Cabbage Patch Cowboy
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 8


1946-1947

August flew by all too quickly. The complete month was magical for Waddie and Gip. Waddie was happy living with Buck and Linda Sue. Gip and Waddie got to where they would swapped nights between their two homes. Most of their weekends they spent at the Justins. Dad Dan loved having the boys around because they kept him company, and they were a great help to him. When they were there he never had to go out to put the stock away or feed. He'd find the barn clean, swept and all tack carefully put away. He never had to correct the boys or ask them to do something better. They learned the way he liked things done and were going to see to it they were done that way. Most times he'd go out with them to help because he loved the boy's company. Waddie and Gip didn't try to exclude him or Buck from their closeness. In fact, the boys encouraged the two men to share as much time with them as they could.

Waddie adored Dad Dan and was sexually turned on by him, big time. He laughed and told his brother when they were working with Dan it was all Waddie could do to keep from reaching over and biting Dad Dan's butt. He laughed telling Gip he wondered what it would taste like. Gip had to admit his dad had a nice set of buns, and he'd caught Uncle Buck admiring them more than once. Waddie agreed. Not too long after their conversation the four of them were working together, Dad Dan was bent over doing something, and the boys caught Buck looking at Dan's ass. To make the boys laugh, he got a pained expression on his face and bit his knuckles. Gip and Waddie doubled up with laughter and poor Dan didn't have a clue.

Gip proceeded to tell Waddie he had some pretty nasty dreams about Uncle Buck. Once again Waddie laughed and told him they probably weren't as nasty as his. Waddie told Gip about sleeping with Buck's boot over his head. Gip laughed empathetically for a week or more. He remembered how much he missed Buck that first night after the wedding. Other times he spent with Waddie it was hard on Gip as well. He could only imagine what it must have been like for his brother.

Waddie had inventive ideas Gip never thought of but found fascinating. Once Waddie introduced him to a new idea, it would take him a little while, but usually, he was eager to try it. The next time the boys went to the Claymore's for Sunday dinner, Gip couldn't wait to get upstairs to Buck's room and pull Buck's big boot over his head. He thought it was wonderful. He made Waddie jack him off while he wore it over his head. Then the two of them would look at each other and breakup knowing what the other was thinking. Dad Dan and Buck didn't have a clue.

Dan caught the boys one afternoon in his closet and wanted to know what they were doing in there. They told him they were admiring his boots. Dan told Buck who couldn't stop laughing. He told Dan the boys paid him a great compliment.

"Paid me a compliment? I don't understand."

"First of all,— they didn't lie to you. They were, indeed, admiring your boots. What they didn't tell you was they were sniffing each one to enjoy your smell. Every man has his own smell. It's not bad, but each man has his own signature odor. They love you deeply, and they find you a sexual turn on. Your smell is sexually exciting to them, and they get erections from it. It's part of a kid wanting to be like his dad. Waddie crawls up in my lap every now and then, takes a deep breath, and I know what he's doing. He's smelling me. He loves me, and he ain't shy about it. He'll tell me, 'Damn, you smell good today, Uncle Buck, I hope I smell that good someday.' Sometimes he'll get his nose as close to my arm pit as he can to smell me and loves it. His dick gets hard every time. He's not even embarrassed anymore. I'll look down at his boner and ask him, 'I smell that good to you today?' He'll tell me, 'Pretty darn good Uncle Buck, look how hard that damn thing is.' Then we'll both laugh.

Before I married Linda Sue, the little shit would beg me not to shower in a evening so's he could breath in my smells all night. His dick would stay hard all night. I used to do the same damn thing with my old man. You know what? My old man's smell can still make me pop a boner today.”

Dan laughed, but he couldn't understand because he never had a closeness with his dad. His dad would never let Dan sleep in the same bed with him. He certainly never held the boy enough for him to ever get a smell of his man scent. He kept Dan at arm’s length all his life. Dan could never remember ever hugging his dad. He never remembered his dad kissing him. He never remembered sitting in his dad's lap. He still had dreams of a bigger man holding him in his arms. Sometimes it bothered him because he found himself longing to feel Buck's arms around him. Not necessarily for homosexual reasons, but he couldn't deny it crossed his mind.

One afternoon in the barn the two men had their boots off for some reason, and Buck handed Dan one of his. Dan looked at Buck kind of funny.  He slowly began to understand why Buck gave it to him. Buck picked up one of Dan's boots and stuck it in his own face, smiled at Dan, and breathed deeply, held it, then let it out with a sigh.

"Them boys knew what they were doing. That's definitely your smell." Buck showed Dan his hard dick in his work pants. Dan broke up laughing, but he was fascinated. He had to try it. He held Buck's big boot away from his face about a foot, then found himself putting it closer and closer to his face until his head was half way in. He pulled away, looked at Buck sheepishly, and smiled funny. He looked down at his jeans, and he was roaring hard. Buck laughed his ass off. Dan understood. He never questioned the boys again when he caught them in his closet. He'd just smile and shake his head. His boys were enjoying themselves sniffing his boots. There was something sweet and bonding about that, he thought. Buck was right, it was a big compliment.

Dad Dan surprised the shit out of the boys one afternoon when the boys were working their butts off mucking out stalls. Momma Sue brought them out a big jar of lemonade and three mason jars. The men took a break, and Waddie knew something was on Dad Dan's mind. He looked at the boys sitting as close together as they could so they could touch each other. Waddie always had his arm draped over his little brother's shoulder, and Gip's arm was always around Waddie's waist.

"Don't want to frighten you boys, but I want to ask you a question. I know you'll tell me the truth, but I want you to know if the answer's 'yes,' I'll understand. Don't be afraid to tell me the truth 'cause nothing's gonna' happen. You boys been playing around with each other?"

Gip almost panicked and looked to his big brother for a lead. Without breathing Waddie answered Dad Dan.

"Yes, Sir, Dad Dan. I love Gip. He's my buddy, my little brother, I love to make him feel good when I can, and he does me, too." Gip jumped in but not with an apology. He was standing up with his brother.

"What Waddie says is true, Dad. I was afraid to tell you but I'm glad my brother did."

"Don't never be afraid to tell me anything, Son. Waddie and you were right to tell me the truth. That's fine, there's no problem. It's natural for two young boys who care as much about each other as you do to experiment with sex with each other. That's the way you learn about sex. As you get older you'll probably grow out of it, or you may not. Some men hold on to both. Either way I ain't gonna' love either one of you any less than I do right this minute, understand?"

"Yes, Sir, Dad Dan, we understand and to be honest we're kinda glad you asked. It makes us feel better you knowing. At least with you knowing we don't have to feel like we're keeping something from you. 'Cause if you walked in on us and we were,— well,— you know,— you wouldn't get upset and yell at us. That would really be embarrassing. Gip and I talked about it, and it would hurt us real bad if we ever embarrassed you or Uncle Buck." Waddie said with relief. He could feel Gip melting next to him and putting his arm tighter around him.

"That's a good point, Son, and I'm glad to hear that. I thought it might make you two feel a little more comfortable if I let you know you ain't gonna' get punished or yelled at. That's one reason I asked. The other reason is, if you come around a corner and find your Uncle Buck and me in an embrace, we expect you to give us the same courtesy we allow you men. I know Buck has set up certain courtesy rules about your privacy in your bedroom, Waddie. Those rules make a lot of sense to me. So, Gip, when you and Waddie are here, together, no one will come into your room until we've knocked and waited for you to tell us it's okay to enter.

Now,— if you catch Buck and me kissing or hugging it's 'cause we love each other. Don't mean we love our wives less; it's just another form of love. Love is love, men. The problem with the world is some little people wanna' try to tell you the only acceptable way you can express love is the way they tell you. God never told those folks that. He don't care what form love takes as long as it's beneficial to both and don't hurt no one else. It ain't gonna' hurt nobody as long as you men keep it to yourselves."

"No problem for Gip and me, Dad Dan. You ain't telling us something we don't all ready know and have for sometime. We know you and Uncle Buck love each other. We all ready been keeping your secret."

"What'd ya' mean, Waddie?" Dan knew the minute he asked the question, he should've thought about it first. You don't want to ask a kid a loaded question unless you're ready for the answer.

"We caught cha'll all ready. We were in the hayloft taking a nap the afternoon you and Uncle Buck decided to give each other a blow job in the old barn."

Dan dropped his head in his hand and shook it while laughing silently. Gip and Waddie were rolling in the hay, laughing, holding their bellies and pointing at the look on Dad Dan's face. It was a look of surprise and chagrin. He was red as a beet,  amused and somewhat pleased with the boys for getting such a giggle from it, but not being negative or judgmental. Dan was a big enough man to know when to admit defeat. He knew he deserved it, because,— damn it,— he and Buck should've been more careful, but in a moment of passion,— when you have an enormous, six foot six, good looking cowboy, with very possibly the biggest dick in the county, holding you in his arms, looking deeply into your eyes, kisses you gently, lays his soul bear to you, whispers lovingly he wants you and offers himself in return, what's a buckaroo to do? Dan started laughing at himself and at the boys laughing.

"And you never would've said a word to me or Buck?" Dan said somewhat astounded.

"Never, Dad! It was your and Uncle Buck's business, it weren't none of ours. We'd never embarrass you or Uncle Buck, but since you brought it up, I poked Waddie in the ribs to tell you. It made us so hot we lay in the hayloft and jacked each other off three times." Then the boys started laughing again. Dan was laughing.

"God, I love you boys. You never cease to amaze me. Wait 'til I tell Buck,— he'll shit his pants."

"Maybe you shouldn't tell him, Dad Dan. Gip and I don't wanna' have to muck out another stall." Waddie winked at Dad Dan and smiled. It took Dan a minute to get the joke, then he and Gip held each other laughing.

"Good point, Son! Okay then, I don't need to say another word to you men. If we walk in and catch you guys just keep on doing what chu're doing. ‘Course since you men watched us, the least you can do is let us watch you." Then Dad Dan fell out laughing again. He grabbed the boys and hugged them. "C'mon, let's get this done and get cleaned up. Your aunt and uncle are coming for dinner."

Buck and Linda Sue no sooner arrived and said 'hello' to everyone when Dad Dan had something in the barn he wanted to show Buck. The boys waited and then they heard an explosion of laughter from Buck and Dan. Waddie and Gip started laughing, too. They knew exactly why the men were laughing. Dan came to the door of the barn and motioned for the boys to join them. They ran into the barn to their Uncle Buck's waiting arms, and he kissed both of them.

"I know Dad Dan tells you he loves you, but he don't love you a whit more'n I do, you understand?"

"Yes, Sir, Uncle Buck. We love you, too." Gip replied for both of them.

"So, you guy's had a ring side seat, huh?" Buck asked boldly but knowing better.

"Yes, Sir, Uncle Buck. We thought Dad Dan gave you a much better blow job than you gave him. We figure you owe him one." Waddie stated officiously. The two men hadn't expected that and started laughing.

"Oh, God,— something told me not to ask." Buck moaned.

"Well, you heard your nephew, Buck." said Dan.

"I can't argue with that, Dan! Seems like you get a re-ride, cowboy! The judge's decision is final!" Then they all laughed.

"After dinner?" Dan asked Buck.

"Sounds good to me, cowboy," replied Buck. There were gales of laughter from the barn.

Over the years, the same situation happened several times and Buck and Dan would hear.

"Dad,— Uncle Buck,— we're up here. Let us get out of here if'n you want privacy."

Buck would look at Dan. Dan would nod to Buck.

"Awww, we don't give a shit. Nothing you ain't never seen before."

The boys would come down and get themselves a hay bail close to the door so they could keep watch nobody was heading for the barn. The boys saved Buck and Dan's ass's a couple of times. Buck took special care to make damn sure he gave as good as he got. That only made the four of them closer. The boys had their secrets neither man could pry from them. They would never try. They respected the boys had certain areas they couldn't go into. Waddie told Gip it was all right for him to share with his parents, Linda Sue and Buck about the visit from Waddie's angel, Mr. Urial. Gip didn't do it until a while after Waddie moved in with his aunt and uncle. The boys told Buck and were going to tell the others; however, they forgot about it. They were all at the dinner table at the Justin's. Linda Sue and Momma Sue fixed a wonderful dinner, and they were eating outside under a big oak tree in the Justin's back area. There was a barbeque pit and several picnic tables. They were sitting around one table.

"J'ever tell your parents about meeting Mr. Urial, Gip?" Buck asked Gip. Dan and Jimmy Sue shot a look at Buck because Gip hadn't said a word to them about any experience with Waddie's angel.

"No, Sir, Uncle Buck. Waddie and I talked about it, but I didn't want to alarm them or have them think Waddie and I were crazy." Gip held his hand up to his parents to indicate letting him finish, "When Waddie told me about his angel I believed him but always thought maybe he just imagined it or thought he spoke with an angel. I know people tell you they believe you but probably always wonder. I'll never doubt my brother's word again. Even the angel told me Waddie would never lie to me or betray my trust. I believe the angel and I believe my brother."

"I wouldn't wonder whether you imagined it, Son." replied Buck, "That angel saved my life, and I know for a fact he was riding shotgun in my truck going home the first day we came out here to meet you. I think your parents would have no problem believing you either. Dad Dan knows you boys wouldn't lie to us."

"In Gip's defense," Waddie spoke up, "we wanted to tell ya'll at the same time, but to be honest, as time went by, we got busy and forgot about it. Gip always had the intentions of telling you, but he wanted to wait until all four of you were together.  Guess now's as good a time as any."

"I'm sorry, Dad,— Mom,— Aunt Linda. Waddie's right, I was gonna' tell ya'll, but until Uncle Buck brought it up, we just plumb forgot. I apologize.  Forgive us?"

"Of course we'll believe you, Son. No harm done. There's nothing to forgive. We forget stuff all the time, and you boys have had a non-stop schedule since your birthdays." said Dad Dan.

Gip told the story exactly as it happened and asked Waddie to interrupt him if he made a mistake or left anything out. He didn't tell some of the things about Aunt Agatha knowing anything. He and Waddie discussed it before and decided it might  cause more questions than they or Aunt Agatha was prepared to deal with. Waddie hadn't even told Buck the whole story of Gip and his encounter with the angel. Gip made it a point to tell his family God declared him and Waddie were brothers.  Gip finished and went on eating his dinner. The adults were quiet. No one spoke. They were all waiting for Dan to say something..

"Son, we believe you and your brother. We're thrilled the angel allowed Waddie to share with you. Whatever the secrets it'll help him knowing his brother shares the knowledge. That can mean a lot to a man. Why, old Buck and I share a few secrets, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out your mom and Aunt Linda Sue share a couple they keep to themselves. Friends do that;  brothers especially. It just impresses the Hell out of me God found you worthy and believes in you enough to share Waddie's secret. That's the most important thing to me. It's almost like God saying you're a good boy who can be trusted by anyone. That makes your mom and I feel very happy and proud.

"It sure does, sweetheart," added Momma Sue.

"I agree with Dan, no matter what secrets you share it's what the angel told you about each other that most impresses me. You, honey?" Buck looked at Linda Sue.

"Absolutely, Gip. You, too, dear." Linda Sue spoke to the boys.

"I can tell you boys one damn thing! Watch Dan from now on, I doubt you'll see his feet touch the ground when he walks." Laughed Buck. "Funnier yet, I'll probably be floating right along behind him. You might have to take us by our shirt tails and pull us back down to the ground." The boys laughed.

"He's probably right, Guys. You two make me so damn proud I don't know what to do sometimes."

Dan stood up and spoke two words to them, "Com’mer!" The boys got up and  hugged Dad Dan together. Dan couldn't hold back the tears and didn't try. He felt so much love for them he couldn't hold it back. Buck was next. He wanted his fair share and he, too, deserved it.

* * * * * * *

Morgan was visiting more and more with Waddie. They were doing things together and with Buck. Waddie asked Gip to join them sometimes but not every time he saw Morgan. Gip knew why. Waddie was trying to protect him against the folks in Morgan's house, and while he wanted to be there for his brother, he appreciated his position. Waddie admitted to Buck his love for Morgan had grown again, and he felt a little more secure; however, as time neared for Waddie to go back to Morgan's house, Morgan began to ignore Waddie's request to change some things. Waddie could see he was lapsing back into the old dad he couldn't talk to. It was going to be Morgan's way. Waddie thought of a test for Morgan to see if he was really trying to change.

"Before I come back I want a good lock installed on my bedroom door. I don't care if you and Uncle Buck have a key but if they threw all my things away I want to know my stuff is still gonna' be there if I spend several days away. Willie used to barge into my room, take anything he wanted and threaten to kill me if I told on him about anything. I don't want that to happen again. I won't take no shit off him." Morgan looked at Buck and Linda Sue.

"He threatened to kill you, Waddie?"

"He certainly did,— more'n once!" Waddie looked Morgan directly in the eye daring him to suggest he was lying. Morgan knew if he did, Waddie wouldn't come home with him at the end of August.

"Well, he's locked you out of his room all these years. I don't think a lock on your door's an unreasonable request. Especially, if Willie threatened you with murder."

"Not, "if," Morgan, "since"! Waddie don't lie. He would never lie to me, and I don't believe he's ever lied to you either." Buck got pissed and stomped out the back door. He could see where this was headed and didn't like it. He wished Waddie would just refuse to go back with Morgan. He knew he could get custody of Waddie with Dr. Dyer's help. Morgan and Judy's track record of child care wouldn't be too difficult to prove lacking. The entire town would support Buck.

The whole circumstance made Buck think more than ever about running for sheriff. How many other kids or adults out there were in similar circumstances and afraid for their lives. He would no longer sit idly by and let an incompetent, money grubbing, almost senile, incompetent nincompoop be sheriff of the county and town he loved. He may not know much about being a sheriff but he knew the folks would give him time to learn. It would also put him in a position of unquestioned power that would make that little cocksucker, Willie, think twice before messing with Waddie. Buck liked Waddie's request to have a good lock installed on his bedroom door. In fact, Buck would buy it and install it for him. He feared the worst for the boy he had come to love so much.

"Dad, I will answer only to you in that house. I will not obey or even give Judy the time of day. I refuse to be her little slave and do her chores while Willie sits on his ass sneering at me 'cause I have to do 'em and he don't. I don't expect to get anything from her anyway. I never have, why would this time be different."

"Now, Waddie, she's your ma, and you'll have to obey her,..."

"You're lying to me, Dad! You know damn well you're sitting there telling me a damn, bald face lie. She ain't my mother and you know it! You'd take me to the barn and beat me until you shot in your pants if I told you a lie like that. A mother wouldn't throw out her kid's clothes the first day he went to a hospital. I may be six years old, Dad, but I ain't no fool. I'll tell you how it's gonna' be. I ain't coming back to that house and have to answer to her about nothing. I won't tell her where I'm going, and I don't want her asking me any questions. If I leave the house it's none of their business where I go or what I do. You're the only family I have living there. They ain't my family."

"You know, I could just make you come home on my terms."

Waddie looked stunned at Morgan.  He couldn't believe Morgan would take that tact with him after what he went through. Waddie couldn't help himself.  He laughed at him.

"I don't think so, Dad. In fact, you're bluffing. Don't embarrass yourself by making me call your bluff. You know you wouldn't win. You know damn well I could walk out that door, walk to Dr. Dyer's house and tell him I'm afraid for my life at your place, which is no lie, and ask for placement. I'd either be placed with Buck and Aunt Linda, Ma and Pa Lovejoy, or even Ma and Pa Claymore. That would be better'n having to do anything Judy told me to do.  Besides all that, you lied to me again.  You told me you wouldn't force me to come back if'n I didn't want to.  The 'only' reason I'll come back to that house is for you, Dad, and not a bit for them.

I'm not the same kid who wanted to die rather than not have you believe in him or have those bastards for family. And you, Dad, are the one who damn near let me die. You're asking a Hell of a lot for me to even trust you anymore. You tell me you love me, but that's a lie, too. You couldn't of cared very much to let me lay there, alone, at the bottom of a dark closet dying while you held to your stupid beliefs that I'd come around to your way of thinking. Well, Dad, I didn't and I damn near died. I won't let you or anyone put me in that position again.

If you don't love me enough to protect me from those people then I damn sure will, and I have people who will back me up. I got people who love me now, Dad. I know what it is to be loved, and it isn't the Hell you want to take me back into. Bottom line, Dad, if you're really trying to change you'll give up the idea they are a part of you and me. They ain't, Dad, and you know it! You keep pretending and look what its cost you. If you don't love me enough to provide me with protection then I ain't coming home. It's that simple, Dad!"

"Well, we'll see..."

"Yeah! We'll see, all right. I'll see it in writing with your signature witnessed by three adults you agree to my wishes or you don't have a son anymore."

"You've gotten pretty spoiled and cocky since you've been with Buck. He lets you get away with anything."

"That's a lie, Dad.  If, by spoiling, you mean somebody shows me love, yes, you're right, they spoil me every day. As far as Buck letting me get away with anything, I make damn sure I don't do anything to make him need to correct me. Haven't since the first day we been together. Funny, I ain't gotten one beating from Buck. I must be doing something right. I never did one of those things you beat me for all those times. That ain't gonna' happen again either, Dad!"

"You talk awful big for a six year old kid."

"Them ain't my words, Dad. There from my angel coming through me. I hear words coming out my mouth I ain't never heard before! I don't even know what some of 'em mean, but you seem to. I'm too young to argue with you and make sense. My angel isn't. He knows more words than you do and uses 'em better."

"You still hanging on to that crap? You talking to an angel?"

"It's not important whether you believe me, Dad, what's important is my safety and comfort if I agree to come home with you. If you want me, then you have to make some concession you were never willing to make before. If you don't make them now, you won't have a son. You'll be left with your make believe family who just uses you and gives you nothing in return but a fantasy."

"Waddie, I'm your dad and you will do what I tell you."

"You haven't changed a bit, Dad. You ain't interested in what I have to say or how I feel. I ain't ending up at the bottom of that closet again for you and especially for them son’s of bitches. I've tried to believe you just weren't thinking right to let me almost die. Now I don't think so anymore, Dad. I don't think you really gave a damn whether I lived or died."

"That's not true, Waddie, I do love you."

"Is loving someone telling them you were ‘relieved’ they lived and didn't die? Is loving me wanting to put me back under the same conditions that put me in the hospital in the first place? You didn't kill me last time, Dad. What do you want, another chance? Is that why you want me back? You want to give them another chance to kill me? Seems like it to me. You tell me where the love is in that? I ain't gonna' argue with you no more, Dad! There is no argument! You either agree to these things in writing, or I won't come back! It's that simple, Dad! Now please leave, I won't discuss it anymore! You've got some thinking to do. If I were to go back with you under your make believe family rules I'd be dead in a month. I have people I love I plan to live for. If you don't want me anymore, they do. I'd rather live with Ma and Pa Lovejoy than you and them son’s of bitches. I won't give you or them another chance to kill me, Dad.  If you come back with the same attitude and crap you're trying to scare me with, I won't talk to you. I'll have Buck take me to Doc Dyer's immediately, and I'll never call you dad again."

"Are you threatening me?'

"Yes, Dad, I am! I don't want to die. You're not going to kill me. They're not going to kill me. I'm not going to let you let them kill me. Do you want to hear me say it again, Dad? Yes, it is a threat! It definitely is a threat! I am threatening you, and I have the guns to back it up!"

Waddie got up, left the room and headed out the back door to be with Buck. He was so upset he was tempted to spill his guts to Buck, but he knew he couldn't. He didn't know where those words came from. He used words he'd never heard before. He didn't even know what they meant but obviously his dad did.  Waddie knew where they came from. He was right, they came through him from his friend and protector, Mr. Urial.  He stood up to his dad in ways he never would have considered before he almost died on that closet floor. He wasn't particularly proud of himself, but he knew the words didn't come from him. Why? All of a sudden, Waddie knew why. They had an investment in him. They couldn't let anything happen to him, or it would disturb the way the universe was unfolding. If he'd chosen not to come back it would've unfolded another way, but since he did agree to come back it had to unfold the way they showed him it would. The moment his Aunt Linda realizes he's her child will put everything back into normal position for unfolding for him and everyone around him. Buck held him as he cried and cried. Morgan was still sitting in the kitchen when Buck came back in and sat down.

"He won't listen to a thing I say no more, Buck."   Morgan said more than a little frustrated.

"You're so wrong, brother. He listens to everything you say. He's waiting to hear you say you love him enough to listen to what he has to say. Seems to me like you're going to have to go along with his requests. If you don't, brother, I don't blame him for not wanting to go back with you. The only reason he wants to is because he still loves you deeply. No matter the words that come out of him, I know that boy. He doesn't take love lightly, but I can guaran-damn-tee-ya' you're gonna' have to show some pretty convincing changing to get him back.  Lemme' tell you something, brother. I love that little shit like I ain't never loved anybody in my life; forgive me, brother, but that includes you, and if I have to, I'll fight for him. That's not a threat, Morgan, it's a promise. It's a promise I made to him that night you called me to the hospital to be with him.

I overheard most of the conversation from out there in the yard. If I was a judge, judging debates, I'd say the kid wiped the floor with your ass. As far as me spoiling him, he told you the truth. He gets loved in this home and from Dan, Gip and Jimmy Sue. They'd take him in a minute, no questions asked, so would the Davenports. My parents adore him. Your parents would love to have him. The Tates have thrown their hat into the ring.  They've told Quinton he may soon become son number two if Waddie wanted to live with them. Quinton would love to have Waddie for a little brother. He's constantly working with the boys teaching them roping.

Dr. Dyer and his wife would take him in a minute. And, of course, there's Linda Sue and me. We'd love to have him stay with us, and to be honest, we've done everything but get down on our knees and beg him. He insists he has to go back to live with you because he loves you, and he's convinced you need him. The only way you'll get him back is to meet his needs to feel safe. That ain't a whole Hell of a lot to ask, Morgan.  From what I've heard, his terms aren't that unreasonable. How could you expect that child to except anything your wife tells him. Just 'cause you say he has to? That's bullshit and you know it. Would ju’ stick your head in a furnace 'cause I say you have to? Would you, brother?"

"No, but I'd expect a little more from my brother than that."

"Yeah, well, Waddie has the right to expect a little more from you after what he's been through. For cries sake, Morgan, the kid never had a birthday party until this year." Morgan didn't refute that. "What do you expect of me, Morgan? Your brother is performing the duty you asked him to perform over a year ago. I'm that child's Godfather because you made me that. One of the roles of a Godparent is to step in if they see a child is in danger or being mistreated. You better read the material the church gave you. I sure as Hell did and talked with the pastor. I'm going to look out for what I think is Waddie's best interest, and if you don't try to protect him from those people then I damn sure will. If I have to install a damn lock on his bedroom door myself. I'll sleep a Hell of a lot better at night knowing he's locked away safely in his room. If you think that's turning against you then you should've considered that before you made me his Godfather.

You knew I'd take the job seriously; I have and I will. If you think about it, brother, I'm doing it for you as well. That's the task you set before me when you asked me to be Waddie's Godfather. What did you expect? A token figure? You know me better'n that, Morgan. When I make a pledge to someone I don't break it. I've never broken my pledge to you in all these years, and I don't intend to break this one either.  If I don't fulfill the duty you set for me to do, then I'd be breaking that pledge I made to you and Waddie to be his Godfather and protect him should he need it. If you feel you've created a monster, it's of your own making. I'd think you'd be grateful to me for wanting to see to Waddie's best interest. I've never known you to be a selfish man, Morgan, but I'm beginning to think you've changed so much I don't know who you are anymore. The boy and man I loved so deeply all these years doesn't seem to be a part of you today.

Oh, and by the way, you're the first to hear this; not even Linda Sue knows. I've decided as of this very moment to run for sheriff against Harold Johnson. You know why, Morgan? To impress on that kid of yours, Willie, that Waddie's Godfather and uncle is the law in this county, and should he look cross eyed at that boy, I'll throw his Goddamn ass in jail."

Morgan left feeling defeated. He didn't want to admit to himself Buck and Waddie were right, but it was the only option he had if he wanted to get Waddie back under his control. That was his first mistake in thinking that he had to 'control' Waddie. Waddie operated just find with limited controls. He loved and respected the folks who had been responsible for him the last eleven months. They respected him and simply expected him to do the right thing. He never betrayed anyone's trust.

* * * * * * *

"Waddie! Linda Sue! Get in here around the table!" They all sat down.

"No! This ain't right! Darlin' could you and the cowboy fix up something for dinner for the Justins as well;  call and invite them over to dinner? They need to be here, too."

"Sure, hon, we have plenty. My helper and I can always make a little more, right, sweetheart?" Waddie smiled and nodded. "I'll call Jimmy Sue and see if they can come." Linda Sue went off to phone.  Waddie sat there with a grin on his face looking down into his lap. Buck was turned away from Waddie not even looking at him.

"Wipe that damn grin off'n your face, buckaroo, or I'm a' gonna' tickle you until you holler 'calf rope!'

"You wouldn't dare!" Waddie responded in his best indignant 'Ming the Merciless' voice. Buck was up, out of his seat in a second, grabbed Waddie and started tickling him non-stop. Waddie was screaming, yelling,  laughing and hollering 'calf rope.'

"Calf rope, Uncle Buck!" They fell on the sofa together laughing and Linda Sue could barely hear over the phone  Jimmy Sue was laughing so hard at Buck and Waddie.  Waddie and Buck sat back down at the table. Waddie had his hand covering his mouth, and they both broke up again.

"Come’mer, ya' little shit!" Waddie ran to his uncle crawled up into his lap for a hug and a kiss, "You're the one what gimme' the idea, you know?" Buck talked softly and stole another kiss.

"Yes, Sir,  but I'm glad you decided on your own to run. I didn't wanna’ have to play my ace in the hole."

"All right, junior! Spill it! What da' ya' know, I don't? What ain't chu' telling me, honcho?"

"If’n I couldn't convince you, I was to tell you Mr. Urial said you had to run for sheriff; no ifs; ands;  or, buts about it! His Boss wants you to be sheriff of this county, and you will be, Uncle Buck!"

"Damn,— he has that much faith in me, Waddie?"

"A powerful lot, Uncle Buck"

"Do you have faith in me, cowboy?"

"I couldn't love you as much as I do if I didn't have faith in you, and I'm sure he must feel the same way."

"Then I better become one Hell of a sheriff,— right, pardner?"

"You will, Uncle Buck. You'll be the best damn sheriff this county ever had."

  * * * * * * *

The Justins arrived about seven. Linda Sue and Waddie almost had dinner ready. Waddie set the table with his brother's help. Gip knew something was up, but Waddie told him to let Uncle Buck tell him. Then he winked at Gip and nodded. That told Gip all he needed to know. It meant Uncle Buck was going to announce he's running for sheriff. He was thrilled. They sat down to eat and had a good time talking about whether Waddie was going back to Morgan's or not. It was up in the air as far as Buck was concerned.

"Morgan didn't wanna' listen to what Waddie wants. He wanted Waddie to go back under the same stupid rules having to be under Judy and her spawn. Waddie refused to do it and I don't blame him. No telling what them crazy folks would do to him. I won't let him go back unless Morgan agrees to his wishes. Time those bastards give in a little bit. He tried it their way, and they damn near killed him. I ain't gonna' let that happen again."

They finished their meal, were having coffee and dessert when Buck asked for everyone's attention.

"I wanted to announce this first to my family. Everyone at this table is my immediate family. I want you to know I have made a decision to run for sheriff of our county against Harold Johnson in the November elections."

They were silent for only a moment, and Dan slammed his fist down on the table and yelled,

"Hot damn! Didn't I tell you, Gip? Didn't I tell you, darlin?' That's what he was gettin' us over here for?" Dan stood up, walked around to Buck and hugged him.

"We'll work our butts off to see you get elected, brother, you know that." Jimmy Sue was next.

"Oh, Buck, we were so hoping you would. We almost gave up hope. It's late, but I think you can do it. We'll get started immediately." She hugged and kissed him.

"Oh, darling, I'm so proud of you. I hoped you would, too. Jimmy Sue's right we'll get started right away."

Gip grabbed his Uncle Buck and hugged him.

"My Uncle Buck, Sheriff of our county. That means Waddie and I have to be really good boys, huh?" They all laughed.

"You boys are all ready good boys." allowed Aunt Linda.

"Okay,— fair's fair!" Buck picked Waddie up, stood him on a kitchen chair, put his arm around him and pulled him close. "I got my buddy, here, to thank for giving me the idea. When I was speaking in Beaumont I took the cowboy with me for company. We were laying there in the hotel room about to go to sleep and out of the blue he comes up with this outrageous idea. I laughed at the time, but the more I thought about it,  it made a Hell of a lot of sense. It may take me a while to learn to be sheriff, but Quinton all ready works there and he'll help me. I want to officially thank you, Son, for giving me the idea, and, with God's help, I think we're gonna' pull this thing off."

"I appreciate that Uncle Buck, but it weren't my idea."

"Well, you were the one what told me, and they don't know the rest."

"You gonna' tell 'em the rest, Uncle Buck?"

"You tell 'em, cowboy."

"He don't have no choice in the matter, folks. He came to the decision on his own.  I love him for that but Mr. Urial's Boss wants him to be sheriff of this county; end of story."

They all laughed and slapped Buck on the back. They sat down and started making strategy plans. Buck was going down to file the next day, and they'd have their first rally at the Justin's Saturday afternoon.

Saturday afternoon came, only five or six folks showed up and then the boys hollered for them to come see. As far as the eye could see the road was packed, bumper to bumper, with cars and trucks of all kinds. Dan had to open one of his fields across the way for more parking. There was over a thousand town and county folk had gotten the word and came out to let Buck Claymore know they wanted him to be their sheriff.  Dan, Jimmy Sue, Linda Sue had tears running down their face they were so happy for Buck. The good folks brought food, watermelons, ice cream, any and everything you could think of, and they kept coming into the evening.  It came time for Buck to get up and speak. Waddie told Dan, Gip, Jimmy Sue and his Aunt Linda.

"You think you know Uncle Buck. Wait 'til you hear him speak. He becomes a different man; a wonderful man everyone wants to take to their heart."

It wasn't a long, drawn out, overly winded speech. He hit all the important topics and spoke with a clear, full voice that inspired confidence in him from every man, woman and child who heard him. When he finished there wasn't a dry eye to be found. Buck presented his war record. He gave a brief summery of the campaigns he fought in and the generals he fought under. He told of his love for his buddy Audie Murphy and how he helped rescue him. He spoke about what his town, county and country meant to him. He wanted to make sure it was safe for everyone, young and old. He wanted no one mistreated or abused in his county while he was sheriff. His administration would not tolerate graft or kickbacks. He didn't talk bad about the other sheriff but only told what he would and wouldn't do as sheriff. He ended his speech by telling the folks he'd lived his entire life in this community. He started his adult life in this county to live, raise his children, and invest his life in them and the community. He knew how much the community loved him. They had gone out of their way to prove it over and over to him and his family.

"You don't have folks show you love like you good people have shown me, my wife and especially my Godson and ever consider letting them down. If you good folks will help me, when all the votes have been counted, you will have a new sheriff. With your help and the will of our Father, Buck Claymore will be your new sheriff! Thank you for coming and God bless everyone of you!"

There went up a roar you could've heard in the next county. Everyone was going nuts screaming and yelling his name,

"Buck! Buck! Buck!" Over and over. By the end of the evening there had to be over two thousand people at the Justin’s having a ball. They were all convinced Buck was going to be their new sheriff. He was an answer to a lot of folks prayers. The old sheriff wasn't the least worried. He didn't bother to hold a rally or make a speech. The people wouldn't dare vote him out. He'd been sheriff for almost twenty years. This upstart wasn't going to win. Besides he should've been campaigning months ago for all the good it would've done him.

Buck , Linda Sue and Waddie went to every town, ville, and burg in their county, and had meetings with the town folk. Buck spoke but never put down the current sheriff.  He presented his war record and what changes he'd make if he was elected.  Hundreds came out to hear him everywhere they went. It was an exhausting time for all three, but when the final votes were counted Buck Claymore won by a three quarter majority. There was no need for a run off. Buck won by a landslide.

The old sheriff was so pissed and upset he tried to call for a recount of the votes, but the officials laughed him out of their office. He was so convinced it had been fixed he said he wouldn't vacate the office. According to him they had broken the law, and he was there to enforce it. When the town and county officials paid him a visit to convince him he would leave the office or would be forcibly removed, he stomped out and refused to serve the rest of his tenure. The officials pleaded with Buck to take office early. Buck was glad to. He needed something to do, and he was sworn in as sheriff of the county December first of that year.

* * * * * * *

Morgan finally agreed to all of Waddie's conditions. His Aunt Linda typed it up in triplicate and witnessed by Dr. Dyer, Dan Justin and Buck.  In the contract Morgan agreed that he would abide by the conditions set forth and would live up to them.  If not, the contract became void, and Waddie would be placed somewhere else to live. Dr. Dyer read over the conditions, and told Morgan he didn't see they were that demanding. He should be pleased to agree to those conditions to protect his son. Waddie drove home with Morgan the first of September but Waddie wouldn't take any of his toys or good clothes. He left those at his aunt and uncle's. He talked it over with his aunt and decided to take enough clothes for school and maybe church on Sunday. He knew he had to go with Morgan but he wasn't as afraid as he was almost a year ago.  He had grown considerably and filled out in weight.

No one came out to greet him. They were all sitting in the kitchen finishing dinner. He walked in and stood in the doorway looking at them. They turned, looked at him, turn back to the table and ignored him like he wasn't there. He didn't say a word to them and headed for the stairs to go up to his room. His dad hollered at him.

"Waddie,— say 'hello' to your family."

"They didn't bother to say 'hello' to me, Dad. Don't know why I should say 'hello' to them. I'd be lying if I told 'em I was happy to see them. I'm not. Besides, they ain't my family. If you want 'em for your family, fine, I can't do anything about that, but they never have been and never will be my family."

Waddie went up to his room, used his key to his new double dead bolt lock, closed the door and locked it. Morgan came up the stairs and knocked on Waddie's door. Waddie opened it for his dad and Morgan brought in his small suit case.

"Now, let's get something straight, young man,..."

Waddie walked right past Morgan with him hollering at him to come back and listen to him. Waddie walked down the stairs, out the front door and up the road to the main road. He got to the blacktop road and headed back into town. He was determined he wasn't going to be talked 'at' ever again. As far as Waddie was concerned Morgan didn't mean anything he said or what he agreed to. As far as he was concerned the contract was null and void. He would seek placement.

Morgan sat on Waddie's bed for a minute and thought, 'Are those three down there really worth what I'm requiring of my kid?' Then he remembered Judy sticking up for Willie all those years and pushing Waddie further and further away. She never had a birthday party for Waddie, or made him a cake. Any presents Morgan bought for him for Christmas or his birthday disappeared within weeks. Morgan began to see the hand writing on the wall. Waddie didn't have to listen to him. He wasn't a bad boy. 'Why can't you give him his rein and let him go with it? Try it for a while and see what happens.' Morgan went down, got into his truck and headed out to look for Waddie. He was no where to be found. Morgan was about to panic. He got home and Judy told him the Justins called and wanted him to call them.

"Hi, Morgan. We were coming back from town and stopped to pick up Waddie. He was really upset. Is it all right with you if he stays the night with Gip, and I'll bring him home in the morning.

"Yeah, Dan. I'd appreciate that. Tell him he was right to do what he did. I'm not angry, and I'm not gonna' tell him what he has to do anymore. Just come home, and I promise I'll listen from now on. Tell him I love him."

"I sure will, Morgan. You have a good evening."

"Thank's Dan. You and Jimmy Sue,— you're good neighbors."

* * * * * * *

Waddie and Gip started school. It was a breeze for both of them. They were at the head of their class. They both could read far ahead of the other kids. The teacher wanted to bump them and Jannie Anderson up to second grade. Waddie and Gip talked about it and refused. They decided to stay with their class and help those who needed help. Jannie decided she didn't want to be in a class with older boys and girls. Besides she fell in love with Gip and Waddie. The teacher was puzzled but thrilled by the boy's and Jannie's decision to stay and help the slower kids. They did help the teacher and kids considerably, and by mid-semester every kid in the first grade was reading at a second grade level. Through the end of September Waddie was busy going to meetings in small towns with Buck and Linda Sue. He stayed a lot with them, and he stayed a lot with the Justins. He came and went as he pleased. He never ate a meal Judy cooked. Once she even invited him to eat with them when Morgan was on one of his runs. Waddie told her,

"No, thanks." Rather than leave the kid alone Judy decided to push it.

"What's a' matter? Too good to eat with us?" Judy asked snidely.

"No, Ma'am, not at all. I just remember Snow White and the poisoned apple the witch gave her."

"Well, you sure as Hell ain't Snow White, you smart mouthed little bastard, and I ain't no witch!"

"Yeah,— well,— we'll see. I got a bucket of water with you're name on it."

Much to Judy's chagrin, Waddie's two wicked step-siblings giggled at his comeback. Waddie slammed the screen door as hard as he could because he knew she hated it.

 * * * * * * *

By the time Waddie agreed to return to Morgan's he had grown considerably in height, weight and muscle. His working with Dan and Buck almost everyday during the summer really built up his body. Gip was beginning to grow, too. Waddie had grown sturdy as a bull and strong as one. He was no longer willing to have sand kicked in his face. His wrestling with his brother and uncle taught him swiftness and how to use his body in a defensive way. When he entered school with the first graders, he was the biggest kid in the first three grades.

There were two bathrooms upstairs. One right next to Waddie's room and another at the head of the stairs. Willie was using the bathroom next to Waddie's room because it was a little nicer. Waddie got a cardboard box, put all Willie's shit in it, and sat it in front of the door to his room. He came home that afternoon and wanted to know what, the fuck, Waddie thought he was doing.

"That's my bathroom, runt! You use the one at the end of the hall."

"This ain't your house, fuck face, it's mine. I'll someday inherit it because I'm Morgan's son. You ain’t! It's my damn bathroom from now on. If I have to, I'll get my uncle, the Sheriff, to put a lock on it."

"Why, you little piece of shit! You can't talk to me that way." Willie headed to punch Waddie out, but Waddie had anticipated it. He was hoping he would. He took his baseball bat from behind him, and before Willie knew what he was doing Waddie slammed the large end of the bat into Willie's nuts as hard as he could. Willie grabbed himself, turned, and started dry heaving like he was going to puke. Waddie put his boot in Willie's butt as he fell forward, shoved with all his might, and Willie went sliding across the wooden floor of the large upstairs hallway. Then Waddie stood over him.

"If you ever come near me again so help me God, I'll kill you, Willie. I've taken all the shit off'n you I'm going to." Willie had set the box of his stuff back in Waddie's bathroom. Waddie grabbed it and threw it as hard as he could at the other bathroom, breaking bottles of hair tonic and other stuff.

"Now, I told you that was my bathroom, Goddamn it! You even so much as walk in it I'll beat you within an inch of your fucking life you weaseled faced cocksucker." Judy came running up the stairs yelling,

"Waddie! Waddie! Are you nuts! What are you doing! Don't hit him again. I'll take care of you! I ain't afraid of you!"

"Get back, bitch, or I put him out like a light." Waddie swung back with his bat. Judy backed off.

"Now! I want to hear you say it, you, mother fucker! The bathroom by Waddie's room is his!" Willie wouldn't say anything. He thought his ma would come to his rescue.

"You got to the count of three, butt breath, then your lights go out. One! Two!...."

"Tell him, Willie! He means it!"  Judy yelled at Willie.

"Okay! It's your bathroom, you Little Bastard!" Waddie swung his bat again and hit Willie hard right in the back.

"eyeeeee, oh God,— he hit me again, Ma. It hurts."

"Apologize, Willie, for calling me a bastard! Now! Willie!"

"Do it Willie! He's gonna' hit you again!"

"Okay, I apologize, I apologize!"

"You don't never call me 'runt', 'a bastard' or any other bad name. You speak to me, you address me as Waddie. Got that, pea brain?" Willie just shook his head. "I didn't hear you, asshole!"   Waddie shouted and swung back with his bat.

"Okay! Okay, you win this one. I won't call you that no more!"

"You just wait 'til your dad gets home, you little bastard. You think you're real big with that baseball bat. I'll see to it you get the licking of your life!" Judy shook her finger at him.

Waddie hauled off and hit Willie across his kneecaps and he screamed in pain.

"Apologize for that you smelly bitch, or I'll hit him again. This time his lights go out!"

"No, don't do that, Waddie, I apologize. I'm sorry! Don't hit him again."

"Let's us get something straight! Willie's quite a bit bigger'n me. He was coming at me to hit me, and he ain't never gonna' do that to me no more, understand? He's beat up on me since I was a baby. My uncle, the sheriff, remember him, Judy, told me to use an equalizer. The sheriff told me that in front of my dad, Judy. I did just that, and I'll do it again if I have to. If he has thoughts of getting back at me, I'll wait 'til a dark night, when he ain't looking, and cave his damn skull in. If you son’s of bitches want an all out war in this house, you got it. But, I'll tell you this, I got bigger guns than you do, and this is my announcement to you, I'm here to stay!

I don't think either one of you are gonna' tell my dad, you stupid bitch! You do, and I tell him you been fucking Mr. Bloomquist, the plumber. Didn't think I knew about that, did you, Judy? Go ahead! Tell him, Judy! You'll be looking for another place to live, and I'll have this place to myself. Oh, and I got witnesses, too, in case you think it's your word against mine. You better have a long talk with this pin head of yours and tell him he'd better come around me with his damn hat in his hand from now on. Next time, I won't be this forgiving, I'll kill him in self defense." Waddie turned and walked slowly back to his room, stopped and turned around again to speak to them.

"Oh, by the way, you scum of the earth parasites, thanks for teaching me the way you soulless meat machines operate. Nothing like fighting fire with fire." He turned, walked into his room and slammed the door so hard the entire upper floor shook. Then he locked it.

Judy did, indeed, talk with her spawn of meat machines. Waddie had a trump card, and Judy knew he'd use it. She decided  they better let him be. Willie was going to have to swallow his pride and use the bathroom at the head of the stairs. Judy knew Willie threatened Waddie before, and she told him she would kick him out herself if he ever threatened Waddie again. As long as they left the kid alone she felt they'd be all right. From then on, the three of them pretty much left him alone and didn't question where he was going, what he was doing, or what time he'd be back. That didn’t mean Judy didn’t harangue his ass every chance she got.

Morgan couldn't believe the change in Waddie when he got home. He was all over him, loving his dad like the little boy Morgan loved so much before. Maybe he'd done the right thing by easing up on Waddie. If he was as good a kid as Buck and Dan seemed to think maybe he could trust him. He found it remarkable Judy or Willie didn’t have a gripe about Waddie when he came home, and he was astounded Waddie had the bathroom next to his room for himself. He knew it had been Willie's.

"How did you talk Willie into taking the bathroom at the end of the hall?"

"We had a little talk, I reminded him this was my house, like you told me, and I preferred this bathroom. He didn't have any problem with it. Willie can be reasoned with." Waddie wasn't about to tell his dad how he reasoned with Willie, but he had the feeling if he had, he would've been proud of him.

* * * * * * *

Even though Willie locked Waddie out of his room, almost as a symbol of locking Waddie out of his life, if a kid wants to get into your stuff he'll find away. Waddie was no different. The older he got the more clever he got until by the third grade he was considerably brighter than Willie. Willie was a jock and his brain was only another muscle, one he never bothered to develop. Waddie would simply crawl out his bedroom window, walk around the roof to Willie's widow and go into his room. The dummy left his window open most of the time and never locked it. Waddie would very carefully go through his stuff to see why he went to such lengths to keep him out. Naturally, the first thing that would raise a red flag of suspicion to your kid brother would be to lock your door against him? Meat machines are cruel and mean spirited but their elevator shoes need a lift kit. Waddie was far from being a meddlesome kid. Anyone's home he was in could have a hundred dollar bill laying out, and it would never cross Waddie's mind to take it. He'd had so much taken from him in life he wouldn't dare take anything  from anyone.

Waddie wouldn't have gone though his stuff if Willie made an effort to bury the hatchet, make amends, or just be pleasant to Waddie. He didn't have to fawn over Waddie or go out of his way for him. All he had to do was be pleasant. Instead, he glared at Waddie every time he passed, and Waddie glared back at him imitating him. Then Waddie would break up with laughter after he was past him like his glaring was the funniest damn thing Waddie ever saw. It began to get to Willie. He never forgot the bathroom episode. He did, however, gain a new respect for his step-brother.

Waddie, rightfully thought, if Willie was living in his house he wasn't going to shut Waddie out.  If Willie was so protective of his shit, Waddie had the right to find out why. Waddie memorized Willie's schedule and had lots of time to peruse. He didn't find anything of any consequence until one day at the very far back corner of Willie's closet Waddie spied a board ajar. Jack pot! Waddie found fifteen or twenty old gay muscle/art magazines; Grecian Guild, Physique Pictorial, Tomorrow's Man, and several others. Some had the pages stuck together. Waddie wondered why? He giggled to himself. He knew! This was beyond Waddie's wildest dreams. He also found twenty or thirty boxes of shotgun shells. Ten or fifteen each of big caliber rifle boxes. Five boxes of twenty-two longs and others.

At the end of the second world war you couldn't get any kind of fire arm equipment. It all went into the war effort. Not only that but it was a federal offence if you were caught selling or stealing firearms or ammunition. You couldn't even buy a gun or ammunition for several years after the war. The federal laws stayed on the books for about ten years. If that wasn't enough Waddie found four brand new rifles and two shotguns; twelve and sixteen gage. The rifles were two 30/30's, a 30/0/6, and a .22 caliber. Waddie later found out through rumor and listening to his step-brother's conversations with several of his buddies in his bedroom,  Willie and three of his buddies broke into a box car on a railroad siding, outside of town, and stole the guns and cartridges. Poor Willie, to make matters worse from the shear stupidity of it, wouldn't you know, it was a Cotton Belt boxcar; the very train company Morgan Lovejoy worked for.

Waddie felt bad for his dad. He knew his dad worked for the Cotton Belt and Morgan would have come unglued at the hinges if he knew Willie had been involved with the break in. Waddie had knowledge of an explosive situation that rivaled the payload the Enola Gay delivered. He didn't tell a soul. There was a little voice inside Waddie's head that said, 'No, Waddie, hang on to this. He ain't gonna' move those for sometime 'cause their hotter than a freshly fucked fox in a forest fire. He'll leave them where he thinks they're safe and then move them, but that won't be for a some time. You’ll know when to use this information.’

Waddie decided to hold on to his secret as a nuclear deterrent; an ace in the hole; or perhaps, more accurately, an ace to shove up Willie's hole. Waddie would check from time to time to see if his protection against an all out assault was still at the ready. Willie never touched the stuff for a number of years. Waddie did eventually share it with his brother, Gip, and told him where the stuff was so if anything happened to him, Gip could go directly to Buck. Waddie made Gip swear he would leave the telling to him until he felt God and Mr. Urial wanted him to crush Willie.

* * * * * * *

The Justins and the Sheriff, his wife and Waddie were at Ma and Pa Claymore's for Sunday dinner. (dinner in Texas is the noon meal, supper is the evening meal;~ but, that doesn't hold true in all areas of Texas.)

The grown ups were talking about the break in of the boxcar. Waddie and Gip wouldn't look at each other for fear of giving something away. Finally, Waddie asked his uncle a question.

"When you catch 'em, Uncle Buck, what will happen to 'em."

"Guaranteed six to ten years in a federal prison. I just hope we catch 'em."

"You will, Uncle Buck."

"Think so, cowboy?"

"I have faith in you, Uncle Buck."

"So do I, Uncle Buck, you'll catch 'em." said Gip.

* * * * * * *

The Justins gave Waddie a ride back to Morgan's that afternoon and Buck and Linda Sue drove home. They were in Buck's Ford.

"You've been awfully quiet, hon. Something bothering you?" Linda Sue asked.

"Them boys know something about the break in of that boxcar."

"What makes you think so, dear? I didn't notice them saying anything about it."

"I've come to know them boys so well I can almost read their minds. Did you notice Waddie asked, 'when you catch them' not 'if you catch them.' The boys know I'm going to catch 'em. They both told me they had faith in me I would catch the person or people involved. It was their way of saying, 'We know something,  we'll deliver whoever it is to you, but the time ain't right. Trust us and don't ask us a 'yes' or 'no' question 'cause you know we can't lie to you.'

"You got all of that out of them telling you they had faith in you?" Linda Sue shook her head.

"Yes, and I'll tell you why. Of all the people I've asked about the break in, it never occurred to me to asked the boys if they knew anything. If I ask them they wouldn't lie to me, but they don't want me asking. They weren't involved in any way, but they know who did it. They're afraid I might ask, and it was their way of saying, 'Please don't ask 'cause we can't tell you right now.' I trust those boys. They have a damn good reason for not telling me, but they will in their own time. I won't ask them, and I'd rather you not 'cause they won't lie to you either. I've got to call Dan immediately after we get home. He and Jimmy Sue mustn't ask them either."

"Well, I won't say a word to them and in a strange way, I think you may be right, dear. You're going to make a fine sheriff, Buck. I love you."

"Love you too, darlin.'"

* * * * * * *

"Dan this is Buck"

"Damned if we weren't just talking about you. Waddie asked if he could stay the night with Gip since Morgan's on a run 'til Tuesday.  He and Gip went down to take care of the stock. They'll be back after while. Jimmy Sue and I've been talking Buck."

"The boys know something, right?"

"Did you get that, too?"

"Sure as Hell did. Their worried we'll ask 'em. They weren't involved in any way, but they know who did it; however, they have a damn good reason for not telling us right now. I called to ask you and Jimmy Sue not to ask them. They won't lie to us if we ask, but Dan, even though I'm sheriff right now, I trust those boys, and they'll deliver whoever did it to my hands."

"I agree, Buck!  Jimmy Sue won't believe me, but maybe she will now. I don't think you have anything to fear. I trust them, too, and we won't ask 'em. You got my word, and Jimmy Sue just shook her head, she won't either. I think she believes me now. Glad you called, we had a great time at dinner, and look forward to seeing you soon. Ya'll take care now."

"Thanks Dan."

 * * * * * * *

"Willie tried to frame Waddie again. Willie swore and be'damned that Morgan's 'little lamb' did it. He watched him do it. Morgan went to Judy, but Judy didn't back Willie this time. She'd warned him not to pull any shit, and this time he was on his own. Morgan went over to the Justins and asked Waddie about it. Waddie said he didn't do it. He hadn't been home. He stopped at the Justin’s after school, and he'd been there all afternoon. Waddie had an ironclad alibi. He was with Dad Dan and Gip the entire afternoon when something of Morgans got broken. Dan stood up for Waddie.

"Morgan, I mean no disrespect as a neighbor, and I don't presume to tell you how to raise your boy; but, I've been around that kid of yours for over a year and a half. I ain’t never caught him in a lie. Sometime you have to be careful what you ask him because you will get the hard truth. If he did something, he'll admit it. Anytime he's done anything he thinks I might not like he'll come to me, apologize and tell me he did it. Every time it was because of an accident and not because he did it on purpose. That kid don't have a mean bone in his body. He's taught my boy how to be a man, and I'll have to admit, I've learned a few things from him. I would trust your boy with my life, Mr. Lovejoy. If Waddie told you he didn't do it, I guarantee you he didn't do it!"

Morgan couldn't get upset at Dan. He'd paid him the highest complement a dad could wish to hear from someone, that his boy was a good and trustworthy kid. Morgan went back, grabbed up Willie and took him to the barn with Willie protesting the whole time. Morgan made him admit he'd done it to frame Waddie. Willie couldn't sit down for a week, and Waddie would smile sweetly every time he went by Willie. Willie hated Waddie more than ever. The lines had been drawn.

* * * * * * *

The Justins had an old hound drift onto the property. It was starving, mangey, and flea ridden. Jimmy Sue fed it and it got to hanging around the ranch. It became a pretty protective and fair watchdog. It got to trust and love Waddie and Gip because they were all the time slipping it treats. They managed to cure the mange and bathed the old hound in sheep dip to rid it of the fleas. While helping the dog and getting it ready to be dipped Waddie and Gip were amazed at how many huge fleas the dog had all over it's body. Gip started laughing, looked at Waddie, and their brains locked into the same gear. Neither had to say a word. They knew what each other was thinking as Gip ran to get an empty mayonnaise jar. The boys must have picked a couple hundred or more fleas off that hound and put them into the mayonnaise jar. They punched small holes in the top for air and let the fleas sit for two days. The boys wanted them to be especially hungry.

They snuck into Willie's room, pulled back the covers and sheets on his bed, dumped the hungry fleas in the middle, and quickly pulled the top sheet and covers back. They neatly made the bed up and returned to Waddie's room. Gip got permission to stay over with Waddie. They couldn't wait for Willie to go to bed. They were very quiet and entered Waddie's room by climbing up the trellis on the side, walking across the roof to a window and letting themselves in. What they didn't count on was one of Willie's cronies coming home to stay the night with him. That made it all the sweeter for the boys. Willie and his buddy crawled in under the sheets. There was a few minutes of silence then Waddie and Gip heard,

"Son of a bitch, something's eating me. Something's biting the holy shit out a' me. Damn, it's in the bed! Goddamn, it's fleas! All over me! Aaaarrrrgggg! Get 'em off me! What kind a whore house you live in Willie. Damnation! I'm going home you fucking low life mother fucker! Don't you ever come near me again you bastard, I don't want fleas on me." With that his friend had his clothes on and stomped out. Waddie and Gip almost lost it laughing. Then they heard Willie knocking on Waddie's door. Waddie kept his door locked and remembered the nights he knocked on Willie's door scared out his wits from the thunderstorm. Waddie ignored his pounding as Willie ignored his pleas.

"I know you're in there you little bastard. Open this door this minute. I'm gonna' kill you, you little son of a bitch."

Waddie and Gip kept their clothes on in case they needed to make an emergency bail out. They figured the time had come. They left via the roof to the trellis and high tailed it over to the Justin ranch to spend the night. Morgan was on a train run and he and Buck had the only other keys to his room. Willie couldn't get in but found out later the boys spent the night at the Justin ranch. He was stumped, he couldn't figure it out.

* * * * * * *

The boys were so good at not getting caught Willie really had no proof they did it. He was too damn dumb to figure out the boys came in through the window. Waddie was worried about his two windows and Willie having access to them. Quinton, Buck and Dan took the measurements from Waddie and Gip and made two by three frames for the windows and put hinges on them. They dadoed the center of the two by three to accept a recessed chain link fence piece. Buck helped the boys install them. They would open into the room and were kept closed by a hasp secured with a spring loaded slip-clip. If there was a fire, all Waddie had to do was take off the slip-clip, the guard swung into the room and he could crawl out through the window. Judy didn't say anything to Buck installing them. She knew better; however, she ranted and raved at Morgan, she wanted them removed immediately.  Morgan asked her why. He didn't see anything wrong with them. She told him they looked awful and wanted them down immediately. Morgan talked to Waddie, and he told him why he did it. He thought Willie might be coming in his room when he was gone and wanted it stopped. Morgan ignored Judy.

* * * * * * *

Waddie told Buck all about the fight for the bathrooms and asked if he'd put a lock on that door for him, too. Buck agreed. Waddie told Buck about the fleas and thought Buck was going to rip his pants laughing. Waddie described every word Willie's friend said and couldn't help laughing himself as he told it. It was only fuel for the fire for Buck. He couldn't stop laughing.

"Have you guys told Dan, yet?"

"No, Sir, we wanted to tell you first."

Buck wouldn't say it but Waddie knew he couldn't wait to get to the phone to call Dan.

Waddie told Buck about Mr. Bloomquist. Buck just shook his head for his brother's sake.

"You need that leverage, Son. Don't tell nobody about Mr. Bloomquist and I won't either. You don't want to lose that. It don't matter whether he fucks her a little or a lot, we both know it ain't right. What my brother don't know right now, won't hurt him."

"I won't, Uncle Buck. You're the only one I've told. I ain't even gonna' tell Dad Dan and Gip. I'll leave it up to you if'n you want to tell Dad Dan. I know he won't tell a soul but I'd rather you tell him than me. I'm just a little embarrassed; not for me but for my dad. If you tell him, tell him to tell Gip for me."

"Despite all of his shit, you really do love Moargan don't you, Son?"

"Yeah, can't lie to you, Uncle Buck, I do. I love him a lot. He ain't been all bad to me. There's been some times with dad that I really felt we were family, and I hope for that again soon's I can wean him away from those 'meat machines.' Buck didn't ask. He knew from previous discussions that was the angel's term for Judy, Willie, and Dorothy. He wondered if there really was such a thing as soulless people. He was beginning to believe there just might be.

"I guess I shouldn't tell you this, Uncle Buck..."

"You can tell me anything, cowboy, and you know it."

"I'm kinda jealous of Judy."

"Whatever for, Sweet baby?"

"I think Mr. Bloomquist is hot!"

Buck damn near shit his pants laughing. He held Waddie, and they laughed together.

"God help me, I never know what's gonna' come out of that mouth! Well, I'll have to agree with you, cowboy. Old Bloomers ain't a bad looking man by no stretch. He was my tight end on the football team and was he tight?" Buck bellowed with laughter.

"How tight was he, Uncle Buck?" Waddie giggled.

"He was so tight, he'd scream ever’ time he passed a watermelon seed." Waddie giggled and laughed. That was one of Buck's awful jokes, but even his bad ones were funny the way Buck told them. "Tell ya' one thing, old Bloomers loved to get his dick sucked. He'd rather do that than fuck." Buck looked at Waddie and saw a smile cross his face.

"I know what's going through that little head of yours. I regretted having said it the minute it came out. Don't you go gettin' no ideas, understand? Although, I know Bloomers well enough to know he wouldn't hurt you. Aside from the fact he can't keep his dick in his pants, he's a good man."

"I understand perfectly, Uncle Buck." Waddie smiled like a little saint, "You're the greatest uncle a kid could have." Waddie giggled, and Buck tickled him until he hollered 'calf rope.'

"Tell me something? Are you getting enough to eat, Waddie? You look like you've lost weight."

"I don't eat anything at Morgan's. I'm afraid Judy or Willie will try'n poison me. Morgan don't make me eat with them even when he's there. The one time I did, it was so uncomfortable for everyone he didn't make me do it again. I was so upset I couldn't eat nothing. Morgan made me eat, and I threw up in my plate. He's never asked me again. I don't ask, but if Momma Sue asks me to eat with them, I do. I try not to be a pest. Most times I leave and go home before they get ready for dinner so's they won't have to ask me. I don't have anything to eat some nights but it's okay, I make do."

"You ain't no pest. Dan and Jimmy Sue would have a conniption if they knew you weren't eating; especially, if they thought you were going to bed hungry. You're all the time working helping Dan or Gip do something over to their place. Did you ever consider that?"

"Naw, Sir. I just do things for 'em 'cause I love 'em and I want to be around 'em, not 'cause I expect anything in return."

"You let me talk to 'em. I'll give 'em extra money to see you get breakfast and dinner. Is Morgan giving you lunch money?"

"Yes, Sir, but Momma Sue usually has a lunch fixed for me every day and I like what she makes for Gip and me. I love her meatloaf sandwiches. Uncle Buck, I'd be embarrassed to have them know I'm afraid to eat at Morgan's."

"Listen to me. I happen to know how much they love you.  They’d turn me and you both over their knees if they knew we were keeping this from them. Now, let me handle this, and trust me, it'll be fine."

Buck dropped by the Justins that evening and talked to Dan and Jimmy Sue. Dan was deeply hurt and Jimmy Sue was in tears because Waddie didn't come to them and let them know. They would've included him in every meal and certainly would from then on.

"Take money from you for that kid? Not on your life! Not only have you helped us far beyond anything we'd ever be able to repay you but that kid works his butt off over here with Gip and me. Hell, he earns anything we'd feed him. 'Sides that, one more mouth to feed ain't that damn expensive. I was serious when I told Waddie I think of him as Gip's brother, Goddamn it, and I meant it. I'm gonna' have a serious talk with that young man. Time he understands and believes who loves him around here."

Dan went to the phone and dialed Morgan's number. Judy answered.

"Mrs. Lovejoy this is Dan Justin next door. Is Waddie there? May I speak with him?"

"Sure, Mr. Justin. He's in his room. I'll holler at him." He heard Judy hollering at Waddie. Waddie came to the phone.

"Hello."

"Hey, Son, this is Dad Dan. How soon can you get over here?"

"Right now, Dad Dan. See you in a few minutes."

"Good. See you then, Son."

Waddie got there and saw his uncle's pickup in the back and knew he probably told the Justins. He was kinda shy going in because he didn't know what to expect. Dad Dan opened his arms to him.

"Come'mer, Son." Waddie went to him and Dad Dan tried to choke back his tears. "Time you learned, young'un, what it means when people tell you they love you. Waddie you can come to me, Momma Sue, your Uncle Buck or Aunt Linda with anything. Look at you! You've lost weight. Didn't I tell you, honey,— last week,— I thought he was losing weight?"

"Yeah, he did, Waddie. I agreed with him, but we didn't know why."

"Look, you do enough work around here to pay for any meals you take with us. Your uncle even offered to pay us to feed you, but we refused. We can't repay you any other way so you might as well start thinking of yourself as Gip's real brother and our real son as well. Seems like you got a lot of folks who want to consider being your parents. I know one big man who was just elected sheriff who sure as Hell does."

"I didn't mean to cause any problems, Dad Dan, and I didn't want Momma Sue to have to go to no extra trouble for me. She fixes me a lunch almost every day and I really appreciate it when she does. I like what she fixes Gip and me better'n that stuff in the cafeteria. I was embarrassed because I didn't want you folks to know I was afraid to eat over there."

"Well,— you're staying for dinner tonight. Buck's gonna' go get Linda Sue and bring her back for dinner."

"Thanks, Dad Dan, Momma Sue, I love you both." Jimmy Sue hugged him and was in tears.

"Your dad's right, Waddie. You help us around here more'n you realize."

"You and Gip wanna' ride into town with me to pick up your Aunt Linda." Buck asked.

"I think I'd rather stay here, Uncle Buck, and earn my dinner." They all laughed.

"Well, let's get out there then. We got some work to do before they get back." said Dad Dan.

Buck waved goodbye as Dan walked toward the barns with an arm around both boys. Buck had a tear in his eye as he hit the blacktop back into town. He felt he needed to talk with the Old Man and spoke the words out loud. As he started he felt he wasn't alone and looked to see the seat indented on the other side. He knew Mr. Urial was riding shotgun again.

"The only miracle I want, Father, and Mr. Urial, is for that boy to become mine. Forgive me for coveting another man's son, Father, I know it's wrong, but if he ain't raising him right and you think I might do a better job, please Lord, he has a home to come to." Buck could swear he felt a hand on his shoulder and then he watched the dents in the seat go away by themselves. He knew his prayer had been heard.

The six of them had a joyful meal that evening. First time in a long time, Buck asked if Dan and Jimmy Sue minded if he said 'grace' over their meal. They all joined hands around the table and Buck prayed.

"Father bless this food and each one in this family around this table. We thank you for providing us with what we need and giving us the love of friends and family. Forgive us our sins, Father, and let us learn to love each other more each day. Amen." Everyone else followed with 'Amen' as well. That began a tradition in the Justin/Claymore household that someone said thanks to the Father for his goodness to them before each meal. In all the years after that evening, Waddie couldn't remember a time 'thanks' wasn't said at every meal.

It was a wonderful evening. Gip and Waddie felt closer as brothers every day. Buck had been right. The six around that table were about as close to family as you could get. The love in that house, in that room, couldn't be measured. They all knew it and shared its goodness with each other. Urial called out to his Boss to come see. The Old Man stopped what he was doing and came to feel the love in the Justin home. The Old Man himself sat down with them for a spell and was pleased to call them his children. It was only one more reason, but a strong one, that he knew he made the right decision by allowing man to become more than himself, a little higher than his angels in the scheme of things. His love conjoined with the family's love, and he saw that it was good.