Him Who Made The Seven Stars
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 20

“If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected." ~ Chief Seattle

The next morning, after breakfast, Billy was sitting in his office in his tower going over some orders Hank and Buck were about to make. He wasn’t so much checking their work as making sure they ordered everything they needed and didn’t cut corners to pinch a penny. Tron’s sage advice to have faith in the two older cowboys was paying off handsomely. They didn’t miss a thing and thought of many things Billy didn’t. When the Irin cowboys wanted side panels for one side of their beds for a little more individual privacy, he approved it immediately and had Hank and Buck order what they needed from the lumber company in Fredericksburg. It was a small but convenient addition to each bed, not only for a bit more privacy, but the panels added considerable physical strength to the overall structure. As an added benefit, the back of the bed next to them could be used for clothes lockers and storage. The Irin were good enough craftsmen they built their own storage units from plans they created and submitted to Hank and Buck for approval. They showed them to Billy, he rubber stamped them, and the cowboys ordered even more lumber for the additional project. It turned out better than anyone expected, and the Irin cowboys worked their butts off to make it decent looking and comfortable.

As Billy was talking and looking over more plans for the kitchen area, an order for toilets, sinks, mirrors, and shower equipment, he got a tickle in his head. << That you, cowboy? >> he sent.

<< Yes sir, Cowboy Billy, we’s on our way. We’s heading south toward Mason. Mom said to look for a road to the left after we cross the Llano river, >> Randy sent.

<< Your grandma with you, Son? >> he asked.

<< Yes sir, she says she feels great and is really looking forward to meeting you, >> Randy said.

<< I’m looking forward to meeting her, buddy. Hell, I’m looking forward to see’n all ya’ll again. When you get to that road just past the bridge tickle me again, >> Billy sent.

<< I will. What chu’ doing, Billy? >> Randy asked.

<< Sit’n at my desk in my office going over some orders for additional things we need around the ranch with a couple of my favorite cowboy slaves, Hank Renfrow and his partner Buck Appleby. They’s good men, and I know you’re gonna’ love them. I know they’ll love you, >> Billy said.

<< I ain't never met a slave, Cowboy Billy. I’ll look forward to meeting them, >> Randy said enthusiastically, << I know you must be busy, so I’ll let you get back to work. I’ll tickle you again in a bit, >> Randy send.

<< I’ll be waiting, cowboy, >> Billy sent, “Are you men comfortable living up here in the big house?” Billy asked his cowboys sitting across from him. Buck nodded for Hank to answer.

“We’re quite comfortable, Master Billy. We ain’t got no complaints. Hell we’s too damn busy, and I might add, love’n ever’ minute of it. If it ain’t something to do with work, we’s busy with you and our family. We couldn’t ask for more. Why do you ask?” Hank asked.

“I ain’t forgot my promise to you men to have a place of your own, but bear with me until we get some of this other shit out of the way. I promise, I will build you a place of your own as soon as we can,” Billy said.

“We see what your trying to do, and we’re behind you all the way, sir.  Ain’t no need to worry yourself none about us,” Buck assured Billy.

“Good. When do you men think the Irin cowboys will be settled in, up, and running?” Billy asked.

“The way they’re going, my best guess would be by the end of next week they’ll be settled into their new quarters and ready to go the following week,” Hank said and Buck agreed. “We’re still buying tools and since you gave us carte blanche we try to get them ever’thing they need,” Hank added.

Billy was impressed with his cowboys. They were keeping accurate records and finances to the penny. Hank was the go-to man for the Irin cowboys to get something done and Buck was the brains who counted the beans and kept the books for ranch operations. Nick overheard their conversations and made a helpful comment from time to time. At one time or another during the morning all the family drifted in and out of his office to see how things were going.

Kate and her crew were in the kitchen from early morning and were preparing a Sunday afternoon meal for a large number of people since there were fifteen of the Irin cowboys to be fed. She swore her new Wolf range could cook by itself. Zelma even gave them a hand for a couple of hours until she began to tire, then her angel attendant transported her to her bedroom and helped her to lie down for a nap before dinner.

<< We just turned off onto the road and are headed west along the river, Billy, >> Randy sent.

<< Okay, you’re not far from the entry to the ranch. The road will turn north and you will go about seven miles toward a big purple mountain. Once you see some woolly brown cows, start looking for the gate on your left. There’s a big rectangular arch with the name Daniel’s Ranch hanging from the overhead sign. Have your mom pull in there, across the cattle guard, and tickle me again, >> Billy sent.

<< Will do, pod’na,’ >> Randy sent using his best cowboy lingo. Billy grinned to himself.

“You excited?” Nick asked and grinned.

“Like a kid at Christmas. I don’t know who’s the bigger kid, me or Randy,” Billy said honestly.

“Ain’t nothing wrong with that, cowboy. I’d say it’s probably a toss up. You got any idea how all this is gonna’ play out, Son?” Nick asked.

“Not a clue, Tonto, but you know what?” Billy asked, but didn’t give Nick time to reply, “I ain’t a’ gonna’ worry about it none. Them Ancients have been manipulating our lives like they’s got joy sticks and are playing a video game. They’s untold numbers of civilizations out there in the universe watching our lives unfold. I don’t think they’d let this episode of 'Billy Daniels and his demon dad save the Earth' turn out bad,” Billy said and laughed at his own nonsense.

"I guess living as long as I have tends to makes a body a mite apprehensive about new situations. You just may be right, Kemosabe. So far, as strange as it might seem to anyone else on Earth what don’t know you or what we been through so far, there’s been more than a little evidence to support your reasoning,” Nick confirmed.

* * * * * * *
Mary Rutherford slowed down looking for the entry to the ranch. “It’s up there on the left, Mom -- see that big rectangular arch -- that’s it. Just pull in there and drive across the cattle guard,” Randy told her. He was riding shotgun with her in the front seat.

“How do you know, Randy? You’ve never been here before,” Mary asked.

“Cowboy Billy told me, and I memorized what he said. See, the sign says “Daniel’s Ranch,” Randy said and smiled at his mother.

“But those cows are blocking the road. How will we get past them?” Mary asked.

“No problem, little lady. Ya’ got chore'self a gen-u-wine cowpoke on board, ma’am,” Randy said in his best John Wayne imitation, “Just pull up close to 'em, I’ll get out, mosey on up to 'em, and have ma’self a nice jaw with the head bull. I’ll introduce myself, chat him up a bit, and he’ll let us through. You’ll see,” Randy said like he was cocksure of himself.

<< You’re doing find, Son, I’ll be with you the whole time. I can see what you’re see’n, >> Billy sent to him, << See that big bull in the middle of the road. That’s Zeus. He’s a good guy. Go say ‘hello’ introduce yore’self, and talk with him, >> Billy explained.

Mary stopped the car about ten feet away from the cows. “I don’t know if I want you to get out and go up to those cows, Randy. They’re big. Maybe I should call Billy,” she said.

“No problem, Mom. They won’t hurt me none. They’s expecting us. You’ll see,” Randy said and pushed the handle on the door, opened it, and got out. He carefully shut the door behind him.

“I’m not comfortable with this at all,” Mary said to her mother-in-law.

“Not to worry, daughter, Randy knows what he’s doing. He wants to be a cowboy -- he needs to be your cowboy, and your right-hand man. He’s growing up, darling. Let him,” Evelyn said.

“I hope you’re right, Mother Rutherford,” Mary said.

Randy walked right up to the big bull and looked him in the eye. “Are you Mr. Zeus, sir?” he asked.

“I am, Son, and you must be Randy Rutherford,” Zeus replied.

“Yes, sir, that’s me. Can I put my hand on your handsome head, sir?” Randy asked.

“I would be honored, young man,” Zeus replied.

Billy placed his small hand on the forehead of the huge beast, smiled as he felt the fine hair and patted Zeus lovingly.

“My God, he’s petting the beast,” Mary said like she couldn’t believe it. “Sweet Jesus, he’s putting his arms around his head and giving him a hug and a kiss!” she exclaimed throwing up her hands.

“Easy, Mary, I promise, Randy knows what he’d doing. Have faith in your son, daughter,” Evelyn said. Kayla was rolling around on the back seat laughing her ass off at her little brother’s shenanigans. She knew Randy was in no danger, but her little brother was milking it to the max. She wasn’t jealous. Randy lived so long in pain and without hope, she was thrilled to see him enjoying life like a normal, healthy kid.

“Thank you so much for your kind affections, Son. Won’t you walk with me, and we’ll clear the way for your mother to drive through. Motion for her to follow us,” Zeus told Randy.

Randy turned, waved to his mother, and motioned for her to follow. He turned and walked by the side of the big lumbering bull. “It’s very nice of you to allow us through, Mr. Zeus. Cowboy Billy told me you were magic cows,” Randy said.

“We are, in a way. We’re not really cows, but I’m sure Master Billy will explain everything to you. Just prepare yourself, Randy, because you’re going to see some unusual things today, and if you want to be a part of Master Billy’s world, you just gotta’ take them in stride and try to understand,” Zeus said.

“You call him ‘Master Billy,’ are you his slaves?” Randy asked.

“Yes, we are. We’re honored to belong to Master Billy. He’s our master and we own him,” Zeus replied.

“I’m not sure I understand how you can be his slave and own Cowboy Billy,” Randy said.

“Your confusion is understandable. It sounds like a conundrum or a riddle from Alice in Wonderland. It ain’t. It’s a different way of looking at an unusual social structure, Son. Ask Master Billy. He’ll explain it to you, or if you get a chance, asked Master Billy’s horse, Samson, about it. He’ll be happy to explain the concept to you,” Zeus said.

“Is Cowboy Billy a super-hero, Mr. Zeus?” Randy asked.

“Damn near, Son. He’s got powers he don’t even know about yet. You’re a lucky young man who’s captured his heart, and he thinks on you as his little brother,” Zeus replied.

“Our meeting weren’t no accident was it, sir?” Randy asked precociously.

“No, it t’weren’t. It was carefully planned by a couple of highly intelligent races of people out there in the universe. One of them, is a species us cattle belong to called the ‘Irin.’ The other is called the ‘Grigori.’ They look like Bigfoot. Master Billy’s number one slave and protector is a Bigfoot or Grigori. You will recognize him right away. He’ll be the biggest beast there. You met him at the Whataburger in Houston. He’s always by Master Billy’s side, and he was the biggest cowboy there. He morphed to look like a human so he could accompany Master Billy and his family. They call him ‘Boomer,’” Zeus said.

“I remember Boomer, Mr. Zeus. And you’re right, he had to be the biggest damn cowboy I ever done seen. He’ll be here today?” Randy asked excited.

“He will, but he’ll be in his Bigfoot/Grigori form and look like a big hairy monster; only, he ain’t no monster. He’s got a gentle soul, and he will love you. He loves kids. The male in their species produces the most milk to feed their babies. He’ll let you drink his milk from his teats. It’s good stuff. Most nutritious food in the universe. Over a period of time it will correct any defects in your body and give you an immunity to all childhood diseases. Don’t hesitate to take advantage and drink some if he offers -- and he will. I’m told it tastes like warm ice cream,” Zeus said.

They walked and talked until they cleared the herd. Randy turned and thanked Zeus, gave him another hug and kiss and walked back to the car with a big grin on his face and the best cowboy strut he could manage for a six, almost seven, year old buckaroo. Mary Rutherford saw the same self-satisfied grin so many times on the face of her late husband, it sent chills up her back. Randy got into the car and closed the door, “Let’s go, Mom. We should see the Daniel estate at the top of the mountain around the next bend in the road,” Randy said.

Before Mary put the car in gear, she put her hand on Randy’s leg and patted it gently, “I’m proud of you, cowboy,” she said quietly.

“Thanks, Mom. It’s just part of ma’ job as a buckaroo, ma’am. All in a day’s work as a cowboy. I enjoyed meeting and talking with Mr. Zeus. He’s a nice bull,” Randy said.

Mary didn’t answer. She couldn’t figure out how much was truth and how much was cowboy hyperbole. She got an exasperated look on her face, grinned, shook her head, put the car in gear, and drove on up the road.

Everyone was waiting for them when they pulled into the compound. Randy was the first out of the car and ran as fast as he could to his hero’s arms, “Cowboy Billy! Cowboy Billy!” he yelled.

Billy grabbed him up and spun him around, hugged, and kissed his little buckaroo buddy. “It’s so good to see you again, cowboy. How are you?” Billy asked.

“Better, now that I’m here,” Randy replied.

“You didn’t have any problem with them cows. I knew you could do it,” Billy complimented him.

“I really like Mr. Zeus. He was nice and polite to me,” Randy said.

“Come, let’s hep’ your mom out of the car,” Billy said walking to the car with Randy in his arms and held the door for Mary Rutherford.

“Welcome to the Daniel’s Ranch, Mary. So glad you and your family could come for the day,” Billy said and poured on his cowboy charm.

“We’re pleased to be here, Billy, and thank you for your kind invitation,” Mary said.

Billy put Randy down to open the back door for Randy’s grandmother, baby sister, and big sister. Randy disappeared. Mary turned and watched in horror as Randy ran pell mell with his arms flailing about toward a huge hairy monster standing behind the rest of Billy’s family. The boy was yelling the monster’s name over and over, “Boomer! Boomer!” A big grin crossed the hairy man’s face, and he opened his huge arms for Randy. The young cowboy took one huge leap of faith and jumped several feet into the giant’s big fury arms. Boomer caught him and pulled him up to him only to be rewarded with a big hug and a kiss from the little buckaroo.

“It’s so good to see you again in your real form. You looked great as a cowboy in Houston, but I like you better like ‘iss with all your fur. Damn, you look good. Ya’ got milk, Boomer?” Randy asked.

Randy’s words were like music from a heavenly source to Boomer’s ears. “You can have all you want, cowboy. Wrap them pretty little lips a’ yorn around my big tit and suck,” Boomer said and offered Billy his big teat.

Mary wasn’t paying any attention to her mother-in-law or daughter. She watched with considerable apprehension as Billy hooked up to the giant man’s teat and began to nurse like young baby. She could hear Randy making “Mmmm” sounds as he sucked. He stopped, pulled off long enough to take a deep breath and mutter, “Sooo good! Mmmmm” and went back to sucking again. Everyone was laughing at him.

“Don’t worry, Mary. Randy’s just get’n his’self some watcher milk. It’s the best, most nutritious milk in the universe. The male of Boomer’s species is the major milk producer for their bairns. Wouldn’t hurt your baby none to drink some, neither. It would correct any deficiencies in her and make her immune to childhood diseases. We milk Boomer regularly to give his milk to our infirm patients we have recovering from a healing around our place from time to time. They’re recovery time is cut in half by drinking a couple of glasses of watcher milk per day,” Billy explained, “Why, my grandmother drinks a glass a day,” he added.

“Wu-wu-would it hel-help me not to stutter, Mr. Daniels,” Kayla asked.

“It just might, but if it don’t, I’d be happy to give you a hand with that, sweet heart,” Billy replied.

“I’d be mum-most grateful, sir,” Kayle said.

“But he looks like what I would imagine a Bigfoot to look like,” Mary said.

“Exactly, Mary. That’s what we know him as, a Bigfoot, but his people actually come from another planet in the Orion constellation. They been on Earth for thousands of years watching everything what goes on. They only recently began to let themselves integrate with humans and bond with them as friends, family, slaves, or mates. Boomer is my number one slave and protector. He can morph to look like a human. He was the big cowboy sitting next to me across from you at the Whataburger in Houston,” Billy explained.

“He’s enormous,” Mary said.

“Yes, but he’s very gentle. He would never hurt a little one. His bairns and our children are sacred to him,” Billy explained.

Billy opened the back door to Mary‘s car. Evelyn Rutherford handed Mary the baby, “I think she needs changing, dear,” she said. Mary took little Clara to the rear of the vehicle and let down the tailgate.

“Ah, you must be Grandmother Rutherford -- I’m Billy Daniels, ma’am,” Billy said extending his hand to Mrs. Rutherford and helping her from the back seat.

“I am, Mr. Daniel, I’m so glad to be able to come with Mary and the children. Without your and Randy’s help I don’t think I would have been able to make it. Could I have a hug, sir, to thank you for your kindness?” Evelyn asked shyly.

“Of course you can,” Billy said and threw his big arms around her and held her, “Are you feeling better, Mrs. Rutherford?” he asked quietly.

“A lot better, Son. I can’t thank you enough,” she replied.

“I’m afraid our healing through Randy was only temporary, but we’ll take better care of you this morning, and it will be permanent. Mary and the kids need your help. I don’t think she can handle three kids by herself,” Billy said quietly while Mary was seeing to the baby changing her diaper on the tailgate of her SUV.

“I was worried she was going to break under the stress of taking care of me and the children,” Mrs. Rutherford said, “I began to pray and hope I could move on so she wouldn’t have the extra burden of taking care of me,” she added.

“You got plenty of life left in you, Mrs. Rutherford, and we plan to see to it you get to watch your grandchildren grow up,” Billy said.

“Please, Mr. Daniels, call me Evelyn. Mrs. Rutherford makes me feel so old,” she said.

“Likewise, just call me Billy ma’am,” he replied.

Billy introduced the the rest of his family to Mary, Evelyn, and the children. Randy was excited by the variety and wonder of the different people who were part of Billy’s greater family. Kayla was stunned. She wasn’t slow or retarded by any means, but she was painfully shy because of her tendency to stutter when she found herself in new situation. Aside from Boomer, the most unusual of Billy’s family were Billy’s psyches, Archie and Edith. Kayla thought they were wonderful. They looked like something out of one of her children’s books. She couldn’t imagine two more beautiful creatures.

Billy was slowly telling Mary and Evelyn his story, how he happened to be chosen to do a job for two advanced civilizations, and they enhanced him by giving him special powers to heal people. He introduced Nick, Clyde, and Balthazar as his special slaves and protectors who were artificially created beings manufactured in a bio-tech laboratory by an ancient race called the Annunaki. They were know back then as angels, but Billy said he still called them his angels.

“Aren’t angels suppose to have wings?” Mary asked.

“Gentlemen, let's wing-up for the lady,” Billy said and the three large men disappeared for a few seconds and reappear in their fully fledged splendor.

Mary and Evelyn let out a gasp.

“Wow! Jackpot!” Kayla exclaimed and giggled.

“Yeees! I knew it!” Randy exclaimed. “Ain’t chu’ gonna’ show 'em your wings, Cowboy Billy? He’s got the prettiest wings of all, Mom,” Randy said.

“If you like, buckaroo,” Billy said, disappeared and reappeared with his bright gold wings and his brown leather harness. “Before you ask, Mary. No, I’m not an angel. I’m just a brown dirt cowboy from the hill country of West Central Texas what’s been physically and mentally enhanced by an ancient advanced race of people. Can you understand why I went to such lengths to protect this knowledge?” Billy asked.

“I certainly can,” spoke up Evelyn Rutherford, “then you’re not from God, Billy, and your slaves you call your angels are not from him either?” she asked.

“No, I’m afraid not, Evelyn. On the other hand, we ain’t from the other side of the god myth either. There ain’t no such thing as the devil or hell. Certainly, me and my angels are not demonic. We leave that to them folks what worship an evil god,” Billy replied. Nick, Clyde, and Balthazar have been given to me to help guide and protect me,” Billy explained.

“What is your mission, Billy?” Mary asked.

“To change the world for the better. To lead by example and teach people to cooperate and love each other. To balance the financial situation on our world where the top one percent won’t have all the money and control everything. To return our country to a democracy for everyone and not just the few. A social democracy, of the people, for the people, and by the people, where corporations ain’t considered people and won’t be able to vote with their money. I want to bring about change by providing a better way for everyone to live.

I’d like to bring about a world government based on a social democracy. I know it sounds like an impossible task, but you have no idea the power and force I have behind me. I ain’t no super-hero, Mary. I ain’t no messiah neither, nor am I a savior in the biblical sense. I’m just a simple man of the Earth, a cowboy, what’s found himself in a position, asked to do a job I never wanted but one I knew I had to accept, and somehow, you and your family fit into all this. Don’t ask me how, because I don’t know. As time goes on, it probably will be revealed to us; you, as well as me. If you think of something I ain’t covered, I’m willing to listen, ‘cause I shore’ as hell ain’t got all the answers. That’s why you were invited today, to meet with you on an informal basis, introduce you to my family, explain things to you, and offer our help. In return, as your faith and trust in us grows, my hope is for you and your family to become a part of us. The larger our family, the stronger our family becomes,” Billy explained.

“That’s an enormous challenge for one so young, Billy,” Mary said, “I can’t say I wouldn’t like to see some changes in our government and our lives indirectly. We’re barely making ends meet with what little widow’s benefits I get. I had to dip into our lump sum insurance payment from the government just to have a decent car to transport my family, and I didn’t buy it new. It’s a used vehicle. I know we’re not the only ones suffering. We get daddy long-legs who frequently stop by the ranch asking for a temporary place to stay in exchange for work and food, but we just don’t have the extra food to let them stay. They think all ranchers must be wealthy. I let a couple stay in the barn in bad weather from time to time and provided a simple meal of oatmeal and a piece of fruit. They don’t stay very long, and they smell terrible. I don’t know how they can live that way,” Mary said scrunching up her nose.

“I know. I’ve seen several roaming the mesquite thickets when I’s out rounding up cattle with my pony. They run with the Bigfoot sometimes and walk with enlarged strides. That’s how they got their name. I’ve tried to help a few, but they run and hide if I go after them. They’d rather live that way than be rounded up by the law and have a court determined them unfit for general society. They make slaves of them simply because they chose to live free. It’s unfair, but they smell so bad most law enforcement officers don’t want nothing to do with them. If they apprehend them, put them in their patrol cars or the back of a van, they cain’t never get rid of the smell. So they just turn their heads the other way. Some of the more unscrupulous lawmen use them for target practice and kill them. They just leave their bodies for the wild animals. I come upon several what was shot either by a rancher or a lawman. It’s a rough life, but many have chosen to live that way,” Billy lamented.

Little Clara started crying. Mary did her best to quite her, but she kept on like there was nothing her mother could do for her. “I just changed her, and I know she hasn’t gone again. I don’t think she’s hungry. She had her bottle this morning,” she said. Boomer walked over and held out his hands for Mary to give him the baby. She looked at Billy. He smiled and nodded his approval. Mary handed little Clara over to the giant and the big beast raised her to his breast. He squeezed his tit and got a few drops of his milk on his fingers and tenderly put them to baby Clara’s lips. She went after Boomer’s fingers like a fat man after free buffalo wings at a bar during happy hour. Boomer gently raised her to his teat and she took it into her small mouth like a catfish hits a trot line. He didn’t have to give her a second invitation. She locked on to Boomer’s teat like she found a second home and was sucking the giant’s warm sweet milk as fast as she could. A small smile came across Mary’s face, and she shook her head. “I got a feeling, Clara’s not going to want cow milk anymore,” she lamented.

“No problem, Mary. We got plenty. We milk all our watchers everyday. We can provide you with as much as you like,” Billy said.

“You have more?” she asked.

“Yes, my halflings, me, and my two mature cowboy slaves I introduced you to, Hank and Buck, are capable of morphing into watchers and we milk them. My angel Nick can morph into one and probably Clyde and Balthazar if we need them. Shape shifting is common among the more advanced races of people,” Billy said, “My Irin slaves can shape shift. All them cows out there are like Andy, Dociaen, and Dorcus. Them fifteen big cowboys you met were all cows last week. That’s how Randy was able to talk with our head bull of the guard cows at the gate. All they have to do is have Boomer’s DNA on file in their bodies, and they can become a watcher,” Billy further explained.

“This is like walking into another world,” Mary said in awe, “But as strange as it seems, why am I not more shocked or feel more fear -- fear of the unknown?” she asked.

“Probably because you’re educated, Mary, and know everything in the universe including religions, filled with myths and superstitions, should have a rational explanation. Unfortunately, they don’t have a shred of reality or reason to back up their claims and ask people to believe the most outrageous garbage on faith alone. I would bet my boots you never take anything on face value and look for a greater explanation for anything out of the ordinary,” Billy replied.

“You’re right, Billy. Just like I had a difficult time thinking some aliens in a flying saucer healed my son. I never took to religion like my friends. I always had doubts, and the one reason I fell in love with and married my husband was because he was a free thinker and humanist in his approach to life. He was a good man, and I loved him very much. He would have wanted this for me and his children,” Mary said, “What do you think, Mother Rutherford?” she asked Evelyn.

“Me and my husband raise our boy, Darrell, to think for himself. We never took him to church for that reason. We decided, if he wanted to make religion a part of his life, he could make that choice for himself when he became a man. My husband insisted religion could be like a form of brainwashing. From what I saw on TV and the times we would get together with neighbors who were religious, they insisted you believe the way they do or you were cut out of the group and shunned. My husband was a good citizen. He was always willing to help his neighbor, but he wasn’t willing to pay the salary of a preacher who wore Brooks Brothers' suits and drove the most expensive car in town when the rest of the folks were barely getting by.

“After a while we stopped getting invitations because we wouldn’t attend their church. My husband was a good man and didn’t need religion to know the right thing to do. He worked hard all his life and provided well for his family. Darrell was like Mary. He investigated everything and studied hard. He read the Bible a couple of times and decided it was the worst book he ever read. He said many times those who believe should never encourage anyone they’re proselytizing to sit down and really read the bible. Once they read it, they wouldn’t want anything to do with religion,” Evelyn Rutherford said.

Mary stood near Boomer and watched little Clara’s belly swell up like a balloon. Mary never was able to get her to drink much milk. Finally she had all she could drink, sputtered several times, and dropped off into deep sleep. Billy got a clean towel, wet it with warm water, and handed it to Mary. She took the baby from Boomer and gently cleaned her mouth and face. Mary handed it back to Billy, and he cleaned his great beast’s teat. Baby Clara had a glow about her Mary never saw before, and she looked so peaceful in her sleep.

“Have you noticed anything unusual about Clara, Mary?” Billy asked.

“Yes, I’ve been meaning to take her to our doctor at the VA. You can’t get a pediatrician unless you put in a request and then wait six months. She has problems holding her head up and sometimes she seems like she’s totally unaware of what’s happening around her. She stares off into space. I can wave my hand in front of her face, and it won’t register. It’s like she’s off in her own world,” Mary said.

“She has the early signs of autism, Mary. If you don’t do something soon, she will develop a full blown case, and it might get so bad she can’t be reached,” he said.

“What can I do? I don’t have the money for a specialist and while the VA has been good to us, it just can’t meet all our needs,” Mary lamented.

“We can fix her, Mary, along with you,” Billy said.

“Me?” she asked.

“We think either you or your husband Darrell carried a weak gene which only began to manifest itself under the stress of separation and war. We can fix baby Clara and make the adjustment in you so if you meet someone in the future you might want to have another child with, you won’t have the same problems you did with Randy and Clara,” Billy said.

“What I watched you do with Randy, was a miracle to us common folks. I trust you, Billy. I have a suspicion you managed to pull a fast one on me yesterday and somehow gave Mother Rutherford a boost to get her here,” Mary said and smiled.

“We did, but we were sneaky because we didn’t want to frighten you. We sent enough healing strength through my mental connection with Randy to make her feel better. Kayla’s accident was a distraction to draw your attention away from the bright light coming from Mrs. Rutherford’s bedroom. Unfortunately, our small healing was only temporary; however, we will fix her permanently this morning,” Billy said and grinned, “You need her, Mary. She will be a great help to you,” Billy added.

Mary laughed like she was remembering yesterday afternoon, “I can’t be mad at them. They did their jobs like a professional band of hooligans, and I truly never suspected a thing; except, I did notice a dramatic change in Mother Rutherford. And that’s how Billy knew about how to get here and the cows at the gate -- you were in contact with him the whole time,” she said.

“Yes, ma’am, I’d never let anything happen to that boy. Randy and me -- we’s buddies,” Billy said shyly and smiled.

“You’ve done so much for us. How could we say no to become a part of your family, Billy Daniels?” Mary asked.

* * * * * * *
The rest of Billy’s family dispersed to prepare for Sunday dinner. Billy invited the Rutherford family into the old barn along with his three angels and Boomer. “We can take care of you in here,” Billy said to the Rutherfords as he held the door for them, “I like to heal in this old barn because it’s the most open building on the ranch, and it’s easier for us to draw from the Earth and the surrounding area the strength we need to pass it on to you.

“You first, Ms. Evelyn,” Billy said and had Mother Rutherford sit on a bale of hay covered by a clean horse blanket Clyde fetched from a cabinet. Billy and his angels raise their wings over Evelyn and bombarded her with their healing rays until they were satisfied they brought her back to a sustainable state of health. They did the same with each family member. Mary held little Clara as the men corrected everything in both of them. Clara was so full and content from Boomer’s milk, she never woke up. Billy fixed the deficiency within Kayla and gave her some small enhancements. They even worked their healing on Randy one more time and Billy further enhanced his little buddy. He gave him the gift of music. When they were done, and after many hugs, tears, and grateful kisses, the Rutherford family left the barn more reborn than any religion might provide them.

* * * * * * *
Dinner was a big success. The Irin cowboys never saw such a spread of food. They were polite and waited until Billy’s family and guest served themselves, then they went through the line. They were careful not to take too much, but everyone got enough to eat. Billy told his cowboys they could have seconds if they were still hungry. Only a handful returned and took only a little more. Billy explained later in the evening they would put out the left over food and anyone could have more if they wished.

Mary was impressed by the Irin cowboys and their gentlemanly attitude. She expected a group of cowboys to be rowdy and rough speaking. These men were intelligent and thoughtful. They only participated in the conversation when directly addressed. Conversation was lively around the table. Zelma came downstairs to eat with the family. Billy introduced her to the Rutherfords and she was most gracious and welcoming. She sung Billy and his angel’s praises. They were amazed Billy could cure cancer and Zelma convinced them he was even more special than they might imagine. Mary and Evelyn Rutherford knew of the Redbone family as being one of the wealthiest families in Texas. They soon made the connection the big cowboy they called Enoch was Zelma’s grandson. By the time they finished dinner, the Rutherfords were certain they wanted to become a part of Billy’s family.

“It’s Sunday afternoon, Billy. Will we have some music?” Zelma asked.

“I didn’t plan any since we had a concert Friday afternoon for our Irin herd. I mostly wanted to spend the afternoon with the Rutherfords and my cowboy buddy, Randy,” he replied.

“Are you a musician, Billy? What do you play?” Mary asked.

“Billy plays several instruments, Mary, and he plays them equally well,” Zelma said.

“I’m still learning to play the cello, Ms. Zelma,” Billy corrected her.

“Pshaw, I’ve heard professional quartets make more errors than you and your group did Friday playing the Haydn,” Zelma insisted, “It was a delightful reading. While it might have been shaky in places, it was a fresh, new approach. There’s something to be said for spontaneity and innate musical thoughts which bubble to the surface like oxygen in a spring. It spoke volumes of what is to come from the Highland Shire quartet. He also plays the piano divinely, my dear,” she added.

“I would love to hear you play,” Mary said.

“I guess we could saddle-up the Steinway for a quick ride,” Billy allowed.

"You have a Steinway?” Mary asked surprised.

“Honey, they got one of the finest early Skinner organs in the country right here in this house. It’s an historical treasure, and it’s still in top condition,” Zelma bragged.

“I’d love to hear it,” Mary said.

“We’d very much like to hear it, too, Master Billy,” one of his Irin cowboy slaves said, “I know our brothers and sisters would appreciate it,” he added.

“Okay, then I’ll leave the job to you men of opening the windows in the ballroom, so they might hear as well. I promised Zeus and Thor the favor,” Billy said.

“Glad to, sir,” the fine looking slave said.

After dinner and everything was put away, everyone made the pilgrimage to the ballroom. The Irin cowboys went to work opening the windows, and the other men in Billy’s family got out folding chairs for everyone. When they were done, Billy walked to the stage and carefully uncovered the huge grand piano. Mary, Evelyn, Kayla, and Randy were sitting on the front row. Boomer sat next to Mary cradling baby Clara in his huge arms. Mary confided in Billy she never felt so safe with her baby in Boomer’s arms. Billy laughed and agreed with her.

“The piece you’re about to hear is an early work by Igor Stravinsky. It’s from his Opus 7 of four Études for piano. I learned all four, but for the sake of time, I’ll only play the last one, or Étude number four. It doesn’t have much of the new bold sounds or polytonality Stravinsky was later to incorporate into his music; however, there is a clever play between major and minor chords which occur so fast you actually get the feeling of polytonality. At the peak of the piece, when the melody finally breaks through all the busy work, it is in a major key which becomes bold and triumphant. It is a ray of sunshine amidst the toil it takes to produce it. The work is pure Stravinsky from beginning to end and announces his early brilliance as a composer. This is one of the modern pieces I learned on the beautiful upright grand at the line cabin to spare my grandmother her sanity,” Billy explained and winked at Kate. She and Zelma fell together laughing.

Billy began and ripped off the piece like it was a walk in the park. His performance was stunning, and when he was through there was a stunned delay -- until one little cowpoke jumped up and yelled, “Yahoo, Cowboy Billy! Way to go! Way to ride that ornery beast!”

Randy’s enthusiasm was catching. He had everyone laughing and jumping to their feet applauding with him.

“Cowboys will be cowboys,” Zelma said to Kate and made her laugh again.

“And cowgirls, too. They learn early don’t they, Precious?” Kate asked.

“Is there any doubt in your mind Randy Rutherford will grow up to become a cowboy?” Zelma asked in reply.

“What do you mean ‘become,’ Darlin’? The minute he made his heroic trip to Billy’s arms at WalMart he became a cowboy,” Kate declared and they fell together laughing again.

“What’s he got planned for the organ?” Zelma asked.

“He swore me to secrecy, Precious,” Kate said and rolled her eyes.

“When has that ever stopped us from sharing?” Zelma asked and laughed.

“All I can tell you is he asked me for the recording of Dupre’s Texas improvisation. He had his computer gurus, Archie and Edith, copy it to a DVD and ripped it to his computer to put on his Walkman. He’s been listening to it all week,” Kate said.

“No! As Travis might say, ‘you be shit’n me woman!’” Zelma exclaimed, and they shared another laugh, “You mean he might really try to duplicate it?” she asked.

“There’s no telling these days just what he can do. I wouldn’t put it past him,” Kate said and shook her head in disbelief. For once in her life Zelma Jane Redbone was speechless.

“Well, I guess it’s time to crank up the windy-beast, as my little brothers call it. I been listening to a piece of music this week every chance I get a minute to be alone. As you can imagine, I ain’t had me a lot of ‘alone’ time recently, but somehow I’ve managed to squeeze enough time to listen to it several times. I was going to wait, but I suppose this is as good a time as any to attempt to duplicate it. It was meant to be a surprise for my grandmother Kate and our honored house guest and patient, Mrs. Zelma Jane Redbone. It’s an improvised piece of music by the great organist and composer Marcel Dupre.’ He played it on this very organ when he came to my grandparent’s home to give the only performance on an organ in Texas. It’s his theme and variations on Texas tunes Dupre’ called his Texas Suite. It starts with a theme and variations on the old cowboy song, “The Streets of Laredo.” The middle movement is in three parts, slow-fast-slow on “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” and the last movement is a Passacaglia and Fugue on “The Eyes Of Texas.” The really masterful part of the composition comes in the last movement when a voice high above everything else going on, Dupre’ managed to include the state anthem “Texas Our Texas” as a chorale tune or a discantus supra librum, if you will,” Billy explained. Surprisingly, a number of people in his audience knew what he was talking about.

Billy went to the organ an turned on the blowers to fill the bellows in the wind chest. After a few minutes he began. He played and played like Kate never heard him play before. It was a masterful recreation of Dupre’s improvisation. Kate listened to it so many times over the years she knew each note by heart herself, but trying to recreate it would be a totally different matter she knew she could never accomplish. She would never consider attempting such a feat. She wondered if Billy truly appreciated the extra added talent he was gifted by the enhancements the Irin and Grigori gave him.

On the other hand, she wondered if her grandson always had the innate talent and just never attempted to expand what was naturally given unto him. She knew in her heart Billy was talented, more talented than he knew, but she could never get him to take himself seriously enough to excel, as sometimes happens to someone so gifted they don’t look upon their talent as anything special. Furthermore, compounded by being raised a humble selfless cowboy learning to be happy with the status quo and told never to expect more from life than what it brings your way, may have contributed greatly to his underestimated sense of self-worth and his reticence to take his talents more seriously. Whatever the reason, she was overjoyed and grateful her grandson was now beginning to understand the joy he could create and bring to others with his talents. Perhaps the enhancements did little more than kick him in the butt to get his attention to his own capabilities. Either way, Kate was happy with the results. Kate looked over to her beloved friend and saw her blotting tears away.

“Pull yourself together, you sentimental old cow,” Kate elbowed Zema and giggled. Zelma broke up laughing.

“Thanks, Love, I needed that. It’s exactly what Travis would have told me,” Zelma said, and they shared another laugh, “But, Kate, you gotta’ admit, this goes beyond mere talent. Your grandson is walking among the giants of music and need not bow to one of them. This is a feat few musicians could even begin to contemplate, let alone accomplish. I could swear it was Dupre’ himself sitting on that bench stompin’ them pedals 'til hell won’t have it wearing a pair of buckaroo boots,” Zelma allowed, “Talent or no, it don’t get more Texas than that, Darling,” she added and they laughed again.

Billy finished, but this time Randy didn’t have to wake up the audience. They rose in unison to applaud for him with yells, whistles, and stomping of boots. He walked down from the organ and Randy was the first one to him. Billy grabbed him up, they hugged, and stole a couple of kisses. “I wanna’ play like that someday, Billy,” Randy said.

“You got the talent, Cowboy. I done give it to you today in the barn. You start taking music lessons, and by the time you’re my age, you’ll be better'n me, I promise,” Billy declared.

Everyone heard the cows bellowing for Master Billy and stomping their hooves. Billy went to the window and waved his thanks and acknowledgment. Everyone in the ballroom came to him to congratulate him on his performance. Mary and Evelyn Rutherford were in awe of him. Kayla gave him a big hug and a kiss. She was amazed Randy’s cowboy savior was such an interesting and accomplished man. He certainly wasn’t like the cowboys she knew. She decided she liked him a lot.

Kate announced she and her help would be serving dessert in the kitchen in a few minutes. She and Zelma navigated the stairs slowly, one by one, arm in arm with Balthazar close in case it became too much for his mistress. She was getting stronger but was a bit winded after her descent; however, after sitting for a while and enjoying Kate’s wonderful dessert, she was better. She was able to do more, and as a result, she was more tired in the evenings and slept better at night.

“Billy, you want more money for your project?” Zelma asked.

“We didn’t offer our healing services based on no charges, Ms. Zelma. Does anyone have a bill made up for a Zelma Jane Redbone?” Billy loudly asked his family and slaves. They laughed at his nonsense.

“No, no, that ain’t what I mean. You asked me to give you advice and point you in the right direction. After I go back to Houston, if you agree, I’ll get in touch with some talented men who I’ll bring here for a weekend to record you playing the Dupre’ improvisation and a couple other works of your choice. We’ll put it on a DVD and market it on the Internet for five bucks a copy as a kickstart application for the Highland Shire Project. Since we will cut out the middle men, you will rake in millions, I guarantee you or my name ain’t Zelma Jane Redbone,” she said firmly.

“I like that idea a lot, Ms. Zelma. It could put us on the map as a happening community,” Billy said.

“And another thing, as soon as you get your workforce in place, build yourself a bakery, and start mass producing Hosanna Cakes. You can make them out of unprocessed wheat or find an alternate gluten free grain what’s nutritious and natural. No bad oils or corn syrup used. Use honey and whatever natural flavorings you need to duplicate them. Once they hit the market, leave the advertising to me. I’ll make you a super-millionaire over night,” Zelma added.

“I bow to you, Ms. Zelma. I never thought about it. It’s not only a great idea, but also a solid one,” Billy complimented her.

After dessert, Billy asked Nathan and Tron if they would saddle up Samson and Ms. Maybelle and let Randy and his sister get the feel of riding a horse. They could ride with them or walk them and have the kids hang onto the saddle horn. Billy explained to the men and children he wanted a chance to speak with Mary and Evelyn alone. Nathan and Tron happily agreed and took the children to the barn with them along with Moss, Enoch, and Boomer. Billy asked Mary and Evelyn to join him in his office. He could have used his angel flight powers, but he thought that might be showing off. He asked Nick to accompany them. Mary and Evelyn loved the tower because you could see in every direction out across the hills and valleys of the hill country and could see where the James and Llano rivers ran together to form an even larger river.

After they got comfortable, Billy began. “I wanted to speak with you about a possible business arrangement,” he said.

The women looked at him like he was daft. It was obvious the furthest thing from their mind was talking business. “I don’t understand, Billy,” Mary said like she had no idea what he was talking about.

“Ranching,” Billy said, “How large is your ranch, Mary?” he asked.

“The standard size for the larger ranches in this area at two thousand acres,” Mary said, “Is that right, Mother Rutherford?” she referred to her mother-in-law.

“That’s right. My husband was asked to divide the property and sell off portions. He was offered good money, but he refused. He wanted to leave it to our son and grandchildren,” Evelyn Rutherford said.

“He was a wise man. It’s a large ranch for that area. What are you doing with it?” Billy asked.

“Nothing. I can’t run a ranch, and until today, Evelyn has been so ill it was all we could do to take care of each other,” Mary said.

“Is it free and clear?” Billy asked.

“It is, Billy, after we buried my husband we made sure the deed was changed to my name alone, and it’s in a safe deposit box at a bank in Fredericksburg,” Mary said.

“Since your husband was a captain in the Marine Corps and widows only get half of their husbands pay as a widows allotment, then you must only be getting about three thousand per month,” Billy said.

“That’s exactly how much I get,” Mary said.

“With three children and two adults, how do you get by on three thousand a month, Mary?” he asked.

“We don’t have rent like most folks, but nevertheless, we have to pay taxes on a piece of land that large. We put an amount aside each month for taxes and we live as cheaply as possible,” Mary said.

“Was it ever a fully working ranch? Do you have out buildings like a bunkhouse, barns, or places for cowboys?” Billy asked.

“Yes, there’s several buildings. One large bunkhouse and two large barns,” Mary said, “I don’t know what shape they’re in, but you’re welcome to come see for yourself,” she added.

“Would you consider leasing the land and outbuildings to me to run cattle?” Billy asked.

“What did you have in mind, Son,” Evelyn asked.

“Four thousand a month plus any repairs or improvement necessary for the health and safety of the cattle and my cowboys will be paid by me. Plus a five percent annual bonus on our net profits. It would raise your guaranteed annual income to eighty-four thousand,” Billy said.  

“My god, it would be like manna from heaven, Billy. Are you serious?” Mary asked.

“Dead serious. The more I build here, the smaller my land becomes for ranching. I will provide the necessary livestock, cowboys, and a foreman. The cowboys will most likely be Irin slaves. The foreman will be a freeman of my choosing, but I won’t make a decision without your input,” Billy explained.

“How long do we have to think about it?” Mary asked.

“No hurry. Take as long as you need to feel comfortable with the idea. In the meantime, we’ll keep in contact and any questions you might have, I’m only a phone call away,” Billy said, “But if you decide you’re interested, I want to visit with the cowboys in my family, bring our horse, and ride the range for an afternoon,” he added.

“Of course, we would expect it. You’re certainly welcome at the ranch anytime you can get away,” Evelyn said. Mary smiled and nodded her agreement.

They talked for over an hour about the different possibilities for the ranch under Billy’s guidance. Billy wanted to find out how open Mary was to having a second party run the ranch operations. He knew he had to do something to make sure his little brother and his family had a more comfortable life. The idea came to him like a pop fly ball into left field, but he easily made the catch to win the inning. Mary and Evelyn were more than a little interested and saw no problem with what Billy proposed. They had a couple more question, and Billy answered them as best he could. They agreed to talk more and to keep in touch. They went back downstairs and out the front door to join the rest of the family watching Randy and Kayla ride the horses. Samson and Maybelle were so thoughtful they carefully walked like they were walking on ice and didn’t want to slip or misstep to cause their rider to lose their balance.

Randy already introduced himself to Samson and Maybelle. Like everyone else, they fell in love with him. They got past formalities and Randy was told to just call them by their name. A noble animal didn’t need honorific titles. << Samson, I’s talking with the head bull, Zeus, this morning and he told me to ask you about them ‘owning’ Master Billy. How can they own him if they’s his slaves? >> Randy asked.

<< You have to adjust your thinking a little, Son. It started when I was just a young colt and Billy practically hand raised me because my mother’s milk dried up too soon. I became dependent on him feeding me, so like most young critters, including humans, I shifted my affections to my provider and began to think I owned Billy. He was mine and anything we did together was because it was what I wanted to happen. He fed me everyday, taught me to eat solid food, and slowly weened me from milk. Then when he wanted me to work with him, it only seemed natural. I allowed him to ride me, and in exchange, he treats me like prince, and takes care of me like a slave. He treats me kindly and with respect. He don’t push me to do anything dangerous and most times is overly protective of me. I learned from him and began to treat him the same way. Any man or critter who enters a relationship with another becomes responsible for them, and if you reverse the thinking, the critter you accept responsibility for, in fact, owns you,” Samson explained.

“I think I understand, but I’ll have to think on it,” Randy said.

“When you get your first pony; after you learn to take care of him, and treat him like your best friend;  one day, when you’re out riding together without a care in the world, it will suddenly come to you, you and he have so many memories invested together, you belong to him. It can be the most wonderful feeling in the world, and you will become reborn to relationships of any kind,” Samson said.  

<< Thanks. I hope someday to find a pony what will love me enough to make me his or hers, >> Randy sent.

<< That’s a healthy start, Randy. It’s a positive way of looking at it. A good cow dog can do the same thing for you, Son. Once you bond with any critter, you become a part of him, and the other way around -- he becomes a part of you, >> Samson said.

The rides came to an end and Randy hugged and kissed Samson and Maybelle. He told them what a great honor and privilege it was for him to enjoy a ride and sit on the back of Master Billy’s owners. Randy and Kayla captured the big horses’ hearts, and they were sorry to tell the little people goodbye. Kayla was yet to develop some of the enhancements Billy gifted her. She hadn’t worked up the nerve to taste watcher milk yet, but she would. Once the milk tripped a dormant switch in her brain she would be able to ‘send’ and ‘receive’ like her younger brother.

It was getting late in the afternoon and Mary decided it was time for them to leave. She didn’t want to drive after dark. There were many hugs and kisses and promises to keep in touch, and for Billy and his men to come to the Rutherford ranch anytime they could get away. Mary expressed a bit of concern for baby Clara.  “She hasn’t woke up since Boomer fed her earlier. She wet her diaper. I cleaned and changed her, but she never woke up. She’s never slept like this before. I have a feeling I’m not going to get much rest tonight,” Mary lamented.

“Boomer’s milk is making adjustments and helping heal the repairs we made. She just may be exhausted from fighting the onslaught of autism. She should be all right in a couple of days, but when she's awake, take notice of her awareness. Give her bright toys, but make her reach for them. Squeaky toys are best. If they get her attention and her facial expressions change at a normal rate, you will know we done a good job, and she’s getting better,” Billy said like a consulting physician. “If you have any problems, I’m only a phone call away, and don’t hesitate to call if you’re worried,” he added.

“Thanks, Billy. There are no words to express our thanks, but our family is in your debt. You have given us a new hope, and most notably, a new faith in our fellow man. If, what you did for us today and the possibility or a better future you have suggested, is any indication of how you might guide your new empire, I have no doubt you will succeed in your quest. You certainly have our love and support,” Mary said.

“Thanks for them kind words, Mary. I hope to see you and your family around here regularly,” Billy said and closed the door on the SUV. Billy reserved his final goodbye for his little cowboy buddy. Randy was on the verge of tears. Truth be known, Billy was only one small step behind him. “It was so good to have you come visit the ranch, cowboy. We had us a great day, and I know we’ll have a lot more good times together,” Billy said.

“Thanks for your nice invitation. We had a lot of fun. I knew we would. I come to love a lot of people and critters today. I learned so much and listened to some wonderful music. I never heard music like that. I know I’m gonna’ miss the folks I’ve come to love, but I’ll carry the memories in my heart until the next time,” Randy said, “I love you, Cowboy Billy,” Randy added, and threw his arms around him. He finally broke down in Billy’s arms.

“I love you, too, buckaroo,” Billy said. He stole a kiss and shed a couple of tears himself, “We’ll get together again real soon, I promise,” he added.

“I hope so. In the meantime, you can tickle me anytime you want," Randy said.

“I like saying goodnight to my little brother," Billy said.

“I aways sleep better," Randy replied.

“You know what, cowboy? So do I. I notice lately I’m sleeping better, and the only thing I can attribute it to is hear’n my buddy wish me a good night and telling me he loves me,” Billy said.

They hugged again and stole another kiss from each other, Randy got into the SUV, and Billy gently closed the door. His big cowboy heart was breaking. He didn't know why he felt so strongly about Randy, but he did. He certainly weren't no pederast or lover of little boys. Randy just seemed to fit his mental profile of the kind of kid he’d like to have for a little brother. Mary turned the car around and headed out down the long gravel road to the front gate. When they got to the cows they separated for them to pass like a synchronized chorus line in a Busby Berkley movie. In fact, they were far more precisioned.

* * * * * * *
“Should I sent for the paramedics?” Nick asked gently noticing Billy wipe his tears on his shirt sleeve.

He looked at Nick and grinned. “Naw, as long as you can put the pieces of my heart back together and jump start it, I’ll be fine,” Billy replied. They shared a laugh.

“I think Randy captured the heart of everyone here, Kemosabe,” Nick said.

“Mr. Personality Plus,” Billy said.

“He is that,” Nick agreed.

Kate came out on the front porch and rang the triangle. She and her kitchen help put out leftovers with bread and condiments for sandwiches if anyone cared to make one. The Irin didn’t know what a sandwich was until they saw Hank and Buck making one. They thought it was a wonderful idea and made their own. They loved them. Supper was relaxing and quiet; almost too quiet without the young ones. Billy knew he couldn’t have Randy around all the time, but he certainly enjoyed his visit. It only made him look forward to the birth of Billy Junior.

A couple of hours passed. Billy was enjoying another dessert, talking with his men and some of the Irin cowboys about the possibility of running cattle on the Rutherford ranch and leasing the land from them. The men thought it would be a great idea and certainly would help the Rutherfords financially. Tron and Moss suggested they might consider doing the same with their property. It was the same size as the Rutherford’s ranch. Hank and Buck had several good suggestions and a couple of the Irin cowboys contributed some interesting ideas. Billy got a tickle in his brain, << Is ‘zat chu, cowboy?>> Billy asked. He could hear what Randy was hearing. Baby Clara wasn’t just crying but screaming in the background.

<< It’s me, Billy. We been home for almost an hour now and little Clara ain’t stopped screaming since she woke up, >> Randy said like he was frightened.

<< How’s Mary doing, Son? >> Billy asked.

<< She almost become -- I don’t know what you call it, but it’s like she’s given up. We’re afraid for her but more so for the baby. She tried to feed Clara, but she spit the milk all over the place. She gave up. Grandma tried to rock her an feed Clara, but she done the same thing, >> Randy said.

<< Hold on a minute, Randy, >> Billy told him. “Nick can you and Clyde do a triangulation on Mary’s phone? We need to angel flight us, Boomer, and the twins to the Rutherford’s ranch right away,” Billy asked.

“Sure. Ain’t nothing to it. Just have her or Randy dial your number, we can lock onto where the signal’s coming from, and follow it there,” Nick replied.

“Cass! Poly! Grab two quarts of watcher milk from the fridge on the back porch, stat!” Billy said like a doctor on an emergency medical team. The twins were away in a second.

<< I left me phone off the hook for you. Did you hear what I told my people, Randy? >> Billy asked.

<< Every word, Cowboy Billy. Ya’ont me to talk with mom or just press your number on her phone? >> Randy asked.

<< Whatever’s easiest, cowboy. The twins are back with the milk, and we’re ready to fly, >> Billy sent.

Randy left his mental phone off the hook as well and went to his mother. Mary was sitting still like she was shell shocked with big tears running down her face. “Where’s your cell phone, Mom?” Randy demanded like it was time someone took charge. Mary reached across the table for her purse, found her phone, and without questioning him, handed it to Randy. Randy flicked it open and immediately pressed the button labeled 'B. Daniels.’ Randy no more than heard the phone ring when a bright flash of light appeared in the room, and there stood three angels, two halflings, and a Bigfoot.

“Well done, buckaroo! You’s a true cowboy to the bone, Son,” Billy said to Randy.

Mary finally came around from the shock of others being in the room with them. “Billy, what are you doing here?” she asked like she just came to from a dream.

“Randy sent for us, Mary. Sounds like you’re having trouble with the baby,” Billy replied.

“Yeah. She hasn’t stopped screaming since we got home. I tried to feed her, but she refused to drink. She’d take a mouthful and spit it out. Evelyn took her from me, and I must have dozed off to sleep. I don’t remember much until I saw you here. She’s still crying,” Mary lamented.

“Give her to Boomer, Mother Rutherford,” Billy said.

Evelyn handed the baby to Boomer. Clara immediately stopped crying and was squirming in anticipation so much Boomer almost dropped her. He couldn’t get her to his teat fast enough. Clara locked on to Boomer’s big teat and made obscene sucking and slurping sounds, and gleefully grunted like she was the biggest little piggy at an old sow’s teats. While Boomer wasn’t an old sow, little Clara didn’t care. She was a happy camper. She knew what she wanted, and she wouldn’t settle for less.

Evelyn fixed a pot of coffee and cut an apple pie she baked earlier for everyone to enjoy. After Mary got some coffee in her, she began to come around to reality. She suffered sensory overload, and her systems just shut down. She’d been running on the edge for so long, it finally got to her. She was much better after a while. She called Randy to her, hugged, kissed him, and told him he was her cowboy hero. She was proud of his fast thinking and knew who to call in an emergency. “Didn’t I mention I didn’t think she would like her formula after drinking Boomer’s milk, and I probably wouldn’t get much sleep?” she asked.

“You did, but once she gets her fill tonight, I don’t think you’ll hear another peep out of her until early morning. We brought two quarts of watcher milk and the twins put them in the fridge. Just warm it gently and pour it into her bottle. She’ll be fine. We’ll bring you all you need,” Billy said.

“I don’t know what to say, Billy. I feel like I failed as a mother,” Mary lamented.

“Nonsense, everyone has moments where they freeze from fear or uncertainty. You’s just lucky to have a young cowboy hero in training for a son. By the way, cowboy, why don’t you never wear your cowboy boots,” Billy asked Randy.

“I ain’t got none, sir,” Randy said.

“What? No cowboy clothes? Well, we can’t have that. Next time we drive into Fredericksburg, we’ll stop and pick you up. You and me will go shopping. How’s that sound?” Billy asked.

“I’d really like that, sir,” Randy replied.

Little Clara drank her fill and immediately dropped off to sleep. Billy and his men once again bid farewell to the Rutherfords and transported back to the Daniel’s ranch. When they touched down inside the kitchen, Nick turned to Billy and grinned, “Who was that mask man, Kemosabe?” he asked.

“I don’t know, Tonto, but he left this here silver bullet what says unwrap and discard tinfoil before inserting,” Billy said and everyone laughed.


End of Chapter 20 ~ Him Who Made The Seven Stars
Copyright ~  ~ 2012 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All Rights Reserved ~
Mail to: waddiebear@yahoo.com
WC = 12310
 
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