Cabbage Patch Cowboy
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 19

Everyone was up at the crack of dawn. They had a wonderful breakfast and said some tearful goodbyes. Bubba got Buck to one side and ask him to say 'hello' to Mrs. Anderson for him and to tell her he would give her a call to let her know the next time he was coming through. Buck offered him his old room at his parent's home to stay in. It was private and his mom and dad loved Bubba like a second son. They'd treat him like royalty. They missed Buck and Waddie anyway. Bubba said he just might take him up on it and it was mighty kind of Buck to offer.

Sarah Crenshaw had an orange crate with jams, jellys, pickles, three different kinds of relishes, some homemade bread, and four large pieces of German chocolate cake. She broke into tears when Gip and Waddie said goodbye. The boys were shedding a few, too. Randy Crenshaw was all choked up; he could barely speak.

"Come home, boys, we love you and cherish you." he said softly, hugged and kissed them both.

They were off down the road with Billy Bob and Earl D. leading the way. They stopped by the Franz and got another big box of goodies Dora and Brenda Lou made for them. Brenda Lou included a card for each of the boys to read when they got home. There were more tearful goodbyes. Gus and Bubba didn't want to let go but knew they had to.

Then they were off for real. Buck told the Crenshaw boys to go as fast as they wanted, except through small towns. Buck asked that they slow down for the limit posted and then on the other side open it up again. It was unlikely any local patrol would stop a truck being followed by a sheriff's patrol car. Earl D. took him at his word and they made the best time ever getting back to Mrs. York's.

Mrs. York recognized the sheriff's car immediately as probably belonging to Waddie's Godfather, Buck Claymore. She came out to the porch and down the steps with both arms open for her boys. She hugged and kissed Waddie and Gip telling them how much she missed them.

"This must be your Uncle Buck. Darned, if he don't look a lot like you, Son."

She offered Buck her hand and Buck responded with all his considerable charm. He introduced Gip and Waddie's other dad who Waddie will be living with, Mr. Dan Justin. They told her to call them Buck and Dan. She was all a’ twitter.

"Well, you're staying for lunch. It's almost ready and a couple of the animals ain't back yet so there's plenty for all."

"Can we pay you for our lunch, Mrs. York?"

"Lord, no, Buck. Waddie hasn't even been here that much and he's done enough work around here to help me, I owe him a months room and board. Mighty fine young men these two. Hope they come back to see me."

"I'm sure they will Mrs. York. We're so grateful to you for taking Waddie in, being so kind and good to him. We can't thank you enough."

"Nonsense! Waddie was a delight to have around. I only wish he could stay longer; you, too, Gip. I can carry on an intelligent conversation with them. These other boys, 'cept Earl D. and Billy Bob, think of nothing but football and girls. I guess it's the age; hormone heaven. Come in, Gentlemen! C'mon in! Make yourself comfortable, wash up and lunch will be ready in about thirty minutes."

"Thanks, Mrs. York, we will." said Dan. They went in and followed Billy Bob, Earl D., Waddie and Gip upstairs. Buck and Dan were impressed with Waddie's room. Waddie and Gip got busy packing his things and put them in the patrol car. Buck and Dan sat around and talked with the four athletes Earl D. and Billy Bob introduced them to. They were deep into football when Mrs. York rang the lunch bell. She didn't until she saw Enid Justin's truck park behind Buck's patrol car. She'd called to leave a message for the boys and Mrs. York invited her for lunch.

The boys were thrilled she came to say goodbye and were all over her. The other four athletes were very attentive to her as well. After lunch she gave each one her personal card and signed her name on the back. She told them to take the card to Gil Saunders the owner of the 'Hitch'n Post' and tell him to let them pick out any pair of Justin/Nacona boots they wanted.

"Wear 'em in good health, men, and you damn well better win again this year or I'll personally kick your butts." she said as she threw back her head and roared with laughter. The athletes laughed with her but weren't real sure she couldn't do it. She gave Earl D. two more cards for the other two athletes who weren't there.

They had a great visit and Waddie and Gip helped Mrs. York clear the table. They were going to help her clean up but she said 'no.' She knew their dads were anxious to get going. They were going by 'The Hitch'n Post' to thank Gil personally but asked Enid and the boys if they would thank him for them. They agreed and the men once again said their goodbyes. Enid said her goodbyes and left. She promised she'd be out for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The boys shed more tears as Earl D. and Billy Bob were difficult for Gip and Waddie to give up. Mrs. York was in tears but wished them well. Even old Phil, Ben and Stan were in tears. They made Gip and Waddie promise to follow the games.

Buck and Dan had a long way to drive. They brought the patrol car because they could make better time and never be stopped. The unwritten code of the lawmen brotherhood; 'Turn your head the other way if it's a fellow lawman.'

"Well, Son, you ready to go home?" Buck asked Waddie. Waddie looked at Buck with love in his eyes that Buck knew was only for him.

"Let's go home, Dad. I'm ready." Buck threw his arms around Waddie, hugged and kissed him.

"You know, cowboy, I told you one time to only call me 'dad' before we went to sleep at night. I didn't wanna' infringe on my brother's love for you. I didn't know at the time you weren't my brother's boy. Your coach told me all about what Judy told him. I was glad he did. Morgan didn't lie to me, he just didn't tell me the truth.  Since you ain't his son no more, and that's official, Son, I don't think it would be wrong if'n you wanted to call me 'dad' from now on. I know I'd be mighty proud and honored. It would certainly be music to my old ears." said Buck with all the love in his heart.

"From now on, you ain't 'Uncle Buck' no more. You're as much my dad as Dad Dan and I'd be the one proud and honored to call you 'dad,' Sir."

"When we get home, would you want me to start a search for your real parents, Son?"

"Why would I want that, Dad? With four wonderful men in my life who love me enough to want to be my dads, their ladies feel as strongly as they do, want me to call them mom, why would I want to take a chance on folks I don't know? I been through enough, Dad, to gamble on any new folks. Now, that I'm away from Morgan, I'm looking forward to some happiness with the folks I love and who love me.   Dad, I made the choice of returning from death's door for several reasons. Gip, Dad Dan and Momma Sue were important reasons, certainly enough for me to come back for their love alone, but I came back for you and Aunt Linda. You need me, old man, and I sure as Hell need you. I love you, Dad. I want to be your and Dad Dan's son if'n you'll have me and I promise, Dad, I'll do everything in my power to make you proud of me."

"Oh, God, Waddie, of course we want you. We both want to call you our son. We're all ready s'damn proud of you we don't know what to do. I didn't want to seem selfish and want you for my boy when you were my brother's child, but I prayed to God, if he wasn't happy with the job your dad was doing, to let you be my boy;— let me or Dan have a shot at being your dad. Ever since that first afternoon I walked into your hospital room I've lived my life every day with one prayer in my heart, for God to allow me to claim you as my own. It's my greatest wish in life, Son. You have ta' know that. I'm proud of you, Son. Don't never forget that. You're our boy now. I have faith God and Mr. Urial will find a way for us to be together."

"I pray for it to happen, Dad, every night. If'n we really want it and ask Him, He'll give us what we ask for, you'll see."

Buck kissed Waddie right on the mouth in front of everyone there. They all applauded and whistled. They knew it was a great emotional moment between Waddie and Buck. Dan held Gip who was in tears and Dan had a few rolling down his face, too.

The men said their final goodbyes promising to keep in touch as they drove away. They headed out the freeway, out of town toward home. Waddie and Gip sat in the back seat holding hands. They knew without saying they were ready to go home. They missed the folks who loved them so.

Morgan had no idea Buck and Dan were even out of town. No one lied to him, they just told him half truths. He had no idea anyone heard a word from Waddie. He was about to grieve himself to death. He was never a drinker, but lately he'd begun blotting out the hurt and disappointment of his own actions by drinking himself into oblivion. It finally dawned on him, what a fool he'd been. He lost the greatest treasure he had in his life; a treasure, money couldn't buy.

* * * * * *

Waddie had his dad stop in each truck stop he and Bubba stopped in on the way to Austin. He introduced Buck and Dad Dan to, Ben,  the owner and manager of the first one. He came out from behind the kitchen, picked Waddie up in a big hug and kissed him. He was so happy to see Waddie looking so good. Waddie introduced him to his brother and two dads. There was a handful of truckers he met with Bubba and remember each one's name. Even good looking Darrell was there. Waddie stood and made a speech about how grateful he was for their love and generosity to him and he talked personally with the sheriff of the county he lives in, he motioned toward Buck and giggled, there would be no illegal speed traps for them to worry about.

They laughed, cheered and told Buck how glad they were he won the election. That other sheriff would take a bite out of their butt's every time they drove through. Didn't matter whether they were abiding by the speed limit or not. His deputies would still write them tickets. Buck personally promised it wouldn't happen during his administration.

The heavy set little waitress, Peggy Sue, saw Waddie when he walked through the door and ran to hug him to say 'hello.' She led the men over to the trucker's table immediately. The men who were there heard him tell the story of Ms. Pearl and were glad to see him in better shape. Better yet, he was going home with his people who loved him and were good to him. They were genuinely glad to see their little buddy happy.  Waddie, Gip, Buck and Dan thanked each man and waitress personally before they left. Waddie left Peggy Sue a twenty-five dollar tip.

At the second restaurant Louise was on duty and yelled at the top of her voice.

"Waddie— ! Look, guys, it's Waddie! He's on his way home. Glory be,— !" she came to Waddie hugged and kissed him and cried. He cried with her he was so glad to see her under better circumstances. Then Waddie spied Red Dog and went to him, threw his arms around the big man's neck, hugged, kissed him on the cheek, and the big, hard-ass looking trucker lost it in front of his buddies. He stood there holding and hugging Waddie for several minutes.

"It's so good to see y'all again, Sir. I had to bring my uncle," Waddie winked at Red Dog and he smiled knowingly, "my brother and his dad to say hello and thank you again. You men were truly my guardian angels and I promise you, God won't forget you. I won't let him."

Red Dog stole another kiss and Waddie introduced Red Dog and six of the truckers to Buck, Dan and Gip. Lousie waited on them and couldn't do enough for them. Waddie bought a card specifically for Louise if he could talk his dad into stopping. He left it at the place he was sitting. The envelope had, 'Louise' written on it. The message inside said,

'This isn't an attempt to repay you for your kindness. There isn't enough money in the world for that. It simply is a small 'Thank you, and a tip for a job well done. Love, Waddie.' In the card he put fifty dollars. Hell, he still had all that money and hadn't spent a dime other than his bus ticket to Dallas and some phone calls. Lousie went out of her way for a stranger and deserved it as far as he was concerned. Buck saw what Waddie did both times, put his arm around him and hugged him close.

"That was not only a wonderful thing to do, Son, it was the right thing to do. I love you so much for that action alone. She did you a favor and you thanked her."

Buck and Dan couldn't thank the men and Louise enough for their kindness to their boy and each hugged and bussed a kiss on Louise's cheek. She was thrilled and cried as they left.

* * * * * *

The closer to home they got the more relaxed Waddie became. He thought he'd be uptight and afraid to be anywhere near Morgan, but he wasn't. Then he understood why God and Mr. Urial wanted him to be apart from his family for a period of time. He went out into the world by himself a little over a month and a half ago as a hurt, frightened little boy, but he was returning a strong, resolved young man. He never, for a minute, discounted the love and help from Mr. Urial. Folks had taken him in, sheltered him, tended his wounds, his hurts, and given him their love unconditionally. It was a lesson in truth and love God and Mr. Urial wanted him to learn. They wanted him to learn it on his own with no influence from his family.

There's good, loving, caring folks out there in the world. When you least expect it they'll pop up out of the woodwork to reach down and give you a hand. What they do for you, you must always remember,— and in their honor, reach down and offer your hand to someone else in need. It's only by putting others before ourselves, even for only a small amount of time or sharing some of what we have in abundance, can we raise ourselves to the status the good Lord assigned mankind.  At the point of becoming selfless in our actions we stop being animals and become his children, a little higher in the scheme of things than his angels.

It was a wonderful trip home. Waddie never felt such love and joy from the three main men in his family as they showed each other. They only stopped once and stayed in a motel. That night Gip wanted to sleep with Buck and Waddie wanted to feel his beloved Dad Dan close to him all night. They stole kiss after kiss from each other and stayed hard in each other’s arms almost all night. They didn't get a Hell of a lot of sleep but they didn't care. Neither did Gip and Buck for that matter.

They kissed, giggled and played with each other 'til the wee hours of the morning. It was something they needed. They needed to feel each other close at a joyful time rather than a time of hurt and pain. It re-established their bond and need for each other. Waddie realized how much Dad Dan needed him as well as Gip. The two young men brought separate but equal qualities to him to lay at his feet. He couldn't give up either.

Dan Justin was so amused at his brother because of his naivete. Dan knew that soon he would give Waddie up to Buck, but until that time, Waddie would become Dan's fully invested son. Dan would wallow in that thought and the love he and Waddie shared. He especially wanted Buck to know he accepted Waddie as his real, flesh and blood, son. He always did.

* * * * * *

Buck had to drive about a mile into the city limits and take a right onto the farm road out to the Justin's place. As they passed the city limit's sign on the outskirts of town they saw a small piece of cardboard nailed just below the name of the town. It had three words neatly printed in approximately four inch high letters: 'Welcome Home, Cowboy!' Waddie had Buck stop, they got out and looked at it. It was a labor of love and there was no doubt in any of their mind's who put it there. Waddie cried in Buck's arms. He was overwhelmed by the simple gesture of love. They could've had a fifty piece brass band waiting to meet them and it wouldn't have made a bigger impact on him, Gip or his two dads. He carefully took the sign down to keep in his room.

Would you believe, almost forty-five years later, he still has that piece of weathered cardboard in a suitable frame above his desk? It's probably his most treasured possession; a worthless piece of old cardboard. No matter how alone or bad he might feel from time to time, all he has to do is look up at those three words and his heart is filled with the same indescribable peace and love he felt that afternoon. It told him, he belonged and had value. It still does.

Buck pulled down the gavel road to the Justin’s and around in back. All the family and half the damn town were there to welcome him home. He shed so many tears that afternoon he was exhausted by early evening. They couldn't get enough of him. It was as if none of them wanted him to stray five to ten feet away from them. Aunt Linda was so loving and protective of him, Waddie was beginning to wonder. Momma Sue told Waddie she would know if Linda Sue had a clue. She assured him Linda Sue knew nothing; however, Momma Sue watched her suffer and mourn over his running away.

It was a glorious afternoon. No one bothered to call Morgan to tell him Waddie was home. His parents didn't even tell him about spending the afternoon at the Justin’s. A crowd at the Justin’s was not rare. They were all the time having folks out. Morgan and his family was always invited. They never came so folks stopped inviting them after a while. They told him he was welcome anytime he wanted to come over. Most of the town folks wouldn't give him the time of day. When he came around they found someone else to talk to. Waddie felt bad but he wasn't ready to see Morgan yet. It would be on his time and terms. Waddie would never again allow Morgan to dictate to him how he must live his life. Why should he, Morgan couldn't cast the mote out of his own eye?

* * * * * *

It was the year to have the boys birthday on Waddie's day, the tenth of July. The boys could've cared less which day they celebrated it. They both had come to dread their birthdays. Not because they didn't have a good time, but they wished so much 'to-do' wasn't made over them. Once again the family gathered at the Justin’s. The usual kids were there who had been there every year since Waddie and Gip were six years old. They loved them and looked forward to seeing them; however, they begged Momma Sue and Aunt Linda into asking the kid's parents not to get them a present to bring.

If they thought they had to buy a present, buy one and donate it to the Christmas toys for kids in need. There were several poor homes in the community. Or they could give to a 'Critter Food Fund' jar at several stores and sheriff's station. Then give Waddie and Gip a card telling them a toy had been donated in celebration of their birthday or a contribution was given to the Critter Food Fund. Please don't state the amount. Any and all donations will be gratefully accepted.

They would get so embarrassed opening presents that it became too much. They talked about it for several days and finally sat down and talked to the big folks. They thought the boy’s idea was wonderful and they would pass the word. Their boys were growing up. The big folks still insisted they wouldn't be stopped from giving them presents. The boys assured them that would be quite acceptable.

Their birthday came and went smoothly. Waddie and Gip got calls from the Crenshaws and the Franzs. Bubba was still there and was staying another week with his family. He'd had such a good time he felt the needed to stay around, help his dad and relax. He sounded better to Waddie than when he first met him. He made sure Waddie and Gip said ‘hello’ to Jannie Anderson for him and give her a big hug. Both boys did, and she was thrilled.

Waddie was really getting into living with Dad Dan, Momma Sue and Gip. The boys had separate rooms, and Waddie kept his clothes and what little he'd accumulated in his room; however, they spent every night in Gip's room. No one said a word about it. Waddie told Dad Dan and Momma Sue what happened the night in Austin he tried to stay by himself and the story Earl D. told him. He wasn't making it up, he didn't think he'd be able to sleep by himself for some time. They understood.

* * * * * * *

The lazy days of summer were upon them and in a couple of weeks things were about back to normal as they could be. Waddie was still seeing Ed and spending some time with him. He explained to Ed his love for Gip, and he'd asked Gip to be his mate. Ed knew Waddie so well by that time and loved him so much he encouraged him. He knew it probably would change the intimacy and frequency of their relationship, but he didn't care. He truly loved and felt protective of Waddie. He wanted to see Waddie get some happiness out of life, and just being his close friend was a joy to Ed.

Ed knew Waddie was growing up and the change from living with the horrors of the Addams family to living a considerably more comfortable and nourishing life with the Justin’s was a wonderful thing for the boy. However, Ed knew it would have consequences. If Ed hadn't sincerely wanted to bring about change for Waddie he never would have confronted Morgan. Somehow, though, Ed knew he and Waddie had something to offer each other they couldn't find anywhere else. He was right. He bonded with Waddie at a time of transition in his life and so did Waddie.

They unwittingly leaned on each other to get them through that two years. Ed finally admitted to himself he had to have what he and Waddie were doing for a part of his sexual release. He felt more at peace with himself than he ever did. Waddie knew he could go to Ed for anything. He considered Ed the big brother he never had. Ed would do his damnedest to see a problem through Waddie's eyes and would always come up with some option Waddie hadn't thought about. Waddie felt he needed to share his secret with Ed. Not because Ed could offer anymore than the other adults guiding him, but because Ed had become a big brother to him.

One Thursday night in late July, Waddie asked permission from Dad Dan to spend the night with Ed in his barn the following night. He and Ed had been friends for sometime, and he needed to talk to him about few things. At first Dan said 'no,' he didn't think it would be a good idea. Waddie never questioned Dan. Waddie told him thanks, he'd tell Ed he couldn't make it.  Dan felt bad. If Waddie had complained, whined or tried to convince him, Dan wouldn't have felt so bad. He knew Waddie wouldn't tell Ed his dad said he couldn't. That's just the way Waddie was. He loved Dan too much to play the blame game. Dan knew what Ed did for Waddie with Morgan. It was Ed who went with Buck to the judge and told him of the other times he witnessed Waddie's ass in shreds.

Dan called Buck and asked him what he thought. Buck laughed and told Dan they'd been spending the night in that old barn for two years or more, and they were very close. He would trust Ed with Waddie without question.

"If Waddie told you he has something to talk to Ed about it's something he wants to bounce off Ed before he comes to you or me with it. I'm glad to hear Waddie didn't give you any flack about it."

"Buck, he wouldn't. I know the kid. He may be disappointed, but he won't take it out on the rest of the family. Not another word will be said about it. Hell, I'm gonna' let him go. Teach him a lesson that adults sometimes make a judgement when they haven't weighed all the factors."

"Glad Waddie has you for a dad, Dan. He couldn't have a better one."

"Yes, he could, brother, and you know it. Be patient, you'll have the job soon."

Buck hung up the phone wondering what Dan meant by that. He didn't pursue it.

Dan called to Waddie to talk with him. They took a walk.

"Son,— sometimes us adults make snap decisions without thinking about them first. When you came to me about bunk'n it in with Ed for an evening I reacted in an overprotective manner. I was being a broody mother hen. I should've told you to give me time to think about it and I would've;  however, I made a quick decision, and it wasn't the right one."

"Gee, Dad, that's all right. I'll still love you if'n you don't want me to meet Ed. I figure you have your reasons, and maybe there are things I don't know about. I trust you."

"I know you do, Son,— that's part of the reason I changed my mind, but I didn't think it through. I called your other dad. He thinks Ed's a good man, and after what he did for you, I can't say's I ain't fond of him myself. That's good enough for me. So you can meet him at his barn as you planned Friday evening. How does your brother feel about this?"

"He's not happy about it, but I promised after the miracle, I'll be his. He realizes I have several loose ends of relationships to wrap up and Ed is a major one, Dad."

"Do you want me to talk to Gip on your behalf, Son."

"I won't say 'no,' Dad. I'll leave that up to you. I trust you in all things. Thanks, Dad,— I appreciate you giving my request a second thought. I love you, Dad."

Dan and Waddie hugged.

"Trust is a two way street, Son. Not only on your part but your dad's, too. The older you two boys get the more I'm gonna' have to trust you. I'm not worried about it. I've yet to see or hear about you boys breaking anyone's trust in you. I know I only have you for a short time, to feel the joy of having you as my boy, but what we have between us will never die, Son. I love you, too."

Waddie kept his appointment with Ed. It was like a party. Ed always had sodas in his cooler for Waddie and snacks of all kinds. However, Waddie was hungry for something else, and it sure as Hell wasn't a snack. Ed hadn't showered in two days. Waddie asked for three but Ed just didn't know about that. Nevertheless, the Coach and his little buddy found sex that night as wonderful as it always was between them. Waddie knew every button on Ed to push, and Ed was pretty damn good at learning Waddie's. Ed was one Hell of a loving, sex partner.

After their third go round, Waddie was laying in Ed's big furry arms. Waddie was laying back against him with Ed’s arms around his front gently playing with Waddie's nipples, and every now and then grabbing him a big ole handful of Waddie's dick. He was thrilled Waddie was ejaculating and took him all three times. Waddie was sure he was gonna' have his coach be the first to fuck him.

"Coach? Do I really have to wait 'til I'm a junior in high school to feel that beautiful dick of yours inside me?"

"God, don't be talking about it that way. It's hard enough not getting into that little ass, now. Lord agumpshun, it's like, that's where the candy's stored, and I have a sweet tooth. No, no,— it would take an act of God or one of his angels to tell me different. I've made up my mind. The summer of your junior year, after your birthday that year, I'll take your cherry. I'll ring your Goddamn neck if'n you give it to some other man. I'll know, too, 'cause you never lie, and you'll have to tell me the truth." Ed smiled and kissed Waddie behind the ear.

"Well, if'n my angel tells you sooner is 'okay,' would that be enough for you, Coach?" Waddie asked seriously.

"I'll say! Yes, indeed, 'cause I don't have much worry about that happening. You know me, Waddie, if I walked into a church the damn thing would fall down."

"Oh, Ed, you're a damn fine man, a good friend, and one hell ofva' coach." Waddie giggled. "I'll ask him if you want me to. No, better yet, I'll let you ask him. How 'bout that?"

"Waddie, you come up with the damnedest shit sometimes but that's why I love ya.' You always keep me on my toes, but I love being off my toes with you like this. Beside, angels don't just come to folks when they call them."

"Wanna' bet? I'll bet you a free blow job. If I can't, I get to suck you off, but if I can, I get to suck you off twice."

"Sounds like you win either way, hot shot, if'n you were a real gambling man you'd go fifty-fifty. If'n you do, I have to suck you off. If'n you don't, you have to suck me off."

"Done!" Waddie said and took Ed's hand to shake. The bet was on.

No sooner did they shake hands than a blueish light started to form less that ten feet from them. Ed sat more upright, and his eyes were bulging out of his head.

"Don't go bonkers on me, Ed. It's just my friend, Mr. Urial."

"Your angel, Waddie?"

"I told ju,’ I don't never lie. You lost the bet, sweet baby."

"Yes, but,...but,...oh, sweet Jesus, fuck,.... we ain't got no clothes on, Son."

"Silly,— God made us. Don't you think he and his angels know what we look like?"

"I'm gonna' close my eyes!  Now, darlin,'— you lemme' know when he's gone.

"Hi, Mr. Urial, it's so damn good to see you again, Sir. I wasn't really gonna' call you for the bet we made. You know I got other things on my mind, right, Sir?"

"That's right, Son."

"Oh, my, God! He speaks, too? cried Ed trembling, "Waddie, I'm sorry I'm such a coward. I think my shit just turned to water."

"Oh, for cries sake! Look at me and talk to me, Ed. I ain't gonna' bite you. I might smite you with my new model 2000 'Terrible Swift Sword,' but I guarantee ya' I won't bite you."

"Oh, Jesus, Waddie,— you didn't tell me he did standup." Waddie and Mr. Urial laughed. Finally, Ed got brave enough to open one eye and then the other.

"Now say 'hello' proper-like to Mr. Urial."

"I apologize, Sir. It's just, well,— I've never met an angel face to face. How do you do, Sir?"

"Well, I'm doing fine, Ed. Thanks for asking. I've spoken to you before. Remember that big bet you we're gonna' bet too much money on, and a voice told you not to? It would fall apart."

"That was you? Well, I really thank you for that one, Sir. I'll try to listen closer to you or any angel."

"I'm sure you will. There are certain little benefits after being visited by an angel that Waddie will tell you about."

"Now, I need to talk to Waddie. I'll talk to you more when I'm through."

"Mr. Urial, I'm so happy for you. So you got the new model 'Terrible Swift Sword'? Congratulations, Sir, I'm proud of you."

"Well, thanks for that, Son. It means a lot for you to say that. I sure did get it, but not until this year.  You played a major roll in me getting it, cowboy. I'll tell you about it a little later when you come visit me for a spell."

"I understand, Sir."

"I talked to the Old Man, and he said it would be more than all right for you to share your secrets with your big brother, Ed. Ed loves you a lot and is very protective of you,— but not in a possessive way. He wants you to be happy. You can trust him, Son. Now, as for you, Mr. Bloomquist!" Mr. Urial said with a booming voice that echoed off the walls of the barn and reverberated.

"Think, that put the fear of you know who in him, Waddie?" Mr. Urial asked with smile and a giggle.

"I can't say for sure, Sir, but if shit'n in the hay is a way of telling, I'd say you did a mighty fine job." Mr. Urial and Waddie laughed, they were having a good time at poor Ed's expense.

"Calm down, Son. You're a much better man than you give yourself credit for. You're good to your wife; although, you don't particularly like sex with her you take care of your responsibilities quite well. She's satisfied. You take good care of your two kids; however, we will start taking them to church a little more won't we, Ed?"

"Absoultely, Sir, next Sunday. No, this Sunday, Sir. We'll be there."

"Good, I knew I could count on you. By the way, it's all right to pop Waddie's cherry his sophomore year. Now will you change your mind?"

"Damn sure will, Sir. Be proud and honored, too."

"This is important! If Waddie should be forcibly taken, no matter what you hear or see, he will come to you a virgin. I will make it so. You've been good to Waddie, Ed, and because of your goodness towards him, me and the Old Man's grateful.  The good Lord loves you, Ed. Talk to him more, tell him you love him. He's your Father, Ed. Talk to him more than Easter and Christmas." Waddie could feel Ed's chin resting on his shoulder and tears from Ed's eyes were dropping on Waddie's front. Waddie turned, kissed him on the cheek and Ed hugged Waddie tighter.

"I will, Sir. I promise. I thought I was too bad for him to care about me. I've done some bad things, Sir."

"Yes, and I know every one. Want me to go down the list with you in case you forgot one?" Waddie started giggling. He knew Mr. Urial's sense of humor by this time.

"No, Sir." Ed smiled, "I own everyone of them, Sir. How can I make them good?"

"By doing what you're doing right now, being a friend to a little man who needs your counsel and guidance. Try to reach out to Morgan, your neighbor. Don't talk to him about Waddie or his loss, but let him know you're there if he needs you. That'll go a long way to smoothing that one over. Do more things for others without expecting anything in return. Waddie will show you the way. Trust him. You couldn't have a better little man for a friend. Furthermore, he has a great trial to go through soon. When you hear of it, go to him, let him know you're there,  let him know you love him, and you're praying for him. Then I expect you to keep your word, and actually pray for him,— understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good, 'cause I ain't had a chance to really get the hang of my new sword. I need more practice." Mr. Urial smiled and laughed. Waddie was in hysterics. Even poor Ed giggled at that one. "Gotta' go, men. Love each other, be good to one another and know your Father loves you."

"Thanks for coming, Sir. You never let me down. Love you, Mr. Urial."

"I love you, cowboy. I even have a good deal of respect and love for you, too, Ed." He was fading.

"Thank you, Sir." Ed said as he waved goodbye.

They sat there in silence for a minute. Ed wasn't about to let go of Waddie, and hugged him closer.

"Holy shit! Oh, damn,— that was the wrong thing to say. Sorry, Sir."

"Calm down, Ed. He's gone now."

"No, he's not. I can still feel him. I know he's here."

"We'll you're right and wrong. How can I explain this? He's with you always but not actually, physically here. I know that sounds crazy; however, think of it like he's got T.V. cameras aimed at a lot of folks, he's sitting in a room monitoring all of them, and if he see's one needs help he tries to do what he can. However, a lot depends on them, too; listening to him and doing what he suggests is always best. From now on, when he's around, I mean really around, you'll be the first to know. That's one of the benefits he told you about."

Waddie went on to tell Ed his secret. Ed was agog. He was in tears to know Waddie was really Buck's son.

"How wonderful could that be? It's truly amazing. No, it's a miracle." Ed spoke softly. Ed was filled with the need to protect this boy, but knew Buck and Dan were doing a damn good job. He would do what he could; oh, yes, and pray.

Waddie was tired and fell asleep in Ed's comfortable arms. Ed looked down at Waddie sleeping and carefully moved them to the blanket. Ed was awake all night thinking, planning, stealing kisses from his little buddy, oh yes, and praying.  Waddie got his blow job the next morning.

* * * * * *

The Friday after Waddie and Gip's tenth birthday, Buck called Morgan and told him he wanted to stop by, he had some news about Waddie. Morgan tried to get the information from him over the phone, but Buck wouldn't tell him much. He did tell him Waddie was all right, they knew where he was, and he'd tell him all about it when he got there. Buck made the drive out to Morgan's, but he insisted on getting Morgan away from the house to talk with him.

The two men, who had been so close all their lives, were now divided. Buck felt like his right arm had been severed, but he could still feel it itching. He couldn't scratch it, because he knew it was gone. The ghost limb of their love was still there, and Buck couldn't deny he still loved his brother as much as ever. He would do anything he could to help him, but being nice to Morgan and empathizing with him hadn't seemed to help. Buck couldn't be both an impartial, understanding friend and the sheriff, too. Although he prayed their talk would go smoothly, he hoped he wouldn't have to get tough with Morgan. Maybe this last month, stewing in his own juices and getting little sympathy from the community softened Morgan to accept the consequences of his actions. He couldn't imagine Morgan still harboring fantasies of when this blew over Waddie would come back to live with him again. Even after Buck served the papers officially removing Waddie from Morgan's home, he still related that Waddie would realize it was all a big mistake, he was sorry, and he'd come back to him. Buck tried to tell him, but with this meeting he was going to have to kill any thoughts his brother had of getting Waddie back.

Morgan obviously hadn't even looked at the papers Buck served him. Not only did they remove Waddie from the home, the judge found Morgan had absolutely no legal claim to the child since he was bought illegally. The judge wanted to slap charges of attempted murder, child endangerment, kidnaping, and white slavery on his ass.  Buck had known the judge all his life,  he knew Morgan as well; so, he went along with Buck's request to hold off, and use the threat as a leverage if Morgan refused to be reasonable. The judge was the one who insisted on officially severing any ties to Morgan and his crazy three. Buck saw he was going to have to spell it out for his brother. He couldn't play his game with Waddie anymore, because Waddie was no longer a part of his world. There was nothing Morgan could do about it.

They walked down to the old barn together quietly talking about the livestock. Finally, they came to the barn, Buck sat on a bail of hay, pulled out his hip flask, and offered his brother a pull. Morgan accepted, and took a good pull from the flask. He had a feeling his was going to need it.

"Waddie's back, brother."

"Where is he? I have to see him. I have to talk to him. Why haven't you told me before now?" Morgan sputtered.

"Hold on! Hold on! I'll tell you everything, but you can't see him for sometime. Court's orders, Morgan. Did you even bother to read the papers I served you?" asked Buck. Morgan ignored the question.

"Is he all right? Buck, I don't give a good, Goddamn what those fuckin' papers say, he's my son.  I have a right to see and talk with my boy."

"Morgan, he ain't your son no more! He ain't your boy! Get that through your thick, stubborn head. I've gone along with you all these years because I love you and looked up to you as my big brother. You always was smarter than me. I was blinded by my love for you. I saw what you were doing to the boy. God help me, I should've stepped in earlier, but he wouldn't let me.

I watched it happen, but I didn't step in because I thought he was your natural born son, and he begged me not to. He had faith you would finally come around to love and trust him like he wanted and needed. You never did. A whole community was wrong,....! Yep,— they were all wrong because my brother knew better. Well, Morgan, you didn't know better! You were dead ass wrong! Because of your blind, stubborn stupidity you've lost Waddie. He ain't a part of your world no more. You have absolutely no Goddamn say about that boy anymore.

I accept that I'm somewhat responsible for not living up to the trust Waddie had in me to protect him from your short sighted view of the situation. However, I'm going to set that straight by living up to his trust now, and I want you to listen to me good, brother,— if you should see Waddie at church, out with family, and so much as try to speak to him, I'll throw your ass in jail for a week with no bail. Try it again and you'll be in for a month.

I'm not speaking to you as your brother, Morgan. I'm speaking as sheriff of this county. I'm doing my job. Everyone and his mother tried like Hell to warn you. Your own parents tried to talk to you, and you told them to mind their own business. You've lost good friends in this town we made together because of hurting Waddie. Everyone knew Willie was lying. You were the only one who didn't know or didn't want to. Right now, I don't give a big rat’s ass about your feelings, but I assure you, the papers I served you are legal. You damn well better read them and abide by them. While I'm sheriff of this county, no man is above the law, and that includes me. If I have to live by rules and laws, then so do you, brother, so do you.

Waddie is no longer your son, Morgan, nor is he your boy. He never will be again. If you change your ways and befriend him, he may, one day, consider forgiving you and be your friend. I'll tell ya' one damn thing,— that boy will never call you 'dad' again. If you push the issue there are other charges that can be brought against you for buying a baby on the black market. We ain't talking misdemeanor charges, here, bro. We're talking hard time. I wouldn't wanna' do that, but if push comes to shove, and there's enough concern for Waddie's protection, don't gamble on the good heartedness of your brother. Your brother will always be there for you, Morgan, but from now on, when it comes to Waddie's happiness and protection, the sheriff will put your sorry ass away."

"You're just doing this because I had a son and you didn't. Now you can't have kids so you want to take mine away from me so's you can claim he's your son." Morgan said meanly. Buck found his arm stiffen, and he almost drew it back to deck Morgan. If he did,  he knew he wouldn't stop until Morgan couldn't get up. He couldn't drive that wedge between him and his brother.

"You don't know how close you came to being on the mean ass'ed end of the strong arm of the law, brother.  That does it!  No more Mr. Nice Guy!  You’re taking to the sheriff of the county now.  I warn you, Morgan, don't try my patience. Fuck you, and your sour grapes theory. Ask anyone in this town if they give a good Goddamn about your theory. You just won't accept the fact you fucked up. You better get over your personal denial of the consequences pretty damn quick.  I came out here to talk with you and try to console you. I was going to talk to you like a brother and tell you what I know about Waddie; however, I made up my mind I wasn't gonna' let you ham string me emotionally by insisting Waddie is still your kid, and I'm just trying to take him away from you. He ain't your kid anymore! That's all there is to it!

Furthermore, I have the power, the responsibility and determination to protect him from you. As far as me claiming he's my son,— who made me his Godfather, brother?  He wears my name as well as yours, Morgan. In the eyes of God and this community I have a greater claim to that boy than you ever did. He's not your child, Morgan! He never was! You bought him to assuage your ego for being sterile. You bought him for a toy like a spoiled man with more money than sense would buy a race horse. Hell, if you'd a' treated Waddie half as good as you do your ponies he'd still be with you.

I’ve known you all my life, Morgan! How could you do that to the kid? If you came upon a man beating a horse, even though you didn't know why, you'd want to kill him for his cruelty; yet, you beat that child over and over again when he told you he never did those things. He told you the truth, and you never gave him the benefit of the doubt.  You never told me in all these years you couldn't have kids. Waddie was right, you were lying your ass off about being his dad and Judy being his mother. He knew all along, and, still, you insisted on lying to him. You insisted he not lie to you; yet, you were living the bigger lie with him. There's no excuse for that, brother. I never knew you to be a two faced liar.

Truth is,— I guess I never really knew you.  The boy I loved growing up would’ve never done those things.  I don’t know the man you’ve become, Morgan. You have no consideration for my feelings about this. You've never asked me how I feel about it even though you made me Waddie’s Godfather. Now, I have to relate to you as the sheriff. It seems to be the only way our community can keep you from killing the kid. Don't you realize he damn near died twice because of you? If it hadn't a' been for a wonderful man, a good Samaritan, you'd be in jail facing manslaughter charges.

You ain't interested in how Waddie is, you just want to lay the law down to me how you're once again going to control the situation;— you're gonna' let me know the way it's gonna' be. Well,— Hoss,— you ain't a' telling the sheriff of this county how it's gonna' be. I'm telling YOU how it's gonna' be, and you damn well better listen up! I'll do what I have to do to keep Waddie away from you for the six months stipulated in the court order. After that, it still won't be up to you whether you get to see Waddie. You'll have no say in the matter whatsoever. It'll be up to Waddie if he wants to talk with you again. He's legally not your child anymore, Morgan. He never was for that matter.

If he does choose to see you, you won't be allowed to be alone with him. There will be a deputy, me or Dan Justin present at all times, and if you say anything to hurt or bully him your visit will be terminated immediately. You won't get a second chance. Have I made myself clear, Morgan?" Buck said as meanly and forcefully as he could. Morgan shook his head he understood. Buck got up from the bail of hay and started to walk away. Morgan knew he wouldn't get another thing out of his brother unless he ate a major portion of humble pie.

"Please, Buck, don't go. I understand. It's hard, brother. I've been stripped of the one thing I held most dear in the world. I've lost him and there's nothing I can do about it."

"That's exactly why you lost him, brother. You never looked upon Waddie as a person, a bright, loving, trusting little man, capable of great love,— you looked upon him as a 'thing.' You never treated him as a son. I watched you year in and year out,— you never tried to get to know him,— to know who he was; you never listened to him;— your own boy, Morgan! If you had you would've known in your heart he wouldn't lie to you. You held him at arms length and became his judge. For cries sake, Morgan, the boy never had a Christmas or a birthday party for the first five years of his life. He never got one Christmas present in your house from Santa because he was told he was a bad little boy and Santa would never stop by his house.

You allowed them idiots who live with you to do that to him. You allowed them to be the jury, and you loved playing executioner. Loved it so much, you shot your load every time you beat him. Excuse me if I don't have much sympathy for you."

"Okay! Okay! You win! Just tell me about him! How is he!" Morgan pleaded.

"I'll come back Monday or Tuesday depending on my schedule. You need to calm down and want to hear what I have to say. I can deal with you being disrespectful to me, but you won't be disrespectful to the office I represent, brother. You ever talk to me again like that when I'm talking to you as sheriff, I won't explain it to you, you'll find your ass in jail. You better never tell me or I better never hear of you saying you're gonna' do what you want and fuck the papers I served you. I was going to tell you everything today, but to be honest, I don't feel much like talking anymore. You never listened to Waddie, I don't know what made me think you'd listen to me.

When you sit down and read those papers, you get ready to listen instead of beating your chest about your 'rights,' you let me know, then I'll come back out and we'll talk. 'Til then you won't get any information from anyone in this town. No one will tell you a Goddamn thing. We've been in touch with Waddie since the first night he ran away. We've known where he was all along. Did you know that, Morgan?

Buck didn't wait for an answer. He knew the answer. Buck turned back and walked away. Morgan knew he'd fucked up big time with Buck. Now he didn't have any information other than Waddie was back and okay. He accepted he couldn't talk to him. He realized he'd overstepped his bounds with Buck's patience. He'd have to wait until Buck made time for him again. He had no choice. Buck controlled everything in the town.

Morgan saw Waddie come to church with the Justins and tried to catch Waddie's eye. Waddie refused to look at Morgan. He refused to acknowledge his existence much the same way Morgan overlooked Waddie's. Morgan watched Buck and Linda Sue, the Davenports and the Claymores join the Justins. They talked quietly among themselves. Morgan wondered if Waddie was staying with Buck or the Justins. He was eaten up knowing just enough to know he knew nothing, and unless he played the game the way Buck wanted, he had the power to see to it Morgan knew nothing.

He went by to see his parents but they refused to talk to him. They were pleasant and cordial, but beyond the weather and health, they didn't have a lot to say. If he asked anything about Waddie, they told him to talk to Buck. He asked them if they'd known all along how Waddie was and when Buck heard from him. Of course they knew! What did he expect, they were Waddie's grandparents? They knew everything Buck knew. The whole family did. They knew all along where Waddie was. They talked to him on the phone twice a week while he was gone. It was right what Buck and the community did by taking Waddie away from him. They loved Buck and his family and just because Waddie isn't his son anymore, he's not going to stop being their grandson. Buck would see to that; neither, were they going to deny Waddie their love.

The final straw that made Morgan get up and walk out of church was when he saw his own mother and father come to church, ignore him and be genuinely welcomed into the sheriff and his family's pews. Waddie, Gip, Oatie and Clyde stood, hugged and kissed both the senior Lovejoys. Waddie wasn't about to give up his grandparent’s love either. The whole damn town was loyal to Buck. Morgan couldn't get a word out of anyone. Buck didn't return for three weeks. That time he found a most contrite brother who had, indeed, read every word of the papers served him.

* * * * * *

Buck still left his ponies at Morgans and would have to drive all the way out to take care of them the three days Morgan was gone. Morgan took care of them for the rest of the time. Buck took care of Morgan's live stock when he went out to care for the ponies. Buck always took someone with him. He wanted a witness that he never so much as knocked on the front door of Morgan's house. He didn't want Judy fabricating a big lie he tried to talk her into having sex with him.

Buck learned a lot since he became sheriff. He learned you always cover you ass and being sheriff was half politics and half trying to do a good job. He also learned to never allow yourself to be set up for anything. Sometimes he'd get Quinton to drive out with him, and throw a quick fuck in him in the old barn. Judy never came out of the house when he was there. Buck was glad, he never wanted to talk to her anyway.

Once in a while he'd pick up Dan and Gip to accompany him. If he and Linda Sue were going to have dinner that night at the Justin's, he'd take her with him. She'd usually sit in the truck and sew. Occasionally, she'd go with him to see the ponies. She loved animals. She married Buck.

Gip shared with Waddie a strange story when they met at Aunt Agatha's. Waddie told his brothers all about Willie and his buddies breaking into the boxcar parked on a siding not far from town. He told Oatie and Clyde about finding the guns in the back of Willie's closet but never said anything about it. He was going to wait for the right time.

"About a week and a half after you ran away, me, Oatie and Clyde were feeling bad 'cause we missed you so much. We decided to have a picnic. Nothing big. Momma Sue let us make sandwiches, gave us some potato chips, a cooler of kool-aid and three jars. We decided we'd walk down to that old abandoned house with the rock fire place where we used to play and hide out. We ate our sandwiches, and drank the kool-aid when Oatie did something unusual. He shut up for a minute, and he was quite, like he was a' thinkin' 'bout something really deep. I asked him what was the matter? You know Oatie, when his gums ain't a' flappin' it means one of three things; he ain't feeling too good, it just come to him why Einstein was wrong, or he's about ta' shuck his clothes." Waddie laughed and shook his head in agreement.

He looked at Clyde and me and asked if we noticed anything unusual about the room. Clyde and I couldn't see anything.

'Look at the way the planks are nailed to the floor beams. Every nail you see everywhere is old and rusty but in the small area where we're sitting, the nails are new. Why would anyone come to this old house to repair only this area of the floor?' Then it dawned on us. Someone ripped up the floor and put it back with new nails. There was something hidden under the floor. Well, that ended the picnic real quick. We walked back to the house, dropped off Momma Sue's thermos, headed out to dad's workshop, got us a couple of hammers, a couple of the largest wrecking bars we could find, a cats paw and headed back to the old house. It didn't take us no time with dad's cats paw to get them nails out far enough to use the wrecking bar to pull 'em the rest of the way out. You know how meticulous Oatie can be, he took a pencil and made tiny numbers on the bottom of the planks so's we could put 'em back in the exact place they came out of. Turned out to be good thinking on our little brother's part. There was something hidden under there all right. Can you guess?" Gip smiled real big at Waddie.

"No! You didn't— ?" said Waddie, his eyes getting real big.

"Yes, brother, we found Willie and his gang's stash of stolen ammunition. Waddie, you wouldn't believe what we found. That boxcar must have been loaded. We counted fifty cases of each kind of shell. Every kind of shell for every kind of gun you can imagine. They mostly took shells they thought they were gonna' use. I don't think they had any intentions of selling them. It would've raised too many questions. Oatie and Clyde were about to go nuts. I calmed 'em down. There were things we had to discuss. What were we gonna' do? We didn't wanna' tell anybody because you swore us to secrecy. If'n we told Buck we'd have to tell him the rest.

"Yeah, Willie's stupid but he ain't dumb." they both giggled over the way Waddie reversed the words. "Damnation, child! I's proud of me brothers! Go on, I know you handled it perfectly."

"Well, we haven't fully decided what to do with it yet. We needed your final vote. I won't lie to you, since we didn't steal it and the war's been over for sometime, we thought about trying to keep some for ourselves. If Willie and his crew come back and find it gone,— losers, weepers.  Who, the fuck, are they gonna' complain to someone stole their stolen stash? Buck? Morgan? Don't think so!

Oatie and Clyde thought about hiding it in our old barn. You remember that strange little room or basement underneath that storage shed built onto the old barn; the room where we found all those pipe fittings and plumbing tools. We found that trap door and a ladder that went down in there. Wasn't nothing down there we could find. Nobody but the four of us know about that room, not even Dad or Buck. We've kept the trap door covered with that big metal cabinet that has all them heavy plumbing parts. We left all that heavy stuff in there so's no one could move the cabinet and find our secret room.

I got to thinking, I didn't know whether I wanted stolen goods stored on our property, especially as hot a property as that shit is. The more I thought about it, my vote was to let it stay there on Morgan's property. But the question was, what were we gonna' do with it? Clyde came up with a good idea. Leave it under the house, just move it to a different area. Oatie nixed that idea thinking if Willie and his gang came looking for it, didn't find it they might tear up every board in the place to find it. Maybe they wouldn't, but he had a point. Then I remembered the old back porch on the place that uses part of the roof of the house for protection against the weather. What if we were to take up the boards, dig a big enough hole we could bury it, tamp it down real good and put leaves and other debris on top so it wouldn't look like someone dug a fresh hole, then put the boards back with the same nails we took out. No one would notice.

We measured the stuff stacked as compactly as we could get it. It measured six feet long by three feet high. We stacked it longer 'cause we figured it would be easier to dig longer than deeper. So our hole would have to be at least four foot deep by six feet long. It sounded like no problem. We'd just remove the boards and dig. Luckily that old house is down near the creek and the soil was kind of a sandy silt. We didn't want to be detected so we decided to work at night. Fortunately we had a full moon to light our work. We took picks and shovels and dad's big wheelbarrow. We all ready removed the nails in the boards we needed to take up.

The three of us had been staying in the barn for the last week so after we went out to go to bed we waited for dad and mom to go to bed then we snuck down to the old house. It must've taken us four hours to dig that damn hole but we got it done. We lined the bottom with those old oil cloth sheets we found in that old barn of Ed Bloomquist. We asked him for them and he gave 'em to us. We fit all the stuff in there, and put another couple of oil cloths over the top. We put some old boards over all of it and filled it in.

Believe me, it was a lot easier filling it in. We didn't have to put much back 'cause we had it packed full of guns and ammunition. We tamped it down until we were satisfied it was level. Hell, we must have raked and tamped that damn thing down a dozen times. We found a pile of old leaves and dead grass and put it on top of it. It looked pretty damn convincing. If someone tore up a board they wouldn't see anything.

Willie and his gang have always underestimated us. We didn't want to make a lot of noise so we placed the boards back and decided to return and nail them down after breakfast. We did and then swept the porch to re-arrange the dust and dirt all ready there. It looked undisturbed. We put the same shining nails back in the boards Willie and his gang used. We were through before noon.

"So, it's still there?" Waddie asked amazed.

"It's still there undisturbed. We've checked on it a couple of times. I don't think Willie or his crew have been there in a long while."

"Well, my vote is to make sure they get everything back. I don't want any chance of you or our brothers being brought up on any kind of charge. What you guys did was excellent. That was really smart. If they do try to find it they're really going to go nuts 'cause they'll know someone's on to them. I knew you'd come up with an excellent plan, Gip. That must've taken a Hell of a lot of work to bury that shit. I hope you used gloves to keep your finger prints off the stuff."

"We had our rope'n gloves. We used them while we were digging and we used them to lift the stuff out and put it in the ground."

"I'm wondering if we should let at least one adult know the complete story so if Willie claims we were in on it? Hell, we were five years old at the time, who'd believe them? Nevertheless, re-hiding it might look like we were trying to keep it for ourselves. Anyway, I know two folks we could tell who wouldn't say nothing unless we needed them to.

"Aunt Agatha and who else, brother?" Gip smiled.

"Bubba or Mrs. Jessup,—  or even Gus Franz, just in case."

"We hadn't thought of that but you're right. It would cover our ass's. Let's do it."

Gip and Waddie told everything they had on Willie to Aunt Agatha. When they visited the Crenshaws they told Gus and Bubba. They told them their fears for not telling sooner and because Mr. Urial hadn't told them he would let them know when to use the information. Bubba and Gus thought it was clever of them to re-hide the stolen goods but also good to cover their butts. No one was to say anything no matter what happened to Waddie. If for some reason Waddie didn't make it through his last trial, Gip would tell Buck and his dad. Bubba told him not to worry. Nothing bad was going to happen to him. Waddie wasn't so sure.

July was a wonderful month. There wasn't a lot of work to get done. Buck and Dan and the boys were so glad to have Waddie back it became one long holiday. Buck had to do his job but every chance they got, Buck, Dan, Lyle, Don and Quinton, and the other boys were at the creek swimming or at Dan's new arena they helped him build the summer before.

* * * * * *

The boys saw a lot of Bubba that summer. He started dating Carol Anderson and would come and stay a couple of days in town. He bought an older jalopy from some guy in town that wasn't too bad for an old car. It was an old Desoto and ran like a top but it looked clunky. The boys named it 'Gooney Bird' because it looked like a Dodo bird and the engine sounded like a B-29. It went by several names; Mz. Dodo Desoto; the Gray Goose; Gallop'n Gertie; and Oatie's personal favorite, Ms. Eleanore.  Bubba stayed several times with Buck and Linda Sue and once with the Justins. However, he found a home at the senior Claymore's. They welcomed him with open arms. He began to call them Ma and Pa Claymore. Bubba was a joy to have around.

* * * * * *

Waddie started taking care of Morgan's stock and Buck's ponies again. He would only take care of them when Morgan was away on his runs. He didn't run into Morgan except in church and he ignored him. He learned how to do that real well from Willie. Waddie knew there was a six month moratorium imposed by the court on Morgan to keep him from communicating with him. If he tried Morgan could wind up in jail and he was convinced his brother, the sheriff, would uphold the law.

Waddie didn't see any sense in Buck running all the way out to Morgan's to take care of the stock when he could do it for him. Sometimes Gip, Oatie and Clyde would join him, but most times he went by himself. He'd hurry through, get the chores done, feed the stock, pet the ponies a bit and go back home to the Justin’s. He like to think his home was with Dad Dan, Momma Sue and Gip. He couldn't have been more right.

Willie bought a used pickup truck and drove it home to visit his ma. Waddie would sometimes see his truck parked to the side of the house and knew Willie was home visiting Judy. Waddie would get his job done quickly and never hang around. Sometimes, if he saw Willie's truck he'd wait 'til after dark so he was less likely to be spotted by anyone. Willie always seemed to visit when Morgan was on his train runs.  Willie hadn't been home for a while but the second week in August the minor league teams closed down their summer training camps. Willie came home on a Wednesday and was there when Morgan left that Thursday to be gone until Sunday afternoon. This was one of his longer runs. Waddie kept pretty close watch on Morgan's schedule so he wouldn't run into him. He left as usual that Thursday.

It was a Friday evening about sundown. Buck and Linda Sue were due out to the Justin's for dinner. Dan wanted to take his truck down to the old barn and load some hay to bring back to the other barn for the stock. He told Waddie to jump in, ride down there with them, go take care of Buck's ponies and come on back to the old barn and ride back with him and Gip; maybe give them a hand.

Dan pulled the truck to the far side of the barn away from Morgan's property. Waddie said goodbye, he'd be back in a few minutes. It shouldn't take him more than thirty minutes to finish feeding and watering all the stock. He slowly walked down to the other barn and admired the sun that was going down and the beautiful sunset. He thought how lucky he was to escape the terrors of Morgan and the creeps living with him.

Waddie got to the barn, began feeding the stock and providing them with fresh hay. He got about half way through watering when he walked back into the barn and there stood Willie with his three hoodlum buddies. Waddie knew Willie well enough to know when he was angry.  Willie had fire in his eyes.  Waddie stopped in his tracks and started to run, but knew he couldn't outrun the four of them. He had the idea he'd bluff his way through anything Willie had in mind. He started walking toward the water trough with his bucket. He nodded to Willie and his crew.

"What do you want, Willie? You know this area's off limits to you. 'Sides you wouldn't know a cow from a horse if'n your life depended on it!" Waddie sneered at Willie. One of his buddies giggled and Willie glared at him to shut up.

"What'd ju' do with it— ?" Willie almost yelled at Waddie.

"Do with what, Willie?" Waddie acted genuinely ignorant of what Willie was talking about.

"You know Goddamn well what I'm talking about,— you little faggot. You'd better tell me if you know what's good for you. I want to know what you did with our stuff."

"Damn, Willie! You've really gone over the edge this time. I always knew you were stupid, but I never suspected you were crazy. What in the Hell are you talking about? Your stuff? I haven't been in that damn house all fucking summer. How could I have any of your shit? I don't know what burr you got under your saddle, but it don't have nothing to do with me. I don't need this shit. I'm gettin' out of here. If the damn stock dies I'll tell the sheriff you wouldn't let me take care of 'em." Waddie barked back at Willie. He wasn't the least afraid of Willie, but one of Willie’s buddies, Chester Latham, was a certifiable psycho.

"Grab him, Jim!" Willie ordered his friend Jim Davis to get Waddie. He was fast and Waddie couldn't get away. You hold him Jim while I take his pants off. By the time the four of us gets through corn hole'n him he'll tell me what I want to know.

"I don't think the kid knows what your talking about, Willie. Maybe someone else found the shit and took it for their own." said Jim.

"Naw, it has these four little cocksucker's signature all over it. If anyone else took it they wouldn't bother to put the boards back like they ain't been disturbed. It was them, I just know it. Who wants to go first?" Willie smiled as he rubbed his hands together.

Chester and Jim were holding Waddie bent over a bail of hay that put his ass right at fucking height for the men. Chester said to the fourth man, Taggart Stevens, "Hold him Tag, I want me a piece of this little queer's asshole." Tag Stevens held Waddie. Waddie began to mouth off to Willie.

"You guys are in a Hell of a lot of trouble. You let me go and we'll forget this ever happened. If you do this I can guarantee you'll all do hard time for raping a minor. Willie,— I know we ain't never liked each other but this is going too far. I don't have any of your shit. I don't want nothing you got. If you do this Willie I'm gonna' tell your buddies who really got your momma pregnant this time."

"Yeah, Willie tell us who got your momma pregnant? We thought it was Ed Bloomquist? She been fucking other guys, too?" asked Chester as he spit on his dick and got it ready to shove into Waddie's virgin hole.

"Shut up! The little faggot's lying. He don't know half the shit he claims to know." With that Willie picked up a two by three and applied it to the base of Waddie's skull. He hit him so hard it broke the board in half.

"What the fuck you go and do that for, Willie? You might've killed the kid."  said Tag Stevens.

"If you ain't man enough to fuck the fairy, Chester, get out of the way, and I'll sure as Hell pop his damn cherry." Willie barked at Chester.

Chester wasn't about to have his masculinity challenged. He had an enormous cock; the biggest one among the four men. He positioned it at Waddie's rosebud and slammed it all the way home. Even though Waddie was out, he yelled at the top of his lungs involuntarily.

"Shut up and enjoy this you little bastard. Made a fool out of me when you came back home. Took my bathroom away from me. I made a promise to myself,— one day,— I'd make you pay for that,  you filthy little piece of shit. I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget. Put that ass up there for my real brother, Chester. You make damn sure you give him a good fuck. Go on Chester, fuck him, make him feel it. Make him bleed. We might as well, I don't plan on lettin' him live." Chester was fucking Waddie so hard with deep strokes, blood began to ooze out of Waddie's ass. He continued to fuck Waddie until he began to reach a climax. Waddie became conscious while Chester was fucking him and knew he was hurt internally. He didn't yell out. He pretended to still be out. He was playing possum.

Dan and Gip were just about done loading the hay and Waddie had been gone almost an hour. Gip asked his dad if he heard somebody let out a yell.

"Gip,— run down there and check on your brother. See if you can give 'em a hand, and ya'll get on back up here. Buck and Linda Sue are due any minute, and we need to get cleaned up for supper."

"Sure, Pa. We'll be back in a few minutes." Gip said as he ran toward the Lovejoy barn. Just as he was about to get to the door on this side, he heard talking and silently looked through a knothole in one of the boards. He saw Chester Latham fucking the holy Hell out of Waddie and heard Willie say he was going to kill Waddie after they all four fucked him. Gip silently left and high-tailed it back to the Justin's old barn. He was breathless when he got there. His dad knew something was wrong. Gip was pale as a ghost.

"What's wrong, Son?"

"Willie and his gang,— Dad! They're raping Waddie! Willie said he's gonna' kill him after they finish!" Dan grit his teeth together so loud, Gip was afraid he broke one. He headed for the gun rack in his truck. He grabbed both shotguns. He threw the sixteen gage to Gip and the kept the twelve gage for himself.

"Cock it, Son, so's they don't hear us! Don't shoot no one unless I tell you to, then aim below the waist. We want to surprise them and scare the Hell out of them." Dan said as the two men ran out of the barn. They ran down the well worn path. Dan cocked his gun, too, before they left the barn. They got to the barn, and Willie was fucking the Hell out of Waddie. It was hurting him so bad he screamed, and Willie hit him across base of his head again with another piece of two by three. Dan and Gip ran into the barn and Dan told Gip to unload one barrel into the roof right over their heads to get their attention. It damn sure got their attention. Dan yelled at the top of his voice.

"First one of you moves gets his legs shot out from under him. My boy, here, is a better shot than his old man so don't make the mistake of underestimating him. Willie,— you get your Goddamned faggot dick out of my boy." Dan lower his gun and took a bead right on Willie's head. Dan and Gip watched as Willie pulled his penis out of Waddie's ass with blood all over it. Blood was gushing out of Waddie's ass.

"Willie,—  you worthless son’s of bitches get out of here,— now!  I'm gonna' count to five if you're not half-way to the house I'm gonna' unload my gun in your butts. OUT!" Willie and his gang ran like crazy. Willie didn't even bother to put his bloody dick back in his pants. He was running holding them. Dan aimed his gun right between the center two boys. He figured it would produce the best spray for the rock salt his cartridges were filled with. They were no more than fifty feet from Dan when he unloaded both barrels into their butts. It worked. The four of them were yelling and screaming, holding their ass’s, running for the house. They wouldn't be going anywhere.

Dan ran to Waddie. He was unconscious. He handed Gip his gun, picked Waddie up and headed out the barn door up the trail to his truck. He told Gip to put the guns in the rack and come around to the back of the truck. He took his bandana and asked Gip for his. He stuffed them tight into Waddie's ass, told Gip to hold Waddie and hold the two bandanas tight in his ass. It was gonna' be a Hell of a ride back to the house.  Dan hit the accelerator, and it was a bumpy ride back. Gip held on to Waddie trying to be strong for his brother and telling him to hold on. They got back to the house. Buck and Linda Sue had just arrived. They saw Dan jump out of the truck covered in blood. They heard the gun shots while pulling up the driveway. Dan started barking orders. Buck could see the blood in Gip's hands holding Waddie's ass.

"Oh my God! Willie?" he asked

Linda Sue got closer, took one look, saw the red cowboy boot inguinal birthmark on Waddie's inner thigh and screamed at the top of her voice.

"My baby, Waddie! Oh, God, my baby! Oh, no, God help my baby. Waddie! Waddie! Oh, God, Waddie's my baby! Linda Sue broke into uncontrollable sobs. Buck never saw her so broken emotionally. He was moved she thought that much about Waddie; she seemed so upset by Waddie being hurt."

Buck took Linda Sue in his arms to console her but before she could get a word out Jimmy Sue jumped in and took her away from her husband.

"Sorry, we don't have time for this. We can save him! Every minute counts! Buck you've got to go with Dan and Gip. You two can talk later. Get to the hospital as fast as you can, and I'll try to have Dr. Dyer there waiting for you. Be strong Linda Sue. Come, you have to help me call Dr. Dyer and the sheriff's station. Buck wants Willie and his three cronies locked up. Linda Sue I know what you've discovered," Jimmy Sue whispered dramatically, "now is not the time. You have to speak to your aunt in Dallas. You have to call her immediately after you help me." Linda Sue nodded. Dan was yelling to Buck and Gip.

"Buck you guys ride back there. You hold him, Buck, and let Gip hold those bandanas to his ass. You ready? Hang on!" Dan started up the truck and they were off as fast as he could safely go.

Waddie hadn't regained consciousness. He was laying in Buck's big arms.  Buck was kissing Waddie and talking to him.

"Hang on, sweet baby! We'll get through this together. You're no longer alone. You have Dad Dan, Gip and me to love you. You have three brothers who would kill for you. Stay with me Waddie. You're my dreams and hope for the future. God, Son, I love you so much."

Gip was crying, but he held the bandanas tight against Waddie's ass. He wasn't hysterical, but big tears were running down his face. Buck began to cry, and Gip tried to console him.

"God, this poor kid. He's been through enough. I shouldn't have let him take care of Morgan's stock. What was I thinking? Oh, God and Waddie please forgive me." Buck wailed.

"Uncle Buck, this had to happen for your miracle to occurred. Think about it. We didn't know what Waddie's final trial would be but this is it, we're right in the middle of it. He needs you to be strong for him right now. You can't collapse and blame yourself, or you won't be available to help him when he needs you the most. Don't give in to self doubts, Uncle Buck. Waddie wanted to do that for you and secretly for Morgan. You had no idea this would happen. You don't realize it, but your miracle just occurred! Thank God, it's over, it's finally here."

"What's over, Gip? What miracle? Tell me, Son,— everybody keeps telling me about this damn miracle, and this, sure as Hell, ain't no miracle. This is the product of pure evil."

Trust me, Uncle Buck,— it may be pure evil,— I agree,— but a huge miracle just occurred as a result of it. God didn't cause the evil doing. It was evil men. You'll find out this evening. It's the final step in your and Waddie's journey.  I can't tell you, Uncle Buck,— it’s your miracle, you have to live it.  It will hit you like a ton of bricks when you witness it.  You must have faith, Uncle Buck, I promise,— it'll be the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to you. It's God's answer to your prayers."  Gip finished and looked directly into Buck's eyes and Buck could swear he saw a halo of light surround Gip and then Waddie's head. Buck knew he wouldn't get anymore out of Gip. He knew the boy too well.

"They pulled up to the emergency entrance to the small hospital and Dr. Dyer was waiting with two nurses and a gurney. The doctor saw Dan, Buck and Gip covered with blood. He started barking orders to the nurses, Buck lifted Waddie onto the gurney and he was wheeled into the operating room immediately."

"Francis, start cutting his clothes away. Get a blanket over him so he doesn't go into shock. Elevate his legs. Lay down on that table, Buck,— Waddie needs a transfusion immediately. We can't wait to send for blood, he needs it now! He'll be dead soon if we don't."

"I may not be the right blood type, Doctor."

"Trust me, you are!" he smiled at Buck, "You're his dad ain't cha'?" the nurse all ready had Buck's arm prepped and the needle inserted. She put the other into Waddie. Dr. Dyer got the high sign from his buddy Gip that Linda Sue had seen Waddie's birthmark and would be telling Buck later that evening. He decided to have some fun and maybe re-enforce Linda Sue's telling Buck.

'He ain't gonna' believe it,' he thought to himself.

"But, Doc he ain't my real boy." he hollered after Dr. Dyer.

"Same thing Pinnochio's dad, Geppeto, said, but it turned out, he was. His angel made it so."

Doc Dyer could be weird sometimes. Buck accepted the doctor's word about blood types and lay back to pump his fist.

"Agnes, call C. D. Rawlings and the sheriff's dad, Mr. Claymore. Tell them we need their blood immediately. Dan do you know your blood type?"

"O negative."

"Positive?"

"No, negative." he responded and the doctor chuckled.

"No, no, are you sure?"

"Yes, Sir. Gip and mine are the same. I had to give him blood when he cut himself real bad. It was here. You should have records."

"Look it up, Agnes. We may need yours and possibly Gip's if the other men don't get here soon."

"Agnes,  after that, get Dr. Baker over in Grayson on the phone for me. Thanks."

* * * * * *

Jimmy Sue managed to drag Linda Sue into the house as the men rode off to the hospital. They got into the house and Linda Sue's eyes were wide from shock and fright.

"Waddie's my baby, Jimmy Sue! Do you understand? Waddie has the birthmark, the cowboy boot, on his leg. I saw it clear as day!"

"I know, sweetheart, we've known for sometime. We couldn't tell you. Waddie's known since he was carried to the hospital the first time you met him. His angel told him you and Buck were the people he had to live for but he couldn't tell you until you discovered it for yourself. Its happened so now you can know everything; however, you have to tell Buck. You have to tell your husband the truth. Waddie is the miracle that your aunt told you he would bring to you and Buck. She figured it out at your wedding and has been a constant source of help, advice and companionship to the boys. Gip's known all along, too. In fact that's the secrets the angel told Waddie he could share with his brother.  We have some calling to do and then you have to call Agatha. She knew it would happen soon and she's waiting for your call."

Jimmy Sue called Dr. Dyer at home and told him what happened. He told her he was on his way. He'd meet Buck and Dan at emergency at the hospital. Next Jimmy Sue called Lyle Rawlings at home. He was all ready off for the evening. Jimmy Sue gave him a brief run down and told him Buck wanted all four thrown in jail; round 'em up. They couldn't get far. Lyle jumped in his patrol car and headed back to the station. He called every man back on duty to pick up Willie and his gang. It didn't take them long and they had the four in jail. Their story was Waddie taunted and begged them to fuck him. The deputies laughed at them, booked them under the charges of raping a minor and attempted murder. Lyle Rawlings spoke to them in a low voice.

"If Waddie dies,— you low life son’s of bitches,— I can guarantee you won't even have a trial. The four of you will be taken to the badlands and a bullet put in each of your skulls.  Everyone will be told you tried a jail break and were shot trying to escape. If you know what's good for you, the four of you better hit your knees and pray to whatever demons you pray to,  Waddie don't die or you're dead men."

Lyle, Quinton, and Don Rayborn headed for the hospital. Buck, Dan and Gip were waiting in the reception room. No one knew anything yet. They had to stop the bleeding and do some x-rays. Dr. Dyer sent the nurse out for Lyle Rawlings, he returned with her.

"Lyle, I need your blood. I know your blood-type, we checked it before. I can't wait for blood to get it here from outside. It has to be now." Lyle didn't say a word nodded consent to the doctor. Dr. Dyer told him to lay down on the table next to Waddie. Fortunately, Waddie was O negative. “Lay still, C. D. and we'll get you hooked up here. I won't take too much, don't worry."

"Take as much as you need, Doc. That's my kid's brother laying there." Lyle had tears running down his face and he openly wept.

"He certainly is your kid's brother, Lyle. In the truest sense of the word. He and Gip earned the right to call Oatie their brother. There's no denying that. Dr. Dyer's heart was breaking to see Waddie once again in a horrible condition. He knew it was going to be bad but nothing like this. Why should a creature so full of love and understanding for others have to suffer this? If he hadn't come to develop a strong unshakable faith due in a large part to Waddie and Gip he questioned whether he could get through this. God chose him like he had Agatha, Bubba, and the Crenshaws to help this boy. He promised God at that very moment he would apply all his arts and skills as a physician to save this important young man.

Doctor Dyer talked to a surgeon, an internist, from the next large town who was a close personal friend, and asked him to come immediately he needed his help to save a fine young man's life. The doctor was the best internist in the state and pioneered in the field of microsurgery. The doctor was there and scrubbed within two hours. Doctor Dyer had Waddie stabilized. He managed to stop the external bleeding, but was afraid he was bleeding internally.

He had every man and woman in town with O negative blood on standby call. Word got around quickly. Dr. Dyer had fifty people on call who would be there in fifteen minutes to give Waddie blood. All he had to do was call. Agnes, the nurse on duty, dutifully wrote down every name. Ma and Pa Claymore arrived and Dad Claymore was ready to give his blood to save his grandson.

Doctor Dyer determined the last blow to Waddie's head was meant to kill him. It was such a strong blow he suffered concussion and as a result slipped into a coma. He was so savagely fucked without lubrication of any kind, almost two thirds of his colon was torn away from his sphincter. It had to be surgically reattached. At first the surgeon thought he'd have to perform a colostomy so the rectum wouldn't have a flow of fecal matter to possibly infect the wound.

It was decided they would feed Waddie intravenously for the seven days it took to heal properly. If he had further material his body would expel it and the wound was close enough to the opening of the rectum it could be cleaned by lavage. However, to their dismay the lower intestinal track had been contaminated with fecal matter and blood. The doctors had to open Waddie's abdomen lay his intestines on the operating table, wash them, and return them to their cavity. If they didn't he would die of peritonitis. The plus side, if any, was it was easier for the surgeon to repair the tear in the lower colon and reattach it to the rectum. When he was done he felt Waddie could have solid food after a week on soft foods. He would have to keep the IV for a while. Waddie lost a lot of blood but as soon as one man left another was brought in and his blood was taken. He required a total of eight transfusions before and during the operation.

* * * * * *

After Jimmy Sue got in touch with Dr. Dyer she insisted Linda Sue call her Aunt Agatha. She was so distraught. Jimmy Sue dialed the number for her. Agatha answered and heard her niece's quivering voice on the other end.

"You found out today! God be praised! We've been praying it would be soon, but how is Waddie?"

"Oh, Auntie Boo, he's in bad shape. Willie and his gang raped him and tried to murder him. Dan, Buck and Gip are on their way to the hospital and Dr. Dyer is meeting them there. We haven't received any word. It’s been too soon. I'm calling because Jimmy Sue said for me to call when I found out. Oh, Auntie Boo, this was the miracle you told us about at our wedding.  You've known all along. Why didn't someone tell me?"

"All that will be explained in due time, my dear. Mainly it was because God and Mr. Urial told Waddie he couldn't tell and later I talked to Mr. Urial myself. I was sent to Waddie to guide and council him through this. We, of course, have had help. Dr. Dyer has known ever since he examined you, and you told him about the unusual birthmark on your baby. He didn't say anything because he believed in Waddie's angel, and wouldn't tell you a thing before he first checked with Waddie. He's been a great help and comfort during the last several years. We owe that man a lot.

I can sit down with you and tell you more when I get there. I'm coming. I know you're too upset to meet me at the bus station, but I'll make arrangements with your mother and father. I have all the necessary documents that proves without a doubt  Waddie is your son. Now, my child, you must do what you've been putting off for so long. You must tell you husband about his miracle Waddie has brought him. Don't be afraid, darling, I have it on good authority, the very highest, Buck will be so overcome with joy he'll have no disappointment for you. That's your next step. You must tell him alone. Please make sure you do, it's important.

I know it's out of character for me to invite myself to come, but I'm dealing with forces here that are bigger, stronger and considerably more powerful than convention dictates. I was told my nephew will need me and by all that's holy, his Auntie Boo will be there for him. I love you with all my heart, my sweet child,— don't beat yourself up. After today the universe will continue unfolding as it should.  Raise your head up, you did what you thought right at the time. Now, if Waddie lives, you have a chance to make right those things which, unknown to you, went wrong. It wasn't your fault. Accept only so much of the blame, don't try to carry it all. That boy needs his parents to pull him through this and that means a mother as well as a father.

You can't be worried about your feelings right now. You have to be there for him this time no matter the consequences. You know, in his heart, that boy holds no hatred or malice toward you. It's grieved him when you talked about a little boy you gave up years ago when he was sitting by your side. How many times have you told me about the uncanny resemblance between Waddie and Buck and wondered why? Well, now you know."

"Auntie Boo, you've always been there when I needed you most and you still are. Now, it seems you've been there for my baby. I love you so much, Auntie Boo."

"I love you, too, darling. I'll see you late tomorrow. Kiss all my beloved nephews for me, dear."

"I promise, I will.  Goodnight, Auntie Boo."

"Goodnight, darling."

* * * * * *

Waddie drifted for a while after the second hit behind his head. It sort of turned the pain off from his ass. Damn, it was hurting bad; however, the minute he had that thought the pain went away. He even found a bit of humor in his condition. 'Chester and Willie were lousy fucks' he thought to himself. He just knew Ed Bloomquist would have been wonderful. Ed would've fucked him good. Waddie laughed at his almost triple meaning of the previous sentence as it ran through his head.  Where was he? He knew he only had to call out his friend's name. He didn't have to, he knew he was there. When the pain went away, he felt him. He knew it was his touch. Waddie smiled to himself.

"Howdy, Mr. Urial. Sorry I keep getting into messes like this, Sir. I know you're awful busy, but I really appreciated you taking your time to come and be with me."

"I was proud of you, Son. Laughed my ass off at what you told Willie. I didn't put those words in your mouth, you thought them up yourself. You didn't show him the least bit of fear. He hated that! A coward always wants to see someone else crawl. It makes them feel braver than they are." Waddie heard Mr. Urial's voice surrounding him as a big hand appear out of nowhere and took his. Then he watched as the rest of Mr. Urial materialized to him.

"Naw, Sir. You told me it was gonna' be bad, but you also said you'd be there with me and you were. If anything, I'm kind a' embarrassed you had to see me get fucked in the butt. That should only be done by two people who share love or have need to feel closer to each other for whatever reason. I sure hope my ass won't be permanently damaged. There's a number of men I love, whose dicks I'd like to feel up there inside me. I ain't worried, I don't think you'd let nothing like that happen to me."

"You're right on all accounts. I was there with you, and you won't be permanently damaged. It'll take you a while, but I have a feeling you'll make up for lost time. 'Sides that, you and Buck made an unspoken promise to each other not too long ago. When the time comes he'll let you know and give you the choice." Mr. Urial chuckled and mused to himself, "Humm, I wonder which you'll choose? In the meantime, you're to spend some time with me, and I'll show you around the place. You realize there's a chance you might not pull through this? You may have to go with me. Once the universe caught up to the predictions there's no guarantees as to outcome of any situation unless my Boss tells me how it'll work out. I do know it's gonna' take some mighty strong prayers to pull you through. Not to worry, I've seen you in action. I know what you do to folk's hearts. I have a feeling my Boss is going to be deluged with messages."

"Gee, I'm sorry. Tell Him for me, I didn't mean to be a bother. I would like to go back, because He let me see up 'til now what will happen. I'd hate to think He let me go through all those beatings from Morgan not to keep His promise to me."

"I'll speak to Him, Son. I know He's fallen in love with you. That can be good and bad. Good to have His Almightiness love you, but then when He does He has a tendency not to want to let go. I've seen Him keep those He loves most close to Him; however, I think you have better'n eighty percent chance of staying here or a twenty percent chance of going back with me."

"We ain't got to percents in school, yet,  Mr. Urial." Waddie smiled at him.

"Well,— if you had a dollar and you bet eighty cents on staying and twenty cents on going with me would that mean anything to you."

"Yes, Sir, my odds of staying are greater that going with you. I'd really like to stay, Mr. Urial, I've been through the hard part, and I kept our secret. I didn't tell nobody you didn't give me permission to. I love all the other folks in my life so much, but most of all, I love my parents and Dad Dan, Momma Sue, Gip, the Crenshaws and the Franzs. Of course I love all the rest of my family. I wouldn't want to leave them now, Sir. I need them, Mr. Urial and I'd like to think they need me."

"That's a strong argument, young man, and I'll present it to Him just that way. I have a few choice words for His Almightiness as well. Last time I came for you, I'll be honest, I wanted you to come back with me. I didn't want you to suffer anymore of the abuse from Morgan and the 'meat machines.' Now, I'd like to see you return to your family. The storm is over, for now, and there's smooth sailing until you and Gip graduate college. After that I can only tell you your life gets pretty dark for a while, but you'll pull through with the help of thousands of souls whose lives you try to save but can't. He will send you someone quite unusual that will take you by the hand and slowly lead you back into the light. For right now, I feel you deserve that joy and will do my damnedest to see you get it.

In the meantime be my guest here, relax and I'll introduce you to some folks you'll like. Can you see the doctors working on you?  Doctor Dyer is one of your greatest champions. He's really taking this hard. The other doctor is his buddy. They went through medical school together. He's a top notch surgeon and will go on to do surgeries never before thought possible.

His name is Doctor Baker. You're in good hands with him. C'mon, I'll take you to your great-granddad, Buck's grandfather. He's piss'n in his pants to meet and hold you. You won't believe it, he looks just like you and Buck. Has the same damn personality the two of you have, painfully funny and irreverent as a fart in church.  But first,— there's someone else who's anxious to meet and talk with you. C'mon, Thane."

Out of nowhere appeared a young cowboy a couple of years older than Waddie but boy was he hot. He had on the neatest pair of cowboy boots, a big wide brimmed hat and looked like he'd been roundin' up dogies all day.

"Waddie,— my brother,— ." Thane held out his arms to Waddie and Waddie ran to him. He cried in Thane's arms, told him how wonderful it was to see him again and what a treat to get to hold him.  They hugged and kissed each other.

"It's good to see you again, little brother, and it's the least I can do for what you did for me and my parents. Come, Mr. Urial's given me the honor of showing you around for a while. Take my hand and I'll take you to meet your great-granddad. He can't wait. My parents, the Dobbs, are anxious to see you again, too."

Waddie took Thane's hand and instantly they were in a beautiful garden where folks were talking, laughing and enjoying each other. A big man stood up and waved to Thane and Waddie. He looked like his dad Buck. Then he realized it was his great-granddad. Waddie ran to him and the big man easily picked him up and gave him a big kiss.

"S'damn good to meet you, young'un. I'm your great-granddad Claymore but you can call me Clay. S’what everybody round these, here, parts calls me."

"Good to meet you, Sir. I guess you know, I'm Waddie. Wait'll I tell dad I met you. He's told me so much about you I feel like I all ready know you. He sure loved you, Sir. Still does."

"He was a good boy. I love him, too. Pissed my boy off, I did. Spoiled your dad good. He was his granddad's cowboy. I'll bet you a buffalo nickle my boy spoils the shit out a' you."

"He don't even know I'm his grandson and he still spoils me. He's all the time puttin' money in my pocket when I ain't looking. Later, I'll go to put my hand in my pocket and pull out a five dollar bill. I love him, Granddad Clay, he's s'damn good to me." said Waddie. His great-granddad roared with laughter.

Waddie took a walk through the garden with Thane and his great-granddad. They talked about all sorts of things. They laughed and had a good time. Waddie was enjoying his visit but knew he needed to check back into his body every now and then. When he did all he could feel was darkness and pain. He could hear voices. Something about hosing down his guts and a lot of small jokes to keep spirits up in the operating room. Dr. Baker asked Dr. Dyer.

"Ja' hear 'bout the woman who backed into an airplane propeller?"

"My God! No! What happened?"

"Disaster!" smiled Dr. Baker. Waddie was gonna' remember that one to tell Dr. Dyer when he woke up. It had to be worse than one of Buck's silly jokes.

Waddie didn't stay long watching the doctors. All the blood and his guts out on the table looked awful. Dr. Baker was hosing them down with water to wash them. Thane would hold one hand and his great-granddad would hold the other. They sensed when he was getting confused and would pull him back to their arms. Waddie equated himself to a tea bag. They'd drop him into his body for a few minutes to check things out and then pull him out. They walked some more in the garden and sat on a nice bench.

The cutest little girl saw him from afar. She made the man who was holding her put her down and ran to him as fast as her little legs would carry her yelling his name with her arms reaching out to him. He was puzzled. He had no idea who she was, but she was so damn cute he grabbed her as she practically leaped the last few feet into his arms. He couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm.

"Waddie! Oh, Waddie, I heard you were here for a visit, and I made him promise he'd let me come say 'hello' and tell you I love you. I told him I wouldn't give him another kiss if he didn't promise."

"Now, let me see,— you wouldn't happen to be Linda Gayle by any chance?" Waddie smiled. She looked over her shoulder at the fine looking man and woman who were walking up to them.

"See, Granddad, I told you, Waddie would know who I am." she giggled and teased the good looking man.

"I'm Dr. Dyer senior, Waddie. Good to meet you, Son." the older man held out his hand. Waddie took it and shook as best he could while holding on to Linda Gayle.

"My daddy's gonna' take good care of you, Waddie. I told him, too. I whisper to him and mom every now and then. They don't know it yet but their gonna' have another little girl to raise. I'm so glad to see you. I waved to you that time in the hospital. Did you see me?"

"I did, indeed, sweet baby, standing next to Mr. Urial and I described you to your dad. He knew I was telling him the truth. He believed me. He was the second man in my life ever to believe in me. I love your dad, dearly, little one. He's such a good man. They were torn up to have lost you without ever getting to know you. You can bet, I'm gonna' tell them all about meeting and holding you. You got the sweetest damn smile and the cutest dimples."  Waddie stole a kiss from Linda Gayle and she returned to her Granddad. They sat and talked with him awhile and Dr. Dyer's dad told him a couple of stories about Dr. Dyer when he was a boy.

* * * * * * *

The family gathered in the waiting room of the hospital. Dan and Jimmy Sue, Lyle, Mavis, Mavis Lyle, and Oatie. Don and Clyde Rayborn, Mrs. Anderson and Jannie, the elder Claymores, the Davenports, the elder Lovejoys, Mrs. Dyer, the Tates and Quinton, practically every kid in their school and their parents were there. Of course Buck and Linda Sue were there.

The other deputies had to start turning folks away. There was no parking and the congestion was too much. Suddenly, there were flowers everywhere. All over the damn hospital. They put them in every room because they didn't have anywhere else to put them. They just kept all the cards for Dan, Jimmy Sue, Buck and Linda Sue.

The Davenports had all ready made arrangements to pick up Aunt Agatha at the bus station the following afternoon. Enid was on her way. Buck called the Crenshaws. The boys were finished with summer school and were home with their family. Dad Crenshaw broke down on the phone when he talked to Buck. He could barely talk when he called Gus, his best friend, to tell him Waddie was near death, in a coma. Gus couldn't talk he had to hand the phone to Dora.  She had to hang up and told Randy they'd be over in a few minutes.

Randy Crenshaw called Johnnie Mack Tamplin and told him to pray for Waddie. He called the pastor and asked him to request the congregation pray for Waddie. Gus called Bubba's contact number and left a message for him to call him or Buck Claymore and left both numbers. He left word it was an emergency. Bubba arrived that afternoon at the other end of his run. He called Buck and spoke with him a while and told him he was going to high ball it to the town to spend some time with the family and lend his support. He told all the truckers and waitresses in every truck stop to remember Bubba's little buddy in their prayers.

Linda Sue was beside herself to tell Buck what she'd discovered about Waddie. She knew she had to be alone with him. She would know the right moment. Buck asked her why she became hysterical? It wasn't like her. She was usually calm even in moments of panic. He was impressed that she thought of Waddie as her baby.

"For a minute there, if I didn't know you and Waddie, I would've been convinced he was your baby, your child. I was glad to see you thought of Waddie that way because I've felt that way for some time now. If he makes it through this, I ain't waiting any longer. I want us to adopt him, darlin.'" Buck said. Linda Sue smiled sweetly and agreed with him without commenting.

The doctors came out to speak to the gathered family.

"Waddie's doing as well as can be expected. We're fortunate to have Doctor Baker with us, and he expertly repaired the major internal damage. All internal and external bleeding is stopped. Waddie's vital signs are week, but he's increasing in strength by the hour. He's healthy, he's young and strong. He has that in his favor. He lost a lot of blood, but bleeding was the least of our worries.

He's still critical. He has about a fifty-fifty chance of making it. A better chance if you all pray and tell everyone you know to pray for him. He's in a coma, and we can't predict whether he'll wake up or not. We just don't know that much about brain injuries yet. It's the brain's way of healing itself and his body by keeping the rest of him still. I know this young man well. He has a strong faith. He and his brother Gip have given me faith. You must now have faith. Have faith that your prayers for Waddie will be heard and answered.

He can't have visitors; only his immediate family, Mr. and Mrs. Justin, Gip and the sheriff and his wife. Someone will be with him around the clock. The two families can alternate if they wish. I assure you we've done everything we can. I love that boy like he was my own and I worked on him the same way." reported Doctor Dyer. The family came around and thanked Dr. Dyer and Dr. Baker personally for going out of his way for their loved one. His kindness was greatly appreciated.

Dan decided Buck should take the first night and he and Jimmy Sue would take the next. Gip would stay with Buck and Linda Sue the next night while Waddie's other mom and dad kept watch.  Waddie was moved to a private intensive care room with only two chairs for folks to sit. Nurses were in and out every fifteen minutes, checking this, adjusting that, giving him a shot or bathing him. He looked horrible. Around his eyes was a yellowish color like he was jaundiced. His head was wrapped and bandaged. There were tubes coming out of him everywhere.

Buck was not prepared for what he saw. He was glad Waddie wasn't conscious to see the look of horror and pain on his own face. He could only think what a perverted, mean, sick bastard Willie was. He had visions of tying Willie over a saw horse, greasing him up and leaving him in a cell with his ass in the air for all comers. Buck sat there with Linda Sue with his head on the bed next to Waddie. He had tears coming down his cheeks, but he wasn't physically crying. They were welling up inside him, and he couldn't control the flow. He didn't try.

He made a promise over five years ago to protect and set this boy's life right. He tried and it seemed he was stopped on every front. He couldn't walk into his brother's life and take over, but even Waddie insisted he do nothing. He had to trust Waddie. He trusted Waddie from the first time he met him in this hospital. He knew he had to live his life for this boy. Maybe that's why God didn't see fit to let him have a son. Fine, he'd accept that. He was over that but when would he get the chance to say what went on in this boy life? He wanted more than anything to become his dad. His brother had his chance and failed miserably. Buck knew he could be a good father for Waddie. He wanted the chance.

He looked into the handsome face of the young man he was beginning to think of as his cowboy. He wanted to tell him of his love and remind him of the afternoon they played by the creek the first part of the summer. How he needed Waddie and wanted Waddie to need him. He knew Waddie wanted him for his dad. 'Oh God,' he thought, 'we've been through too much together to let him die now. Save him, Father, please, I need my boy.'

Buck lay his forehead on the edge of the bed, held Waddie's hand in both his big hands and sobbed uncontrollably like his heart would break,— wait,—  was it his imagination? No, by God, there it was again! He felt a slight, almost imperceptible, squeeze from Waddie's hand.