balcony soon, them damn cows and slaves is gonna' storm the castle to see their princess. Come, Sweetheart, take my hand, and dry your tears. Trust yore' big brother, you have a great future ahead of you," Billy said and Vox agreed.

To Kayla's surprise the crowd outside doubled-down on their cheering, whistling, cowboy hats thrown in the air, and they started chanting her name. Kayla was overwhelmed, waved Billy's bandanna to them, and smiled. They kept up their cheering for several minutes until Billy calmed them down by raising his hands for silence. "Trust me, we won't let them get away. We have tomorrow evening for our weekly Barnyard Concert, and we'll see if we can get them to play for us then," Billy assured the gathered crowd as they cheered more for Kayla. Kayle drank in the outpouring of love from the slaves and cows like they were the most important people in the world to her, and for the moment and many years to come, they would become her personal performance-gauge for how well she was communicating with her audience.

* * * * * * *
Randy's string lesson went better that he hoped. He was able to play his scales on his violin without too many squeaks or squawks. He was getting better at bowing, but it was nowhere near his brilliance in his keyboard work. So it seemed to everyone concerned, each of the Rutherford children were equally gifted but in different areas. The ladies accompanied Randy back to the auditorium just as Kayla was coming in from the balcony after taking her bows to her slave and bovine audience. She had a big smile on her face. She was pleased with herself. She ran to Helen and Roz and gave them a hug. Everyone stood around talking and comparing notes about what the young people brought to their lives. When Helen suggested she would be interested in teaching Kayla piano and conduct her lessons at her studio in one of the great barns on the Kirkendall ranch, Billy and Vox looked at each other.

"We didn't know you were musically inclined, Aunt Helen," Billy said what both were thinking.

"Why, yes, I've played and studied for years; piano; violin; viola; cello, and even the double bass," she said.

"Would you play for us?" Billy asked and motioned toward the Steinway on the raised dais.

"I'd be happy to, Master Billy," Helen replied and headed for the piano.

The cowboys and everyone who dropped everything to come to the auditorium for Randy and Kayla's piano lessons returned to their seats. Helen stood in front of the piano and announced, "I will play for you a Liszt piano arrangement of Bach's Prelude and Fugue for Organ in A minor."

Helen sat on the bench, adjusted it to her height, took a kerchief from the pocket of her white smock she wore, wiped her hands, put it back, placed her hands on the keyboard and began to play. She played beautifully from the first note to the last. Kayla sat with her mouth open. Randy was sitting between his sister and Master Billy. He gently took Kayla's hand in his and held it while Helen was playing. It was as if they were absorbing the beautiful music together, and Kayla welcomed the moment of closeness with her younger brother. For the first time in a while, she began to see Randy was not all snips and snails and puppy dog tails, but he was becoming a sensitive and caring young man. She began to think she might meet him halfway and begin to cooperate with him on a couple of projects he suggested she didn't think would be worthwhile.

When Aunt Helen stopped playing everyone in the audience went crazy applauding. Kate and Zelma were stunned as was Roz. Helen mentioned she had a music studio at her place and invited Roz over several times, but something always seemed to get in the way. Roz was going to make sure she got over to visit Helen often. Roz wanted to start some projects for which she would need an accompanist and lately Billy was just too busy to take on anymore than he was doing. Helen might be the perfect partner for her. Once again the outdoor audience was yelling and applauding. Billy escorted Aunt Helen to the balcony and introduced her to the gathered crowd. She smiled, waved to everyone, and they cheered for her playing again.

"Stick around, we'll try to get her to play some more for us," Billy hollered, and they responded with more cheers.

"Could you play more for us, Aunt Helen?" Billy asked.

"I'd be happy to. I haven't played for an audience in years. It's nice to be appreciated. How about the first five Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tempered Clavier by Bach?" she asked.

"That would be fine. It would seem to be a Bach day, today," Billy said.

"Everyday is a Bach day, Master Billy," Helen replied.

"I cain't gainsay that, ma'am," Billy agreed and smiled.

Helen sat down at the piano, but this time Billy announced what she would be playing and for everyone to hold their applause until she finished the last fugue. If they didn't know which was the last, to watch Kate, him, or Vox. When they saw them applauding they could join in. Helen began with the deceptively difficult prelude in C. While it lays simple under the fingers, it's devilishly difficult to play correctly and consistently. Helen had no problem and proceeded to the fugue immediately. The next prelude sounds like someone jumping up and down on a set of rusty bed-springs on a harpsichord, but on a piano it becomes a touch or technique piece and probably brings out the more true intent Bach meant for the music like he was writing for a different kind of keyboard instrument. (The forerunner of the piano was invented in 1700 and Bach lived until 1750 so it is quite possible he was familiar with and played on a Pianoforte.) Helen played the five Preludes and Fugues perfectly with strength and grace. Her playing was again met with great enthusiasm, and she made the obligatory trip to the balcony to take a bow before her second adoring audience. Helen found a new home. Billy's cup runneth over. He was about as happy as a vampire working in a blood bank with this new knowledge of Helen being a musician. He could hardly contain himself.

* * * * * * *
Meanwhile, over to the Kirkendall ranch, Jack McCormack arrived early and smiled to himself as he drove his SUV into the compound. The five watchers didn't bother to hide themselves anymore and were each enjoying a stainless-steel bowl of slave chow and a biscuit. Each beast had a banana, an apple, and an orange for their breakfast. On a shopping safari to the local thrift shop Bubba found a half dozen of the small bowls and thought they would be rugged enough and easy enough to clean to feed his pets and his main protector. Jack laughed at the thought of the huge long leggedy beasties being pets, but the analogy was persuasive. It seemed to Jack, once you befriended one and made the least effort to be kind or considerate of them, they would do anything in the world for you, and whether you were their particular human to protect or not, they would be there if you needed them. Jack got out of his vehicle, waved, and spoke to the five on the porch. They stopped eating long enough to welcome him and wish him a good morning.

"And a good morning to you fine looking, gentle folk. It looks like you're having a healthy breakfast," he hailed them and commented.

"Master Bubba takes good care of us," said the largest beast Jack talked with before.

"Is he really taking care of you, or is this a bribe to get your help moving the old furniture out?" Jack asked.

"No, Master Bubba starts our day like this pretty much every day. If he can't be here, he leaves enough out for us to divide amongst ourselves, but we don't always get three pieces of fruit everyday; so, maybe it might count as a small bribe. Wouldn't make no difference. We'd help him anyway," the big one said.

Jack laughed and agreed, Bubba is a pretty good guy. "Look, if you guys know of any watchers or daddy long-legs over to my area what ain't doing too good send them to me. I can care for a few – maybe six. Put the word out and have them contact me. I don't mind helping out if they's hungry, and they can always stay in my old barn during foul weather. There's plenty of hay and some old canvas tarps in there they can use, so they can get out of the weather and keep warm. Only one requirement, they must keep themselves clean enough they don't smell up the place to tip folks off to their presence," Jack said.

The biggest one said they would put the word out the following day at the Daniels' feed and concert.

"Do they feed you?" Jack asked with surprised.

"Yes, sir, Master Jack. Master Billy, himself, drives his tractor down to the river with a flat-bed trailer attached and has about six of his Irin cowboys give us food, pure water, and several treats to enjoy before and during the concerts. I'm afraid it's grown in size. Sometime we have as many as fifty watchers and daddy long-legs show up, but somehow Master Billy always seems to know how much is needed, and he makes sure no one goes away hungry. We love him very much, sir," the big one said.

"I can understand why, Big 'un," Jack said, "I'm quite fond of him myself," he added.

"We think you got the prettiest wings of all of them cowboys, Master Jack," he said and his buddies agreed.

"Why, thank you, Big 'un, I think they're rather festive myself. At least I standout in a crowd of cowboy-angels like Carmen Miranda on a Banana boat," Jack said and laughed. He got several laughs and a couple of grins from the stomping of Bigfeet. (Two or more Bigfoot)

Jack walked on into the house and found Bubba and Bubba's Brute sitting in the kitchen. Bubba was making coffee and Brute was sitting on a tall kitchen stool at the breakfast-bar eating his breakfast. Bubba looked up and smiled, stood and opened his arms to Jack. Jack went to him and they shared a brotherly hug with pats on the back. Jack got a deep whiff of Bubba and knew his beast must have bathed him last night. "My God, Bubba, you smell good enough to eat. Forget Willow Creek," he said, and they shared a laugh.

"We heard you talking to the hired help out on the porch. How many times I done told you, you can't go fraternizing with them furry field hands. Why, the next thing you know, we'll come home, and you'll be sit'n on the stoop with a banjo on your knee singing "Cum by ya" and "Old Folks At Home," Bubba declared.

"Bubba, that's racist!" Jack exclaimed.

"I know, but think on it as cowboy bullshit satire. Truth is, I'd lay down my life for any one of them critters, and my handsome protector, too," Bubba said and winked at Brute.

"I didn't expect you to be up," Jack said accepting a cup of coffee from Bubba.

"I got an early morning tongue-bath and a first class blowjob this morning from my beloved protector. I'm ready for the day. Nothing can go wrong. Did you call Billy last night?" Bubba asked.

"Yes, I did, and he said if we trusted Hoss, to bring him along. He agreed with me there wouldn't be too much unusual for anyone new to see, except he ain't invited the Village Band and some of the elders to a Saturday afternoon barbecue in over a month and he was going to have the Sun Bears come and perform. Let's face it, Bubba, most of us done had a complete immersion into the Daniels' experience without a howdy-do and we come to love it. Hoss will too. I'm gonna' make it clear to him, though, my invitation is for him only and not his cousin, too, but first, I will ask if he feels obligated to take his cousin everywhere with him. He didn't invite him to go with us to lunch in Brady," Jack said.

"I don't think you got anything to worry about. I get the strong feel'n Hoss is his own man, but for whatever reason is adrift in a world he don't fully understand nor does it agree with him. You plan to asked him to stay the night and share your new bed or take him home with you? On second thought, whatever you do, don't take that poor cowboy home wiff' you! Them damn geese will eat him in one sitting and pick their nasty beaks with his bones!" Bubba said and roared with laughter. He even got Brute laughing.

"Very funny, Bubba, but 'no,' I ain't jump'n in bed with him on the first date," Jack said firmly.

"Of course not. You got all them legal things to take care of and papers to file," Bubba said, slapped his knee, and fell out laughing at the look on Jack's face.

"Am I that bad, Bubba?" Jack asked like he was frustrated.

Bubba grabbed him in his arms and bussed a big kiss on Jack's cheek. "I's jes' fun'n witch'cha, little Brother, "That's what big brothers do," he added.

"Don't worry, big Brother, I got a feeling you'll get your house decorated soon enough," Jack said.

After their coffee the men and beasties got to work and cleaned out the room Jack picked for his bedroom. It was on the third floor at the other end of the house from Bubba's downstairs bedroom, and had it's own bathroom. It was old, the plumbing was ancient, but Jack didn't see it as a problem – at least for now. After he remodeled the house, the bathrooms would be brought up to date. He grinned to himself thinking what fun he would have spending his big brother's money. Bubba was in good hands with Jack for a decorator. Jack believed in using quality material, but he didn't believe in spending exorbitant sums for something which might only have a limited function in a setting. He believed in practicality, functionality, and comfort over a razzle-dazzle wow factor. He wanted to create an appealing living space which would reflect Bubba's personality: basic cowboy.

Jack and Bubba were amused. They no sooner set a piece of furniture out down by the river, when they returned with another, the previous piece was gone. They didn't care. They were going to douse it with kerosene and torch it. It wasn't very good furniture to begin with; certainly nothing like expensive antiques. Jack knew good older furniture and surprisingly there were a few pieces he didn't throw out. He was sharp enough to recognize quality work when he saw it. There were several pieces with a little work and and a lot of love, they would reclaim their former glory. The floor was swept and mopped. It was obvious the room wasn't used much and the hardwood floors were in excellent condition.

"How many of them big rugs you got up in the attic, Bubba?" Jack asked.

"Four – maybe six. They's stacks of them and smaller rugs out in the barns. Anyone of them big rugs would almost cover this bedroom," Bubba replied.

"I don't want it to completely cover the room. I just want one for the center to set the bed on. I want the wood floor to show around it," Jack said like he was working it out in his mind. "Think we could wrestle one down?" he asked.

"With this crew? Muscle power ain't nothing. Besides, ain't you used your levitation-apt yet?" Bubba asked.

"My what?" Jack asked.

"Stand still!" Bubba exclaimed and held up the flat of his hand to Jack. He looked like he was grimacing, and Jack slowly began to rise off the floor. Instead of being shocked or pissed at his younger brother, Jack started laughing.

"How did I miss out on that little trick?" he asked as Bubba slowly lowered Jack to the floor.

"I didn't discover it until Bossman Randy explained it to me," Bubba said and covered his mouth so Jack couldn't see his grin.

"Bossman Randy?" Jack asked.

"Hey, don't never underestimate that kid. He's got a brain up in lights and never misses a thing. He's explained a lot of things to me I didn't want to bother them other men about. He's ma' baby buckaroo brother, but I love him like he was ma' own," Bubba said.

"He's got a thing for big cowboys. I'm afraid I'll lose Hoss to him," Jack lamented with his arm thrown dramatically across his forehead. Bubba laughed at him.

"Naw, like me, Hoss will just become another one of his posse. The Bossman's main man is Billy Daniels," Bubba said like Randy was a force of nature but nothing to worry about.

"Can we take a look in the attic?" Jack asked.

"Let's go!" Bubba said, turned and motioned for everyone to follow him.

They climbed the stairs to the attic and Bubba used his key to unlock the door. Jack was amazed by the size of the attic. It was actually a forth story and was lined with small windows called dormers. At one end was another door and looked like it could be another room. Bubba confirmed it for Jack. It was another bedroom with it's own bath. They started looking at the rolled-up and carefully wrapped carpets. Bubba began to read the writing on one: Ushack Rug – beautiful pink and salmon colors, and it gave the dimensions. They read the description of each rug until the fifth one Jack read: Gift from the Sultan of Beni – Sulyman Han Belgeseli III – Brilliant vibrant colors deep pile, primitive animals and creatures of all sorts real and imaginary with many tribal symbols and patterns. Largest hand-woven Kazack rug in existence. This rug cannot be appraised. It is priceless. It is a work of art and should hang in a museum. "This is it! This is the one I want!" Jack said firmly.

"You want to levitate it down the stairs?" Bubba asked.

"What if the delivery men arrive while we're moving it, Master?" Brute asked.

"He's got a good point, Bubba. Hoss and his cousin already know about Brute and know there's several more watchers around. It would be less of a shock on them," Jack said.

"With six of us it won't be a problem, Master," Big 'un spoke.

"Okay, but I don't want nobody hurt. Take it slow and easy. Got it?" Bubba asked.

"Yes, Master Bubba, we can handle it," Brute assured him. He was right. The six of them hefted the heavy rug onto their shoulders and marched in unison slowly down the stairs. Jack laughed to himself. He thought they looked like huge bizarre teddy-bear pall-bearers taking a giant enchilada to its final resting place. It was a good thing Bubba took Jack and Brute's advice. The giant long leggedy beasties no sooner reached the bottom step to the third floor when Hoss and his cousin Doug walked into the hallway entrance to the house. Their jaws dropped open in awe at the sight of half a dozen Bigfoot carrying what looked like a rug to a room on the third floor.

"Are they for hire, Mr. Kirkendall?" Hoss yelled up to Bubba.

"Afraid not, sir. They's buddies of mine, and you met Brute last time you was here. He's my slave, my companion, and my protector. Actually, it's difficult to explain what I am to them or what they mean to me," Bubba said.

"No it ain't, Bubba. They're family, Hoss," Jack said waving down at Hoss, "Come on up, and we'll show you where we want the new furniture. Maybe we can get some extra muscle to help since it's on the third floor," Jack said and smiled. "Bubba and I never would have gotten that huge rug down from the attic by ourselves," he added.

"We'd be glad to give you a hand, sir," Doug Dewberry said.

"Don't know if the four of us could a handled it, Mr. Dewberry," Jack replied.

"Just call me, Doug, Mr. McCormack," he said.

"Thanks, Doug," Jack said.

The delivery men walked into the huge room and watched as Bubba and his Bigfoot giants stripped off the jute twine and burlap covering from the huge rug. When they got it undone, they dropped the wrappings over the railing to the downstairs and helped Bubba and Jack unroll it. Once it was done, everyone stood looking in awe at the beautiful sight before them. The note on the wrapping was right. It was brilliantly colored with reds, deep blues, yellows; all the colors of the rainbow and the animal figures and mythological beasts were around the edges. Brute even discovered what had to be representations of Bigfoot in several of the spaces. The others were thrilled with the significance their species was recorded on the beautiful rug.

"If that was your uncle's handwriting, Bubba, he's right. This is a work of fine art. It should be hanging in a museum," Jack said.

"You ain't gonna' put cigarettes out on it, are you?" Bubba asked with a grin.

"I don't smoke, Bubba, nor would I allow anyone to smoke in my bedroom," Jack replied.

"Y'ain't gonna' wear your spurs on it, are you?" Bubba asked.

"My cowboy gear is at my place, and I leave my spurs in the tack room where they belong," Jack said.

"Then I don't see no problem. We can always make a decision later, but I got me a feel'n once't you live with this rug for a while, you won't be able to give it up," Bubba said with a grin, "Try it for a while," Bubba urged.

"If you're sure," Jack said.

"I'm sure. Nothing's too good for my little Brother," Bubba said like a drunken sailor and got a laugh out of everyone.

Everyone pitched in and with the extra hands and muscle from the six Bigfoot it was done in no time. Everything fit perfectly in the room and the bed looked wonderful and inviting in the middle of the huge colorful rug with its headboard up against the wall between two dormer style windows. It was almost blinding with colors so bright and pretty, it looked like the day they finished it.

"'At's one hell of a fine rug," Hoss declared.

"I ain't never seen me nothing like it," his cousin Doug agreed.

"Well, we's through early. If you'll sign the delivery papers for me, Mr. Kirkendall, we'll be on our way," Hoss said looking at Jack like he'd like to linger for a while.

"What's the rush?" Bubba asked as he quickly signed the paper at bottom on the clip-board Hoss handed him. "Stay for a while and have a cup of coffee. I got me some new coffee cakes from the mother of a buddy just down the road a piece where them Highland Cattle are standing around the front gate. They's called Hosanna Cakes 'cause ever' time you bite into one they make you want to shout 'Hosanna!'" Bubba said.

"He ain't lying, Gentlemen, nor is he blowing smoke up yore' butts none, neither," Jack said in his best cowboy lingo. (He got the 'neither – nor' part ass-backward, but it's okay in Texas speak. Texans think on language like it's the meat of life but can't be truly appreciated until it's thoroughly butchered.)

"We had breakfast earlier, but a cup of coffee and a sweet treat might hit the spot," Hoss said and Doug agreed with him.

The delivery men, Hoss and Doug Dewberry, responded properly after their first taste of the Hosanna cakes echoed by Bubba and Jack. They shared a laugh. "These are delicious. Where can you get them?" Hoss asked.

"No place but the ranch Bubba told you about. They're thinking on manufacturing them on a mass scale," Jack replied.

"I'd shore' 'nuff buy them," Hoss said.

"So would I. I think I could become addicted to them," Doug said.

Talk was light but Bubba could tell Jack wanted to talk with Hoss alone. "Say, Doug, why don't you and I take a little walk, and I'll show you my uncle's antique gun collection from the Civil War days?" Bubba asked.

"I'd like that a lot, sir. I'm interested in anything to do with the Civil War," he replied and they left the kitchen. On the way down the hall, Doug turned to Bubba and smiled, "Nice diversion to get the kid out of the way so's them men could connect with each other, Brother," he said.

Bubba laughed. "You really don't give a shit about the Civil War or guns, either, do you, Son?" Bubba asked and grinned.

"Nada! Zilch! Zero interest," Doug replied, "I don't mind the ruse. You were smooth, and them two need a minute or two to be alone. I suspect Mr. Jack would like a date with my cousin and if so, more power to both. Hoss can't talk about nothing else for hours after we leave here but Jack McCormack. It's like Jack has some powerful spell he's put on him. Let's take a walk outside and talk with your watchers. I find them fascinating and would like to know more about them. I know we got us a couple around our place, I done seen 'um," Doug said.

"Do you live together?" Bubba asked.

"Yeah, we have since I started grade school. My dad, Hoss's uncle, was killed in a roundup accident. His horse was spooked by a rattlesnake, reared up, unseated my dad, he fell off and busted his head open on a big rock, his boot got locked into the stirrup. The horse dragged him for over a mile. They finally got to him, but there weren't nothing they could do for him. He left a trail of blood and brains on the ground. He died later that evening. My mom grieved herself to death, stopped eating, and willed herself to die. I was only a kid of six and was devastated I lost both parents. I didn't think anybody wanted me. I went to live with Hoss and his mom. He lost his dad the year before from cancer. Hoss became my big brother and dad, but we lost his mom the year he started high school.

"To ever' body's surprise, we done pretty good by ourselves. They were gonna' put us in foster homes, but Hoss went before the judge and told him he would be responsible for me until I was eighteen. The court assigned us a social worker what would come and look at our ranch house and see if we were living clean and eating properly. Hoss was a tiger at seeing to my well-being and in turn his own. We got Social Security and Veteran's survivor allotments from our dead parents, but that stopped when we's eighteen.

"Hoss got drafted and went to fight in the oil wars, and I was left alone to run the ranch. He come home and I was immediately drafted and spent four years in Hajie Hell, we called it. Used to be when a veteran came home he didn't have no problem finding a good job. Not anymore since the government changed. I was home for a year living off my cousin. I done some part-time cowboy'n for dirt pay, but when you's desperate and hungry, you don't argue the point. I couldn't find a steady job doing nothing until Hoss got me on delivering furniture with him for the store in Brady. We ain't doing great, but we never miss a day of work, we work hard, and got our act together," Doug said.

They came upon the watchers, and after greeting them, Bubba and Doug continued their conversation. "Do you share the same sexual inclinations as your cousin?" Bubba asked.

"Yes, sir, we done come out to each other after Hoss come back from the Middle East, but we ain't never done nothing wiff' each other. We's more like brothers than cousins, and I also think on him as my dad. I look back on what he done for me and don't know how he done it. I owe him a lot, Mr. Kirkendall. I don't know's I could accept the responsibility he did and be nearly as successful as he was," Doug said in all sincerity.

"Some men are like that. I was raised by my uncle, and I ain't got me no complaints. Is this man being honest wiff' me, my kind and gentle beasts?" Bubba asked the six watchers.

They looked at Brute to answer for them. "None of us can find a flaw in him, Master. He is incapable of deceit. He has massive self-doubts, but he wants a better life for himself and his cousin. His heart is pure and his love for his cousin is real, honest, and strong," Brute said, "And, he's a virgin to either sex," the big handsome beast added.

Bubba looked at Doug and grinned as he watched the young man blush beet red. He grabbed Doug into his arms and hugged him. "Don't let that shake you, Son. I'm a virgin ma'self and proud of it. I done it with a couple of women with a buddy of mine, but ain't never wiff' a man; howsomever, that's soon gonna' change. I got me a big daddy-bull punishment slave over to the Daniels' ranch I got the hots for and plan to make him my surrogate slave-dad and teach him how his boy best likes to fuck him. I didn't discover my own druthers until I got back from them oil wars. So we got some'um in common," Bubba consoled him, "Tell you what, I know'd what Jack's talking with Hoss about. He's inviting him to spend the day wiff' us over to the Daniels' ranch tomorrow. He was only gonna' ask Hoss, but he don't know you or your relationship with your cousin. What say, you come with him as my guest and spend the day with us? There will be good food and entertainment and you'll get to see many more watchers and other strange, but wonderful, critters. I guarantee you will have a good time or my real name ain't Echeb Kirkendall," Bubba said.

"I'd be downright honored and proud to be your guest, Mr. Kirkendall. Thanks for the invite. We usually work in the store until noon, but we might be able to get off a little early," Doug said.

"Well, keep in touch and just let us know. You men drive here, and we'll go together," Bubba said.

"That would be great. Will these gentlemen be there?" Doug asked.

"All but two, and they rotate from weekend to weekend. They will be provided with good food as well, but they have to stay here to guard the ranch. We done had us a burglary a while ago, and they stay around to make sure the place is safe," Bubba explained.

"Good idea," Doug said and shook his head in wonder, "You spend every Saturday afternoon at the Daniels' place?" he asked.

"Oh, yeah, wouldn't miss it for the world. You'll understand after you experience it. There's never a dull moment, and it's like they's a discovery around every corner," Bubba said.

"Like what, Mr. Kirkendall?" Doug asked.

"Can't tell you. Then it wouldn't be no surprise. You just have to witness it for yourself, but I promise, you won't be disappointed," Bubba said, grinned, and bussed a kiss on the young man's cheek. Doug blushed again, and the watchers smiled. "Come, Son, them men done had enough time to jaw with each other," Bubba said and led Doug back into the kitchen. "Change of plans, Brother," Bubba hailed Jack, "I done invited Doug to join us tomorrow as my guest. I didn't do it lightly. My watchers urged me. They said it was meant to be, so you don't have to keep no secrets from us," Bubba declared.

"Sorry, Doug, I didn't mean to be underhanded," Jack said to the young man.

"I understand, Mr. McCormack. No problem. I'm just glad for the invite, and I promise, I will give you and my cousin a wide berth, so's you can get to know each other better," Doug said, "Hoss's happiness is my happiness, sir," he added.

"That's fine, Doug, but call me Jack. I hope we can be friends," Jack said and offered his hand.

Doug shook his hand and spoke, "Thanks, Jack, and there ain't no problem. Hell, I'd do anything for another one a' them Hosanna Cakes," he said and laughed.

Hoss and Doug finished their coffee and left to make another stop in Mason before they returned to the store for another load. Bubba closed up the house and they got in Jack's SUV to drive into town for breakfast. It was still early morning and they met the sheriff, Will Tate, and his dad, Buster, pulling up to the restaurant at the same time. Jack invited them to join them. They were celebrating Jack's new stay-over bedroom at the Kirkendall ranch, and Jack was treating. Will and Buster looked at each other and smiled.

"It's complicated," Jack said and laughed.

"No it ain't!" Bubba said laughing, "We done made a bet, and – Jack's right, it is complicated. You'll find out soon enough. We's bringing two new cowboys to the Daniels' place tomorrow. They's our furniture delivery men from the store on the square in Brady. They's both big men and they's cousins. No, really, Sheriff – they's cousins. They got the same last name," Bubba insisted, "Besides, I'm gonna' get to outfit me a new bedroom over to Jack's place. I done already picked out my room," Bubba bragged.

"Only in Texas," Buster said shaking his head in disbelief. Will and Jack broke up laughing.

"It's good to see you men enjoying each other's company, but ain't that carrying the brother thing a bit far," Will asked like a concerned parent.

"Naw, Sheriff, h'it ain't far from Jack's place to mine," Bubba checked Will and the men laughed.

"That ain't what I meant, and you know it," Will Tate drawled.

"Ah, Hell, we ain't got no good excuse. We just enjoy each other's company. We don't get much done, but we have a lot of fun," Bubba said.

"That's what life's all about, Son – or what it should be," Buster said.

The men had a good breakfast together and caught each other up on their individual lives and those in the community with whom they had close contact. Will was concerned for Earl and the new Harley-Buck Johnson. "My deputies say they hear big Buck talking to himself a lot like he's carrying on a conversation. It's usually after they's bedded down for the night and Earl's done already gone to sleep. They say he'll talk to his'self with his face turned to the wall for an hour or more," Will said.

Bubba and Jack broke up laughing. "He ain't talking wiff' his'self, Sheriff. He's talking with his new little brother, Bossman Randy. Billy's taken a shine to him and a personal interest. He gifted the big cowboy with hearing select minds like his and his little brother's. Billy told Randy Harley-Buck was a big cowboy what could use a good friend and little buddy to help him adjust to the idea he might have to spend some time as a salve," Bubba said, "He don't really have to do more'n think. Get him off to his'self and tell him he don't have to speak out loud. His little buddy can hear him just fine, and he only has to send his thoughts his way," Bubba added.

"Thanks, Men, I appreciate the tip. Sometimes things happen so quickly around here I don't get all the details. That's good to know. I get a tickle from the Bossman ever' now and then and we shoot the shit for a while, but he never imposes or stays too long. He'll say what's on his mind, we'll chat for a bit, and he'll sign off. It's always good to hear from him. On another topic, how are you handling your buddy's possible sentence of becoming a slave for several years?" Will asked Bubba.

"I honestly think it would be the best damn thing what could happen to Earl, Sheriff. He lacks direction, and I give up trying to get him to listen to me. Jack and I talked about it until we ain't got no more words to say on the subject. I think we agree, whatever sentence Judge LaFleur has in mind for him will set him on the right track to becoming a better man and a fine member of our community. I can't help feel like I done let him down sometimes, but with men like you, your dad, the Daniels, and my little brother here, I know I'm gonna' be all right," Bubba said.

"We got faith in you, Son," Will Tate told Bubba, "You's still devoted to Earl, and you's still spoiling him. That's gonna' have to stop once't he becomes a slave – at least for a while, until Billy's men get hold of him and straighten out his kinks or reinforce them – whichever," the Sheriff said and grinned, "Me and dad got us a bet. He thinks Earl will sail through the sexual readjustment, but ole root'n toot'n Harley-Buck will balk and fight them until he's finally broken," Will said and winked at Jack.

"Mean'n no disrespect, Mr. Tate, but I think you done bet on the wrong horse," Jack chimed in speaking to Buster, "I think it's gonna' be just the opposite. I know Grover Parsnip like the back of my hand, and I'm here to tell you that man could sell fire-brands to the Devil. He's already done talked with them men. I think Harley-Buck will embrace it, and Earl will be the one who has problems, but not as bad as some folks think. I think once he gets over the initial fear and stigma of it, he will ultimately find it liberating for himself. I predict it will bring him a better overall feeling of self-confidence for himself he never found before," Jack said, "Another consideration: he'll have Harley-Buck as a slave brother what will be experiencing the same realignment process at the same time. They can encourage each other," he added.

"I think my dad's locked into his beliefs. He's like a hound-dog with a juicy bone when he makes up his mind, Gentlemen," Will said.

"Jack has a couple of good point I ain't considered, but we'll see," Buster said swallowing his last bit of coffee and grinned.

* * * * * * *
The following morning at exactly eleven thirty a huge white 3500 Dodge diesel pickup truck with enormous tires pulled into the compound of the Kirkendall's ranch. Two big handsome cowboys got out of the truck in their best western attire, and they were looking good. Jack spent the night in his new bed at Bubba's ranch and was feeling wonderful. He and Bubba were up early fixing breakfast and getting last minute things done before they left for the Daniels' ranch. There were hugs and handshakes exchanged. Hoss and Doug waved at the watchers who were sitting around on the porch not doing much of anything.

"Damn, that's a fine big truck, Gentlemen," said Bubba, "Is it new?" he asked.

"Damn near; we took over the payments from a lady whose husband just bought it last year and passed away suddenly of a heart attack. She was asking only five thousand cash, and we agreed to take over payments. Since we both been working, we been double'n up on payments and should have it paid for this fall," Hoss said.

"You feel like driving down the road a piece. Jack and I can ride in the crew cab," Bubba asked.

"Sure, jump in if you're ready to go," Hoss said.

"Brute, since we's all clean and dressed up would you gentle folk mind transferring them four bags of carrots over to the back of Hoss and Doug's truck?" Bubba asked, "You can take a handful for each of you if you like," he added, "Brute you jump in the back to receive them and ride down with us. Four of you we'll see down by the riverside, and the other two stay to look after the place. Thanks, guys," Bubba said.

The transfer was done and the men set out for the short drive down to the entry gate into the Daniel's ranch. After Hoss drove over the cattle guard, he pulled to a stop in front of the cattle. "They certainly are handsome looking cattle, but I could swear they's actually acting like guards to keep people out they don't want coming onto the ranch. I told Doug the last couple of times it's unusual to see cattle bunched together in the same general area like they do," Hoss said.

"That's exactly what they're doing, Cowboy," Jack responded in the front seat; now turn off your ignition, set the brake, and get out on your side. Doug you join us. We'll take you men and introduce you to the two lead bulls. They're names are Yates and Dunn," he added.

Hoss looked at Jack and grinned. "You gotta' be kid'n me. This is a new-guy initiation trick, ain't it?" he said and Doug laughed in the rear seat behind him.

"We all had to do it at one time or another, Cowboy. We said the same damn thing you just said. C'moan, let's go. We got work to do," Jack said and opened his door to get out. Hoss put the huge truck in park, stomped the emergency brake with his big buckaroo boot, undid his safety belt, and opened his door to get out. The two men in the back did the same. They gathered in front of the truck and walked together toward the two large bulls.

"Howdy, Mr. Yates and Mr. Dunn," hailed Bubba, "How are you fine cows today?" he asked.

"Ah, Mr. Kirkendall and Mr. McCormack. We been looking for you. You're in a different vehicle today; a fine looking big truck. May we assume it belongs to one of these gentlemen with you," Dunn asked.

"It shore' does, sir. Actually, it belongs to both these men. The big cowboy next to me is Mr. Hoss Dewberry and the younger gentleman next to Bubba is his cousin Douglas Dewberry. We called ahead and squared it with Master Billy," Jack said.

"Welcome to the Daniels ranch, Misters Dewberry and Dewberry," Yates said

"Holy shit! Talking cows. Can you believe this Doug?" Hoss asked his cousin.

"I have to, Hoss, I'm watching and hear'n it with me own eyes and ears. Bubba and Jack didn't lie to us, Brother. They done told us to adjust our sense of reality. We would experience things today like we ain't never seen before. If it's all like this, I say bring it on. It's like cowboys in wonderland," Doug said. Bubba and Jack laughed. So did several of the cows.

"We brung you fine cows some carrots for treats, sirs, so if you'll be so kind to part and allow us to drive through, we'll throw 'em out to you as we pass," Bubba said.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Bubba, and we always appreciate it. You and your friends have already been cleared so we will part. The Rutherfords are just pulling in behind you. Wave them to go around you, and then you men can start up the road. Welcome to the Daniels' ranch, Gentlemen. We hope you enjoy your visit," Dunn said and the cowboys headed for the truck. Bubba waved Mary Rutherford to go around them. She and her mother smiled, waved, and slowly drove up as the cows parted and allowed her to pass. She rolled down her window and greeted the two lead bulls and exchanged pleasantries before driving on. Brute was waiting for Bubba and Doug in the back of the truck. He had the sacks torn open. Hoss and Jack got in the front seats and slowly started up through the cattle as the two men and beast threw handfuls of sweet carrots out to the cattle as they passed by. Doug was having a ball. "I don't know what's to come, Bubba, but this was worth the trip. Thanks for including me, sir," he said.

"My watchers are never wrong about a person, Son. If you weren't a good man, they would have told me, and I wouldn't have bothered. I'm glad you decided to come along. I think you'll fit right in at this ranch," Bubba reassured him.

After the men distributed the carrots to the cattle, the cows yelled their thanks to Bubba and Jack as they slowly made their way up to the main ranch house. It seemed like every time Jack and Bubba came up over the hill, the ranch looked better. It was obvious Billy was putting a great deal of effort and money into making the ranch a showplace, and he was quickly achieving his goal. There was a crowd assembled and more were coming up the drive patiently following the giant truck in front of them with the men and one giant beast throwing carrots into the herd with wild abandon.

"Holy shit!" exclaimed Hoss again as they came up over the rise.

"Is that your only exclamation, Cowboy?" Jack asked and grinned.

Hoss laughed, "Fuck no!" he said, "But that's my best one when I's knocked out by some'um. This place is frick'n beautiful. It looks like a ranch what should be at Disneyland and what are all them strange critters milling about talking with the folks, hugging, laughing like they's old friends or relatives?" Hoss asked, "My God! They's giants and tiny little bear-like critters flying about. One a them giants is blue. It looks like a damn Star Trek convention like they have in California," Hoss added.

"They's slaves, friends, neighbors, and relatives. You'll start to put the pieces together, Cowboy. It won't take long. They's more of the strange end of the family than what Bubba and I expected. I think Master Billy is showing some hospitality to the other side of his family because they were a great help to him recently on a little emergency project he whipped up in an afternoon's time," Jack surmised.

Billy noticed the huge white truck and saw Bubba, Doug, and Brute standing in the back. He got the biggest grin on his face and started walking toward it with Bossman Randy by his side. Jack laughed to himself. Randy had Billy's walk down pat and looked like a miniature version of the large cowboy. "Is that Billy Daniels and his son, Brother?" Hoss asked.

"They look like they belong together, don't they, but 'no.' It's Master Billy, but the boy ain't his son. He belongs to the lady what drove around us down to the gate. He's Bossman Randy Rutherford, but he and Billy are bosom buddies. You couldn't pry them two apart with a wreck'n bar," Jack said and laughed as he saw Billy motion to the big tuck and roll his eyes like it was the biggest damn truck he'd ever seen, and it would have to belong to Jack's boyfriend. He grinned again and shook his head.

Billy came along side and hollered, "You men need stepladders to get down out of that boat?" he asked and laughed. Randy slapped his knee and giggled like a school boy. The tires were taller than Randy.

"Wiseacre!" Jack accused, opened the door, and got down from the big truck. Billy gave Jack a hug and a kiss. Jack lifted Randy into his arms and shared hugs and kisses with him.

Hoss walked around the front of the big truck and stuck out his hand to Billy. "Mr. Daniels, I'm Hoss Dewberry," he said as Billy took his huge hand and shook it.

"Billy Daniels, Mr. Dewberry, and this here buckaroo is ma' little brother, Mr. Randy Rutherford, or Bossman Randy as we call him. Just call me Billy, sir," Billy said.

"Call me, Hoss, Billy, and you too, Randy," the big cowboy said.

Bubba and Brute came around for more hugs and stolen kisses. Bubba introduced Doug to Billy and Randy. Randy was enjoying being held in Hoss's big arms and didn't seem too interested in leaving them anytime soon. Jack laughed to himself again. How could he not share the big man with a young boy as open, loving, and innocent as Randy. On the other hand, he wanted to be held by those big arms so bad his gut ached. "I didn't think there would be this many of the more strange members of our extended family present; especially, in the wide open spaces," Jack said.

"It grew. It's more of a payback obligation than anything. The village people were so good and giving during the giant's smack-down and were quick to rally and provide everything we needed for our Mummer's play, I couldn't not invite them. Almost the whole damn village is here, except for a few aged and infirm and those protecting our Shedus. We even installed huge holo-vids in the stables and everyone on the ship is watching by robo-cam feed. With everything going on I didn't see when we'd have another chance. Fortunately, my technical team figured out a way to interrupt the signal to and from the geo-static positioned satellites and have a continuous loop of a quiet day here on the ranch playing from our source and feeding up to them. Thanks to Bossman Randy and his admonishments about being vulnerable to spying a couple of weeks ago, we looked into it and made sure nobody will see anything strange," Billy explained, "Come, enjoy yourselves. We start feeding at one o'clock. The Barnyard Concert and Hoedown begins at six. Until then, you're free to roam about and meet anyone you chose to talk with," Billy said.

There must have been close to three hundred people of all shapes and sizes at the Daniels ranch and the most amazing thing was, they were getting along and having a great time visiting with each other. The sheriff and his family arrived in his new family van. The kids and smaller folk crowed around to get to see Miranda and her family. As usual Miranda and the pups flew out the back of the van and circled over the heads of the crowd calling to people they recognized and loved. Hoss and Doug's mouths dropped open for the eighth time. "No! Talking flying dogs? Oh, my God! They're fantastic," Hoss said and poor Doug just gaped in awe.

One flew right in front of Hoss. "You look big enough! Hold me, Cowboy! I'm tired of flying," the little female demanded. Hoss's huge hands flew up and gently grabbed her.

"And what is your name, my pretty one?" he asked, holding her away from him, looking into her face, then pulled her to him to cuddle.

"Lois," she said, giving him a big sloppy wet puppy kiss on his face.

"Thanks for that, Darlin'. I won't warsh that cheek for a month a Sundays," he said and Lois laughed. The pretty pup knew she made a friend.

The Breedlove contingency arrived with Elmer, Roxanne, Oatie, Jethro, Pete, and Leon. Leon managed to talk his watchers into staying with his dad. Billy promised he and his men would get over to Leon's ranch the following week after the sentencing of Earl Hickson and Harley-Buck Johnson, or he would make arrangements for Pete and Leon to bring Leon's dad to the ranch the following weekend. Leon was excited about the possibilities opening to him. Before they drove out to the Daniels ranch together, Pete made an announcement to his family including Perry Reed and Mick Flynn, he made a formal request of his work buddy Leon Tollefson to start courting him seriously and Leon agreed. He didn't elaborate further other than to say his ultimate goal, if he could win the big cowboy's heart, was to ask Leon to marry him. There was a stunned silence for a moment. Oatie walked to his dad, embraced him, and kissed him on each cheek.

"I never thought I'd say these words, but I'm proud of you, Pete. For once, you're following your heart without an imaginary ring through your nose, and that cain't be a bad thing. I hope it works out for you men. I think it will. For the first time in my life, I can honestly say, I have faith in you, and you're doing the right thing," Oatie said loud enough everyone could hear him. He went to Leon, hugged and kissed him on his cheek as well, "I couldn't imagine a better partner and mate for my dad than you, Cowboy. I've silently admired you and your quiet strength for years. You're a good man, Leon – welcome to our family," Oatie said firmly.

"Thank you, Oatie. Coming from you – it means a lot, Son," Leon said wiping away a tear.

"Just don't go get'n no ideas you's gonna' become my wicked step-mom, Cowboy," Oatie said and everyone laughed.

"But – I was so looking forward to those mother-daughter moments we could share together over a nice hot cup of chamomile tea," Leon shot back, and the men laughed harder.

"Oh, we can still have those, and compare notes about what beasts our husbands are," Oatie agreed and the two cowboys got everyone laughing.

* * * * * * *
Bubba and Jack asked Billy when he planned to make a cowboy-angel assault on Coo-zone 'Vee and Coo-zone Cleet. "If nothing comes up I think we can take care of them Monday or Tuesday early. So check back wiff' me Sunday e'nin for something solid. I gotta' talk with Etienne. I'd like to take Coo-zone Odio Placide Boudreaux, Etienne's dad, with us, but he don't know what day he can take off from the sand plant yet. They's pretty strict with their help. We might even do it tomorrow e'nin. I got to talk with him about it," Billy said like he had a thousand things going on in his mind. "Folks is going through the line, and we got the tractor hooked up to the trailer. You men feel like riding along to give us a hand feeding them watchers and daddy long-legs?" he asked.

"Sure, let me grab Hoss and Doug away from them giants, Joe and Gog, Thor, Zeus, Mace, and Picard. They's fascinated by them and Captain Nick's protectors, Pan, Leon, Razza, Crunch, and Bubba's new squeeze, Orville," Jack said. They went off to gather the two big cowboys.

Billy made up two five gallon pots of deer chili he labeled 'Daniels' Ranch Five Alarm Chili' meaning it was as hot as a five alarm fire. He knew the village men loved hot foods and never experienced the chilies from Earth before the last time they sampled the sauces for the barbecue. Everyone wanted the hottest Billy could provide. Billy's five alarm chili would peal the skin off your finger if you stirred it with one. The first huge pot of chili was gone within thirty minutes, and they were clamoring for more. They loved it.

Hoss and Doug loved the idea they got to be included in helping feed the watchers and daddy long-legs. They were impressed at the number of the giant beasts and the ever increasing number of daddy long-legs. There must have been twenty-five or thirty huge beasties, and almost as many daddy long-legs. Some of the humans had bits and pieces of clothes, but many more were completely naked. One might think with a mixed bag of beast and humans waiting for food there would be pushing and shoving to be first in line, but there was none of that. Watchers would grab a particularly feeble older daddy long-leg and shove him in front of himself to allow him to lean on him until he could get his food. It changed several men's lives to help Billy with the Saturday evening feedings. Hoss, Doug, Bubba, and Jack were not immune to the psychological impact it made on them.

Of course, Billy's right hand man, Bossman Randy, was right there handing out three different fruits and a small bag of popcorn for them to enjoy during the Barnyard Concert and Hoedown. Each bag was stapled at the top so if they dropped it, the popcorn wouldn't fall out. Billy's cowboy slaves set out fifty-five gallon drums around with large plastic bags inside for them to drop their waste into and clean up the grounds afterward. They were always good to follow the rules and there was never a piece of paper or a plastic plate or bowl left on the ground. It made it easy for Billy's cowboy slaves to bag up the waste and dispose of it later.

Billy was working right next to Randy and watching him out of the corner of his eye. One of the daddy long-legs, the one with the leather mask covering his face, seemed very shy, but when he took the fruit and popcorn from Randy he took the boy's hand, leaned over, and gently kissed it. He stood and looked at Billy then back to Randy, and spoke quietly, "You's a good boy, Son. You look just like yore' daddy. You stay close to Master Billy. Learn all you can from him and his family. May the ancients bless and keep you in their hearts and souls. You will grow up to be a great leader of men some day and together you and your big brother will change the world for men without hope like me and my furry brothers," he said, took his food, turned, and hurried away.

Randy looked at Billy with a look like his heart might break at any moment. His lower lip trembled like he just might lose it. "Eh, what, Soldier?" Billy said in his best Limey accent, "Stiff upper lip! Strong back! Square up them shoulders, Private First Class Rutherford! Even as we watch our comrades fall around us, we can't be letting the battle get to us. We must go forth unto the throes with brave hearts and strong intent! With a hear, hear, here, and a hosanna there, we'll win this battle and many others like it to live and love another day in the memory of those what have fallen," Billy said.

Randy looked up at him and grinned, "You's so full of shit!" he said and giggled, "But I love you just the same," he added. Randy threw back his handsome young head and yelled at the top of his voice, "Hosanna!" and a mighty roar came from the watchers, daddy long-legs, and the men working to distribute the food, "Hosanna, in the highest!" and they went on like nothing happened.

"Why does if have to be this way, Brother?" Randy asked.

"H'it don't have to be, Son. We can change it. We will change it. You know in your heart – right this minute – you and me, together – we can change this world, one day at a time. Look how far we come in the last several months we know'd each other. I can't do it alone. I need you and everyone of our brothers and sisters to stand with us to work to see we affect change and make this world a place for the many and not just the few," Billy said. They didn't stop until they fed every watcher and daddy long-leg who walked for miles to attend the Daniels' family ranch Barnyard Musical and Hoedown. As Billy drove the tractor back sitting in the big seat with Randy in his lap in front of him, and the cowboy helpers on the trailer, they talked for a bit. "Are you gonna' feel like playing for us this e'nin, Cowboy?" Billy asked.

"Yes, sir, more'n ever," Randy said resolutely.

"What are you going to play?" Billy asked.

"Bach! What else?" Randy said and laughed.

"You got a good point, little Brother – a couple of them inventions?" he asked.

"No. Something I been working on in my spare time, but I'll need a microphone," Randy said mysteriously.

"You gonna' sing along?" Billy asked and grinned.

"Captain Nick was right. You's smarter'n you look, big Brother," Randy said and laughed. He got Billy laughing.

"I think we can get you a microphone," Billy said dryly.

* * * * * * *
It was one of the most laid back family gatherings anyone could remember, and the amount of people only seemed to bond them together in a tighter union. Billy urged the village musicians to bring their instruments, and they were in their colorful native costumes. They worked up a couple of numbers with the Sun Bears and had their own village folks dancers available as well. Billy gave the first two hours of the Barnyard Concert to the Village musicians and the various dancers. Those who were new to the concert were carefully told the first couple of hours would be devoted to more serious music of folk and classical pieces, but the last half everyone let their long-hair down and got out the fiddles and rosined up the bows for a good old-fashioned country jamboree hoedown.

There was no first class seating. Everyone sat together. First come, first served with a seat and the area in front of the barn began to fill up pretty quickly; however there wasn't a bad seat in the place. They had bales of hay stacked so people could take blankets and sit above the rest of the crowd down front. Probably the best seats of all were the watchers on the cliff across the river who could see and hear even the smallest sounds; however, Billy made sure he had everything amplified and no one missed a thing. He also had several huge TV's screens set out down by the river so they could get close up views of the performers. The watchers and daddy long-legs didn't sit in the cheap seats.

The village musician under the direction of Maestro Gustalf M. Moehare led them in several rousing pieces, and they had their acrobatic folk dance team dance several native dances. They brought down the house. Then it was time for the Sun Bears to dance and the newer members performed several of their native dances no one ever saw before. Even the enhanced winged Sun Bears never saw them. They were a big success and everyone loved them. Hoss and Doug couldn't get over the quality of the music and the professionalism of the dancers. It was like nothing they ever heard or saw before.

The sun was setting in the west, and it was almost like the Ancients and the greater forces in the Universe came out to paint the setting for this particular Barnyard Concert. It was time for Billy to take over to present the more serious set of music. He already had a line up but something told him to let his little brother go first. "Friends, family, watchers, and guests, we will start this evening's concert with three pieces from my beloved little brother, Bossman Randy Rutherford," Billy said and great cheers went up for Randy.

The young boy of seven years took the microphone from his big brother and took a bow to acknowledge the applause. "Thank you very much. I will play one complete work by the great composer J.S. Bach and then two short choral works by him," Randy set the microphone down and walked over to the synthesizer on the stage and made the settings he wanted. He wanted it to sound like a harpsichord. He started in and the musicians in the crowd immediately noted it was the Sinfonia from Bach's first Partita for keyboard.

"So much for Two-Part Inventions," Roxanne leaned into Billy and whispered.

"I think we've created another Bachinstein monster," Billy said, "Cute little bugger, though," he added, and they shared a laugh. Randy played the complete Partita and the last movement – the Gigue, was a technical tour du force, but Randy ripped it off with the same ease he did his Two-Part Inventions the previous morning. When he finished the last note the audience was on their feet yelling and cheering. As the sun slowly sank behind the hills in the west, it gave everything a supernatural aura. Randy owned the show that evening, but he wasn't through yet.

He took up the microphone. "The next two pieces are of shorter duration but came together in my mind this afternoon when my big brother told me anything is possible when you have the love of your family behind you; and then, something one of the daddy long-legs told me. I don't know his name, but he wears a leather mask over his face probably due to facial scaring from the wars. He was kind enough to give me his blessing and these two pieces are for him. The first is an English translation of a famous Bach Chorale and it calls upon the God-head in each of us in the name of Yeah-zoo. The second has it's own message no one will miss. On the second Chorale the music and words will flash on the overhead screen with the music. Those of you who can read music are invited to join in the second round after I sing the first.

Randy went back to his keyboard and started playing the familiar counterpoint to the famous chorale, 'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring.' Billy took up a cello and nodded to his other musicians. They quietly filled the seats behind Randy as he began to play and sing in a pure clear boy soprano voice the words, Jesu, joy of man's desiring, holy wisdom, love most bright. All of a sudden his playing was being supported by strings and the clear sweet tones of a wood flute to double the melody. Randy stopped playing, took the microphone, and walked to the front of the stage. He didn't stop until he finished the last note and the music ended from behind him. The crowed went absolutely crazy. They loved the piece and they loved him. They were calling for him to do the piece again. After Randy got them calmed down he told them he would be happy to sing it again, but this time, he would go directly into the second and most important chorale. Billy nodded to his musicians and they started "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring' again.

This time Randy didn't hold back and put his all into the words and melody. Bossman Randy sang with the voice of an angel. As he was finishing, people began to see UFO's of an opalescent nature beginning to fly around overhead and looked like they were headed straight for the stage. Randy simply said, "Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. I sent for them," he said and everyone calmed down. The farthest bubble-shaped disk lost its opalescence and there stood three angels each holding a trumpet. The bubble in the center cleared and there was a string quartet of angels with bassoon and oboe. The bubble on his right cleared to reveal two angels with trombones and two with French horns. Randy nodded to the strings and they began to play the famous Bach Chorale 'Sleepers Awake.' As Randy began to sing, the trumpets supported his vocal line part of the time and the trombones the rest of the time. It appeared to be a heavenly host of wonderful musicians. Everyone was stunned. Billy and his musicians sat in awe. There was only one question on every mind: how the fuck did he do it?

The second go-round of the piece, a strong chorus of young slave voices and some of the regular audience joined in with Randy to make the piece of music something of celestial beauty. The colors of the West Texas sunset exploded into an orgasm of different hues like an artist's palette and added to the personally spiritual nature of the music. There were damn few people or critters with dry eyes when they finished. None of the humans saw it, but high upon a limestone ledge above the river, Randy's beloved watcher beast, Ludo, held his close friend, the daddy long-legs with the leather face in his huge furry arms and comforted him as he cried his heart out from the boy's beautiful singing and the unmistakable message Randy sent to him through the words of the Chorale:

Wake, awake, for the night is fleeing; the watchmen on the heights are calling: Awake, my brothers, at last! Midnight hears the welcome voices; and at the thrilling call rejoices; Come forth, shy virgins, the midnight hour is upon us; the Bridegroom commeth; we must awake; take up your lamps with gladness; Alleluia! And for his marriage feast prepare; For ye must go and meet him there.

Zion, hear the watchmen singing; And from every weary heart with joy is springing; She wakes, she rises from her gloom; For her master comes to her in glory, so strong in grace, in truth victorious. Our star is risen, her light is come. Ah come, thou blessed one, Emanuel's own beloved son: Alleluia! We follow to the halls of lasting life where thou hast bid us sup with thee.

Now let time and the heavens adorn thee, and saints and angels sing before thee, with harp and cymbal's clearest tone; from one pearl each shining portal spring, where we are within a choir immortal, like angels round a dazzling throne; no eye hath seen, nor ear hath yet attained to hear that which is truly ours, but we shall rejoice and sing to thee our hymn of eternal joy.

The audience loved anything they could join-in and Randy remembered. They were the ones who made his little stunt such an overwhelming success. There was a great silence at the very end as the last great chord sounded, then all hell broke loose. Everyone in the audience, to the highest watcher on the other side of the river, including the cows, let loose their emotions in applause, stomping of boots, throwing of hats, yelling Randy's name. The young boy got a standing ovation and a well deserved one to have pulled-off something so spectacular. The musicians took a bow and simply vanished at the end of the piece. Randy was left alone on the stage with his musical family behind him. Billy came forward, picked him up in his arms, gave him a great hug, and stole a kiss. The audience went crazy again. He took the microphone from Randy and asked the question on everyone's mind, "How did you do it, Cowboy? Inquiring minds want to know," Billy asked.

"And lose the magic of the moment? Not on your life, big Brother, but let's just say, I thought outside the box to create a little magic like you done preached to me so many times; and to my surprise, it worked," Randy replied and laughed.

"I'll say it worked. I don't think we could play anything what would top that. So, I'm calling an end to the classic music part of our Barnyard Concert and the rest of our musical evening will be devoted to what everyone came to hear anyway, our Texas Hill Country Hoedown. Musicians! Grab your banjos, fiddles, guitars, mandolins, Cajun squeeze boxes, and washtub bases! We got us some music to play!" Billy exclaimed and another cheer went up from the crowd.

* * * * * * *
The deputies in the jail and Earl Hickson were concerned about Harley-Buck. He was sitting staring off into space like he was watching something they couldn't see or hear. Once in a while he would shudder like a rabbit ran over his grave, and tears would come to his eyes. Other times he would laugh and hum to himself. He didn't seem to be in any harm, so they just left him alone. Finally he came around and Earl asked if he was all right?

"Couldn't be better," he replied, "I just watched and listened to the most fantastic show you could imagine. It was on a ranch not far from here. It was wonderful," Harley-Buck said in awe, "I want to witnesses it for myself, in person, sometime soon," he added.

Earl Hickson went to sleep. He didn't bother to tell Harley-Buck he had a damn good idea where the show was coming from, but he had no idea how the big cowboy got to see it. That night Harley-Buck didn't have to speak out loud to his little buddy to thank him. Randy could hear his thoughts just fine.

End Of Chapter 53 ~ Him Who Made The Seven Stars
Copyright ~ © ~ 2013 ~ 2014 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All Rights Reserved ~
Mail to: waddiebear@yahoo.com
WC = 16277
06/30/2013
05/18/2014

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