WACO’S
LUMMOX
By
Waddie Greywolf
Chapter
54
The following
Monday Angus sent Cole and Shane to do some farrier work for a
member of the Grange whose ranch was outside the next small town of
Digby. Angus made good money hiring out his two
cowboy farrier slaves and the Grange members saved money contracting
with Angus,
because he charged a lower discounted rate to Grange members.
They couldn’t beat Angus’ prices anywhere in the state of Texas.
They worked hard all day. They had a remuda with twenty
horses cut for shoeing. They no sooner got one shod than they
ran another one in. They only took thirty minutes for lunch,
gulped down a couple of sandwiches, some potato chips and a small
bottle of milk. Shane and Cole hadn’t said a word to each other
all day. They didn’t have to, they knew their
jobs. They knew what was expected of them and each other.
They were happy and comfortable with each others company. It was
late in the afternoon when they finished and packed up their
tools. They actually finished a little early. Shane was
throwing tools and stuff in the back of the old truck and slamming
storage panel doors like a man on a mission or one whose mind was
totally fixed on something else.
The ramrod of
the ranch brought Shane an envelope with a check inside for
Angus. It broke his mood for just a moment as he graciously
thanked the head waddie.
They jumped into
the rickety old truck in which they carried all their farrier tools and
headed back to the Goodnight ranch. Shane wouldn't even
glance over at cole. He had his head turned away looking out his
window like it was fixed in that position. About halfway back,
without
warning, Cole pulled
the truck off into a deserted roadside park nobody used anymore since
the main freeway was rerouted. He pulled way down into a grove of
trees where they couldn’t be seen from the road. Shane wondered
what he was doing, but as usual, Cole never say a word. He
trusted Cole completely. Cole pulled the truck to a stop and
switched off the engine. It was only then Shane turned his head
to look straight ahead, but he still wouldn't look at Cole even for an
explanation. He figured if Cole wanted him to know why he pulled
of the road and stopped the truck he would tell him. They set
there in silence for the longest time, Cole leaning slightly forward in
the seat with
both arms crossed over the steering wheel looking off into the
distance. Shane didn’t say a word. He wasn’t about
to. A meteor could fall from the sky, be headed directly for the
truck, and Shane wouldn’t have said a word.
“You wanna’ talk
about it?” Cole asked quietly without turning to look at Shane.
He was
still looking straight ahead. Shane set for another several
minutes without responding. He turned to Cole with a mean look in
his eye.
“Talk? We
don't never talk, Cole— why break with tradition?”
“We ain’t never
had nothing to talk about before.” Cole said quietly.
“Humph!
Maybe you ain’t.” Shane said with contempt, then added, “Okay, what da’
ya’ wanna’ talk about?”
“What’s eat’n
your heart out, cowboy?” Cole said without looking at him.
“What makes you
think...?” Shane paused, then continued, “Ah, to hell with it!
You don’t know nothing about
me, Cole.”
“‘At ain’t true,
odd-job. If'n you warn't lying, I know you love me. You
done told me so.
That’s all I need to know.” he
drawled.
“If you only
knew...” Shane started to say something but trailed off. He was
like a cold engine that wanted to turn over but just couldn’t find the
spark. Cole knew he was going to have to prime Shane’s carburetor.
“You mad at
Master Bill?”
“No.”
“You mad at
Master Angus?”
“No.”
“You mad at me?”
“No, Cole, why
would I be mad at you? I
ain’t got nothing to be mad at you about. We didn’t exchange
more’n five words all damn day. I counted. That’s just the
way you are. Nothing. It’s just the way we are.
Nothing. That’s why we work well together. Ain’t
nothing between us to get in the way. Nothing from nothing leaves
nothing. Ain’t nothing to be mad about. Can’t be mad about
nothing.” Shane spat out with even more contempt.
“This ain’t
going well. I guess this once maybe I should be do’n the
talking. As you know I don’t do it much, ‘cause I ain’t very good
at it, and most of the time, I ain't got a lot to say. Oh, hell,
that ain’t the truth neither. J’ever consider I ain’t got nothing
to offer you, and I been afraid for years to say anything to you
because of
who you are? Other than to offer you a help’n hand from time to
time, I ain't never wanted to encourage nothing between us but being
work’n
partners, because you was the brother of my master and the main squeeze
of my ramrod. What do you think they would’ve done if they found
out I was encouraging more than just being your work partner?”
Shane was
dumbfounded. Why had he never considered this before? Maybe
that’s what the old judge was getting at when he asked if his master’s
knew of his affection and admiration for Cole. Of course they
didn’t. Until very recently, beyond always being there when Shane
most needed him, there was no relationship. Cole was right, they
were just work partners, but that had been enough for Shane. Why
was he so upset now? It suddenly came to him like the old judge
predicted, like a bolt out of the blue. His world was in chaos
and falling apart. His main supports of Angus and Bill Birdsall
were pulling away from him, and he saw the end of his comfortable
little world fast approaching, coming to an end more powerfully than
ever.
It was like an avalanche he couldn’t outrun, and he was about to
panic. Cole was the only other modicum of support he had, and he
desperately needed more. He wanted to reach out to Cole like a
doomed man on a sinking ship looks for anything that will float.
“No, Cole,
you're right, I
ain’t never considered it. Don't know why. Jes' stupid, I
guess. You were just always there for me like the
dad I never had, but I always knew you loved me. Hi ain't never
lied to you, Cole, and I never will. What makes you
think I’m mad about something?” Shane asked without anger.
“I don’t need no
words to tell me when my work partner of ten years is hurt’n
inside.
It’s like you read’n them ponies. I know I don’t say much, but
right now I got me something to talk about. In five days y’ain’t
gonna’ be my cowboy slave brother no more. Do you still love me?”
Cole finally turned his head to look Shane in the eye.
“Of course I
do. You know I do. With all my heart, Cole. Goddamn
it, I’ve
loved you as faithfully
as an old hound dog for years.” Shane eyes got watery.
“I know you
have." Cole turned his head back to look forward again, "You
never know’d it, but sometimes your love was the only
thing what kept me going for the last ten years. Just waking up
in the morning knowing you’re in my world, I’m gonna’ git to see you,
be with you again, and work with you is enough to make me smile and
make my heart start
pumping harder to get me going in the mornings. Today’s gone, but
in four days I’m a’ gonna’ lose what my heart most takes pleasure
in. I guess I withdrew into myself more’n I should have
lately, because I didn’t want you to see the depth of my despair.
I been selfish, Son, but my love for you won out. I want you to
go. That’s why I done told you what I did the other day. I
want
you to spread your wings and fly away. I done tried to think of a
present to git you to celebrate your becoming a freeman again, but I
couldn’t come up with nothing.”
“Cole, I’m a
slave. I don’t need no
present...”
“Hesh up, boy!”
Cole interrupted. He leaned back in the seat, reached down, undid
his big rodeo belt buckle, unzipped his Wranglers, put his thumbs in
each side of the waist, raised his butt up off the seat a skosh, shoved
his Wranglers down over his knees to his boot tops exposing his
handsome cock and balls. Cole hefted them in his big calloused
hand like he was showing them off or presenting them for a short-arm
inspection. “I
know it ain’t much, but I know’d it’s something you been want’n for a
while now. It’s all I got to offer a cowboy slave brother what
loves me, but make no mistake, I wouldn’t be offering it if I didn’t
love him, too. I hope it’s the right size and color. I
tried to think of a way to gift wrap it, but I couldn’t come up with
nothing.”
“You know what
your problem is, Cole?” Shane grinned.
“What?”
“You talk too
gotdamn much.” Shane said as his tongue took its first long slather on
Cole’s hot and sweaty cowboy balls. Every taste of Cole was
better than the first. It only got better from there.
Cole’s cowboy cream was the stuff of Shane’s dreams. It was for
him like sweet ambrosia, nectar from a god.
* * * * * * *
Shane finished
cleaning his partner and helped him pull up his pants. After
several more kisses to the head of Cole’s beautiful cock, Shane gently
returned it to his Wranglers. Cole buckled his belt and zipped
his fly. Shane set up in the seat. Their silence surrounded
them again like a dark, heavy pall. They set for a good while
listening to the cicadas call from tree to tree in the sweltering
late afternoon heat.
“Now will you
tell me?” Cole tried again.
“I don’t wanna’
leave you. I don’t want to go off on my own without you,
Cole. I don’t
think I have the courage to do it by myself.” Shane laid it out for him.
“Of course you
do. I have faith in you, little brother."
The set in silence for another good while. Cole could almost hear
the gears grinding in Shane's brain or perhaps it was his back teeth
grinding together. He couldn't be sure.
“I’m gonna’ ask
you three questions, and all I ask is an honest, straight-forward
answer, ‘yes’ or ‘no.’” Shane put to him.
“Okay, shoot,
cowboy.” Cole said with some relief.
“If you could be
my slave would you want to be?” Shane asked each question slowly so
there was no misunderstanding.
“Yes.” Cole
replied immediately.
“If you could do
things over again would you have chosen your freedom when it was
offered?” Cole shot a look at him that asked where he’d heard that, and
then remembered Shane spent a day with the old judge.
“Yes.” he was
slower to respond.
“If you could be
a freeman tomorrow would you still love me and be my partner?”
“Yes.” Cole
crossed his arms on the steering wheel.
They set for another while in silence. Finally Cole spoke.
“You wanna’ tell me why
you asked me them questions.” he asked.
“Nope."
Shane answered looking straight ahead.
Cole grinned and
shook his head like he couldn’t understand Shane. They set for a
while longer enjoying the afterglow of their coupling.
“Thanks for my
present, Cole.” Shane broke the silence, “How did you know it was just
what I needed? The size and color were perfect. The lace
curtains were a nice homey touch. All in all, I thought it was a
very tasteful and thoughtful gift. It even came in a unique
package. After all, nothing says ‘cowboy’ quite like a tasty
treat packed tightly inside a pair of ‘Wranglers.’” Shane looked at him
and smiled wickedly.
“You ready to
get back, odd-job?” Cole grinned.
“No. I’d
like to sit here with you for the rest of the evening, watch the sun go
down, maybe hold your
hand and listen to the whippoorwills call to one another.” Shane spoke
softly.
“That would be
mighty nice, but us slaves can’t afford the luxury of whimsy.” Cole
sighed
as he turned the key to start the ignition. “You have a romantic side
to your nature I’ve always admired.” Cole smiled at Shane.
“So do you,
Cole. You just don’t choose to exercise it very often. Of
course, when have you had a chance other than today?”
“You’re right,
Son. It’s gonna’ rip my damn heart out to see you go,” Cole
slammed his open hand against the steering wheel in an unusual outburst
of anger, “but I love you so gotdamn much if I thought for one minute
you entertained an idea to stay a slave because of me I don’t think I
could go on another day. It would be the end of me. I want
you to go and start your life as a freeman and never look back.”
“What if I could
take you with me, Cole? There’s things you don’t know about
me. Ain’t chu’ never wondered or been curious about where I go
sometimes with my brother or when he loans me out to Master Charlie and
Ramrod Long? Especially when I’m gone for a week or two at a
time?”
“I’ve heard me
some
rumors. All us cowboys have, but they was jes' too fantastical to
be believed. Where you go
and what you do ain’t none of my business. I miss you when you’re
gone, but I’m always happy to see you return. I have faith
you’ll come back each time you go. Do you need me to tell you
again? I know all
I need to know about you. You love me and I love you.” smiled
Cole.
“Is life really
that simple for you, Cole?” Shane challenged him.
“I wish it could
be. I want it to be, but I ain't fool'n myself, I know it rarely
is. Do you really
need to know more about me than I love you?”
“Yes. I
need to know if I lead will you follow?”
“There’s an old
story in the bible about Ruth and Naomi. I learned me them words
by heart, ‘cause I thought they was so beautiful: ‘Entreat me not to
leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou
goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people
shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die,
and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if
aught but death part thee and me.”
“Would you be
fearful to throw your lot in with me?” Shane asked.
“No, not at
all. It’s true, I don’t know ever’ detail about you, but I know
you’re a special young man what’s been put here for a purpose greater
than himself. Ain’t never seen me no man what could calm a scared
or frightened pony the way you can. I could swear sometimes you
can talk with them critters. I know you weren’t meant to spend
your life as a slave. You’ve been burnished by the fires of
submission and come out the other side a humble, intuitive,
compassionate, considerate, highly intelligent young man. What
you learned and experienced in the last ten years has given you a
strength of purpose no man can ever take away from you. Would I
follow a man like that?” Cole paused for a moment for effect, looked
over at Shane and grinned, “Bet chore’ sweet cowboy ass I would,
in a cow-town minute." he grinned real big and flicked his head in a
way that said he was serious.
* *
* * * * *
When the men
returned to the Goodnight ranch, Shane took the pay envelope with a
check inside into Angus’ office to drop it off. Angus was
sitting behind his desk doing some paperwork when Shane walked in and
laid the envelope on his desk.
“You men finish?”
“Yes, Sir.
They wanted twenty shod. We each did ten.”
“Damn, you men
work fast. Most farriers couldn’t get that many done in a day.”
“When you work
with Cole, you don’t stand around and jaw, Master.” Shane rolled
his eyes and grinned. Angus got Shane’s meaning and laughed.
“No, I know how
Cole can be.” Angus grinned raising his hand in agreement. “Oh, by the
way, Judge Potter called. He asked if you’d be available for
tomorrow. I told him you would. I can’t take you over, I
gotta’ be here all day. Since you men are
through with that job and we ain’t got another scheduled ‘til next
week, take the old truck. If you’re gonna’ be late git’n back
just gimme’ a call. I’ll have some supper put aside for you.”
“Yes, Sir.
I’d enjoy another day with the judge.”
“You made quite
an impression on him the other day. He’s convinced you can walk
on water.” Angus joked. Shane just grinned.
“I like the old
man.” Shane said.
“Good. I
like him, too. Is ever’ thing okay between you and our ramrod?”
Angus asked like he was afraid to ask. Shane froze but didn’t
respond. Instead he just shrugged his shoulders and sort of
grimaced. He had his own small room next to Master Bill’s master
bedroom in his house, but Bill hadn’t said two words to him in the last
month. Shane would come in, ask if he could do anything for him,
Birdsall would grunt at him and just say ‘no’ then tell Shane to go to
his room. Shane would dutifully go to his room, close the door
and be very quiet staring at the walls and ceiling until he got sleepy
and went to bed. Angus took Shane’s silence to indicate it was a
difficult situation. “I was afraid of that. He ain’t
adjusting well to the idea of you leaving. Tell you what, gather
up your things and move in with Cole for the rest of the week.
He’s got an empty bunk in his room in the slave quarters.”
“Thanks,
Master. I appreciate that. It might be a little more
comfortable for Master Bill with me gone.” Shane didn’t say more.
“Oh, yes, and
one more thing— I know I’ve been kinda standoffish the last couple of
weeks myself, and I ain’t availed myself of your services, but it ain’t
because of you. Y'ain’t done a damn thing wrong. Truth
is, I’m having a hard time adjusting, too, but I’m gonna’ change
that. I’ve made arrangements for you and me to stay at the lodge
on Mars Wednesday night. So be ready, I’ll come get you early in
the afternoon. We’ll gate from here to the ‘Snatch.’”
“Sounds good to
me, Master. It’s been a while. I could use me some good
master
dick. I’ll be looking forward to it.” they shared a laugh.
“Me, too, Son,
and I’m sorry, Shane. I promise, I’ll make up for my stupidity.”
“You always do,
Sir. No hard feelings, Master.”
Shane turned and
walked away. His heart was full with some small hope there just
might be a chance for the plan he was formulating in his mind to
work. Master Bill wasn’t home when Shane arrived. He didn’t
bother to shower in Bill’s house. He threw his personal articles,
clothes and his best pair of boots in a couple of bags and headed for
the slave quarters. He knocked lightly on the door to Cole’s
room. Cole answered the door in the nude. Shane was
standing with a bag in both hands looking like a lost puppy searching
for a warm lap or a saucer of milk.
“Master Angus
told me to bunk it in with you ‘til the end of the week.”
“Come in,
boy. Come on in. Glad to have you. That bunk over
there is vacant. Stow your things in that closet. Ain’t
nothing in it. Things bad at Master Bill’s?”
“Quiet.
Very quiet, but not you and me kind of quiet.” Shane grinned.
“I understand.”
said Cole. “It will be nice to have you around for a while. It’ll
gimme’ somebody not to talk to.” he laughed openly at his joke.
“Thanks, Cole, I
was a bit worried you might think...”
“You arranged
it? Nonsense. We all know how Master Bill’s been the past
several weeks. He’s miserable so he thinks ever’body else should
be, too. You ain’t the only one what’s suffered from his quiet
snit.”
“Quiet
snit? I love that. That’s too funny.” Shane started
laughing and couldn’t stop. It was a cathartic explosion and a
release of pent-up tensions and emotions. He started Cole
laughing. Then, the strangest thing happened. Shane double
over in heart wrenching sobs and fell on the unmade bunk to cry.
Cole went to him and gathered him in his arms.
“Let it out,
Son. If the man really loved you, he would be happy for you
like I am.” Shane slowly recovered and suddenly realized Cole was
holding him naked. He pulled away.
“I’m sorry,
Cole. I don’t know what come over me. It’s just such a
relief being out of there. The last couple of months has been
nothing but tension. I been walking on eggshells for a month or
more so’s not to irritate him.”
“It’s all
right. If we’re gonna’ be bunk mates you gotta’ get used to me
being naked. I rarely wear clothes when I’m here in the room.”
“Can I go
native, too?”
“Sure you
can. I certainly don’t have me no problem looking at yore’
handsome body.”
Shane
cleaned up and had supper with his cowboy slave brothers. They
were a mixed group of men. Most were good men who made mistakes
and ended up as slaves. They seemed to enjoy having Shane with
them. They all knew what was going on. When one slave
suffered, they all suffered. One big man, named Phil Pie, who
everyone loved but could sometimes be crude and somewhat boisterous
called to him across the table.
“Ah, if it ain’t
my sweet-meat baby buckaroo Shane. Welcome to the world of the
common
slave, little brother. My how the mighty have fallen.” he winked
at Shane and roared with laughter.
“You’re so
right, Poppa Pie.” Shane countered, “There ain't no pariah like a short
timer
slave.” All the other slaves laughed at Shane’s retort and patted
him on the back.
“Just don’t
forget those what still love you, boy.” Phil said more quietly.
“I promise, I
will never forget you or your love, Phil.” there was an awkward,
poignant feeling that surrounded the room.
“To Shane.” Phil
lifted his cup and motioned for the others to join him in a
toast.
They all raised their cups. “May he find great happiness and
never wear the yoke of submission again.”
“Hear, hear!”
they all agreed, clinked cups and drank.
“Thanks men.”
was all Shane had to say and the conversation was changed. After
supper Shane left to return to Angus’ office. He was still there.
“Sorry to bother
you, Master Angus, do I need to call Master Potter or did he say what
time for me to be there?”
“I’m sorry, Son,
my brain ain’t work’n right today. I got too many damn things
going on, and I ain’t git’n a lot of help from my partner. He’s
gone missing now for two days and nobody seems to know where he
went. Did he say anything to you?”
“Naw, Sir.
He ain’t said nothing to me in two weeks other than ‘go to your room.’”
Shane answered without nuance.
“Judge Potter
said for you not to eat breakfast. You will have breakfast with
him. He wants you there by seven, so if you leave here around six
you should be there on time. He said wear work clothes and said
something about bringing some tools to work on his dessert
machine? He said you’d know what he was talk’n about.” It
was all Shane could do to keep from dropping on the floor and rolling
in laughter. He had to bite his tongue, and look away from the
puzzled look on his brother's face.
“Uh, yes, Sir. I
know'd what he’s talking about. I worked on it for a few minutes
while I was there. I’ll take what I need to finish the job.”
“Good,
good! You comfortable for the night?”
“Yes, Sir, and
thanks again. I appreciate it. I just may git me some sleep
tonight.”
“Well, ain’t no
need for you to be punished for something you didn’t do. Come
here, boy.” Angus stood and opened his big arms. Shane almost
leaped into them. He broke down again, but Angus held him
tight. When he got himself together Angus found his mouth and
began to kiss him gently and then proceeded to a full blown passionate
kiss. Shane responded to his big brother in kind. It was
the first such kiss Shane got from Angus in a long time. Angus
broke it off and held his little brother tightly. “I love you so
much, Shane, but I’m so proud of you for making it through. I’ll
make sure you get a good start. You won’t be leaving my nest
empty handed. I’m looking forward to Wednesday afternoon and
night.”
“Me, too,
Master. You can’t know how much I love and appreciate you, Master
Angus. I won’t never forget all you done for me.”
* * * * * *
*
Shane returned
to the slave quarters and to his new room. Cole was already in
the buff lying on his bunk reading a Western novel. He was
wearing a funny looking pair of half-rim glasses that made him look
like a college professor. Shane smiled to think how out of
character it made his ultimate cowboy hunk appear. Shane wasted
no time taking off his clothes. He pulled his boots back on to
walk around in. He put his things away in the closet and filled
an empty dresser on his side of the room. He made his bunk and
folded his blanket neatly at the bottom. He brought his own
pillow from his other bed. He wound his alarm clock and set it
for five o’clock. He figured an hour to get ready, have a quick
cup of coffee in the bunkhouse and be on the road would put him at the
Potter ranch on time.
“Master give you
something to do tomorrow?” Cole asked.
“Yes, Sir, I
gotta' go back over to the Potter ranch. Last time I was there,
after I split a cord of firewood for him, I got involved with his
ponies. One was lame from an overgrown hoof. The others
jaw was swollen and tender. Pulled an abscessed tooth out of the
old horse and had to shoe them both. The lame one’s hoof lost its
shoe and grow’d so long it was splitting and rubbing his flesh.
He had a couple other small projects we didn’t get to, and I promised
I’d come back over to help him. He called Master Angus today, and
they set it up for me to go over there tomorrow morning. Master
told me to take the farrier truck. Is there anything in there you
need?”
“Naw, I can’t
think a’ nothing. Ain’t gonna’ be do’n no farrier work tomorrow
no ways. Probably be riding fence all day. Don’t
know. I hear tell nobody’s heard from our ramrod in a couple of
days. If we don’t hear something by tomorrow morning I’ll go
knock on Master Angus’ office and get work assignments from him.
You didn’t take the farrier truck last time, did you?”
“Naw, Sir.
Master Angus drove me over. I found some tools in the old man’s
work shed. Said his boy was a farrier. Said he apprenticed
under you for a while.”
“Damn, I never
connected the two. Of course, I remember now. He was just a
kid, Billy Dean Potter. I remember him well. Fast learner
and a good worker. He gimme’ a run for my money for a
while. I
was sad when I heard he got drafted and killed in one a’ them wars in
the middle East”
Shane was
bending over fixing his bed and Cole got a straight shot at his
ass. He stared at it in wonder. How could a man’s ass
appear that beautiful to him? It was perfectly formed and looked
like the bud of a small, tight flower. He wondered if its image
might have been the original Rose of Sharon from King Solomon’s ‘Song
of Songs.’ He didn’t care. It would become his Rose of
Sharon for his moment of free association. Brain farts, he called
them. His mental meanderings were his only freedom sometimes and
made the endless hours of hard work and countless days of drudgery pass
quickly. Was it the
portent of an omen? What strange voice in his head came to him to
suggest such a thing? What? Was he going crazy? Was
it a vision of his future? The voice assured him it was so. ‘Look
upon its beauty and weep. Yea, weep. It’s enough to make
the stoutest of strong hearted men bite his knuckles and sob into his
beer. Set it as a bond upon your heart and a seal upon your
strong right arm. Love and protect it with all your might.
It shall bear your children.’ it said. Cole shook his head in
disbelief. He wouldn't believe his ears, but he couldn't deny his
eyes. Shane’s hole suddenly looked like a sacred object to
him. It was like he was seeing through someone else’s eyes.
Cole felt like some religious junkie who could imagine the virgin Mary
in everything he saw. Was a holy icon ever discovered in a cow
pie, he wondered?
There, before
him, he could envision a bright pure light shining forth from within to
secure the way to the final resting place every true warrior of the
holy grail dreamed about. A shrine to which he would gladly pay
homage to gain its blessing and a promise of entrance into the sweet
comfort of its heavenly kingdom with only one complete thrust of his
powerfully erect male genitalia. On the more mundane side, he
could swear it was winking at him or at the very least blowing him a
kiss. Cole’s body
reacted like the base animal his mind strove mightily to overcome with
thoughts of the esoterically sublime. Aves for naught, plainchant
for many, he immediately started to get an erection. He reached
for his blanket to hide his shame, but Shane turned too quickly and
caught him. It was too late to insert the key to the
confessional, he was busted. There was no water so sacred a
complete immersion could absolve him. It only made the egg on his
handsome buckaroo face run faster.
“It’s yours any
time you want it, cowboy, but if you love me, you have to kiss it
first.” Shane grinned wickedly.
“I’d do more’n
kiss it, odd-job.” Cole grinned back. “But not tonight, I got other
things in mind. Lock the door, hit the light and git chore’ ass
over here.”
Shane did as
ordered. As soon as he hit the light a small lamp with a tiny
bulb lit on Cole’s dresser. Shane walked over to Cole’s bunk
where he was sitting. Without warning Cole engulfed Shane’s cock
and took it deep in his throat. Shane was so surprised his eyes
started watering. Cole was no amateur to cock sucking. He
sucked Shane off like he did everything else in life. If it was a
job worth doing, it was worth doing well, and if that job should just
happen to be with the one you love, then there was nothing too good for
the job. No personal expense should be spared. Cole had
Shane crying for release after about fifteen
minutes, but he taunted the young man time and again until Shane
threatened to do the same to him the next time. When Shane blew,
Cole growled deep in his throat like a big Grizzly bear and the
vibration made Shane shoot several more volleys. His mind was
racing and he couldn’t think of many who reciprocated sex with
him. The Admiral offered, but Shane shot his load while Lazarus
was fucking him. Lazarus was good, very good. His nephew,
Waco, was the last person he could remember to suck him off. Cole
drained him. Shane was exhausted.
“You didn’t have
to do that, Cole. I would’ve been happy to be your...”
“My what?
My cowboy concubine? No thanks. Besides, I wanted to see
what I might be up against if I become your slave. No offense,
but it was just like sucking Master Agnus’ cock.”
“It ain’t gonna’
be that way between us, Cole.” Shane tried to reassure him.
“I never though
it might, Son. I was totally straight when I became a slave but
Master Bill and Master Angus worked with me and worked with me until I
come to enjoy male sex as much as with a women. Good thing.
I ain’t never been with a woman since my wife. Ain’t likely to
neither. I don’t think much about either these days. It
takes someone I really care about to move me to do what I just
done. Rather than waste a lot of words, I just thought I’d show
you.”
“Are you still
required to service our masters?”
“Yeah, about
once a month, I go up and offer myself. They don’t fuck me, but
once in a great while Master Angus will let me suck him off. I
ain’t done nothing with Master Bill since you came. Just as
well. I never enjoyed it with him no how, and he know’d it, too.”
“I love you,
Cole.”
“I love you,
too, odd-job. Now let’s git to bed. Morning comes early,
and at my age, I needs me beauty sleep.”
“Damn, you
should a’ been in bed hours ago.” Shane grinned.
“That’s one,
odd-job.” Cole mimed licking an imaginary pencil and placing a
mark in an imaginary book.
* * * * * * *
Shane’s alarm
went off, both men got out of bed and headed for the showers
together. They were only half awake as they did their morning
ablutions and were eventually joined by other cowboy slaves.
Shane enjoyed the bunkhouse atmosphere. Everyone was relaxed and
not the least shy about being in the raw around each other. He
wondered what he missed by living with Bill Birdsall these last ten
years. He could remember long periods of time when Bill would be
mad at him for the least little thing and banish him to his room for
weeks at a time. Finally, he would come around and allow Shane
back into his good graces again; he would allow Shane to start
servicing him once more. Shane came to believe that’s all there
was to his relationship with Master Bill. He never really cared
much about Shane as a person. He cared a lot about Shane for his
body. Many times he would service Master Bill and he would send
him off to his room immediately afterward. In ten years he never
once reciprocated. Shane wasn’t even allowed to come when Master
Bill was fucking him. For all his liberal slave policies,
practices and teachings, there was precious little personal humanity in
Bill Birdsall. Before they left
the room for coffee, Cole grabbed Shane and kissed him passionately.
“I been want’n
to do that for ten fuck’n years.” Cole said.
“I never dreamed
I would ever get a kiss from you.” allowed Shane.
“Well, we got
four days left. Let’s make the best of it. I’ll be think’n
‘bout you all day, cowboy.”
Shane got an
erection from Cole’s words. It was a side of his mentor he
never saw before. It was like a dream come true. They sat
and slowly drank their coffee together in quiet mode. Shane
thought it was the perfect cover for them. Then he thought, it
had always been the perfect cover for them. No one could claim to
have overheard Cole and Shane discuss anything out of the
mundane. Shane got up to leave and Cole winked at him.
“Have a good
day, odd-job.”
“I will, Pa.”
Shane said quietly. Cole smiled.
* * * * * * *
The lights were
on in the Potter kitchen as Shane parked the old truck and ran to the
backdoor, up the steps and knocked gently.
“Come in,
Son! Come on in.”
Shane entered
and walked into the kitchen with his hat in his hand. Shane
started to drop to his knees to pay homage to his boots, but the old
man
grabbed him in mid air and gave him a hug instead.
“I ain’t one for
formalities, boy, I done told you that.” he laughed nervously,
“Besides,
when it’s just us, who gives a damn. Y’ain’t got that long to go
no ways.” he added, heavy on the cowboy lingo. His housekeeper
came into the room and Potter introduced her. She was finishing
up breakfast for the two of them. Potter set Shane down and they
ate a huge country breakfast together. Mrs. Huggins must have
been there very early because she spoke of lunch in the fridge and
instructed them to
leave the dishes in the sink for tomorrow. Just be sure and rinse
them. She bid farewell and departed.
“What you been
up to, boy?”
Shane told him
of recent developments and his coupling with Cole. The old man
was thrilled to hear it. He went on and on about what a good man
he thought Cole Jenkins was. He wanted to know if Shane talked
with any more folks. Shane told him about having supper with
Ramrod Long and him telling Shane he would buy him anything he wanted
for a present to celebrate his freedom. He told the judge about
his plan to ask his brother for the old farrier truck and one slave.
“Do I have to
guess who the slave might be, Son?” the old man grinned.
“Naw, Sir.
You already know, but Cole is one of my brother’s best slaves.”
“That’s right,
but if he’s a smart man he will want to be sure his investment of ten
years for his younger brother pays off. What better way to hedge
his options or create an insurance policy you won’t revert to your
previous ways by having the stabilizing influence of a rock solid slave
like Cole Jenkins to keep you in line; and slave or no, Cole Jenkins is
just the man for the job. It’s brilliant, boy. It's a damn
good workable plan. I only hope
Angus can see it.”
“We’re getting
away together on a small trip Wednesday evening. We’re going to a
wild animal lodge we know to spend the night. It’s a wonderful
place. I promise to take you there after your retirement as a
celebration.”
They finished
eating and Shane cleared the table. He didn’t just rinse the
dishes. He washed, dried them and put them away while he and
Potter jawed. Shane felt so much more free around the old
man. The old judge felt like his grandfather, and Shane was
really enjoying their time together.
“You were right
about Cole being guarded, Sir. I wonder about myself
sometimes. How I can see some things clearly and others I’m
hopelessly naive about. He made me feel so stupid. He
pointed out to me what might happen if
he tried to have a relationship with me. Me, being the brother of
Cole’s master, and the slave concubine of his ramrod made me a
politically off limits hot property. That’s why you asked if they
knew about my feeling for Cole, ain’t it?”
“Exactly.
Don’t worry none about your naivete. It’s something we all have
to learn to live with. Believe it or not, after all these years,
I’m still naive about a lot of things. I should have spelled it
out for you. I thought you understood, but I’m glad Cole pointed
it out. Slaves have to be very careful how they play the
game. I try to be an informed judge and read account after
account of slave’s lives, and you would be surprised some of the
horrible situations slaves find themselves in. Cole, being a
slave for life has to be even more guarded. I still don’t think
it would be wise to put all your cards on the table with Angus.
The less he knows about how you and Cole feel about each other the
better. Try to approach it from a strictly business angle with
him. Angus is a sucker for a good deal.” the men shared a
laugh. “I just wish there was some way I could help convince
Angus of the merits of your plan. Two of the best farriers in the
area could make a comfortable living. I know you and Cole have
been, excuse the expression, cash cows for Angus for your farrier work.”
“Maybe if you
put in a call to my Uncle Charlie and spoke with him and Ramrod
Long. Master Angus listens to them. He also listens to my
nephew, Master Waco. He would do anything for him.”
“I could do that
tomorrow while you and Angus are away.” Potter plotted. “Maybe you
could speak with your nephew.”
* * * * * * *
The judge took
Shane out to show him the improvement of the horses. They saw
Shane and Potter from the high ridge that overlooked the other meadow
and started in a trot toward him. They seemed to have regained a
lot of their verve for life. They ran up to Shane and were all
over him like a long lost relation. Shane stopped along the way
and grabbed two ripe apples from a tree in his brother’s orchard.
He was holding them in a paper bag. They wanted to know what he
had in the bag? Was it for them? He laughed and told them
it was a treat for both of them. He took the apples out and gave
them to the ponies. They were pleased. Potter was wowed and
laughed. Shane was talking with them, and they looked like they
were listening to and understanding every word.
“They tell me
you’ve been talking with them, they appreciate you coming to visit them
and checking on them more often.” Shane said to the judge.
“I have, indeed,
been checking on them daily.” he replied.
“They say you’ve
been talking about starting the ranch up again. They want me to
thank Jack and Jill for them. They would like just a bit more
oats with their evening meal, and could you let Shane come over more
often to curry them?” Shane smiled.
“I believe
you. What else did they tell you?” Potter inquired.
“They said you
had some wonderful things to tell me. They said they would let
you tell me.”
“Smart ponies.”
laughed Potter as he reached to pat them. “Come, I have some things to
show you and ask your opinion about.”
Shane noticed
several other buildings on the property when he was there the last
time, but since they were a good way from the main house he thought
they could be on another piece of property. Potter led him to a
small, two story house that seemed in good condition. It needed a
paint job and some minor repairs, but it looked livable. They
walked up the steps onto the porch, and Potter reached over the door
frame to retrieve a key. He unlocked the door, and they walked
in. The interior was amazing. It was in mint condition, and
looked like a lot of love and fine workmanship went into its
building. It was fully furnished but had old sheets and painter’s
drop cloths over everything to protect it. Off to the right, was
a small sitting room and to the left was a large family room with a
huge fireplace. The two sections were divided by a hallway and
staircase that went to the second story. The hallway went to a
huge country kitchen and screened back porch. Upstairs were four
bedrooms and two baths. Everything worked. It was amazing.
“I thought this
was on a separate property, Master Potter.”
“No, it’s part
of the ranch. It’s the ranch foreman’s house. See down
there in the valley...” Potter pulled back a curtain from the
upstair’s bedroom window to show Shane, “....that’s the slave quarters
and bunk house.”
Shane looked out
at a rambling two winged bunk house. It was very large. It
was bigger than the slave quarters on either Angus or Charlie’s
ranches. It soon wouldn’t be because the Stamper boys under Blake
Tindell were building new quarters for Charlie’s men and Angus already
had plans drawn up for two new buildings. He was on their waiting
list. Nevertheless, it was ample room for enough slave cowboys to
run Potter’s ranch quite well.
Potter seemed in
no hurry to get to work and Shane felt he probably just wanted his
company for the day. He was right, but they did get a few things
done. They walked to the bunk house/slave quarters and made a
quick tour. Shane was impressed. It was solidly built,
rugged and really caught the feeling of the old West. There were
two wings with twenty, two man rooms to each wing. They weren’t
small rooms either. They were ten by twenty, but there were four
rooms, two on either wing next to the main rooms that were larger with
their own separate bath facilities. Potter explained they were
for lead slave cowboys who deserved a little more privacy and comfort.
“Why do I get
the feeling you showing me all this is leading up to something, Master?”
“Did them damn
ponies tell you?”
“Naw, Sir, they
were firm. The wanted it to come from you.”
“Good, then I
can trust them.”
“Sometimes,
Master. Depends on the pony. Like humans, some ponies are
notorious gossips.” Shane winked at him and the men shared a laugh.
“I’ve become
quite fond of you, Shane, and one of the main reasons is you make me
laugh and see the humor in things. I can’t tell you how
encouraged I was after your last visit. I hope I wasn’t too
forward asking to see you again so soon.”
“If you hadn’t
called I was gonna’ ask permission to call you. I damn near had
me a heart attack when my master told me your message about yore’
dessert machine.” Shane laughed, “I almost had apoplexy. I had to
bite my tongue to keep from falling to the floor with laughter.” Shane
poured on the cowboy bullshit and had the old man gasping for breath he
was laughing so much. “You’ll be happy to know I brought the
appropriate tools and plan to work on it for you this afternoon.
I’m sure I can fine tuned that fine, handsome machine and have it
running like new. I can’t wait to taste a new, fresh batch of
cowboy cream.” Potter was holding on to Shane’s arm he was
laughing so hard.
“That ain’t the
only reason I asked for you today.” he managed to get out.
“I know it
ain’t, Master. I’s just playing witch-ya. I certainly hope
it was one of the reasons. I would cry all the way home if you
didn’t feed yore’ faithful slave some dessert before he left.
Why, I would be crying so hard I might not be able to drive and have an
accident. You wouldn’t want that on yore’ conscience, would you,
Sir?” Shane winked and grinned at him. Potter roared with laugher.
“You have the
Goodnight gift of flattery and bullshit, Son. You truly are yore’
daddy’s son.” Potter allowed. The old man’s innocent remark threw
a shroud over Shane.
“That’s why I
spent ten years as a slave, Master Potter. I never knew my
daddy.” Shane said remorsefully.
“Of course,
you’re right. I remember now. I’m sorry, Son, that was an
insensitive statement. I humbly apologize. I’m a forgetful,
foolish old man.”
Shane recovered
quickly.
“The hell you
say, Master.” he smile, “With greatest respect, Sir, you’re sharper
than many I know half your age. Y’ain’t no fool neither, and have
you so quickly forgotten our conversation about naivete?” Shane sounded
like well trained lawyer.
“Not at all, I
see your point. Well taken, Son.” Potter just looked at
Shane for a moment in admiration.
“Beside, the
more I fine tune your dessert machine the younger yore’ gonna’
get. I won’t stop neither until you’re half your current age,
trust me.”
Potter smiled at
him and shook his head. “You know I trust you, but I also know
you’re a cowboy at heart with all that implies.” he smiled.
“This cowboy
ain’t no quart low, Master. What I tell you ain’t no bullshit.”
Shane said sincerely.
“Shane, you have
a home here to come to after Friday if you want it. The foreman’s
house is yours for the taking. Come live here with me. Run
my ranch for me. Live free here for your help and when we get the
ranch going we’ll work out a contract between us. If you can talk
Angus into letting you have Cole for your slave, bring him along.
He’s welcome here, too. You men can live here for free for what
help you give me and do your farrier work to get on your feet.”
Shane sat down
on the long porch of the bunkhouse, placed his head in his hands and
started weeping. The old man set next to him and placed his arm
around him. “I’m sorry, Son. I didn’t mean to blurt it all
out and upset you. I know you’re going though a rough adjustment
period. I just wanted to make it a little easier on you.”
“No, no, Master
Potter. I ain’t crying ‘cause I’m upset. I’m crying out of
joy and happiness. Men do that, you know?” he smiled at Potter
through his tears. “I didn’t know what I’s gonna’ do. Here
it is, only three more days after today, nobody’s sit down with me and
given me much solid advice but you and Cole. I planned to ask you
before I left today if’n I could come stay in your bunkhouse and be a
factotum for you ‘til I can get on my feet; also to bring ma’ dad,
Cole, with me if Master Angus will let him go. I was think’n on
asking Ramrod Long to buy him for me as the present he wanted to give
me, but I had second thoughts, because it might cause hard
feelings. Now, here you are offering me something far more
wonderful that I might have imagined for myself. Don’t you think
I deserve a couple of tears, Sir?” Shane smiled at him.
“As always, you
make your point well, Son. I can’t argue with that. So is
that a ‘yes’? Do we have a plan?”
“Of course we
have a plan, Master. I’m so humbled and honored you think enough
of me to make such an offer. We can only try, but I have good
feelings about it. Tell me one thing, Sir. Is this your
idea or have you been influenced by voices in your head or vivid dreams
about this in your sleep?”
The old man
looked at Shane with a look of surprise and almost horror. He
shivered
like a cold chill ran up his spine. He got a grimace on his face
like a kid who got a brain freeze from eating something cold too fast.
“How could you
know that? You can’t get into my head, can you?” he asked
astounded.
“Naw, Sir.
I could, but I wouldn’t. It ain’t ethical. All men, even
slaves, deserve the privacy of their own thoughts. Animals
can block you when they don’t want you listening. I can block
anyone I don’t want listening to my thoughts.”
“You’re serious
about all this. This ain’t just some trick with you. It
ain’t no cowboy palaver.”
“Dead serious,
Master.”
“From where did
my dreams come, Son? The dreams I saw of you and Cole living here
in happiness together, him calling you ‘odd-job’; sitting around my
table enjoying each others company, talking about business, whether or
not to buy a prize bull, a certain slave for sale, buying the next
property over to expand our operations. Where did all that come
from?”
“Ain’t sure,
Master, but I got my suspicions.”
“Are they false
pictures, Son?”
Shane looked at
him, smiled gently and shook his head ‘no.’
“They’re very
real. 'Odd-job' is ma’ pa’s nickname for me. Your dreams
let you
see a glimpse of the future. So we can count on me git’n my
beloved dad for my slave. Tell me, was Cole my slave and how old
were you in your dream?”
“Cole was
definitely your slave. The only way Angus would release him to
you was for you to sign a personal contract with him you would not
grant Cole manumission for twenty years. If you tried, your
contract was null and void, and he could legally reclaim Cole as his
slave. But that weren’t the really weird part, Son. What
you said earlier pulled the memory up from my subconscious. In
the dream I was in my mid to late forties. That’s why I didn’t
give it
much credence.”
“Twenty
years? Twenty years ain’t nothing.” Shane said like he was
thinking to himself, but Potter heard him and wondered how he could
reason that way. Then Shane added, “Judge there’s things about me
you don’t know.”
“Are they bad
things, Son? If, as you tell me, my dreams are true, I know you
ain’t nothing but a good man.” Potter insisted.
“I hope I am,
Master. I try to be, but I sometime live in a separate reality.”
“You mean like a
dream world? Like a person with dual personalities?”
“Naw, Sir.
Nothing like that. This is real. You’re well read.
You must know about separate realities. The universe has at least
eleven parallel realities going at the same time. Damn, I wish it
was after Friday, I was a freeman and you was retired. It would
make this so much simpler.”
“You’ve asked me
several time to trust you. I will. I don’t need to know
more
right now than I’ve come to love you. You’re surrogate dad, Cole,
was right to tell you all he needed to know about you was he loves
you. It’s something any true father would tell his son. I
said it to my boy many times. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it
again, Cole Jenkins is a damn good man and you should listen to him.”
“I have and I
am, Master. I don’t think I could go on without him or you for
that matter. Yes, we got us a plan. As soon as I can get
out
of my brother’s place, Friday evening or Saturday morning at the
latest, you will see me driving up your gravel road.”
Shane stuck his
hand out, Potter took it and the men shook hands. Shane pulled
the old man into a hug, held him tightly and kissed him gently on the
cheek. It was the judge’s turn to water up.
“Thank you,
Master Potter, for being here and providing me with a way out. If
I stayed with my brother I would be under constant surveillance and
that ain’t healthy for a man to grow. Besides there’s bad feeling
between Master Bill and me. I will put down roots here and
grow. I certainly hope your dream is a glimpse of the
future. If it is, we will become family.”
“That’s my hope,
Son.”
* * * * * * *
It was still
early morning and the men walked back to the big house. They were
followed everywhere by the ponies. They wouldn’t let Shane out of
their sight. The old man was amazed and smiled to himself.
Potter was having problems with his plumbing in the kitchen and the
upstairs bathroom. Shane figured out they were on the same line
which went off to the septic tank. He found some plumbing tools
in the tool shed and determined the line to the tank was free so there
must be a problem in the line inside the house. He removed the
clean out plugs and ran a stiff wire up the stack to the upstairs
bathroom. He hit a solid object. After several minutes work
with the wire he felt he hooked the problem and gave a great yank with
the wire. Backed up sewage came rushing out almost hitting the
judge. He jumped back laughing at his standing to close to where
the big man was working. Shane held up a hand towel covered in
muck.
“You can’t go
flushing wash cloths and hand towels down the toilet, Judge.
They’ll stop it up ever’ damn time.” he laughed. The old man
looked astonished.
“I don’t know
how that happened. I don’t remember flushing one. Am I
getting that old, Shane?”
“Not at
all. It happens all the time. Anyone can accidentally knock
one off the rack, it falls into the toilet, it ain’t noticed and it
gits flushed. How many folks turn around to look at what they
done in the toilet?” Shane smiled at him. “Do you have a towel
rack over your toilet?”
“Yes, my wife
used it as a guest towel rack because it was handy to the sink.”
“There you
go. Let’s take it down, move it, and it won’t happen again.”
“Great idea,
Son.”
So went the
morning. They got a lot of things done and didn’t stop for lunch
‘til around one o’clock. Mrs. Huggins left them two turkey and
ham sandwiches each and some wonderful German potato salad. Shane
enjoyed his and his tall jar of iced tea.
“We done enough
for today. S’git’n too damn hot again. You wanna’ ride them
old ponies down to the swimming hole again today, Son?”
“I would really
enjoy it. Dessert tastes so much better after a good swim.” Shane
winked at him. Potter giggled like a school boy and actually
blushed. Shane continued, “Let’s walk this time. It’ll do
us good. Besides, yore’ dessert machine works better when you
exercise it properly.” they laughed together.
The men talked
nonstop as they walked arm in arm up and over the hill and down into
the meadow
followed closely by their constant companions. Potter couldn’t
remember the names his boy gave them. Shane asked them if they
could remember their names and the older one said his master named him
Pete and the other Race.
“They said their
names are Pete and Race.” Shane whispered to Potter.
“My God, of
course, now I remember. Pete was always pestering him for treats
so he named him Pistol Pester Pete, three P, and Race ran everywhere he
went. Your abilities never cease to amaze me, Son. By the
way, don’t be surprised, but I’ve made a small adjustment in my
decision in your case. You have to trust me on this. It’s
for your own good.” he didn’t say more.
“You said you
would trust me. I trust you, Judge.”
The men swam,
but they were less self-conscious around each other. Shane
grabbed the old man and held him tightly against his body several times
and hugged him. Potter seemed to enjoy the tactile
expression of Shane’s affection. It felt healing to him.
Was this part of Shane’s plan to make him feel younger? If so, he
thought it just might be working. They were sitting in shallow
water on a sand bar talking. They decided to get out and move to
the blanket they brought along and spread in the same spot as
before. Shane grabbed Potter once more and moved to deeper water
until it was almost to their necks. He held him and whispered.
“Ever kissed a
man before, Master?”
“No, but I’d
like to kiss you.” he responded.
“Let’s seal our
bond of trust and faith in each other, Judge.”
Shane brushed
his lips gently against the old man’s white mustache as an
invitation. Potter was ready and they kissed a sweet gentle kiss
that became more serious until it bloomed into full passion.
Shane broke it off.
“It’s time to
git your dessert machine running, Master. I want me my dessert.”
“I don’t think
you’ll have no problem with it this time, Son. I think there’s a
big batch in there with your name on it. It’s been building up
for several days now, and I promise I ain’t touched it.”
“Good, it would
make me very sad to know you cheated me out of my dessert.” they shared
a laugh at their nonsense. “By the way, do I have your permission to
share our secret about your dessert machine with my brother tomorrow
night. Knowing his sense of humor like I do, he will split right
down the seams.” Shane laughed.
“Of
course. Maybe it might loosen that tight ass old son of bitch up
a bit.” Potter roared with laugher. Shane knew the old man
wouldn’t have said it if he didn’t love Angus with all his heart.
The old man was right. His dessert machine was working
overtime.
After Shane sucked the last of his hardy dessert from Potter’s
hard-as-a-rock penis he told the old judge he could swear the damn
thing was ‘smoke’n.’ Potter rolled on the blanket laughing.
He held Shane again and they jawed some more, but this time the judge
was lavish with his kisses.
“Servicing me
ain’t a prerequisite for nor part of our agreement, Son.”
“Damnation!
I guess as a freeman it would be against the law for us to do, but
remember our conversation about circumnavigation?”
“Vividly.”
replied the Judge.
“I considered
Master Austin and Master Daniels like you told me to. What two
cowboys do on their own time is their own damn business. Ain't
nobody else's. Besides, I got me
a better way to circumnavigate the situation. One I just know
you’re gonna’ love. Think back to your dream. Did you feel
loved by me and ma’ pa?”
“Oh, God,
yes! We were like close family. Like you promised in your
pledge earlier, we would become family.”
“Then trust me,
Master, it will come to be, and you will not be left out. After
all, ain’t that the most important thing in life, family.”
“I had
forgotten, Son. I been so down for so long I lost my vision for
life. I threw myself into my work when my wife passed away
fifteen years ago and never looked up. When I did bother to look
up I discovered I’d become an old man. It happens. Look at
your pa. He’s still a relatively young man, but he lost his
family. It’s hard to go on without one. I understand your
fears of leaving the security of being your brother’s slave, but I
think you know it’s some’um you gotta’ do. There’s more at stake
than just you. A number of folks are counting on you. I
know you won’t let them down.”
“If you only
knew how many, Master, but you will after Friday, I promise.”
The sun was
setting in the West as Potter walked Shane to the old farrier
truck. Shane looked at the old man’s heavy buckaroo work boots
and his mouth began to water. Potter saw him admiring them.
“Please,
Master. One last time. I may never get another chance, as a
slave, to pay homage to your handsome boots.”
“I never
considered a ritual might come to mean so much to a slave. I’ve
learned something. From now on, I won’t deny a slave his right to
perform his duty. Of course, I would be honored, slave.”
Shane fell to
his knees in the dust of the yard and lovingly kissed and cleaned the
dust from the old man’s boots. He found his hand waiting,
lovingly kissed the back and placed it against his forehead.
“Rise, humble
slave, and show your master your love.” the old man’s voice
cracked as he said the words. Shane rose, took Potter into his
big arms and gently kissed him goodbye. They both wiped away
tears when they broke apart, then laughed at each other.
“I’ll see you in
court on Friday, Son.”
“I think I’m
ready, Master.”
“I know you
are. Walk tall and proud, Son. You made it.” was Potter’s
last words to him.
Shane drove home
with a full heart. Through Potter, he had a glimpse of the future
and saw that it was good. Now he had to navigate his brother, but
even Angus didn’t daunt him anymore. There were other eyes, other
hearts watching over him. Within reason, with a humbled heart, he
knew he could have anything he wanted; anything his heart
desired. The trick was only to ask for so much, and the rest
would be provided for him beyond his wildest dreams.
* * * * * *
The sun was
still setting when he arrived back at the Goodnight ranch. He
parked and saw Cole headed for the truck to greet him. He
couldn’t believe his good fortune to have the man of his dreams for ten
years within his grasp. He would own this honest, hard working,
faithful, attractive man. His heart leapt to his throat.
Cole had a frown on his face, but he always had a slight frown on his
face so Shane didn’t think anything of it. Cole held the door for
him
as he got down from the truck.
“Have a good day
at the Potter ranch, Son?”
“It was a great
day, Pa.” Shane was about to say more when he stopped. The look
in Cole’s eyes told him all was not right.
“What’s wrong,
Cole?”
“Nobody’s here
right now, only the slaves. Master Angus asked me to tell you,
Master Bill tried to commit suicide a couple of days ago and they
didn’t fine him until it was almost too late, but they managed to save
him. He went to El Paso and ended up drunk in a cheap motel and
took an overdose of pills.”
Shane
stood there stunned. The man he spent ten years with tried to
commit suicide? Why? Because he was losing Shane? It
didn’t make sense. He didn’t want anything to do with Shane for
the last three months. He made life a living hell for Shane for
the last month and a half. Shane didn’t know how to react, but he
knew he didn’t need this drama right now. Why didn’t he feel
sorry for Master Bill? Where was his compassion? He didn’t
even feel pity for Birdsall. What did he feel? He didn’t
think he felt anything. No, wait, he did feel something.
‘How strange,’ he thought. He felt shame and he felt guilt, but
most of all he felt empty. Ten years of serving Master Bill, but
when it came time for Shane’s life to continue as a freeman, all he
had to show for it was an embittered little man who wanted to punish
him for something he had no control over. He saw things more
clearly now. It was a last ditch effort to create guilt in
Shane. Maybe Shane would be ashamed he caused poor Master Bill
such grief he tried to take his own life. Maybe Shane would wake
up and realize Master Bill needed him to remain a slave for another
five years. Shane knew in his heart five more years wouldn’t be
enough. Birdsall would find some way to have Shane’s slavery
extended for life. He never liked Shane becoming involved with
the Grange and Admiral Long. For all his schooling and knowledge
about slaves and their care, Bill Birdsall was a small man with limited
vision.
“Are you all
right, odd-job?” Cole asked in a concerned voice.
“Yes and
no. Damn, just when things seem to be going your way, bamm!
Shit!” he exclaimed and walked a little away from Cole.
“Master Angus
told me to tell you not to worry. This ain’t yore’ fault.
He’ll be back tomorrow morning, and he will definitely keep your date
for tomorrow afternoon and night. He told me to tell you there
ain’t no way in hell he won’t keep his word to you. It’s
important to him.”
“I hope he don’t
back out on me.”
“I don’t think
he will. From the way he sounded he fully intends to keep his
word. He made me repeat his message three times. I take it
he wants one last night with you as his slave.”
“Yes, and to be
honest, I was looking forward to it. It seems like the only time
I can talk with him and get him to listen is after I’ve satisfied him.”
“Come on, let’s
git you back to the bunkhouse where we can relax. You need your
brothers around you right now.”
“You’re right,
Pa, but first I gotta’ make a phone call. Come with me to Master
Angus’ office.”
They walked over
to Angus’ office. Shane found Judge Potter’s number and
dialed. The old man answered the phone.
“Master Potter
this is Shane.”
“Yes, Shane, why
are you calling me so soon? What’s wrong, Son? Something’s
happened, ain’t it.” Shane heard concern mixed with panic in the old
man’s voice.
“Yes, Sir,
Master Bill tried to commit suicide yesterday, but they found him in
time, and he’s gonna’ be okay. I just got home and Cole told
me. Ain’t nobody here but us slaves. Master Angus and his
family have gone to El Paso to be with Master Birdsall. I thought
you might want to know because of everything we talked about today.”
“Listen to me,
Son, this ain’t your fault. How do you feel?”
“I feel shame
and some guilt. Mostly I just feel empty, Master.”
“Empty is
good. You can be filled. Guilt and shame, not so
much. Is Cole there with you?”
“Yes, Sir,
Master.”
“Put him on the
phone.” Potter ordered.
“He wants to
speak with you.” Shane handed the received to Cole.
“Hello? Judge
Potter? Yes, Sir. (pause) Yes, Sir.” (long
pause) “No, Sir. Yes, Sir, I do. Okay, Master.
Are you sure, Sir? (pause) Oh, no, Sir, I didn’t mean no
disrespect, Master. Yes, Sir, if I can talk him into it, I
will. Okay, if you say so, Sir. I promise, Sir. Good
to talk with you again, Sir.”
Cole handed the
phone back to Shane.
“Listen, Son, I
want you to stay close to your slave brothers this evening. Lean
on Cole. I want you to do what Cole tells you. Don’t do
nothing without discussing it with him first, understand?”
“I will,
Sir. That’s good advice. I’m still scheduled to be with
Master Angus tomorrow. Just wanted to thank you again for a
wonderful day.”
“It was a
wonderful day for me, too. Them damn ponies are still at the back
gate looking for you. I’ve been out three times to tell them you
left, but I get the feeling they don’t believe this old man. I
even gave them extra oats this evening.” Potter laughed, “I appreciate
you calling, Son. It’s important information I need to
know. Hang in there, boy. This will all work out. I
feel pity for Mr. Birdsall, but this may work out for the best in the
long run. My love and prayers are with you.”
“Thank you,
Sir. Same to you. Dream more a’ them sweet dreams for me,
Master.”
“I’ll do my
best, Son.”
Shane said his
‘goodbyes’ and hung up.
“You ready,
odd-job?”
“Let’s go, Pa.”
They walked in
silence back to the slave quarters. It was dark by the time they
left Master Angus’ office, and the moon had not yet risen in the
sky. Cole casually slipped his hand into Shane’s and they walked
close together so no one could see they were holding hands. It
was unusually quiet on the property. It was like a pall hung over
the place. There was no sound from the big house and minimal
lights were left on. As they passed Master Bill’s house it was
dark except for one small night light he kept in the kitchen in case
he wanted to get up during the night for water or a snack.
They could hear crickets singing, whippoorwills calling and an
occasional prairie chicken fussing about. They got to the
bunkhouse and walked into the main room where all the men were gathered
talking in low tones. They saw Shane and Cole walk in and
stood. No one said a word. They got up and came to
him. Each man gave him a hug and a kiss. A few told him ‘it
weren’t his fault.’ Most didn’t say anything. Even the
three new baby slaves came to him in their diapers and shook his
hand. Shane was on the verge of tears, but he didn’t
cry.
He and Cole
excused themselves to go to their room. Shane thanked everyone
and told them he appreciated their support. He told the baby
slaves to learn to love and trust their fellow cowboy slaves because
when the going got tough you couldn’t depend on anyone but them.
When they returned to their room Cole took Shane in his arms and held
him. He found Shane’s mouth and brushed his full, bushy coal
black cowboy mustache against Shane’s lip as an invitation. It
reminded Shane of his same action in the water with the old
judge. Shane didn’t need a second invite. Cole spoke more
words to him in that kiss than ever came out of his cowboy pie hole in
ten years of working together.
“What did Judge
Potter say to you, Cole?” Shane asked casually. Cole smiled,
shook his head and got a silly grin on his face.
“He didn’t tell
me nothing, he ordered me!” Cole exclaimed. “That old man ordered me to
fill you up tonight. Them was his exact words.” Shane fell
out laughing and started Cole laughing. “He told me to fuck yore’
ass until the bunkhouse was haunted or the chicken’s came home to
roost, whichever happens first.” They fell on Cole’s bunk together
laughing.
“I know you
ain’t lying. Sounds jes’ like something that dirty old man would
say. God, I love him.” laughed Shane. “Sounds to me like a
plan I can live with, cowboy. I told you this morning, Pa, it was
yours if’n you wanted it. For me, the sooner the better.
You up for it?”
“Are you
kidding? I ain’t got me no choice. That old man means
business, he was serious, and I shore’ as hell ain’t gonna’ lie to him
when he asks me if I done what he told me.” Cole could barely get it
out he was laughing so much. “I don’t care if you lie there and read
the paper or whistle ‘Dixie’ yore’ gonna’ git fucked tonight and git
fucked good!” they were rolling together on Cole’s bunk laughing.
“You don’t know
how good that sounds, Pa. Let me git my ass to the shower to
clean myself. I don’t want my pa git’n hisself no dirty dick.”
Shane gathered
his hygiene kit and walked nude to the community shower. He
showered to clean his body then filled his clean out bag and hung in on
the shower head for maximum gravity flow. Soon he was joined by
several other cowboys doing the same because their bunk mate wanted a
piece of ass for the evening. They were joined by the three baby
slaves who were always on call every evening for fucking. You’d
think several men cleaning their bowels in a shower room would be
disgusting, but the area was big enough, the showerheads spaced far
enough apart, and so well ventilated they soon got used to ambient
odors. It just became an accepted part of the life of a
slave. One of the better looking baby slaves was complaining to
Shane he didn’t like to get fucked. Shane assured him he would
once he was broken. He was sure they would never break him.
Shane told him every slave says that including him.
“But you know
what?” Shane asked him.
“What?” he asked.
“They did break
me. Once I gave in totally, life got a hell of a lot
easier. Never had me no problems after that.”
“You cleaning
yourself for that big ole cowboy they call Cole?”
“Sure am.
I been waiting ten years to bunk it in with that big cowboy and
tonight’s the night.”
“But I thought
you was a short-timer.”
“I am. Only got
me three days to go and if the judge decides I been good enough for
probation, Friday afternoon I’m a free man.”
“Why the hell
you gonna’ let another slave fuck you then? I seen him in the
shower, and he’s got a big ole dick on him. He’s hung like a damn
horse.”
“Yes, I
know. Can’t wait to feel that big horse dick inside me as far as
he can git it. Why a’ my gonna’ let him fuck me? Because I
love him and I wanna’ make him feel good. One day you’ll look
back on what you just asked me and feel foolish. You’ll meet a
master or a slave what will turn your guts inside out.
You’ll fall so hard you will do anything for him. All you'll be
able to think about is the next time you can share his bunk and how you
can please him.”
“Awe, you were
probably a gay man before you ever became a slave.”
“I assure you I
weren’t. For ten years I didn’t have to wear no label but
slave. Friday, when I’m a freeman, I got me a choice.
Right now, you ain’t got no choice. You will git fucked whether
you like it or not. When you git tired of not liking it, you’ll
learn to like it. Then, when you git broken, you’ll learn to love
it.”
“Naw, I
won’t. It’ll never happen to me.” he insisted.
“Who’s gonna’
fuck you tonight?” Shane asked.
“Awe, I owe old
Phil ‘cause he changed my diaper for me today.”
“You be good to
old Phil. He’s a damn good man. I’m proud to call him my
brother. I’ll give you a little piece of advice, Son. What
chu' do with it is up to you. Make
sure you clean yourself really good. Don’t never let chore’
partner get no baby slave shit on his dick. You put your all into
servicing Phil, put chore’ ass up there for him and keep feed’n it to
him ‘til he’s taken all he needs, give him the best fuck you can, moan
and groan, urge him on, tell
him how good he feels inside you, and how much you appreciate him
fucking you so good; or give him the best blow job you can, tell him
how good his come tastes, and thank him for let’n you suck him
off. You tell him is was an honor and a previlige to get to drink
his fine cowboy cream. You do that and I promise you, he’ll come
a’ running the next time you need
changing.”
Shane finished
up and wished the three baby slaves well. One thanked him for his
advice and told him he had a beautiful body. He went back to
Cole’s room and found Cole naked with his boots on.
“Pa, if we fuck
in here the bed’s gonna’ squeal and let ever’ one know what we’re
doing.”
“We can put both
mattress on the floor.” Cole suggested.
“I had me a
wicked idea in the shower.” Shane grinned.
“I don’t think I
like that grin.” Cole said.
“We know
nobody’s gonna’ be up to the big house or Master Bill’s tonight.
Master Bill probably won’t be home for days or at least until after my
court hearing. If anybody does come home we can see the
headlights from their vehicles. What would you say to fucking me
in Master Bill’s bed?”
“I’d say you was
as crazy as a street corner evangelist, but after thinking on it a bit,
it sounds like the perfect payback and ultimate parting shot. A
cowboy slave fucking his ex-cowboy slave-concubine in his own
bed? How sweet is that? Even if there was a slim chance of
us git’n caught, knowing Master Angus’ sense of humor, I think he would
think it’s funny. Let’s do it.” Cole said.
The men pulled
on their clothes and slipped quietly out a side door. It was a
beautiful night out. The moon rose and it was like the stars and
moon had come out to light their way to their nuptial bed. They
let themselves into the ramrod's house and removed their clothes by the
ambient light of the night. Cole had never been in Master Bill’s
house before and was taken by his rawhide leather bedspread.
Shane told him it was wonderful to have sex on because any fluids
cleaned up with a damp cloth. As Cole stood up naked he noticed
Shane pulling his boots back on.
“You gonna’ wear
your boots to git fuck in?” he asked quietly.
“Sure. I
love to
git fucked in ma’ boots. Is that okay with you, Pa?” Shane
asked like a kid feeling out his dad.
“Only if I can
wear mine, boy.”
“Sit down.”
Shane instructed him and grabbed one of Cole’s big boots. He held
it for Cole to slip his foot into, then he held the other. Shane
reached under the bed where he kept several old rags to clean Master
Bill’s boots. He proceeded to clean Cole’s boots and watched as
Cole’s big cowboy dick sprung to life. Then he cleaned
them with his tongue and lovingly kissed each one.
“A slave
shouldn’t be doing that for another slave.” Cole said just to see what
Shane would say.
“Hesh up,
Pa!
You ain’t just a cowboy slave tonight, you’re my pa, and a boy can
clean and make love to his pa’s boot if’n he’s a mind to.
Especially if he’s about to give his pa’s old horse the best ride it
ever done had.”
“If you put it
that way, I guess a good boy’s pa should be a’ wear’n his boots to git
a good ride. Too, bad I ain’t wear’n ma’ spurs.”
“That comes
later.” Shane chuckled. “With chaps and vest.” he added.
“Damn, I could
git into that, Son. You think you’d like yore’ pa to fuck you
some night in his outfit?”
“Only if his boy
can wear his.”
“Count on it.”
grinned Cole.
They moved to
the bed and Shane wondered if Cole knew how to fuck a man. He
never heard of him having sex with one of the cowboy slaves. He
had nothing to worry about. Cole knew what he was doing. He
immediately took charge. He was really pleased to find
Shane prelubed himself before they left the bunkhouse, but Shane got
some extra lubricant from under the bed just in case they needed
it. Cole was considerably larger than Master Bill. Cole
took him
with strength but compassion. He knew what he was doing and sunk
himself into Shane with minimal discomfort. By the time he hit
the base of his big dick, Shane had been transported to another
reality. Cole began to tell him how wonderful he felt.
“Have you fucked
many cowboy slaves, Cole?”
“A few, mostly
baby slaves to break them in. I never fucked you for reasons we
already discussed.”
“I never
understood. You’d change my diaper, but you would never let me
suck you off nor would you ever fuck me. You were the kindest of
all the cowboy slaves to me, and yet you wouldn’t let me service
you. It frustrated the hell out of me.”
“Tell you
what. Let’s don’t live in the past. I promise, I’ll make up
for it tonight.” he said as he started to fuck Shane harder with ever
longer and deeper strokes. Cole was everything Shane imagined he
could be in bed and more. Cole took old man Potter’s words to
heart and fucked Shane until he swore he could see apparitions flying
in and out of the room. He hadn’t yet heard a chicken coming home
to roost, but prayed it wouldn’t until shortly before sunrise.
They would stop
now and then and talk while remaining hooked together. Shane
would roll Cole over on his back, sit up and back on his big
dick. He would ride it while they jawed with each other. A
couple of times he built Cole up almost to climax. Cole was
impressed with Shane’s talent with his ass. Not only was it one
of the most beautiful he’d ever seen it was fully functional and felt
like velvet to fuck. Cole was sure his vision earlier in the day
was a prophecy. The more he fucked Shane’s ass the more Cole knew
he had to have. Would he be this young man’s slave and serve
him? Hell, yes! He hated to get fucked, but he knew he had
to endure it from time to time because he was a slave. He had no
choice in the matter, but the prospects of having Shane fuck him didn’t
seem so bad at all. He didn’t think Shane would require that of
him. Somehow he knew he would become a titular husband or dad to
Shane; the power behind the throne. He could live with
that. He liked the idea of being a big brother, a mentor, and
yes, even a father figure to the young man. He even became fond
of Shane referring to him as ‘pa.’
Cole began to
fuck him really hard. “Let’s get it, Son. You let chore’
old pa
fuck
you ‘til you feel you’re gonna’ shoot. Let chore’ dad know just
before you do, and he’ll ride us to the barn.”
“You been fuck’n
me so good, Pa. Make your boy shoot.” Shane encouraged
him. Cole didn’t waste any time hitting his best fucking
stride. He was like a finely trained race horse who was coming
down the home stretch. Shane kept working with him, putting his
ass up to meet each and every stroke. The more he put into it the
closer he came to climax until he felt it boiling up within him.
He was about to shoot.
“Oh, Pa!
You’re
fuck’n me so good! Your boy can’t hold it no more. I’m
there, dad. Oh, God! Arrrggg! I’m coming.” Shane
called out.
Cole could feel
the rosebud he fell in love with the night before making a valiant
attempt to bite his big horse cock off inside him. It was such a
hot feeling Cole felt his big balls begin to churn like a pump that had
just been primed. He felt it rushing up his tubes and out through
his big cock.
“I’m coming,
boy. Yore’ pa is dumping his hot cowboy load deep in your ass,
Son. That’s it! Try to bite pa’s dick off with that tight
little ass. Harder, Son. That’s it! That’s good!
Ahhhhh! You’re git’n all your pa’s good spunk, boy. Put
that fine, sweet cowboy slave ass up there for your old man.”
Cole collapsed
on top of Shane still deep inside him. They lay hooked together
for a long while complimenting each other and making sweet love.
“I love you,
odd-job.” Cole kissed him gently.
“God, I couldn’t
love you more, Pa.”
They talked for
almost two hours with Cole’s big dick up Shane’s butt. He would
give Shane a couple of good strokes from time to time or Shane would
ride up and down on it to keep him hard. They talked and
talked. They were making up for lost time. Shane was
impressed how intelligent and thoughtful his new chosen mate could be.
“So you had a
great time with the judge?”
“I did some
plumbing for him today and removed a hand towel from his bathroom
line. It works fine now.” Shane told him about the dessert
machine and got Cole laughing. He didn’t seem upset Shane
serviced the old man. A cowboy slave knows not to cast aspersions
or judgments on another slave. Cole knew Shane was still a slave
and had to play the game accordingly. Besides, Cole had a
different outlook on sex after being a slave for many years.
There was sex and then there was making love like Shane and he just
shared. It doesn’t come along every day, but when it does Cole
knew to hold onto it, guard it, protect it, and do everything in his
power to nurture it.
“He offered us a
place to live, Cole. He has a big ramrod’s house he wants me to
come live in for free for doing handyman work around his place.
We could work out of there with our farrier business and help him start
up his ranch again. He wants to pay us to run it for him.”
“Gosh, that’s
great. What do you think your chances are of git’n me for your
slave?”
“I just don’t
know, yet. I won’t until tomorrow evening. I know my
brother’s got money put away to give me. I don’t know how much,
but all I’m gonna’ ask for is you and the old truck. I’ll tell
him to keep his money. It may be rough going for us at first, but
we’ll make it. We both may be eat’n slave chow for a month or
so. As long as I got you by my side I ain’t afraid of
nothing. I know we can do anything we set our minds to. I
ain’t gonna’ tell him about our relationship. Judge Potter done
warned me against it, and I trust the old man’s judgment. I don’t
think Angus’ got a clue about us, and that’s the way I want to keep it
until you’re officially mine. I want him to
think I only want you for a business proposition, with us as a
master/slave working arrangement. If I can convince him it’s a
good business deal, and I sign a contract to keep up his ponies on the
side for a couple of years, he just might go for it. What has he
got to lose? He’ll still be getting his ponies taken care of and
have two less cowboys to feed. I don’t think we should do them
for free forever, but I’ll have to think on my feet with ma’
brother. He ain’t got to be where he is because of lack of
smarts. I ain’t gonna’ offer no more’n I think I can git away
with. If I see him balking I’ll sweeten the deal.”
Shane didn’t
want to tell Cole too much to get his hopes up. Shane felt pretty
confident he could pull it off, but the details from Master Potter’s
dream were fuzzy. He could handle disappointment for
himself. As a slave he’d learned to do it, but he didn’t want
Cole hurt or disappointed because he got his hopes too high.
They decided
they better get back to the bunkhouse. Shane cleaned them both
and helped his pa back on with his boots. He got a damp cloth and
cleaned the leather bedspread. There was very little
soiling. They put everything away, locked up and walked slowly
back to the bunkhouse hand in hand. About halfway back they heard
the old rooster crow.
“Do you think
that counts as the chickens coming home to roost?” Cole chuckled.
“I certainly
do. You tell it, and I’ll swear to it.” Shane allowed. They
laughed.
“Thanks for the
good fuck’n, Pa. You did a fine job. You done filled me up
real good.” Shane poured
on the cowboy lingo.
“You don’t feel
empty no more?” Cole asked as he squeezed Shane’s hand.
“No, at
all. My ass is full of my pa’s good cowboy cream, and my heart is
filled with his love.”
“You let your
old man know when your meter says you’re a quart low, and he’ll be
happy to fill up yore’ tank again for ya.”
“I promise, I
will, Sir.”
“Good boy.” Cole
said as he leaned over and stole a kiss.
They sneaked
back into the bunkhouse without anyone seeing them. They quietly
and carefully pushed their bunks together and slept soundly in each
others arms. The night came into them on tiptoes and surrounded
them with its softness. They could hear an occasional sound from
the other slaves during the night; a cough; a door shut; a bunk bed
singing as some cowboy woke still horny and decided he wanted seconds
in his partner’s ass; moans of ecstasy of fucking and getting fucked;
the grunts and calls of climax; a toilet flushing; boots walking down
the hallway; but, it would only pull them closer to one another.
Cole hadn’t been so at peace in a long time. He was like a kid in
a candy store with Shane’s love. Every new day with Shane by his
side was one of happiness and adventure. Even the boring drudgery
of cowboy work took on new meaning for him. He had no idea the
worth of the young man sleeping so peacefully in his arms. He had
no way of knowing, because of his small investment, his humanity and
compassion for a baby slave ten years ago, just won him the jackpot for
a new and fascinating life.
End of Chapter
54 ~ Waco’s Lummox
Copyright 2008 ~
Waddie Greywolf
All Rights
Reserved ~
E-mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com