Attention Nifty Readers: If you enjoy this story or others on Nifty, please send a generous donation to Nifty.org to help support and maintain this free service so it may continue to remain available to everyone. Also, if you enjoy a particular story, it costs you nothing to send an e-mail to the author to let them know you appreciate their hard work creating these stories for you to read. A compliment or a couple of words of encouragement goes a long way to stimulate creativity... or anything else you might have in mind. ~ Thanks. Waddie Greywolf
Him Who Made The Seven Stars
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 17

“You find as you look around the world that every single bit of progress in humane feeling, every improvement in the criminal law, every step toward the diminution of war, every step toward better treatment of the colored races, or every mitigation of slavery, every moral progress that there has been in the world, has been consistently opposed by the organized churches of the world. I say quite deliberately that the Christian religion, as organized in its churches, has been and still is the principal enemy of moral progress in the world.” ~ Bertrand Russell

Billy asked his uncle to drive and handed him a set of keys. After they were several miles down the road Nathan spoke, “We’re low on gas, Son. We should fill up in Fredericksburg,” he allowed.

“No problem, Uncle Nate. Just pull into a station and buy what we need,” Billy said.

“What will we do if Womack and his TV crews try to rush our van?” he asked.

“I won’t be here,” Billy said, “I’ll transport to the dimension right next to ours and no one can see me. Once we’re underway again, I’ll transport back,” Billy said, “Tell Womack he followed the wrong van. I planned to be in Junction to take care of some business. Send him on a wild goose chase,” Billy said and laughed. He got a laugh from several of the cowboys.

Tom McMartin saw Nathan pull into a gas station, but he filled up on the way to the ranch and didn’t need gas. He gave a 'high’ sign and drove on. Womack pulled in behind them and rushed up to the van. He was looking for Billy but couldn’t find him. “Where is he? Where is Billy Daniels?” he shouted at Nathan.

“You’re a crazy man, Womack. He ain’t with us. You done followed the wrong van. Billy took his grandmother to the doctor in Junction. They was gonna’ leave shortly after us. Why are you stalking my nephew? If you don’t stop this madness, I’m gonna’ go to the sheriff of our county and get an injunction against you or a restraining order to force you to stay away from him and our property. You ain’t got no business with my nephew,” Nathan barked at him while Enoch pumped gas.

“I certainly do. I must get to him before anyone else does. The Lord told me I got exclusive rights to investigate his miracle, if it was one. I promised them three TV networks I could produce him and get them an interview with him. I plan to do just that, so if you know what’s good for you, you’ll cooperate with me, and let me have my way; otherwise, I could get nasty and start some ugly rumors about you and your neighbor, Tron Garrett,” Womack said.

Moss heard him, jumped out of the truck, started to take a swing at the fat little bastard, but Nathan shook his head for him not to. “You’re talking about my dad, you filthy piece of shit. You say one bad word agin him, or I hear you been spreading lies, you’ll be a dead man within an hour of me hear’n about it. I may spend the rest of my life in prison on death row, but I’ll have the satisfaction of knowing I done sent you to meet chore’ maker early, whatever demon that might be,” Moss yelled right in his face.

“Easy, Cowboy, he ain’t worth going to jail over. They’s other ways to fight scum like him,” Nathan assured Moss as he watched Womack turn white as a ghost. He turned and ran back to his sedan, started the engine, pealed out, almost hitting another car, and headed back to the ranch. The TV trucks dutifully followed him like lost ducklings. Enoch finished pumping the gas and the men got back into the Van. Billy reappeared and grinned at Nathan. “I wish’t I had that talent,” Nathan said and smiled.

“I’ll see what I can do, Uncle,” Billy said and grinned.

Enoch moved his hand over and gently grabbed Moss’s knee in support of his action. Moss smiled at him. They didn’t need to exchange words. Moss understood the gesture as one of solidarity and empathy. Clyde watched the exchange and was deeply touched by the big cowboys’ budding love for each other. He always wondered what it might be like to love another man.

It was a long trip to Houston, and they switched drivers a couple of times. Billy drove the last leg into Houston. He called the gold merchant the Friday before and got instructions how to get to his office. He didn’t ask Billy how much gold he was bringing. He said it was not his policy to discuss business matters over the phone, but he was sure he would be able to accommodate a large exchange. They found the place easily, and Billy’s cowboys went with him. The name on the door, in gold letters read: Ernest Forthright Pennywise ~ Rare Metals Merchant. Billy chuckled to himself. He thought the man’s name was certainly apropos for his trade but wondered if perhaps his parents read a little too much Dickens. The gold dealer was a medium sized man of Jewish ancestry, but was quick to tell Billy he was not a practicing Jew. He was a bit intimidated by the big cowboys. Billy and his company towered over him. Billy removed the box of gold coins from his backpack, set it on his desk, and uncovered the top. The dealer, Mr. Pennywise, eyes opened wider a bit, he raised an eyebrow, and smiled, “You were right. It is a rather large amount. I can let you have cash if you need it or credit the entire amount minus my percentage and fees to your offshore account,” he said.

“Could you let me have a hundred thousand cash and credit the rest to my account?” Billy asked.

“Certainly, Mr. Daniels,” he replied. He got busy, counted and stacked every gold coin, calculated the net amount Billy would receive, and handed him a printout from his computer. “The percentage and my fees have been set by your benefactors, Mr. Daniels. I won’t lie to you or try to cheat you because their business is very important to me. I usually get a smaller percentage and charge less fees to anyone else, but this was their idea to insure their anonymity and your privacy,” he explained.

“I agree. I’m not a man to quibble about such. I believe my benefactors would neither send me to someone who would cheat me nor would they let you get away with such,” Billy said and the man smiled.

“Exactly,” he replied, “You’re wise for a man your age, Mr. Daniels,” he added.

He counted out a hundred thousand for Billy, asked him to sign a receipt for the cash, and gave him a receipt for the on-line transfer of funds to Billy’s account in the Grand Cayman Islands. He told Billy to enter his password for his account, hit the ‘enter’ button, and it was done. It was close to twenty million dollars total, minus his fees. The men shook hands. “I’ll look forward to doing business with you again soon, Mr. Daniels. I’ve dealt with the Grigori for sometime now through human representatives, but I have no idea what they look like,” he said.

“You ever seen pictures of Bigfoot, Mr. Pennywise?” Billy asked.

“Yes, several times,” he replied.

“That’s what they look like. Our biggest cowboy behind me is one, but he’s morphed to look human. He’s my slave, my mate, and my number one protector. This man next to me is my surrogate dad, one of the fallen angels, and so is the handsome cowboy next to him. I, myself, am an enhanced human. I weren’t nothing but a young brown-dirt hill-country cowboy until the Grigori and Irin decided I was going to start a new way of living on our world at our ranch. The two big cowboys behind my natural uncle are my older brothers who also work for me. If you might care to see more, give me a call and make arrangements to visit our ranch, and we will be happy to give you a tour. Bring your family. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed,” Billy said graciously.

“Are you the Billy Daniels who healed that young boy in the WalMart parking lot in Fredericksburg?” he asked.

“Yes, sir, I am. I’m being hounded for an interview by three news networks and one of our local pentecostal preachers who thinks he’s on a mission from god to evaluate what happened. He’s been chasing me all weekend,” Billy said exasperated.

“Beat him to the punch. Go to one of the better news stations and walk in the front door. Stay away from Fox and the other two gossip and right wing propaganda networks,” he suggested.

“Thanks for your suggestion. I’ll consider it, sir. It just might deflate the preacher’s balloon,” Billy said, “Oh, by the way, is your office secure enough we might dimensionally trans-locate in case we don’t want to drive all this way with such precious cargo, or we need to do a quick transaction?” Billy asked.

“I’m sorry, Son, I’m not familiar with the term,” he said.

Billy disappeared, reappeared behind the man, and tapped him on his shoulder. He turned around, was a bit startled, then got the biggest grin on his face. “Once I lock those doors over there, no one can get in here, Mr. Daniels. Just call in advance to let me prepare myself,” he said and smiled.

“Of course, Mr. Pennywise. It’s good to meet you and nice doing business with you, sir,” Billy said.

“The pleasure’s mine, Mr. Daniels,” Pennywise replied.  
 
The cowboys said their goodbyes and left the building. They headed for the lottery office and a nice young lady at the front desk, who looked like the goth girl on NCIS complete with goth get-up, took the information. She was gracious and helpful, and in no time Billy presented his winning Mega-Ball lotto ticket to a gentleman after completing the appropriate forms. He signed the back, and the witnesses with him signed their names as well. He chose to receive his win and the money privately and had the funds, over eight hundred million, transferred to his Grand Cayman Island private offshore account. It took just a bit more time than they spent with Mr. Pennywise and they were through. Billy stuffed all his receipts and Lotto info into his backpack. With the money from the Lotto, Billy was starting his life with approximately one billion dollars in his Grand Cayman Island account. As they were preparing to leave, the young goth girl asked Billy if he was the cowboy who healed the cripple boy in Fredericksburg?

“Yes, ma’am, but h’it ‘t’weren’t me what done the heal’n, Miss. I think it was some aliens. I had a few things wrong with me, and they got healed in the process,” Billy replied.

“I still think it was a wonderful thing you did to reach out to the little boy. I never saw such love pass between two people recorded on that video. I watched it dozens of times, and it’s given me new hope and faith in the world and my fellow man. You should get on the Internet and see the following you have. They know your name, and nobody has said anything bad about the video. Everyone wants to hear more about you and how it happened,” she said.

“Well, I just might take care of that today, ma’am. Thanks for your suggestion, but please keep my lottery winning a secret. Some crazy person might think they’s a connection, but I assure you, there ain’t,” Billy said.

“My job won’t let me do such a thing, Mr. Daniels. I’d lose it in an instant if I told anyone. I need my job. I support my family with it. I have two younger brothers, a sister, and my ailing mother to feed and house,” she said.

“I understand. Good luck to you, ma’am,” Billy said.

“And to you, sir,” she replied.

 The cowboys left the lottery building and headed for the van. “You’re familiar with Houston, ain’t chu’ big’un?” Billy asked Enoch.

“Yes, I live here. Have for sometime,” Enoch replied.

Billy threw him his set of keys to the van. “Take us to a shopping center where they have a Fry’s Electronic’s store and a music store if possible,” Billy instructed him.

“Our best bet would be the new CBS center. It has both and one of my favorite burger places," Enoch said.

“I just knew you’s a Whataburger man," Billy said and laughed.

Everyone got into the van and they took off with Enoch driving. They drove to Fry’s, Billy went to customer service and asked to speak with the manager about a large order of computers. When asked how many he was talking about, he told them fifty to begin, and he didn’t want low-end crap. He wanted half to be Apples and half to be able to run either Windows 20, one of the more excellent new open source compilations, or both. They didn’t send for the store manager, but instead, turned him over to an East Indian salesman wearing a turban on his head.

Billy didn’t like him immediately. Not because he was foreign, he wore a turban, or he couldn’t understand him and had to keep asking him to repeat himself, but because the man was arrogant and condescending, acting like he was doing these cowboys, these obviously dumb, digitally challenged country bumpkins a favor by waiting on them. After telling the man what he wanted several times, the man kept insisting Billy buy something he didn’t want. Billy became so frustrated and distraught, he went back to the customer service desk, and demanded to speak with the store manager. He wasn’t about to spend his time arguing with the man.

The store manager came and Billy explained the problem. He told him he wouldn’t deal with the man any longer, and if they didn’t want his money, he would go someplace else or place his order on-line with one of the larger suppliers. The manager dismissed the Indian and waited on Billy personally. He found Billy polite, knowledgeable, and articulate about what he wanted including extras. Money didn’t seem to be an object with the young cowboy. From what Billy told the manager about his conversation with the Indian, the manager concluded the Indian was trying to sell him inferior machines, because there was a larger commission margin he would receive if he moved them; he tried to tell Billy he knew more about the machines than he did, and he assured him he would be happy with the junk he was pushing.

The manager checked and they had everything he wanted in stock. Billy paid for it, and the cowboys loaded it into the back of the huge van with no problem. It only took them a couple of hours. The store manager gave Billy a ten percent discount because of the size of his purchase and to help ensure he future business. He was impressed when the young cowboy pulled a roll of bills from the back pocket of his Wranglers what would choke a horse and paid him cash. He thanked Billy and told him if he cared to make any future purchases to let him know when he was coming, ask for him personally, and he would be happy to take care of his needs.

Next, they drove across the huge complex to an all encompassing music store which sold instruments of all kinds and anything dealing with music. Billy wanted a couple of keyboards. He wanted his halflings to start learning to play a keyboard as well as fiddles. After trying all the eighty-eight key electronic keyboards he chose three Yamahas which he thought might meet his and his twin’s needs. As the clerk was writing up the order he noticed some other string instruments, and he asked about them. There was a lovely Viola and and Cello. He decided he wanted to play string trios with the boys, and if they could find a cellist they could play quartets. He envisioned a recording title in his mind, “The Highland Shire Quartet Plays Bartok.” He smiled to himself and laughed to think he used to listen to Bartok’s string quartets on his ipod while scraping paint off the old barn. ‘It was the perfect music for the job,’ he thought to himself and smiled wickedly.

The back of the van was packed. They couldn’t get anymore in, and it was noon. Billy told Enoch to drive them to the Whataburger across the way, and he would treat everyone to lunch. Enoch grinned real big. He was a happy camper. Billy had no idea how much the big man could eat, but Billy was used to big eaters. His husband could eat more than any average man. Billy led the way into the packed restaurant and no sooner got inside the door when a small voice yelled at the top of his lungs, “Cowboy Billy! Mom, look, it’s Cowboy Billy!” little Randy yelled, left his seat next to his mother and ran to Billy’s waiting arms. Billy grabbed him up into his big arms, and they hugged and kissed each other.

“Howdy, Buckaroo, it’s so good to see you again. How ya’ doing, Pod’na?” Billy asked.

“I’m doing just fine, Mr. Daniels, I can’t thank you enough for what you done for me,” Randy said loudly and everyone was looking. By that time, they were putting two and two together and figured it must be the little boy and the cowboy they saw in the video. Randy’s mom got up and came to them.

“We learned your name is Billy Daniels, sir. My name is Mary Rutherford, and we’ve tried to get in touch with you to thank you for the miracle of healing Randy,” she said.

“I didn’t mean to become a ghost or be unavailable to you and Randy, Mrs. Rutherford. We was at the WalMart to stock up on food for some important guests what was coming to visit our family the next day for Sunday dinner. Me and ma’ uncle, here, we got us a big ranch to take care of, and we been awful busy, ma’am. I don’t think it was me what healed yore’ boy. I ain’t real sure about it ‘cause it happened so quick. I don’t know what done it, but I’s happy and proud to be a part of it, and you’s certainly welcome,” Billy replied sincerely.
 
“After we finish lunch, we’re on our way to an interview with a CBS reporter at two o’clock. Won’t you and your men join us at our table, Mr. Daniels,” she asked politely.

“Why, we’d be happy to, ma’am,” Billy said using his best cowboy charm.

Randy took Billy’s hand, and led his cowboy hero to their table. Several customers moved to other tables to accommodate the big cowboys. Billy’s herd made a point of thanking them graciously. They were all in awe and had to tell Billy how much the video meant to them. Two men, who announced they worked for CBS news asked if they could join them. Billy looked to Mrs. Rutherford for her input and she agreed. One took a cell phone out and pressed a number. Billy heard him say, “Get a camera crew over here to Whataburger ASAP. We got the cowboy and the boy he healed at the same table. It was a chance meeting. Serendipity doo-da! Hurry!” he said.

“What da’ ya’ wanna’ eat, Boss?” Moss asked Billy.

Billy told him, stood, took three fifties from his pocket, and handed it to Moss. Pay for our group, Moss. What do you wanna’ eat, Boomer?” Billy asked his mate. Boomer was never in a fast food restaurant before and was shy about it. “Don’t worry, Big Guy,” Enoch told him, “I’ll just double my order and bring you half. I guarantee you’ll have enough to eat,” he said and grinned.

Billy sat down and Boomer sat down next to him. Randy never saw men as big as the cowboys in Billy’s family. Boomer tried not to, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Randy and Mary Rutherford’s two little girls. His inner watcher wouldn’t let him. Randy couldn’t take his eyes off Billy. His dream came true. His personal hero was sitting right across from him. He looked into Billy’s eyes and heard a voice in his head. << Can you hear me, Randy? >> Billy asked.

<< Is that you in my head, Mr. Daniels?>> he looked into Billy’s eyes and smiled.

<< It is, but don’t let on. Your mother cain’t know. Our secret, Okay? Before the newsmen get here I need to talk with you, cowboy to cowboy, >> Billy sent.

<< Sure, Mr. Daniels. This is so cool. What do you need to talk with me about? >> he asked.

<< We need to tell them a white lie to keep them off my back. I’m gonna’ tell them a story about seeing a flying saucer above us with colored lights circling around the perimeter and a beam of light come down from it, corrected a couple of things on my body as well as healed you, and I need you to be my wing-man, ma’ saddle buddy, and back me up. Would you do that for me? >> Billy asked.

<< I’d do anything for you, Mr. Daniels. I know what a white lie is. You fib and tell somebody something so’s not to hurt their feelings, or in your case, to protect your privacy and abilities by lead’n ‘em down a different path to keep them from know’n the real truth you done healed me yourself, >> Randy sent back.

<< You’s a smart young man, Randy. I got a feeling you and me’s gonna’ become good buddies, >> Billy said and grinned.

<< I hope so, Cowboy Billy. I’d like that, >> the boy sent back.

“Do you folks live in Houston?” Billy asked Mary.

“No, sir, we live in Fredericksburg in a small ranch on the outskirts of town which was left to me by my late husband who was killed in Afghanistan. We only came up here today because we accepted an invitation to be interviewed for the Elaine Parson’s show on CBS. CBS paid for our transportation cost here and back to Fredericksburg. I didn’t want to be on the actual show so they agreed to tape a short segment with me and my family. The only reason I agreed to do it was to send a thank you to you, because I didn’t have any other way of getting in touch with you. I didn’t really want to invade your privacy, so I figured you or one of your family might see it and tell you,” she said sincerely.   

“Why don’t we go on the show together, Mrs. Rutherford?” Billy asked.

“If you have time, I’d like that very much, Mr. Daniels,” she replied.

“For you and my cowboy buddy here, I’ll make time,” Billy said so everyone could hear him, “And call me, Billy, Mrs. Rutherford,” he added.

“Please, Billy, call me Mary,” she said.

About the same time Moss and Enoch brought Billy and Boomer their food a camera crew arrived and starting to capture everything. There was one reporter with a microphone and he was telling the viewing audience about the remarkable chance encounter of Billy Daniels the cowboy responsible for young Randy Rutherford’s miraculous recovery from a rare, fatal form of Parkinson’s disease, and the Rutherford family who were shopping in the same area in Houston. They decided to have lunch at the Whataburger in the CBS shopping complex at the same time.

“What brings you to Houston, Mr. Daniels,” the reporter asked.

“Me and ma’ men had us some ranch business to take care of early this morning, and then we decided to come shopping for a couple of items we needed at this nice center. We went to Frys Electronics and bought some computers for the ranch, and then we went to the music store and bought a couple of electronic keyboards for ma’ little brothers. They wanna’ learn to play,” Billy said slathering on the cowboy lingo every chance he got, “It was noon when we finished, so we decided to tie on the old feedbag and graze the herd. I made a big mistake and told our cowboys lunch was on me. Just look at the size a’ them men. You got any idea how much lunch cost me?” Billy asked and laughed. Everyone in the place laughed with him.

“And you’re due for an interview with Elaine Parson in about thirty minutes, Mrs. Rutherford?” the reporter asked.

“Yes, but Mr. Daniels agreed to go with us, and they just got their lunch. I hope Mrs. Parson won’t be angry if we’re a bit late. These men work hard, and they need their food,” Mary said.

“Hell, Son, call up Missy Parson and invite her on down here to the Whataburger. Tell her I’ll even buy her lunch,” Billy bellowed so everyone could hear what a magnanimous and cooperative cowboy he was. The people were eating it up. No one wanted to move and kept buying more food and drink just to sit and watch the Billy show. “Would you good folks like to see and hear Ms. Parson interview ma’ buckaroo buddy, Randy, his family, and me?” Billy asked.

The place went nuts with yells, whistles, applause, and stomping of boots. Of course they wanted to see the show. The mysterious cowboy, Billy Daniels, was the talk of national and Texas television for the last two days. Here he was, a big, young, handsome, obviously successful, hardworking cowboy sitting among them, the common folks of the New Nineted States of Texas, as Hank Renfrow chose to refer to his homeland.

* * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Kate moved her small TV to Zelma’s room so she could watch it while she spent time in bed. Her black angel wouldn’t let her get up even to go to the toilet. Kate had a old bed pan Daw’s used when his health was declining, and Balthazar saw to his temporary mistress’ every need. He was as gentle as a saint with her, but he was also firm and wouldn’t let her bully him. Zelma couldn’t have admired or appreciated him more. She loved having a sexy black attendant who looked like a Nubian prince take care of her. She felt like an Egyptian queen floating down the Nile on her barge.

A news announcement from CBS came on, telling folks to stay tuned for a late breaking news story from Houston. The cowboy, Billy Daniels, who saved the life of a young boy in Fredericksburg is having lunch with the young boy and the Rutherford family at a local Whataburger. Stay tuned for live coverage.  

“Balthazar, be a love, and get Kate and the rest of them up here on the double. Billy is on TV in Houston, and he’s got them literally eating from his hand,” Zelma Jane said.

“Yes, Mistress Z., right away, ma’am. My, my, young Master Daniels is quite handsome on TV, is he not?” Balthazar asked.

“No doubt, my delicious dark-chocolate bon-bon, he drips with camera appeal. Billy’s a damn good looking cowboy, but the camera is in love with him,” Zelma replied and laughed.

Balthazar was away and hollered for Kate and the rest to come upstairs. Zelma could barely hear the TV from the cowboy boots clomping up the stairs to her bedroom. It sounded like a herd of Buffalo stampeding on the prairie. It was music to her ears; a sound she truly loved. It was part and parcel of her Texas heritage.

* * * * * * *
The same man who called the camera crew used his phone again and talked with someone in the CBS building, “They’re asking for Elaine to come down to Whataburger to interview them. Mr. Daniels and his cowboys are eating their lunch, and it might be sometime before Mrs. Rutherford can make it over there. He’s agreed to be interviewed with her, but wants Elaine to come over here to the restaurant. I think it would be a great idea to have the public around while Elaine interviews them -- a great human interest moment. Her ratings would go through the roof,” he said. He listened for a moment. He could hear Parson ranting in the background about her being a professional and how she wasn’t about to tramp out to the boonies or a cardiac grease pit among the hoi polloi anymore for a story. “Put her on the phone, Davis!” the man said and waited another minute, “Elaine, dearest, I’m still your manager and your boss. I’m responsible for your career. I make decisions to make you look good and sometimes even human. When you look good, we both make money. When you act like a self-serving witch, an evil princess in an ivory tower, you lose ratings, and we make less money. It’s called survival of the fittest, Sweetheart. Now, grab your purse and make the walk to Whataburger or you’ll find yourself in the boonies grabbing any story nobody else wants to cover. You got that, Darling?” he yelled into the phone. He didn’t wait for an answer. He just punched the disconnect button. “She’ll be right here,” he told Billy and Mary confidently and grinned.

The TV’s in the department stores, Fry’s Electronics, and several other stores were carrying the live feed. When the customers heard it was the miracle cowboy and the little boy he saved having lunch at the Whataburger in the same shopping complex they dropped everything, left their carts, and rushed to the fast food restaurant. The place was packed  with a ring of people five or six deep all the way around the place. Even employees of some of the stores risked their jobs when they left their station to get a look at Cowboy Billy and Randy Rutherford. The folks back at the ranch shook their heads in amazement at the growing crowd around the Whataburger.

There was a camera crew outside the restaurant getting shots and caught Elaine Parson leaving the CBS building with her entourage. She didn’t look like she was a happy camper. On the contrary, she had a pinched, stern look about her, her mouth was drawn tight, and her face was noticeably red from anger. Someone caught sight of her on the TV inside the Whataburger and everyone yelled and applauded she was coming to interview Billy, Randy, and Mary.

“He’s brilliant!” exclaimed Zelma, “Absolutely brilliant! Billy’s bringing the high-princess of news down to the level of the unwashed masses. He’s part of the hardworking middle class who sweat and toil day in an day out, struggling to make ends meet, and she represents the wealthy elite, ivory tower goddess, who don’t give a good goddamn about anyone but themselves,” she said not mincing words, “An absolutely brilliant political statement without calling attention to it,” she repeated.

“I do hope Billy will be all right,” Kate said wiping her hands on her apron.

“I don’t think it’s Billy you need to worry about, Kate,” Zelma cackled with laughter, “Billy will have her eating out of his hand, but check out the look on her face? She’s a woman on mission. She looks like a pilot about five minutes from her target with a bomb in her bay to drop in somebody’s lap, and I’m willing to bet it’s a big one,” Zelma predicted and laughed.

Just as Zelma predicted, Billy stood in respect for Miss Parson. Someone gave up their seat for Boomer to sit at the table next to his master, and Billy, like the gentleman he was, held the chair for her to sit and helped her move closer to the table. After she introduced herself, Billy spoke, “Can I buy you lunch, Miss Parson?” Billy asked.

“No, thank you, I just had lunch a while ago. A cup of black coffee would be nice, Mr. Daniels,” she replied.

“Billy, jes’ call me Billy, ma’am. Moss, would you please get Miss Parson a cup of black coffee?” he asked.

Everyone cleared a line for the big cowboy. The clerks had it waiting for him and waved any charge. Moss nodded his thanks and returned to hand Miss Parson her coffee. “Thank you, sir,” she said sweetly like Miss Muffet’s spider ready to pounce.

In the meantime, Randy walked around and climbed up into his hero’s lap, and Billy helped him. Billy was still finishing the last few bites of his burger and still had some fries left. He gave one to Randy, and he ate it like it was an offering of gold from his personal god. “Now, Mr. Daniels, you’ve been a difficult man to track down. I’ve heard other reporters tried to contact you, but couldn’t get in touch with you,” she said like an attack.

“Me and my family’s been busy. We got a big ranch to run and unless someone makes an appointment or there’s a chance meeting like today, we don’t have time to drop what we’s doing at somebody else’s whim and make time for them to interview us. They’s been three TV crews parked outside the gate to our ranch and some local preacher keeps bother’n us say’n his god done told him to determine whether Randy and my experience is a genuine miracle, a work of the devil, or a hoax. My grandmother told him we had guests for the weekend and didn’t have time to be bothered by his nonsense or the news people. It’s only been two days,” Billy finished.

“And what do you think the answer is to the preacher’s question, Mr. Daniels?” she asked.

“I don’t rightly know, ma’am, cause Randy weren’t the only cowboy what got healed from that bright light. I had a couple of bad rodeo accidents which left me with some pain in my shoulder and a dislocated hip. I walked with a limp for a long while and suffered a lot of pain in ma’ shoulder. It’s all gone now, and ma’ shoulder’s perfect. I do recall looking up and seeing a great silver saucer-like ship in the sky with multi-colored lights blink’n on and off what rotated around the rim from where the light beam come from. How 'bout you, Cowboy?” Billy asked Randy.

“Yes, ma’am, Miss Parson. I done seen the same thing Cowboy Billy saw in the sky. It definitely was some kind of spaceship -- ain’t no doubt about it -- and it was a big’un, too,” Randy declared.  

Billy hugged Randy to him tighter in a show of unity. The audience went, “Aaawww,” at their closeness and Elaine Parson responded the same. Her steel heart melted a bit, and for a brief moment she was in love with both cowboys. “You two look like you could be brothers,” she said. That made Randy beam with pride.

“How could anyone doubt, after what happened to us -- Randy and me -- we are brothers, Miss Parson. We shared the same miraculous experience few people ever get to witness let alone become a part of, and it bonded us. We will never forget the love we shared the moment the light healed bowfus,’” Billy said pouring on the cowboy vernacular, “In a way, it should remind your viewing audience, none of us is an island. We’s all on this planet together, and we’s brothers from the smallest to the largest. We’re only separated by the hatred and lies which breeds fear and mistrust. If’n we don’t reach out to one another, brother to brother, our planet is doomed,” Billy said making his first public statement. He wondered if his words would be heard over the carnival sideshow quality of the interview.

“And you, Mrs. Rutherford, how do you feel about all of this?” Parson asked Mary.

“I agree with Randy and Billy, there was something wonderful happen between them which bonded them. I’m just so grateful Mr. Daniels was at the WalMart that afternoon and called to Billy to come to him. If he didn’t, my boy would still have that dread disease,” Mary said sincerely, “and as far as his doctors can tell, he’s completely free of it,” Mary added.  

“And how do you feel toward Mr. Daniels?” Parson asked raising an eyebrow.

“She’s got the target in her sights, her bomb bay doors are open, and she’s about to release her bomb,” Zelma said to the ranch folks gathered around her bed.

“Like he’s a big brother to Billy, and a friend to me and my girls,” Mary replied politely trying to ignore her insinuation.

“And would you like this tall, handsome, wealthy cowboy to mean more to you?” she asked rudely. Several people in the crowd gasped, and more than a couple booed her.

“And she dropped the bomb!” Zelma exclaimed and got everyone laughing, “Now what will our big, good looking, Texas cowboy hero wearing the big white hat, a hero to the common man, what will he do?” she asked.

“I think that question is way out of line, Miss Parson. We just met less than an hour ago, and you have the bad manners to imply Randy’s mom might be an opportunist. Shame on you and the clowns at CBS who hired you. I think this interview is over. How many of you folks agree with me?” Billy put it to the crowd holding up his own hand in vote. They all raised their hands and cheered. There was no doubt they supported Billy and Mary. Elaine Parson suddenly realized the damage her catty comment made, got up, and left the restaurant in a huff. The crowd booed and cat called after her as she left.

“And our cowboy hero knocks it out of the ball park for a home run, and the crowd goes crazy, folks!” Zelma exclaimed and clapped her hands together. Kate told her she was having way too much fun, and everyone laughed. It was good to see her “precious” feeling so much better she could have a little fun.

Parson’s manager picked up the microphone. “On behalf of CBS and its affiliates we would like to apologize to you, Mr. Daniels, and especially you, Mrs. Rutherford, and Randy for the actions of Miss Parson. May we asked you just a couple more questions, Mr. Daniels and Mrs. Rutherford?” he asked.

Billy looked at Mary, and she nodded her approval. “All right, but make them quick. I wanna’ have another cup of coffee and spend some quality time with my new friends,” Billy said, again trying to sound magnanimous.

“Do you plan to keep in touch with Randy and his family, Mr. Daniels?” he asked.

“Yes, I will give his mother my personal phone number and address, and I will be honored and pleased to have her information if she chooses to share it with me,” Billy replied.

“And you, Mrs. Rutherford?” he asked.

“I will be happy to give Mr. Daniels our information, but will leave contact up to him. I know he’s a very busy man and probably won’t have a lot of time for us. Our only goal was to get our thanks to him for helping my boy. That’s been done, and it’s been wonderful to meet him and thank him in person,” Mary said sincerely.

“Thank you both for indulging me. Once again I apologize for Miss Parson,” he said and they were finished with the interview. The management brought more coffee for all of them and couldn’t thank Billy enough for insisting on having the interview in their restaurant. It did more for them than hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising. The folks were in no rush to leave and many came by to shake Mary and Billy’s hand with a loving pat for Randy.

“Thank you for coming to my rescue, Billy,” Mary said.

“Don’t mention it. I think Parson had a bad hair day and didn’t really want to come here for the interview. It was her way of being petulant and getting back at her boss. It may cost her her job, but I hope not. I’ll call CBS later this afternoon and talk with her boss,” Billy said. Billy showed her the man’s card he gave him.

“You’re a kinder person than I am, Billy Daniels,” Mary said and smiled at him.

“No, just a bit more thick skinned,” Billy said, and they shared a laugh, “And, you, young man,” he spoke to Randy, “I will call and make arrangements for you and your family to visit our ranch and give you a taste of living life as a cowboy. Would you like that?” Billy asked supported by all the love in the restaurant.

“I’d like that more than anything in the world, Mr. Daniels,” Randy replied, gave Billy a big hug, and everyone went “Aaawww.”

After exchanging addresses and phone numbers with Mary, Billy said his goodbyes, and they began to leave. The crowd was sorry to see them go, but gave them a standing ovation. Billy saw the Rutherford’s to their car and waved goodbye to Randy. They returned to their van, and Moss drove the first leg out of Houston back to the ranch. Nathan was sitting next to his nephew. He put his hand on Billy’s leg and squeezed it gently. “You done good, Cowboy,” he said quietly.

“Thanks, Uncle Nathan, coming from a man I admire and looked up to for years is a welcome compliment,” Billy said.  

“Impressed the shit out of me,” Enoch allowed in his soft Texas drawl.

“Aww, go on, big brother. T’weren’t nothing any cowboy worth the name couldn’t handle,” Billy said and grinned.

“So you say, Buckaroo. Your uncle was right, you done good, little brother,” Enoch insisted.

“Thanks, bro,” Billy responded quietly.

Billy whipped out his cellphone and punched in the number of Doug Quilty, the manager of Elaine Parson. He heard the man answer.

“Mr. Quilty, this is Billy Daniels calling,” Billy said.

“Why, yes, Mr. Daniels. What can I do for you, sir?” he asked.

“I’m calling on behalf of Ms. Parson. I’m asking you and CBS not to take any action against her. We all have bad days and while her comment to Mrs. Rutherford was way out of line, I think she had her comeuppance handed her by the good folks in the Whataburger. That alone should have jolted her back to reality, and I could see the look of panic on her face as she left,” Billy argued.

“Gee, that’s mighty nice of you, Mr. Daniels, but I’m just her immediate boss. I can’t promise what the suits upstairs will say, but I will certainly tell them of your gracious phone call and request. Perhaps we can come to some conclusion which will benefit everyone, but I personally would like to thank you for your magnanimous gesture of forgiveness and generosity. It’s downright refreshing. We don’t see much forgiveness in our world today. Since I have your phone number on my cellphone now, may I call you and give you an update later, sir?” he asked

“Of course, you may call me anytime. If I should happen to be busy, I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, Mr. Quilty,” Billy replied.

The men said formal ‘goodbyes’ and disconnected.

“You’s a better man than me, Gunga Billy,” Enoch said and grinned.

“Naw, I ain’t. T’weren’t my idea. Some’um got into my head and gently but strongly urged me to do it. By now, I know better’n to go agin them wee little voices what sometimes speak up to guide me. They never let me down, and sooner or later, their reasons come clear, and I have a 'eureka’ or 'ah-ha’ moment,” Billy explained   

“Whatever,” said Enoch and dropped his big arm around Billy.

* * * * * * *
“You never said anything to me about seeing a spaceship, Randy,” Mary said on the way back from Houston to Fredericksburg. Randy was sitting in the front seat next to his mother and his sisters were watching a “Hello Kitty” video in the back.

“I didn’t remember it until Cowboy Billy told the reporter about it; then it come back to me, Mom,” Randy said.

“You really like Mr. Daniels, don’t you?” she asked.

“No, Mom, I love Cowboy Billy. How can I not love a man who saved my life and gimme’ a chance to grow up like a normal boy?” Randy asked in reply.

“You’ve grown up a lot in the last couple of days, Randy. I was worried about you, but I’m not anymore. I think you’re gonna’ be just fine,” Mary said.

“I think so, too, Mom,” he said, “I’m gonna’ have lots of help from Cowboy Billy and his men,” he added.

“I don’t know about that, Randy, he’s a busy man and may not have time for us,” his mother said.

“You don’t understand about cowboys, Mom. Once a cowboy makes you his buddy, he won’t never forget about you,” Randy said like he was quoting scripture from the Cowboy Code of the West.

“I hope you’re right, Randy, but don’t get your hopes up too much. I don’t want you to get hurt. Grown-ups can have the best intentions, but sometimes fall short on promises. It isn’t because they want to be mean, but sometimes they bite off more than they can chew, spread themselves too thin, and forget promises they make to kids,” Mary said trying to warn him.

“Not Cowboy Billy. Him and me are brothers. Trust me. You’ll see, Mom,” Randy said.

Mary shook her head and smiled at her boy. Just the relief of knowing her son would live to grow up and become a man was of such a comfort she couldn’t let herself become overwhelmed with what may come. It would be easier since she didn’t have to face Randy’s death anymore. Yes, if she were Randy, she would love his cowboy hero, too.

* * * * * * *
The cowboys didn’t get back until late that afternoon. Even though they left Houston around 2:30, it was a four hour trip back to the hill country. They pulled in the front gate at seven. Much to their surprise and relief, Womack and the TV trucks were nowhere to be seen. However, the ever faithful Highland guards were still on duty. Billy got out of the truck and walked among them. “Cain’t thank you folks enough for your quick thinking and protectiveness. You made my life and the lives of those we love easier without having to deal with the lunatic fringe of our society. And before I forget, did you warriors down here on the front lines get fed today?” Billy asked.

“Yes, thank you, Master Billy,” the big bull Thor replied.

“And did they give you extra rations?” he asked.

“They did, and they were much appreciated, sir,” Zeus replied.

“Good. Today we drove to Houston and got money matters taken care of and out of the way. We can now begin to plan and begin building to make life a bit more comfortable. I know it’s been a long and boring week for you, so I wanted to say a word of thanks and give you a glimmer of hope you won’t have to remain cattle forever. We will begin tomorrow to plan our future for the Daniels’ Highland Shire project. I bought fifty digital electronic brains today and brought them back with us. We need the top representatives from those of you most qualified in architectural planning and design. We are going to build a city which will become a model for the rest of our world. To start we need about twenty-five of your best. Pick fifty from among you, and we will choose from those you submit to us. Any questions?” Billy asked.

“No, sir, we understood when we volunteered for this project it might take sometime getting off the ground. Actually, we’re quite pleased with your progress and interest, but we do have one request, Master,” Zeus said.

“What’s that?” Billy asked.

“Please open the windows to the great hall in the house when you and your family play music so we might hear and share in the beauty. And if you might consider an outdoor concert for us once a week, it would be greatly appreciated,” Zeus replied.

“Absolutely. It will be done starting this week, my friends,” Billy said and the cattle bellowed their approval.

Billy walked back to the van, the cattle parted, and allowed the cowboys to drive up to the ranch house.    

* * * * * * *
The men started unloading the back of the van and everyone came out to help. Billy told them to put everything on the porch and he would sort it and figure out where he wanted it stored. They were standing around looking at the stack of computers and musical instruments. Everyone was commenting. Billy casually turned to his roping partner and spoke, “You want an Apple, Moss?” Billy asked.

“Naw, thanks, boss. I’s still full from lunch, and it might cut my appetite for supper,” he said sincerely. There was a hush you could of cut with a knife and everyone broke up laughing at the big cowboy.

“I think yore’ boss-man just done offered you a new computer, hoss,” Enoch said quietly to his partner.

“Really, boss?” Moss asked.

“Really, cowboy. I got several for my family. They’s all top of the line with huge screens and more bells and whistles than a Circus Calliope,” Billy replied.

“I ain’t never had me an Apple before. Couldn’t afford one, but I often admired them,” Moss said.

“Well, here you go. Take these boxes home with you. One’s for you and one’s for your old man. This one’s for you, Enoch,” Billy said handing his bigger brother another box.

“You didn’t have to do that, Billy. I got a computer,” he said.

“This one’s for your room here. You’re gonna’ be spending a lot of time at the ranch and you might need a good computer,” Billy said like it was just sound reasoning.

“Thanks, boss,” Moss said.

“Yeah, thanks, boss,” Enoch said.

“You’re welcome gentlemen. Put them to good use and help me get this show on the road,” Billy said.

“We’ll do our best, boss,” Enoch said.

“And I’ll bet you men thought I forgot about my little brothers,” Billy said to Poly and Cass. “Them two boxes is for you. They’s three of them just alike so take your pick. And while you’re at it, take them two new string instruments to the parlor. They complete a modern string quartet of instruments; a viola and a cello. They ain’t nearly as fine as your fiddles, but they will play the music. A lot will depend on the person playing them." Billy allowed.

The electronic pianos were almost too big for Cass and Poly to wrestle so they decided to levitated them and slowly took them to their rooms to unpack. Each keyboard came with it’s own hard carrying case to make them more portable.

Billy gave his grandmother and his Uncle Nathan one of the new Apples and they were thrilled. Billy was quick to remind anyone who was getting a new computer, after they transferred personal files, to turn their old one’s in to him and he would have his electronics gurus go through them to see what they could do with them. Of course they knew he was talking about Archie and Edith. He stressed while they now had money and seemed to have a never ending flow, he still didn’t want to be unnecessarily wasteful and stressed the Highland Shire Project would be one of prudence and recycling.

Finally he handed an Apple to his surrogate dad, “Here, Pa, this un’s yorn. You gonna’ name it ‘Scout,’ Tonto?” Billy asked with a grin.

“You gonna’ name yours ‘Silver,’ Kemosabe?” Nick shot back and they broke up laughing.

“Absolutely! Perfect names for bowfubbem,” Billy replied and they shared another laugh.

Last, but not least, he gave each of his family slaves their own Apple computer. Clyde took his from Billy and looked at it like like it was a new born baby he was holding and Billy thought the response apropos. It was going to become his new baby. Hank and Buck only heard about computers and saw Billy use his several times. They knew of their existence on Retikki Prime but only the high placed freemen or their business slaves worked with them. They shed tears when Billy gave them their computers. The munchkins were stunned, but Archie and Edith were gracious. They, above all the others, knew the potential of the tools their master was placing in their trust; furthermore, Billy was creating room for the older trade-ins for them to work on, experiment with, or as he put it to them, “Dazzle me with something new what will make computing more easy for the novice.”

“Boomer, would you use a computer if I give you one?” Billy asked his mate.

“Probably not, Master Billy. My fingers are too large. Besides my job is to protect you and your family and see to the bairns. That’s enough to keep me busy and my mind occupied. In nine months we’re gonna’ have us a living, breathing buckaroo dynamo, a tiny Texas cyclone to ride herd on and the way you pickup folks along the way, no telling how big my job is gonna’ become in the next few months. I won’t have time for a computer,” Boomer said.

“All right, but remember, I offered you one. If you feel like you want one in the future, all you gotta’ do is ask, and I’ll see to it you get one,” Billy said.

* * * * * * *
Kate took Billy by the arm and walked him into the house. “Your presence is requested in the upstairs bedroom. I’m afraid if you don’t go up and see Zelma, Balthazar is gonna’ have to cold-cock her to keep her in bed,” Kate exaggerated and giggled.

“Lord, we wouldn’t want that. As kinky as I imagine that old lady might be, we’d never get rid of her,” Billy said and they shared a laugh. “I didn’t mean that either, Grandma. She’s welcome here anytime for as long as she wants to stay,” Billy added and Kate nodded her understanding.

“Billy Daniels, come sit by my side and tell an old woman about your day. We watched everything on that small TV of Kate’s and I was blown away by the way you handled Parson. I never liked her and was thrilled to watch our cowboy hero put her in her place. Well done, Billy, you’re a true son of the spirit of Texas,” Zelma gushed.

“Why, thank you, ma’am,” Billy said in his best Texas drawl, “I’s jes’ do’n ma’ job as the Lone Free Ranger,” he added and they broke up in laugher together. “I done got chu’ a present while I’s in the belly of that big whale of an electronics store, pretty lady,” Billy handed her a package.

“A present for me? Billy, you shouldn’t have,” she said, but she couldn’t wait to see what Billy bought her. She pulled the box out and gasp, “An Apple laptop. I don’t have a laptop Billy. I got an old desktop that belonged to Houston, but it’s so out of date, I have to hand crank it to get it going,” she said and laughed at her own nonsense.

“Thought you might like to keep in touch with your grandson’s family and this way you can hold conversations with each other. It’s got a small camera built into the lid,” Billy said.

“You are a sweetheart, cowboy. I can’t thank you enough. . . for everything, Billy,” she said like she was deeply moved.

“You feeling better, dear heart?” he asked.

“Much better. I count my improvement on how many times my faithful caretaker has threatened my life and to do me bodily harm if I don’t mind him and behave myself,” she replied and fell back into the bed laughing her ass off, “But I don’t know what I would have done without him. He’s truly been an angel, and I couldn’t love him or you more,” Zelma said, and continued, “And let me not be so shallow as to forget your faithful wingmen slaves, the stalwart and handsome Clyde, and your chosen surrogate dad, Nick. If Nick truly was the devil he would have no care for an old society hag who is only as popular as her money. I’m only sorry it took me so long to learn a lesson my husband knew from his youth and preached to me regularly: there is more love and charity among the poor than there is in all the ivory towers of the rich. Now I know and have been granted a second chance. I will not go into that dark night until I’m sure Houston would be proud of me and comes for me to take me home. Until that time, my beloved and talented cowboy, you and your family will just have to put up with me,” Zelma said and laughed.

“I don’t see ‘putting-up-with-you’ as a heavy burden, Ms. Zelma. I see it as an adventure of infinite possibilities and delight. You’re welcome here anytime you can drag yourself away from the social life of the big city. Me and my band of angels need a critical ear and caring heart to give us direction. Grandma Kate is too close to criticize and her love covers our flaws like any grandmother is quick with iodine and a bandaide. You know talent and you understand what it take to be great. We are but sheep awaiting a loving and compassionate shepherdess,” Billy waxed poetic.  

“I do so love me a cowboy who knows how to express himself, Master Daniels. Your shepherdess is here and feeling better every hour,” she said and they shared a laugh. Even Balthazar laughed at that one.

Billy left Zelma’s room but not without remembering to share his thanks and love with Balthazar. “When should we get her up and start exercising her?” he asked.

“If she sleeps well tonight, tomorrow morning, again at noon before her lunch, and then again in the evening. It will help to break up and rid her of the parts of her body that are dying so new growth may begin. When we get her on solid food we’ll increase her exercise,” Balthazar replied.

* * * * * * *
Billy went to the ballroom to see how his munchkins were doing with their new keyboards. He got quality earphones so they might practice without disturbing the household. He also got an interface which would combine all three keyboards so they could play together and no one could hear them. They were in musical heaven with their new toys. They couldn’t figure out what they wanted to try first. They got out the viola and the cello and began to play them immediately. Poly loved the darker more mellow tone of the viola, while Cass was fond of the cello. Kate and her crew joined them and were laughing and making jokes about the twins enthusiasm. They had phenomenal talent and could start playing any instrument.

“Mistress Kate, I really like the sound of the instrument Poly is playing. There’s something about it which calls to something deep within me,” she said.

“Would you like to try it, Roz?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t want to take them away from their joy,” she replied.

“Nonsense. I know my grandson,” she insisted, “Billy!” Kate hollered, “Let Roz take a look at the viola,” she said.

“Sure. Poly take the viola over to Roz and we can play with our keyboards,” Billy told him.

He did as he was told and joyfully handed Roz the viola. Roz took it from him and handled it like it was a holy relic. Kate showed her how to place it under her chin and how to hold the bow. “There, that’s perfect. Now, try to make a sound with the bow across the strings,” Kate urged her.

Roz awkwardly drew the bow across the strings and it sounded like someone scratching their nails on a black board. Everyone cringed and Roz took the bow away. She looked mortified. “One draw of the bow across the bridge does not make a great player the first time no matter who you are,” Kate consoled her and encouraged her to try again. The next time she did a little better and actually made sounds on every string. She looked up with a smile on her pretty face, and saw her master standing before her resplendent in his gold wings. He raised them high over her and his grandmother’s heads. Billy gathered the light from the cosmos and bathed the two ladies in it. “I will teach you what you must know, little sister. Try again,” Billy commanded.

Roz began again but this time she very carefully began to finger a scale on first one string, then more quickly, ran up the other until she reached the highest note on the instrument. A great smile crossed her face and she began to play a simple folk tune she remembered from her childhood. Tears were falling from her eyes as she played it, and played it beautifully. She kept on and on playing one thing after another and several Billy fed to her. She was rapidly getting better and better. After about an hour of nonstop playing, Billy cut his source of power and lowered his wings.  “Now try again, little sister. You can fly solo now without my wings. Let your music grow wings and take flight,” he gently commanded her. He motioned for the twins to grab their fiddles.

Roz began to play beautifully like she took lessons all her life. The twins joined her and the three were perfectly in tune with each other. Those listening couldn’t believe the beauty of their playing. Billy grabbed the cello and joined them. The effect of the string quartet was too much for him and his grandmother. Billy began to weep as they played on and on. Kate was beside herself with joy. It was all Balthazar could do to keep Zelma in her bed. He promised faithfully, if she obeyed him, he would send for them. He turned to Clyde and nodded to him. Clyde vanished in a flash of light and reappeared in the ballroom. No one seemed startled. They were used to angels coming and going.

“I’m afraid if you don’t take your quartet to Mistress Zelma’s room, Balthazar will have to tie her to the bed,” Clyde said and smiled.

“Oh, God, not that!” exclaimed Kate and laughed. She didn’t finish but everyone knew she was being wicked and laughed with her, “Tell our beloved ‘precious’ we’re on our way,” Kate instructed Clyde, “and thank you, my handsome messenger, there’s an extra dessert for you tonight,” she added and winked at him.

“Thanks, Mistress Kate, I love your desserts,” he said and vanished.
 
Billy and his quartet went downstairs to Zelma’s room followed by several cowboys carrying chairs for them. They set up and played several tunes for her. Zelma was radiant. She imagined great things and saw the budding Highland Shire as a breeding ground for stars. She envisioned wonderful things and great concerts with breathtaking music played by exceptionally talented young musicians. She knew Roz was an Irin slave and as such had the capabilities of enhanced talents. With a little nudge in the right direction from their master and some actual playing time, there was no telling how many of them had talent like Roz. Zelma, the Great Empressario* of Texas culture could imagine a complete orchestra and chorus. How wonderful would that be? They finished playing for a while and everyone politely applauded.

“We have work ahead of us,” Billy declared, “Roz, you have a fine talent,” Billy said.

“Thank you, Master Billy. I love this instrument. It speaks to me,” she said.

“Do you think we should keep her?” Billy asked the twins, with a grin.

“Oh, yes, Master. Roz is a wonderful addition to our group. We can’t wait to play the quartets Mistress Kate played for us on her stereo. It would be a wonderful experience to play them with Roz and you, sir,” Poly said for them.

“Well, then, I’ll order the music for several string quartets by different composers,” Billy said as Zelma smiled and nodded her approval.

“You mean other composers wrote for a quartet of instruments?” Cass asked.

“Yes, most all composers wrote quartets, quintets, trios, and for other combinations of instruments,” Billy said, “There’s all sorts of music to keep us busy for years,” he added.

“This planet is far more diverse with its forms of music. It’s like taking part in a great feast to sample it,” said Poly.

“Order the Ravel and Debussy quartets for me Billy,” Zelma pleaded.

“Haydn and Mozart for me, Master Billy,” Kate said.

“And for me, the early Beethoven quartets, Hindemith third, and the Bartok fourth, I think,” Billy said.

The early evening of music came to an end. There were folks to feed, chores to get done, patients to care for, and more. Everyone went their own way for a while. Billy told Roz to take ‘her’ viola with her. It was hers. She earned it. She gave Billy a big hug and kissed him on the cheek. “He’s listening, Master Billy. I can feel him listening,” she said looking down at her stomach area.

“Let’s make sure he only hears beautiful music, Roz,” Billy said.

“I’ll do my best, Master Billy,” she said.
 
* * * * * * *
Talk was lively at dinner. Everyone was thrilled for Roz and pleased she had an undiscovered talent. Billy gave Dociean and Dorcas a couple of the new machines which came loaded with Windows 20 and the new Linux distribution called ‘Humble Pie.’ Many thought it was as good or better than the clunky conservative thinking of Windows. Billy talked about what he wanted for the immediate future. He wanted someone to do a background check on the Rutherford family to find out whatever they could about the family, their holdings, and immediate family members. He wasn’t fishing for anything bad, he just wanted to know their circumstances. Anyone who felt like working on plans for greenhouses for Hank Renfrow and Buck Appleby’s wonderful herbs, feel free to do so, confer with them, and let him know when they had something to present to him. He wanted to get a Mastercard and Visa from the Grand Cayman Island bank and wanted Dorcus and Dociean to find out if he could get other cards for several of his family who would become purchasing agents for him, and if being a slave made a difference? He wanted them to research local companies who sold Wolf brand ranges for heavy duty ranch cooking. “Grandma, you want a couple of new ranges for the kitchen?” he asked.

“Well, I can get by with these, but they're getting old and cranky,” Kate said, “I’d love to have one of the new sixty inch Wolf ranges with the double ovens, six burners and a grill, then I could ride the range in style," she added and giggled.

“Could our old one be refurbished?” Billy asked.

“I don’t see why not. Mostly it needs tearing down, cleaned real good, and put back together with some new parts. It should be good as new,” Kate said.

“That’s a good job for my cowboys. I’ll order two. We can install one here and have a new one for a new cook shack/dinning hall off the bunkhouse. The other, after Hank and Buck rebuild it, we can wrap it good and store it until we need it. I may even consider it for the line cabin and can leave the fireplace for heating,” Billy said.

“Tomorrow we interview folks for the twenty-five new positions we’ll open up and determine how we’re gonna’ house them and take care of them. Any suggestions will be gratefully listened to and considered. After dinner and saying goodnight to everyone, me and my posse are taking off for the line cabin. We have work to do, and we also have to take watcher milk to Nick’s ship for our patients there. We’ll return to the line cabin for the night,” he said.

“One more thing. The faithful warrior cows who have been so wonderful to guard the front gate asked if we would leave the window open when we play music in the big house. They also asked for an open-air concert for them one afternoon and evening a week. I told them it would be done, so help me figure out a way to do it. Maybe run electric cords out to the flat hay wagon. I’ll buy a Karaoke boom box with a couple of microphones for a temporary sound system. I certainly don’t think it’s too much to ask to provide them with a little music, besides we’ll enjoy it as much as they will,” he said.

The family was in good spirits. They got the feeling the huge ball was begin to slowly roll, and they were anxious to help get it off to a great start. "Someone remind me we need to pick up a number of those large lightweight folding tables and some folding chairs from WalMart this week. We need three or four for Archie and Edith to work on the electronic equipment, and we need tables for the bunkhouse for the interviews and several for our new food shack. Anyone who wants to design a food shack feel free to express yourself,” Billy said and grinned.

* * * * * * *
After Kate and her helpers served dessert, Billy and his posse said their goodnights and took off for the line cabin. He had the twins make up two quarts of watcher milk for his patients on Nick’s ship. Everything was just as they left it the morning before when they arrived. Boomer and the twins got busy, cleaned Samson’s and Maybelle’s stalls and fed them. Nick noticed Billy brought his backpack with him he carried all day. “You plan on getting more gold from the ship, Kemosabe?” he asked.

“No, I got me something to take to the ship more precious than gold,” Billy replied with a grin, “When I took my new computer to the tower, I sat down at my old one and scanned my picture of Madame Spartza and printed out a copy,” he said, reached into his bag and brought out an eight by eleven gold colored metal frame with a glass front. In it was a copy of his picture of Madame Spartza. It was perfect.

Nick took it from him, looked at it for a minute, and grinned. “Damn, Son, you’re gonna’ steal my protector’s heart away from me,” Nick said and laughed.

“That ain’t my intention, Tonto. I just want him to love and respect me. I think he does, but this might seal a bond between us that could be important in the future,” Billy said.

“A gift like ‘at couldn’t hurt none. It’s a gift from the heart and to a Shedu it’s more important than the gold on our ship,” Nick said and smiled.

“Then, it’s okay with you for me to give it to him?” Billy asked.

“Absolutely, it’s okay with me. I guarantee you, he will be reduced to tears, and if you ain’t never seen a big bull Shedu cry, it ain’t something you’ll soon forget, Kemosabe. H’it ain’t a pretty sight,” Nick said and laughed.

He got Billy laughing. “I’ll take my chances. I’d like to witness it just once anyway,” he said.

Billy decided to leave the twins and Boomer at the cabin to clean each other, so they could  get an early start to bed. It was a long day and he knew they had to be as tired as he was. He didn’t plan to be gone very long. They would be transporting directly to Nick’s ship so there wouldn’t be need for his protector. Boomer was a bit uneasy about it, but Samson told him not to worry. Everything would be all right. He must learn to trust his master in matters like this.

Billy and Nick left in a flash of light and appeared in the village square. The light was fading from day to night in sync with Earth’s sun and moon cycle. It was so the folks on Nick’s ship could get used to the rhythm of the Earth should they need to be outside the ship for a while, they wouldn’t become confused. Seth sent word to Nick’s protectors their captain and his master were on-board in the square, and they slowly began to gather. Waiting for them were Aeon and his family and the old warrior, Cloog, and his family. He was still using his cane but he managed to walk all the way unaided. Aeron ran to Billy and jumped into his arms. Billy made over him and spun him around several time to the glee and giggles of the young dwarf. Billy didn’t offer another healing session this trip and thought he would skip one. He would do it again the next visit. He gave Aeron his watcher milk and Cloog’s family the other container. He praised the old warrior and complimented him for walking all the way to the square by himself. Cloog beamed with pride. They visited for a while, but made polite excuses to get back to their world and said fond goodbyes.  

Nick suggested they leave from the castle and would walk the big Shedu Beauford back to his quarters. They talked about a few things including billeting several of Billy’s new slaves in the castle for a brief period. Beauford was comfortable with the plan and agreed it might work out to everyone’s satisfaction. After they arrived, Billy reached into his back pack and brought out the picture of Madame Spartza. “I made this copy for you, Beauford, I hope you enjoy it,” Billy said sincerely.

The huge manimal took one look at the picture and backed away from Billy and Nick. He was absolutely stunned by what he saw. Billy was right, Madame Spartza was beautiful, but his mental images didn’t do justice to the picture Beauford saw before him. Billy didn’t know what to do. Nick walked up behind him and placed both hands on Billy’s shoulders in unity. The old bull pawed the dirt with his brass hoof and snorted through his nares, as big tears began to roll down his enormous cheeks. Slowly he came closer to get a better look and began to get an erection. He was ashamed and embarrassed.

“Where would you like our master to put your picture, number one?” Nick asked him gently.

“I’m sorry, I lost my bearing, young master. Please, sir, if you would be so kind as to hang it on the nail at the front of my stall, I would be most grateful. I certainly wish to express my shock and eternal gratitude for you and my captain to go to such trouble for me. I’m afraid you have captured my heart, young human. Your owner was right. You know how to give and receive love in equal measure. My captain is a different man since he became your slave, and you have captured the minds and hearts of our ship. I have never heard a bad word spoken about you. Thank you so much for your graciousness, Master Billy,” Beauford said and began to shed tears again.

Billy hung the picture where he wanted it, and Beauford was pleased. Again Billy and Nick said their goodbyes and transported back to the cabin to leave Beauford alone with his picture of the very lovely Madame Spartza. The twins finished with Boomer, cleaned and groomed themselves to make ready to pleasure their husband and bring him some comfort. Billy and Nick didn’t bother with either coffee or herbs. The were both feeling dead tired. It was a long and emotional day. They cleaned up, made a little love, but decided to wait until the next evening to make the beast with two backs. As they drifted away beneath Nick’s huge wings, Billy sighed deeply and spoke softly. “No matter how tired I am, I promise never to fall asleep before telling you I love you, Pa,” he said softly.

“I couldn’t love you more, Son,” Nick replied.

 Billy was on the edge of dropping off to sleep when he heard a wee small voice in his head, << I love you, Cowboy Billy, >> it said.

<< I love you, too, Randy. And you were right, cowboy, I won't never forget about my buddy. I'll be in touch soon. Now go to sleep, buckaroo, and dream of happy trails, >> Billy sent back.

* * * * * *
Clarance Womack unlocked the lowest drawer on his desk in his study in the small church where he was pastor. He got out a bucket glass, a full bottle of Johnny Walker Red, and poured himself half a glass. He put the top back on the bottle and returned it to his desk drawer. He clicked on the forty-eight inch plasma TV in the entertainment center in his study to watch the late news. After his wild goose chase to Junction and finding nothing he made the rounds of several women’s houses he knew in the area to see if he could get a little while he prayed away their sins. He hadn’t been near a TV all day, and when the picture of Billy Daniels sitting in a Whataburger in Houston came across the screen, he almost dropped his drink in his lap. “Them bastards lied to me,” he shouted.

The announcer was talking about a chance meeting between Cowboy Billy and the family he helped. Womack belted down his drink as he watched the complete interview and how cool Billy was about everything. When he talked about some preacher bothering him, Womack groaned. “The son of a bitch couldn’t even say my goddamn name!” he yelled at the TV.  He got out his bottle and poured himself another huge glass of whiskey and started to work on it. “I’ll get you yet, Billy Daniels. I don’t believe your alien story. I know you had something to do with with that boy’s recovery. You’re dealing with Clarence Womack, boy, whether you like it or not! You ain’t seen the last of me. I’ll expose you for the fraud you are,” he yelled at the screen.


End of Chapter 17 ~ Him Who Made The Seven Stars
Copyright ~ © ~ 2012 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All Rights Reserved ~
06/20/2012
Mail to: waddiebear@yahoo.com
WC = 13445

*Empressario ~ a pun on Empress and impresario.  Also an empresario was a person who, in the early years of the settlement of Texas, had been granted the right to settle on Mexican land in exchange for recruiting and taking responsibility for new settlers. The word is Spanish for entrepreneur.[1]