WACO’S
LUMMOX
By
Waddie Greywolf
Chapter
18
Blake Tindell
was up earlier than the boys. He dressed quietly and went to the
big ranch house where Hoot and Cotton lived. He was pleasantly
surprised to see lights on in the kitchen area and a light on the back
porch. He went up the stairs to the screen door and knocked
quietly. He heard Master Hoot holler at him.
“C’mon in, Son,
it’s open.”
Blake walked
into the kitchen and greeted his Master.
“Good morning,
Son. Ever’ thing go all right last night?”
“I didn’t have
no problems with ‘em, Master. They slept like babies.
They’re still asleep. I didn’t wanna’ wake ‘em. I thought
I’d let you do that.”
“Good
idea. You ready to go? I would invite you to have breakfast
with us but it’s gonna’ be a while. I know Master Charlie will
invite you to have breakfast with them. Best you be on yore’ way.”
The men walked
to the older barn and Hoot opened the portal for Blake.
“Be back as soon
as I can, Sir. Damn! I don’t know if I’ll ever git used to
these gates.”
“Yeah, you will,
Son. As soon as they git chore’ DNA recorded in the computer, the
gates will open for you. You’ll be going through them all the
time. Give our regards to Master Charlie and Captain Long.”
“Will do, Sir.”
Blake walked through the gate into the Goodnight barn. He was a
little surprised to find Scraps waiting for him.
“Good morning,
Mr. Blake. Good to see you again.” said Scraps.
“Good morning to
you, Scraps.” Blake automatically reached down and patted Scraps
on his head. It seemed really strange talking to a dog, but
Blake remembered what Master Hoot told him ‘to go along with it.’
“I was sent out
to bring you to the big house, Sir.”
“Thanks,
Scraps. Lead the way.”
Scraps took
Blake to the back door. Blake opened it for them and Scraps
scurried through first. Blake followed. He could see Ida
Mae Wallace and young Lucas working in the kitchen. Lucas was
moving like a man on a mission. Blake heard Scraps tell his
mistress,
“Mr. Tindell’s
here, Ms. Ida.”
“Good morning
young man! Have a seat over there at the table. The other
men will be along in a minute. Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“If I’m allowed,
Ms. Wallace. Ain’t had coffee in a long time.”
Lucas poured him
a mug of steaming hot coffee, set a pitcher of cream and sugar in
front of him and gave him a spoon.
“You’re allowed,
Son.” she continued, “You’re a trustee, now. You’re allowed more
privileges than the ordinary slave.”
“Thanks, Lucas.”
Blake told Lucas.
“You’re welcome,
Mr. Tindell.” Lucas smiled and winked at Blake.
“Call me
‘Blake,’ Son. We’s buddies, you and me.”
“Respect,
Sir. You’re a trustee now. I call Hank Morgan, ‘Mr.
Morgan.’ He’s the only other trustee on the ranch.”
“His Master done
told him to call you that, Son.” Ida Mae jumped to Lucas’
defense.
“Okay, that’s
fine. I don’t wanna’ go against yore’ Master’s wishes.”
“Don’t mind
calling you ‘Mr. Tindell,’ Sir. You earned it.” Lucas said.
Blake didn’t
know what to say, but about that time Hank Morgan walked into the
kitchen from the backdoor followed close behind by JR. He walked
over to Ida Mae and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. She
kissed him back. He came over to the kitchen table where Blake
was sitting. Blake stood up as Hank offered his hand.
“Good morning,
Son, and congratulations on being appointed a trustee.”
“Thanks, Mr.
Morgan. I don’t feel much different.”
Blake and JR
exchanged greetings.
“You’ll grow
into it. Jes’ call me Hank, Son. We’re both trustees now.”
“Thank you, Sir,
it will be an honor.”
Lucas quickly
sat a mug of coffee in front of Hank. JR didn’t drink coffee yet.
“Mornin,’ Mr.
Morgan.” Lucas said quickly then when off to do another chore.
“Mornin’ to you,
young man.” he acknowledged Lucas. He returned his
attention to Blake as his took a sip of his hot, black coffee.
“Hear tell you wanna’ know what the ‘long-shot’ is all about?”
“I can’t help be
curious, Sir. Master Hoot said it would be something wonderful.”
“It is.” spoke
Ida Mae and Lucas in unison. They laughed with each other
and Hank smiled at them.
“They’re
right. The name Master Charlie give the shot says it all.
It’s jes’ what it says. It’s a long-shot, but not in the sense of
a bet. ‘Long’ stands for ‘longevity.’” Hank smiled and let his
words sink in. He could see the wheels turning in Blake’s brain
but, he wasn’t coming up with any answers.
“A longevity
shot?” Blake mutter to himself.
“Exactly,
Son. It’s jes’ what it says. It will alter your DNA to
allow you to live a long, long time,— almost indefinitely.”
“How long is
‘indefinitely,’ Sir?”
“For centuries,
Son. How old do you think Captain Long is?”
“He’s a young
looking man in his early forties.” Blake allowed. Lucas and
Ida Mae giggled.
“He’s two
thousand two hundred and nineteen years old, Son.”
“No!”
“Yes!”
“And have you
all received this shot?” Blake asked.
“Yes, Son, young
Lucas received it while he was recovering on the Bandersnatch. JR
was one of the first to receive it along with Master Charlie, Waco and
his slaves. Mistress Ida Mae done decided to git the shot when
the Captain helped Scraps. He checked out Ms. Ida and his medical
staff made a correction that probably saved her life.”
“I got me one a’
them shots, too, Mr. Blake.” Scraps chimed in.
“If that’s true
it’s amazing. Does that mean you’ll still be a slave forever,
Hank?”
“I don’t think
so, Blake. Master Charlie and Master Long told us there would be
adjustments in our sentences. Even if I have to be a slave
for another fifty to a hundred years, to know one day I’ll be a free
man would be worth it. As it is now, I don’t never have me no
hope of becoming a free man. I was sentenced to life as a
prisoner-slave; however, when they gimme’ that sentence the life
expectancy of a man was anywhere from sixty to ninety years. They
never counted on the possibility of a slave living several hundred
years.”
“That’s
amazing. Ever’ one told me I’d be amazed. I’m looking
forward to it.”
“Good!” said
Master Charlie as he walked into the kitchen followed by Waco and
his crew. Lucas got a mug of coffee for Master Charlie.
Waco and his boys got their own coffee.
“You had
breakfast, Son?” asked Master Charlie.
“Naw, Sir,
Master Charlie. I got up too early and Master Hoot sent me
through the gate straight-away.”
“Then you’ll
have breakfast with us. I know Ms. Wallace has already counted on
you.” he winked at Hank and the men chuckled.
“Thank you,
Sir. I’d be honored.”
Lazarus came in
the backdoor stomping his boots like he was trying to get feeling back
into them from the cold. He smiled to see everyone there as he
took off his heavy coat and hung it on a peg rack next to the door and
put his big cowboy hat on top of it.
“Good morning,
ever’body.” Lazarus said cheerfully. They all greeted him.
Lucas had his mug of coffee already fixed the way Lazarus liked it.
“Thank you,
Son.” he said to Lucas as he patted him on his back.
“You’re very
welcome, Master.” Lucas said sincerely. Blake could tell
there was a love and trust that passed between Lucas and Lazarus that
was palpable. He knew, without a doubt, Lazarus looked upon Lucas
as his son. The fact that Lucas was also his slave struck Blake
as highly erotic. He found the feeling almost enviable. He
couldn’t believe his dick was growing hard in his Wranglers.
Somehow, he got the feeling, Lucas’ role as Lazarus slave was not a
concern for either of them. They seemed as comfortable with each
other as a cowboy wearing a well worn pair of old boots.
The men sat, had
coffee and chatted about the coming day and what needed to get
done. Hank was going with Blake on board the Bandersnatch so most
of Charlie’s comments about the ranch were directed to Lazarus.
He carried a small notebook he jotted down things Charlie wanted
done.
It fit in the breast pocket of his brown leather vest. Waco
and his boys were helping Ida Mae and Lucas get breakfast on the table.
Ida Mae told the
men breakfast was ready. Lucas was still scurrying about getting
last minute items and Ida Mae brought out hot, homemade biscuits.
The men gathered around the table. Blake stood next to Hank
Morgan. Lucas returned to the kitchen for a minute and Lazarus
spoke softly to Blake so only the men at the table could hear.
“Ever’ thing
okay at the other place, Son?”
“Yes, Sir.
They’re still a bit raw about things, but they’s settling in.”
Waco looked at
his slave brothers and Lazarus saw a questioning exchange going on
between them. This was something they didn’t know about.
They weren’t quite sure why Blake Tindell was sent to Hoot and Cotton’s
ranch. They were told he was going to build some things for them.
“Good. You
need to get this medical out of the way for several reasons you already
know about.” Lazarus called to Lucas to come to breakfast. Ida
took over what he was doing patted him on his cute little butt and sent
him in to his Master. Lucas took his place next to Lazarus and
took his hand. The other men joined hands and Charlie said a
blessing for the food, for their day and for their new ventures.
Blake was impressed.
Everyone seemed
in a great mood and the boys were congratulating Blake on being
appointed a trustee. He graciously thanked them and noticed
Travis and Little Bear referred to him and Mr. Blake or Mr.
Tindell. It made Blake feel just a little more important in
the scheme of things.
“Please tell me,
Mr. Tindell,” Lucas spoke to Blake directly across the table from him,
“do you think the late Caleb Stamper’s brothers will give you much
problem as slaves?”
Waco almost
choked on his eggs and dropped his fork in his plate. Travis
elbowed Little Bear.
“Didn’t I tell
you?” Travis whispered.
“Shhhh!” scolded
Little Bear softly.
There was a
silence you could’ve cut with a knife. Everyone looked at Lazarus
for an answer. Lazarus took his napkin, slowly wiped his mouth
and mustache, looked at Lucas and smiled.
“We can’t put
much over on you, can we, Son?”
“H’it ain’t
that, Dad. This was an easy one. I done figured it out when
Master Waco, Travis and Little Bear come in from school yesterday and
told me they thought it was odd none of Caleb’s brothers were in school
Thursday. I knew in my heart you were gonna’ do it. It was
just a matter of when. I never told Master Waco, Travis or Little
Bear what we discussed or what I thought you was plan’n on doing.
Caleb’s oldest brother, Burt, will be eighteen next month, and I knew
if’n you were gonna’ do some’um it had to be before his eighteenth
birthday.”
Everyone
continued to eat, but no one dared say a word.
“How do you feel
about it, Son?” Lazarus asked in a concerned voice.
“Pleased.
Happy. Relieved. Grateful. All that and a hay wagon
load a’ love for you. They couldn’t be in better hands than
Master Hoot’s, Master Cotton’s, and especially, Mr. Tindell’s. I
couldn’t be more pleased and happy Mr. Tindell’s seeing to
them. You and Master Charlie couldn’t a’ picked a better man for
the job. He’s got my full confidence. Caleb’s brothers jes’
might have a chance in life now. God and you gimme’ a wonderful
new chance; a great new life where I’m happy to belong. I
couldn’t imagine praying for the life I have now. I wouldn’t even
know’d what to pray for. While they ain’t Lucas Long’s brothers,
I
can’t help care about them for Caleb’s sake and wish the best for
them. I’m beginning to believe prayers are heard and
answered. I prayed you would save them from themselves and
Caleb’s dad.”
Lazarus put his
arm around Lucas and pulled him close. He stole a kiss and Lucas
broke into tears. He cried into his napkin for a second then
quickly got himself together. Everyone was devastated.
Blake almost shed a tear. He quickly wiped his eyes with his
napkin.
“Thank you,
Dad.” Lucas said to Lazarus, “You couldn’t a' given me a better
present.”
Blake was
stunned by their exchange. He was impressed the way Lucas
referred to his past life as ‘Caleb.’ He also thought his heart
would break to hear the boy call Lazarus his ‘dad’ and thank him for
enslaving his brothers. It wasn’t because the boy was vindictive
and glad his brothers got theirs. He was genuinely concerned
about them. Blake knew it was a special moment. Lucas was
telling Lazarus he was his dad now, and what Lazarus did didn’t bother
him. He thoroughly approved of his dad’s actions. Lazarus
smiled at Blake.
“I’d like to
hear what you have to say in answer to my son’s question, crew leader
Tindell.” Lazarus spoke softly.
“Gladly,
Sir. They were a bit shaken up yesterday, but I managed to get
‘em settled down. It was a lot for them to accept. I think
they were emotionally exhausted by the
time we hit our bedrolls. They slept like babies. They were
still asleep when I left this morning. Master Hoot is gonna’ git
‘em up and take ‘em to the chow hall. I feel a little guilty not
being there with ‘em this morning, but Master Hoot will take over for
me.
We’re bunk’n in
the barn right now; however, last night we met in the slave’s common
room or recreation area. It’s huge building and has complete
facilities.
It was originally a slave quarter. Only one toilet is working,
but it won’t take me long to get ‘em
working again. Master Hoot is gonna’ let us partition off a third
of the area for temporary quarters for me and the boys. When we
git the new slave quarters built we can either return it to
it’s full size or leave it like it is. I suggested to Master Hoot
he might wanna’ consider leaving it, because he might have other,
unexpected slaves before much longer.”
“Excellent!
Good thinking, Son. You tell Master Hoot I’ll take care of the
cost for remodeling the rec center, too. You tell him I said for
you or him to submit all the bills to me directly. Anything you
need, you get. That includes any tools you might need.”
“I’ll tell him,
Sir.” Blake said. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”
“You heard my
boy, we all have the same faith in you.” Lazarus told him.
The talk changed
to more lively topics of conversation, and the subject was broached
about playing
football on Sundays. Blake didn’t know if he’d be able to get
away for Sundays.
“Oh, yes, you
will!” stated Charlie emphatically, “I included that in our
agreement to loan you to Hoot and Cotton. You would be allowed to
come for Sunday dinner, have a good meal, relax and let chore’ hair
down for a while and play some football. It wouldn’t be the same
without you. I realize some Sundays you may not be able to make
it because of other obligations, but for the most part I expect to see
you here on Sundays shortly before noon. You’re gonna’ need some
time away from them boys to keep your head straight.”
“I hadn’t
considered that, Master Charlie, but I can see how you might be
right. I appreciate you thinking about me.”
The men finished
breakfast. Lucas gave Blake a hug and a kiss before he left with
Hank Morgan. He told him he meant everything he said, and he was
looking forward to playing football with him Sunday.
“If’n I can git
away, buddy, I’ll be here. Glad you know about all this. I
had to do what my Master wanted of me. I’d never say ‘no’ to
Master Charlie, but it did make me feel kind a funny when I thought
about
you. I didn’t wanna’ have to do some’um behind yore’ back.
It makes it so much easier for me this way.”
Blake said his
‘goodbyes’ and told Lazarus he planned on going back to Master Hoot’s
immediately after his medical exam.
“That’s fine,
Son. Just take it easy and tell the singing crystals we wish them
well.”
“Singing
crystals, Sir?”
“C’mon, Son,
you’ll find out soon enough.” Hank took him by the arm, and they
left for the barn.
“Can I go with
‘em to say ‘hello’ to Cable, David and Jonathan, Ms. Ida?” Scraps asked
his Mistress.
“Okay, but I
don’t want you staying out there all morning on that ship. Them
boys got work to do with Hank and Mr. Tindell. They ain’t got
time to be entertain’n you, sweet baby. There’ll be lots a’ time
for that later.”
“I promise, I’ll
come right back, Ms. Ida.”
“All right,
then,— go ahead on. Say ‘hello’ to Cable and the boys for me.”
she hollered.
Scraps was
already out the door and caught up with the men.
“Ms. Ida said I
could go with you men and say ‘hello’ to Cable and his men. Then
I have to come right back.”
“Fine.
Glad to have you join us.” Hank laughed at Scraps and petted him.
Hank activated
the portal and Scraps rushed through. The men stepped through to
find Cable, David and Jonathan making over Scraps and giving him
treats. Blake’s eyes almost popped out of his head. These
were not ordinary men. They looked almost angelic. They
were
perfectly formed, muscular, well endowed, drop dead handsome men, and
they were totally naked. Nobody warned him about Captain Long’s
sons. Hank could see the shock on the young man’s face.
“These gentlemen
are Captain Long’s other sons, Blake.” said Hank. “They’re part
of his crew.” Hank proceeded to introduce the androids to
him. The men shook his hand and seemed genuinely happy to meet
Blake. They said they’d heard good things about him.
“Don’t be afraid
to ask us questions if you have any, Mr. Tindell. I notice you’re
a bit uneasy with us.”
“Not uneasy, Mr.
Cable,— just curious.” Blake replied.
“No ‘Misters’
here, Mr. Blake. Call us only by our name.”
“Then, please,—
call me ‘Blake,’ Sir. I’m a slave. I’m jes’ used to showing
all freemen respect.”
“Fine, we will
be honored to call you ‘Blake.’ We are not like you and Mr.
Morgan, Sir. Our father, Captain Long, had us made. We are
bio-mechanoids or as Captain Long calls us, androids.”
“They ain’t
robots, Son.” spoke up Hank, “They’re highly sophisticated and
intelligent men. They are classified as sentient, because they
think, reason, have emotions like you and me, and can feel anger and
love. They are physically just like you and me, and ‘yes’ they
are capable of having sex and enjoying it as much as us. They’re
capable of a great range of emotions, but mostly they are fine men
dedicated to their father.”
“Well said, Mr
Morgan. We love our father very much. He is our
creator. We are his sons.”
Scraps said his
‘goodbyes’ to the men and left through the portal. He could swear
he smelled the faint scent of a female dog in sickbay even though there
were lots of other smells on top of it. It must have been some
time ago. Maybe Captain Long helped another dog like he helped
him. He had to tell his Mistress about it. Scraps ran as
fast as he could to the house and the boys let him in on their way out
to school.
“Have a good
day, men.” He told them.
“You, too,
Scraps. See ya’ this afternoon, pal.” said Waco.
Scraps ran into
the kitchen and found Ida Mae relaxing, having another cup of
coffee. Lucas was washing up the last of the pots and pans.
Together they had the kitchen cleaned up in no time. Lucas was a
God-send to Ida. She never asked for him to help her. He
just started in to work for her and pick her brain how to take care of
his Master. It was a mutually rewarding relationship.
“Oh, good,
you’re back. I saved some goodies for you, darlin.’”
“Wonderful.
Thanks, Ms. Ida.” Scraps said as she set the plate of food in
front of him. He gobbled it up and licked his lips.
"You
think Captain Long’s had other dogs on the ship recently, Ms. Ida.”
“Why, did you
smell
something, sweet heart?”
“Yes ‘um, just a
faint odor of a bitch.”
Ida and Lucas
shared a laugh.
“He’s so darn
busy, he might a’ had some other rancher's dog out there helping her.”
“I think he had
a female they rescued a number of days ago, Scraps. They took her
away to another ranch.” said Lucas winking at Ida Mae. “I
remember him saying something
about it.”
Charlie told Ida
Mae about Happy and she was thrilled, but told her to keep quiet about
it. Lazarus wanted to keep Happy on the ship for several days to
make sure she was all right. Ida Mae quickly changed the subject
and began to ask Lucas about how his visits with the Kryscells were
coming along. Scraps lost interest in discussing it further, went
over to his bed and curled up for a snooze.
* * * * * * *
If you gentlemen
would be so kind as to remove your clothing we will begin. Blake
looked over and saw Hank Morgan was already sitting down removing his
boots.
“May we assist
you in removing you clothing, Mr. Tindell?” Cable inquired.
“No, thank you,
I can manage.” He sat down next Hank and began to remove his
boots.
“They hate to
wear clothes, Son, so us men got together and told the Captain h’it
don’t bother us none for them to be naked. They was even naked
when Mistress Ida Mae came on board. She got a big kick out of
‘em. They love her, too.”
“What kind of
ship is this, Hank?” Blake asked, “Hi’t ain’t like no ship I ever
seen.”
“What kind of
ship do you think it is, Son?” Hank teased.
“Cain’t rightly
say, Sir. Ain’t never seen technology like this anywheres.
Whoever built it was years ahead of us. I’d guess we’s on some
kind of space ship.”
“And you would
be right, Son.” Hank grinned as he stood to shove his Wranglers
down and stepped out of them.
Blake had seen
Hank Morgan naked many times. Slaves get used to seeing each
other naked, but Hank never failed to make Blake’s penis get the
happies. He hoped Hank wouldn’t notice.
“I didn’t get a
chance to shower last evening or this morning, gentlemen.” Blake
apologized to Cable, David and Jonathan.
“No problem,
Sir. We have facilities here. You and Mr. Morgan will take
a shower and we will clean you inside. We need to perform an exam
of your lower colon. Your upper colon we can spot check with
another test, and if we see anything questionable we can schedule you
later for an upper G.I. In your lower intestines we will be
checking for polyps and will remove any we find. Secondly, after
your water shower and internal cleansing, we will give you a sonic
shower which will eliminate any surface bacteria, micro-organisms, or
parasites from the surface of your body.
Blake was a
little surprised the androids went with them into the shower to helped
bathe and scrub them down. They had no hesitation about cleaning
out both men and didn’t stop until their were completely clean in their
lower colon. Blake took his cue from Hank Morgan who seemed
thoroughly at ease with the androids. Blake was glad Hank was
with him. He didn’t know if he could’ve been this relaxed without
him. Hank was Blake’s crew leader on the Goodnight ranch.
It was like having his dad with him.
The men were on
the ship almost all morning. They were put into a twilight sleep
for the colonoscopy exam and given a stimulant afterward that made them
feel great. It made them feel so good they couldn’t help getting
erections. It excited the androids and they got hard. The
men all laughed at each other, but Blake was secretly pleased the
bio-men responded that way. It made him feel like they weren’t so
much different from him.
Blake’s favorite
part was getting to meet the Kryscellians and learning to communicate
with them. He never considered there could be such a wonderful
and beautiful life form in the universe. They were truly amazing
and told him they were going to make several corrections in his
body. They told him they would tell Mr. Morgan they needed to see
him again a couple more times to complete their corrections.
By the time they
were finished it was almost noon. Blake learned a lot. The
androids took his blood, it was instantly tested and found to be good
and sound. Other than minor corrections from the Kryscells, he
was in perfect condition. Last, but not least, Cable gave Blake
his longevity shot. Blake didn’t feel a thing. Cable also
instructed him how to give the Stamper boys a shot that would put them
in twilight sleep. Cable told him he needed to come aboard the
ship first to get the shot to give them and the antigrav-Gurney.
He told him he would show him how to operate it at that time.
“When will the
information be in the computers to enable me to activate the portals,
Sir?” Blake asked.
“It already is,
Blake. You can activate them right now.”
Hank was equally
in great shape. Blake thought Hank was in excellent shape.
He
couldn’t take his eyes off Hank’s body all morning. Once Cable
leaned over to him with his penis beginning to get erect and whispered,
“Is it just me
or is there something about Mr. Morgan that has a special animal sexual
magnetism?”
Blake
thought he was going to bust a gut trying to stifle his laughter.
“H’it ain’t jes’
you, Cable. I totally agree with you. He jes’ has to have
some’um extra in his genes what make me wanna’ commit crimes against
nature on his body.” they shared a laugh.
Cable told Blake
the Captain wanted three robo-cams assigned to him and all the Stamper
boys. Cable explained it wasn’t to spy on him, but for his
protection in case of danger. He showed Blake and Hank what the
robo-cams looked like when visible, then hit a key on a computer and
they vanished; however, Hank and Blake’s images were shown on three
separate screens for them to see. It was like they were on a
three dimensional television broadcast. It was amazing.
Blake didn’t know if he was going to like that. What if he wanted
to jack-off? He asked Cable about it.
“We git to enjoy
it with you, Sir.” he joked with Blake. Cable seriously
explained they don’t look at everything recorded. They run a days
worth of recordings through the computer in three point two seconds and
only look at anything the computer finds unusual.
“H’it don’t
bother me a bit.” spoke up Hank, “Being a slave, yore’ life ain’t
chore’ own no ways. If’n it protects me from some’um,— all the
better. What if some robber slave traders was to nab us?
They wouldn’t be able to git too far with them robo-cams on us.
We could jes’ tell the Captain and Master Charlie where we was and them
and the sheriff would come git us.”
“Never thought
about it that way, Hank, but I see your point. I jes’ won’t tell
the boys they got surveillance cameras on them twenty-four/seven.
I can see it might be helpful in training them boys. If some’um
happens and they tell me lie about it, I can find out for myself.”
“That
information would be made available to you as a trustee, Sir.” Cable
assured him. “However, it might also prove the boy’s
innocence.”
Blake was
beginning to see the benefits of such a system.
“Does everyone
have cameras on them?” he asked.
“Everyone whose
DNA we have. Even Scraps has three on him at all times.” Cable
hit another computer key and there were three dimensional shots
of Scraps getting a morsel of meat given to him by his adoring
mistress. He hit another couple of computer keys and the men saw
Waco,
Travis and Little Bear sitting at a table in the cafeteria at school
eating their lunches. They were talking about the Sunday football
game. Cable pressed another two computer keys and they saw Master
Hoot and Cotton with the Stamper boys taking them to the chow hall for
lunch. Cable pressed a couple more keys again and they saw
Captain Long
eating his lunch of slave chow and a biscuit with his men under the
shade of a
giant oak tree.
Blake and Hank
were impressed and suddenly realized they were hungry. Cable said
they were through for today and could return to their ranches.
Hank tried to talk Blake into returning to the Goodnight ranch with him
for lunch, but he declined. He told Hank he promised Master Hoot
he would return as soon as he could. He would see him Sunday if
he could get away. Hank went through the gate to the Goodnight
ranch. Cable showed Blake how to set the portal for Master Hoot
and Cotton's ranch. They said their ‘goodbyes’ and Blake walked
through to the old barn.
He headed on
down to the chow hall to join the boys and men for lunch.
Everyone seemed glad to see him. Hoot told him to get some chow
and a biscuit from the slave-cook. Blake got a cup
of chow and a biscuit from the cowboy, thanked him and returned to the
picnic tables where the boys were eating.
“Ever’ thing
okay, Son?” Cotton asked him.
“Fit as a
fiddle, Sir. They want me to return two more times for some
reason. They told Mr. Morgan to tell Master Charlie, and he would
tell you.”
“Yore’ word is
enough for us, Son. If’n you gotta’ be back there next Friday,
we’ll see to it you get there.”
“Thanks, Master
Hoot. I appreciate that.” Blake said as he ate some of his
slave chow. He noticed Master Hoot and Cotton were eating slave
chow and a biscuit.
“Maybe you
can take one of the boys with you next week.” Cotton said.
“The medical
staff,” Blake smiled and blushed, “said they could examine one of the
boys next Friday.”
“Good, then
let’s start with the oldest and work our way down,— one a week.
They can do whatever they need for you while you’re there.”
“Sounds
good. In the meantime what’s on the agenda for the men for the
rest of the day.” Blake inquired.
“We had them
stacking hay bails all morning, but we thought we’d let you take ‘em
this afternoon. We worked ‘em pretty hard, and they deserve some
time to get to know you.”
“I’ll take ‘em
to the common room, we can start measuring and figuring out what
we’re gonna’ need to make a section of it livable for us. I
wanna’ check out the plumbing. Do any of you men
know anything about plumbing, electrical or building?” Blake
asked.
“Jeb does.
He knows ever’ thing.” said his brother Sam like he was proud of
Jeb.
“Shut up,
dork! I know a few things, but I’m a long ways from knowing
everything.” Jeb scolded his older brother.
“Okay, let’s get
one thing straight, gentlemen. There will be no more name
calling. No man here is better than the other. One might
have talents the others don’t, but because they don’t have the same
talents,
they ain’t worth any less than the rest of you. Got that!”
Blake barked at his wards. Hoot looked at Cotton and grinned.
“Yes, Sir,
boss!” they answered in unison.
“Now, what do
you know, Jeb?” Blake asked him.
“I know how to
wire up electricity. I know how to fix most anything mechanical
or electrical. I was all the time fixing my brothers
computers. They never let me use ‘em, but I was good enough
to fix ‘em.”
“He is awful
good at stuff like that.” allowed Burt quietly. “I didn’t let you
use my computer, little brother, because I needed it most of the time
for school work. Besides, I didn’t want you seeing some of the
stuff I had on my machine. Knowing you, you’d a’ found ever’
thing I didn’t want you to see and a man deserves his privacy.”
“Well, you can
give up that idea, brother.” shot back Jeb. “We ain’t got
us no more privacy. We’re slaves now, and slaves don’t have no
rights to nothing.”
There was a
pregnant silence. The younger boys were looking to their handsome
cowboy crew leader for an answer.
“There’s a lot
of truth to that, but like ever’ thing else in life, you learn to live
with it. You accept it as part of your new life, and you git used
to it. I never think on it no more. All you have to worry
about is working hard, pleasing me and your Masters, and the rest will
fall into place. One of the benefits of being a slave, if there
is any, is you don’t have to learn to be a slave,— it’s done for
you. Ever’ day you’re told what to do and what is expected of
you. If you accept that and get chore’ work done, your Masters
will be happy, I’ll be happy and you’ll be happy. If you buck the
system, I promise you, no one will be happy. Gentlemen,— I
choose to be happy, and I urge you not to make me unhappy, ‘cause when
I’m unhappy,— you will be more unhappy.”
Hoot knew, at
that moment, if he ever had the least doubt, they had the right man for
the job.
There never was any doubt in Cotton’s mind. Blake talked to Hoot
and Cotton about a free standing blackboard his slave-master-builder
used to teach him and his slave-brother, Ed Bach, about building.
“H’it ain’t been
used for several years, Master Hoot. It’s mostly in the
way. Would you ask Master Charlie for me if’n he’d mind if we
borrow it so’s I could use it to teach the boys?”
“I remember that
old blackboard. It had slate on both sides and it rotated on an
axis. It’s a big ole thing. You could flip it over and use
either side as I recall. That’s a good idea. I don’t think
Master Charlie would mind. How soon you need it, Son” Hoot
looked at Blake. Blake was slow to answer. “Like yesterday,
right?”
“As soon as
possible, Sir, or when it’s convenient for you to get it. I
don’t know’s we could git it here by any other means unless it could be
broken down.”
“Can it wait
till Sunday? We’re invited over for dinner, and the three of us
could take the big truck.”
“Sounds
good. I can git by till then.”
The boys were
with Blake the rest of the day. Hoot and Cotton had other things
to attend to. He took them to the common room and they laid out
the floor plan for their temporary quarters. Blake even figured
out a way to put in a washer/dryer unit so he and the boys could wash
their clothes. When they finished for the day, Blake had it
pretty much in his mind the plans he was going to draw up. He
asked Hoot for the dafting pad and started drawing up plans that
evening. The boys were just sitting around not doing much of
anything when Hoot came out with a football in his hand. The boys
perked up real fast.
He gave it to
Burt and told him to pass it around for a while. They spent a
couple of hours tossing and receiving the ball. Hoot watched and
saw another natural athlete in Jeb. He moved with the same grace
and strength his younger brother did. Of course, Jeb had no idea
his younger brother was still alive. At the end of the day, Hoot
took the football back. He told the boys when they were good,
they got extra privileges. They could just as easily be taken
away from them. It was a sobering thought, but one they knew they
had to learn to live with. The only brother who didn’t seem
phased by all of it was Sam. Burt swore Sam could be happy up to
his neck in a shit-pit, as he crudely put it. Not even that
phased Sam.
“No sense in
worrying about some’um you can’t do nothing about, bubba. Best
you can do is find the good in any situation you find yore’self
in. You wanna’ sit around and worry yore’self into an early
grave,— go for it, brother! Jes’ don’t ask me to sit by and hold
yore’ hand. Life ain’t about feel’n sorry for yourself and wait’n
for the end to come, it’s all about the journey. I’m too damn
interested in what’s around the next bend in the road to sit around on
my ass and cry with you.” Sam told Burt.
His other
brothers hooted and laughed at Burt.
“Sam,— with an
attitude like that, you’re gonna’ go far in life.” said his boss, Blake
Tindell, laughing with the boys.
The plans were
drawn up and materials for building and plumbing repairs were
figured. Blake took his drawing over with him on Sunday to be
looked over by his master-builder and building partner. They
thought Blake had did a fine job and complemented him. They had
a couple of good suggestions Blake later incorporated in his
plans. Blake was going to see if he could get either one or both
men to help when they got going on the main slave quarters; however, he
figured he’d be able to complete the temp quarters with the boy’s help.
Blake showed his
plans for the temporary quarters to Captain Long and Master
Charlie. They were wowed by his expertise as was Hoot and
Cotton. Lazarus told them once again, he would pick up the tab
for the remodeling and repairs. Also, he would provide a brand
new washer and dryer for the boys. Charlie suggested he might
want to consider opening an account at the local hardware store and
lumber yard. Lazarus thought that would be a great idea then all
Blake had to do was sign his name for whatever he wanted and the bills
would come directly to Lazarus.
Hoot and Cotton
left two older slave cowboy trustees in charge of the boys while
they went to Sunday dinner at the Goodnight ranch with Blake.
There wasn’t
any work to be done on Sunday. Hoot gave his slaves a day of rest
every Sunday. The two cowboys were mostly to watch after the boys
and make sure they didn’t get into trouble. Hoot left a football
with them to let the boys play a bit if they wanted to. Naturally
they wanted to, and with several of the younger cowboy slaves, they had
a
pretty good game.
Charlie invited
Sheriff Lassiter and his family for Sunday dinner. He and Lazarus
felt they should keep him updated as to what was going on. When
he learned Hoot and Cotton were looking to buy tools he called
them over.
“Listen men, old
man Murray is closing his plumbing business in the next county
over. He’s been in business over fifty years, but he can’t git
one of his boys to take over the company. He’s got all sorts of
plumbing shit for sale at rock bottom prices. It’s worth a drive
over there to see what he’s got. Take Blake or his teacher
Trotter Helms with you. They’ll know what you need.”
“Good idea,
Sheriff, thanks for the tip. We’ll check him out come Monday.”
“Damn glad to
hear you got them boys, Captain Long. I did my part to help the
old man make up his mind.” The sheriff grinned at Lazarus.
“How’s that,
Sheriff?” Charlie asked.
“Who do you
think sent him that damn case a’ dog food?” the Sheriff slapped
his knee and fell out laughing.
You could’ve
heard the men all the way to the next county laughing. It was
about the funniest damn thing they’d heard in weeks. Even though
they swore they didn’t do it, Lazarus and Charlie were sure Hoot and
Cotton were the culprits. No one remotely suspected the sheriff
would do such a dastardly deed, but then after they got to thinking
about it, all the pieces fit together. Lucas saved Don Lassiter’s
life and the sheriff developed a strong bond of affection for him and
Lazarus. He knew Lazarus was out to buy the Stamper boys to
protect them. The sheriff had more than a passing interested in
seeing the plan come to fruition. It would also save him
considerable time and hassle running after the boys when they got into
mischief. He could see it was only a matter of time before one or
all of them did something, for which, he would have to come down hard
on them. Hoot and Cotton were in tears. Lazarus was about
to choke to death trying to get his breath from laughing so hard.
Charlie couldn’t stop laughing.
The boys and men
played another wonderful game that afternoon. Waco’s team won by
one fieldgoal. Lucas, Blake, Little Bear and JR got in line to
congratulate them. There was much laughter and threats to stomp
their butts next Sunday. It was all in good fun and everyone
enjoyed themselves. Ranger, the pony, was standing by the
sidelines enjoying the show. Scraps was beside himself with joy
for Waco and his men. He was running from one to the other
congratulating them. Scraps jumping about reminded Lazarus of
something.
“You think this
afternoon would be a good time, boss?” Lazarus said, out of the
blue. Charlie could read Lazarus’ mind most of the time without
the gift.
“I’d say she’s
been in quarantine long enough. How’s she doing?” Charlie
inquired.
“Lucas and I
visit her every evening, and she’s in heaven chasing them damn
sheep. She takes care of ‘em all day long. She don’t wanna’
go to sleep at night. My cowboys have to make her come to the
house to feed her and get her settled down for the evening. My
boys tell me they can’t find nothing wrong with her. I think
she’s ready. Shall I send Lucas for her?”
“Yeah.
Send Hoot and Cotton along. I’m sure she’d love to see them
again.”
“Good idea,
boss. Son!” Lazarus hailed Lucas. He came over still
breathing heavy from the final play. Hoot and Cotton were in the
area. Lazarus took him over to them.
“You men go on
board the Bandersnatch and have Cable take you to get Happy.
Bring her back with you. The boss man and I decided she’s been in
quarantine long enough. Time she meets her new mate.”
The men slowly
walked down to the old barn. Everyone knew where they were
going. Waco winked at Lazarus, and he made a motion for Waco to
keep Scraps busy. Waco nodded his head he understood. He
looked at Travis and made a Frisbee throwing motion. Travis
nodded his head, and ran to the porch to get the Frisbee. He
no sooner got to the bottom of the steps when he sailed it out across
the compound. Little Bear was closest and ran to catch it in
mid-air. Everyone applauded. Scraps was going nuts.
“Me!
Little Bear! Throw for me!” Scraps hollered. Little
Bear purposely threw it to Waco. Scraps dug out trying to get to
it before Waco could catch it, but he wasn’t quite fast enough.
Waco caught it easily and everyone applauded.
“Me, Waco!
Throw for me!” yelled Scraps again.
“Okay, you
better catch it or your out of the game.” Waco chided him,
knowing full well Scraps could catch anything he tossed.
Waco sailed it
up and away in the opposite direction from Scraps. He saw it,
judged its trajectory and ran as fast as he could, leaping six feet
into
the air to catch it. Scraps seemed to hang motionless in the air
for a few seconds like Nureyev in his prime on a good night.
Everyone went crazy. The boys kept him so busy he didn’t miss
Lucas, Hoot or Cotton. Finally, Travis threw one for him toward
the old barn. He ran to catch it, when out of nowhere another
beautiful boarder collie beat him to it, leaped up into the air and
caught it. Scraps was stopped dead in his tracks. Was this
the female he’d smelled on the ship? He turned and looked
questioningly at the men. He knew something was up. They
all had big smiles on their faces. Happy brought the Frisbee to
Scraps and dropped it at his feet. They put their noses together,
and it was love at first sniff.
“Helloooo,
gorgeous!” Scraps said to Happy.
Hoot, Cotton and
Lucas came up to them. The men surrounded them. JR had gone
to get Ida Mae and Hank. They were there.
“Scraps we’d
like for you to meet Happy. Happy this is Scraps.” said
Charlie.
“Where did you
come from?” Scraps asked her.
“She can’t talk
like you can, Scraps.” said Lucas.
“Don’t matter
none. She’s ‘bout the prettiest thing I ever laid eyes on.”
He turned and looked at Ida Mae. “‘Cept for you Ms. Ida.”
he added.
Ida threw back
her head and laughed.
“Where does she
live?” he asked.
“She lives here
now, Scraps.” answered Charlie, “She’s part of the ranch, just
like you are. That is, if’n you want her to stay. If not,
I’m sure we can find another good home for her. She was living
with Master Hoot and Cotton, but she was git’n beat up by their big cow
dogs. We saw her and thought you might be a better friend for
her.”
“I won’t beat
her up. She’s too damn pretty.”
All of a sudden,
Scraps lunged at her, jumped out of her way and turned to stand as
close to her as he could. He raised himself over her with his
tail at a salute, leaned over and playfully nipped at her ear, then ran
away as fast as he could. Happy didn’t need any
translation. She spoke dog fluently and knew it was an invitation
to play. Off they went all over the compound playing with each
other. It was a joy to see two dogs so happy. Ida got tears
in her eyes. Hank put his big, cowboy arm around her and pulled
her close.
A pang stabbed
thought Blake’s heart at the sight of Hank and Ida Mae in a moment of
tenderness, but he was happy for them. He laughed at himself for
having such a silly schoolboy crush on Hank Morgen. He respected
him more than he wanted him; although, if offered, he wouldn’t turn
down an invitation to lay down with the big man and spend an hour or
two in his arms. Little did he
know all the boys and half the men standing there had thoughts of lust
for Hank Morgan at one time or another. Even Hank’s own son had
lain in his bed at night and jacked-off imagining the big cowboy slave
sharing his bed for an evening. Blake was in good company.
Everyone seemed
to relax and have a good time. The boys helped Ida Mae serve
homemade ice cream to the men, and it was the perfect end to a
wonderful
day. Even Scraps and Happy got a dish of ice cream. It was
a great day for everyone, but most of all, it was a
day Scraps and Happy would never forget.
* * * * * * *
Monday was the
beginning of a new week. Blake returned with Hoot and Cotton to
their
ranch with them. In the back of Hoot’s truck was the large four
by eight, stand alone blackboard. It was still early evening when
the men returned. The boys came out to greet them and helped
Blake unload the blackboard. They carefully carried it to the
common room. The boys were eager to hear where he was and what he
did.
“We drove over
to Mr. Goodnight’s ranch to have Sunday dinner, and I played football
all afternoon with Master Waco, his slaves and some of my
slave-brothers on the Goodnight ranch.”
They were
impressed, and a couple said they wish they could’ve been there and
played football with him; however, Master Hoot left his football with
one of the slaves looking after them, and they had a pretty good game
themselves. Blake gave the boys the option of staying in the loft
until they finished the temporary quarters, or they could move their
bedrolls to the common room. Burt said he thought it would
be a hassle living around an area under construction, and Blake agreed
with him. Therefore, they voted to remain in the loft until they
were done.
* * * * * * *
Monday morning
started, early and Blake was anxious to get started with the remodeling
of the common room. He had his list of supplies and tools he
needed. Master Charlie said he could take his tools from the
ranch over with him to begin with, but he was going to need more.
First he wanted to get the area cleaned up to see what they were up
against and just how much he’d have to repair or replace. He
could use the boys to help clean up.
Things got too
busy for Hoot or Blake to get away to the other county, so rather
than lose out on bargains available from the plumbing
company shutting down, Cotton climbed into his old truck and
headed for the town. When he got there, he thought there would be
throngs of people pushing and shoving to get the best bargains.
To his amazement there was no one there. He walked into
the yard and noticed table after table of tools lined up with all sort
of stuff on them. To the side was eight large lockup bins
with a big question mark painted on the front of each. The bins
were huge. They measured six feet long by four feet wide by
four feet deep. The lids lifted open from the top, but all were
locked with a huge padlock. He looked up to see a handsome young
man of about twenty-five walking toward him.
“Good
morning.” Cotton spoke and stuck out his hand to shake the young
man’s.
“Good morning,
Mr. Daniels.” The young man smiled real big.
“You know me,
Son?” Cotton was amazed.
“Of course I
know you! Know you and your partner, Mr. Hoot Austin.
You’re legends around these parts. I come to see you men rodeo
ever’ damn chance I git. I’m Robby Murray, Sir. Me and my
partner’s roped against you and Mr. Austin several times. We
always lost, but we had a good time. My daddy bought me one a’
yore’ rope’n ponies several years ago. Best damn pony I ever
had. I still got ‘em and we compete regularly.”
“Then you must
be Les Murray’s boy.” Cotton remembered. “But, Robby, you’re all
grow’d up now. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you, Son.”
“‘At’s
understandable, Mr. Daniels. I been away at college for a couple
of years. What brings you to Murray plumbing, Sir?”
“Sheriff
Lassiter told us about yore’ granddaddy going out of business.
‘H’it’s a damn shame. Sorry to hear it, but he said we might be
able to pick us up some bargains on plumbing tools.”
“Yeah, it’s
pretty tough on my granddad, Mr. Daniels, but ma’ dad and all three of
my uncles became ranchers and weren’t interested in the plumbing
business. Me and several of ma’ cousins have worked for granddad
now for the last five years or so, but none of us are interested in
taking over. I took a semester off from college at A&M to
help him liquidate ever’ thing. If’n you need some plumbing
tools, you come to the right place, Mr. Daniels.”
“Yeah, we’re
expanding our operations. We’re gonna’ be doing some major
building and remodeling on our ranch. We got the building talent
to do it and the resources, but we need some tools. I couldn’t
bring ma’ slave what’s gonna’ be doing most of the work. Could
you help me pick out some stuff he might need?”
“Be glad to, Mr.
Daniels. It would be an honor and a pleasure.” Robby added.
Cotton wondered about that. “We got all them tables with tools on
it, but I tell you what; we got them eight roll-off lockup bins
with the big question marks on ‘em as sort of mystery ‘grab bag’ sort
of deals. They’s chocked full of pluming tools and supplies;
mostly tools. Anything and ever’ thing you can imagine for
plumbing is in each of those bin. In each bin, there’s so many
tools you could start your own small plumbing business, I
guaran-damn-tee-ya,’ Mr. Daniels.” Robby Murray winked at him.
“We’s gonna’
auction ‘em off by silent bid. In other words, a man writes down
an amount he’s willing to pay for one of ‘em bins and puts his bid in
the box for that bin. If he’s got the highest bid, he wins.
When do you need your tools, Sir?”
“As soon as
possible, Son.”
“Tell you what,
Mr. Daniels. I’ll be honest with you. Things ain’t going so
good on the auction front. I think we got us only one bid for
fifty dollars on that end bin. Now, if’n we don’t git another bid
on it, I’m gonna’ let it go to the man for fifty bucks; however, that
leaves us with seven other bins with no bids, and we been trying to
sell this shit for a week or more. I was the man what loaded and
supervised the packing of all them bins, and I know what’s in
‘em. See that white bin over there, third from the right?”
“Yes, Son, I see
it.”
“It’s got three
times more than all the rest of them bins because, I packed it
myself. I’ll make you a deal you can’t refuse, Mr. Daniels.
For a hundred bucks and a favor from you,— it’s all yours. Is
yore’ truck a three quarter ton, Sir?”
“Yes, it is,
Son.”
“It should be
able to handle it. You’re ass-end will be awful low, but jes’ be
careful going across low places or cattle guards. You can back
your truck up over there, I can load it on with the fork lift, and
you’re in business.”
“What’s the
favor, Son?”
“It’s sort of
personal, Mr. Daniels.”
“Ain’t nothing
personal to an ex-slave, Son. You should know that, yore’ daddy’s
got slaves.”
“I know, that’s
why I was sort a’ hope’n you might feel that way, Sir, and not take
what I’m gonna’ say as no disrespect. Ever since I first laid
eyes on you and Mr. Austin as a kid, I’ve always had me a fantasy of
suck’n either one or both of yore’ dicks, Sir. I can’t tell you
how many times I laid in bed at night by myself, beat’n off think’n on
it. If you’d take a few minutes, step into my office in the back
where we won’t be disturbed, you can make one young cowboy awful damn
happy, and I’ll make damn sure you got chore’self a big smile on yore’
face as you drive home with yore' plumbing tools.”
Cotton stuck out
his hand to shake Robby’s.
“You got
chore’self a deal, Son!” Cotton grinned with his big dick growing
in his Wranglers.
Robby took
Cotton to the rear of the business to a small but neat office. It
was obviously Robby’s personal office while working for his
granddad. He lost no time hitting his knees and getting Cotton’s
fine cowboy dick out of his Wranglers. He didn’t lie to
Cotton. Robby gave him a blowjob that kept a smile on his face
all the way back to the ranch, and when he got there he was still
smiling. Hoot knew without asking his mate got lucky. He
just grinned real big and shook his head. When Cotton told him
the
story, he thought Hoot would have a stroke from laughing so hard.
“Damnation!
I can’t never let chu’ out a’ my sight, cowboy. Serves me
right! Shit! I knew I should a’ gone with ya.’ Hail,
I’d gladly take sloppy seconds from that Murray boy. He’s one
handsome Aggie. Fuck, that turns me on! You may have to pay
for your indiscretion by being more indiscrete with me afore the sun
goes down.” Hoot slapped his knee and hugged Cotton.
Cotton had to
slow down to five miles an hour to get his heavily laden truck over the
cattle guard at the entrance to the ranch. The rear bumper was
almost dragging the ground, and every time he hit a bump on the way,
the bumper would bang on the blacktop. Blake came out to see what
Cotton returned with and whistled low when he saw the lockup bin.
He knew it was probably filled with goodies. When he opened the
top, he couldn’t believe what he saw.
There was every
imaginable plumbing tool in the bin and not just one but several of
each tool. When they got most of it unloaded, to make the lockup
bin lighter to get it off the truck, they found thousands of dollars
worth of tools including three electric pipe cutter/threaders.
“Well,— the kid
told me there was enough tools in this one bin to start your own small
plumbing business.”
“He weren’t
lying, Master Cotton. I know how to cut and threat pipe manually,
but this is wonderful. They even threw in all sorts of manual
cutters and threaders. They’re interchangeable with the electric
cutters. The only thing is, they’re for galvanized pipe and my
building-master taught me to use mostly copper; however, I know all
about galvanized pipe, how to cut and thread it.”
“Okay, what did
you have to give him for all this beside the visit to his office,
pardner?” asked Hoot.
“I’m almost
ashamed to tell you. Y’ain’t gonna’ believe me if’n I do.”
“Try me?”
demanded Hoot.
“A hunnert
bucks.”
“No! Yore’
shit’n me! Ain’t no way!”
Cotton handed
him the receipt. Hoot looked at it and his eyes bugged out of his
head. He smiled and called Cotton’s attention to what the kid
wrote across the receipt. “And thanks for the extra special
favor. This receipt is good for one more favor for your partner.”
“I’ll be
damned! Only you, Cotton!” he said as he hugged his mate
again. Blake took the receipt from Hoot and just shook his head.
“Do you have any
idea what one electric pipe threader cost, Sir?” Blake asked Cotton.
“I would imagine
around a thousand bucks.” he replied.
“You might be
able to git a used one for that. A new one would cost you around
three thou. You robbed that man blind in broad daylight.” Blake
chuckled, “Well done, Master Cotton.”
* * * * * * *
Blake got the
boys busy designing and building some work benches in one of the larger
stalls in the old barn. It was good practice for them. He
had each boy design and build his own bench. The old barn wasn’t
used for much but storage and Hoot thought it would make a great base
of operations for the building projects. They only had a couple
of hammers and one Cotton loaned them from the front house, but Blake
planned to get the boys a set of their own tools. Blake never let
them get by with shoddy work. If it wasn’t right he made them
tear it down and do it again. Every morning he had an hour and a
half lesson in some aspect of building. First he wanted to tackle
the basics of measuring, cutting and nailing boards into place.
He had them practice by the hour until he thought they could do it
right.
With the new
plumbing tools he managed to get two of the shower stalls going pretty
quick and discovered someone had taken out the old water heater and
never bothered to replace it. Lazarus bought them two brand new
hundred gallon water heaters so they wouldn’t run out of hot
water. Blake hooked them up in series so one would feed hot water
into the other.
Blake got two
more of the six toilets functioning within a day or so. By that
time the lumber for the remodeling was delivered and stored in the old
barn. It was everything Blake ordered. The next day they
started remodeling the common room. He made the boys do most of
the work. He was a firm believer in hands on learning. That
was the way his slave-master taught him. His motto was, ‘You
learn by doing.’ Blake learned.
By the time they
got their temporary quarters framed in, the boys were gaining
confidence in themselves. He taught them how to run romex wiring
and how to put outlet boxes in each area. They made it better
than it was before. Some of the tiles in the shower were missing
and there were several that were cracked. The grout was a dingy
gray color. He had the boys use some commercial tile and grout
cleaner that restored it almost to new, but Blake new they would have
to re-grout the entire shower area. He taught them how to clean
an area you were going to fix, apply mastic, new tile and grout the
area. The two younger boys got really good at it.
Blake was
astounded by the boy’s interest. It was like no one ever took the
time to teach them anything, and they were soaking up knowledge as fast
as Blake could teach them. Everyone kept a pretty good
attitude. Burt was a little slow coming around, but after seeing
what they were accomplishing, even old Burt had to admit to a little
pride in what he and his brothers accomplished as a team. And
that was the most important word. They were beginning to learn to
work as a team.
* * * * * * *
It was a busy
week, but the men got a lot done. Blake didn’t care about
speed. He told Hoot and Cotton he was more interested in the boys
taking their time and learning it right. He’d rather them take
the time to do it right the first time and not have to go back and do
it again. It made sense to Hoot and Cotton and they gave him free
rein with the boys. The boys were beginning to admire and trust
Blake more and more. It seemed easiest for the youngest two, but
then there was good ole Sam.
Sam seemed to be
the heart and major soul of the boys. The two youngest boys
confided something about Sam to Blake. Sam was the only brother
who didn't want to treat his youngest brother, Caleb, like a
slave.
He tried to be good to him and brought him bits of food he knew he’d
like. Blake later confirmed that with Lucas. Lucas told
Blake, Sam would try but he would be run over by his two older brothers
who would chastise him for spoiling Caleb. Blake was more and
more impressed with Sam. He also watched as Sam began to outgrow
the influence and peer pressure of his older brothers. He began
to stand up for himself and his two younger brother. He refused
to let his two older brothers bully or intimidate him any more.
Burt and Phil
were used to having their way with their younger brothers and when they
mentioned the youngest brother Zeke would have to take their baby
brother’s place after Caleb was enslaved by their dad, Zeke was scared
to death. He appealed to his next older brothers to stand up for
him. Jeb was guilty of using Caleb like his other brothers, but
he
had bad feelings about it. He was smart enough to know about mob
mentality, but too uneducated and inexperienced to stand against it.
Sam
wasn’t. He said he wouldn’t allow another one of his brothers to
suffer the fate of his baby brother. He told his brothers what
they did to Caleb was wrong and he thought God was punishing them now
because of it. Sam told them he had terrible thoughts and dreams
about it.
Burt and Phil called him a wuss, a baby and a pussy;
nevertheless, Sam stood up to them and Jeb backed him up. Zeke
wasn’t afraid to join with them. Three against two seemed like
pretty good odds to them. Sam told them, as long as he was one of
their bothers and was living with them, no brother would be forced to
do anything against his will again, and if they tried, he would find an
equalizer and use it on them when they least suspected it. Sam
never made an empty threat in his life, and Burt and Phil knew
it. While Sam could be good natured and fun, he could also be one
of the strongest willed of the five brothers. They decided they
better take Sam seriously unless they wanted a two by four applied to
the base of their skull some dark evening. They decided it might
be healthier to let Zeke be.
Sam felt some
protection from the relationship he was forming with Blake and even
more so from Hoot and Cotton. They couldn’t help fall in love
with the kid. He didn’t have the brains Jeb had, but what he had
in his heart more than made up for it. That’s not to say Sam was
a dummy. Far from it. He was very bright and picked up
concepts and application faster than his two older brothers, and he
slowly began to learn from Jeb and Blake. Jeb was damn near a
genius with mechanical things. He could put his hand on a machine
that was malfunctioning and tell what was wrong with it.
Blake couldn’t
get his Skill saw to work properly one day. Jeb took it and
turned it on a couple of times and smiled at him.
“The brushes are
shot, boss. Get me a new set of brushes, and I’ll fix it for
you.” Not only did he replace the brushes. He rebuilt the
saw until it ran like new. His boss was wowed. Blake didn’t
know anything about the mechanics of his saw, but Jeb taught him.
He began to learn a lot from Jeb. He just let Jeb take over
teaching about electricity. Jeb had among his personal
possessions a small electrician’s handbook. He ask Blake to get
several for them. They weren’t expensive. He could
find them at any hardware store. Blake got one for each boy and
himself. He was amazed by the amount of information
available in the small book. Jeb used it for a textbook in his
teaching. Every morning for an hour and a half, Jeb would go over
every aspect of electrical wiring until every man, including his boss
could wire anything correctly.
Friday came that
week, and it was Burton’s time to go for a medical exam. Charlie
and Lazarus had discussed it with Hoot, Cotton, and Blake the Sunday
before that eventually the boys would be brought on board about what
was going on, but Lazarus wanted the boys to bond with their new boss
and Master’s before they were exposed to something they might have a
difficult time comprehending. Blake agreed.
Blake got up
early, had his breakfast with his Masters in the big house, went
to the ship early, had Cable give him the hypo he needed and showed
him how to use the anti-grave Gurney. Blake was fascinated by the
Gurney. He already had some hay bales set up to place the Gurney
on top of for Burt to lay on and get his shot. After Blake took
the boys to chow and got them started on what he wanted them to get
done for the day, Cotton came out to watch over them. Blake took
Burton to the old barn and told him to sit on the Gurney. Burt
did as he was told but got wide-eyed at the small hypo.
“What’s that
for, boss?”
“It’s a shot the
medics gave me to relax you, Burt. It won’t hurt you.”
“Why do I have
to be relaxed?”
“‘Cause, it’s
just the way they want you. I’m a slave, I do what I’m
told. They knocked me out, too. Trust me, Burt, no harm
will come to you. I’ll be with you the whole time.”
Blake had some
cotton ready with alcohol and swabbed Burt’s shoulder. He gave
him the shot right in the muscle of his arm like he was shown.
Blake put the hypo aside and was about to tell him to lay on the
Gurney when Burt passed out. Blake caught him and gently lowered
the boy to the Gurney. He activated the mechanism, opened the
portal and glided Burt through.
Cable and his
men were ready to receive him. They were going to have to give
him a stimulant to clean him thoroughly, but they would only give him
enough to leave him groggy and cooperative. He would barely
remember anything afterward. They got Blake set up with the
Kryscellians and he was already singing away to them as they left him
to return to Burt.
When Burt woke
up on the Gurney shortly before lunch he was still a bit groggy.
He went with Blake to have his lunch, but he wasn’t hungry. He
couldn’t eat anything. His brothers were concerned and asked him
if he was all right.
“Yeah! I
think so. Jes’ a little groggy. They gave me a sedative to
relax me. I can’t believe how beautiful they were.”
“Who, the
nurses, Burt.” Phil asked him.
“I don’t know if
they were nurses or doctors, but they were very kind and good to
me. They were men, but they didn’t seem like men. They were
perfect in every way. I’ve never seen men like them before, and
they were naked. Didn’t have stitch of clothes on. Hell,
they didn’t need no clothes, they was perfect the way they was.
Clothes would a’ made ‘em look silly. They were unbelievably good
looking. Beautiful. Almost like they were angels.” The boys
laughed at him nervously.
“Is that true,
boss? Do they look like angels?” Jeb asked.
“You’ll find out
for yourselves quick enough. Jes’ tell your brothers if there was
anything to be afraid of, Burt.”
“No,— no, there
weren’t nothing to be afraid of. The only thing that hurt was a
shot they gimme’ in ma’ butt, and it really didn’t hurt. It was
like a honey bee sting. They told me it would make me live a
long, time,— much longer than the average human life span. I knew
in my heart they weren’t lying to me, but I didn’t understand how that
could be,— still don’t. I felt safer with them and the crystals
what sang to me than I have in a long time. It was like I was
welcome. Like they made me a part of them. Like I was
family. I even sang back to them, which was strange, because you
know me, I can’t carry a tune in a bucket. I’m tone deaf, but I
weren’t with them. I actually sang to them, and I was okay,— not
great, but okay. It was so beautiful they made me cry. They
told me they loved me, and it was all right if I loved them. They
fixed something inside me, but I don’t know what. They explained
it to me, but I can’t tell you what they said. Maybe they weren’t
real. Maybe I dreamed it all.”
The brother sat
there listening in awe. They were stunned by their big brother’s
story. Blake sat there eating his chow, smiling to himself.
“Is he making
this up, boss? Or, did he jes’ hallucinate under them
drugs?” Phil asked.
“Do you think
your brother would lie to you, Phil?” Blake asked him.
“No,— but what
he’s tell’n us don’t make no sense.”
“You’ll find out
if he tell’n the truth next Friday.” Blake winked at him.
That didn’t seem to satisfy Phil.
“Tell us more
about them crystals, Burt? I’ve heard crystals can heal
folks.” asked Sam concerned.
“Yeah, but these
weren’t just any crystals. They were beautiful crystals of all
colors, and they were alive, Sam. They lit up like light bulbs
and bathed me,— yes, that’s the word,— they bathed me in their
light. They can heal folks. I’m sure of it. They told
me so. I could feel their light penetrate every part of my body,
but it
didn’t hurt. It felt wonderful. It felt right. They
even probed my brain. They felt around to every corner of my mind
and tested everything. It was like they were looking for
something wrong. They found a couple of minor things they said
they corrected. They sang to me so beautifully. They taught
me to sing to them so I could tell them about myself and my
brothers. I cried when I told them about our baby brother.
They told me what I done to Caleb was wrong,— how I treated him and
made all you treat him,— but they said they weren’t gonna’ condemn
me. They said I deserved another chance. I don’t know, it’s
all so weird. It’s probably jes’ the medication they
gimme.’”
Tears were
running down Burt’s cheek. That was unusual for Burt. He
never cried. His brothers finished their chow and biscuit.
No one said anything else. Burt quickly shook off the sedative
and returned to his former self; still, there was something that
touched Burt deeply he never felt before. He wondered if
the experience really did change him. He knew he was thinking
more clearly than ever before. He no longer had any fear about
being a slave. He seemed to relax, he began to feel like it was
the right place for him to be at the moment. He was thinking he
might adopt some of Sam’s philosophy, he was ready to start living
again.
* * * * * * *
The last thing
was the drywall. Blake went with Cotton to the hardware store and
bought
more tools and things they needed to complete the drywall. He
taught the boys how to measure, cut and put up the drywall. He
made three teams and gave each team a section to complete. The
drywall went up in no time and they were ready to tape and mud.
Blake bought five drywall knives of varying sizes. He taught the
boys how to mud divisions or cracks and patch nail holes.
He taught them how to apply the tape and mud over seams. It was
frustrating to them at first. Blake had to show them several
times how to use their knives. He told them they could only get
good the more they did it, and by the time they finished the new
slave-quarters, they would be experts.
The restroom
facilities were repaired and working perfectly. The boys cleaned
it until it was spotless. The tile was re-grouted, repaired and
looked brand new. The showers worked perfectly. Some of
Hoot and Cotton’s slaves complained two of their showers didn’t work
and one would burn you one minute with the hot water and freeze you the
next. The
boys were so confident, they volunteered to take a look at it for
them. Hoot and Cotton was pleased with their attitude.
Lazarus bought six institutional beds for them. They were much
better then the usual beds slaves get to sleep on, but they weren’t
fancy.
It took the boys
almost a month to finish their temporary quarters, but it was really
nice when they got through. It was actually better and more
comfortable than their old home with their dad. Two Fridays
passed and two more of the boys went with Blake to the ship for their
medicals. Phil came back and told the same story Burt did.
Phil was even more sure the men were angels. He was impressed as
Burt with them and went on and on about how handsome and beautiful they
were; how good and kind they were to him. He even told of getting
shot in the butt with some kind of shot they said would make him live a
long time.
Sam didn’t have
a lot to say when he came back. Blake didn’t think they would
ever get the silly smile off his face. The effects of his visit
to the ship lasted far longer than it did with Burt or Phil.
Blake thought he knew why. He felt Sam was more sensitive
and idealistic than either of his brothers and probably had a hidden
romantic streak that tempered his actions. The boys asked if he
experienced the same things they did. He just told them ‘yes’ and
said it was wonderful. Blake noticed an immediate jump in
Sam’s intellect. Concepts that were hard for him to grasp before
were coming more easily to him. He could follow Jeb's thoughts
anywhere he went
and began to absorb his knowledge. He was learning at an
accelerated
rate.
The boys were
taught by Blake the proper protocol to show their Masters when
they first meet them for the day. One would be chosen among them
to represent the group to show homage to his boots and complete the
Master/slave
ritual with him. They all had a chance to do it, and were made to
understand it was
just part of their new lives as slaves. Of course, the one who
hated
it the worst was Burt, but even he was getting used to it.
They boys moved
their stuff into their new temporary quarters and put it away.
They
asked Blake to ask Hoot if they could have an open house and invite all
the slaves to see their temporary quarters. Cotton and Hoot
thought it was a good idea and decided to made an evening of it with
hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone. Everyone agreed the boys
did a good job. Hoot and Cotton invited several folks from the
Goodnight ranch to attend. They didn’t know if Lazarus or Lucas
would attend, but they invited them anyway. Lazarus talked with
Lucas and told him about the small party.
“I plan to go,
Son. You may go with me if you wish, you may stay here with
Ms. Ida, or you could stay on the ship if you feel lonely.”
“I’m gonna’ have
ta’ face ‘em sooner or later, Dad. May as well git it over
with. The longer I put it off, the bigger the bear grows in the
forest. This sounds like a perfect time. We won’t be over
there that long I don’t imagine. Please count on me stick’n close
to
your side.”
“You couldn’t
stick close enough to me, boy. I doubt we’ll be over there
long. It’s jes’ gonna’ be a drop by, have a burger, take a look,
meet the boys, and leave. Nothing fancy.”
“I’ll go if’n
you want me to.”
“Let’s put it
this way. I want you to do what feels right for you. As far
as I’m concerned, I’m proud to have you walk by my side and be my
slave-son. I love you, Lucas, and I would be proud and pleased
for
you to go with me.”
“I love you,
too, Dad, and I would be honored to be by your side.”
It was settled
and the men traveled over in Charlie’s truck. Hank Morgan wanted
to go and so did JR. Waco, Travis and Little Bear went with
Charlie, Lazarus and Lucas. Blake asked Hoot if his teacher and
building partner, Trotter Helms and Ed Bach could be allowed to come
with them. Charlie had no problem with it, and the men were with
them. When they arrived they were pleasantly surprised to find
the sheriff’s patrol car there.
The boys watched
the three older slaves, Hank Morgan, Trotter Helms, and Ed Bach, go
through the slave/ Master ritual with Master Hoot, Master Cotton and
Sheriff Lassiter. The watched Waco
Goodnight, his little brother JR, and Waco’s slaves, Travis and Little
Bear get out of the camper shell on the back of Charlie Goodnight’s
truck. They thought that was all until a huge hairy creature
crawled out of the back, aided by Waco on one side and Little Bear on
the other. The boys heard rumors of Waco’s lummox but had no
idea the size of the creature. The two youngest gasped
at the sight of him. Of course, Ox was wearing his favorite
outfit the boys gave him.
Travis and
Little bear saddle soaped and polished his big boots and the handsome
harness he was wearing until it shown brightly in the late afternoon
sun. Ox was in full fur for the winter and every time he moved it
flowed in unison with his body. Ox got in line with the slaves to
pay homage to Master Hoot, Cotton and Sheriff Lassiter. It was
hard for the boys to imagine such a large creature was a slave to such
a young boy. The Masters in line took turns embracing him and
talking with him. They all made over his fur and how well he
looked. The big creature
seemed more than just Waco’s slave. He acted like he was the
boy’s protector. He had his arm around one or sometime two of
them at all times. He was mostly attentive to Master Waco, his
owner, and a handsome boy they didn’t recognize.
Travis, Little
Bear and the handsome boy performed the slave ritual with Master
Hoot, Master Cotton and Sheriff Lassiter. The handsome boy
was the last and the sheriff was last in his line. When the
sheriff told the boy to rise and show his love for him, they kissed a
kiss that was more than just a Master and slave kiss. It was the
kiss of two men who were very fond of each other. The boys were
impressed.
“You okay with
this, sweet baby?” The sheriff whispered to Lucas.
“My Master gave
me a choice, and I chose to come, Sir. It’s gonna’ happen sooner
or later.”
“Just remember,
you got a shit-load of men here who love you and a couple who would
kill for you in a minute. Walk tall and be proud of how far
you’ve come, Son.”
“Thanks,
Sheriff. I appreciate your encouragement.” Lucas answered.
The boys were
most impressed by the size of the monster who emerged from the back of
Charlie Goodnight's truck. The men and the
big creature walked over to be introduced to the boys. Blake did
the honors and told them the middle boy, Sam, would be doing the
Master/slave ritual with them for the group that evening. One of
the other slaves was chosen to represent the rest of Hoot and Cotton’s
slaves. Blake introduced each man. The boys shook hands
with
the slaves, but didn’t with the other men unless he offered his
hand.
Lucas
thought it
was amusing and somehow right that Sam, his favorite brother, was
showing obeisance to the freemen. Good old Sam. The irony
was, Sam was the least likely to be bothered by such an act. Sam
just took it in stride. Lazarus and Lucas approached the line of
men.
“Gentlemen, it’s
my pleasure to introduce to you the ramrod of the Goodnight ranch, Mr.
Lazarus Long and his son, Lucas Long.” said Blake.
Lazarus took
Burton’s hand and talked with him for a minute. Burt was
impressed by the big cowboy. Lazarus moved on to Phil and shook
his hand. Lucas stepped up to Burt and offered his hand.
“It’s good to
meet you, Burt.” offered Lucas.
Burt just stared
at Lucas. A memory flashed in his mind. He had only seen
such beauty in one other place. It was the medical men who
examined him.
“Are you Master
Long’s son?” Brut asked as he shook Lucas’ hand.
“Yes, that’s
right.”
“And you’re a
slave?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Your dad sold
you into slavery.”
“Yes, he did,
Burt.”
“How do you feel
about it?”
“I didn’t agree
with him when he done it, but I understand why. It was the
best thing he could’ve done for me. For a good while, my life
wasn’t worth living. It’s a long story. For a time, I was a
slave to some bad people who mistreated me terribly, but my dad rescued
me by buying me from them as his slave. It taught me a lesson
I’ll never forget. I’ve been his slave ever since. I’m very
happy being my dad’s slave and serving him as best I can. I’m
first and foremost his slave, I just also happen to be his son.
“Why ain’t we
never seen you at school?”
“We didn’t get
here in time for me to begin this school year, but dad’s home school’n
me. If I do well and he’s pleased with my progress, with his
permission, I may start school next fall. I’m looking forward to
it and playing football with Master Waco, Travis and Little Bear.”
It was time for
Lucas to move along. Waco and his men were waiting to say ‘hello’
to Burt. Waco offer his hand to Burt. They talked for a
while about football and school. Waco introduced Ox to Burt and
he took his huge paw in his hand and shook it. Burt’s eyes were
open wide. Ox just smiled, nodded to him and bowed slightly.
“He don’t speak
none, Burt, but he understands English.”
“It’s good to
meet you, Mr. Ox.” Burt said quietly. Ox smiled, nodded and
bowed again.
Travis was next
and called Burt ‘brother.’ That kinda got to Burt that Travis was
recognizing him as his slave brother, but he appreciated the
sentiment. He figured Travis meant it as a compliment and not as
a put down. Little Bear just hugged him and told him he was
looking
good.
Phil didn’t have
much to say to Lucas, but he looked at him like he was one of the
beautiful men who examined him.
When Lucas got
to Sam, Sam got confused and was going to drop to his knees for the
ritual when Lucas stopped him.
“I’m not a
freeman. I’m a slave jes’ like you. You must be Sam.”
“That’s me, and
you’re Master Long’s son, Lucas? You look jes’ like him.”
“That’s right,
and thank you.”
“You seem to be
doing all right as a slave.” Sam looked into Lucas’ eyes and
something inside him broke. Tears were forming in his eyes.
Lucas took Sam in his arms. He didn’t think Sam recognized
him. Maybe he was wrong.
“I’m
sorry. You look so much like some men what examined me last
Friday for a medical exam, and yore’ eyes. It’s like I’ve looked
into yore’ eyes a thousand times.”
Burt and Phil
heard Sam and said they agreed with him. They felt the same.
“I’m sure we’ve
never met in this life, Sam. I’m told I look a lot like a number
of people. Maybe you have me mixed up with someone else.”
“Maybe, but I
could swear,— ” Sam cut off his sentence. He seemed
uncomfortable and Lucas moved on.
Lucas made it
through Jeb and Zeke with little problem. He felt genuine
affection for them and Sam. He wouldn’t go so far as to call it
‘love,’ but he was concerned about them. He reserved his opinion
for Burt and Phil for later. Lucas was glad his brothers were
under the care and guidance of men he knew to have their best interest
at heart. He trusted them to do the right thing by them.
Lazarus and
Charlie were impressed with what Blake accomplished with the boys and
the accommodations they managed to create. It looked
professionally done. The restrooms were perfect and
spotless. Blake’s teacher Trotter Helms was all
compliments. So was his partner Ed Bach. They couldn’t
believe what he accomplished in such a short period of time. He
assured them the boys were intelligent, learned quickly and were highly
motivated. He was pleased the way they were coming along.
Lazarus told Blake he was happy to see his money was being put to good
use. He was very impressed.
Hoot, Cotton,
Charlie, Hank and Don Lassiter were talking in a group. Hoot
looked at Lazarus and spoke.
“So much for us
training young Lucas, huh ramrod?” Hoot grinned.
“Yeah, I been
doing me a lot of think’n on that, and it might be best described as a
conflict of interest, but not quite the same way.” he chuckled.
“I’ll be dead
honest with you, Master, I don’t think the boy needs much
training. He’s completely devoted to you. He’s
attentive and polite to other Masters. He never fails to perform
the ritual. If anything he’s overly vigilant in his duties and
responsibilities as a slave. If we can teach them other boys to
be half as good a slave as he’s become, we’ll be doing some’um.
Cain’t says we wouldn’t welcome him to our bed for a weekend or two.”
“I’ve talked
with him about that. I decided to let him choose the man he wants
to break him in. Now, I may be wrong about that. Any
suggestions will be gratefully considered, gentlemen. You’ve all
had more experience with this sort to thing than me. So far, he’s
got it narrowed down to three men. That’s count’n you and Cotton
as a package deal, Hoot.” The men laughed.
“Hell, we’ll
take him any way we can get him.” they laughed again.
“The other two
is Bobby Jessup and Hank Morgan.”
“Me?” Hank
exclaimed. “Why me?” he looked shocked.
“Why not
you? He done told me he knows you’d be gentle but firm with
him. On top a’ that, he thinks you’re jes’ about the hottest damn
cowboy he’s ever met.”
“Who don’t?!”
exclaimed Charlie and elbowed Hank in his ribs. The men all broke
up at Hank’s embarrassment.
“I’m flattered,
Master Long, but I don’t think I’m the man for the job.”
“Is that what
chore’ gonna’ tell yore’ boy when he comes to you and asks you to teach
him about sex?” asked Lazarus with a big grin.
“I pray to God
ever’ day that day won’t never come, ramrod.”
“I guarantee ya’
it’s gonna’ happen.” said Charlie. “We all see the way JR looks at
you. It ain’t slipped by his momma neither. She
knows. I’m surprised she ain’t never said nothing to you.”
“She has.” said
Hank, blushing beat red. The men laughed at him again. “Oh,
shit,” Hank said softly, “why can’t life be simple?”
“H’it ain’t as
hard as you make it out to be, cowboy.” Charlie scolded
him. “Ain’t a man standing here what has more knowhow and a
bigger heart than you, Hank Morgan!” Charlie winked at him.
“Amen to that,
brother!” allowed Lazarus and the other men agreed with him.
Lazarus continued, “Then, the other night,— we’s laying in bed,
and Lucas asks me what I think about him asking Blake Tindell to break
him in?”
“He git’s my
vote!” laughed Don Lassiter.
“Mine, too, if’n
that’s what the boy wants.” added Charlie.
“Wait a minute!”
Hoot interrupted, “Who says the kid has to choose just one man to
break him in?”
“You jes’ might
have some’um there, Hoot.” Lazarus said.
“I’d shore’
‘nuff like to throw my hat in the ring.” said Don Lassiter.
Lazarus was only a little surprised, but why not? Don loved Lucas
as much as any man there,— with good reason.
“It would be
easier for me, if’n I knew I would only be one of several.” said
Hank, “To be honest, I think so much of Lucas, I don’t know if’n
I could turn him down if he was to come to me and ask. Ida’s done
made me promise I won’t leave some’um that important to some other man
if JR should come to me.”
“E pluribus
unum.” Laughed Lazarus. “Glad we had this talk, gentlemen. I like
yore’ idea, Hoot. At least it gives me an option to offer the
boy.”
“Why don’t you
do it, ramrod?” asked Hank.
“No,— they’s too
close, Hank. If their situation was different, it would be Master
Long’s responsibility, even his duty to take his slave for the first
time, but Lucas is a unique situation.” Hoot explained.
“Mean’n no
disrespect, Master Hoot, but I’m just as close to JR as Master Long is
to Lucas. Aside from the fact I’m a slave, why is it all right
for me and not for him?”
“Hank’s got a
point there, ramrod, and a damn good one.” Charlie backed up
Hank.
“I jes’ ain’t
let ma’self think on it. I let him jack me off in the shower once
in a while, and I’ve taken him a couple of times when he’s jacked off,
but nothing more. Because he’s my slave, I make him come to me
and ask permission before he jacks-off. Most times I jes’ tell
him to go ahead on. But, he’s so damn good looking, ever’ now and
then I jes’ wanna’ stand and watch him. Maybe I should give him
the option.”
“I think that
would be very wise, ramrod.” confirmed Charlie. Hank backed
him up. Hoot, Cotton and Don agreed.
* * * * * * *
Lucas stuck to
Lazarus’ side like glue and was waiting on him hand and foot.
Things Lazarus would ordinarily do for himself, Lucas insisted on doing
for him. He laughed a couple of times at him. The only time
he ventured away from Lazarus was to use the restroom, or when he
hugged and give Blake a kiss to
congratulate him on his success.
“I’m so proud of
you, Mr. Tindell. You’re doing a great job. I can see a
change in them already. When dad told me Master Charlie suggested
you to lead them, I knew you were the man for the job. Master
Charlie and ma’ dad couldn’t be more pleased with your work.”
“Thanks,
buddy. I know this must be hard on you, but you’re handling
yourself admirably. I thought for a minute, Sam recognized
something, but he didn’t, or maybe he did and jes’ don’t realize it.”
“I agree, but I
ain’t ready to let them know nothing yet. I may never tell
them. I don’t really have any need to tell them. I don’t
think on them as my brothers no more. I think of Master Waco,
Travis, Little Bear, JR, Bryce, Cable, David, Jonathan, Ox and you as
ma’ brothers. I’ll take you men over them any day of the week.”
“Trust me when I
tell you we feel the same way, little brother.” Blake told him.
The five
brothers seemed to gravitate to Lucas all evening. Everyone
noticed and wondered how he felt. Lucas just stayed close by
Lazarus side and sometimes held his hand. It was not missed by
his brothers. They could feel the love and trust that passed
between Lazarus and Lucas. They were almost envious.
Lazarus would gently squeeze Lucas’ hand from time to time to remind
him whose boy he was and to whom he belonged. Lucas couldn’t have
loved Lazarus more than he did that evening. He knew in his heart
who he wanted to take him for his first time, and if age was a factor
in his Master’s mind,— Lucas was willing to wait for the best.
End Of Chapter
18 ~ Waco’s Lummox
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Waddie Greywolf
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