Chapter 1 Louise watched as Jimmy stood out next to the far corral staring out into the setting sun as he did every afternoon these days. Rain or shine, he would stand there staring until the sun would completely set. She leaned against the frame of the door watching the wind blow his hair around the edges of his hat as he just stood with his hands in his pockets. She waited until he finally turned to walk back up to the house. He tried to smile as he went to walk past her into the house. She moved in his way to stop him. “There is always tomorrow.” She whispered the same as she did almost every night. “Yeah, there is always tomorrow.” He replied before going on inside. She stood a moment longer watching the distance herself. It had been almost seven months since their eldest had fled from home and from them. She, herself, had cried almost every night for the first month but then she had come to realize that she had other children who depended on her and she would be strong for them. Elijah was still so young and he needed his mother to keep it together. Jimmy mostly kept his feelings to himself which worried Louise more than anything. He over worked himself during the day, then at night, he always seemed to distance himself from everything around him including her. Over the seven months that her eldest had been gone, her girls had a birthday along with Eli. Billy still courted Annie relentlessly and Jimmy, wallowing in his own misery, still had no clue about darling Tate. Lou saw a lantern come from the barn as she stood in thought and turned to look in that direction. She stood up straighter when she saw Tate come out the barn. Lori soon came out after him. Damn. “Lori, ain’t you being just a little daring.” She said as she stopped her daughter on the porch. “Please, Momma, he wouldn’t notice anything if it hit him in the face right now. He don’t care nothing but about Hunter which is fine with me.” “Still, Lorilei, with everything going on these days, I need you to not cause any more problems because of that.” “Yeah, yeah.” Lou watched as Lori went on past and up to her room. She waited until she heard the bunkhouse door slam before making her way inside as well. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy woke the next morning to find that Lou had already gone downstairs. He groaned as he rolled out of bed. He put his hands on his face. He pulled them away to find Eli staring at him. “Morning Eli.” “When are you gonna start acting right? “ “Excuse me?” “I’m tired of it. School starts next week and I think you need to take me.” “Ok.” Jimmy said calmly eyeing his youngest. “Sides that, you need to do better. Momma keeps telling me that I should do better.” “What are you talking about? Better at what?” “Nothing.” “What do you know, Eli?” “You are making Momma sad all the time. I am tired of it.” Eli said pointedly. “Go on.” “I hear her talking with Grandma. She ain’t happy because you ain’t acting right.” “I see.” “You should do better. I love my Momma.” “I love your Momma, too.” “Well for fuck’s sake, do better.” Jimmy sat back in shock as Eli turned on his heel and ran down the stairs. He flopped back on the bed. His child was right. He hadn’t been himself and his family was suffering because of it. He had just gotten so angry and hurt by what happened with Hunter. He could hardly eat for worrying and knowing that he blamed him for everything. It was time that he tried to get past it. Lucas, Eli, his girls, and especially Louise needed him back, not a shell of who he was. He stood and dressed before carefully making his way downstairs. As he walked down the stairs, he felt in his heart that Hunter would make it back home. He would come back one day and until that day came, he had to have faith that the good Lord would watch over him. He had spent way too much time mourning and worrying. He smiled. It took a child of six years old to set him straight. He walked down into the kitchen. He noticed the chit chat stopped when he walked into the room. Eli glared at him from his spot by his Momma. “Morning, I love you.” He whispered to Louise as he hugged her from behind. She looked up in shock and smiled at him. The first genuine smile that she had smiled since Hunter left that day. She kept smiling as he pinched her on her butt before sitting in his spot at the table. Teaspoon and Rachel looked at each other warily. Lucas, Penny, and the girls sat in companionable silence. Jimmy picked up his fork just as Lou sat down with Eli. He looked around the table. “Morning y’all.” He said as he smiled. Those two little words seemed to erase all the tension in the room and allowed the crowd to erupt in talk. They talked about news from town and about a stock sale that was coming up in a few short weeks. The group was talking when the door burst open and Tate stumbled in. The boy quickly made a line for his seat beside Lucas and Teaspoon. Jimmy watched as the boy touched Lori’s shoulder as he went by. Lou saw Jimmy take notice for the first time in seven months. She had to do something. “So, you think that it will be worth going to the sale?” Lou asked trying to draw attention from Tate. “Yeah, I think so.” Jimmy said as he chewed watching Tate. “Billy will be here in a few. I was wondering if he could escort me to town before he started his work?” Annie asked looking at her Mom. “Jimmy?” Lou asked. “Yeah, sure.” “Well, let me tell you. Eli and myself have done hatched us out a fine new batch of chicks. Ain’t we boy.” Said Teaspoon trying to intervene in his own way. “Sure have. Want to see them, Daddy?” “Sure, as soon as we are finished.” The group ate and as soon as they finished, Eli pulled his Father outside. Billy and Annie left for town, as Lucas excused himself to walk with the others to the chicken coop. Lou looked at the remaining few at the table. Teaspoon took the initiative to talk first. “Well, looks like Jimmy is looking up.” “Sure does. That is a good thing.” Said Rachel. “One problem. We never told him about what is going on around here. He ain’t gonna take it lightly.” Said Lou. “Maybe we just need to wait until he is in a good mood and tell him.” Suggested Rachel. “I have a bad feeling that this ain’t gonna go over too well.” Said Louise. “We just got to step up our game.” Teaspoon said calmly. “What are y’all talking about?” Asked Tate looking confused. “Ya dummy, Dad has chosen this time to be Dad again.” Said Lori shaking her head. “What does that mean?” Asked Tate. “We ain’t never came clean about you seeing Lori there which may present a problem.” Said Teaspoon. “Tate, honey, we told you before and I hate to have to tell you again but until I tell him, you need to be on your best behavior.” Said Lou. “Ain’t I?” He asked looking to Lori who rolled her eyes. “No cussing, no seeing me, and act normal, please.” Said Lori. “Are y’all saying that he don’t like me?” “No, we ain’t saying that, just he don’t know you is all. Now again, remember, mouth, manners, no Lori.” Said Teaspoon. “I don’t know what all y’all are worried about. I’m a likeable guy. I can win him over.” “Sure, that’s the best attitude to have. Now get to your chores.” Said Lou. They watched as Tate left the table, got his hat, and went on outside. Lori looked over to Penny. “This is going to be a disaster.” Chapter 2 Jimmy and Lucas stood getting the wagon ready to head into town for supplies. Lucas kept winking at Penny from across the yard as she did the laundry. Jimmy laughed and shook his head. “So, still picked one?” “Yes, sir. She is the only one.” “I’m happy for you, son. Penny is a great young lady.” “I think so too.” Lucas replied watching her again. Teaspoon made his way over to the two. He watched as they finished and were getting ready to leave. Jimmy turned to see him standing there as if in waiting. “You need something?” Jimmy asked. “Matter of fact, I do.” “And what is that exactly?” “I need Lucas there.” “He’s going into town with me. Get Billy or Tate to help you.” “Nope, I need him.” Jimmy looked to Lucas who just shrugged. “Well, I reckon I could take Billy.” “Tate is available.” “I don’t think so.” Jimmy shook his head. “Why not? You should get to know the boy better.” “Teaspoon, he’s been here for months now. I’ve seen enough.” Jimmy said waving him off. “But you weren’t really paying attention. Give him a chance. The boy needs someone to guide him in the right direction.” “That’s the only reason that he is still here. It seems Lou thinks that she should mother him. I just can’t understand it all, myself.” “Then it’s settled. Tate will be right out.” “Teaspoon, but I didn’t…..” Jimmy started but Teaspoon had already walked off. Jimmy glanced back over to Lucas. “What is going on here? What are they trying to pull?” “Hell, I don’t know. I think you are reading too much into it.” Luke said smiling as he tapped his Dad on the arm before walking away. Teaspoon grabbed Tate in the barn. He pulled him to the side.“You’re all set. Now remember mouth, manners, no Lori.” “Fuck, I got this.” Tate smiled as he walked over to where Jimmy was waiting. “This ain’t gonna go the way I planned.” Teaspoon mumbled to himself. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy rode on the buckboard with Tate in silence. Tate would glance over to say something but then look the other way. Jimmy felt irritated with the boy just being beside him. He didn’t understand why but this boy irritated the shit out of him. Now was time to find out why. “Why were you late this morning?” “Sir?” Tate asked. “I asked why you were late this morning.” “That was my bad, I fuc….,” Tate cleared his throat when Jimmy glared at him. “I overslept.” “You seem to oversleep a lot.” Tate took offense to his words and couldn’t keep his mouth closed.“You calling me lazy?” “What if I was?” “Look, you don’t know shit about me. I ain’t fucking lazy.” “Oh, then I get it, you just don’t give a damn about nothing. You don’t have any respect for anything. I know your type.” “That ain’t true, look who’s talking. I took care of your fucking shit while you were off doing whatever. Fuck, you didn’t give a damn about anything so I reckon you do know that type.” Tate pointed out. “Well, you listen to me. You work for me. Got it. If you are gonna stay here, you learn some respect and watch your fucking mouth.” Jimmy growled back. “That’s funny.” “Excuse me?” “You. I ain’t going nowhere.” Jimmy growled at the headstrong young man sitting beside him. Tate crossed his arms over his chest and glared back. Jimmy suddenly smiled. He watched a look of confusion spread across Tate’s face before he quickly pushed the boy off the moving wagon. Tate rolled twice in the dirt before coming to a stop. He pushed himself off the ground and frowned. “I don’t need any help! Ya best get to walking on back! Let’s see how lazy you are!” Jimmy yelled over his shoulder. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Teaspoon sat talking with Lucas while he worked a horse when he saw someone walking back toward the farm. He squinted his eyes to see when Lucas noticed as well. “That’s Tate.” Lucas said. “Why the hell is he walkin back?” “Guess Dad tossed him off the wagon. What else did you expect? He doesn’t like the fella. Maybe it did him some good.” Lucas laughed at the thought of Tate rolling in the dirt. Lucas laughed louder as he moved the horse back into the barn. Teaspoon sat and patiently waited for the stomping boy to get to him. Tate was mumbling and stomping like a mad man. Teaspoon stuck his cane out to make the boy come to a stop. “What did you do?” Teaspoon asked quietly. “The fuck? I didn’t do nothing. He thinks he can just say what the hell he wants. Well, he’s got another thing coming!” Teaspoon sighed as he watched Tate storm off. He saw Louise looking from the porch shaking her head. He eased up and over to her house as Rachel moved outside as well. “Didn’t go as I had hoped.” Said Teaspoon. “This ain’t workin.” Said Louise. “I know you both think that I am crazy here but maybe you should just tell him. I think that he will give the boy a chance for Lori’s sake.” Teaspoon and Lou cut their eyes at Rachel who just shrugged. “He’ll run him off for sure.” Said Lou. “Wait, I got another idea. He just needs to spend more time with the boy is all. I got just the thing.” Lou looked over at Rachel as Teaspoon stumbled across the yard. Chapter 3 Lou grabbed Jimmy’s arm as everyone excused themselves from the breakfast table. He stood beside her until they all had cleared out leaving them alone. He looked down at his small wife. She didn’t look happy at all. “You need something, Lou? I got to check the fence lines today.” “Yeah, I need something alright.” “Really.” Jimmy reached and pulled her to him for a kiss. “Not that.” Lou said pushing him away, but she couldn’t help but smile. “An explanation.” “An explanation? For what?” “Why you chunked Tate off the wagon and made that poor boy walk all the way back home.” “Come on, you can’t be sour about that. Sides, it was good for him.” “Jimmy, he has been here for a while now. That boy needs us. He ain’t got no one else.” “Why? Why does everyone around here take his side? You, Teaspoon. What the hell is going on that I don’t know about?” “Ain’t nothing like that. Just give the boy a chance. That’s all I’m asking. Please, Jimmy.” Jimmy sighed as he looked down in her pleading eyes. He shook his head. “Fine.” “Thank you!” Lou smiled. “But he has to give respect to get respect. I ain’t taking it easy on him.” Lou smiled as he walked from the house. She thought about his words. Damn, she needed to find Teaspoon. She saw Jimmy and Lucas ride out the yard so now was her chance. She found him out back talking to the problem while Lori was hanging off his arm. “Lorilei, really?” “What? Dad left.” “And what if they came back for something? Lord, girl, you are asking for trouble. Go start the kitchen.” Lori rolled her eyes but walked away. Tate watched her go. Lou smacked him on his arm. “The fuck?” “Boy, I done told you about that mouth of yers.” Said Teaspoon. “Oh, uh, ma’am?” He corrected. “What happened yesterday, Tate? I feel like I’m fighting a losing battle with you.” Said Lou. “He called me lazy. Was I supposed to just take that? I don’t take no shit from nobody.” “Tate, you have to learn to pick your battles, my boy. If you want to be with his daughter, then you have to do better than that.” Said Teaspoon. “This ain’t working. We ain’t gaining any ground fast. I spoke with him this morning and he agreed to give you a chance. That’s a lot right there. You can’t screw this up.” Said Lou. “I don’t know what you are saying.” “Think about it. Why did he call you lazy?” Asked Teaspoon. “I’m late all the time.” “Then, dumbass, don’t be late.” “I don’t see where that makes any mind.” “Lord, we are talking to a wall here. You must be on time for everything. You watch that damn mouth of yours. Stop flaunting Lori on your arm and show him some respect. I feel like we are talking just to hear ourselves.” Fussed Lou. “My boy, this could be the end of you and Miss Lori right here.” Said Teaspoon. “I could be on time.” Agreed Tate. “That’s a start. Now you got some work to do.” Louise watched as the boy walked off. She didn’t think this was going to go well at all. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy and Lucas pulled their horses up beside the creek in the far pasture. He rode slowly along the edge watching the water flow. “You know that he will be ok. He’ll come home in his own time.” Jimmy glanced over to his son. “Luke, I’m not so sure. He blamed me for it all. For everything. I don’t think things will ever be the same between us.” “Naw, he just needs to go out and find himself. Find who he needs to be.” “I have felt like that myself and it didn’t help things. When I started riding for the Express and met Teaspoon, I was on a downward spiral. Young, hot headed, and asking for trouble. If it weren’t for that old man back home, I’d probably be six feet under right now. I remember all too well what it was like being alone, and I don’t want that for him.” “Why would you think that he is alone? Think the best of things. That’s what I’ve had to do.” Jimmy smiled over at his son. “You always were too smart for your own good.” “Don’t I know it. And damn good looking too.” “Don’t even start with that again. “ “You ain’t got to worry about that. Penny is my girl.” “She better be the only one.” “She is. I don’t know why I acted that way.” “Young and stupid.” “Bout Penny, I been meaning to tell you something.” “Yeah?” “I want to ask her to marry me.” Jimmy pulled his horse to a stop and looked over at Lucas. He watched the boy stare back him. He smiled. The boy was always so confident. “Got a ring yet?” “No, but I was gonna ride over to Benton. They got a great jeweler there. I was wondering if I could head that way in a few days.” “Sure, whenever you want to go.” “Thanks.” “Reckon, we will have to see about where the two of you are gonna live and all. If she says yes.” Luke nodded as he couldn’t stop smiling. The two men rode on back home. Chapter 4 Tate sat trying to think of what he was doing wrong. He had been trying so hard the last week to do right. He had been to meals on time. He had even been ignoring Lori which was no easy task in itself yet Jimmy still didn’t seem to like him. Hell, they had words twice this week already which ended once with him in the dirt again. He needed help with this. He needed to talk to a goody two shoes and he knew exactly who that was. Jimmy walked over to meet Billy as he rode in the next morning. “Got a lot of mares that we need to check on. Winter is coming. It’s time to get ready now.” “Yes, sir. Let me grab a few things, then I’ll be ready. Want me to get Luke?” “No, he rode over to Benton today. Grab Tate.” “He ain’t here.” “What you mean he ain’t here?” “I met him heading toward town on my way in.” “He didn’t say anything. He knew I needed him here today. I swear that boy is pushing it.” “It was probably something important. I mean things happen.” Jimmy stopped and cut his eyes back at Billy. Good ole, Billy. He could be the weak link. “Billy, you know that we get along just fine and all.” Jimmy watched as Billy started to swallow nervously. “I like to think that I can depend on you.” “Yes, sir.” “So, tell me, what is it about that boy that I don’t know. I know something is going on here.” “Uh, nothing that I know of. He, uh……” “Billy, can I grab you for a second?” Annie asked coming up with Penny. “Sure.” Billy answered a little too quickly. “Penny and I need him to help move some things in the cellar. We got to start getting supplies together for winter and today is as good a day as any.” Smiled Annie to her Father. Jimmy narrowed his eyes as he watched her grab Billy’s arm and walk quickly over to the house. He saw Penny smile briefly and turn to leave as well. “Penny?” She stopped and closed her eyes. She truly did not like to keep secrets. It was bad enough that she knew about something that Luke didn’t. She took a deep breath. “Sir?” She asked sweetly turning back around. “Do you know anything about Tate?” “Not much. About as much as you, I guess.” “Think you can do me a favor, I know you are close to the girls and all.” “I, uh, guess.” “Find out what they are hiding about that boy, please. Something just ain’t right here.” “I’ll see what I can do.” She said looking down. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome.” He watched as Penny hurried away as well. He frowned. She already knew damnit. They all did. And if they did, then so did his little source of information. He just had to catch him at the right time. Silas frowned at Tate as they sat in the back of the blacksmith’s shop. He listened to the boy ramble on. “Why come to me?” “Cause her Dad thinks you are a good boy. I need to learn to be a good boy. He is gon run me off. I just can’t win.” “Tate, just be on your best behavior.” “What does that mean?” “Shit, you really don’t know.” “If I fucking knew, then I wouldn’t be here would I?” “That’s the problem right there. You don’t have any manners.” “The fuck I don’t. What gives you the right to sit there and fucking accuse me of being rude?! I’ll show you!” Tate said standing up. “Sit down. That’s your problem right there. You really don’t see anything wrong with yourself and how you just acted. At all.” “What?” “Sit down. If I agree to help you, you have to help me in return. You owe me.” “Sure, anything.” Silas sat back and thought it over. “I’ll teach you how to be civilized if you help me with Norman.” “Norman?” “Yeah, Norman Sykes.” “I ain’t got no problem with that. What’s he doing?” “I have been trying to catch Lydia’s attention for months now but Norman picks at me. He makes me looks stupid and I am sick of it.” “Then beat his ass.” “I can’t do that. He’s bigger than me. Sides that, I ain’t never been in a fight before.” “Don’t matter how big he is, you just have to know how to throw down.” Smiled Tate. “So, you’ll help?” “If you help me, then I’m in.” Noah walked in the back to grab a tool when he saw the two boys shaking hands. He watched as they stood up. “What you boys got going on back here?” “Nothing, Pa. I’m going to try to help Tate here with some things.” Noah watched as Tate nodded at him and walked outside to wait. He looked back over to Silas as he stood to follow. “Si, I know he has been working for Jimmy for a while now, but he can be trouble.” “I know. I am not doing anything stupid. He just asked me to teach him some manners. He’s trying to impress a girl.” “I see. Well, I trust you. Don’t do anything that I wouldn’t do.” Smiled Noah. “Nothing like that. We are going to walk around town. Be back in a few.” Noah watched Silas and Tate walk away deep in conversation. He trusted his son. He had never given him a reason not too but Tate, he couldn’t help but wonder what he had up his sleeve. Chapter Jimmy watched Tate work around the farm a few days later. Something was going on behind his back, that he knew for sure. He saw Teaspoon hiding away and talking with the boy. Since he spoke to Penny, she had now been avoiding him. Even Lou, acted odd when it came to the dumbass. The only one that he figured didn’t know anything was Luke but hell, he had other things on his mind to take notice just like he had been for the last few months. He frowned. So consumed with his own misgivings and the effect that it had on his oldest son, that he had truly not noticed that a conspiracy had been going on right here on his property. Was the boy an outlaw? Running from the law? Were they afraid that he would turn him in if he found out? No, the boy was too stupid for that. Jimmy was lost in his thoughts when he heard Lou call him from the house. “Jimmy!” He left his spot near the fence and walked over to find her busy in the kitchen. He leaned against the wall and watched her work. She spun around and jumped. “Geez, you scared me.” “Sorry about that, ma’am.” He smiled tipping his hat. “Lord, please.” Annie mumbled as she walked in the room. Lou laughed as Jimmy pulled her into a hug and sniffed her neck. Annie rolled her eyes and left back the way she came. “You needed me?” He asked. “I need you, mister, to run into town and pick up some fabric that Rachel and I ordered. It should be in today.” “You want to ride?” “No, I got to finish in here. There is so much to do to get everything canned and ready.” “Well, you know I can’t say no to such a pretty lady. I’ll be right back.” Jimmy smiled as he grabbed hold of her one more time. “Go on, now git. We’ll finish this later.” “Holding you to that.” Jimmy got his horse and rode on into town. He rode slowly up to the store. He spoke to a few people here and there. He was tying the roll of fabric on his horse when he saw Noah walking back over to his shop. He tied the roll and went over to talk. “Hey, Noah.” “Jimmy, been a little bit.” “Had a lot on going on. Sorry about that.” “No, don’t be. I completely understand. Any better?” “I don’t know. I try anyway. Things are crazy sometimes.” “You telling me. You got your hands full out yonder.” “I guess.” Jimmy laughed. “You guess. A big horse farm, a passel of kids, not to mention the hired help. And Teaspoon.” Laughed Noah. “The farm ain’t the problem, kids have been good lately. There is something else though.” “What? You got trouble again?” Noah said putting his hammer down. “You ever see Tate in town?” “Sometimes, why?” “Something ain’t right with that boy. I feel like they know something that I don’t. I just can’t figure out what it is.” “Have you went to Teaspoon?” “Hell, I think he is the mastermind behind it all.” “Jimmy, maybe you should go straight to the problem.” “What? I’ve asked and not a damn single person will tell me anything. All I know is for some reason I don’t like that boy. He just irritates the shit out of me. He has no discipline at all. He acts like he is a few boards short in his barn. You know what I mean?” “I know what you mean.” Noah Laughed. “Well, maybe that will change since he has started hanging with Silas.” Jimmy looked up at that. “He’s friends with Silas?” “Yeah, just started a few days ago. Si says he wants him to help him with his manners. I don’t know.” “Manners, huh?” “Yeah, he said his manners. The boy lacks them as you already know.” “Interesting. Manners. You’re right. I need to go to the source. I’m gonna take him to the sale with me.” “Jimmy, you can’t bear to be around the boy for a few minutes yet an entire trip.” “Don’t worry. I think I can work it out. See ya, Noah.” Jimmy walked back over to his horse when Larry the marshal came up behind him and patted him on his shoulder. “Larry.” “How’s it been Jimmy?” “Quiet. You hear anything?” “I hate to say no but nothing. At least, he ain’t getting into any trouble out there.” “Maybe. I hope he has his head on straight.” “Like I said, he is a good boy. He will come back once he works through this.” “I’d like to think that myself.” “Everything else alright out at your place? Haven’t seen the rest of your crowd in town lately, which may be good thing.” Laughed Larry. “Oh yeah, everyone is fine. Fiesty as ever.” Laughed Jimmy as well. “Good to hear. The last time those ladies of yours were in town, I had to lock them up for fighting. Damnedest thing.” He laughed shaking his head. Jimmy stopped smiling and grew serious. Larry noticed the change in his attitude. “What?” “Louise didn’t tell you? Sorry, I thought you knew.” “Knew? Who got locked up?” “I’ve done went and ran my mouth. Maybe you should ask her.” “Tell me now or you’ll have to lock me up.” “Jimmy, ain’t nothing bad. Just calm down. Miss Lori got into a spat over at Earl’s store.” “Lori? My Lori?” “Yeah, she hit another girl then started hitting on that young feller that works for you. I had to lock both of them up. Miss Louise came to collect them.” “Yeah, guess she forgot to mention that.” Mumbled Jimmy deep in thought. “You should ask her.” “Why was Lori fighting Tate?” “Never asked why, I only know that she was madder than a wet hen. Like I said, you need to talk to Lou. Excuse me.” “Now hold on a minute, you said ladies.” “We may have had some excitement at the dance. Just please, talk to your wife.” Jimmy kept frowning as the marshal walked away. He mounted his horse and turned him back toward home. As he rode, he thought. Why would Lori fight Tate? Why would she hit another girl? Had Lou gotten locked up too? Was Tate the problem? He had to be. Chapter 6 Tate followed Silas around town the following Saturday. He watched as Si opened doors to allow ladies to go first. Silas pointed to him, so he started doing the same. Tate stood eating some candy propped up by a post. Si noticed an older lady trying to carry her packages across the street, so he nudged him. “What?” “Have I just wasted my time all day? You see anything wrong over there?” “No just some old bag trying to carry her things.” Laughed Tate. “And?” “Oh shit! I got this!” Silas shook his head but watched as Tate went over. He nodded as he politely asked if he could help her. He waited for Tate to help her over to her wagon and load her supplies. Tate finished and went back over to Silas. “I think you are finally catching on.” “Think so? This is hard.” “It’s not hard. It’s called being a gentleman.” “I’m a gentleman.” Smiled Tate. “Not quite but we’ll get there. Come on.” Tate walked eagerly behind Silas down the boardwalk. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy was feeding the hogs as Eli came running up. He pointed at him to stay away from the mud, so the boy climbed up on the fence rail. Jimmy waited for Eli’s shadow to follow but the boy was alone. He smiled. “What you been up to?” He asked. “Counting damn chickens with Grandpa. He thinks I can’t count. I think he can’t count.” Mumbled Eli. “Son, you got to learn that those are not the best choice of words. I’d rather you not use them.” “Tate does all the time.” “Yeah, Tate.” “You don’t like him, do you?” “Why would you say that?” “He can be trouble. Momma is always begging him to stay out of trouble. I hear that all the time.” Jimmy got quiet. Now we are on to something. The little source of information can’t keep a secret. He had to know something since he was always stuck under his Momma’s skirts. “Trouble, huh. Something happen while I was gone?” “Heard Momma talking to Grandpa about him being in fights. Jail too.” “Jail? “ “Eli? We still got another batch to count. What you doing?” Jimmy sighed as Teaspoon hobbled around the corner. He shot him a look that should have stopped him in his tracks but, no, not him. He walked on over. “Daddy was asking about jail? Gossiping as Momma would say.” Declared Eli. “Really? Jail, Jimmy?” “Heard some things and since no one else seems to want to tell me what the hell is going on, I figured I’d ask him.” “Goodness, you can’t believe a thing that boy says. He can sure stretch a story.” “I ain’t stretching my damn story. I know my shit.” Said Eli. “Eli, stop with that language. Please, for the love of God.” Said Jimmy. “I know Lori and Tate done got locked up that time.” The boy argued. “Boy, let’s go see if Grandma got them cookies ready afore they get cold.” Said Teaspoon. Eli jumped up to run over to his house. Jimmy growled. “Teaspoon!” “Yes?” “What does Tate have to do with Lori getting put in jail? I’m sick of all this. Somebody better tell me something!” “Son, it was nothing. A misunderstanding was all. Nothing to get yourself all worked up over. Now excuse me, I got to get to them cookies.” Jimmy glared at Teaspoon as he tried to walk away as fast as possible. He saw Lucas across the yard. “Luke!” “Yes, sir?” “Something is going on here.” “What? Something wrong?” “Maybe. Your Grandpa is in it deep.” “Shit, it can’t be good then.” Laughed Luke. “I’m being serious here. Do you think Lori and Tate got something going on?” “No, no way. She wouldn’t go for that.” “The same thing I figure. Then what the hell is it with that boy that everyone around here wants to keep him around. It seems that they are always putting me in the wrong here.” “I’ll see what I can find out.” “Good. I hate to tell you this, but your darling Penny knows and she isn’t saying.” “Penny? Damn. How the hell they wrangle her into this?” “The women. They always hang together. You live in the bunkhouse with him. What do you think?” “I don’t know. He’s alright. Sometimes I think he ain’t got all his horses in the corral, but he hasn’t given me a reason to not like him either.” “Watch him. Find out what you can. It’s time I put an end to whatever this is.” Luke nodded and made his way back over to the bunkhouse. Jimmy put his pail up and went into the house. Lou was quietly talking with Eli when he came in. She stood up and turned back to the stove. Eli winked at his Father as he ran into the other room. “What was that about?” “What?” “Eli just gave me a look.” “A look? You know how that boy is.” Laughed Lou. “I’m heading out in a few days for the sale. I’m taking Tate and Lucas with me.” “Oh.” Lou said surprised. “Something wrong?” “No, no, I just thought that you would take Billy.” “I’ve been thinking about what you said. I need to give the boy a chance.” Jimmy kissed her neck before going upstairs. Lou narrowed her eyes at his retreating back. What a sudden change of heart. He was up to no good and she would bet her last dollar that he had brought in his no good plotting mini me into it all. She needed to talk to Tate and Teaspoon. It may be time to come clean before it was too late. Chapter 7 Tate stood off in the alley watching Silas as he made his way from the store. He glanced down the street and saw Lydia coming out the dressmakers. He stood with his arms crossed and watched the two. He saw Norman notice that Silas was talking to Lydia who was smiling back at him. Norman walked over and bumped into Si causing him to fall down on his knees. He saw the boy bend down and say something. He started laughing as he walked away. Lydia shook her head. She helped Silas up before walking away. Tate motioned to Si when he looked over in his direction. “You see how he is?” “He needs his ass beat. That will put an end to his petty shit.” “What if we get in trouble?” “Wouldn’t be the first time.” “For you maybe, but I ain’t never done nothing like that.” “Si, you got to stick up for yourself. If you don’t people will always run you over. Sides that, I’ll be more than happy to beat that fucker’s ass for you.” “I don’t know. Maybe I should just let it go.” “Fuck no. We will catch him the night of the dance. See you then.” Silas watched as Tate rode away. He backed away down the street heading back toward his father’s shop. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy watched as Tate rode back in the yard. He went to swing down off his horse when Jimmy called out to him. “Wait! I need to go mend some fencing.” “And you want me to go with you?” “No, dumbass, I want the person behind you.” Jimmy shook his head as Tate actually turned to look. “Come on.” Tate glanced up at the house. He saw Lori standing on the porch shaking her head as well. She finally flashed him a smile. Damn, she was a looker. He wasn’t going to let her go. He would do whatever it took to stay here. Jimmy turned and saw Tate watching Lori. He turned back around and continued on to the fence. The two finally pulled to a stop. Jimmy went to pull the tools out his saddle bag as Tate went and began pulling the wire tight. “What was that back at the house?” Tate felt himself tense but he kept his focus on the fence. Don’t be an idiot. Remember what Silas said. “I’m sorry, sir. To what are you referring?” He asked standing. Jimmy cocked his eyebrow at the boy. He was acting odd. Different. “I saw you staring at my daughter. That’s what.” “She waved. I was just being nice, um, sir?” Tate said unsure. Jimmy actually laughed. Tate found himself smiling until Jimmy stepped over closer. “What the hell is up with you? What are you trying to pull?” “I told you that I was just being nice.” Tate mumbled his temper rising. Don’t get mad, He’s just trying to rile you. “Listen to me boy, that is my daughter. My little girl and you damn sure better not ever look at her that way again.” “Oh yeah, and what if I do?” The old Tate was rising hard. “Don’t you even tempt me. You stay away from her. I ain’t gonna have some dumbass like you trying to court my child.” “You can’t tell her or me what to do. How do you know that she ain’t interested in me?” “You stay away from her.” “Uh huh.” Tate sneered back. Jimmy grabbed Tate by his collar and lifted him up. He brought his face close to his. “Finish the fence, get your shit, and get off my property.” “I ain’t going nowhere.” Tate said shoving Jimmy away. Jimmy went to hit him but stopped. He took a deep breath as he stepped away. “Get your shit and get off my land. Last warning.” Tate stood in shock and disbelief watching Jimmy ride away. He threw his hat on the ground and kicked it. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Louise saw Jimmy ride back in alone. She noticed the look on his face. He trudged into the barn. Teaspoon noticed as well and walked over. Rachel came to out the house to stand beside Lou. “What is all that about?” Rachel asked. “I ain’t sure but something has got him all riled up.” Said Lou watching. “Maybe a someone.” The women turned to Teaspoon. “Go on.” Said Rachel. “He went to fix the fence. Took Tate.” “That ain’t good.” Lou and the others watched as Tate rode in. He went to walk his horse in the barn. They stood and waited. Teaspoon started over when he heard yelling. Tate fell out the barn backwards as Jimmy shoved him hard. Lou shook her head as Tate stood and went to shove Jimmy back only to get pushed back in the dirt again. Teaspoon stepped between the two. “My word.” Whispered Rachel. Lou noticed Lori looking out the kitchen window. She couldn’t tell if her expression was one of fear or anger. She finally saw Jimmy walk off. He brushed past them into the house, slamming the door. Teaspoon hobbled off talking to Tate as they walked toward the bunkhouse. “I’m going in.” Said Lou. “I’ll get Lori.” “When you see Annie and Billy ride in, might want to grab them too.” Rachel saw Penny watching from across the yard with Eli. She just took his hand and turned the other way. Lou took a moment before walking in the house. Lori watched from upstairs as Tate walked out with his things. Her Grandpa was patting him on the back. She wiped her eyes as he glanced her way, before riding away toward town. Chapter 8 Lou did not approach Jimmy regarding Tate that night. He stomped around the house like a toddler having a temper tantrum. She found out that he had caught Tate looking at Lori in a less than pleasant way in his mind and that this was to be the end of it. She sighed as she brushed her hair. The town was having a dance this weekend to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the new school year. She should be excited, but she was far from it. Lori was angry and depressed at the same time. Eli was starting school. She felt a sadness over that as well. He was her last baby. And she had been keeping a secret from her husband, he was not going to be happy about this. She brushed her hair and pinned it up. She walked down the stairs and onto the porch just as Jimmy came riding back in the yard with Billy. She saw Billy speak to him and head off toward home. Jimmy put his horse away. He was walking across the yard when he saw Louise standing on the porch. He stopped. “Am I missing something?” He asked. “You don’t remember.” Lou said. “Remember?” “The dance, Jimmy. It’s ok.” Lou said disappointed. “Oh my God, Lou. I completely forgot what day it was. Give me ten and I’ll be ready.” Lou smiled as he ran past and inside. Teaspoon and Rachel rode over wearing their Sunday best. They pulled the wagon to a stop just as Lori and Annie came outside fussing about their hair. “Can we please ride over with Grandma and Grandpa?” Lori asked. “That’s fine. Just Lorilei, see Tate before your Dad gets there. I’m going to talk with him on the way. Hopefully, I can get through to him.” “I will, Momma. Just give me like fifteen minutes.” Lori winked. “Wait! I’m going now!” Eli yelled as he rushed by. Lucas and Penny made their way over. He helped Penny into the back of the wagon with the girls and Eli. He looked nervous. Louise smiled. For once, that hellion was nervous. She walked over to him as he was about to swing up on his horse. She pulled him down for a hug. “Don’t be nervous, son. You’ll do fine. You already know what her answer is gonna be.” Lucas pulled away and smiled that smile of his. He tipped his hat at his Momma as he mounted his horse to follow behind the wagon. Louise watched her family leaving in the distance. She smiled when Jimmy came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “You ready Mrs. McCloud?” “You know it.” She smiled. “You, sir, need to get our wagon.” Jimmy frowned as he looked up. “Thought they might have gotten it ready. Where is everyone?” “They left with Teaspoon and Rachel since you were the one holding up all the fun this time.” “You want to skip the dance and just say we went? Have the house all to ourselves?” Jimmy winked at her. “Go get the damn wagon. The last time that happened, we came out with Elijah. No sir.” Jimmy laughed but ran to get the wagon. Louise looked at her husband as they began the trek into town. He glanced back over at her. “What’s on your mind, Lou?” “I don’t want to put you in a mood before the dance, but I think you should go talk with Tate.” “I don’t think so.” “Don’t be so stubborn, Jimmy. The boy needs a family. He has no one and if we turn him out, he could end up in trouble or worse.” “He was staring at our daughter. In that way. No. It’s better that he is gone.” “They are kids, Jimmy. You know how kids are. There ain’t no harm in looking.” “Yes, there is when it comes to my daughter. Sides that, Lori ain’t made the best decisions when it comes to boys. It’s better that he isn’t around to persuade her.” “You shouldn’t turn the boy out over this.” “I made my decision and that’s the end of it. He will be fine. Now, we need to change the subject.” Lou quieted as they rode on. Soon, they could hear the music and Louise let the problem fall to the side as she started smiling. Jimmy helped her out the wagon and escorted her into the dance. She didn’t make it two steps inside when Jimmy spun her out on the dance floor. She glanced around but noticed that Tate was off to the side talking with Silas. Lori was sitting with her Grandma eating. The dance was going along smoothly. Jimmy and Lou were sitting at the table now, taking a break. She nudged Jimmy to look out at the dance floor. Lucas was speaking with the band. He turned and walked up to Penny just as a slow song came on. She smiled as she held out her hand. The two danced beautifully to the slow song. Lou couldn’t stop smiling. She laid her head on Jimmy’s shoulder as they watched the couple. Luke spun Penny away as she laughed. When she stopped spinning, he was down on one knee. She let out a yelp before covering her mouth. Lou wiped her eyes as Penny screamed yes and jumped up to hug her son. The two started dancing again among applause from the crowd. “There sure are a lot of angry faces over there.” Jimmy whispered. “Well, your son had a bit of a reputation with the ladies.” “So now he is my son?” Lou tipped her head back and laughed then cried along with Rachel. Jimmy looked over at Teaspoon who was smiling. “Damn women.” Teaspoon said making Jimmy laugh. “My baby is getting married.” Lou cried. “Come on. Time to dance with the soon to be newly weds.” Jimmy said leading her out on the floor. Lou laughed as she fell into her husband’s arms. She smiled. Jimmy smiled and life just felt normal again. There was a wedding to plan and a new home to be made. She noticed Teaspoon and Rachel dancing beside them. She looked over at a beaming Lucas and Penny. She saw Eli eating way too much pie. She glanced around for Lori. She remembered back in the day when she, herself, had snuck outside to dance. She smiled until she heard the dreaded announcement. “Fight!” Chapter 9 Jimmy saw the sheriff and some other men rush outside. He glanced down at Lou. “I’m going to see what’s going on.” Luke came up beside him and they both pushed their way outside. He stepped to the side of the building and looked up at the sky. There was Tate, Silas, some other kids that he didn’t know, and……Lori. Jimmy and Luke pushed into the fray. “Get your sister!” Yelled Jimmy to Lucas. He saw Noah pulling Silas away. He saw Tate trying to take on two boys twice his size. Lori had jumped on the back of one of the boys and was beating him in the head with her boot. Luke ran up and grabbed her around the waist. He hauled her off kicking and screaming. She threw the boot, hitting the boy on the side of his face. The sheriff was yelling for them to break it up. Jimmy went for Tate. He grabbed the boy’s arm. Tate swung around and hit Jimmy square in the face causing him to stumble back. Tate froze when he realized who he had struck. The boy behind him hit him in the back causing him to fall forward on his knees. Jimmy had had enough. He punched the boy behind Tate knocking him to the ground. The sheriff had finally wrangled the other. The rest ran. Lou and the others came running up as the crowd quieted. “Now enough!” Yelled the sheriff. Everyone finally settled down. “I’ve had enough of all this shit! All of ya to the jail until we get to the bottom of this!” Yelled the sheriff. Jimmy shoved Tate along behind the others. Lou felt like she was dying inside. Teaspoon and Rachel decided to take Annie and Eli on home. Billy bid them farewell and headed off as well. The sheriff, Jimmy, Lou, Lucas, Penny, Lori, Tate, Silas, Noah, Norman, and some kid named Roy were gathered in the jail. “Now what the hell is up with this crowd? Every time we have a dance there is some fight and it seems that the McCloud’s are usually in the midst of it. Now who started it this time?” “It was my fault.” Silas whispered with his head down. “Son, you started it?” Noah asked confused. “Yes and no. I only wanted Lydia to like me and Norman picks on me all the time. I got sick of it, so I asked Tate to help me make him stop.” “And that involved beating his ass if I had to guess his words.” Jimmy growled. “Sort of. I knew better. I’m sorry. I’ve let you down.” “No, you didn’t. There ain’t a thing wrong with standing up for yourself. In fact, if I were you, I’d be proud of it. I am proud of it.” Noah said. “Still, I should have handled it better.” “Sheriff, can he go?” Noah asked. “Yeah, scat. Don’t let me catch you fighting again.” The sheriff said. “Come, on. Let’s get you cleaned up. Your mother is in pieces.” Larry turned toward Norman and his Dad. “Is it true? That you were picking on that boy?” Norman’s Dad asked him. “Yes, sir.” “I don’t care how old you are, when you get home, I am beating your ass myself!” Larry shooed the two to the door trying not to laugh as Norman looked like he would rather stay in jail. Roy had no one so he tossed him in a cell. He needed a talking to. He then turned toward Jimmy’s crowd. “Well. Here we are again.” “What the hell happened while I was gone?” Jimmy asked turning toward Lou. “We had a slight disagreement with an old hag and her daughter at the last dance. Don’t worry, I fixed that problem. Larry, you are just so full of information tonight.” Lou said glaring at him. “Lou, every time that y’all come to town there is a big hub bub. If it ain’t those two,” Larry said pointing toward Tate and Lori, “then it’s any one of the rest of ya. I don’t know what to do here.” “Can we go?” Asked Lori cutting in. “Reckon I’d rather have you out of town than in town. Go ahead.” “Tate doesn’t work for me anymore. I ain’t speaking for him.” Said Jimmy. “Really, Jimmy! Come on! That boy deserves another chance. Get over it. Come on, Tate.” Lou grumbled. “I said no! What is going on with that dumbass?! This entire family keeps defending him and I want to know why! I want to know why the hell Lori was in the middle of this mess!” “Jimmy, now is not the time. Tate, let’s go.” Lou said. “No, he ain’t going.” “Yes, he is.” “Oh, please shut up! He is my boyfriend, Daddy! I have been secretly seeing him for months now and just to make one thing clear, I fully intend to keep seeing him!” Jimmy stood in shock as Lori grabbed Tate’s hand and pulled him outside. Jimmy turned to Lou. She shrugged and crossed her arms. He looked at Penny who looked at her hands. Lucas looked like he could kill Tate as he watched him leave. Lou watched Jimmy’s face turn from shock to anger. He finally pushed past them and started walking home. Chapter 10 Jimmy stood silently staring out the window of his house the following day. He growled under his breath as he saw Lori skipping happily along doing the laundry as if she had no care in the world. He sipped his coffee and stared until he heard Lou come into the kitchen. She didn’t say a word as she just went to finish the dishes. He put his cup down and went to leave. They hadn’t said a word since last night. He went to close the door when she spoke first. “Get your ass back in here. Just where do you think you are going?” “Got chores.” “Not yet, you don’t.” “Why? That boy ain’t staying here anymore. He don’t work for me.” “Oh yes, he is. You are going to talk with him and get things straight.” “There ain’t nothing to get straight, Lou. And that’s that.” “Don’t you dare try to tell me that’s that. That boy has done nothing wrong here. Lori likes him and he likes her. He treats her right, he just needs someone to help him grow up. You are the only one here that don’t like him. Get your shit straight and make things right.” “Why the hell am I in the wrong here? Everyone in this damn family lied and plotted against me! All of you couldn’t tell me this? You know how that makes me feel?” “Jimmy, I know we should have told you, but would it have changed anything?” “I’m going outside.” Lou sighed as Jimmy went outside and slammed the door. He glared at his daughter as he went by. Lou saw Lori stick her tongue out at his retreating back. She shook her head. Please, Lord, don’t let this get any worse. Teaspoon heard Jimmy come in the barn. He watched from the back unnoticed as he threw the rakes and shovels across the barn. He watched him lean his head against the barn wall. “Well, that was a shock.” Teaspoon said. Jimmy didn’t move away from the wall. “Shut up, like you didn’t know.” He mumbled. “I can’t confirm whether I did or didn’t.” “Everyone here lied to me. I’m more upset over that, than the dumbass. How could y’all? Am I that bad, that my family has to lie to me to keep the peace?” “Well, for the record, not a soul lied to you. We just failed to mention a few things.” Jimmy pushed away from the wall and glared at Teaspoon. “Think about it, we did not tell a single lie. I tried to encourage you to get to know the young man, but you didn’t want to hear of it. All you had to do was give him a chance. You know deep down that you had a little suspicion that there was something going on tween him and Lori. If you ask me, I think that deep down you knew it in your gut and that caused you to not like the boy.” “I flat out asked what was going on and no one would say anything.” “That’s right, not say anything, not lie.” “It’s the same thing.” “Not really, look at you now. Can’t you see why we might choose to withhold information. You are all pissed. Not wanting to speak to anyone. You act like Louise betrayed you but in fact she knew that you would act like a total ass which you are.” “So, I am in the wrong here? Again? I don’t think so.” “I ain’t saying that. I believe we all are. I thought I could help the boy along before you got back. I will admit that it is harder than you would think. Louise thought she would let you get to know him then break the news but that proved to be hard as well since you had already made your mind up about the boy. “ “I don’t like the dumbass.” “You don’t know him. He just needs a little guidance. Look at you. You were sort of like him in a way. You could find trouble, well make your own trouble, just by looking at someone. If I had not straightened you out, you could pass as that boy’s twin.” “Wow, talk about an insult.” “No, talk about the truth. You just turned on him because you knew there was some underlying secret and it killed you. I think you need to talk to your daughter. It might help.” “I don’t know.” “I do.” Teaspoon patted him on the back as he walked out the barn. Jimmy stood in the shadows for a moment longer. He walked outside to see Lori helping Louise by the house. He stood with his hands on hips. “Lori?” Lori glanced up and frowned. “Sir?” “Let’s take a walk.” Lori looked at her Momma who nodded and shoved her toward her Daddy. The two walked out into the far pasture. Lori walked with her arms crossed in full defense mode. Jimmy almost smiled. Lord, she was all Lou. “So, you really like this guy, huh?” She nodded. “He treat you right?” She nodded again but remained silent. “Shit.” Lori dropped her arms. “There ain’t nothing wrong with Tate, well I can’t say nothing. Daddy, he is a little rough around the edges, but he has a good heart. He can’t help it that he is stupid sometimes.” Jimmy actually laughed. “Daddy, I can’t help it. I liked him from the first time I laid eyes on him. I just could beat the crap out of him sometimes, but I know that he means no harm. He just, I don’t know. Don’t know any better.” “I know what you mean. Where is he?” “At the hotel in town. I didn’t want to push it. Sides, Grandpa thought it would be best that he stay there until he could talk some sense into you.” “Really, talk some sense into me? Lorilei, I don’t know about him. I really don’t.” “That’s just it, you don’t know him, Daddy. I wish you would try.” She said quietly. “Wish I would try, huh?” Lori nodded. “Would it make you happy if I gave him another chance?” “Would you?” “Was considering it. On one condition.” “Anything.” “No more secrets in this family. None.” “Deal. Can I go get him now?” “We can, but there is one more thing.” Lori glanced over at her Father unsure. “I get to call him dumbass.” “Damn, that’s all. I call him that on a daily basis.” Lori laughed. “Lord, Lori, don’t make me regret this.” “You won’t, Daddy. Thank you.” Lori hugged her Daddy and ran back toward the house. Chapter 11 Tate and Silas stood watching Norman as he made his way through town. Silas looked on as he stopped and spoke to Roy. He moved back into the alley beside Tate. “That’s what he said, huh?” Tate asked. “Yeah, Chris told me that he was telling everyone that he couldn’t wait to catch me alone.” “Well, he ain’t gonna.” “You know that you don’t have to help me. I asked for this. I should have known better than to stir up anything. Sides that, Uncle Jimmy has kicked you out so obviously I didn’t hold up my end.” “Naw, wasn’t nothing that you did. Anyway, I need a friend. I don’t know if I will even get to see Lori again.” “Don’t give up. She will get her way, trust me.” “I ain’t so sure.” “Well, I spoke to Pa, and he said you can bunk down with me until something comes up.” “He sure about that? He knows me, right.” “Oh yeah.” Laughed Silas. “I do appreciate it though.” “Just remember your manners.” “I try, man. I try.” Tate pointed across the street to get Silas’ attention. Norman was hugging some older fella. “Who is that?” Asked Tate. “Damn, that’s his brother. I didn’t know he would be back.” “How old is he?” “A lot older than us.” “Don’t matter none. If he comes at you with his chicken shit brother, then we’ll take him down too.” “Come on, let’s get your things.” Silas said as the two walked toward the hotel. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy pulled the buckboard out the barn as Lori walked across the yard to meet him. Lou walked out onto the porch along with Annie and Penny. She stood staring at Jimmy with her arms crossed. Jimmy sighed and strode over to the porch. All three of the women stared him down. “I talked some things over with Lorilei and I have agreed to give the dumbass a chance. Only for her sake.” “I see.” Stated Lou trying not to smirk. “This is still not my fault.” “Go on. We’ll talk later.” Said Lou. Jimmy nodded and went on back to the wagon. Lori sat beside him on the wagon seat waiting to get into town. He kept stealing glances over at his child. Annie was spoken for and now Lori. He was not ready for this part of life. He didn’t want to let his girls go. Hunter was gone, Luke just asked Penny to marry him, Annie had Billy, and now Lori. He could tell that she liked this boy by how excited she was. All he knew was that he wasn’t. Not at all. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Silas came out the store with the package for his Mom. She had sent him to pick it up for her. He had left Tate at home speaking with his Pa, well getting the rules of his house. He heard steps behind him as he started down the boardwalk. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Norman smiling back at him. Silas turned back around and tried to act like he wasn’t nervous. He walked along and cut the same way that he always did back toward home. He cut down the alley by the dressmakers. He looked over his shoulder to see Norman and Roy following him. As he was looking back, he ran into someone else causing him to stumble back. He looked into the eyes of Norman’s older brother. “Silas, right?” Silas looked up at the older boy trying not to act scared. “Yeah, that’s him. Guess the cat’s got his tongue.” Said Norman from behind while Roy laughed. “Speak up, boy.” “You need something?” Asked Silas quietly. “From what I understand, you tried to make a fool of my brother the other night. You know that I can’t let that happen. He is a Sykes, after all.” “Seemed to me that your father didn’t care much for his behavior.” Silas said. “Dear Ole Dad, don’t approve much of me either but yet, here I am.” “This is between me and Norman.” “Well, now it is between you and me.” Silas looked back then front again. He threw his mother’s package at Norman’s brother. As he caught it, he made a mad dash around him. He felt one of them grab his shirt collar. They threw him down on the ground. He covered his face as Norman hit him in the stomach. He suddenly heard Roy scream. Norman jumped off of Silas. Si saw Tate with an old board. He had hit Roy across his back and had started in on Norman. Norman’s brother hit Tate causing him to stagger back. Silas stood and rushed to tackle Norman just as he going to hit Tate in the back. They fell out onto the boardwalk. Silas heard people yelling and gasping as Norman hit him again. Tate and Norman’s brother fought just a short distance away. Silas felt like he wasn’t going to be able to hold his own much longer when they heard a shot being fired. He and Norman fell to the ground covering their heads. The marshal ran in and grabbed at Norman’s brother while Silas saw another man grab Tate. They finally quieted down. Jimmy and Lori rode into town. As they pulled up in front of the hotel, Jimmy saw the Marshal and his deputy dragging two people toward the jail. Jimmy let his head fall as he recognized who one of them was. He heard Lori growl. Before he could say anything, Lori was off the wagon storming toward the jail. He sighed and tied the reins before dragging along behind her. “He caused this! It was him!” Yelled Norman. “No, I didn’t! You know who is at fault here, and it ain’t me!” Yelled Tate back. “Sure, let’s see just who started it!” Yelled Norman. Tate tried to pull away from the Deputy as he kicked out at Norman. He froze when he saw Lori huffing in the doorway. He stopped and looked down at his boots especially when her father came in behind her. “Now all you boys have got to calm down! Put Max in the cell. Norman head on home. If I catch you in a fight again, I will lock you up. Ya hear.” “Yes, sir.” Norman glared at Silas as he walked by. Noah pushed in next to Jimmy. He stepped over and grabbed Si’s arm. “What has gotten into you lately?” He snarled. “Pa, they jumped me on my way home. I wasn’t looking for a fight.” Noah looked over to Larry who nodded. “Are you going to handle this shit, Larry? Or do I have to?” Noah asked. “No, I got it. I’ll talk to Norman’s folks tonight.” “Come on Silas. Tate?” “I got him.” Grumbled Jimmy much to Noah’s shock. “Alright. His things are over at our place.” Noah said as he walked out with Silas. Lori stood tapping her foot. Tate stood beside the Deputy as Roy moaned from the chair across the room. Larry rubbed his face. Tate glanced up as Lori stomped over to him. Jimmy watched in surprise as she took her shoe off and proceeded to knock the boy upside his head. “You are such an idiot! I had Dad all ready to give you another chance and yet, you act so damn stupid! Now how does this make me look to him!” Lori said as she kept trying to whack him. Jimmy tried not to laugh as he pulled her away from the cowering boy. “What is with you McCloud’s? This is every time. Now, can we talk about what’s important here.” Larry said sighing as Jimmy held Lori’s hand so she would stop beating the shit out of Tate. “I’m sorry, Lori! I swear I couldn’t let them jump Si! He is the only fucking friend I got and I ain’t gonna let him get fucking beat up! He ain’t done nothing wrong! I said I am sorry!” Tate was pleading at Lori who growled back at him. “Shut up, Tate.” Growled Jimmy. “And Lori stop.” “Wilson, take Roy over to the doc’s so he will quit all that whining.” Said Larry as his deputy helped Roy out. “Larry, I am sorry about all this.” Said Jimmy. “I swear I just don’t know about this family, Jimmy. It’s every time.” “Well, I got Tate. He’s back with us. For now.” Tate looked up surprised. “Unless Lori has changed her mind.” Said Jimmy again. She shook her head no as Tate started smiling. “Ok then, now on to the other.” Said Larry. “The other?” Asked Jimmy. “Seems Max here had a warrant out. Tate turned him in, so he gets the reward. Two hundred dollars.” “What the fuck?” Asked Tate. “Language.” Snapped Jimmy. “Sorry.” Tate said looking down. “You are kidding, right?” asked Jimmy. “Nope. See for yourself.” Larry said handing Jimmy the poster. “And since he is so young, and in your care, I think maybe you should hold onto it for him for a while.” Jimmy reached out and took the money from Larry. “He free to go?” “Yeah, just try to watch him, and maybe keep him out of town for a few days anyway. This is way too much excitement.” Jimmy shook Larry’s hand. He grabbed Tate by the shoulder and pushed him outside. Lori walked out and smacked him in the back of the head, knocking his hat off. Jimmy shook his head and watched the two. She yelled at him for a few before looping her arm through his. Jimmy let out a deep breath. My God, what had he just agreed to. He was getting too old for this. Chapter 12 Lucas stared at Tate from across the bunkhouse two days later. Tate went about his business but stopped every once in a while to stare back. “You can look all you want. You ain’t gonna fucking scare me.” Tate said putting a shirt away. “You and my sister.” “You got a problem with that.” “God, she can really pick em.” Grumbled Lucas still staring at Tate. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean? You trying to say something?” Tate said walking over to stand nose to nose with Lucas who just yawned back. “Cocky or stupid. I still ain’t sure.” “What the fuck are you talking about?” “I am still undecided if whether you can back up that cockiness or if you are just plain stupid.” “I ain’t stupid.” Tate said shoving Lucas back into the wall. “Really?” Luke said stepping over to push him back. “Don’t even. I’ll kick your fucking ass for that.” “Come on. Let’s see it.” Tate started to plow into Luke but stopped. He looked down and shook his head. “No, I ain’t gonna do that.” “Why is that?” “Lori doesn’t want me to fight anymore and I am trying my damnedest to make her happy. You are her brother, and I don’t want to fight with you. I got to do better.” Lucas laughed then looked intently at Tate. “You really are trying.” “No shit. She is everything to me. I know it’s dumb and I can’t explain it, but she is.” “No need to explain, I know how it is. Come over here and sit.” Tate followed Lucas over to the table in the center of the room. He put his arms on the table and laid his head down on top. “I’m so screwed.” He mumbled. “Why would you say that? You are back and that in itself is a miracle cause Dad already ran you off one time. So, I reckon miracles do happen.” Lucas laughed. “I can’t even find that funny. He hates me. He really fucking hates me and I know it is only gonna take one time for me to mess up and I will. I always do. Fuck, my stomach is in knots.” “Tate, I was ready to kick you into next week, but I can see that you love my sister. You would do anything for her. I honestly don’t know how you deal with her.” “I don’t know either. I mean she beats the shit out of me sometimes.” Tate smiled. “I can’t believe I am saying this but, I’m gonna help you.” “Help me?” “Yes dummy. First off you really got to watch that language, hell Eli has already picked up on it. You got to be on time and ready to go. You got to show Dad respect. He has this big thing that he has always put in our heads. You got to give respect, to get respect. And watch that temper.” “That is so hard. Silas was trying to teach me manners or whatever. You see where I ended up.” “That wasn’t wrong, you stuck up for your friend. I’d do the same for mine.” “I just ain’t never really had someone that I could call a friend.” “Where is your family?” “Never really knew dear old Dad. Mom worked in a saloon. You know how that works. It was me and my brothers. We mostly did for ourselves. Snuck food when we could. Momma stayed drunk most of the time. Oldest brother left first. I couldn’t say that I was sorry. He just seemed to have a mean streak a mile wide. Then my other brother left soon after. I had no one then. Momma got sick. She died a few months later. I left. Been mostly anywhere I could find until I ended up working here. You know the rest.” “Well, reckon you got family now.” Tate looked up at Lucas. “Well, as along as you don’t screw it up.” Smiled Lucas. Tate laughed some. He looked down again. “I can’t. I won’t lose Lorilei.” “Good to hear. You got fight in ya. Now listen up, Dad is gonna come over at some point and tell you that you will be riding to the stock sale. Don’t give him no lip, and watch your mouth. You show him how much Lori means to you and you will have it in the bag.” “She is my world.” “Then you shouldn’t have a thing to worry about, just keep thinking about that. I’ll help as much as I can. Dad ain’t easy, but I’m on your side.” Luke stood and went over to his bed as Tate nodded. They looked to the door when it flew open. Jimmy stood in the doorway. Luke tried not to smile. He looked down at his hands. “Dumbass, get your things ready to ride in the morning. I got to take Eli to school then we are headed to the sale. Luke, you too.” Jimmy walked out slamming the door behind him. Luke laughed out loud as Tate slammed his head back down on the table. Chapter 13 Jimmy checked the straps on his saddle one more time as he always did when it came time for a ride. He had just made it back in from taking Eli to his first day of school as was his son’s instructions. He had told him that he had to do it. He slightly smiled thinking about it. Lou had cried all the way back home since her baby was starting school and now she felt all alone. Her house would soon be empty, she had cried. Jimmy sighed. Hell, it was a much needed break if you asked him. He was going over everything deep in thought as Lucas pulled his horse up beside him. “Got everything?” He asked. “Think so. All except the three mares that you want to sell.” “Yeah, it’s about time to round them up. I see dumbass is late, again.” Jimmy grumbled. “No, I think he is up.” “Yeah, sure. That boy wouldn’t be on time if his life depended on it. I don’t see what Lori sees in him.” Jimmy heard a noise and glanced back to see Tate come out the barn. He was all packed and ready to ride. He saw Luke smile. Jimmy cocked his eye at him. Lucas tried not to laugh. “Not you too.” “What? He’s alright.” Luke smiled. “My God. Am I the only one around here that sees him as the complete idiot that he is?” “He ain’t that bad. You just have to give him a chance.” “I figured that you of all people would be on my side.” “He treats Lori good. He is the one that is always getting beat by her.” Luke laughed. “I swear he has got one time.” “Yeah, yeah.” Laughed Lucas walking back toward the house. Tate walked his horse over to the other side of Luke’s. He checked his saddle then stood to wait. “Hey, dumbass, don’t get too comfortable. We got to round up the mares.” “I got them over in the small corral. Roped and ready to go.” Tate said calmly. Jimmy stopped with his saddlebag and glared over at Tate who stood there with his arms crossed looking all smug. Jimmy snorted as he watched the boy stand there all puffed up. He might be stupid, but he didn’t back down. “Then mount up.” Jimmy said back at him. Lou walked out the house with a sack of goodies for them to eat on the road. Luke walked back over holding Penny’s hand whispering in her ear as she laughed. “Have a safe trip. Hurry back.” Lou said as she handed Jimmy the food. “You know we will.” Jimmy said as he gave her a kiss before climbing on his horse. Lucas swung up on his horse as Penny went to stand by Lou. Jimmy watched as Lori ran out the house and over to Tate. He felt himself seethe inside as she gave the boy a hug. He wanted to rip his head off but instead took a deep breath. He said that he would try for her sake, but he didn’t say that he had to make it easy. Lou noticed and slapped his leg. He looked down at her shaking her head. “I know.” He mumbled. Tate swung up on his horse. Jimmy tipped his hat and urged his horse out the yard followed by Luke and Tate with the mares. The trio rode a good ways until almost dusk. Jimmy picked a spot by a creek. “Dumbass, get some wood. Luke, make sure those mares are secure.” Jimmy said stepping down. Lucas looked back at Tate who looked like he would explode at any minute. “Remember, you can’t let him get next to you. That’s what he wants.” “You hear what he keeps calling me. That’s fucking bullshit.” “Mouth.” Lucas said pointing at him. “Think about it, would you rather him call you that or send you packing? You decide.” Lucas said walking away. Tate looked up at the sky. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He went about gathering the wood. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Three days into their ride and Tate was wearing thin. Lucas kept talking him down, but his temper was bursting at the seams. Lori’s Dad. Dad. Dad. He called him dumbass every chance he got. He had him do all the dirty work while he sat glaring at him from a distance. If this was how it was always going to be, then he wasn’t sure if it was worth it. He made this trip hell for him. He had picked up wood, cleaned camp, ran down a mare that had gotten free causing him to fall in the rankest of mud, and he always had to ride behind in all the dust. He was filthy, his eyes were gritty to say the least, and he had dust in his teeth. He stewed staring at Jimmy’s back as he rode out front. Tate pulled at the mare’s again as they trotted along behind him. He snarled when he saw Jimmy look back and slightly smile. “We should make town tomorrow. The sale is at noon.” Jimmy said to Lucas. “Sounds good. I am so ready to sit down and eat some hot food.” “Same here. Let’s get ready to make camp for the night.” Tate groaned hearing his words. He just wanted to get to town. He wanted a bath and food. He was dog tired. “Tate, tie them horses and gather some wood.” Jimmy said as he stopped and got down. Tate climbed down off his horse and tied the horses on a runner. He stopped to take a minute as his arm was sore from pulling the horses along the last few days. “You going any time soon?” Jimmy asked. Tate didn’t move. He stood just needing a break. “Dumbass, you going to get moving?” Jimmy said again. Lucas watched Tate closely. He knew his Dad was pushing it. He didn’t like or trust the boy. He had agreed to give him a chance. Luke smiled. A chance to run him off for good. He saw Tate’s dirty face as he stood up straighter. Oh, shit. “Gather the wood your fucking self. I ain’t doing it tonight.” Tate said through clenched teeth. “What did you say?” “And my name is not dumbass. I’m pretty fucking sick and tired of all this fucking shit that you have been making me do. I ain’t doing it anymore. I ain’t done shit to you for you to treat me like fucking dirt.” “There he is. Glad this little act is over.” Jimmy growled back. “Oh yeah, you fucking know how I am. You hated me from day one and now that your little girl is mine, you hate me even more.” “News for you, she ain’t yours. You ain’t good enough for her.” “So that’s it. I just blew my chance cause I got sick of your fucking bullshit. Well, I ain’t some fucking pussy that can be pushed around. I stand my ground and she is my girl.” “Sure dumbass.” Jimmy laughed. Lucas stood back and just watched. His Dad was laying it on thick. He knew that he was wrong but hell, it was interesting to watch. His Mom would kill him if she ever found out. Lucas jumped in shock when Tate launched himself on Jimmy. He stepped back as the two fought until his Dad got the best of him. He held Tate down by his throat. “I ain’t going no where! If you want me to muck horse and pig shit for the rest of my life, then I would do it for her!” Tate gasped. Jimmy stopped and stood up. He panted as he looked over at Lucas who shrugged at him. “I’d do anything for her. You don’t understand that she is the best thing in my life. I’d die for her. I really don’t want to lose her so just give me the most horrible jobs that you can. I’ll keep on doing them for her.” Jimmy looked down at Tate laying in the dust. The boy meant it. He put his hands on his hips. “At least you stand your ground.” Jimmy said quietly. “Every man should or he will get run over. All his life. Learned that the hard way.” “Get up.” Jimmy said holding his hand out. Tate took it and let him help him to his feet. He stood rubbing his sore arm as he faced Jimmy. “Got any family?” “No sir. Got some brothers out there somewhere.” Jimmy nodded. “Been on your own for a while?” “Since I was twelve.” Jimmy nodded again. “You got spine and I get the feeling that you would stand up if a problem came at you. You got a hell of a mouth and a temper though.” Tate nodded and looked down at his feet. “You didn’t let me keep stepping on you though and that says something. Reckon, we just got to work on that mouth and attitude of yours.” Tate looked up then over to Lucas who was smiling from behind Jimmy. “Go wash up, dumbass.” Jimmy said as he walked away. Lucas nodded at Tate who smiled back. Chapter 14 Lou, Annie, and Lori sat at the dressmakers as Penny looked at different material and patterns for her wedding dress. Annie looked at the dresses longingly. Lori could really care less. Lou was happy and sad at the same time thinking about one of her children leaving home. She knew that they planned on living close on their land but still, he would be the first to marry. The first of many to leave. “What do y’all think of this one?” Asked Penny. “It’s beautiful.” Lou said reaching out to touch the material. “Penny, look at this one!” Exclaimed Annie. Lori rolled her eyes. Lou looked over at her. “This ain’t your thing, is it?” Lou asked her. “I like getting dressed up alright but married. Heck no. You get swindled into marriage then you have kids. No way.” Lou laughed and pulled her close. “I used to think the same way. I didn’t want kids. I didn’t want my life to change but when I found out that I was expecting Hunter, I couldn’t stop my life from changing. And you know what, it changed in the best way.” “For you maybe.” Lou laughed and stood to walk over to the other girls. Lori sat back. Something caught her eye. One of her brother’s old flames was standing outside staring at Penny through the window. She waved at her and stuck her tongue out. The girl huffed and stormed off. Lori sat back satisfied. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy settled up his mares for the sale. The three of them had eaten and now were walking around looking at the stock. Lucas looked at the horses as they milled around in various corrals. “Hey, uh, um, Mr. McCloud, you looking for a stallion?” Tate asked as he looked at the horses. “Jimmy.” Jimmy mumbled back. “Yeah, I need a new one. I’d like to split the herd. Offer something new.” Tate walked off to the other side to look a pretty paint filly when he caught a glimpse of someone that he thought he knew. He looked again but the person was gone. He walked down next to the stall where he thought that he had saw the person, but no one was there that he knew. He looked into the stall. There was the most gorgeous palomino colt tied in the back. He leaned over to get a closer look. “Now he is something.” Jimmy said walking up beside Tate. “Nice build. Stocky.” Said Lucas from the other side. “You got a good eye, dumbass.” Said Jimmy. Tate smiled even though he had accidentally stumbled upon this colt. “Wonder if he sold yet?” Lucas asked. “One way to find out.” Jimmy said as he walked off. “Looking good, Tate. I think you are weaseling your way into his good graces.” Luke smiled. “I ain’t gonna say anything about that. If I say anything, then I’ll just screw it up.” “Don’t be so dramatic.” Luke patted his shoulder as he walked down to look at another horse. Tate stood looking at the yearling when he felt someone watching him again. He saw movement behind the horse in the corner. He looked around and made his way over in that direction. He looked behind him when someone grabbed his arm. He spun around to push back when he caught sight of the person. “Damn it all. Tate?” “Duke?” “Hell yeah, it’s me.” Duke said pulling him in a hug. “Damn, it has been a minute.” “It sure has. How ya been?” “Like you care how I been. You left me behind knowing the kind of shit that we had to do to survive.” “I came back, Tate, but mom was dead, and you were gone.” “I’m supposed to believe that.” “Damn right. I couldn’t take you at the time, but you can come with me now.” “Go with you? Sure.” Laughed Tate. “Little brother, I got a good thing going. Money all around. I can cut you in and you would never have to worry about a thing again.” “I got a job and a place to live. I am fine where I’m at.” “What? Working your hands to the bone every single day with that farmer that I saw you with. The one that called you a dumbass.” “You don’t understand.” “Yeah, the fuck I don’t.” “I’m where I want to be.” “I don’t buy into that for a second. Think it over. When you leaving?” “Tomorrow.” “Heading back to farm with some cheap ass horseflesh. Heading back to a dirt farm?” laughed Duke. “It ain’t no dirt farm. I found a job on a big spread and they treat me right. Gave me a place to live and food to eat.” “Bet they don’t pay you two cents.” “That’s my business. It was good to see you, Duke.” Tate said pushing around him. “Think it over little brother. Money all around. Easy money.” Tate shook his head. Duke put his cigarette back in his mouth as he watched his brother walk back over in time to meet that man that he was riding with. He saw them talking to the owner of that colt. He smiled as he saw the older man shake hands with the other man. He had just bought the most expensive horse at the sale. No one else had been able to touch that horse. Maybe his brother had stumbled upon something good. Something that he could benefit from. He would get the boys and follow them home. See for himself just what exactly his baby brother had found. Chapter 15 Penny walked through town with Annie a few days later. The girls walked laughing and talking of wedding plans. Lori walked along with them but excused herself to walk into the mercantile. Annie was giggling as they came to a stop in front of the dressmakers. Annie saw Martha waving from across the street. “Excuse me, Penny. I’ll be right back. I just want to speak to Martha.” “I’ll be right here. I’m going to grab the new catalog and sit out here in the sun to look.” “Ok, be right back.” Penny walked in the dressmaker’s and spoke to Mrs. Nesbitt, the owner. She walked back out with the new catalog to sit on the bench in the sun to look at some new patterns. She hummed as she flipped from page to page. She looked up as a shadow casted down over the book. “You really think that he is going to marry you? So foolish.” “And who are you?” “Who am I? I am Lillian Rogers, that’s who I am. I am just stopping to give you a quick heads up. Your so called fiancé doesn’t ever settle for one girl.” “Excuse me?” “I should know.” Lillian laughed. “You are wrong. You can leave now.” “Really? Am I? Don’t you ever wonder where he goes when he rides off all alone? What he does after you settle in for the night? I, for one, know all about how he likes to ramble once the sun goes down.” “He is not like that.” “You say that, but you don’t look so sure. Just thought I’d let you know what you were getting.” “Fuck off, Lillian.” Lori said shoving the girl back making her hat fall from the top of her head. “Lorilei.” Lillian huffed as she picked her lacey hat off the ground and dusted it off. “Move along tramp.” “I was just chatting with? I’m sorry, what was your name?” Lillian asked prettily. “Don’t tell this bitch anything.” Lori said walking up to Lillian again. “Move along or I make you.” Lillian looked in Lori’s face. She knew that the girl would deck her if she gave her half the chance. She nodded slightly before walking away. Lori looked back at Penny who had lost all the color in her face. She clutched the book close to her chest. “Penny, she is just someone that he used to see. It’s just jealousy, that’s all. Don’t listen to her.” “So, he did court her?” “Penny, Luke had past girlfriends. That’s the word though, past.” “How many did he have?” “You really want me to answer that? You should ask him.” “How many, Lori?” “I don’t know.” Lori sighed. “He always had a few here and there.” “He saw them at the same time?” “I can’t tell you that. Ask him. Just don’t worry about that girl. She will go with anybody and folks know it.” Annie walked back over smiling. She saw the look on Penny’s face. “Penny? You ok?” “Will you give this back to Mrs. Nesbitt for me? I think I want to head on back now.” “But we haven’t looked yet?!” Annie called out as Penny hurried away. “What in the world?” She asked Lori. “Ain’t what, it’s a who.” “What?” “That bitch across the street.” Lori said staring at Lillian who smiled when Penny rushed away. “That dumb whore.” Annie scowled. “Yep. Don’t worry, I can fix her.” “What are you going to do, Lori? Don’t be stupid. We should just tell Luke and Mom.” “We will.” Lori said standing with her arms crossed. Lori watched Lillian start to cross the road, so she started in her direction. That dumb tramp cut her eyes at her, as she started to pass. Lori waited until she was right beside her before shoving her shoulder into her. Lillian shrieked as fell sideways into a pile of manure. “You bitch!” Lillian shrieked. “Oops.” Lori said as she walked on without stopping. Annie looked on in shock as Lillian was helped off the ground by some man that was passing by. She had to tell Mom. Lori wouldn’t stop until Lillian backed down. If she were Lillian, she sure as hell would not want Lorilei as an enemy. Chapter 16 Jimmy stood next to the corral watching the new stallion run around. Lou came up and wrapped her arms around his waist. He smiled and kept watching the horse. Lou sighed and put her head on his back. “Must have missed me.” He said quietly. “Always.” Lou smiled from behind. She let go and climbed up on the rail to watch the colt. “He’s beautiful.” “Ain’t he. He cost enough.” “You’ll make it back once you start getting foals off him. He has great build.” “You know I am a sucker for a palomino.” Lou laughed as she watched the horse remembering the old Express days. She watched Tate walk across the yard leading a bay mare. She glanced down to see Jimmy watching him as well. “I’m guessing the way you been actin, that the ride was okay?” “I told Lori that I’d give him a chance.” “Let me guess, you tried to run him off on that ride.” Jimmy looked at his hands trying not to smile. “I know you.” Laughed Lou. “But that boy doesn’t give up. That’s a good quality about him.” “He has a few.” Jimmy replied quietly. “What was that? I didn’t hear you?” “I guess he has a few.” Lou laughed harder as she looked ahead at the prairie. “Don’t laugh at me. After all that has happened with Lori, I just can’t bring myself to be careless. I mean, Lou, she is so damn headstrong and defensive. She is not the sweet little girl that we had. Fights, being thrown in jail. She is driving me insane.” “She sure does have her ways.” Laughed Louise. “Lou, what are we going to do? She has turned into a force to be reckoned with.” “Don’t worry about it, honey. She is sixteen almost seventeen. She is going through a lot of emotions about now. Changes. She will grow out of it.” “Ain’t so sure.” “Tate seems like a good fit for her.” “I was all set to run his ass off but, after we fought on the way to the sale, he said some things. He meant them.” “You fought with the boy? My Lord, Jimmy.” “Look he is fine. I didn’t kill him.” “Well, whatever he said, I am glad that he did. Give him a chance. He just needs someone to help show him the way.” “After being around him the past few days, I feel like I owe him this chance. I still ain’t sure why.” “Don’t fret over it. I got to get supper started.” He helped Lou down from the corral and kissed her before she walked away to the house. He turned back to look at the horse when he heard a little someone come up beside. “Eli. Teaspoon.” “I am glad that Tate there has made friends.” Teaspoon said. “No one said that I was friends with the dumbass.” Teaspoon laughed. “Daddy, got me a problem.” Eli said. Jimmy turned and knelt in front of his youngest. “What you got?” “The teacher I got stuck with.” “You got stuck with?” Jimmy asked cocking an eye back to Teaspoon. “Yeah, she asked me why I punched Darryl at break. She told me that I had to stay after class and help sweep the school. I don’t know why. I told her why I done it.” “Eli, you can’t go around punching people. What did you say?” “The old hag said that she needed to talk to you.” “Eli.” “I told her that he talked to Missy and that I saw her first.” “Well, that is a good reason if I ever heard one.” Said Teaspoon from behind. “Really? Be quiet.” Jimmy said glaring up at him. “What all did you really say, Eli?” Jimmy asked turning back to the boy. “Damn.” The boy said looking at his feet. “Please don’t tell me that you said that.” “Of course not, I told her that he should be glad that I didn’t beat his fucking ass.” Jimmy let his head fall. He heard Eli babble on. “You got to go talk to her tomorrow.” He kept on. Jimmy groaned inside. He heard Eli run off. He glanced up at Teaspoon. “Honestly, if you want my opinion, the boy has a right to fight for what he wants. A girl is a good enough reason to me.” Teaspoon said. “You need to take that opinion and get.” Teaspoon laughed as he walked back over to his house. Jimmy sighed. God, why him? Why were his kids so damn hard to handle? He stood up as Lucas walked up. He took one look at him. “Now what is your problem?” “Penny acts like I did something but damn if I know what.” “What she say?” “That’s the thing. She won’t say anything. She won’t talk about the wedding. She won’t ride with me to pick a house spot. She just brushes me off. I wasn’t even here so what did I do?” “Guess you are in the same trough as me now. I never know what the hell I do to piss off your Momma.” “This ain’t like her. She acts like she can’t trust me. I can’t explain it.” “My guess is that one of the other females around here knows something. They are like a gang. They stick together. I’d start there.” “My sisters.” Jimmy nodded as Lucas walked away. If it wasn’t one thing, it was another. Chapter 17 Jimmy and Tate rode into town the next day. He hated having to go pick Eli up from school. He knew what was waiting on him and he felt like he was more in trouble than the child. That teacher looked mean. They tied their horses in front of the general store. “You grab these things while I run over to Noah’s for that harness that he was fixing for me.” Jimmy said handing the note to Tate. “Sure thing.” Tate walked on into the store as Jimmy went down the street. Tate spoke to the store owner and started looking at some necklaces while he waited. He wanted to buy Lori something nice. He was looking at one when he heard him. “Nice town that you found here.” Tate turned around. “What are you doing here, Duke?” “Wandering I guess. What you got there?” He said looking at what Tate was holding. “Nothing.” “So that’s why you are so interested in staying here. You got a gal that you are sweet on. Let me guess. She lives on that dirt farm.” “It ain’t none of your business. You should leave.” “Not without you. You need to think of coming with me. The rest of the boys are over at the saloon just dying to meet my little brother.” “Sorry to disappoint them.” “Ma would be so sad to think that you pushed me away like this. She wanted us to be close. You know that she always said that no matter what, we would have each other.” “Please, we were not a family. Never had the chance to be. Ma was a whore that cared more for the bottle than us boys.” “Your Dad would be shittin to hear you say that about her.” “Dad.” Tate snickered. “Never had one so I have no need to worry about that.” “You had one.” “And you had one and Isaac had one, but who was he? Like you even know.” “Ma told us the names of who fathered us.” “Just go. I don’t have time for this. Leave me alone. I am happy right where I am.” “You should come with me. Your blood.” “Half blood.” Tate said as Duke stood closer. “You got a problem there, Tate?” Jimmy asked walking into the store. “No, not at all. See you around.” Tate said slightly shoving his brother. “For now.” Duke said as he left the store. Jimmy walked over to Tate who stared after the other boy. “Who was that?” “A fucking asshole.” “You got trouble with him that I need to know about?” “No, I don’t want a thing to do with him.” “You can let me know if you need help.” Tate nodded as he went to gather the things from the list. Jimmy helped load the few things in their saddlebags while watching Tate. The boy was troubled. “Tate, let’s go grab a bite. I got a few before school lets out.” Tate nodded and followed Jimmy over to the restaurant. They ordered their food and ate quietly. Jimmy saw Tate look out the window at the street. The boy that he was talking to earlier was laughing and walking with about five other men. Jimmy turned back to Tate. “Tell me.” He said. “He is my older brother. I had two.” Tate mumbled. “Your mother?” “She was a drunken whore and I know I shouldn’t say things like that, but it is true. She didn’t care bout us boys, all she cared about was who was next and when she could buy her next bottle. She used to yell at us. Call us her mistakes. My older brother left first, then the next. She took ill and died a few weeks later. No one wanted me so I left. Did what I had to do to eat, stole what I had to steal. I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. You were a child on your own. I know how that feels.” “You were a throw away?” “Not really. My father used to beat on my mother and me. My sisters too. When he was killed, I stayed home for a while then I left. I couldn’t stay there anymore. I was about your age when I met Teaspoon and started working for the Pony Express. He changed my life.” “This is the best job that I have ever had. Then I met Lori. I don’t want to lose this.” “You don’t have to.” “He wants me to go with him.” “Your father alive?” “Hell if I know. Isaac and I had the same Dad. I met him twice and haven’t heard from him since. He went by some weird ass name. Figured he was dead by now. Duke’s Dad is some man named Willis.” Jimmy felt himself stiffen. “What was your brother’s name?” “Isaac was the oldest.” Jimmy froze. No, it couldn’t be. “Your father?” “Ma always called him…..” “Kid.” Jimmy finished for him. “How did you know?” Jimmy jumped up from the table. He stared into Tate’s blue eyes as he frowned. He knew that he knew those eyes. He felt like the breath was getting sucked out of him. “Jimmy?” Tate asked. Jimmy slapped money on the table for their lunch. He walked out and got on his horse forgetting all about his meeting at the school. Tate watched the color leave his face before he rode away. What the hell did he do? Chapter 18 Lucas saw Penny over at the clothesline. He tipped his hat at her but she looked the other way. He stopped to frown. He had set out to ask Annie if she knew what the hell was going on but all she did was excuse herself. He turned to see Lori walking back in from the pasture. She carried her basket into the barn. He walked in behind her. “What the hell is wrong with Penny?” “Fuck, Luke! You scared the hell out of me!” “Sounds like Tate is really rubbing off on you.” He laughed. “Shut up.” Lori said as she shoved him. “Lori, seriously, what is wrong here. Penny acts like I did something, but I swear that I don’t have a clue as to what.” “Talk to your girl.” “I tried. She won’t even look at me. I’m almost afraid to say that she is gonna call off the wedding the way she is acting. Please, Lorilei.” Lori sighed. She glanced around and out the barn. Penny was still hanging sheets. She grabbed her brother’s arm and pulled him to the back of the barn. “Lillian put shit in her head in town the other day.” “Shit? What kind of shit?” “Luke, really, you know how that whore is. She basically said that you had seen her right along with all your other admirers back in the day. She made it look like you still snuck out to see her.” “Bitch.” Luke said looking up. “I told her to go screw herself, but you know how annoying she is.” “I got to talk to Penny. Then, I got to fix that bitch.” “If I were you, I’d stay as far away from her as you can. She will use it against you. I’ll handle her.” “I got to talk to Penny.” Luke said again as he ran from the barn. Penny looked up and saw Lucas running toward her. She picked up the basket. “Penny, wait! Lori told me about Lillian. She lied!” “Don’t even say that name!” Yelled Penny. “Penelope! It’s a lie! I ain’t seeing her.” “But you were at some point. She said that you always had more than one girl. Do you have more than one now?” “I swear that I wouldn’t do that to you.” Louise walked out on the porch to find Penny and Lucas yelling. Penny had tears in her eyes and Lucas was pleading. She got between the two as Lori ran up. “Inside. Now.” She growled as she pointed to the house. “I can’t talk to him right now.” Said Penny. “She’s a liar.” Pleaded Lucas. “I am gonna kill that bitch.” Growled Lori. “I said inside! Now!” Lou screamed. Penny, Lucas, and Lori looked at Lou’s red face. They nodded and made their way into the house. Lou followed them in and pointed to the table. They didn’t say a word as they sat. “Now, what the hell is the problem around here? I have seen you avoiding Lucas, Penny. Lori obviously knows. So out with it. Who wants to go first?” Penny looked embarrassed. Luke looked desperate. Lori groaned. “When we went into town the other day, one of my brother’s exes had the nerve to stir up some shit. Lillian.” Said Lori. “What did she say?” “Told Penny all about how Luke courted her.” “That’s it? People court people, Penny.” Lou said looking to Penny. “That ain’t all. She told Penny that he saw a lot of girls at the same time. She told her that he still was. She put a lot of doubts in her head. Stupid tramp.” Louise listened as Penny wiped her eyes. “I know that is in his past but what got me was how he saw more than one at one time. Is that true, Lucas?” Penny asked. “Yeah.” He said looking at his hands. “Ok, hold up for a minute.” Lou said rubbing her face. “Penny, honey, I love you like a daughter. You know that, but tell me, do you really think that Lucas would treat you that way?” “It just stuck in my head. How could he do that to those girls? Stupid I know.” “No, I understand. Penelope, our Lucas was always a popular young man, I guess you’d say.” Lou said laughing. “He never took any of them seriously. He never brought any of them home. They were not important to him, but you are. My son loves you so very much. He wants to start a life with you. You have to put the past in the past and let it lie. Lillian has always been a troublemaker. You have to trust in Lucas.” “I do. I do love you so.” Penny said looking over at Lucas. “I love you, Penny. I swear to you that I would never hurt you. Ever.” Penny reached across the table and grabbed his hand. “Y’all are going to have problems come up. You have to learn to talk with each other and work through them. Lucas would never have known why you were angry. You should have told him.” Lou said. “I know. It just took me by surprise.” Penny said. “I’ll have a word with Lillian.” Said Lou. “She might leave them alone since I shoved her ass down in horse manure.” Lori snorted. “Lorilei? You did what?” “Shoved her down in horse shit.” “Lori, please let me talk with her. You will drive your father crazy if you get locked up one more time.” “I just thought a piece of shit like her belonged with her own kind.” Louise couldn’t help herself. She laughed. Penny finally laughed as well. “I truly don’t think I could go wrong with Lori on my side.” She laughed. “It’s scary to think of my sister on your side.” Said Lucas. “Now, that’s settled. Go finish working it out.” Lou said. She stood as Luke and Penny walked out. She heard a horse rush into the yard. She glanced outside to see Jimmy rush in. He slid from the saddle and went to lean against the corral. Lori looked at her mother before they ran over to him. Lou touched his shoulder. “Jimmy?” He looked up at her. She thought that she saw fear in his eyes. “Jimmy, what’s wrong?” Chapter 19 Lou sat on the foot of their bed watching Jimmy pace. She felt overwhelmed herself. She watched him pace back and forth. She heard another horse ride up. She moved to the window to see Tate ride in with Eli whom Jimmy had just left in town. “That him?” “Yeah. He brought Eli home with him.” “I’m sorry, Lou but what was I supposed to do. That is his son. His son.” “Jimmy, Tate ain’t Kid.” “But he is a part of him. You know what he did to us. What his other son tried to do! How can I trust that down there! I bet he lied to work his way in so he can crush this family.” “He ain’t Kid. Not at all. That boy ain’t plotting against us.” “How can you say that?” “Because, if he was, he would have done something while you were gone but he didn’t. He is a hard worker. You can’t run him off just because he told you that Kid was his father. He didn’t even know him.” “He can’t stay here.” “He can.” “No, he can’t. You can’t tell me otherwise. I can’t trust anyone related to that fucker.” “He ain’t like his father. And he is staying right here.” Lou said quietly. “And you just know him so well, right? How can you stand there and say that? I get it.” Jimmy said in anger. “It’s because you want a part of Kid here.” “What?!” Lou asked getting angry herself. “You want a part of your old flame here. That’s it, ain’t it. You don’t care what was done in the past. You feel like you owe Kid this for what we did all those years ago. What are you gonna do, Lou? Raise his bastard son?” “Get out!” Lou screamed. “The hell I will!” “Get out!” Annie, Lori, and Penny watched as Louise pushed Jimmy out their room and down the stairs. They kept yelling at each other. She shoved Jimmy out on the porch and slammed the door. Annie and the girls watched as she stomped up the stairs. She went into their room. Soon they heard their father cursing as Lou tossed his boots and hat out the window along with a blanket. Lori looked over at Annie and Penny. She saw the fear on Annie’s face along with pity. She felt the hot tears run down her own cheeks. Penny pulled her in a hug. “Momma won’t let him run him off.” Annie whispered. “You heard Dad. He is Kid’s son.” Lori said wiping her eyes. “But I don’t give a shit.” “It’s going to be ok.” Said Annie. “I see that fear on your face, Annabelle. You won’t see him the same, you are scared of him. Well, I ain’t. I love him.” Stated Lori. “Lori is right Annie. I heard stories about that awful man and Tate is not like that at all.” Said Penny. “It’s just hard Penny.” Said Annie. Annie and Penny watched Lori wrap her arms around herself. “Are you going to tell them?” Annie asked her sister. “ I doubt it. If he goes, I go.” With that Lori walked upstairs. Teaspoon watched Jimmy kick the dirt as he walked across the yard dragging a blanket with him. He was carrying his boots. Rachel leaned over from her chair on the porch. “That’s interesting.” She said. “Sure is. Think I will mosey over and see.” Teaspoon grabbed his cane and pushed up from his rocker. He walked over into the barn to find Jimmy flopped down in the hay in the back stall staring up at the rafters. He grunted. “Go away.” “Why? Thought I could join in the fun.” Jimmy pushed to his feet and started pacing. “Tate is Kid’s son.” He said as he paced. Teaspoon felt the shock run through him. He quickly tried to hide the expression on his face. “You sure of that?” “He told me.” “Does he know what happened here?” “Hell, if I know.” “Well, son, what did he say? I need to hear it all. And stop that pacing. You are making me jumpy.” “He said that he has two brothers while we ate in town today. One is in town. He called the other one Isaac and said his father has some weird name. Who else would it have been?” “Did he say it?” “I did. He asked how I knew.” “And?” “I couldn’t find my voice. I left.” “Was he close to him?” “Said his mother was a whore and that he met him a few times.” “Then he didn’t know him.” “What the hell is that supposed to mean? Didn’t you hear me? He is Kid’s son. Kid!” “He ain’t Kid.” “How can you say that?! You and Louise! He probably thought he could sneak in here and wipe us all out!” “He ain’t gonna do that.” “He is Kid’s son! I can’t trust him!” “James, stop all that yelling and listen. The boy has been here a while now. If he was gonna try to hurt this family, he would have by now. Sides that, if he was out to get us, he wouldn’t tell you that Kid was his father. I think that he would have kept that a secret. The boy is stupid but not that stupid.” “He can’t stay here.” “Sure, he can.” “He can’t.” “Let me guess, Lou said that he was staying too, didn’t she.” Jimmy nodded. “That young man loves your daughter. He works hard on this ranch of yours. He is worried about earning your approval. He ain’t planning on hurting us. He didn’t know Kid. That’s his saving grace.” “I don’t know if I can look at him the same. I can’t. He has to go.” “I understand that too but just take time to think all this over first.” “I’ve made up my mind.” “I don’t think you have. Just think on it. Don’t do anything tonight.” Jimmy finally nodded. “Now what did you say to that sweet wife of yours for you to end up in the barn?” “Something that I shouldn’t have.” “Figured that. Well, you best camp out here tonight. Make it right in the morning. Don’t want her smothering you in your sleep.” Jimmy snorted. “Think on it. See you in the morning.” “I will but I am telling you that I can’t let him stay, Teaspoon.” Teaspoon nodded as he walked back over to his house. Jimmy laid back down in the hay to stare at the rafters again. Chapter 20 Duke sat watching the place that Tate was supposedly calling home. He had made snide remarks about it being a dirt farm, but it was far from it. He saw his brother walk around in the early dawn with another young man feeding the many horses. Beautiful ones at that. He saw his brother walk out to a far pasture and toss hay over. He saw a girl make her way over to him. He knew it. He was there because of some skirt. He watched his brother pull her into a hug. She pressed her face into his chest. He looked again to the horses in the field. He needed some better horses. He could use this information in his favor. Tate held onto Lori as she cried. She finally wiped her eyes and stepped back. “Tate, what are we going to do? You told Daddy that Kid was your father. He will never look at you the same.” “Lori, honey, I had no idea what my father had done to this family. I didn’t know him at all. Fuck, I ain’t seen him but twice in my life. He wasn’t my fucking father. I never had one.” “My brother Hunter killed him.” “Fuck if I care, place is better off without him.” “But I don’t know what is going to happen now. My parents are fighting, Annie is scared now. Lucas doesn’t know. He will take it just as bad as Dad. I’m scared.” “Don’t be. I’ll do whatever you tell me to do.” “Will you go stay with Silas for a few days? Just until I talk to Mom and Grandpa. We can get Dad straight then I’ll come for you.” “If that’s what you want, I will go.” “Please. Let us talk with Daddy.” “Lorilei? What if he doesn’t budge?” “I’ll come for you regardless. You know I will.” Tate nodded and pulled her into a hug again. The two walked over to the bunkhouse in the early morning light. Tate gathered a few things. Lori watched him nod to her as he rode off toward town. Lucas came up beside her. “Where’s he going?” “Away for a while.” “Lori?” “Got us a problem. A big one.” “What is going on?” “Found out Tate is Kid’s other son.” Lucas felt himself stiffen. He saw Lori studying his face. He tried to relax. “There’s got to be more to it. He sure don’t act like him.” “He didn’t know him. Only met him twice. Tate says he has no father.” “Dad shit a brick.” Lucas said watching the dust settle. “You know it. Mom and Dad are fighting. Dad is in the barn.” “He’ll make the right choice once the shock wears off.” “Think so?” “Yeah, I like Tate. If he was out to get us, he would have burned us by now. Dad won’t admit it, but he sees the good in him, too. If he had any doubts, he would not have brought him back with us from the sale.” Luke smiled nudging Lori. “It’s all different now.” Lucas watched as Lori walked slowly back over to the house. He sighed and looked around as the sun rose higher in the sky. Jimmy groaned and rolled over. He smelled food. He looked over to see Eli sitting cross legged in the hay beside him eating a biscuit. He sat up and tried to stretch some of the soreness out of his back. “You late this morning.” Eli said chewing. “Well, I didn’t sleep too well last night, Elijah.” “Your fault. That’s what Momma said.” “She did, did she?” “Yes, sir.” “I reckon breakfast is ready.” “Momma says you ain’t getting any this morning until you learn how to act. You must have really pissed her off.” Eli said still chewing. “Please watch your mouth.” Jimmy said rubbing his face. “Breakfast was good too.” Jimmy cut his eyes over at his youngest child. “Think you could go steal something for me?” “Nope. It ain’t nice to steal.” “Don’t you have school?” “Luke and Penny is taking me. Any time now.” “Let me have a bite of that biscuit then.” “Nope, you always make me clean my plate. Guess I better listen.” “You better go on then, fore I take it.” Jimmy said reaching for his smart mouthed child. Eli jumped up shoving the rest of the biscuit in his mouth. He giggled. He ran to the opening of the barn before stopping to turn around again. “Still got to meet with that old hag teacher of mine. She says you knew what you were doing not showing up. She says you got to set a better example. Bitch.” Jimmy silently laughed inside as Eli ran on out. He stood and dusted the hay off his clothes when he heard someone else coming inside. He looked up to see Rachel coming with some breakfast. “Figured Louise would have made you side with her.” “It doesn’t matter which side I am on, you need to eat something.” Rachel smiled as she handed him the plate. “You hear?” “I did.” Jimmy watched as she just stood and waited. He knew she had something to say. “Jimmy, I really hope that you don’t hold this news against that young man.” “Here we go.” “Listen, I wouldn’t say anything if I truly did not believe in that boy. He may have Kid’s blood in him, but he is not him. He works hard and he tries. He tries so hard. He has so much love for Lori. You know it and I know it. If you didn’t think that he did, you would not have brought him back the first time. You just feel hurt and angry at Kid for what he did to us. Kid was evil. He did hurt this family, but this young man hasn’t. He is not his father. You know that.” “What if he turns out to be just like him? Ain’t that what people say? Boys turn into their fathers.” “Do you believe that? If that was true, why didn’t you turn out to be just like your father? Putting your family down so you could do bigger things. Beating your wife and children.” Jimmy frowned and glared at Rachel. “Truth hurts, doesn’t it. So, I will let you eat your breakfast. You think about what I said, then you can tell me if you truly believe that sons turn into their fathers.” With that said, Rachel turned and left the barn. Chapter 21 Tate walked down the street in town with Silas. He was happy that he had found a friend in him. He had told Si what had happened. Both Si and his Pa, didn’t turn him away. His Pa had just patted him on the back and told him to let Jimmy work through it on his own time. He told him that he could stay until he did. As he walked with Silas, he saw Duke emerge from the saloon. He tried not to look in his direction as they walked on. Silas walked on into his Pa’s shop. Tate saw Duke edge closer. He walked over to where he was standing not wanting his brother to know that he was now living in town for the time being. “Why are you watching me?” Tate said as he stood beside his brother. “Just keeping in touch.” “What do you want from me? I told you I ain’t leaving.” “That’s your choice but I do need a favor from my long lost brother.” “I don’t owe you a fucking thing.” “Lord, what a mouth.” Laughed Duke. “You can leave town now.” “I will be glad to, but you see, I need some fresh horses.” Tate knew what he was asking so he turned to walk away. Duke grabbed his arm and shoved him up against the wall of the building. He put his arm across Tate’s neck. “You will get me six horses and meet me in the canyon.” “The fuck I will.” Tate said fighting him. Duke smiled as one of his friends walked over and held onto him also. Tate had no choice but to settle down. “You will. Tomorrow night.” “Fuck off.” “If you don’t, then I guess I’ll let the boys have your little girl friend.” Tate stilled and felt sick. “You are lying.” “Am I? Real spit fire that one is. Little lass managed to punch Rick and tried to choke Cory. I swear, you got good taste.” “You are lying? You couldn’t have got her.” “Seems like she was picking up her little brother from school. Worked out just fine for us.” “You are lying.” “Tomorrow night. If you don’t show, you’ll see. I’ll make sure to dump her body back off at that dirt farm for you.” Tate struggled against his brother and the other man. “I’ll be seeing you tomorrow night. Don’t hit me now. If you hit me, then I hit her. Just to be clear. See you soon.” Tate sagged against the wall as the two walked away. He stood there for a few before cutting behind the buildings. He ran to the school. He didn’t bother to knock as he ran inside. The teacher jumped up in alarm. “Did Lori pick Eli up from school today?!” Tate asked loudly. “Why…..” “Did she pick him up?!” Tate yelled. “She did. Right on time.” The teacher stammered. Tate rushed back outside. He walked to the side of the building where he fell against the wall in defeat. He started down at the dirt. He didn’t see Silas walk up. “What’s wrong? I saw you running around town.” “Nothing.” “Tate?” “I got to go. I need some time.” Silas watched Tate walk off to the livery. He went back home to tell his father that something was very wrong. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Lou watched Jimmy work around the yard. He kept stealing glances her way, but she turned her head away every time she caught him looking. Damn, he was so infuriating. She walked to put the wash out on the porch. She stood up and caught sight of someone in the distance. It looked like they were running. She looked to Jimmy. “Jimmy!” “You speaking now?” He grumbled. “Shut up, someone is running this way!” Jimmy stopped to look. He strained to see out of his good eye. Lou moved out into the yard to look. She looked at her husband. Jimmy noticed the color leave her face. “It’s Eli!” She screamed hiking up her skirts to run. Jimmy ran behind her. The two met the little boy just as he was coming to the first gate. He was crying and covered in dirt. Lou snatched him into a hug. Jimmy knelt down beside them. “Eli, baby, what happened? Where’s Lori?” Lou said rocking the child. “Some men took her. She was screaming.” Eli cried. “Let me see you.” Said Jimmy holding the boy away from him. He looked at the blood on the side of his small face. “They hit you?” “I tried to help Lori, I did. He knocked me down. That’s all I know. I heard her screaming.” Eli cried. “It’s ok. It’s ok.” Lou said cradling her son. “It’s that fucker! I’m going to look.” Jimmy said angrily. “Jimmy, this isn’t Tate and you know it.” “You can’t look me in the eye and tell me that you believe that. It’s him!” “Jimmy! Wait!” Lou cried out but he was already running back for his horse. She slowly stood and helped Eli back home. Annie and Rachel rushed out as Jimmy raced out the yard. Teaspoon hobbled over. “Where is Lucas?” Lou asked. “He and Penny are out riding. Planning a house spot.” “I need him to get his father. I need him to go now.” “I’ll go get my horse.” Said Annie. “Annie, maybe Billy can go with you.” Lou said. “He ain’t been here last few days and I don’t see any sense in him coming now.” Annie said as she ran for her horse. Lou frowned. That was a problem for another day. She saw her daughter gallop out the barn. Teaspoon looked at Eli’s face. “Lou?” “Some men took Lori on the way home from town. Jimmy thinks it’s Tate.” “Lordy Lord. It couldn’t have been.” “I know that, and you know that, but Jimmy only sees one person. And that person is Kid.” “Luke will get him.” Rachel said. “Now let’s get Elijah cleaned up. It looks to just be a scratch.” Rachel and Lou took Eli inside to wash his face. Teaspoon made his way over to his house. He limped in and went to the trunk in the far room. He opened it and removed his revolver. He strapped it on and gathered his shotgun before making his way back over to Lou’s. Chapter 22 Lucas found his father walking around their buckboard on the trail in from town. He was kneeling when Lucas rode up. He dismounted and went to kneel beside his father. “Looks like four.” Jimmy mumbled. “Looks like she put up a fight.” “I swear, I am gonna kill him.” “Dad, you can’t think that this is Tate.” “Who else could it be? He came into this family to destroy us one by one. Just like his father and brother. I was so stupid not to get rid of him when I found out. Now look.” “Lori wouldn’t fight Tate. She loves him and he loves her. He would never hurt a hair on her head. Deep down you know that. Reason why you didn’t shoot him when you found out, you knew better.” “I knew that I should have gotten rid of him when I had the chance.” “Dad, I can’t agree with you on this. This ain’t Tate and you know it. Whether you want to admit it or not.” “You sound too much like Teaspoon.” Lucas nodded when they heard horses approaching. They looked up to see Noah and Silas. Jimmy stood. “What’s going on?” Asked Noah. “Where’s Tate?” Jimmy asked. “I figured you let him stay with you.” “He was staying with me. And don’t accuse me of anything. I don’t like that tone in your voice.” Noah answered. “Do you know who he is?” Jimmy growled. “Matter of fact, I do. He is a boy that never knew his father but is being judged because of it.” “Where is he?” Jimmy asked louder. “We don’t know Uncle Jimmy. I saw some man leave the alley then Tate ran out the back way. He went to the school. I asked him what was wrong, but he didn’t answer. He got his horse and left. He was a mess.” Silas said. “He took Lori.” Jimmy snarled. “Took Lori?” Noah asked dumbfounded. “I know damn good and well that you don’t believe that.” “He did. And he is gonna pay when I get my hands on him.” Jimmy said before riding back toward home. Lucas walked over next to Noah’s horse. He watched his father go. “Tate didn’t do this. You should have seen his face.” Said Silas. “I know. Dad isn’t thinking straight. It’s like once that name was mentioned, every bad thing that was ever done against us came rushing back.” “And piled on that poor boy’s shoulders.” Said Noah. “I’m gonna drive the buckboard back. Dad followed the tracks out but lost them. I better stay close.” Lucas said as he tied his horse to the back of the wagon. “I think we are gonna ride back and let Cassie know what’s going on. We’ll be ready.” Said Noah. Lucas nodded as he urged the horse on toward home. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Lori sat in the back of the dirty cabin. She tried her ropes again. She heard boot steps on the floor. She waited as the blindfold was pulled from her eyes. “Not much longer and I’ll let you go. Just as long as your beau comes through for you.” Duke said. “Fuck you.” “My, my. My brother picked a rowdy one.” Laughed Duke. “You don’t even know the half of it.” “He will come through for you. I saw it in his eyes.” “And when I am set free, I will cut your fucking throat.” Duke laughed as he looked at the other men. They all laughed as they walked outside and slammed the door. Lori looked around the damp cabin. She would not cry. She would not. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Tate sat around his small camp out on the plains. He rubbed his face. He stood up and screamed in anger. He fell onto the ground and pounded it with his fist until he rolled over from exhaustion. Damn him. Damn Duke. He would have to steal from the one man that he didn’t want to. He had to. He had to do this, or Duke would hurt Lori and even though winning Jimmy’s respect was important to him, she was more important. He would take some of the mares out in the north field. He would take them and get Lori back. Deal with the repercussions later. Jimmy might kill him. He thought about that. Fuck it, as long as he knew Lori was safe first. That was all that mattered. Chapter 23 Teaspoon and Louise as well the rest of them tried to talk to Jimmy but his vision was clouded with dark thoughts of Kid. Lou tried to make him come back inside the house, but he would not hear of it. He didn’t want to be around any of them at the moment. He was too tied up in his emotions and anger. Lucas walked out onto the bunkhouse porch. He sat back in the chair watching the barn. He had promised his mother that he would make sure that his father didn’t ride off alone in the night. He sat and looked up at the full moon. He sat watching the stars when he heard the horses nicker in the field. He sat upright and glanced to the barn. He didn’t see his Dad moving, so he eased back. He heard the horses again. He sat up and pulled his boots on. He glanced to the barn again. It was still quiet. He saw the new stallion looking out in the distance. He eased up and crept down to look. “Something is out there.” Jimmy said from behind him. “Maybe, maybe not.” Said Lucas. “What are you doing up anyway? Making sure I stay home?” “You guessed it. We all know how stubborn you are being right now.” Jimmy cut his eyes over at him before looking back at the horses. “What do you hear, Luke? You know I can’t.” “Herd sounds restless.” He said quietly. “Come on.” Lucas and Jimmy slowly eased along the fence line. They walked along in the moonlight until they came to a spot where the rails had been taken down. “Shit.” Jimmy said looking around. Lucas ran out in the field. He came running back. “Took maybe five or six. Hard to count in the dark.” “Go get our horses while I follow these tracks.” Lucas ran back to the barn while Jimmy slowly walked along looking at the tracks. He walked along slowly until he heard Lucas riding back up. He swung up on his horse. “Whoever it is, is moving fast. Not bothering to cover their tracks.” Jimmy said. “How many?” “One.” The two rode along until they came to the creek. They waded across and quickly picked up the tracks from the other side. Lucas caught sight of them in the distance. “There.” He said. Jimmy urged his horse faster with Lucas in tow. “Stop right there!” Jimmy yelled. The person kicked his horse into a run with the horses following behind. Jimmy and Lucas pushed their horses faster. Jimmy fired a shot in the air. “I said stop!” He yelled. Lucas pulled his gun. He got closer when he took notice of the person in the moonlight. He saw his father aim. Before he could yell out, he fired. He watched Tate fall forward before rolling down to the dirt. The horses scattered. Lucas jumped down and ran over to him. “Dad! It’s Tate!” He yelled looking the boy over. “Luke?” Tate gasped. “Tate, hold on. What the hell you doing?” Jimmy knelt down beside Lucas as he tended Tate. “Lori, he has Lori. I have to…..” Tate coughed. “Hold on, man.” Lucas said as he looked at the wound in the boy’s side. “The horses. For Lori. Please.” Tate pleaded grabbing Jimmy’s arm. Lucas looked at his father as he stared down at the young man. “Take your time. Who has Lori?” Luke asked as he held pressure. Tate yelled out. He laid back. He looked at Jimmy. “So sorry. Duke. Has. Her.” “Duke? The boy from town?” Jimmy asked. “Brother. Horses for Lori. I had to. She means it all to me. Everything.” Tate said. Jimmy pushed Lucas aside and looked the wound over. He looked back at Tate. “Dad, he is telling the fucking truth. He has to make the trade! He would do anything for my sister!” Luke yelled. “Please, Jimmy. I have to take the horses. Get Lori back.” Tate pleaded. Jimmy looked in the boy’s eyes. He looked down. He watched as Lucas took his shirt off. He watched Tate’s eyes again. He believed him. He had been a fool. He snatched the shirt from Lucas and started wrapping the wound. “It went straight through. Don’t look too bad.” He said. “Sorry.” “No, I am. I was wrong. You are not him and I am the one at fault. I’m sorry.” Jimmy said. “Please get me on my horse. I have to get her.” Tate said groaning. “Dad, how can he ride like this? He will know.” “Ride to town. Get Noah and Silas. Get some bandages. Hurry.” Jimmy said. Luke nodded and rushed off. Jimmy held onto Tate’s hand as the boy fought against the pain. “I love her.” Tate mumbled. “I know, I know. You are gonna be ok. Luke will back in just a few. Bright night like this, he can ride fast.” “Guess I should be happy that you can’t half see.” Laughed Tate. Jimmy tried to laugh as well. “Sorry I judged you, Tate. I was wrong.” “Hey, you didn’t call me dumbass.” Tate coughed. “You’re still a dumbass.” Jimmy held onto Tate as they waited for Lucas. Chapter 24 Lucas helped Tate onto his horse as Noah and Jimmy stood on either side. Tate held his side tightly as he sat in the saddle. Silas brought the other horses over. Tate looked down and nodded before gathering the rope. “Make the trade. We’ll be right behind you.” Jimmy said. Tate swallowed and nodded before pushing his horse forward. Lucas looked over at his Dad. “He might not make it to their camp.” “He will.” Lucas nodded before mounting up. The four followed a ways behind. They followed Tate to the canyon. They split into pairs and circled around. Duke looked up when he heard horses coming. He saw his brother leading several. He smiled at his friends. “Told ya, he would do it. Get her.” Tate wiped the sweat from his brow. He pulled to a stop a short way off. He watched as two men pulled Lori out. They pulled the blindfold from her eyes. “Tate, I am so glad that you held up your end of the bargain.” “Send her over and you can have the horses.” Tate said. “Get down and meet me halfway. Her for the rope.” Tate took a breath and nodded. He slid down but his knees buckled, and he fell down onto his hands. Duke watched him stand. “You had trouble little brother?” He called out as Tate slowly stood. The men behind Duke pulled their guns. Duke held his hand out for them to stand down. “I’m fine.” Tate said as he straightened up. Duke watched him warily as he started walking to meet him. He grabbed Lori’s arm and pulled her along. Lori looked at the sweat on Tate’s face and how he was standing. She knew something was wrong. She waited. “Here. Take it.” Tate said holding out the rope. Duke glanced around and took it before shoving Lori over to Tate. He stepped back as Tate fell pulling Lori down with him. Duke heard movement from the side as shots came from the trees. He yelled to the men as they fired back. Jimmy watched Tate roll over on top of Lori as gunshots blasted all around. He knew then that the boy would trade his life for hers. He fired at the remaining man and felt relief as he fell. Noah, Silas, and Lucas eased out from their cover and went to check the dead. Jimmy made his way over to Tate and Lori. “Tate, you can move now. Tate?” Lori cried. Jimmy pulled the boy off her. He saw the blood making its way through his shirt. He motioned to Noah who ran over with another rag to hold more pressure on it. Lori put her forehead against Tate’s as she cried. “Lori, honey, let us tend him.” Jimmy said. Luke came over and pulled his sister away. He held on to her tight as she cried. “He can’t die! He can’t leave me!” “We just got to get him some help. It isn’t that bad, he is just losing too much blood. But he had to make the trade. It had to be him.” Said Lucas. “You can’t make him leave, Dad! I love him! I can’t lose him!” “Lori, try to calm down. We are trying to help him. Tate? Can you hear me?” Jimmy asked. “Lori. Get her.” Tate mumbled. “We got her.” Jimmy said. Lori pushed away from Lucas and fell beside Tate. She cupped his face as he stared up at the stars. “Tate, you can’t die. You have to hold on. I need you.” Lori cried. Tate looked at Lori and smiled faintly. “Sorry.” He said. “Please, Tate. I need you with me. Your baby needs you.” Jimmy heard Lori and fell back. He felt sick, nervous almost. He felt Lucas grab his arm. He pushed him away. “Dad?” “Get him to town now.” Jimmy rasped out. Lucas got on his horse as Jimmy and Noah lifted Tate in front of him. “I packed it good. Now ride.” Said Noah. Luke nodded as Silas rode up beside him. The two kicked their horses into a dead run. Noah went to gather the other horses. He led them back over to Jimmy. Lori stood crying quietly. He handed Jimmy his reins. “Lorilei? Is it true?” Jimmy asked his daughter. “Yes.” “Your Mama know?” “Annie and Penny.” Lori said looking down at the tip of her boot. Jimmy cleared his throat. He didn’t know what to say. “Guess you are gonna kill him now.” Lori whispered. “No. I don’t think so.” Lori finally looked up at him. Jimmy nodded before helping her to her horse. “We take it slow and easy. Got a little one to think of now. Let’s get to town.” “You ain’t gonna yell at me?” “Won’t change things now. I am the one who should be yelled at. I am so sorry. So sorry.” “You shot him, didn’t you?” Jimmy nodded. “I know I was wrong. Wrong for putting blame on him. Wrong for not believing in him. I hope that you and Tate will forgive me. Let me be a part of my grand child’s life.” “You don’t think that I would do that do you? You might be hardheaded and stubborn, but you are my Daddy. I would never do you like that. I only hoped that you would accept it and us. I was scared at the thought of leaving home.” “I’m sorry, Lori. So sorry.” “Just let it be. Let it be done. Don’t say anymore. I’m over it as long as you don’t kill my dumbass.” Lori smiled faintly. “Come on, let’s get to town and that dumbass of yours.” Lori nodded as the group headed toward town. Chapter 25 Jimmy watched Lucas and Penny ride off in the distance. He smiled. The two had finally picked a spot to build their first home. He was sure they were going out to look again. Big dreams, he thought. He remembered those days. He looked over to see Lori and Tate coming back in. Lori was laughing as she teased Tate. The boy was still moving slow. She skipped ahead and turned back to yell some remark at him. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to find Louise beside him. “She is happy. Isn’t she.” Lou sighed. “Unfortunately.” “Jimmy.” “Just teasing. Dumbass is alright with me.” “He better be.” Lou laughed. “I would guess that he will be around a while.” “Fraid so.” “Now we got two weddings to plan. Lots of excitement. Almost too much.” “I can’t believe that Lori will be married before Lucas. And have a child of her own. God, I am gonna have a grand child. Still makes my stomach sick sometimes to think about it.” “They will be fine. They will be right here with us. Things happen. You of all people should know that. Look at you and me.” “I ain’t faulting either of them. She does seem to love that dumbass.” “Look at you, acting all grown up.” Lou laughed. “Maybe.” “What else is on your mind? I know it just isn’t Lori. You hear something about Hunter?” “No, got a letter from Buck.” “Everything ok with them?” “He didn’t say. He, Dakota, River, and Sparrow will be heading this way in a few weeks. That is what bothers me, that he didn’t say much more.” “Just a visit maybe. It’s about time.” “He asked to stay a while.” “Oh.” “He’s got trouble.” “Well, we will figure it out when they get here. Don’t worry until then.” “Duke wasn’t among the others as well. I’m afraid Tate hasn’t seen the last of him.” “Again, we will handle that when and if, that time comes.” The two looked back at Rachel’s house where she was sitting on the porch talking to Annie who was on the steps. “What the hell is going with Billy? He ain’t been coming around lately.” Jimmy asked frowning. “She isn’t saying much but she shows indifference to the whole thing. Another problem to figure out.” “If we didn’t have problems, we wouldn’t have anything. Life would be boring. Our kids are gonna kill us.” “She has a good head on her shoulders. She’ll figure it out.” Teaspoon walked over to his chicken pen with Eli. The boy’s mouth was moving nonstop. Teaspoon was steady jabbering as well. “Those two are a problem.” Jimmy said. “I can’t argue with that. At least they keep each other busy.” “I still got to have that meeting with his teacher. Lord help me. That lady looks evil.” “Jimmy, stop. She has to be that way. Have you seen your youngest?” Louise squeezed his arm before heading back toward the house smiling. Jimmy leaned against the top rail watching the palomino colt run. Tate walked over to stand beside him. He glanced over at the boy. “You ready for this?” He asked the boy. “For what?” “Lori, dumbass. And a baby.” “I guess I am.” “You better accept your responsibility and not say, I guess I am. I’d hate to have to shoot you again.” “Sorry, I, uh, I won’t screw this up.” “A little better dumbass.” Tate laughed. They looked out in the distance. “Expecting someone?” Tate asked. “No, why?” “Dust coming.” Jimmy squinted but he could barely make out something. He looked to Tate and back out again. “You see what it is?” “A wagon. One person. A man.” “Come on.” Jimmy said as they started walking to the edge of the yard. Louise and Lori came to stand out on the porch. The wagon drew closer. Jimmy and Tate met it on the edge of the yard. Lou looked to Lori as Jimmy started arguing with the man. She saw him move his arms up and down then put them on his hips. The man handed Jimmy something and left the way he came. Lou looked at Lori confused as Jimmy turned back toward the house. Tate walking behind. He was carrying something. “Jimmy? Who was that?” Jimmy looked at his wife then to the distance where he could barely see Lucas and Penny coming back in. He couldn’t find his voice. “Jimmy?” Lou asked easing closer. She stepped up to him when she heard it. She lifted her hand and moved the white sheet. Jimmy held a baby in his arms. She looked up at him in shock. Jimmy looked back at her. He didn’t know what to say. “Whose child? It looks to be a newborn.” “It seems that it belongs to us now.” Jimmy pushed out. “Us? What did he say, Jimmy?!” Lou asked. “Seems that it belongs to one of ours.” Rachel and Teaspoon had made their way over as well. Annie looked on from the side. “Excuse me?” Rachel asked surprised. “Apparently this belongs to one of mine.” Jimmy said again. “Which one? Hunter?” Rachel asked as she took a look at the child. “I don’t know.” Jimmy said anxiously. Rachel reached and took the child. She pushed the cloth from it’s face. She gasped and looked over at Lou, who had her hands on her face. “It looks just like Hunter and Lucas as a child. No doubt, it belongs here.” Rachel said quietly. “What all did he say son?” Teaspoon asked. “He said that it wasn’t wanted and that it’s father lived here. He didn’t know anything else. Didn’t say who the mother was. He was just paid to drop it off.” Jimmy said. “It’s a boy.” Rachel said. “Name?” “Didn’t give one.” Jimmy said. “You think it’s Hunter’s?” Asked Rachel. “Honestly, it could be either one of them. I hate to say it that way, but we all know how Luke was. God, I could kill him.” “Penny.” Whispered Annie. “We don’t know whose it is yet, Annie. For the time being, we talk to Penny and Lucas. We find the mother then we find out which one is the father.” Said Lou. “Fuck this shit.” Jimmy said walking off. Louise and Rachel took the child to the house. Annie walked off with Eli. Lori went over to the house followed by Tate. Teaspoon stood staring in the distance. Lordy, Lord. Was it Hunter’s? And if so, where the hell was he? Was it Luke’s? And if so, would Penny be able to move past it or would she leave? He watched the smiling young couple ride back in, knowing they neither one of them knew what was waiting in the house. The End for now........ Drop me a note and let me know what you thought!